Category: Mining the Scriptures

Here we have a general command of James, which is produced by the characteristic of love. If indeed we want to heed Christ’s imperative: “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12), James’ admonition must be obeyed. “…Do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality.”

Although the context gives the example of material wealth (not preferring the rich man over the poor), there is nothing in the admonition which would limit it to this case.  An understanding of Galatians 3:28, which affirms the value of every soul, shows that any partiality shown, whether it be wealth, gender, race or culture is in fact becoming “judges with evil thoughts.”

The gospel of Christ is for every man.  All have the same value to Him, and so should have the same value to us. Those who are vulnerable, disenfranchised, poor, desolate — whatever their state — as we consider their souls, should be cherished by us.

In the Hebrew writer’s general efforts to show the superiority of the new to the old, he here makes a central and strong argument. This would be especially stirring to the Jewish Christians, as our Lord is compared to perhaps the most significant individual in the establishment of their nation and old law — Moses.

First, Jesus was fully faithful to his Father in heaven, as Moses was faithful. But, as was written, “For this one has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses”! Why? Because of the fundamental difference between Moses and Jesus.

Moses was a man. A servant. Jesus is God the Son. Moses is described as “a house”, where Jesus is described as the Builder of the house, thus worthy of more honor.

When we contrast the Old to the New, it is not merely a consideration of the relative merits. They’re both from God, they are both Holy. But it was God’s plan to supplant, in these last days, a limited law with His supreme gift to mankind. His Son!

After Paul’s admonition to “obey”, he noted his own previous “foolish” state as a sinner. It is interesting to note his description, starting with the word “foolish” – unintelligent or unwise.

His foolishness led to disobedience – he had not complied to the will of God. He was contumacious – stubborn willful against authority. He was deceived – led away from the truth. He served his own desires and pleasures. In effect, he did what pleased himself, not what pleased God.  He lived in malice – malignity, ill-will, a desire to injure; and envy – ill will, jealousy, spite. He was hateful – detestable or odious; and was actively involved in hating others.

Verses 4-7 indicate a change.  This is conversion.  But, prior to it Paul was like everyone else.  By not serving God he was serving himself. He caused injury to the cause of Christ.  “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” (Acts 9:5). Paul was honest in assessing himself, this led him to call others to righteousness!

Paul noted here that the gospel of Christ caused him to suffer, as the world considered Paul an “evildoer” because of his teacher. Regardless, Paul was willing to suffer, knowing that the word of God could not be stopped by the efforts of men: “but the word of God is not chained” (9).

So for the sake of those who would respond in faith to his preaching, “the elect”, Paul endured his suffering. He wrote to the Romans, “So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Roman also” (Romans 1:15). As a result, Paul was responsible for the salvation of many.

Verses 11-13 contain what Paul referred to as a faithful saying. This is not a quotation from scripture, it may have been lyrics from an early hymn.  Whatever the origin, as Paul states, the words are true. Essentially, God can only be Himself. He cannot lie. Therefore, all of the promises He has made to man regarding faithfulness and reward are true promises and will be accomplished!

After admitting that he was chief among sinners (15), Paul then writes that despite his low state he received mercy from God.  This truth can be seen both in his conversion in Acts 9, and in his many personal explanations of  that conversion to Christ.

Here he states why that mercy was shown to him. So that in him Jesus Christ’s longsuffering could be demonstrated. If God was willing to save the most violent and zealous enemy of the faith, and then use him as a preeminent apologist for that same faith, it is obvious that anyone who accepts Christ can be forgiven. This is a truth that gives hope to all.

It is for this reason in verse 17 Paul praises God so graciously in this spontaneous expression of praise. He is eternal and immortal — without beginning or end. He is invisible—indicating His spiritual and divine nature. And He is wise to an extent that defies comparison.

For these reasons He is worthy of the praise of our lips and pens.

Our text begins here, and the thought ends in verse.  It is an admonition against walking in a disorderly fashion.  The word disorderly means, “irregularly (morally), : — disorderly (Strong). It seems in the context that such a disorderly walk came about through idleness.  As Proverbs 18:9 says, “He who is slothful in his work is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.”

Paul offers himself up as an example to follow, an example of one who was industrious! He did not impose upon the generosity of others. Instead, he worked.  His purpose in working was to assure his ability to independently preach the gospel, without fearing resentment and false claims of manipulation.

Finally, this in no way indicated that Paul did not have a right to be supported.  His right is clearly stated by him in 1 Corinthians 9. However, “to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us” (9), he supported himself as a tentmaker (Acts 18:1-4).

Paul was industrious, we should be the same! After all, Idleness is the Devil’s workshop!

As we previously pointed our in verses1-7, Paul had a great love for the Thessalonians which led to his ministry to them.  The though continues in these verses, as he declares his affection, and his willingness even to die in his efforts to share with them the “gospel of God.”

The Thessalonians were well aware of Paul’s efforts, as he had labored diligently among them.  Further, his secular worked was a testament to his love, so that he would not be a financial burden to the brethren there. (Though note, such support was certainly scripturally defensible, cf. 1 Timothy 5:18).

But Paul, in every way wanted only to benefit his brethren. Thus he always acted in a way to protect his reputation, that his work of ministry would not be hindered.  He acted, “devoutly and justly and blamelessly” among them.

Paul’s concern was not for himself — only for them! His hope for them was a worthy walk, and an eternal reward.

In the first three verses here, Paul expressed his concern and diligence in encouraging his brethren.  Specifically those in Laodicea and Colosse. He did this in his ministry by sharing his understanding of God’s will, in which are “hidden all treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (3).

In verses 4-10 he contrasts the Divine wisdom with the foolish philosophies of men. What he refers to as “persuasive words.” They have persuasive power to the uninformed, but are false. We are to walk in God’s word, not “philosophy and empty deceit, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” (8).

This is an important warning that Christians need to hear today. We are complete in Christ.  He is the preeminent One, the “head of all principality and power” (10). To place our trust and faith in any man rather than the Lord Jesus Christ is foolish and Paul wrote that it “cheat”-’s us out of our standing with God!

Paul appreciated the Philippians greatly.  Here in this text is the caveat he expressed. His great appreciation was contingent “only” with their continued “conduct” being “worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

There needed to be unity, standing fast “in one spirit, with one mind.” There needed to be effort, “striving together” for the gospel.  There needed to be courage in the face of their opponents, here probably referring to non-Christian Gentiles, as Philippi was a Roman city.

Consider of what these things were proof. First that the Christian’s lack of fear showed their understanding that God was with them.  It would indicate to the pagans surrounding them that perdition (ruin) followed those who opposed God, but that salvation from the one true God would be granted  to the brethren in Philippi.  Great conviction creates doubt in the mind of the enemy!

Yes, we will suffer, but in the end is glory! (cf. Matthew 10:28).

Paul here expresses the cause of spiritual death, “trespasses and sins” (1). This is to note our past position, before “you He made alive” (1).

That past position is one what all have experienced, as indicated by Romans 3:23. It is described as a walk here. But, not a walk of righteousness, rather one that is characterized by a following of the devil.

Devil worship is not the point. When we live our lives without obeying God’s will, by default we are in the camp of the enemy.  It is for this reason that defenses such as, “They do more good than bad”, or “They are generally a good person” hold no credence to God.

Paul put it clearly in Romans 10. The righteousness invented by men do not properly substitute for the righteousness of God. Living for self is being a child of wrath, just like everyone else.

Instead, as Christians, we are to live according to His will!

Here, Paul refers to himself and other Jews (as contrasted to Gentiles) and especially Peter as themselves sinners. So, there was nothing in that regard to separate them from the Gentiles.  But, did it follow that Christ made them sinners?  Absolutely not!  Instead, Christ simply reveals what is already so, we are all in need of the grace of God.

It was this truth that made Paul “die to the law that I might live to God” (19).

His purpose was to live for Christ.  In his conversion, his own will became irrelevant.  It was Christ who determined his life.  Such should be so for us as well.  “I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (20).

Christ’s death was useless (vain) if a man could appear just before God as a result of the law of Moses.  But, all have sinned, and there was no provision for grace and mercy under the old law.  Christ is needed, and His death has value for every man.

Two major points are to be taken from our place in the text.  The first is God’s providential care in supplying opportunities to share the gospel of Christ.  Paul had a “door” opened by the Lord, indicating an opportunity to preach in Troas that was divinely supplied.  God helps in the efforts to share the gospel message (cf. Acts 14:27; 1 Corinthians 16:9; Colossians 4:3; Revelation 3:8). This is not to belittle Paul’s efforts, but he made clear at every opportunity being blessed and furthered in his efforts by the Lord.

The second is that the gospel is perceived in two different ways, depending upon the heart of the one who receives it.  It is referred to as the fragrance of Christ both to those who accept it and those who reject it (15).  However, to those who reject it, it is “the aroma of death leading to death.”  For those who are willing to open their hearts to it, it is “the aroma of life leading to life.” (16).  The lesson? The gospel is sufficient to save souls!  If it does not, the gospel or the preacher are not at fault, it is the hearer instead!

The calling in Christ is described by Paul here. In calling, we must determine how we are called. It is through the gospel of Christ. God is not capricious, giving his grace to some, but denying it to others. The reason why so many who are humanly wise, mighty and noble are not of the elect is they choose not to be!  They trust and depend upon themselves rather than upon God (cf. Proverbs 16:18).

God champions the humble.  What He considers to be valuable differs greatly from the world’s definition of value.  God chooses that which indicates man’s dependence upon Him, rather than things which promote selfishness and arrogance.  Why?  “That no flesh should glory in His presence” (29).

Accepting God’s wisdom, His righteousness (cf. Romans 10:3), and the blessings that accrue from our relationship to Him, this is what God desires for us. Don’t glory in yourself (pride); instead, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord” (31).

This text is unpopular in our time, but it is very simple, clearly revealing God’s view of homosexuality and lesbianism. Paul wrote, as inspired by the Holy Spirit (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17), that women with women is unnatural and vile. Sex ultimately is established by God as a means of propagation, (cf. Genesis 3:28). It is not possible for women, in a same sex relationship, to “fill the earth”. God designed sexuality to be not only with a man and a woman, but a husband and a wife, (cf. Genesis 3:23-24).

The same is true regarding relationships between two men. It is an action of lust, it is shameful, and the one who does such suffers penalty from God (cf. Romans 2:32).

As verse 28 reveals, homosexuality and lesbianism are (in addition to other sins) actions which emanate from a debased mind, and are not fitting. Paul wrote by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, who revealed only the things which came from Jesus and the Father in heaven (cf., John 16:5-15). The truth is very simple in this matter. It is only that some are unwilling to submit to it.

Acts 2 begins with one of the most significant events in the plan of God to redeem man, the establishment of Christ’s church. As the first verse indicates it was on the day of Pentecost. (The first Pentecost following Jesus’ resurrection from the dead). This was in accord with Jesus promise, “..and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).

The events of the day were accompanied by signs from God, to establish the legitimacy of the events. As indicated in Peter’s words later in the chapter (cf. vss. 16-21), these events were the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy of Joel 2:28-32.

The sound of a rushing mighty wind filled the place where they sat. Divided tongues, as of fire, sat upon each of them. (Both audible and visual signs of God’s validation of the apostle’s words. Finally, they (the twelve, now including Matthias) were filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in languages they didn’t know.