Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 1:1–53, Mark 1:1–34, Prov 1:1–7

Today’s Theme: Jesus the Teacher

Today’s theme is true wisdom exemplified best through Jesus as the greatest teacher the world has ever seen. We see the wisdom that David has through his experience with the Lord, the seeds of Solomon’s wisdom, and the fruits of wisdom and studying in Proverbs.

1 Kings 1:1–53

Service, humility and hard work

The young woman was very beautiful, and she was of service to the king and attended to him, but the king knew her not.(1 Kings 1:4, ESV)

It seems that David’s character had grown in his old age, after all he had been through. The younger David would probably have slept with her.

This woman shows great character too. She was of service to David which shows a commitment to hard work and humility.

The folly of self exaltation

Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” And he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.(1 Kings 1:5, ESV)

Reading this, it sounds like such folly but how easily we can fall into this trap. Lord, keep us from self exaltation and taking what is not ours or what we are not ready for.

Speak to your children

His father had never at any time displeased him by asking, “Why have you done thus and so?” He was also a very handsome man, and he was born next after Absalom.(1 Kings 1:6, ESV)

David still had a problem with disciplining his children, was this because he was the youngest and picked on at home, or was it through guilt of past sin?

Benaiah the faithful

But Zadok the priest and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada and Nathan the prophet and Shimei and Rei and David’s mighty men were not with Adonijah.(1 Kings 1:8, ESV)

Pastor once preached on the great significance of this faithful servant, we should seek to be like him in service, honour and loyalty.

Don’t have a deceptive heart

but he did not invite Nathan the prophet or Benaiah or the mighty men or Solomon his brother.(1 Kings 1:10, ESV)

This man’s deceptive heart is here revealed, notice he is at the serpents stone which is no small coincidence. A deceptive heart will always keep you hiding from those who will correct, rebuke or challenge you.

Grow in experience with the Lord

And the king swore, saying, “As the Lord lives, who has redeemed my soul out of every adversity,(1 Kings 1:29, ESV)

David knew the Lord more deeply now, through the experiences of his life.

Can the king rely on you?

King David said, “Call to me Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada.” So they came before the king.(1 Kings 1:32, ESV)

Zadok, Nathan and Beniah are faithful servants the king can rely on.

Beniah the faithful worshiper

And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king, “Amen! May the Lord, the God of my lord the king, say so. As the Lord has been with my lord the king, even so may he be with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord King David.”(1 Kings 1:36–37, ESV)

This is one of the first times we have heard words from Beniah and he is clearly a worshiper and faithful, loyal servant, who is also full of faith. We must emulate him as men.

Praise to breakthrough

And all the people went up after him, playing on pipes, and rejoicing with great joy, so that the earth was split by their noise.(1 Kings 1:40, ESV)

Praise and worship at God, accomplishing His purposes, will break up the flesh (split the earth).

Solomon’s wisdom

And Solomon said, “If he will show himself a worthy man, not one of his hairs shall fall to the earth, but if wickedness is found in him, he shall die.”(1 Kings 1:52, ESV)

It seems that even before he asked for It, God gave Solomon great wisdom. If someone is walking in righteousness, they would not fear for their life in this way. Sin brings fear and fear brings torment.

Mark 1:1–34

Jesus, The Son of God

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.(Mark 1:1, ESV)

Mark opens his account of the life of Jesus Christ with the bold affirmation that Jesus is the Son of God.

The ministry of John

John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.(Mark 1:4, ESV)

This had two elements; it was a baptism not just as a rite but an active expression of repentance, and that repentance was for the forgiveness of sin. This is radical because if a man repents of his sin, he is no better off without the grace and mercy of God. We know that the ministry of John was empowered by the Holy Spirit and blessed by the Father, making it effectual for the forgiveness of sin, in anticipation of Jesus’ final work on the cross.

Confession

And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.(Mark 1:5, ESV)

When we truly repent we confess our sin to God and even to men, as the Lord leads.

Immersed in God

I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”(Mark 1:8, ESV)

Jesus immerses us in the Holy Spirit. Think about that for a second, to be immersed in God.

Like a dove

And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.(Mark 1:10, ESV)

This was no gentle scene, the heavens were torn open, violently, and the mighty Spirit of God came upon Him, but in His might the Spirit came like a dove – this is so profound.

We need the mighty Spirit to come like this to us, if He tore through the heavens and hit us with that same ferocity, we would not survive the impact. No, the Spirit comes gently and gradually like a dove, restraining the full extent of His awesome power as God, to us as mere men.

So, yes Lord, rend the heavens and come down but when you do, come like a dove.

The Trinity at the baptism of Messiah

And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”(Mark 1:11, ESV)

The whole trinity is present here, God is not tricking us as the modalist say, no, the Son was being baptised, the Spirit was descending and the Father was speaking.

This is key; the Son pleases the Father, we should seek to do the same.

The temptation of Jesus

And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.(Mark 1:13, ESV)

This seems to suggest that Jesus was tempted by Satan for the entirety of the 40 days.

God is the gospel

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God,(Mark 1:14, ESV)

The good news of God is that God has come, God is the gospel.

Jesus, The fulfiller

and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”(Mark 1:15, ESV)

Jesus was the fulfilment of OT.

The first imperative of the ministry of Jesus is to Repent and Believe, not just believe. We must repent.

God’s effectual call

And immediately they left their nets and followed him.(Mark 1:18, ESV)

Jesus’ call on the lives of these fishermen was effectual, they came straight away, we must not delay in following and responding to the Lord.

Jesus, the teacher

And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching.(Mark 1:21, ESV)

Jesus’ default activity was as a teacher.

A different teacher

And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.(Mark 1:22, ESV)

Jesus taught with passion, truth, integrity and great authority because of the genuineness of His knowledge and heart. This was not just stuff from His head, He taught with heart and soul. Lord, help us to teach like You.

Jesus’ authority over demons

But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!”(Mark 1:25, ESV)

Jesus had both power and authority over demons.

Spread God’s fame

And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.(Mark 1:28, ESV)

We live to spread His fame.

The character of Jesus

And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.(Mark 1:34, ESV)

Jesus had total authority over the demons, and we also read about Him doing amazing healing. We should not take it for granted, the healing and casting out, along with silencing of the demons, tells us a lot about the character of Jesus.

Proverbs 1:1–7

Increase in learning

Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance,(Proverbs 1:5, ESV)

The NT picks this up and tells us to study to show ourselves approved, we must avoid anti intellectualism. After all, God gave us our minds and the ability to think and learn, so that we might know Him more and have the best possible quality of relationship to and with Him and one another.

Embrace wisdom and instruction

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.(Proverbs 1:7, ESV)

If we fear God then we will love instruction and wisdom and all that entails, including investment of time, money, energy and life, in study and meditating upon the truth of God, revealed in His word.

If we revere the Lord, we will love His word.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Mark 1

Today’s Reading: Dan 11:1–12:12, 2 Thess 3:1–18, Job 42:10–17

Today’s Theme: Victory over darkness

Today’s theme is the victory of God’s light over the darkness of the enemy and sin. We came to the end of three books today all with God’s victory over the enemy being established. For example Job’s sad story ends in victory for him and his friends through God’s mercy and revelation.

It is significant that today the world celebrates darkness and evil for Halloween so remember to pray and rejoice in God’s victory today.

Daniel 11:1–12:12

Know God and stand

He shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action. (Daniel 11:32, ESV)

We must know God in the midst of religious and political deceptions. Knowing God means we will stand firm in our convictions and take action.

Don’t give empty lip service

When they stumble, they shall receive a little help. And many shall join themselves to them with flattery, (Daniel 11:34, ESV)

We must be careful, many join the church with just lip service, we will know them by their fruits.

Trials designed by God

and some of the wise shall stumble, so that they may be refined, purified, and made white, until the time of the end, for it still awaits the appointed time. (Daniel 11:35, ESV)

Our stumbling and trials have been designed to refine and purify us.

The Archangel Michael

“At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. (Daniel 12:1, ESV)

This is the great tribulation to come where the angel Michael will deliver Israel and the redeemed. This is not Jesus as ‘The Watchtower’ claims.

The information age

But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” (Daniel 12:4, ESV)

This is true of our time, they even call this The Information Age.

2 Thessalonians 3:1–18

May God’s word speed ahead

Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, (2 Thessalonians 3:1, ESV)

Yes Lord may your word speed ahead to the ends of the earth.

Pray for our God’s ministers

and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. (2 Thessalonians 3:2, ESV)

We must pray this for ours and all ministers

Faith is not a given it is a special gift from God given to the elect.

God, our guard

But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:3, ESV)

Yes Lord, thank you for being our guard.

Ask God to direct your heart

May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. (2 Thessalonians 3:5, ESV)

Yes Lord, direct our hearts to and in Your Love, Hallelujah.

Banish idleness

Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. (2 Thessalonians 3:6, ESV)

May idleness be banished from all our lives.

Toil, Labour and Work

nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. (2 Thessalonians 3:8, ESV)

The mandate for all believers, especially for the workplace.

Be encouraged in doing good

As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. (2 Thessalonians 3:13, ESV)

We take this encouragement and may we all be encouraged in doing good work.

Church discipline

Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. (2 Thessalonians 3:15, ESV)

This is a picture of biblical church discipline, as believers we should not resist this but embrace it for our good.

Job 42:10–17

Double for your trouble

And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends. And the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. (Job 42:10, ESV)

The restoration appears to be a reward for praying for his friends.

A popular saying in our time is, you get double for your trouble.

God’s heart for his daughters

And in all the land there were no women so beautiful as Job’s daughters. And their father gave them an inheritance among their brothers. (Job 42:15, ESV)

The naming, emphasis and inheritance given to these daughters in a time of inequality towards women. This shows God’s heart towards all of His daughters.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on 2 Thessalonians 3

Today’s Reading: Dan 9:1–10:21, 2 Thess 2:1–17, Job 42:1–9

Today’s Theme: Love and Revelation

Today’s theme looks at the connection between being in a loving relationship with God and the revelation God graciously gives to those who love Him. To pursue knowledge of God aside from love for and in God is a futile task because God is the revealer of truth by His word and Holy Spirit.

True knowledge and revelation cannot be disconnected from love and relationship, they are inextricably linked.

Daniel 9:1–10:21

God’s word confirmed

He has confirmed his words, which he spoke against us and against our rulers who ruled us, by bringing upon us a great calamity. For under the whole heaven there has not been done anything like what has been done against Jerusalem. (Daniel 9:12, ESV)

The confirmation of God’s word may have a negative affect on someone if for example the confirmation was of God’s commitment to see sin punished.

As believers we should have our eyes and ears open to see and rejoice in the confirmation of God’s word.

Insight through God’s word

As it is written in the Law of Moses, all this calamity has come upon us; yet we have not entreated the favor of the Lord our God, turning from our iniquities and gaining insight by your truth. (Daniel 9:13, ESV)

We gain insight by heeding to the truth of God’s word.

Intercessory prayer

And now, O Lord our God, who brought your people out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and have made a name for yourself, as at this day, we have sinned, we have done wickedly. (Daniel 9:15, ESV)

Daniel is a true intercessor, he keeps on saying we have sinned when in fact he had not sinned but the people had.

Approach God on the basis of his mercy

O my God, incline your ear and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the city that is called by your name. For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy. (Daniel 9:18, ESV)

This is the only correct way to approach God, in humility and on the basis of His mercy. We are fools to approach God in pride.

Angels don’t have wings

while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the first, came to me in swift flight at the time of the evening sacrifice. (Daniel 9:21, ESV)

Notice Daniel called Gabriel a man. This is because angels take on a form that looks like normal man, the Bible does not say angels have wings, only special angels like the Seraphim etc.

The Resurrected Lord

I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude. (Daniel 10:5–6, ESV)

Sounds very similar to the description of the resurrected Lord in the book of Revelation.

A vision that causes trembling

And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision, but a great trembling fell upon them, and they fled to hide themselves. (Daniel 10:7, ESV)

This great trembling never happens in popular modern visions of Jesus because they are fake, demonic or media induced.

A vision of the risen Lord or an angel of the Lord always caused fear in the Bible. Today’s visions are of a pally Jesus and equally cute and pally angels, this is highly unlikely.

Pursue love and get understanding

And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you.” And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling. (Daniel 10:11, ESV)

Understanding and revelation is directly connected to love and relationship with the Lord. We should pursue a love relationship with the Lord and revelation in God’s word will come organically as the fruit of that relationship.

Daniel and John got the greatest revelations in scripture and both are spoken of as “beloved”.

Spiritual warfare

The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia, (Daniel 10:13, ESV)

This gives us some insight into the nature of spiritual warfare. Angels battle on behalf of the redeemed.

2 Thessalonians 2:1–17

Don’t be alarmed

not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. (2 Thessalonians 2:2, ESV)

The church should not be fretting and panicking about the end times.

The great falling away

Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, (2 Thessalonians 2:3, ESV)

It seems a specific rebellion will come before the Lord’s return, is this in the church or the world… The context seems to indicate there will be a great falling away from the faith.

There will be a great apostasy, then the man of lawlessness (commonly referred to as the Antichrist) will be revealed. This is Paul’s teaching to combat the fretful minds of the Thessalonians who have been deceived by false teaching regarding the end times.

The Beast will proclaim himself as God

who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. (2 Thessalonians 2:4, ESV)

A distinct sin that will be committed by the beast.

False signs and wonders

The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, (2 Thessalonians 2:9, ESV)

We must be careful with signs and wonders because there are false ones empowered by Satan.

Love the truth

and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. (2 Thessalonians 2:10, ESV)

We must love the truth, loving the truth will save us.

Guard against strong delusion

in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 2:12, ESV)

If we have pleasure in unrighteousness then we will be sent strong delusion and believe lies.

Saved by the Trinity

But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. (2 Thessalonians 2:13, ESV)

God chose us, the Holy Spirit sanctifies us and the words of Jesus are the truth we believe. The whole Trinity is involved in our salvation.

Obtain the glory of Jesus

To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 2:14, ESV)

God has called us to obtain the glory (doxa meaning radiance, brightness, repute) of Jesus, this is just an awesome gift of love.

Follow our leaders in Christ

So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter. (2 Thessalonians 2:15, ESV)

It is good to hold to traditions and standards that our leaders set for us.

God in every tense

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, (2 Thessalonians 2:16, ESV)

God loved us past tense and has given us eternal comfort future tense through grace, present tense.

Job 42:1–9

God is Sovereign

“I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. (Job 42:2, ESV)

Job acknowledges God’s sovereignty. We talk a lot about God’s sovereignty today, but do you acknowledge Him as sovereign in your life?

Seeing God will show you yourself

I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:5–6, ESV)

When we truly see the Lord we are humbled and see ourselves for who we really are in the light of Him.

God’s spokesman Elihu is not rebuked

So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went and did what the Lord had told them, and the Lord accepted Job’s prayer. (Job 42:9, ESV)

Notice the young man Elihu was not rebuked because he spoke the truth before God. When you are called to, boldly speak for God like young Elihu.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on 2 Thessalonians 2

Today’s Reading: Dan 7:1–8:27, 2 Thess 1:1–12, Job 41:21–34

Today’s Theme: The growth and inheritance of the saints

Today’s theme is the inheritance God has stored up for the saints as we endure and grow in Christ, we will one day reign with Him.

Daniel 7:1–8:27,

Write it down

In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel saw a dream and visions of his head as he lay in his bed. Then he wrote down the dream and told the sum of the matter. (Daniel 7:1, ESV)

It is good to write down what the Lord speaks to our hearts in prayer, meditation, reading the Bible and in our sleep. It helps me to have really solid thoughts and pin down my thinking, making it clear.

The Ancient of Days

A stream of fire issued and came out from before him; a thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment, and the books were opened. (Daniel 7:10, ESV)

Again a glimpse into the order of heaven, God is the Ancient of Days.

Jesus, The Son of Man

“I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. (Daniel 7:13, ESV)

Very often the Son of Man title is given to Jesus in these visions.

The Everlasting Kingdom of all peoples

And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed. (Daniel 7:14, ESV)

Jesus is given an everlasting kingdom by God the Father. Note again, no mention of colour of skin but of nations, tribes and tongues.

On the basis of these verses it is understandable that an average Jewish reader of the Old Testament would be confused as to the “now and not yet” nature of the kingdom of the Son of Man.

The inheritance of the saints

But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, forever and ever.’ (Daniel 7:18, ESV)

We shall posses the kingdom forever, what amazing grace! This is such an awesome promise and gives purpose and meaning to our lives.

God’s government

And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; his kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.’ (Daniel 7:27, ESV)

There will be an inheritance and transfer of power from the governments of this world to the saints, but this is not progressive, this will be given by God.

The enemy

It grew great, even to the host of heaven. And some of the host and some of the stars it threw down to the ground and trampled on them. (Daniel 8:10, ESV)

Sounds like a reference to a spiritual parallel to the devil, but not sure, or it could be talking about when the Greeks desecrate the temple in Jerusalem, or the parallel of the Antichrist, just reading ahead to Gabriel’s interpretation it seems this is for the end times. We can be sure this is the enemy in one of his guises.

Gabriel

And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of the Ulai, and it called, “Gabriel, make this man understand the vision.” (Daniel 8:16, ESV)

One of the first angels named in the Bible.

Jesus’ victory at the second coming

By his cunning he shall make deceit prosper under his hand, and in his own mind he shall become great. Without warning he shall destroy many. And he shall even rise up against the Prince of princes, and he shall be broken—but by no human hand. (Daniel 8:25, ESV)

This lines up with the account in the book of Revelation of the final battle.

A heart for God’s people

And I, Daniel, was overcome and lay sick for some days. Then I rose and went about the king’s business, but I was appalled by the vision and did not understand it. (Daniel 8:27, ESV)

Daniel was no prophecy buff, he had a heart for God and His people.

2 Thessalonians 1:1–12

Grace and peace to you

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 1:2, ESV)

This is a greeting that Paul uses and is wonderful, what a great greeting, Grace to you and peace…

Evidence of growth

We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. (2 Thessalonians 1:3, ESV)

This is wonderful, the church was healthy, they were growing in faith and there was evidence of this because their love towards one another was increasing, this is a sign of growth in faith.

Unfortunately today faith can so often be associated with jostling for position, pride and a superiority or master complex rather than loving servants growing in love, dependence and service toward their master.

Be steadfast

Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring. (2 Thessalonians 1:4, ESV)

In our “Dr Phil” world, we are called to steadfastness, we should not make excuses though modern ways of thinking that we will all have ups and downs and cannot be steadfast in most things…. NO! We must be steadfast and consistent.

Obedience is demanded

in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. (2 Thessalonians 1:8, ESV)

Jesus will inflict great vengeance, He is zealous for the glory of His Father. The Gospel is not just news it is a proclaimed truth and call which demands obedience.

Eternal punishment

They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, (2 Thessalonians 1:9, ESV)

The punishment of hell is eternal.

A daily prayer

To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, (2 Thessalonians 1:11, ESV)

We should pray this for ourselves and fellow believers everyday.

Lord make me worthy of Your calling
Give me firm resolve to do good
Give me both resolve and faith to work for You
To the glory of Your name

Job 41:21–34

The dragon

He sees everything that is high; he is king over all the sons of pride.” (Job 41:34, ESV)

This has all been a description of a mighty dragon now known as dinosaurs, this is not a crocodile or hippopotamus. Here is a reference to the spiritual parallel with the devil.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on 2 Thessalonians 1

Today’s Reading: Dan 5:1–6:28, 1 Thess 5:12–28, Job 41:10–20

Today’s Theme: Honour God

Today’s theme is honouring God. We are called to live lives that honour God and bring Him glory even in the midst of trials like Daniel. We are also called to honour God by honouring His ministers and living Spirit filled, joyful lives of faith and trust in the sovereign king.

Our God is the one who delivers us from the lion’s den and the dragon’s fiery darts.

Daniel 5:1–6:28

Materialism

They drank wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone. (Daniel 5:4, ESV)

This is no different to the materialism of our day. Don’t get carried along with the materialism of our culture.

Honour God

Then Daniel answered and said before the king, “Let your gifts be for yourself, and give your rewards to another. Nevertheless, I will read the writing to the king and make known to him the interpretation. (Daniel 5:17, ESV)

Daniel did not look for recognition or reward from man. He used his gift to honour God and for God’s glory, we should do the same.

God is Sovereign

He was driven from among the children of mankind, and his mind was made like that of a beast, and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys. He was fed grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, until he knew that the Most High God rules the kingdom of mankind and sets over it whom he will. (Daniel 5:21, ESV)

God is sovereign over the governments of the world.

God holds our breath

but you have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven. And the vessels of his house have been brought in before you, and you and your lords, your wives, and your concubines have drunk wine from them. And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which do not see or hear or know, but the God in whose hand is your breath, and whose are all your ways, you have not honored. (Daniel 5:23, ESV)

Jonathan Edwards picked up the essence of this truth in the famous sermon ‘Sinners in the hands of an angry God’.

Found wanting

Tekel, you have been weighed in the balances and found wanting; (Daniel 5:27, ESV)

We too were weighed in the balance and found wanting, thank God for Jesus paying our debt.

Be excellent

Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other high officials and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. (Daniel 6:3, ESV)

We should be excellent in all we do.

Faithful service

Then the high officials and the satraps sought to find a ground for complaint against Daniel with regard to the kingdom, but they could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him. (Daniel 6:4, ESV)

We are called to faithful service at home, church and at our places of work.

Habitual prayer

When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously. (Daniel 6:10, ESV)

We must build habits of prayer like this into our daily lives.

Love over rules

Then these men came by agreement to the king and said to the king, “Know, O king, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians that no injunction or ordinance that the king establishes can be changed.” (Daniel 6:15, ESV)

This is like the devil trying to hold God to his law to condemn us but God’s law of love overruled.

The Kings heart

Then the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; no diversions were brought to him, and sleep fled from him. (Daniel 6:18, ESV)

Darius is almost like a type of Christ in his passion for Daniel. Jesus is our king and He sought our deliverance from the law of sin and death.

God’s Angels

My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm.” (Daniel 6:22, ESV)

Awesome! Lord send your Angels and shut the lion’s mouth.

Trust in God

Then the king was exceedingly glad, and commanded that Daniel be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no kind of harm was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. (Daniel 6:23, ESV)

The lesson to be learned is that we should trust in God.

Sovereign God, the ultimate King

I make a decree, that in all my royal dominion people are to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel, for he is the living God, enduring forever; his kingdom shall never be destroyed, and his dominion shall be to the end. (Daniel 6:26, ESV)

Some of the best declarations of God’s sovereignty come from great pagan emperors who knew what it was to have power. This is significant, they could truly appreciate the power and majesty of God as the ultimate king.

1 Thessalonians 5:12–28

Honour our ministers

We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. (1 Thessalonians 5:12–13, ESV)

We should respect and honour those who work in the ministry.

Faith filled joy

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, ESV)

God wants us to have faith filled joy, this is His will for us.

Burn brightly

Do not quench the Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 5:19, ESV)

May the fire of your Spirit burn brightly in our lives.

Think critically

but test everything; hold fast what is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:21, ESV)

As Christians we must think critically so that we can hold an opinion on what is good and discard what is not good. We must not passively accept everything, we must use our renewed minds to filter what we receive.

Man, a three part being

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:23, ESV)

We are a three part being, spirit, soul and body. As a whole person we must live in a blameless way in preparation for the coming of Jesus.

Eternal security

He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:24, ESV)

We have eternal security through our faith in God who WILL do it.

Job 41:10–20

Who can stand before God?

No one is so fierce that he dares to stir him up. Who then is he who can stand before me? (Job 41:10, ESV)

If you can’t stand before a great beast or even the devil, what makes you think you can stand before God?

God is LORD

Who has first given to me, that I should repay him? Whatever is under the whole heaven is mine. (Job 41:11, ESV)

There, we hear it from God Himself, He owns everything and everyone.

Dragons

His sneezings flash forth light, and his eyes are like the eyelids of the dawn. Out of his mouth go flaming torches; sparks of fire leap forth. (Job 41:18–19, ESV)

A fire breathing dragon, these are not creatures of myth and legend.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on 1 Thessalonians 5