Today’s Reading: Jer 16:1–17:27, Rom 1:18–2:11, Prov 16:1–11

Today’s Theme: The Wrath of God

Today’s theme is the wrath of God toward every sinner regardless of their nationality or background. Here Paul lays the canvas on which the beautiful picture of redemption is skilfully painted.

Without the reality of God’s personal and active wrath and judgement then the cross and Gospel lose their context.

Sub themes include man’s depravity in sin and the rewards earned through fruitfulness or judgement through unfaithfulness.

Jeremiah 16:1–17:27

Don’t follow your evil will

and because you have done worse than your fathers, for behold, every one of you follows his stubborn, evil will, refusing to listen to me. (Jeremiah 16:12, ESV)

The modern and western exaltation of the will is a very dangerous thing… it seems we all have rights to choice and will except God.

Don’t follow your own stubborn, evil will, instead listen to God.

Who will you follow?

Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. (Jeremiah 17:5, ESV)

The first two (trusting in man and human strength) result in the third (heart turns from the Lord). Who will you trust today, whoever you trust, your heart will follow.

Well placed and watered

He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:8, ESV)

Yes Lord we want to be like this well watered, well placed tree, always bearing fruit without anxiety.

This is the state of those who really do have a healthy, biblical relationship with The Lord. The evidence is in the fruit.

Total depravity

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9, ESV)

This is every mans problem, total depravity. This is not just true of some men or those who commit a particular sin, it is true of all Adam’s children who have inherited sin and are evil by nature (the teaching of Original Sin).

We will read more about man’s depraved state in sin in our New Testament reading today.

Paid according to fruit

“I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” (Jeremiah 17:10, ESV)

With this being true, Lord we need Your help, mercy and grace.

God will pay every man that has ever lived, if the payment has not been made for an individual in Christ then God will pay with his wrath.

Again we are called to be fruitful as this will determine our reward.

God actually saves

Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise. (Jeremiah 17:14, ESV)

God actually saves, not potentially saves. If God saves you then you are saved and can rest in that calm assurance that those He saves, He keeps.

Romans 1:18–2:11

God is angry

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. (Romans 1:18, ESV)

The truth of God’s active, personal, revealed wrath (anger) and judgement against all mankind’s sin is a teaching that has fallen on hard times.

Many attempt to teach today that God is not angry. This is not true. Paul begins his argument by consigning all men under the present and future wrath and resulting judgement of God.

This is connected to verse 17 from yesterday’s reading where we read the righteousness of God is revealed. It stands in contrast to the anger of God revealed against those who stand opposed to his righteousness which can only be received by faith through the power of the Gospel message.

God’s wrath is against all sin not just select ones and it is not against sin as some abstraction from the sinner He is angry with the sinners themselves who by their sin supress the truth.

Preaching about the reality of God’s wrath is essential to the presentation of the Gospel. It is the canvas on which the beautiful picture of grace and reconciliation is painted.

God’s anger is an important part of who God is, we do not need to sanitize God, He is who He is and He is righteously angry with the self destructive treason of man.

No excuse

For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. (Romans 1:20, ESV)

Paul now makes the case that man in his sin is suppressing the very basic truth all men know, that God is God, Creator and King worthy of worship and honour.

Creation is a testimony to all men even atheists who are all liars, lying to themselves that there is no God when the creation is clear evidence of the creator.

This is often called general revelation, the truth that creation testifies to the reality of God to every creature and even the fact that we are moral creatures points to God.

All mankind are without excuse. Our sin is the wilful suppression of the truth about God.

Foolish, dark hearts

For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. (Romans 1:21, ESV)

Paul continues to build his argument to show just how depraved man is in sin. He asserts that although all mankind knows who God is through creation, all (not just some men or sinners but all men) do not honour or thank God.

This wilful rebellion and thanklessness leads to God giving all men over to a futile, foolish dark heart.

Mankind is totally depraved in his thinking because he does not honour the Creator and so have become fools even asserting that there is no God.

God gave all men up

Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, (Romans 1:24, ESV)

We all need to recognise what a desperate condition we were in as children of wrath, we were all given up to a reprobate, lust driven mind.

We may try to sanctify our own past in sin as being respectable “natural” sins as opposed to the spectacular, gross “unnatural” sins but this is a false economy.

All sin at it’s core is the same, it is open rebellion against the King of Heaven, it is an honouring of the creation instead of the Creator.

God in His wrath gives men over to their sin which is in a sense the present judgement for their sins because sin by its corrosive nature will rot and destroy the life it holds.

Don’t worship creation

because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. (Romans 1:25, ESV)

Naturalism, Evolution, New Age even some Environmentalism is all guilty of this as well as the core nature of sin which is self and creation worship.

Homosexuality defined

For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. (Romans 1:26-27, ESV)

The Bible is bold in talking about homosexuality, it is called unnatural so it can never be redeemed as a way of life or being.

Homosexuality is described as a shameless act which receives a due penalty because of the wrath of God and the breaking of natural law. We see this today in sexually transmitted diseases like AIDS which used to be called GRIDS (Gay Related Immune Deficiency).

There is no confusion in the Bible, homosexuality in men and women is a sin that must be repented of if someone claims to be a follower of Jesus Christ.

One of the problems with sin worshiping the creation is that creation was not made to handle worship and so the undue honour distorts the creation resulting in the most deplorable and unnatural deviations from God’s plan and created order.

A debased mind

And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. (Romans 1:28, ESV)

Not an unredeemable but a worthless mind in sin. If we are willing to be honest all our minds were debased and reprobate in sin when we consider what we should be before God.

The death penalty

Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them. (Romans 1:32, ESV)

The wages of sin is death as decreed in Eden, the reason men die is the penalty of sin not old age, sickness or happenstance. All sinners (not just the worst) actually deserve to die for their sin.

Don’t be a hypocritical judge

Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. (Romans 2:1, ESV)

All mankind have no excuse! When we start to judge one sin over against others and in light of our own sin we are being hypocrites hiding our sin behind the condemnation of others.

The proper response is to judge our own sin first and seek God’s grace and from that place judge all sin against the word of God…now without hypocrisy.

Kindness should lead to repentance

Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? (Romans 2:4, ESV)

What do we do with God’s grace, goodness, kindness and mercy to us. Is it a licence to live in any way we like… Of course not… The goodness and grace of God should lead us to initial repentance from sin and perpetual repentance in our daily walk with Him.

Do not be presumptuous, God will not be fooled or used.

Stored up wrath

But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. (Romans 2:5, ESV)

This is a word to all those who knowing the truth harden their hearts and refuse to repent.

It is also a word to those who seek to abuse God’s grace and will not repent.

In both cases God’s very real wrath is being stored up and not general but personal and specific judgement will be meet out on the day of judgement.

Jesus took the judgment and wrath due to us on Himself on the cross.

Judged by works

He will render to each one according to his works: (Romans 2:6, ESV)

We may not be saved by works but we are judged by them so be fruitful.

The reward of Eternal Life

to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; (Romans 2:7, ESV)

We must endure in doing well, the reward/gift is eternal life.

A level playing field

For God shows no partiality. (Romans 2:11, ESV)

We are one in Christ, now we are all judged on our works this is why we need Jesus to be saved and then to be fruitful.

Proverbs 16:1–11

Avoid self deception

All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit. (Proverbs 16:2, ESV)

Dear Lord, please keep us from thinking our ways are pure or right, help us to know our own spirit and be genuine so when You weigh each of our spirits we are not found wanting.

Commit your ways to the Lord

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. (Proverbs 16:3, ESV)

As I read through my notes on this today I read a prayer I wrote this time last year committing every area and plan of my life to the Lord, the prayer included family, ministry and my career. I would encourage you to do the same today.

Sovereign over the wicked

The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. (Proverbs 16:4, ESV)

God is sovereign even over the wicked.

Punishment will come

Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished. (Proverbs 16:5, ESV)

Arrogance will be punished by the wrath of God so humble yourself today.

Fear God and repent

By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil. (Proverbs 16:6, ESV)

There can be no repentance without the fear of the Lord.

Seek to make peace

When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. (Proverbs 16:7, ESV)

He makes his enemies be at peace with him, they are not at peace with him by default of his ways pleasing the Lord but a man whose ways please the Lord will seek to make his enemies at peace with him.

Make a plan

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. (Proverbs 16:9, ESV)

At least make a plan and the Lord will lead.

Glorify God in business

A just balance and scales are the Lord’s; all the weights in the bag are his work. (Proverbs 16:11, ESV)

Good and fair business brings glory to God.

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

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Romans 1

Today’s Reading: Jer 14:1–15:21, Rom 1:1–17, Prov 15:1–33

Today’s Theme: The Gospel of God

Today we embark on one of the most fascinating journey’s as we enter the book of Romans. Some would consider this book the greatest and most important letter in the New Testament.

Today we only get to read Paul’s introduction to the letter in which he makes clear his theme which is the Gospel. He calls this the Gospel of God and we conclude that God Himself is the Gospel which has the power to save us.

Jeremiah 14:1–15:21

The intercessor

“Though our iniquities testify against us, act, O Lord, for your name’s sake; for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against you. (Jeremiah 14:7, ESV)

Jeremiah intercedes well by first recognising the sin of the people and their backsliding hearts. We can learn from his pattern of prayer as we intercede today.

The Hope of Israel

O you hope of Israel, its savior in time of trouble, why should you be like a stranger in the land, like a traveler who turns aside to tarry for a night? (Jeremiah 14:8, ESV)

Jesus is the great hope of Israel and its only saviour in troubled times. Pray today for the opening of their eyes to see that Jesus is their true and long awaited great hope.

Use restraint

Thus says the Lord concerning this people: “They have loved to wander thus; they have not restrained their feet; therefore the Lord does not accept them; now he will remember their iniquity and punish their sins.” (Jeremiah 14:10, ESV)

Lord keep us from wandering off and being unrestrained. We are called to follow and to have self control.

Don’t pray for them

The Lord said to me: “Do not pray for the welfare of this people. (Jeremiah 14:11, ESV)

This does away with unirversalist tendencies of God not judging anyone. There are those who He does not want us to pray for so He can work out His justice and anger, this is sometimes what someone needs to genuinely draw them close to God.

Lying prophets

And the Lord said to me: “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I did not send them, nor did I command them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a lying vision, worthless divination, and the deceit of their own minds. (Jeremiah 14:14, ESV)

This is indicative of so much happening in the church today, Lord expose them and save your people from false prophets.

We are not professionals

If I go out into the field, behold, those pierced by the sword! And if I enter the city, behold, the diseases of famine! For both prophet and priest ply their trade through the land and have no knowledge.’ ” (Jeremiah 14:18, ESV)

It is horrible to see this sort of professionalism in the church today, the ministry is a calling not a profession or trade.

Hope in God

Are there any among the false gods of the nations that can bring rain? Or can the heavens give showers? Are you not he, O Lord our God? We set our hope on you, for you do all these things. (Jeremiah 14:22, ESV)

All we can do is set our hope on the Lord, the One who brings rain when it is needed.

God is holy

And I will make them a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth because of what Manasseh the son of Hezekiah, king of Judah, did in Jerusalem. (Jeremiah 15:4, ESV)

God is holy and just, just praying please forgive me doesn’t just work, God’s active grace and mercy are needed.

Don’t weary God with treason

You have rejected me, declares the Lord; you keep going backward, so I have stretched out my hand against you and destroyed you— I am weary of relenting. (Jeremiah 15:6, ESV)

Mankind’s primary treason is directly against the Lord.

God is a person not a force, God can be wearied from constantly turning from judgement to mercy. Lord keep us from wearying You

The joy of God’s word

Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts. (Jeremiah 15:16, ESV)

Yes Lord we found Your words and they are a great joy and treasure to us.

They will turn, you will stand

Therefore thus says the Lord: “If you return, I will restore you, and you shall stand before me. If you utter what is precious, and not what is worthless, you shall be as my mouth. They shall turn to you, but you shall not turn to them. (Jeremiah 15:19, ESV)

We should not capitulate, our hearers should.

We must speak what is right before God and not rubbish and emotionalism. Also we should not change our standards, the world should change theirs.

Romans 1:1–17

The gospel of God

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, (Romans 1:1-2, ESV)

The Gospel was promised beforehand, this is the epic opening to possibly the greatest book the world has ever seen, Paul’s letter to the Romans.

Paul’s main concern and theme throughout the book is this Gospel of God. Romans is one of the single most important books in the world, it defines the Gospel more clearly than any other.

The Gospel being promised before hand gives us an idea of the scope and importance of the Gospel. It has its roots in Genesis, is realised in the Gospels, defined in the Epistles and consummated in the Revelation.

The Gospel or good news was promised by God to humanity in the Garden of Eden and that promise has been defined and reaffirmed throughout redemptive history finding its fulfilment in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

All Nations

through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, (Romans 1:5, ESV)

One of the first arguments Paul will make is that this Gospel is not for one nation, class or type of people. It is a message for the entire world, for all humanity.

The promise was made to Adam and Eve and is now fulfilled for all the sons of Adam and daughters of Eve.

The gospel is universal in its appeal and does not require cultural, ethnic or religious rites. It is a message for all mankind because all men share the same origin (created in God’s image), problem (sin and it’s penalties) and destiny (eternity in heaven or hell).

The power for salvation

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16, ESV)

The message of the Gospel is God’s power for salvation. The power is not in religion, rites, buildings, prayers, miracles, books, knowledge, fasting, being good, the law or anything else.

The power to save is only found in the Gospel.

This is why Paul says he is not ashamed of the Gospel which is a message concerning what God has done to save those who believe through Christ, it is good news of God’s victory and our salvation.

We live by faith

For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:17, ESV)

Not by order or ritual but faith in God. This was the great cry of the reformation, we break the bonds of man’s own forms of religion today, we shall live by faith.

The Gospel is just a message if we do not receive it with faith.

We must believe God and live our lives in light of this. We must believe the Gospel and in so doing believe God because at it’s core God is the gospel, the good news is that we can come into relationship with Him.

Proverbs 15:1–33

God knows everything

The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. (Proverbs 15:3, ESV)

God sees and knows everything, good and bad…not Santa.

Spread knowledge of God

The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools. (Proverbs 15:7, ESV)

Lord help us to use our lives to spread knowledge of You. This is not just useless head knowledge, but should be rooted in experience, the word of God and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

So let everyone know about God, especially now it’s the Christmas season.

Have a glad heart

A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. (Proverbs 15:13, ESV)

Forgive us Lord where we have grown weary and tired, help us to always have a glad heart.

Seek knowledge

The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly. (Proverbs 15:14, ESV)

The fact you are reading this now is a good indicator that God has put a hunger for understanding and knowledge of Him in your heart.

Be slow to anger

A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention. (Proverbs 15:18, ESV)

This is the man we need to be, one who is slow to anger.

Get advice

Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. (Proverbs 15:22, ESV)

Lord please help us to live this principle out in our lives.

Answer well

To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is! (Proverbs 15:23, ESV)

Answering questions well should bring us joy as we give a reason for the hope we have.

Think about your words

The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. (Proverbs 15:28, ESV)

Stop and think about how you answer, we need to do this more. Our tone and words do matter.

Listen to instruction

Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence. (Proverbs 15:32, ESV)

Listening to correction will make us more intelligent, so humble yourself to listen today.

Instruction in Wisdom

The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor. (Proverbs 15:33, ESV)

Fearing the Lord is us instructing ourselves in His wisdom.

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

Additional resources

Desiring God on Romans 1

Today’s Reading: Jer 12:1–13:27, Philem 8–25, Prov 14:15–35

Today’s Theme: Profit well

There are lots of good lessons today, one that we find in all three readings is that of profiting well through hard work and toil. When we work hard and in the right spirit we will profit, God wants us to be fruitful.

Paul could make his appeal to Philemon because of the investment he had made in his life.

Jeremiah 12:1–13:27

Don’t grow weary

If you have raced with men on foot, and they have wearied you, how will you compete with horses? And if in a safe land you are so trusting, what will you do in the thicket of the Jordan?(Jeremiah 12:5, ESV)

We should remember that all we have to do or contend with could be more difficult so we should not complain. Don’t grow weary with whatever you are going through because it may be preparation for larger battles ahead.

Profit well

They have sown wheat and have reaped thorns; they have tired themselves out but profit nothing. They shall be ashamed of their harvests because of the fierce anger of the Lord.” (Jeremiah 12:13, ESV)

Lord please keep us from this horrible fate, we want to sow well and profit well in Your name. Jesus taught us about this all the time letting us know that fruitfulness and abundance is crucial to our lives and the kingdom of God.

God’s electing love

And after I have plucked them up, I will again have compassion on them, and I will bring them again each to his heritage and each to his land. (Jeremiah 12:15, ESV)

God loves His elect people Israel and shows them compassion. We can take confidence from this because we too are elect, subject to His electing love and compassion.

A national warning

But if any nation will not listen, then I will utterly pluck it up and destroy it, declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 12:17, ESV)

Many nations have gone this way, Lord keep our nation in Your grace and mercy.

Don’t be a useless loincloth

This evil people, who refuse to hear my words, who stubbornly follow their own heart and have gone after other gods to serve them and worship them, shall be like this loincloth, which is good for nothing. (Jeremiah 13:10, ESV)

Dear Lord, keep us from stubbornly following our own heart. We don’t want to be like useless loincloths (shorts).

Listen to God

For as the loincloth clings to the waist of a man, so I made the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah cling to me, declares the Lord, that they might be for me a people, a name, a praise, and a glory, but they would not listen. (Jeremiah 13:11, ESV)

Man is in control of his own mind and is guilty before God for not listening or wanting to listen.

More than hearing

Hear and give ear; be not proud, for the Lord has spoken. (Jeremiah 13:15, ESV)

It’s more than just hearing, we also need to listen when God speaks.

God seeks glory

Give glory to the Lord your God before he brings darkness, before your feet stumble on the twilight mountains, and while you look for light he turns it into gloom and makes it deep darkness. (Jeremiah 13:16, ESV)

We must give God what He seeks, which is His own glory. God deserves all the glory.

Man’s finite ability

Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots? Then also you can do good who are accustomed to do evil. (Jeremiah 13:23, ESV)

This is not said in a negative sense, just to point at man’s finite ability, he can’t just do whatever he wants.

It is possible that God saw ahead and knew the black god’s teaching (the heresy that says “black” people are gods) of our day could be spoken to directly from this verse. These black gods are not free to do just anything therefore they are not gods.

Philemon 8–25

The following is the introduction to this letter from the ESV bible and is helpful in understanding the characters involved

Philemon is about reconciliation and relationships between Christians. Onesimus (which means “useful”) was a slave of a believer named Philemon in Colossae. Apparently Onesimus had stolen from Philemon and fled. At some time while Paul was under arrest, Onesimus met him and became a Christian. Paul apparently wrote this letter at the same time as Colossians and gave it to Onesimus to carry back to Philemon (see Col. 4:9). Paul appealed to Philemon to accept Onesimus back into his household, but as a brother in the Lord rather than a slave. In Paul’s estimation, Onesimus was far more “useful” (v. 11) now that he was a Christian. Paul even promised to pay whatever debt Onesimus might owe Philemon.

For loves sake

yet for love’s sake I prefer to appeal to you—I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus— (Philemon 9, ESV)

Love should be our motivation as brothers and sisters in the Lord.
We should be able to appeal to each other for loves sake.

Refresh someone’s heart

Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ. (Philemon 20, ESV)

Ask the Holy Spirit how you can refresh someone’s heart in the Lord today.

Proverbs 14:15–35

Don’t be gullible

The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps. (Proverbs 14:15, ESV)

We must not be simple, we need to look into things ourselves. For example we can’t just take someone else’s word for it because we all have a responsibility to read and study the bible ourselves.

Don’t be reckless

One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless. (Proverbs 14:16, ESV)

Being either reckless or careless is foolish. It is wise for us to be careful, measured and consider what we say, where we go and what we do.

Don’t have a short temper

A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated. (Proverbs 14:17, ESV)

A quick temper is bad because it causes you to act foolishly.

Be generous

Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor. (Proverbs 14:21, ESV)

We are called to generosity, we were saved by God’s generosity.

There is profit in toil

In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty. (Proverbs 14:23, ESV)

Rolling up our sleeves and working hard will always profit us.

Don’t envy

A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot. (Proverbs 14:30, ESV)

Envy will make you ill and even age quickly through poor health.

Righteousness exalts a nation

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. (Proverbs 14:34, ESV)

We need righteousness in our nation. Lets pray for righteousness in our nation today.

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

Additional resources

Desiring God on Philemon 1

Today’s Reading: Jer 10:1–11:23, Philem 1–7, Prov 14:1–14

Today’s Theme: The One, Unique God

Today we read about the greatness of our God. He is one in unity as the Trinity and in essence and is unique in His being because no other being can be compared to Him. The king of all creation who alone knows and tests the heart and mind.

We also learn valuable lessons including that we should refresh the saints as we share in our walk of faith with each other.

Jeremiah 10:1–11:23

The One, Unique God is King

There is none like you, O Lord; you are great, and your name is great in might. Who would not fear you, O King of the nations? For this is your due; for among all the wise ones of the nations and in all their kingdoms there is none like you. (Jeremiah 10:6–7, ESV)

God is completely unique, He is the only being in His class. There are no other gods that share the attributes of the Trinity. No one else has the Aseity (self sufficient existence) of eternal being, all other beings are creatures meaning they were created.

This one and only God is the great and mighty king of the nations. We worship His truly awesome majesty today.

The Eternal King

But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting King. At his wrath the earth quakes, and the nations cannot endure his indignation. (Jeremiah 10:10, ESV)

Our claim is completely exclusive, our God is the only true God. God is the everlasting king, other kings come and go but God is king forever. He is the ultimate sovereign and always will be. No one can replace Him, challenge Him or compete with Him.

The Scientific Creation

It is he who made the earth by his power, who established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding stretched out the heavens. (Jeremiah 10:12, ESV)

Amazing that God used power, wisdom and understanding in creation that shows us that it was not magical but beautifully scientific, mathematical and technical by God’s supernatural power.

Worthless idols

They are worthless, a work of delusion; at the time of their punishment they shall perish. (Jeremiah 10:15, ESV)

This is true of ALL idols. The ones who perish is the very idea of the idols and the demonic spirits behind the idol.

Stupid shepherd

For the shepherds are stupid and do not inquire of the Lord; therefore they have not prospered, and all their flock is scattered. (Jeremiah 10:21, ESV)

Lord thank you we don’t have stupid pastors. A stupid shepherd is one that does not seek the Lord.

Say Amen to God

For I solemnly warned your fathers when I brought them up out of the land of Egypt, warning them persistently, even to this day, saying, Obey my voice. (Jeremiah 11:7, ESV)

We are not called to think about it or mull it over, we are simply called to obey, to say amen to God’s word.

Don’t refuse to hear

They have turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, who refused to hear my words. They have gone after other gods to serve them. The house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant that I made with their fathers. (Jeremiah 11:10, ESV)

Those who do not hear, it is because of their stubborn disobedience which is conscious rebellion against God. Humanity’s biggest problem with God’s commands is that we hate Him and so will not listen to Him. We need a heart transplant.

Discipline for the beloved

What right has my beloved in my house, when she has done many vile deeds? Can even sacrificial flesh avert your doom? Can you then exult? (Jeremiah 11:15, ESV)

Even though they are beloved, they must be punished and disciplined. We know we are God’s children when He disciplines us.

Commit your cause to God

But, O Lord of hosts, who judges righteously, who tests the heart and the mind, let me see your vengeance upon them, for to you have I committed my cause. (Jeremiah 11:20, ESV)

Thank you Lord that you are just and we can leave all our causes with You because You are the God who tests hearts and minds.

Philemon 1–7

Famous love

because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, (Philemon 5, ESV)

The love and faith we have for the Lord should be heard of by others, it should be evident.

Effective faith

and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. (Philemon 6, ESV)

As we share our faith with our brethren in Christ we pray like Paul prayed for Philemon that it would be effective in making those we share with aware of every good thing that is inside them for the sake of Christ.

As Pastor has been encouraging us, the glory that is within for the sake of Christ.

Refresh the saints

For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you. (Philemon 7, ESV)

Do you refresh the hearts of the saints? How do you do this? Lord please help us to do this.

This is the reason for the thanks that Paul has been giving, because this is a man who refreshes the saints. Tomorrow we will hear Paul make his appeal.

Proverbs 14:1–14

Wise Women

The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down. (Proverbs 14:1, ESV)

Praise God today for all the wise women building their house and keeping the home to the glory of God and the joy of the whole family.

People of understanding

A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge is easy for a man of understanding. (Proverbs 14:6, ESV)

Lord help us to be a people of understanding where knowledge is no hard thing, it should be natural for us.

We are alone

The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy. (Proverbs 14:10, ESV)

In a sense we are all alone, no one else knows our hearts, only we do (and God).

What is right?

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. (Proverbs 14:12, ESV)

There are so many things inside and outside of the church that feel or seem right but actually lead to death, this is why we need to ask the Lord to guide us everyday.

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

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Philemon 1

Today’s Reading: Jer 7:30–9:26, Col 3:18–4:18, Prov 13:1–25

Today’s Theme: Seasoned with Salt

One of the main themes today is the depraved nature of man in his sin and backsliding. We also look at the importance of our words and conduct. In the NT reading, we are told to season our words with salt.

We are called to be able to give a reason for our hope, and to walk and talk in a way that is compatible with the Gospel. By being deliberate in seasoning our words and lives in this way, we will naturally guard against deliberate sin and backsliding.

In a sense, the effort we make in seasoning / preparing ourselves, acts as a preservative to us just like salt.

Jeremiah 7:30–9:26

Progressive Backsliding

Why then has this people turned away in perpetual backsliding? They hold fast to deceit; they refuse to return.(Jeremiah 8:5, ESV)

Perpetual backsliding seems to indicate a complete falling away and that it is something that happens over a period of time, rather than in one faithless act.

Backsliding is often a slow burn, so stem the tide now, plug the holes and let us humble ourselves before we get swept away in progressively sliding back from God.

Stubborn ignorance

I have paid attention and listened, but they have not spoken rightly; no man relents of his evil, saying, ‘What have I done?’ Everyone turns to his own course, like a horse plunging headlong into battle.(Jeremiah 8:6, ESV)

Lord, keep us from this folly. We need to be humble enough to accept correction and instruction. If we always think “but what did I do”, then it is possible that we are walking in pride.

Like the passage says; those who do not accept that they have done wrong and cannot be instructed, are like horses running headlong to their own death.

Without wisdom

The wise men shall be put to shame; they shall be dismayed and taken; behold, they have rejected the word of the Lord, so what wisdom is in them?(Jeremiah 8:9, ESV)

This is true of all those who reject God’s word, they are without wisdom. True wisdom comes from God and is revealed best in His word.

False peace

They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace.(Jeremiah 8:11, ESV)

An epidemic of the health, wealth and prosperity Gospel. One of the major problems with this and other perversions of the Gospel, like universalism, is that they give the people a false sense of peace with God.

The only one who gives true peach with God is His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus said I leave my peace with you and it is not like the world’s peace.

The call of the Gospel is not just to a one time decision for salvation, but to a life of repentance, and to live at peace with God and man. We are not saved to be spoilt brats with bad behaviour and high demands.

Brazen sin

Were they ashamed when they committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed; they did not know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among the fallen; when I punish them, they shall be overthrown, says the Lord.(Jeremiah 8:12, ESV)

Lord, keep us from the callous brazenness of rebellion and debauchery.

Mourn for the lost

“The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” For the wound of the daughter of my people is my heart wounded; I mourn, and dismay has taken hold on me. Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of the daughter of my people not been restored?(Jeremiah 8:20–22, ESV)

Like Jeremiah, we should mourn for the lost and for the wayward church. Thank God that Jesus is the balm in Gilead.

May truth and justice reign

They bend their tongue like a bow; falsehood and not truth has grown strong in the land; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not know me, declares the Lord.(Jeremiah 9:3, ESV)

In some ways this sounds like our country too, so we need God’s mercy over every nation where falsehood has taken hold in the government. Pray that truth and justice will reign.

Conscious depravity

Everyone deceives his neighbour, and no one speaks the truth; they have taught their tongue to speak lies; they weary themselves committing iniquity.(Jeremiah 9:5, ESV)

The consciousness of our depravity is apparent in this verse, we are not just victims of sin, we are the perpetrators of sin. Without Christ we are all assigned under God’s wrath, because of our conscious, deliberate, wilful, rebellious sin.

Our culture would have people believe they are guilty of nothing and that everything is either another person’s, or something else’s fault (e.g. society, demons, curses etc.).. We need to accept the guilt that is rightfully ours for our sin, and in light of that, seek God for mercy, forgiveness and transformation.

Don’t refuse to know the Lord

Heaping oppression upon oppression, and deceit upon deceit, they refuse to know me, declares the Lord.(Jeremiah 9:6, ESV)

The conscious choice of man in refusing The Lord, is made clear here. We need to realise that our sin is not some momentary slip from conventional standards, it is open rebellion against the King of Heaven.

Called to obedience

And the Lord says: “Because they have forsaken my law that I set before them, and have not obeyed my voice or walked in accord with it, but have stubbornly followed their own hearts and have gone after the Baals, as their fathers taught them.(Jeremiah 9:13–14, ESV)

This is why judgement came, because of disobedience. We are called to obedience to God’s ways and word, this is not legalism as some would assert, this is just new life in Christ. Why would we not want to obey God, if we are in a loving relationship with Him and our nature has been transformed by the Holy Spirit?

The privilege of knowing the Lord

but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”(Jeremiah 9:24, ESV)

How privileged I am to know You Lord. Let us boast and rejoice in that today.

Be circumcised in your heart

“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will punish all those who are circumcised merely in the flesh—(Jeremiah 9:25, ESV)

Even from the OT the Jews were taught that circumcision was really a matter of the heart. This is why the bible says a true son of Abraham is one who believes God’s promises and is circumcised in their heart.

Colossians 3:18–4:18

Don’t be harsh

Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.(Colossians 3:19, ESV)

Lord, help us as husbands to not be harsh to our wives, but to love them.

Don’t provoke your children

Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.(Colossians 3:21, ESV)

Lord, help us to encourage our children and not challenge and set them up against other children, for example, but instruct and nurture them in the truth.

Provoking our children can come in so many forms, including; neglecting them, ignoring them, being too harsh with them, leaving them to their own ways, being too soft on them etc.

Work heartily

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,(Colossians 3:23, ESV)

This is really important when doing any task at work or church, we should do it sincerely and heartily unto the Lord.

You are serving Christ

knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.(Colossians 3:24, ESV)

Lord, help us to remember and not lose sight of this. We should be encouraged by the truth that all our serving WILL be rewarded.

Be watchful and thankful

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.(Colossians 4:2, ESV)

This is the attitude we should have when we pray, we should be watchful by being alert to the prompting of the Spirit, and thankful in faith that God has already answered.

Use time wisely

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.(Colossians 4:5, ESV)

Time is a precious and fleeting thing, we should make the best use of it.

The way we talk matters

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.(Colossians 4:6, ESV)

We are all called to watch the way we talk. We should ensure that the very words we use and the tone that we talk with, is in keeping with the Holy Spirit.

As Christians we can’t just blurt out whatever comes to mind, we need to season our words, think about and prepare in our hearts what we will say, as we are led by the Holy Spirit.

We should not use derogatory language, crass jesting or thoughtless words, instead we are called to apologetics which is the measured, mature and reasonable response to those who have questions about the hope we have in Christ.

Taking time to meditate and study will help us all, in this call to “know how to answer each person”.

Struggle for the saints

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.(Colossians 4:12, ESV)

As well as having a heartfelt desire to see God’s people grow through teaching, fellowship etc., this should be accompanied with this type of struggling / fighting in prayer for them, to that end.

Proverbs 13:1–25

Guard your mouth

Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.(Proverbs 13:3, ESV)

Lord, help us to guard our mouth and to be less talkative.

Choose diligence

The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.(Proverbs 13:4, ESV)

The choice is diligence or sluggishness, I chose diligence.

Gather little by little

Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.(Proverbs 13:11, ESV)

Lord, help us to apply this principle to our finances.

Hope in God

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.(Proverbs 13:12, ESV)

God will fulfil the desires which are in line with His word and Spirit, so place your hope in God because He NEVER fails.

Accomplish tasks

A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools.(Proverbs 13:19, ESV)

This is why accomplishing a task feels so good, it is sweet to the soul.

Walk with the wise

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.(Proverbs 13:20, ESV)

Wisdom rubs off, so stick around wise people.

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

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Colossians 4