Archive for the ‘Pauline epistles--BibleTrekToday’ Category

Scripture reading for December 10th: Philemon

This short personal letter from Paul to Philemon concerns a run-away slave who got saved under Paul’s ministry in Rome.  This slave could easily have been sentenced to death if he had been caught, but God was working something else out in his life.  He heard the Gospel message from Paul and gave his life to Jesus Christ.  Paul was writing his master, Philemon, to appeal to him to take him back and receive him as a brother in the Lord.  Philemon was a believer in a church that Paul had planted and Paul had evidently been his spiritual father as well.  This simple letter reveals the heart of forgiveness we must have toward others as they repent and come into the kingdom.

“I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.  Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.” (Philemon 6-7)

Paul’s prayer for Philemon is an encouragement for us to share our faith.  As we learn to give away what we have received from the Lord, we get back a more complete understanding of all that is ours in Christ.  Giving  by sharing brings blessings of deeper understanding and causes joy in pastoral leadership!

Paul next, gently appeals to Philemon to take Onesimus, this converted slave, back and restore him. (Philemon 8-10)  Paul states that Onesimus was formerly useless to him.  Before salvation, he was in bondage to self and sin and could not be loyal and serve him properly.  Now, as a brother in the Lord, Onesimus was useful to the kingdom and to Philemon!  This is an added blessing of sharing your faith!  Others come into their full purpose and become brothers and sisters in the family of God!

Love isn’t love unless it is freely given.  Forgiveness isn’t real if it is not also freely given.  We can’t order forgiveness.  We can’t command that another love us or love God.  When we appeal to another person to do what is right, then they can more easily choose to freely give.  Paul’s letter is a great example of a godly appeal to someone in authority to do what is right.  May the Lord grant us grace today to love and forgive freely according to the example of Jesus Christ!

Scripture reading for December 9th: Titus 1-3

What the world needs is hope!  Hope keeps us moving forward and expecting something good to happen in the near future.  Hope works with faith and love and keeps us in balance spiritually.  Without hope, we often despair and give up or give in to the temptations of this life.  People who have no hope become depressed.   Our God is known as the God of hope!  (Romans 15:13)

Paul’s letter to Titus is a letter of hope and encouragement to a pastor who is his son in the faith.  He entrusted the churches in Crete to his oversight and wrote to instruct him in church order and pastoral ministry.  Some of the basic instruction concerned the qualifications necessary for church leadership in the elders and deacons that he would appoint.  Character was of the highest concern and it was to be discerned by observation of relationships in the family and community.  A person’s reputation comes from his daily deeds and attitude.  We become quickly known for how we treat others, especially those close to us. (Titus 1:6-8)

One of the main qualifications was a firm grasp on the Gospel message and word of God.  (Titus 1:9)  A pastor’s job is to teach each age group in the church body how to respect others and serve them with godly character.  If a person just claims to know God but behaves as if He does not exist, that person is unfit for service to God.  In fact, they may be leading others astray and must be soundly rebuked!  (Titus 1:13-15)

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.  It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope–the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good.” Titus 2:11-14

It is by grace that we are saved and empowered to live a godly life.  That grace came to us in Jesus Christ, the Son of God!  He redeemed us from sin and wickedness and cleansed us by His own blood.  God’s gift of the Holy Spirit to live in us helps us have self-control.  We can say “No” to sin and temptation.  Through the Holy Spirit we can know we belong to God and are a part of His family. (Romans 8:15-16)   What a God of hope  and encouragement!  He has given us a blessed hope–His soon appearing to finish the work that He began in us!  This hope keeps us moving forward, eagerly working while we await His appearing!

Scripture reading for December 8th:  2 Timothy 1-4

The second letter of Paul to Timothy is widely believed to be the last written by the Apostle before his execution in Rome.  His final words of encouragement to this young man should also be encouraging to us.  Living in these last days requires focus.  We can easily be overcome by fear at the events unfolding around us.  Let’s listen with our hearts open to the Lord to Paul’s final words.

“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.  For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:6-7)

Timothy came from good stock.  His mother and grandmother were both Jewish believers.  They had faith which was alive in them.  They were not timid but were filled with power and love because of their personal knowledge of God.  Paul had sensed the call of God on Timothy and had prayed over him for God’s gifts to come forth.  One gift was that of pastor and teacher.  This gift involved preaching and teaching God’s Word.

“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will  go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.  But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:12-17

Paul warned Timothy of coming persecution and deception.  The best defense was continuing in the word of God.  This is the word that was taught him by his mother and grandmother as well as his mentor, Paul himself.  It is the best equipment for a man or woman of God.

“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead and in view of His appearing and His kingdom, I give you this charge:  Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage–with great patience and careful instruction.” 2nd Timothy 4:1-2

The presence of the Lord with Paul and his understanding of God’s judgment of each person at Christ’s appearing caused him to give Timothy a simple charge.  He told him to preach the Word of God.  The Word is always in season.  It should be used to correct people, to rebuke those in known sin and to encourage them to prepare for Christ’s coming.  Take this simple charge to your heart today and let it move you to action!  It’s in season no matter what time of year!

Scripture reading for December 7th: 1 Timothy 4-6

Do you sometimes feel that you are fighting to keep your focus on the goal of seeing Jesus Christ either when He comes or when you go to be with Him?  Do the things of this world compete for your attention and sometimes derail your focus?  Timothy, a young pastor, was encouraged to wage a “good fight” by the great Apostle Paul.  What does this “good fight” look like today?

In Timothy’s day, as ours, one of the distractions happened to be money and riches.  There were those who got caught in the pursuit of riches and wealth and were never content.  The love of money became a driving force.  As people let the love of money drive them and their choices, they fell into temptation and the trap of the Devil.  This opened the door in their lives for ruin and destruction!  (1 Timothy 6:6-10)  Some had wandered from the faith and brought grief into their lives!

“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.  Fight the good fight of faith.  Take hold of eternal life, to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:11-12

Paul encouraged his young pastoral protege to flee from this trap of the Devil.  He was to pursue righteousness and all the qualities of godliness.  We get what we pursue and focus on!   The question for us is this: where is our focus?  What kind of fight are we really involved in?  Is it a fight of faith or for money and material things?

The strategy for those who do have money and are rich in the things of this world is to fight the fight of faith by generous giving!  (1 Timothy 6:17-19)  Timothy was to be faithful to warn them not to put their faith in riches.  Riches are very uncertain and can soon vanish or become worthless, particularly when you die.  The only way to insure eternal value is to use your riches to win people to the Lord.  A firm foundation for the future of life with the Lord will be eternal riches of those won to the Kingdom through generous giving!

“Timothy, guard what has be entrusted to your care.  Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have wandered from the faith.” 1 Timothy 6:20-21

The war we are in is waged in every-day living.  We must always be on guard.  Some claim knowledge that is opposed to God’s word.  We must know the true word of God and live accordingly to keep from being seduced.  Fight the fight of faith in your life today!  We win eternally!

Dear Friends,

Greetings on another day of rest!  We need to begin a new week with God’s people in worship of our great King!  We can rest in His love and celebrate His victory!  It is a command of Scripture to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together for regular worship, prayer, and sharing of community.  May your day be one of worship, rest and soul refreshing!

Today we must also continue reading if we are to finish our trek through the Bible.  The passage for today is Paul’s letter to Timothy.  Timothy is a young pastor, mentored by Paul, who was then pastoring the church at Ephesus.  Paul wrote to him to encourage him and instruct him in basic pastoral leadership.  Here are some of my favorite verses from our reading today.

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst.  But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life.  Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:15-17

” I urge then, first of all that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.  For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men–the testimony given in its proper time.” 1 Timothy 2:1-5

“Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great:  He appeared in a body; was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.” 1st Timothy 3:16

May the Lord bless you and keep you this day and each day this coming week!

In His Love, Pastor John

Scripture reading for December 5th: 2nd Thessalonians 1-3

We have been focusing on finding Christ in every book of the Bible.  Because of Christ’s love for His bride, the church, in this book we find a description of one man who will come in future history who will be known for his terrible evil and lawlessness.  This person is called the ‘man of lawlessness’ by the Apostle Paul.  We learn about him and his deception in order to motivate us to tell as many people as possible about the Lord and warn others of what is to come.

“Concerning the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to Him, we ask you brothers, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have com from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come.  Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.” (2nd Thessalonians 2:1-3)

The coming of Jesus Christ will happen suddenly at a time when most are not expecting it.  (1st Thessalonians 5:2-3)  According to Paul, this day will not come until this lawless man is revealed.  Some in Paul’s day were saying that the day of the Lord had already come.  He wrote this to keep down the worry and concern that some had missed the rapture.  We are still watching for this to happen today.  Even though it has been nearly 2000 years, these words are as true today as when they were originally written.

Paul goes on to describe this man of lawlessness as one who will opposes truth and set himself up as god.  He will do this by being empowered by Satan to do counterfeit signs and wonders and miracles.  (2nd Thessalonians 2:9-10)  These signs and miracles will deceive people who have refused to know and love truth.  They will be deluded and go to their destruction.  (2nd Thessalonians 2:11)

How important the love of the truth is!  We have a choice each day to read and believe God and His word.  His word is truth!  If we reject the truth, we have nothing left but a lie.  Lies may sound good, but they lead to destruction.  Sincerity is not a test of truth.  God has blessed us in that He chose us to be saved by the sanctifying work of the Spirit and belief of the truth.  This is all a gift of God’s grace.  Because of this grace will will share in the Lord’s glory when He comes.

Take time today to share Jesus Christ with someone who does not know Him.  Ask them if you can share this passage about the coming man of lawlessness.  Let the Holy Spirit lead both of you to discover truth and to love it!

Scripture reading for December 4th: 1st Thessalonians 1-5

“They tell us how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead–Jesus, who rescues us form the coming wrath.” (1st Thessalonians 1:9-10)

Every chapter of this short letter has a reference to Jesus Christ’s return.  Believers are focused on the greatest event that can happen to them, the return of Jesus Christ!  Jesus is alive as opposed to every other so called god who is lifeless or dead.  He rescues us from the coming wrath of God on sin and those who have not repented.  We wait eagerly for His return!

“For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when He comes?  Is it not you?  Indeed, you are our glory and joy.” (1st Thessalonians 2:19)

Paul was expecting a reward when Jesus came back.  We should too!  Every soul who has been saved through our ministry or giving to the Lord will bring joy and a crown and glory!  This is the hope that we have as Christians!

“May He strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our lord Jesus comes with all His holy ones.” 1st Thessalonians 3:13

Paul prayed for strength in these believers’ hearts so that they would be able to stand before the Lord when He does appear.  It will be a glorious time for those who are ready.  Purity and holiness are required to see the Lord and to stand before Him!  May God strengthen our hearts today in preparation for that fast-approaching day!

“For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God and the dead in Christ will arise first.  After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air.  And so we will be with the Lord forever.” (1st Thessalonians 4:16-17)

Jesus is personally coming back for those who have trusted in Him.  The dead rise first to receive glorified bodies.  Then we who are alive will be caught up and instantly changed.  This will happen in an instant at the shout of the archangel and the trumpet call of God.  It will catch many by surprise!  What an event!  Lord Jesus, we want to see You!

“May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through.  May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it.” (1st Thessalonians 5:23-24)

Thankfully, Paul prays again for the Thessalonians.  (And us as well.)  Thankfully, Jesus Christ is faithful and He will keep us blameless!  What comfort!  Amen!

Scripture reading for December 3rd: Colossians 1-4

Jesus Christ is the most important person in the entire universe!  He is the firstborn Son of God and is over all creation! (Colossians 1:15)  He is the head of all authority in heaven and on earth!  He created all things and holds it all together!  He existed before everything that was made and is clearly supreme in every way!

Jesus Christ is the head of the church, His body on earth and in heaven.  He birthed the church by dying sacrificially on the cross in order to redeem all mankind who would believe on Him.  He was also the firstborn from the dead by resurrection! (Colossians 1:19-20)  He reconciled us to God the Father, making peace through His own blood shed on the cross!  He now lives in us by the Holy Spirit who marks us as belonging to the Father.  This truth was a mystery hidden in God before Christ was revealed.  Now this mystery has been revealed through the Gospel and is available to Jews and Gentiles alike!

“I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness–the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints.  To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 2:26-27)

The greatest riches in the universe is Christ Jesus!  Having Christ in us brings joy, peace with God, and an unbelievable inheritance! Paul calls this inheritance the “hope of glory”!  When he talks about hope here, it is not “I hope that I see this glory”.  That is my “blessed hope”!  Hope is a firm expectation of coming good!  It is not some vaporous thought that maybe something will happen.  Hope doesn’t disappoint us because we know this glory is coming!  It is the glory of the resurrected Christ in His glory!  It is the glory of a resurrection body for us!   When we see Him, we shall be like Him in glory!  (1st John 3:2-3)  This hope causes us to purify our lives and live a righteous life of obedient faith.

Christmas is coming!  The best gift anyone could ever receive is “Christ in you, the hope of glory”!  Why not pray about sharing Christ with those you love who do not know Him?   The mystery is out in the open!  We can go public!  Pray like Paul in Colossians 4:3-6 that you may have an open door, proclaim the message clearly, and be wise!  God bless your giving!

Scripture reading for December 2nd: Philippians 1-4

I can wake up on the wrong side of the bed!  Sometimes my attitude stinks!  I am occasionally withdrawn, grumpy, and irritable.  I can be centered on myself and what I want that day.  I am in need of an “attitude adjustment”!  The Word of God provides that for us.  As we take it into our minds and hearts, it can do surgery on us.  (Hebrews 4:12)  It is Spirit and life to us from the heart of God.  (John 6:63)  Jesus Christ, Himself, modeled for us the kind of attitude that would please God.  We read about it today in Paul’s letter to the Philippians!

Paul prayed a lot for those in Philippi.  There was a church there with saints, overseers, and deacons that he had helped to set in place.  He was confident that God would complete the work He had begun in each of them that had believed.  He prayed that the love of these believers would abound more and more.  (Philippians 1:6-11)  He wanted them to be filled with the fruits of righteousness so that the Lord would receive glory!

These saints and leaders were encouraged by Paul to be united in love and purpose.  (Philippians 2:2-3)  Unity comes from fellowship with the Holy Spirit and a humble spirit towards God and each other.  We must learn to bear with one another and try and look out for others rather than focusing on ourselves.  The best example of this is Jesus Christ.

Jesus had a perfect attitude.  He was God and owner and ruler of the universe, but He humbled Himself and took on human likeness through the incarnation.  He willingly laid down all the power and privilege of royalty to be obedient to the Father.  He even obeyed the Father by laying down His life on the cross, enduring the death of the lowest criminal.  Because of His obedience, God exalted Him to the highest place of all after the resurrection.  His Name, Jesus Christ, is the highest name in the universe!  Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord!  Those who bow their knees now and confess now will enjoy eternity with Him!

We are working out our salvation while God is at work in us.  We humbly obey Him and do all we do without grumbling or complaining.  We know that God has given us the task of sharing the Word of life in Christ.  Our reward is sure!  We rejoice always!  (Philippians 4:4)   We pray about everything and enjoy the peace of Christ!  (Philippians 4:6-7)  We can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us!  (Philippians 4:13)  We know that our God will supply all of our needs according to His riches in Glory in Christ Jesus!  (Philippians 4:19)  What an attitude of victory and joy when we imitate Christ!

Scripture reading for December 1st: Ephesians 1-6

Ephesians is one of my favorite letters from God through Paul.  It contains amazing spiritual truth and insight for those in Christ’s church.  There is a wealth of encouragement and some fantastic prayers that lift us into the realm of God.  The simple Gospel is explained in Ephesians 2:8-11 in an easily understandable form.  The church and it’s purposes are laid out in Ephesians 4:1-16.  Following that, there are practical instructions for wise living for those in Christ.  I have often used these chapters in counseling others over the years I have ministered.  The last chapter helps us with spiritual warfare and the armor of God.  We are all in a battle against wicked forces in the heavenly realm.

“Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.  Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery.  Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.  Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:15-20

The only way to live wisely in these evil days is to be continuously filled with the Holy Spirit!  This is not a one-time experience of speaking in tongues or an emotional high at a Christian meeting.  It is a personal relationship with God the Holy Spirit.  As we live full of the Holy Spirit, we live a life of worship.  We do this when we are alone with God and when we are around others.  When we are filled with the Spirit, we speak graciously to others.  Our speech is pleasing and in harmony with the Spirit of God.

Our speech is to be filled with thanksgiving to God the Father for everything.  We realize that everything we have is from God.  Our strength and health, as well as our material possessions, are gifts.  We are blessed by our relationship with God and realize all the blessing of being in Christ! (Ephesians 1:3-12)  Christ is the reason for all that we have and we bubble over with thanksgiving and melodious speech.  Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs come from our hearts as we are filled with thanksgiving!

This is the secret to wise living in evil days!   Ask the Lord to fill you afresh with the Holy Spirit today!  Begin your day with worship!  Read some Psalms like 96-100!  Sing a spiritual song of love, thanksgiving to the Lord from your heart!  Decide to speak in harmony with the Holy Spirit to everyone you meet today!  What a difference!  You will make the most of every opportunity!  May God unveil all the spiritual blessing that are yours today in Christ Jesus!  Let all who are in Christ be “being filled with the Holy Spirit!”