Hebrews 5 - Christ, Better Priest

LINK: Hebrews 4:14 - 5:14

BACKGROUND 

Today we read that Jesus is better than Aaron's priesthood too. Face it, He is just BETTER!

High priests, such as Aaron and his successors, were divinely appointed by God to be a bridge between sinful mankind and a holy, righteous God. They were sinful human beings, so they had to sacrifice for themselves before they could sacrifice for the people they were serving (Leviticus 16). Also, they had to be men of compassion as they were to "deal gently" with sinful mankind. 

In comparison, Jesus was fully man, tempted in every way, but He did not respond sinfully to temptation. Since He has lived this sojourn on earth, He can "feel or suffer with" us in our struggle against sin. As a result, we can approach Him boldly because He has passed through the heavens and is seated on the throne of GRACE. Therefore, we can be fully assured that we will receive oodles of kindness and goodwill from Him along with His willingness to help us in our hour of need! WIN-WIN! 

Also, Jesus is the GREAT High Priest that has no beginning or end. He was a High Priest after the order of Melchizedek and not of Aaron. So, he was both a King and a Priest (Psalm 2:7; 110:4). We will go into more detail about Melchizedek in Hebrews 7, but here is the Bible Book Club post from Genesis 14 to give you a quick reminder of who he was:

In chapter 14, Abraham had to save Lot who was carried off amid a war. In this process, he had an encounter with Melchizedek (his name means "king of righteousness"). He was king of Jerusalem (although some scholars disagree on that). He was a priest of God most High. This is El Elyon in Hebrew, and this is the first time God is referred to in this way. This name is connected with the sovereignty of God. We see this name of God most often in the book of Daniel. What is so amazing is there was a king in the middle of a country of idol worshipers who worshiped God Most High! 

The Scarlet Thread of Redemption: Some scholars believe it was an appearance of Christ (Christology), but it is more widely held that Melchizedek was a "type" of Christ (typology). Regardless, this fits into our Scarlet Thread. Take a look at Hebrews 7:1-3!

Hebrews 5:7-10 will be handled more extensively later on in Hebrews and Hebrews 5:11-14 fits better with the background for Hebrews 6 so stay tuned and keep reading.

REFLECTION/APPLICATION 

I find so many people timid in approaching the "throne of grace" with EVERYTHING: the good, the bad, and the ugly.

So, go boldly with . . . 

The Good - Worship Him who is worthy of all your praise and thank Him for all that you are grateful for. Why not do that with Interactive Gratitude?

The Bad - Talk to Him about all that is going bad in your life. He is the only One who will never tire of your "dumping"! Why not process your emotions about the bad with Immanuel Journaling?

The Ugly - Are there things that you are trying to hide from Him that You just need to verbalize to Him and get it all out in the open through confession? He knows what is like to be tempted and has ABUNDANT kindness and help available to you if you will confidently come to Him!!!

Get bold and confident and GO!!!!

PRAYER

Boldly we come to Your throne to receive mercy and grace.
Help us to not be afraid to look up and into Your face. 
Amen

Hebrews 4 - Enter Your Rightful Rest

LINK: Hebrews 4 (Meditate on and memorize Hebrews 4:11-12)

BACKGROUND 

Hebrews 4-10 starts the section that highlights Christ as the High Priest with a focus on ministry. 

We did a bit of review of the Old Testament yesterday:

The rest [Is that a pun?] of the chapter contains a warning that the Hebrews not harden their hearts like Israel did in the wilderness. Psalm 95:7-11 is quoted here. It refers to the failure of Israel (except for Moses, Caleb, and Joshua) to believe and their disobedience that resulted in the 40 years of wilderness wandering (see Numbers 13 & 14). Because of their hardness, Israel did not enter the rest in the Promised Land of Canaan (Deuteronomy 12:8-12).

"Rest" is intertwined with the word "inheritance" in the Old Testament. God wanted His people to move past the wilderness and into their inheritance in the land of Canaan. Their unbelief kept them from moving forward, they missed their inheritance and died in that wilderness. Ultimately, the next generation moved forward to their inheritance in Canaan, and God gave them rest on every side (Joshua 21:43-45; Hebrews 3:11). 

The Old Testament Canaan represents our New Testament spiritual inheritance in Christ (Ephesians 1:3, 11, 15-23). Joshua led the next generation into the Promised Land, but Christ (who is way better than Joshua) will bring us into our eternal rest. Read the verses in Ephesians 1 to better understand the concept of inheritance. 

"Rest" also refers to the Sabbath rest; when God rested on the seventh day from His work of Creation (Genesis 2:2; Hebrews 4:4). The Sabbath rest pictures our rest in Christ through salvation (Hebrews 4:3; Matthew 11:28) and the Canaan rest pictures the rest we have on every side as we claim our inheritance in Christ (Hebrews 4:11-13). There is also that future, eternal rest in heaven! In Hebrews 4:9, the Greek word is sabbatismos:

Here the sabbath–keeping is the perpetual sabbath rest to be enjoyed uninterruptedly by believers in their fellowship with the Father and the Son, in contrast to the weekly Sabbath under the Law. Because this sabbath rest is the rest of God Himself, 4:10, its full fruition is yet future, though believers now enter into it. In whatever way they enter into Divine rest, that which they enjoy is involved in an indissoluble relation with God.  (Vine's Expository Dictionary Of Old and New Testament Words: Volume 2, p. 288)

The writer of Hebrews exhorts them to exert themselves in entering that rest and not fail to do so through unbelief like the disobedient Israelites! They could be diligent (as opposed to drifting and wandering, Hebrews 2:1-3) by diligently following and believing the living and active Word of God (Romans 10:17). The Word of God penetrates and exposes our hearts, and we need daily heart surgery! 

The author concludes Hebrews 4 with a "therefore," but I am going to leave you in suspense and save that for tomorrow since it ties in with Hebrews 5. 

Stay tuned!

In review, Christ is better than the prophets and angels (Hebrews 1), Moses (Hebrews 3), and Joshua (Hebrews 4)!

REFLECTION

I am sort of passionate about people getting past their wilderness experiences and entering into their promised inheritance. There are so many people who are saved and delivered from the bondage of sin through salvation in Christ, but they seem to be drifting in the wilderness.

I am not going to lie; I have been discouraged by it lately. I do listening prayer with people where they hear truth from God, but sometimes, they just do not want to believe it, receive it, and run with it right into the end zone of the promised rest God has for them. Instead, they function in unbelief of God's goodness in their day-to-day experience. There is such joy to be found in the Promised Land though, and I am sad about that. 

God had a better land for the Israelites beyond the bondage of Egypt; a better land beyond the shifting sands of the Arabian wilderness. This better land was free for the taking and a place of stability and rest on every side, but they doubted God's Word and would rather complain about things than believe.

How ironic that last week, instead of studying Moses and listening to the lesson God had in His Word about this very subject, people wanted to "just pray" rather than study God's Word. I was so sad. (It was also sad because I had spent quite a bit of time preparing for it that afternoon.) 

Do not get me wrong: I LOVE PRAYER, but sometimes, prayer times can devolve into dump sessions with very little prayer and very little getting down to the heart issues. That is why, after leading Bible studies, prayer, and accountability groups for over 30 years, I prefer to have prayer times in response to time in God's Word, connecting to His presence, and letting God use that to work His healing "spiritual surgery" on our hearts. Prayer flows from that and is so powerful as we respond back to Him in prayer after He speaks to us. 

APPLICATION

So how about you? Are your tires stuck in the desert sand? Do you need a tow? God has one for you, but it means being diligent to pursue Him with all that is within you, and that includes pursuing Him in His Word.  

Of course, God sees our hearts (Heb. 4:13); but we do not always know what is there (Jer. 17:9). God uses the Word to enable us to see the sin and unbelief in our own hearts. The Word exposes our hearts; and then, if we trust God, the Word enables our hearts to obey God and claim His promises. This is why each believer should be diligent to apply himself to hear and heed God’s Word. In the Word we see God, and we also see how God sees us. We see ourselves as we really are. This experience enables us to be honest with God, to trust His will, and to obey Him.  (The Bible Exposition Commentary: Volume 2, Heb 3:7, p. 290, emphasis mine.)

What is your "I will" statement for today? Who are you going to tell about it so that they can hold you lovingly accountable? 

PRAYER

Lord, Thank You for clarifying for me some feelings I have had for the past week. Help me to continue to be diligent to be in Your Word because I need spiritual surgery every day! Help me to enter that promised rest You have for me on a 24/7/365 basis because of Jesus! Forgive me for "ceasing to pray" for those people You have given me to mentor. May they come into the true rest that only You can give. Amen. 

Hebrews 3 - Do Not Harden Your Heart

LINK: Hebrews 3

BACKGROUND 

The Hebrews were partakers of a "heavenly calling" (Ephesians 2:6-7; Philippians 3:20-21; 2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 7:15-17, 21:1-22:5). They were exhorted to "thoughtfully and attentively consider" Jesus who is an Apostle because He was the one sent forth by God, and He faithfully revealed the Father. He is the High Priest because of what we learned in 2:17-18. Moses was considered an apostle because he established the covenant between God and Israel, while his brother Aaron was the high priest who mediated between God and man during the sacrifices. Jesus is both the Apostle and High Priest. Therefore, Jesus is superior to Moses. As an Apostle, Jesus pleads God's cause with believers. As a High Priest, He pleads the believers' cause with God! He is the perfect Mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5-6)! Moses was a servant in God's house (Tabernacle) but Christ is the divine Son over God's household.

The rest of the chapter contains a warning to not harden their hearts like Israel did in the wilderness. Psalm 95:7-11 is quoted here. It refers to the failure of Israel (except for Moses, Caleb, and Joshua) to believe and their disobedience that resulted in the 40 years of wilderness wandering (see Numbers 13 & 14). Because of their hardness, Israel did not enter the rest in the promised land of Canaan (Deuteronomy 12:8-12).

What is our rest? Stay tuned for tomorrow's post! 

REFLECTION

Moses was a "type" of Christ. A type is a person in the Old Testament who foreshadows a person in the New Testament. Here are the similarities between Moses and Christ:

1) As infants, both were threatened with extermination under a cruel ruler (Exodus 1:22, 2:1-19; Matthew 2:13-17). 

2) Both mediated between God and man (Exodus 32:30-32; 1 Timothy 2:5-6). 

3) Both brought the law; Moses brought one on stone and Jesus by the Spirit on human hearts (Exodus 19:1-20:22; 2 Corinthians 3:3).  

4) Both were God's instruments to liberate people from slavery (Exodus 12:1-35; Colossians 1:13-14). (Adapted from Hebrews (LifeChange), p. 49-50)

APPLICATION

There will be more about rest tomorrow. For your application today, enjoy a time of worship as you listen to the video and read the lyrics below.

PRAYER

"Jesus, I Am Resting, Resting" was J. Hudson Taylor's favorite hymn. Here is the story behind the hymn and Taylor:

Use it in your prayer time today. I love this rendition with more modern language:

Jesus, I am resting, resting,
In the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee,
And Thy beauty fills my soul,
For by Thy transforming power,
Thou hast made me whole.

Refrain

Jesus, I am resting, resting,
In the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart.

O, how great Thy loving kindness,
Vaster, broader than the sea!
O, how marvelous Thy goodness,
Lavished all on me!
Yes, I rest in Thee, Belovèd,
Know what wealth of grace is Thine,
Know Thy certainty of promise,
And have made it mine.

Refrain

Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,
I behold Thee as Thou art,
And Thy love, so pure, so changeless,
Satisfies my heart;
Satisfies its deepest longings,
Meets, supplies its every need,
Compasseth me round with blessings:
Thine is love indeed!

Refrain

Ever lift Thy face upon me
As I work and wait for Thee;
Resting ’neath Thy smile, Lord Jesus,
Earth’s dark shadows flee.
Brightness of my Father’s glory,
Sunshine of my Father’s face,
Keep me ever trusting, resting,
Fill me with Thy grace.

Refrain

Hebrews 2 - Do Not Neglect So Great a Salvation

LINK: Hebrews 2

BACKGROUND

This book has five warnings, and Hebrews 2 contains the first:

We must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, 
so that we do not drift away from it. 
(Hebrews 2:1)

We learned in Hebrews 1 that God had spoken through His Son; and His Son is above the angels, Heir of all things, Creator, Sustainer, Owner, Ruler, and Redeemer of the World (remember from Colossians 2:9 that in Christ all the "fullness of deity [God] dwells in bodily form"). The immature and dull of hearing Hebrews (5:11-12) needed to listen up and not ignore "so great a salvation"! 

What is this great salvation?

Only what is it really—this great salvation? What he's really saying is: Don't neglect being loved by God. Don't neglect being forgiven and accepted and protected and strengthened and guided by Almighty God. Don't neglect the sacrifice of Christ's life on the cross. Don't neglect the free gift of righteousness imputed by faith. Don't neglect the removal of God's wrath and the reconciled smile of God. Don't neglect the indwelling Holy Spirit and the fellowship and friendship of the living Christ. Don't neglect the radiance of God's glory in the face of Jesus. Don't neglect the free access to the throne of grace. Don't neglect the inexhaustible treasure of God's promises. This is a great salvation. Neglecting it is very evil. Don't neglect so great a salvation. ("Spoken, Confirmed, Witnessed: A Great Salvation" sermon by John Piper)

Jesus came from heaven and made himself a man who was a "little lower than the angels," suffered, and died to bring people up above the angels and into the family of God. Jesus became a perfect human to become our perfect High Priest who was sacrificed for all of humanity. Because of His suffering when tempted, He is able to come to our aid when we are tempted. This IS a great salvation! So, we need to listen to Jesus since "God has spoken through His Son" (1:2).

REFLECTION

It is so hard to "pay attention" in this world where everything is delivered in 30-second sound bites and different things cry out and say, "Act upon me immediately!" Even while writing this post, I was almost driven to distraction by all the options that I had for my day. I wanted to finish War and Peace on my iPod as I walked around the block, call my friend back on the cell phone, watch that movie I started two days ago, and contact friends on Facebook to arrange meetings or ask questions about important things (and it isn't even frivolous chat). Some of these things are worthy goals (except maybe the movie), but they are still distractions, and this instant electronic world makes them more "in your face" as gongs, musical pieces, beeps, and chimes emanate from cell phones, computers, and iPods everywhere we turn!

Thankfully, I made a commitment over 30 years ago to start my day with the Lord. It helps me to focus on Him and this "great salvation" before getting lost in the myriad options (and distractions) that vie for my attention daily.  War and Peace can wait, my daily exercise can wait, the movie can wait, my friends can wait, and I can turn off the bells and whistles for these sacred minutes alone with the Lord. There is one thing that is needful and is the better thing: "paying careful attention" to Him like Mary did as she sat at His feet (Luke 10:42). 

2023 Update: Now it is iPhones (not iPods) and over 40 (not 30) years of starting my day with the Lord. This morning though, with the help of audiobooks, I could listen to Hebrews while walking around my block at 5:30 am and stretching afterward! 

APPLICATION

Do you neglect this "great salvation"?  Here are some questions from John Piper's sermon on Hebrews. Dialogue with God about it:

Now this is a sobering word for the world and for the church, because most people do neglect the greatness of salvation. How many people do you know who give serious, sustained attention to the salvation accomplished by Christ—who love it, and think about it, and meditate on it, and marvel at it, and feel continual gratitude for it, and commend it to others as valuable, and weave it into all the lesser things of their lives, and set their hopes on it? Do you live this way? Is it not astonishing how neglectful even professing Christians are of their great salvation? 

Is there a sense of greatness in your mind about your salvation? When something truly great is happening, there is an appropriate response to greatness. Do you respond to the greatness of your salvation? Or do you neglect it? Do you treat your salvation the way you treat your will or the title to your car or the deed on your house? You signed it once and it is in a file drawer somewhere, but it is not a really great thing. It has no daily effect on you. Basically you neglect it. (Ibid. John Piper)

Take the questions in this last paragraph of Piper's sermon and dialogue with God about it. 

2023 Update: I am part of a group that is doing 30 days of gratitude three times a day for five minutes. I am going to take the "Don't take" statements by Piper and thank God for the thing Piper says to not take for granted. You can see my gratitude in the comments below.

PRAYER

Lord, focus our hearts and minds on what is needful. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen. 

Hebrews 1 - Christ, Greater Than Angels

LINK: Hebrews 1

BACKGROUND

Hebrews

Bible Study Tool: Overview

When doing an overview of a book. It is always good to ask investigative questions. 

Who wrote it?

Some suggestions for the authorship of Hebrews have been Paul, Apollos, and Barnabas. It was someone who was very familiar with the Jewish religious system and knew his readers (6:9; 13:18, 19, 23-24), Also, his recipients knew Timothy (13:23). Beyond this, we do not know. Paul usually identified himself in his epistles. There is no such identification in this book. Also, the basic style is not like the other Pauline epistles. I agree with the early church theologian, Origen, who said that only God knew who had written this book!

Who were the recipients?

We do not know for sure other than they were a community of Jewish believers (Hebrews) that the author intended to visit (13:19). Some commentators have speculated that it was a group of believers in the ancient Libyan city of Cyrene in North Africa because of the sizable and influential Jewish community there during the Roman period. We do know that Christianity took root there very early in the history of the church (Acts 11:20). Again, we do not know for sure. 

When was it written?

The date of its writing is believed to be before A.D. 95 because Clement of Rome quoted from Hebrews. It was probably before the destruction of the Jewish temple in A.D. 70 since so much of the book involves teaching about the Jewish sacrificial system and implies that it was still in operation (8:4, 13; 9:6-9; 10:1-3). 

Why was it written? 

For a first-century Jew to become a believer in Jesus Christ required a great sacrifice. He was immediately branded as an apostate and a blemish to the Jewish nation. He was considered "unclean" in the strongest possible sense. Defecting Jews were immediately expelled from the synagogue, their children were denied the privilege of attending the synagogue school; they lost their jobs in geographical areas controlled by the Jews; in short, they lost everything of earthy value to them. Furthermore, the Jewish high priest had the authority in Judea, and to some extent in other provinces, to throw troublesome Jews in jail. It was circumstances such as those that apparently caused many of these Hebrew believers to wane in their commitment to Christ.

At first, these Hebrew Christians joyfully accepted persecution (10:34). But after a while, it apparently became too much for them to bear and their endurance weakened (10:35-36). The warning passages in the letter suggest that these believers were degenerating in faith. While they never considered actually renouncing Jesus Christ, they nevertheless contemplated drifting back into the outward observances of Judaism (including rituals, ceremonies, and sacrifices -- see 2:1, 4:14, 7:11, 10:1, 13:9-14). They apparently reasoned that if they took part in such rites, the Jewish leaders might be satisfied and leave them alone.

The writer set out to warn them about the futility of such reasoning. If they lapsed from Christianity back into Judaism -- as they had already begun to do to some extent -- they would be identifying themselves with an obsolete system and a Christ-rejecting nation that was under judgment. The writer accordingly pointed them to a better way. His argument was revolutionary: Because of Christ, everything is new. Everything is better. The old has passed away, so hold onto your faith and commitment. Don't retrogress. Instead, patiently endure your present circumstances. Your faith will be generously rewarded. This is certain, for God's promise cannot fail.  (Hebrews: LifeChange, p. 15-16)

What are the key themes?

1. Superiority of Christ
2. High Priest
3. Sacrifice
4. Maturity
5. Faith
6. Endurance

A Handy Way to Summarize:

Christ, the Son of God. Focus: Deity (Chapter 1)

Christ, the Son of Man. Focus: Humanity (Chapters 2-3)

Christ, the High Priest. Focus: Ministry (Chapters 4-10)

Christ, the Better Way. Focus: Example (Chapters 11-13) (The Daily Walk, Dec. 2008, p. 15)

The message in Hebrews is powerful for today. My husband calls it one of his "breakthrough books." After many years of being a believer, he still did not know how the Old Testament and the New Testament were connected. So, his discipler, Phil Wroblicky, sat down with him and explained that connection by studying Hebrews with George. 

BACKGROUND

Hebrews 1

God had spoken through the prophets in the past, but that Old Testament prophetic revelation has now reached a climax in His Son! This is it! The Scarlet Thread of Redemption comes to its zenith in Jesus. WOOHOO! It was a long time getting here, but aren't you glad you came? He is the heir of all things and creator of the universe (1:2). On top of all that . . . 

. . . He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. . . (1:3)

WOOOHOOO!

Christ is not only superior to the prophets but also superior to the angels, and the writer demonstrates this by comparing Christ's greatness to that of the angels using Old Testament Psalms:

1:5, 6    Psalm 2:7
1:7, 14  Psalm 104:4
1:8, 9    Psalm 45:6
1:10      Psalm 102:25
1:13      Psalm 110:1

In Hebrews 1:5, 6, God speaks to the new King. This affirms the Kingly Sonship of Jesus that falls in line with the Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7). Paul also quotes it in Acts 13:33 in reference to the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus.  In quoting Psalm 2:7 and 97:7, the writer of Hebrews is exhorting all his servant angels (Hebrews 1:7, 14) to worship this newly enthroned King of all kings, superior in every way. 

But of the Son He says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,  
And the righteous scepter is the scepter of His kingdom.  
You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; 
Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You 
With the oil of gladness above Your companions.”  (Hebrews 1:8-9 quoting Psalm 45:6, 7)

If you have been reading straight through the Bible in this cycle of the Bible Book Club, you will see how beautifully the Old Testament and New Testament tie together with a big Scarlet Thread of Redemption bow on top! Being familiar with the Old Testament makes this chapter in the New Testament that much sweeter!

Note: If you have not read through a whole three-year cycle with the Bible Book Club, consider joining us for the new cycle starting in January of next year! But you don't have to do it in three years. Go at your own pace!

Update: The SEVENTH CYCLE starts in 2026!

(This is our SIXTH CYCLE!  1) 2008-2010, 2) 2011-2013, 3) 2014-2016, 4) 2017-2019, 5) 2020-2022, 6) 2023-2025)

APPLICATION

As you read this book, imagine yourself in the shoes of the persecuted Jewish Christians. How would this book encourage you?

Soak DEEPLY in the prologue (1:1-4)!

PRAYER

Try praying Lectio Divina style through Hebrews 1:8-9 and then listen to this beautiful rendition of it in song by Kelly Willard. It is an old song (1983), but it was going through my heart as I meditated on these verses:

Lord, open our eyes that we may behold wondrous things from the book of Hebrews. We want to see Your face through it. Amen. 

Put Philemon Back on the New Testament Shelf

You have just completed another milestone: the Pauline epistles!  Tomorrow you start the last shelf of the bookcase! WOOHOOO!!

Philemon - Forgiving a Brother

LINK: Philemon

BACKGROUND

Philemon was probably a wealthy member of the Colossian church and the master of the runaway slave, Onesimus. Paul wrote this letter in about A.D. 60 in order to convince Philemon to forgive Onesimus and welcome him back as a brother in Christ.  

REFLECTION

From The Daily Walk, December 6/7, 2008:

Reconciling a difference is never easy and seldom pleasant, but Paul's letter provides a much-needed model in the delicate task of asking for and accepting forgiveness.   

Paul does not minimize the wrong suffered. Forgiveness is not blind to the facts, and Paul does not condone Onesimus's behavior toward Philemon. At the same time, Paul pleads for forgiveness on the basis of another's merit. Forgiving one another is possible because Jesus provided the model.

Paul promises to repay any debt owed by Onesimus. Forgiveness demands personal involvement. There is a price to be paid in terms of time, money, or inconvenience if estranged parties are to be reconciled.

After seeing Paul's model, look at your own relationships. Should you take the first step in forgiving a brother or sister in Christ? It will never be any easier than it is today.  

APPLICATION

This article on the hard work of forgiveness is a favorite.  I bolded some parts for emphasis:

The Thing We Don't Do
Forgiveness is hard work 

by Andrée Seu

Forgiving is the hardest thing you will ever do. That's why most people don't do it. We talk about it, cheer for it, preach on it, and are sure we've practiced it. But mostly the illusion of having forgiven is that the passage of time dulls memory. The ruse will come to light with hair-trigger vengeance when fresh offense hurls in to empty out the gunnysack of half-digested grievances.

I asked a few people if they'd ever forgiven anyone, and what it felt like. They gave me answers so pious I knew they'd never done it. I am at the present moment in the maw of temptation, and I can tell you there is nothing exalted about this feeling, this one-two punch to the gut that comes when you even contemplate forgiving, which is as far as I've come.

At first I decided I would forgive the person—and never speak to him again. This felt pretty good, but I saw the dissimulation in it at once. I alternately toyed with going to him to "tell him his fault" (Matthew 18:15), which is my biblical right, so there. I had the decree of rebuke written up in my head, a document of fastidious and plenary detail—all for his own good. A smarmy satisfaction accompanied the plan, so I nixed it. For now.

In C.S. Lewis' The Great Divorce, a woman confronted by an angel about forgiving her husband says, "Well, I have forgiven him as a Christian." The phrase is meaningless. She then bulimically seethes for pages about his wrongdoing and her longsuffering.

Keeping one's mouth shut is commendable, and more than I have managed in the past. It will work as long as I don't go near a phone or e-mail. But I am reminded that "Absalom spoke to Amnon neither good nor bad" for two whole years after the rape of his sister Tamar, and it ate him alive till in the end he killed the man.

O my brothers, you cannot imagine the exquisite verbal retaliations I have hatched in the idle hours, each more perfect than the last: theologically impeccable, legalistically faultless, poisoned prose polished to a lethal point. Must I now relinquish these? Must I kill the little darlings? Are they not to see the light of day? Such a waste.

Forgiveness is a brutal mathematical transaction done with fully engaged faculties. It's my pain instead of yours. I eat the debt. I absorb the misery I wanted to dish out on you, and you go scot-free. Beware the forgiveness that is tendered soon after injury; be suspicious. Real forgiveness needs a time lag, for it is wrought in private agony before it ever comes to public amnesty. All true acts of courage are thus done in secret.

Pastor Tim Keller of Redeemer Church in Manhattan shares the following letter from a man who once had to forgive a woman:

"I forgave her and it took me a whole year and I had to forgive her in small sums over that whole twelve months. I paid those sums whenever I spoke to her and kept myself from rehashing the past. I paid them whenever I saw her with another man and refused self-pity and rehearsal inside for what she'd done to me. I paid them whenever I praised her to others when I really wanted to slice away at her reputation. Those were the payments but she never knew them. However, I never knew her payments, but I know she made them. I could tell."

And now the unthinkable: not only to forgive but seek the good. Nature abhors a vacuum and Jesus admits of no middle ground between hate and love. Pray for him.

When you were a child you thought like a child, that pain was something to flee. Now in the adulthood of faith, suck up your hundred denarii, because someone took your ten thousand talents upon Himself (Matthew 18), and like a lamb led to slaughter and a sheep before its shearers was silent (Isaiah 53:7). He did not retaliate but "continued entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly" (1 Peter 2:23). Be so awash in the ocean of His love, my soul, that the shortcomings of all human loves will, more and more, seem but a trifling thing. (Copyright © 2006 WORLD Magazine, September 30, 2006, Vol. 21, No. 37) 

2023 Update: So bittersweet to see Tim Keller mentioned in this article as he recently passed away. A life well-lived! 

PRAYER

I love the song "Forgiveness" from the musical Jane Eyre. Helen Burns taught Jane about forgiveness, and she can teach us also. I just listened to it again this morning, many years after I wrote this original post, and it is so powerful. The lyrics are on YouTube:

PRAYER

Lord, forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Amen. 

Put Titus Back on the New Testament Shelf

Titus 3 - Godly Living

LINK: Titus 3 (Meditate on and memorize Titus 3:5-6)

BACKGROUND

The "them" referred to in this chapter are the believers on the island of Crete. The instructions are easy to understand. Believers were to obey the laws of the Roman Empire that did not conflict with their faith so that they might influence the whole community by living out their "sound doctrine" with godly behavior. 

He reminded them of their former state when they were foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to lust, and unlovingly relating to others (1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Ephesians 4:17-24; Colossians 3:6-7). But God our Savior (the Father who saved us through Jesus Christ our Savior) appeared and saved us not because of our deeds but solely because He is merciful. “We neither did works of righteousness, nor were saved in consequence of them; but His goodness did the whole” [Theophylact]. (A Commentary, Critical and Explanatory, on the Old and New Testaments: Volume 2, Tit 3:5, p. 434)

He has washed us clean and given us the Holy Spirit, justifying us by His grace, making us heirs, and giving us the ability and motivation to live a godly life, practice good deeds, and avoid foolish arguments (and the divisive people who cause them). This is a central theme in the book! (In 3:8, Paul emphasizes this theme by giving another "trustworthy statement" as he did in 1 Timothy 1:15; 3:1; 4:9; and 2 Timothy 2:11.).

REFLECTION

While reflecting on God's mercy, I stopped to read The Temple by George Herbert (1593-1633), and it fit so providentially!

LOVE (III)
by George Herbert

Love bade me welcome, yet my soul drew back,
        Guilty of dust and sin.
But quick-ey'd Love, observing me grow slack
        From my first entrance in,
Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning
        If I lack'd anything.

"A guest," I answer'd, "worthy to be here";
        Love said, "You shall be he."
"I, the unkind, the ungrateful? ah my dear,
        I cannot look on thee."
Love took my hand and smiling did reply,
        "Who made the eyes but I?"

"Truth, Lord, but I have marr'd them; let my shame
        Go where it doth deserve."
"And know you not," says Love, "who bore the blame?"
        "My dear, then I will serve."
"You must sit down," says Love, "and taste my meat."
        So I did sit and eat.  (http://www.luminarium.org/sevenlit/herbert/love3.htm)

APPLICATION

Sometimes it is healthy to remember what you once were before you met Christ. Tell God your testimony and praise Him for His great mercy as you do. Then go and tell someone else the great things God has done in you!

Does a greater realization of His mercy motivate you toward godly living and good deeds?

PRAYER

Thank You for asking us to dine with You. Amen. 

Titus 2 - Healthy Church Through Intimate Accountability

LINK: Titus 2

BACKGROUND 

Paul goes back to contrasting godly people who apply sound (healthy) doctrine with the ungodly false teachers. He addresses several groups: older men, older women, younger women, younger men, and slaves. I will briefly define each with the results of my Greek word studies of some of the characteristics:

Older men were to be temperate in the use of wine, serious-minded, worthy of respect, self-controlled, sane in mind, having faith that was free from error, loving, and unswerving from their deliberate purpose even during trials.

Older women were to act in a way that represented holy living by not being false accusers or slanderers (the root of the Greek word is where we derive the English word, diabolical!) or drunks. Instead of doing these pointless and idle things, they were to invest deeply in younger women by teaching them about loving their husbands, and children, living self-controlled, holy lives, and being active in household duties. This would be a wonderful witness to the watching world!

Younger men were to exercise self-control by curbing their passions and being of sound estimate about themselves (notice all four groups have been encouraged in self-control/sensibility). Titus was considered a younger man so Paul told him to be an example of living out his healthy faith through good deeds, a serious attitude, and speech that was not worthy of condemnation by anyone.

Slaves were to honor God by obeying, not talking back, or stealing.

Paul concludes the chapter by saying the grace of God has brought salvation to people from all walks of life, and we must live godly lives and practice good deeds; fixing our hope on Jesus and a future with Him. The world would be watching to see if Christ really made a difference in their behavior because it certainly did not make a difference in the lives of the false teachers.

REFLECTION 

On Mother's Day this year, I got a text:

Happiest of Mother's Day! I pray that you know how many spirits, souls, sons & daughters you have blessed :) Thank you for impacting me! Love u:)

I have only biological sons, but God has blessed me with many spiritual daughters who are learning a variety of things. This week I have had many investment times. I had a "telephone chat" with one who is learning contentment in singleness and the balance between ministry and soul renewal. I had a "coach chat" with another who is managing depression and making decisions about her future. I had a walk with another navigating the waters of a newly blossoming relationship while preparing to go overseas. I had an evening meeting with another preparing to go to the Middle East in one month and wondering whether the separation will make or break her current relationship. In our Jesus Community, my husband and I encourage a newlywed couple and another young couple where the wife is still transitioning from being a career woman to a stay-at-home mom. On top of that, we will have women who are on break from their jobs in China and India stay with us for extended amounts of time. As I type, another young woman is texting me and wanting to get together tomorrow night. Life is full of investment, the eternal kind.

I am not usually "idle" so I have no time to slander or gossip like many older women (not that I would want to). Paul is exhorting Timothy to exhort his flock to live interconnected in a healthy way that brings glory to God. We can get "healthy doctrine" from a Sunday morning sermon, but Paul wants us to let that truth lead to transformational living through intimate and accountable relationships with one another.

I heartily believe the best way to live this way is not using the excuse that you have never been discipled but to invest in someone who is even a little younger than you are spiritually. You have SO much to offer others. You just do not know it.

APPLICATION 

Do not wait for an older man or woman to pop into your life. Pray for it but be an older man or woman to someone else. In the process, you will be held accountable and grow too! 

Where is the younger man or woman that you can invest in? Pray and watch for God to provide him or her. 

PRAYER

Lord, I pray that everyone reading this blog can know the wonderful joy that comes through intimate accountability with another believer. Amen. 

Titus 1 - Godly Leadership in the Church

LINK: Titus 1

BACKGROUND

Titus

Paul wrote this letter to advise Titus on how to oversee and organize the churches on the island of Crete.

Titus was Paul's "true child in a common faith" (protégé in Greek). He was from a Gentile background (Galatians 2:3). He represented Paul when there was trouble in Corinth (2 Corinthians 2:13; 7:6-7; 13-15; 8:6, 16-17). Paul visited Crete between his two Roman imprisonments and left Titus behind to "set in order what remains" (1:5) much like he left Timothy behind in Ephesus. The only other thing we know about Titus is that he left Crete to travel to Dalmatia during Paul's second imprisonment (2 Timothy 4:10).

This letter was written at the same time as 1 Timothy, sometime between his first and second Roman imprisonments, maybe between A.D. 63-66. 

The keywords in this book are sound doctrine and deeds.

Titus 1

There were two reasons why Titus was left in Crete:

1. To set in order what remains
2. Appoint elders in every city

It would be helpful to define the words elder (1:5) and overseer (1:7):

. . . in the Christian churches, those who, being raised up and qualified by the work of the Holy Spirit, were appointed to have the spiritual care of, and to exercise oversight over, the churches. To these the term bishops, episkopoi, or overseers, is applied (see Acts 20:17, 28, and Tit. 1:5 and 7), the latter term indicating the nature of their work, presbuteroi their maturity of spiritual experience. The Divine arrangement seen throughout the New Testament was for a plurality of these to be appointed in each church, Acts 14:23; 20:17; Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 5:17; Tit. 1:5. (Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words: Volume 2, p. 21).

By this definition, the elder was not to be a new convert but one who had walked as a believer and exhibited the qualities listed in this chapter. I will comment on some of the qualities that might be difficult to understand:

• Above reproach (anénklētos) - "'unaccused,' that is one whose character or conduct is free from any damaging moral or spiritual accusations. This first qualification also included in 1 Timothy, stands out as the fundamental qualification under which all other qualifications are subsumed. John Calvin's summary of this overarching qualification is worth repeating: '. . . he [Paul] does not mean someone who is free from every fault for no such man could ever be found, but one marred by no disgrace that could diminish his authority -- he should be a man of unblemished reputation'" (Biblical Eldership by Alexander Strauch, p. 228-229).
• Husband of one wife - This literally means a "one-woman man." It also seems to indicate that an elder was not to be divorced and remarried, but most commentators believe this does not refer to someone who remarried after the death of their spouse (Genesis 2:18; 1 Timothy 4:3) or for unmarried men. Some do not believe this refers to men who were divorced before they became followers of Jesus. This qualification also indicates that elders were men (1 Timothy 3:12).  (I know that causes much controversy, but I don't see anywhere they refer to women elders.) 
• Children who believe - "Having faithful children" is a better translation. "The contrast made is not between believing and unbelieving children, but between obedient, respectful children and lawless, uncontrolled children. The strong terms "dissipation or rebellion" stress the children's behavior, not their eternal state. . . Since 1 Timothy 3:4 is the clearer passage, it should be allowed to help interpret the ambiguity of Titus 1:6. 'Under control with all dignity' is closely parallel with 'having trustworthy children' . . . Those who interpret this qualification to mean that an elder must have believing, Christian children place an impossible burden upon a father. Even the best of fathers cannot guarantee that their children will believe. Salvation is a supernatural act of God. God, not good parents (although they are certainly used of God), ultimately brings salvation (John 1:12,13)" (Strauch, p. 229). 
• Not self-willed - Wanting your own way, arrogant, stubborn, inconsiderate of others' feelings or opinions.
• Not quick-tempered - "An angry man stirs up strife and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgressions" (Proverbs 29:22).
• Pugnacious - quarrelsome and contentious.

The rest of the qualities are easy to understand. Note the emphasis on character over knowledge and skill! 

Paul concludes the elder qualifications by stating "holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able to exhort in sound (healthy) doctrine and to refute those who contradict" (1:9). He is saying this to lead into his description of the rebellious people in 1:10-16 who are the opposite of the characteristics of an elder. 

The "circumcision group" (1:10) were the Judaizers: Jews who believed that Gentiles had to obey all the Jewish laws to become Christians. They were part of the larger group of "rebellious" false teachers who taught wrong (unhealthy) doctrine and led others into error, causing division and quarrels. Some did it out of ignorance while others did it to make money or gain power.

In 1:12, Paul is quoting a poem by Epimenides, a poet and philosopher, who lived on the island of Crete 600 years earlier. Cretans did have a bad reputation and were famous for their lying. How great that Titus was there to help them grow and mature! 

REFLECTION 

If you have been reading in the Bible Book Club, you might think, "Haven't I read this before?" 1 Timothy and Titus were written about the same time (see chart) and have parallel content that generally falls under these three categories:

• Ungodly False Teachers - 1 Timothy 1:6-11, 19-20; 6:3-5 and Titus 1:10-16; 3:9-11
• Godly Leaders - 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:6-9
• Godly Believers - 1 Timothy 5:1-6:2; Titus 2:1-15

APPLICATION 

A good application might be to pray for the elders of your church and future elder selection. This is so important!

This application is bittersweet for me as my husband's last meeting as an elder is this coming Monday. I will miss interacting with these men who exemplify all these characteristics, and I will REALLY miss all their wives. I am having them all over for a Soup, Salad, and Supplication Supper while the men are meeting at our church. 

2023 Update: He was asked to serve another term after an eight-year break (he was working and living out of town during the week from 2013-2020). It has been great to be back in touch with the new elders and their wives. 

PRAYER

Lord, raise up godly leaders in our churches who can encourage others in sound doctrine and refute those in error. Amen. 

The first time through the Bible Book Club, Becky graciously wrote the post. Here is her take on Titus 1

Put 2 Timothy Back on the New Testament Shelf

2 Timothy 4 - Parting Exhortations and Instructions

LINK: 2 Timothy 4

Just a reminder: 
This is not the last Pauline epistle in the New Testament order,
but it is the last book Paul wrote chronologically,

BACKGROUND

Paul's days were numbered. He wrote this letter from prison in Rome in about A.D. 66 or 67. He would soon be executed by Emperor Nero. These are his parting exhortations as he passed the torch to the next generation of believers. 

His solemn charge to Timothy was that he would . . . 

• Preach the Word - This follows on the heels of what he had just exhorted in 2 Timothy 3. Timothy was to correct (2:25), rebuke (1 Timothy 5:20; 2 Timothy 3:16; Titus 1:13; 2:15), and encourage in his ministry at all times regardless of whether it was "popular" at the time and despite any persecution that might ensue because of it. This was important so that the Gospel would spread. 
• Fulfill His Ministry - He was to do this with serious purpose ("sober" is used several times in these letters). Behind all of this was the overarching goal of people coming into the kingdom as Paul exhorted him to "Do the work of an evangelist" (see Acts 20:17-21). Paul had definitely fulfilled his ministry. He had been "poured out like a drink offering (see Numbers 28:4-7 for the libation connected with the daily offering of the lambs) and had "fought the good fight and finished the race" of faith. He wanted Timothy to do so also.
• Be diligent and faithful - Faithfulness is a theme throughout the whole letter. In Roman athletic games, winners were given a laurel wreath. It was a sought-after prize and a symbol of triumph and glory. Paul knew that he would receive the "imperishable wreath" of righteousness because of his faithfulness (see 2 Corinthians 5:10 and 1 Corinthians 9:24-27).

Paul longed for Timothy to come to him because some had deserted him, and he was at the end of his life.  Here are some cross-references for the people mentioned in the closing comments of his letter:

• Demas - Colossians 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:9-10; Philemon 23,24
• Luke - Luke 1:1-4; Acts. 1:1-2; 16:10-13; 20:5-6; 21:1-18; 27:1-28:31; Colossians 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:11
• Mark or John Mark - Acts 12:12,25; 13:5,13; 15:36-40; Colossians 4:10-11; 2 Timothy 4:11; Philippians 24; 1 Peter 5:13
• Tychicus - Acts 20:4; Ephesians 6:21-22; Colossians 4:7-8; 2 Timothy 4:12; Titus 3:12
• Alexander - Acts 19:33; 1 Timothy 1:20; 2 Timothy 4:14-15 
• Prisca and Aquila - Acts 18:1-3; 18-19; 24-26; Rom. 16:3-5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 4:19

Paul's closing benediction indicates that it was not only for Timothy but also for a wider audience because the "you" in 4:22 is plural.

It is believed that these were the last words of Paul to have survived before his death. Sobering.

REFLECTION

Recently, I had a melanoma skin cancer scare. It is the deadliest form. I went through Christmas waiting for the results of two biopsies wondering if this would be my last Christmas on earth. One was benign, but the one on my jawline was melanoma.

It was good to evaluate what I would do differently if I knew I only had months to live and guess what? There was not one thing I would change! My biggest goal was to finish the editing of this Bible Book Club and the group of young people we are investing in for Kingdom purposes (including our two young adult sons). 

APPLICATION

Take some time to review the whole book of 2 Timothy. What did you glean from it that you can put into practice in your own life? Do you want to end your life knowing that you have "fought the good fight"?  Are you in the process of doing that now? Do you know the ministry that He has called you to? Are you fulfilling your calling?

PRAYER

I feel the death of a friend. I cannot imagine Paul in that prison cell writing down his last words. Thank You for his faithful ministry. May we be faithful also to preach Your Word and fulfill the ministry You have called us to. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. 

2 Timothy 3:14-17 -- The Hothouse of Transforming Discipleship

LINK: 2 Timothy 3:14-17

BACKGROUND

This is a very short passage, but it is packed with power!  

The whole of the Holy Scriptures revealed to and written down by the apostles and prophets, is "God-breathed" in that it comes directly from and is inspired by God (2 Peter 1:20-21). Greek definitions from the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament help elaborate on 2 Timothy 3:16: Scripture contains the "wisdom and dreams of God." It has "advantage, benefit and gain" in the areas of . . . 

• Teaching - This is the "handing down" of the essential teachings of the Christian life. "In the word of God, the Spirit of God has revealed the true nature of the world we live in, the true nature of man and of God, the ultimate consummation of history, the pattern of relationships and responses to God and to life which corresponds with the way things really are" (Transforming Discipleship: Making Disciples a Few at a Time, p. 163). In his book, Greg Ogden states that most potential disciples have "bits and pieces of Christian teaching interspersed with worldviews from contemporary culture." The Scriptures give us the "body of teaching [that] gives us the set of glasses through which to view reality" (p. 164). 

• Reproof - Once we have that new reality, we can see the changes we need to make in our lives. Reproof means to "show people their sins and summon them to repentance" (Theological Dictionary of the New Testament). In the context of love, it need not be a scary or horrible thing. 

• Correction - Once we have been reproved, we should not be left to wallow in our guilt and self-condemnation! The Greek word literally means "a restoration to an upright or right state." Jesus said to the adulterous woman, 
  “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more" (John 8:11). Isn't that beautiful! God is all about restoration. We saw that throughout the whole Old Testament, didn't we?

• Training in Righteousness - Once we have been restored, we need to stay on the right path. The Greek words here imply a "curbing of passions" and establishing ongoing patterns of Christlikeness.  

Warren Wiersbe summarizes this beautifully:

They are profitable . . .

for doctrine (what is right),
for reproof (what is not right),
for correction (how to get right), and
for instruction in righteousness (how to stay right) (Bible Exposition Commentary: Volume 2, 2 Tim 3:16b, p. 253)

For you visual learners, here is something I learned during my junior year in college that I always see in my mind when I read this passage:

©Carol Ann Weaver, 
adapted from Design for Discipleship: Book 2, p. 7

And the whole goal of all of this is so that we might all be mature in Christ and equipped to serve Him!

REFLECTION 

Transformation can only occur in an environment where we are feeding on God's Word in a context of transparent and accountable intimacy with God and other loving believers. I tell the honest truth that I wrote this before I read the book I am going to refer to below.

This conviction was really solidified for me when I read Transforming Discipleship: Making Disciples a Few at a Time by Greg Ogden.  He points out the three ingredients that converge to release the Holy Spirit in bringing about the rapid growth toward Christlikeness he calls a "hothouse of transformation":

• Opening our hearts in transparent trust to each other - This includes affirming one another through encouragement, walking with one another through difficult times, being a reflective listener who assists another to hear God's guidance in life's complexities, and confessing our sins to one another that we may be healed. (Notice all the "one another" statements. This is a Bible study all in itself!)

• Around the truth of God's Word - This is the heart of 2 Timothy 3:14-17 and what I just talked about in the BACKGROUND section.

• In the spirit of mutual accountability - This helps us put the above "path of righteousness" pattern in place. It means covenanting together with other believers and giving each other permission to hold each other to the covenant. It is a "willing decision to abide by certain standards and a voluntary submission of oneself to a review by others in which one's performance is evaluated in light of these standards." This may sound legalistic, but in the climate of #1 above, it is a win-win for everybody.

Greg and I are on the same page because I LIVED this in my early years of growing as a believer!  I feel very blessed to have been part of this kind of transformational environment and was shocked to find most people do not grow up in the Lord this way. These people are my lifelong friends and siblings in Christ. (In fact, I just went backpacking with one of those friends from my first discipleship Bible Study in 1979!)

Many small groups are big on intimacy but small on centering it on God's Word and holding each other accountable. Much of the teaching and preaching in the church is big on teaching truth in a large group but has no accountability or intimacy attached. You attend and leave. It does not mean that those are bad, but transformational discipleship occurs when all three are present (see Ogden, pp. 153-171). 

2023 Update: A newer book, The Other Half of Church, says essentially the same thing with neuroscience to back it up! This book also has wonderful exercises for groups to do together that build trust, love, and attachment. It also has an exercise to evaluate the good soil of your group. These exercises are free on the publisher's website:

The Other Half of Church (scroll down to "Packet for Audiobook" PDF) - There is also a sample chapter from the book on the page. 

APPLICATION

Memorize 2 Timothy 3:16-17. They are key verses for your spiritual life. Verse 16 is part of the Navigator Topical Memory System (but memorize 17 too). I memorized the 60 verses in 1979, but I come back to them again and again. 

Here is a list with links to the verses and a "mini-sermon" by LeRoy Eims. 

Topical Memory System Audio Library

Are you in a situation where all three components for transformation are in place?  If not, what is stopping you? (Read Ogden's book for more details about the size of these groups. He doesn't recommend one-to-one but meeting in threes and fours. His research shows this is the most effective size for growth, but it is based on the US population, and wonders if it might be different in other cultures.)

PRAYER

Lord, grow us, mold us, put us in the hothouse of transformation so we might glorify You! Amen.