Psalm 34:4-5
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.
Some thoughts on Psalm 34
Those who are believers have an instinct to turn to God in times of trouble. Initially, it is God who seeks us and calls us to Himself, but typically, it’s later in the life of the Christian when we see this. As we are growing in sanctification however, we learn to seek God more and more. Matthew 6:33 says “Seek first the kingdom of God...” We must know that when we seek God, we will find Him. Verse five shows us the joy of salvation. 1 Peter 1:8 “...you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.”
So remember that you need to discipline and train yourself to always look first to God in every situation. Seek to hear Him through His Word. Memorizing this week’s Scripture will be so helpful in that. It will help you to remember to seek Him. It will help you remember that He will deliver you from your fears. Most significantly is the fear of death and hell and punishment. This passage helps you to understand the “inexpressible joy” that we have in Christ.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Rob
<><
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Verse for February 9
Psalm 34:1-3
1 I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!
We're memorizing three short verses together this week. This is the start of memorizing the entire Psalm. We'll be memorizing it just a few verses at a time. In just a few short weeks, you can have all of Psalm 34 memorized!
1 I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!
We're memorizing three short verses together this week. This is the start of memorizing the entire Psalm. We'll be memorizing it just a few verses at a time. In just a few short weeks, you can have all of Psalm 34 memorized!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Verse for February 2
1 Peter 2:24
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
This is such a great Gospel verse! As you well know, I’m kind of obsessed with the Gospel (it’s ok, this one really IS a healthy obsession) and verses that are clearly Gospel centered always jump out at me when I’m reading and studying God’s Word.
At the beginning of this verse, we see the phrase “bore your sin.” We must understand that Jesus wasn’t just giving us an example to follow, by being a martyr. He was actually suffering in our place. He was actually punished for the sins of all who would believe in Him when He died on the cross.He took our punishment and satisfied the wrath of a holy God toward sin. The idea of Christ dying in our place, on our behalf is at the heart of the Gospel.
The next phrase of note is “die to sin.” The idea here is that you were in Christ when He died on the cross, so you have died to sin. You no longer have to sin. The verse goes on to say “live to righteousness” meaning that you now have the power to live a righteous life. In fact, Christ died so that you could actually live a righteous life. Ephesians 2:10 says you were “created in Christ Jesus for good works...”
The verse concludes with “by his wounds you have been healed.” This obviously talks about the spiritual wounds you have as a result of your sinful acts. Romans 8:1 says that there is “no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” referring to the penalty of sin. You were a slave to sin. When you are saved, you are a slave to righteousness. There is no threat of punishment for a believer.
Memorize this verse. Meditate on it and live in the reality that spiritually, you have been healed. You can live the righteous life you should live because of what Christ did for you on the cross.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Rob
<><
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
This is such a great Gospel verse! As you well know, I’m kind of obsessed with the Gospel (it’s ok, this one really IS a healthy obsession) and verses that are clearly Gospel centered always jump out at me when I’m reading and studying God’s Word.
At the beginning of this verse, we see the phrase “bore your sin.” We must understand that Jesus wasn’t just giving us an example to follow, by being a martyr. He was actually suffering in our place. He was actually punished for the sins of all who would believe in Him when He died on the cross.He took our punishment and satisfied the wrath of a holy God toward sin. The idea of Christ dying in our place, on our behalf is at the heart of the Gospel.
The next phrase of note is “die to sin.” The idea here is that you were in Christ when He died on the cross, so you have died to sin. You no longer have to sin. The verse goes on to say “live to righteousness” meaning that you now have the power to live a righteous life. In fact, Christ died so that you could actually live a righteous life. Ephesians 2:10 says you were “created in Christ Jesus for good works...”
The verse concludes with “by his wounds you have been healed.” This obviously talks about the spiritual wounds you have as a result of your sinful acts. Romans 8:1 says that there is “no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” referring to the penalty of sin. You were a slave to sin. When you are saved, you are a slave to righteousness. There is no threat of punishment for a believer.
Memorize this verse. Meditate on it and live in the reality that spiritually, you have been healed. You can live the righteous life you should live because of what Christ did for you on the cross.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Rob
<><
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Verse for January 25
I Timothy 4:12
Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
Paul wrote this letter to Timothy to give him some practical instruction about his role in the church at Ephesus. Timothy is considered to be one of Paul’s most beloved disciples. Paul was Timothy’s spiritual father and Timothy was one of his “proteges.”
In the culture of the day, there was a great emphasis on age and experience. Even though Timothy was in his 30s, he would have still been considered “young” by many. This verse is telling him that he needs to earn the respect of others by being diligent to be the example of maturity in five specific areas. His example would, most certainly, earn him the respect of others and as a result, his ability to minister to and serve others would be far greater.
While we are not all pastors, we should be disciplined to be an example to all in these areas as well.
The areas are:
• Word - this is his speech. All of his words, in every conversation should be in alignment with Ephesians 4:29, which says that we should speak ONLY words of encouragement and grace.
• Conduct - This is the holy, righteous living spoken of in Titus 2:10 and 1 Peter 1:15, which says “be holy in all your conduct.”
• Love - Read John 15:13. Our love for others should be sacrificial.
• Faith - this is not talking about the faith we have leading to salvation, but being faithful and committed to Christ and the glory of God. See 1 Corinthians 4:2
• Purity - Purity in all areas, especially sexual purity. Ephesians 5:3 says that there shouldn’t even be a hint of sexual immorality in a Christian.
As you memorize this verse this week, think through what an example in each of these areas should be and try studying each of the sections one day during the week.
For example: on Thursday, study “Word.” How important are your words. Look up words like mouth, tongue, lips, speech, word(s) in a concordance or Bible search and see what the Bible has to say about our words and what we communicate.
On Friday, do the same thing with “Conduct” then again on Saturday, etc. This way, you’re really living out the verse that you’re memorizing.
Check back on the blog and you might find some helps with that throughout the week.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Rob
<><
Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
Paul wrote this letter to Timothy to give him some practical instruction about his role in the church at Ephesus. Timothy is considered to be one of Paul’s most beloved disciples. Paul was Timothy’s spiritual father and Timothy was one of his “proteges.”
In the culture of the day, there was a great emphasis on age and experience. Even though Timothy was in his 30s, he would have still been considered “young” by many. This verse is telling him that he needs to earn the respect of others by being diligent to be the example of maturity in five specific areas. His example would, most certainly, earn him the respect of others and as a result, his ability to minister to and serve others would be far greater.
While we are not all pastors, we should be disciplined to be an example to all in these areas as well.
The areas are:
• Word - this is his speech. All of his words, in every conversation should be in alignment with Ephesians 4:29, which says that we should speak ONLY words of encouragement and grace.
• Conduct - This is the holy, righteous living spoken of in Titus 2:10 and 1 Peter 1:15, which says “be holy in all your conduct.”
• Love - Read John 15:13. Our love for others should be sacrificial.
• Faith - this is not talking about the faith we have leading to salvation, but being faithful and committed to Christ and the glory of God. See 1 Corinthians 4:2
• Purity - Purity in all areas, especially sexual purity. Ephesians 5:3 says that there shouldn’t even be a hint of sexual immorality in a Christian.
As you memorize this verse this week, think through what an example in each of these areas should be and try studying each of the sections one day during the week.
For example: on Thursday, study “Word.” How important are your words. Look up words like mouth, tongue, lips, speech, word(s) in a concordance or Bible search and see what the Bible has to say about our words and what we communicate.
On Friday, do the same thing with “Conduct” then again on Saturday, etc. This way, you’re really living out the verse that you’re memorizing.
Check back on the blog and you might find some helps with that throughout the week.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Rob
<><
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Verse for Jan. 19
Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
So what about now? We’re not in heaven yet, right? This verse applies to everyone who is a believer in Christ (the “we” at the beginning). This is true for all believers. It’s a certainty. We must always remember that God is sovereign and in control of everything, yet we are still responsible for all of our actions.
God is in control of every event in our lives. Whether it be great things like a new car or an A on a test, or horrible things like an illness or injury. Even temptations are part of that.
Every event in our lives is part of God’s plan to make us more like Jesus. We should view the positive events in our lives as gifts from God (James 1:17). We should view the negative events as platforms upon which greater humility can be produced in our lives (James 4:6).
The passage concludes with “according to his purpose.” I can’t help but think of Ephesians 2:8-10. Many people know verses eight and nine, which say “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” but we sometimes forget about verse 10, which says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
We were created to do good works. A genuine believer in Christ will live a life that honors Him and do good works. It’s not the works that save, or add to anything, but they are the result of having been saved.
God brings us to the point of doing good works and being sanctified (1 Peter 1:15) through the events and circumstances in our lives. We must always remember that everything that happens to us, as believers, is for our good and His glory.
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
So what about now? We’re not in heaven yet, right? This verse applies to everyone who is a believer in Christ (the “we” at the beginning). This is true for all believers. It’s a certainty. We must always remember that God is sovereign and in control of everything, yet we are still responsible for all of our actions.
God is in control of every event in our lives. Whether it be great things like a new car or an A on a test, or horrible things like an illness or injury. Even temptations are part of that.
Every event in our lives is part of God’s plan to make us more like Jesus. We should view the positive events in our lives as gifts from God (James 1:17). We should view the negative events as platforms upon which greater humility can be produced in our lives (James 4:6).
The passage concludes with “according to his purpose.” I can’t help but think of Ephesians 2:8-10. Many people know verses eight and nine, which say “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” but we sometimes forget about verse 10, which says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
We were created to do good works. A genuine believer in Christ will live a life that honors Him and do good works. It’s not the works that save, or add to anything, but they are the result of having been saved.
God brings us to the point of doing good works and being sanctified (1 Peter 1:15) through the events and circumstances in our lives. We must always remember that everything that happens to us, as believers, is for our good and His glory.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
This Week's Memory Verse
Everything begins with the glory of God. That’s why we started with 1 Corinthians 10:31 last week. Since one of our central things this year is Scripture memory, we move next to a powerful verse about the Bible.
This week’s verse is Hebrews 4:12, which says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
It’s hard to boil this verse down to something short, but here are seven quick statements about things we see in this verse.
1. The Bible is the Divine Word
The Bible is the Word of God. God’s very words to us. God doesn’t speak anywhere else. He has spoken.
2. The Bible is the Living Word
It’s not a natural book. It’s a supernatural book.Every other book in the world is a dead book
This book alone has life in it, it living, is active.
3. The Bible is the Powerful Word
This is from the word the word we get “energy” from. It’s energetic, dynamic, powerful
The book has power. Power to both save us and change us.
4. The Bible is the Razor Sharp Word
When you really study Scripture, it will cut deeply right where it needs to.
This two-edged sword cuts both ways.
It convicts and converts, damns and saved, exposes sin and forgives it.
5. The Bible is the Piercing Word
The Bible penetrates the outward mask and shield you have on.
Know why a lot of people don’t really listen when the Bible is taught? They don’t like it.
They don’t like the conviction of God’s Word, so it’s easier to just kind of casually listen and be more interested in the text message that just came in than in What’s being preached.
6. The Bible is the Judging Word
What is exposed by the piercing and cutting is then judged.
Once the Word of God opens us up and strips us down, we’re “exposed”
You stand -stripped naked and uncovered.
You understand that you stand guilty before a holy God.
You can only come to Him in repentance and belief.
7. The Bible is the Saving Word
It judges to bring us to Christ that we might receive forgiveness and mercy.
3:7 - 4:11 is a call to repentance - God is speaking through His Word
God is calling. God is pleading.
4:12 & 13 is the final plea.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Rob
<><
* This post is a summary of a fantastic sermon by Steve Lawson on Hebrews 4:12.
This week’s verse is Hebrews 4:12, which says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
It’s hard to boil this verse down to something short, but here are seven quick statements about things we see in this verse.
1. The Bible is the Divine Word
The Bible is the Word of God. God’s very words to us. God doesn’t speak anywhere else. He has spoken.
2. The Bible is the Living Word
It’s not a natural book. It’s a supernatural book.Every other book in the world is a dead book
This book alone has life in it, it living, is active.
3. The Bible is the Powerful Word
This is from the word the word we get “energy” from. It’s energetic, dynamic, powerful
The book has power. Power to both save us and change us.
4. The Bible is the Razor Sharp Word
When you really study Scripture, it will cut deeply right where it needs to.
This two-edged sword cuts both ways.
It convicts and converts, damns and saved, exposes sin and forgives it.
5. The Bible is the Piercing Word
The Bible penetrates the outward mask and shield you have on.
Know why a lot of people don’t really listen when the Bible is taught? They don’t like it.
They don’t like the conviction of God’s Word, so it’s easier to just kind of casually listen and be more interested in the text message that just came in than in What’s being preached.
6. The Bible is the Judging Word
What is exposed by the piercing and cutting is then judged.
Once the Word of God opens us up and strips us down, we’re “exposed”
You stand -stripped naked and uncovered.
You understand that you stand guilty before a holy God.
You can only come to Him in repentance and belief.
7. The Bible is the Saving Word
It judges to bring us to Christ that we might receive forgiveness and mercy.
3:7 - 4:11 is a call to repentance - God is speaking through His Word
God is calling. God is pleading.
4:12 & 13 is the final plea.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Rob
<><
* This post is a summary of a fantastic sermon by Steve Lawson on Hebrews 4:12.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Scripture Memory 2011
So for this year, we're going to be emphasizing Scripture memorization. The goal is to memorize one verse each week. We'll be handing out verse cards at SIX33 each week, along with some thoughts on the verse here on the blog. Check back at least weekly to see what's going on and keep up with the passages.
First - scroll down to a couple blogs back and watch the John Piper video. It's only a couple of minutes and very worth watching.
We'll be handing out memory cards each week at SIX33, so our weeks will start on Wednesdays. I'll be posting some thoughts and commentary on the verses each week here to help you with your understanding of the verse(s) that week. Remember our Bible study process:
• Observation (what does it say? We're memorizing this)
• Interpretation (what does it mean? This will be here on the blog)
• Application (how am I changed by this Scripture?)
There will also be some Scripture Memory aids and hints both here and on the website (SIX33 Website)
This week's verse: 1 Corinthians 10:31
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Many of us have memorized this verse to use sharing the Gospel. Remember, everything starts with the Glory of God. John MacArthur says, "Even in the most mundane, routine, nonspiritual things of life, like ordinary eating and drinking, God is to be glorified. his glory is to be our life commitment. it is the purpose of our whole life."
We are memorizing (or meditating on it if you already have it memorized) this verse as a reminder that we should always be about honoring God in everything that we do. There should be no part of your life that is exempt from this. This is Paul's central message to everyone. Christ has set the believer free from sin and punishment. We are to use that freedom to bring glory to God in every detail of our life.
Soli Deo Glori!
Rob
<><
First - scroll down to a couple blogs back and watch the John Piper video. It's only a couple of minutes and very worth watching.
We'll be handing out memory cards each week at SIX33, so our weeks will start on Wednesdays. I'll be posting some thoughts and commentary on the verses each week here to help you with your understanding of the verse(s) that week. Remember our Bible study process:
• Observation (what does it say? We're memorizing this)
• Interpretation (what does it mean? This will be here on the blog)
• Application (how am I changed by this Scripture?)
There will also be some Scripture Memory aids and hints both here and on the website (SIX33 Website)
This week's verse: 1 Corinthians 10:31
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Many of us have memorized this verse to use sharing the Gospel. Remember, everything starts with the Glory of God. John MacArthur says, "Even in the most mundane, routine, nonspiritual things of life, like ordinary eating and drinking, God is to be glorified. his glory is to be our life commitment. it is the purpose of our whole life."
We are memorizing (or meditating on it if you already have it memorized) this verse as a reminder that we should always be about honoring God in everything that we do. There should be no part of your life that is exempt from this. This is Paul's central message to everyone. Christ has set the believer free from sin and punishment. We are to use that freedom to bring glory to God in every detail of our life.
Soli Deo Glori!
Rob
<><
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
