Category: Mining the Scriptures

1 Peter 3:3-6

In this text, the apostle praises God, and gives reason for that praise. He, according to His mercy has “begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

The term “begotten” in verse 3 is the same term in verse 23, where we are told we have been “born again” through the word of God.

The term is found only in these two verses. Interesting, it is a similar term to the one used in John 3:16, where Jesus is said to be the “only begotten” (gk., monogenes). Here all Christians are “begotten” (gk., anagennao).

Where Jesus, in a sense, is the only begotten; in another sense all Christians are begotten of God when we obey the gospel of Jesus Christ.

As stated in the text, when we are begotten, or born again, we are granted great privileges. We have hope, and an undefiled and incorruptible inheritance reserved in heaven.

This is so because we are kept by God’s power. We are protected by Him because we are His children. This is a reason for rejoicing, no matter the present circumstances of our lives. We are the begotten of God!

James 1:1-4

The epistle of James is a general epistle, in the sense that it was written to a broad group rather than a specific individual or church. It was written to the “twelve tribes which are scattered abroad” indicating Jewish Christians throughout the world. Though the introductory paragraph does not specify Jewish Christians, the contents of the letter show that his intended audience is believers in Christ.

James’ letter is eminently practical, and his first admonition in verses 2-4 certainly deserves this designation.

The trials of life are tests, and if we pass the tests, we benefit greatly as a result. When the text says that tribulation produces patience, it acknowledges the fact that we learn as we endure. We grow stronger, we are tempered and we mature. As such, when we come out the other side, it can be said of us that we are “perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

While tribulation is not pleasant, such testing is nevertheless cause for joy. It is because of the spiritual growth we experience. And, even more so because it shows our Lord that we are worthy to join with Him in suffering and future glory.

Hebrews 1:1-4

The first four verses of both the first and second chapters of Hebrews are similar in that they declare the superiority of the words of our Lord. However, while the second chapter points out the responsibility we have to heed and obey the words of Jesus, the first chapter keeps the focus on the Lord Himself.

The words spoken by Jesus are superior because of who Jesus is. He is the Heir of all things. He is the Creator of the universe (cf. John 1:1-4). He is the personification of God, and our blessed Redeemer. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, and is presently reigning in His kingdom at the right hand of the Father. He is superior to the angels, and as stated by the writer, “has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they” (4).

These words serve as the premise of the Hebrew epistle. The Hebrew Christian should not place his trust in the Old Covenant. Rather, he should turn to the New. Salvation is in the words, sacrifice and mediation of Jesus Christ. All who have gone before are flawed, and unable to save. In these last days, God has spoken to us “through His Son.”

Philemon 1-7

At the beginning of Paul’s letter to Philemon, he was very complimentary of his friend and brother. He acknowledged the “love and faith” that he had toward “the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints.” He also mentioned the good things in Philemon’s character, and the fact that the brethren had been “refreshed” by his character and works.

His diplomacy had a very specific and important purpose. Paul desired that Philemon be receptive to his petition on behalf of Onesimus. By his kind words and solicitous manner, Paul influenced Philemon to do the right thing in accepting Onesimus back, not only as a slave, but as a “beloved brother” (vs. 16).

A distinction must be made. Paul was not “flattering” Philemon. Flattery is deceitful and insincere. Paul was honest and genuine in his praise of a worthy brother. Also, seeking to influence people to do right is very different from attempts to manipulate. It is different both in tactics and motivation. What Paul did in his praise of Philemon was good and right, and to be emulated by all Christians.

Titus 3:9-11

In our text the apostle Paul counsels his charge to avoid divisiveness. He obviously makes a distinction between contending for the faith, and being contentious. While one difference may be attitude or demeanor in the midst of controversy, in this case Paul refers to the content which brings about the division.

“Foolish disputes, geneologies, contentions, and strivings about the law” are named as “unprofitable and useless” by the apostle. Whatever these things are, Titus was not to engage in any dispute about them. Some things we are not to fight about!

What things? Simply put, silly stuff of no consequence that serves no purpose other than to create fussing and fighting among Christians. When men seek to promote and elevate their opinions and speculations to the level of faith, they are guilty of causing strife.

Paul says such men are “self-condemned.” We are not to be patient with such individuals. What they do is obviously wrong, and after the “first and second admonition”, they are to be rejected from the fellowship of God’s people.

Matthew 4:18-22

After being tempted by the devil (vs. 1-11) we find in this passage the beginning of Jesus’ preaching ministry (vs. 17). He immediately began to assemble his disciples, and recorded in this passage is his recruitment of Peter, Andrew, James and John. Each of these disciples were fishermen, and Jesus met them as they tended their nets on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.

Matthew was added to the disciples in chapter 9, and the full list of the twelve is given in chapter 10.

One interesting aspect of this text is Jesus’ play on words as he addressed Peter and Andrew. The Greek states that Peter and Andrew were “fishers” (halieus). Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men” (halieus anthropos) (vs. 19).

Using the illustration, we are to “lure” men with the gospel of Christ (cf. Romans 1:16). We seek to entice them, and capture them for Christ. In so doing, we benefit them spiritually, as their souls are saved.

Brethren, it is fine to be a fisherman. But it is a far better vocation to be a fisher of men. Christ expected it of his apostles, and he expects it of us as well.

2 Timothy 1:8-12

2 Timothy 1:8-12

Even though the text is five verses long, it is made up of only two sentences. In the first sentence Paul exhorts Timothy, “…do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord” (vs. 8). In the second sentence Paul states, “…I am not ashamed” (vs. 12).

Paul tells Timothy not to be ashamed of the gospel for the following five reasons: 1) Jesus saved us and called us to holiness; 2) the holiness He calls us to is His own, not ours; 3) He revealed what that righteousness is when he appeared to us; 4) He has abolished death; 5) He has brought eternal life and glory to us.

Further, Paul told Timothy not to be ashamed of him (Paul) as an ambassador of God and a preacher of that message.

It is in this context that Paul affirms that he himself was not ashamed. He was willing to suffer because of his faith in Christ, and his confidence in Jesus Christ. “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep what I have committed to Him.”

May we have that same confidence, in the hope of eternal salvation, when that inevitable day of Judgment comes upon us.

1 Timothy 3:1-7

Paul’s list of qualifications outlines for us the type of men God wants to serve as overseers among His people.

The picture drawn is of men who are experienced, righteous, wise, knowledgeable, able and proven. They have shown by their domestic lives an ability to guide and nurture the souls of those in their care. They exhibit a self-discipline and demeanor that assures an even handed treatment of important issues that may trouble brethren. They have a familiarity with God’s word that allows them to defend the truth against those who would lead the flock astray.

These guidelines are divinely ordained. As such, they are not mere suggestions. In other words, those who do not meet the qualifications should not be appointed to serve. We do not know better than God, and do not have the right to make an “executive” decision and appoint a man who we “believe” would serve well despite his lack of qualifications. God is the “executive” and has the final say in who should serve in this important work.

As Paul wrote, “A bishop then must be…” (vs. 2).

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

The apostle Paul suffered a great deal because of his ministry in the gospel. He was constantly in peril, and coveted the prayers of the saints for protection. His petition here is especially specific, as he requested protection from “unreasonable and wicked men.”

Why are some men wicked? Because, “not all have faith.” Those without faith are often actively antagonistic toward Christ.

Such a sobering reality is certainly cause for prayer, but not for despair. Despite the antagonism of the worldly, Paul had reason for comfort and confidence. “But the Lord is faithful.” (cf. Romans 8:31).
Not only was Paul confident in God’s faithfulness, he was confident in the faithfulness of the Thessalonians. They were doing God’s will, and he believed they would continue to be faithful to Him.

This prayer was that their hearts (referencing both devotion and will) would be directed into the Love of God (indicating a love for God, seen in obedience) and the Patience of Christ (indicating a need for the same patience evinced by the Savior Himself in His life on earth). A wonderful prayer indeed!

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Here Paul answers an apparent question regarding the status of those who die prior to our Lord’s second coming. What will happen to those who have “fallen asleep in Jesus?”

The answer is one that will bring comfort to all those who are Christians (cf. 18). The dead in Christ will be raised in the day of judgment!

The assurance Paul offers is established in the fact of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. In His resurrection, he claimed victory over death, and became our forerunner. As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15, “But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep” (20). This sentiment is expressed in verse 14 of our text.

Paul concisely states the coming events of that day:

1. The Lord will descend from heaven;
2. The dead in Christ will be resurrected;
3. Those Christians who are alive will be transformed and taken;
4. We will be forever in the presence of our Lord.

The text does not indicate a “rapture” of the saints; it is rather an explanation of the ultimate end of all Christians at the Judgment Day.

Colossians 1:1-2

Even in Paul’s short greetings much can be learned. Here he succinctly defends his apostleship, saying he obtained his office “by the will of God.” For a more complete defense, see Galatians 1:10-20.

He identifies his fellow worker Timothy, his “son in the faith” (cf. 1 Timothy 1:2), and then immediately identifies his readers as “saints” and “faithful brethren in Christ.”

The word saint refers to one who has been “set apart”; in this case, from the world by God. The word indicates not only a privileged status with God, but also is a call to holy living. “But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” (1 Peter 1:15). The second phrase also indicates their holiness as he specifies that they were faithful brethren.

His greeting is a blessing upon them. Grace and Peace to them from God and His Son. Grace refers to the unmerited act of redemption that God supplied to man in the death of His Son. Peace refers to the well-being that is the result of that gift. The greeting is very concise, but was full of meaning to the Colossians, and is to God’s children today as well!

Philippians 1:9-11

This prayer of Paul is interesting in that it is on behalf of the Christians at Philippi, and expresses his desire for their continued growth.

He prays for their love to “abound more and more”, but notice how the apostle links love to knowledge and discernment. Why is it that love must be with discernment? So that “you may approve the things that are excellent.”

In our day, love is undiscerning, and tolerant even of error and evil. When evil is tolerated by God’s children, it has the unhappy effect of compromising purity and godliness. It is Paul’s desire that the Philippians (and we) be “sincere and without offense.” In order for that to happen, discernment had to accompany their (and our) love.

We must avoid being influenced to evil. Christians should be careful to develop sufficient knowledge of what God approves, that we might instead be “filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Christ.”

Ephesians 6:1-4

Here the Holy Spirit reveals instructions to children and fathers.

First, children are to obey. The simplicity of the reason would certainly appeal to a child, “for this is right.”

Additionally, Paul records the promise of Deut. 5:16, “that it may be well with you.” It is the wise child who heeds and obeys the counsel of his parents. God is pleased, and many pitfalls that other young people fall into are avoided.

Second, the admonition to fathers. “Do not provoke your children to wrath.” This does not mean to not make your children mad. Rather, the provocation would be because of wrong action on the part of the father. In contrast, the godly father is to “bring them up” or grow them into godly men and women through training and nurturing. God’s word supplies the father what is needed in this. We are to follow God’s instructions rather than our own philosophies on childrearing.

Galatians 1:6-10

The Apostle Paul was a stickler for accuracy. He was careful to preach the gospel as it was revealed to him, and was harshly critical of any who would “pervert the gospel of Christ.”

Of course, the condemnation was given by inspiration, and so reveals to us the attitude we must have toward God’s word. While it is popular to modify the gospel to suit the desires of men, it is not acceptable to God. Consider the severity of the condemnation, “let him be accursed.”

The word, a translation of the Greek anathema, literally means to be banned or excommunicated. The lesson? God will cut off those who change the gospel to please men!

Our purpose is to please God, not men. As such, we should be willing to preach His word to the world, even if it earns us persecution, and the disdain of others. That is what it means to be a bondservant of Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:3-6

In the beginning of his second epistle to the church in Corinth, Paul begins by praising God the Father. Specifically, he praises God for the comfort He supplies, calling Him the Father of mercies.

Paul was comforted by God throughout all the trials of his life. He gives a list of these in chapter 11 of the letter. It must be noted that the consolation is supplied “through Christ” (vs. 5).

This is the wonderful promise we receive, if we suffer with Christ, we will also receive comfort through Him. As always, our standing with God and the privileges therein enjoyed are tied to our relationship with His Son, and the Grace that God delivered through Him.

It is equally wonderful that our consolation in Christ equips us to comfort each other during tribulation or difficulty. We can raise the focus of the downtrodden above the present distress to the eternal hope that we together enjoy as brethren and children of God.