Author: Stan Cox

Here Peter begins describing the false teachers about which he is warning his readers.  First, Peter expresses disdain about their nature, comparing them to wild (and irrational) animals whose purpose is only to be caught and destroyed. Second, their actions are based on ignorance, criticizing and demeaning when they have no real knowledge of a matter. He argues that such actions will eventually be the cause of their own ruin, “will utterly perish in their own corruption” (12).

Third, their evil actions will receive “the wages of unrighteousness” (13).  As Paul noted, the “wages of sin” is spiritual death (cf. Romans 6:23).  Fourth, they are stains, “spots and blemishes” that sully what otherwise should be pure and white “with you” (13).

Fifth, they are unfaithful, here described as having “eyes of adultery.” They not only continually sin, but are guilty of “enticing” others. Sixth, and finally, they are covetous (greedy desire).

The apostle Paul gives some very helpful instruction and insight on how Christians should get along with Christians in Philippians 2. It basically is a call for every child of God to be humble. Humility impacts our decisions and actions toward others. But, it should be true humility! Consider verses 3 and 4. “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. ⁴ Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).

The phrase, “let each esteem others better than himself” is an interesting one. First, the word esteem is used to indicate authority or control. One who is esteemed is a leader, one who is in control or important. In our context it is relative to how we view ourselves.  We do not consider ourselves as important as our brother in Christ.  He is more important than us.  So, our motivation is not self, but what is best for our brother.  If all Christians acted in this way, most of the issues that cause division would not exist.

This is seen in the phrase “better than self”, indicating that in our eyes, our brother is more important or superior.  And, in the verse to follow, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (2:4).

We discuss Jehoshaphat’s inquiry of God’s will in 1 Kings 22 before going to war with his ally, king Ahab of Israel. Applications are made to today, with the proper appeal to God’s authority and will.

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A study of Matthew 28, detailing Jesus’ instructions to his disciples to go into the world and MAKE disciples.

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“Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?” (Romans 6:16).

Many articles have been written and sermons preached about the destructive nature of sin. It seems that the concept is accepted by other religions too. On Facebook the other day I came across a quote of Mahatma Ghandhi. Ghandi was Hindu, well known, a political activist and  successful leader in accomplishing India’s independence from British rule. The title of the meme attributed to him, is “7 blunders of the world that lead to violence.” Though the language of “sin” is not contained in the meme, the points mirror what is taught in the word of God. Consider the following: Continue reading “Sin Leading to Death” →

How do you feel about gospel preaching? Admonition? Chastisement? The Bible is replete with passages condemning sin, warning about sin, detailing what sin is, and discussing ad naseum the consequences of sin. Do you get tired of it? Do you wish the emphasis was different than it seems to be? Continue reading “Not Tedious, But Safe” →

The text continues the call for righteous living by noting that each person is treated the same way by God.  He judges “without partiality”, and “according to each one’s work.” This is imminently fair.  God does not play favorites.  Your standing before Him is a result of appropriate rules He has established that are the same for all men.

So, our sojourn on this earth should be characterized by a respect for the rules of God. Anarchy or rebellion is not acceptable, and will be judged harshly.  The gift of grace is much too precious to be treated with disdain.  How precious? Our redemption is purchased with something far greater than worldly treasures.

Our redemption is purchased with the blood of Jesus Christ.  He who lived perfectly died a sacrificial and vicarious death.  He died for us!  Isaiah wrote, “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” (53:5).

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ…” (Titus 2:11-13).

The grace of God has implications far beyond our redemption as the elect of God. It also indicates an ought. In effect, the grace of God teaches or trains us to know how we ought to act and focus our thoughts in response to its effectiveness in saving our souls

We owe a debt we simply can’t pay, “salvation.” But, we are to indicate clearly our thankfulness for the gift of redemption, (cf. Luke 17:11-19). The haunting words of Jesus, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine” (17).

Our show of appreciation for the gift of grace must be seen in our life’s response. We have spent enough time living in sin (cf. 1 Peter 4:3), and in response to God’s grace must live soberly, righteously and godly. This not only involves doing righteousness, but primarily denying ungodliness and the illicit desires that characterize the worldly.  Our motivation? An eternal reward in heaven, given at His second coming. Anything less is ungratefulness on our part!

A discussion of Deuteronomy 5-9, showing that God always requires obedience of His children. This is the basis of the 10 commandments, the entireity of God’s Old Covenant, as well as what is required as a part of Faith in Christ.

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A description given by James in James 1:21-22 as to the correct way to approach the preaching of the gospel.

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The book of Haggai is a short work, a series of messages from the prophet to Zerubbabel (governor), Judah (high priest) and the remnant of Judah who had returned from Babylonian captivity. The people had returned to rebuild the temple, but years had passed with it unfinished. An introduction to the book indicated that Haggai’s message was a call for renewal, a renewal of courage, holiness, and faith. This seems to be a rather apt description of the message God gave to the prophet.

First, notice why the people had left the temple unfinished for several years. “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins? Now therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Consider your ways!’” (Haggai 1:4-5). The people had become distracted, shifting their priorities from the greater to the lesser. They were more concerned for their own comfort than for serving the Lord. Misplaced priorities are a big problem for just about every generation! In this the returned exiles were typical, “It is time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?” The remedy is, as stated,  to “consider your ways!” Continue reading “Working on the House of the Lord” →

The final two verses of this first chapter of James contain a contrast between vain religion and pure religion.

First, vain (useless) religion is a religion that does not change a person for the better. Specifically, James describes one who thinks himself to be religious, but it has not touched his tongue (or his heart), cf. Matthew 15:18.

Second, pure (and undefiled) religion is characterized by both what is not done, and what is done.   One whose religion is pure will show it by righteousness. He will keep himself “unspotted from the world,” cf. 1 Peter 4:3. Additionally, he does his duty, what God requires of Him.  He visits “orphans and widows in their trouble,” cf. Galatians 6:10.

Simply put, our religion must first be true (accepting Jesus Christ as the Anointed, the Son of God), and also life changing.  We must be a “new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17), living our lives according to Jesus’ own will (Galatians 2:20).

Aaron, the older brother of Moses, was appointed to be the first High Priest of the nation of Israel. This was an office established by God under the Old Covenant, the Law that God gave to Moses to govern the Jews. Aaron was the first of many men who served in this capacity before Jesus. He was a descendent of Levi, hence the priesthood is known as the Levitical or Aaronic priesthood. Put simply, these were mere men, themselves guilty of sin, who yearly had to offer the blood of bulls and goats for atonement, first for themselves, and then for the people of Israel, (cf. Leviticus 16:1-5).

In the letter to the Hebrews, the Holy Spirit makes clear the differences between Jesus as High Priest, and those who went on before. Consider the following: Continue reading “Comparing High Priests” →