Understanding the Books

Without a doubt, the last book written by Paul in our possession, 2 Timothy is an intimate look into the relationship that exists between the apostle and the protege. The letter is a spattering of the glory of the Lord and the gloom of life. Throughout it is a book of hope for both Paul and Timothy. 2 Timothy gives a glimpse of Paul’s last pieces of advice to Timothy.

Who Wrote the Book of 2 Timothy?

Since the 18th century, the Pastoral Epistles – 1 Timothy, Titus, and 2 Timothy – have been considered together in theological discussions. For the most part, the epistles have been considered genuine works from the apostle Paul. Walter Lock (International Critical Commentary “The Pastoral Epistles”) writes, “1 Timothy is entirely pastoral and perhaps intended to be of universal application; Titus is mainly pastoral, but also a letter of commendation and a letter of recall; 2 Timothy is mainly personal, a letter of recall, and only incidentally pastoral.” Both the internal and external evidence point to the Apostle Paul as the author.

External Evidence

Biblical scholar James Hastings, editor of The Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, says, “While the witness of the non-canonical writers is not so strong for the Pastorals as for Romans and Corinthians, it compares favorably with that for Galatians and Philippians, and is much better than that for 1 and 2 Thessalonians.”

[su_pullquote align=”right”]William Robertson Nicoll, editor of the Expositor’s Greek New Testament, writes, “They are included in all manuscripts, versions, and lists of the Pauline epistles without exception, and in the same order.”[/su_pullquote]

Clement of Rome wrote in the late first century. He probably assumed leadership around Rome after Paul’s martyrdom. In his Epistle to the Corinthians, he alludes to passages in all three Pastoral letters. Ignatius and Polycarp have references to both of the letters to Timothy. Justin Martyr uses a phrase from Titus and another from 2 Timothy.

Internal Evidence

The internal evidence supports the evidence from outside. In each of the three Pastoral Letters, the writer addresses himself as Paul (1 Timothy 1:1, Titus 1:1, and 2 Timothy 1:1). Both of the letters to Timothy contain many personal references to both Paul and to Timothy (1 Timothy 1:13, 1 Timothy 1:15, 2 Timothy alone has 23 personal references).

In addition, the theology of the epistles consistently supports the known theology of Paul’s other epistles. Similarities exist in the treatment of Old Testament Scriptures, of the development of the leadership within the church, and the understanding of the person and work of Christ.

To Whom was the Book Written?

The name Timothy is mentioned in the first verses of both 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy. One of Paul’s best-known companions, the apostle describes Timothy as “his beloved and faithful son in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 4:17), “my true child in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2), and “my beloved child” (2 Timothy 1:2). For references in the New Testament, refer to Acts 17:14, 18:5, 19:22, 20:4, Romans 16:21, 1 Corinthians 4:17, 16:10,

Timothy was a resident and native of either Lystra or Derbe, cities which Paul visited on his first missionary journey (Acts 14:6). Luke mentions Paul’s friends and includes “Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy” (Acts 20:4) which probably infers that Timothy was not of Derbe. Conclusions lead us to believe Lystra to be Timothy’s hometown.

By the second journey, Timothy is ready to work. Timothy is mentioned with Paul at Berea (Acts 17:14). Silas and Timothy are left there as Paul travels to Athens. The two join the apostle there a short time later, meeting him in Corinth. Timothy and Silas were immediately sent to Thessalonica.

Timothy’s name connects with Paul in the salutation of several epistles (2 Corinthians 1:1, Philippians 1:1, Colossians 1:1, and Philemon 1:1. It can also be found mentioned with Silas in 1 Thessalonians 1:1 and 2 Thessalonians 1:1.

When was 2 Timothy Written?

It is difficult to know the exact chronology of the apostle Paul following the book of Acts. Following two years of house arrest awaiting his accusers, Paul was released from confinement late AD61 or early 62. Paul mentions in his letter to the Romans his eventual goal of reaching Spain (Romans 15:24, 28). New Testament scholars William Ramsay and Theodor Zahn confidently infer from Comments by Clement of Rome that Paul paid a visit to Spain. Spanish traditions, as well as notations in the Muratorian Canon and the histories of Eusebius support the trip. It is extremely likely that Paul was accompanied on this trip further west by Luke and Timothy.

Travels after the Book of Acts

Assuming he stayed in Spain six months to a year, the apostle was ready to move on sometime in AD63. Paul probably carried out his plans to visit Nicopolis (Titus 3:12). The problem is there were eight places in the Mediterranean area that bore the name. Many scholars think Paul visits a Nicopolis in Italy near Rome.

Upon their return, Timothy is left in Ephesus to oversee the ministry there. Paul’s first letter to Timothy presents a thorough look at the organization of the leadership of a congregation.

But then things take an abrupt turn for the worse. On the night of July 18th in AD64 a fire broke out and swept across the city of Rome. The disastrous fire ravaged the capital of the Empire for over a week. The Great Fire of Rome holds several legends guarding complete knowledge of the truth. Emperor Nero was decadent, unpopular, and growing more mentally unstable throughout his reign. While the stories of Nero fiddling while the city burned are nothing more than myth, history does paint a bad picture of Rome’s leader.

Burning of Rome

No primary sources about the fire survive. We rely on the accounts of three Roman historians Tacitus, Suetonius, and Cassius Dio. Tacitus wrote about sixty years after the event, Suetonius about two years later, and Cassius Dio about 100 years after.

The fire was said to have started in merchant shops near the chariot racing stadium. Tacitus says the merchants sold “flammable goods” which aided the fire’s spread. Strong winds from the Sahara sweep across Italy during the summer months. Poorly constructed timber houses provided ample fuel during the dry conditions.

Tacitus documents that efforts to douse the fire were hindered by gangs of looters and arsonists. The fire ended with two-thirds of Rome damaged or destroyed, hundreds killed, and thousands homeless. Tacitus claimed Nero was away from Rome at the time but implied the looted might have done so under someone’s orders. Suetonius and Cassius Dio placed the blame at Nero’s feet, claiming he wanted to burn down the parts of the city he disliked in order to build a new lavish palace.

Persecution Begins

Nero lay the blame for the fire upon the Christians, beginning nearly three centuries of Roman persecution against them. Christians were arrested, tortured, and executed, allowing an angry populace to have a scapegoat. Peter and Paul, Christianity’s leading spokesmen, both paid the ultimate sacrifice of faith.

Nero dies on June 8, AD68, so Paul’s death had to be shortly before. Paul urges Timothy to join him “before winter” (2 Timothy 4:21), placing the date of the writing of 2 Timothy in late summer or early autumn of 67.

What Messages Resonate in the Book

Knowing that death was just around the corner, Paul wanted to leave Timothy with a message of encouraging hope while emphasizing themes that were important to Paul. Paul speaks to Timothy of hope during hopeless and helpless times. The apostle emphasizes important lessons of communication a leader of faith must follow. He continues urging the importance of sound doctrine and grace.

What Do People Say About 2 Timothy?

Many leading Bible teachers make strong comments about the book of 2 Timothy. Their words may encourage you to read the book.

Paul wrote his Second Letter to Timothy from the loneliness of a dungeon while awaiting a likely death (2 Timothy 4:6-8). He attempted to fortify Timothy for accomplishment and steadfastness in ministry after his departure.

D. Thomas Lea, New American Commentary

Paul was serving God as his forefathers did. He appreciated very much his religious heritage, and so today should all those who have been brought up in a Christian environment.

Ralph Earle, Expositor’s Bible Commentary

The Pastoral Epistles are the natural and human expressions of the apostle’s own reflections about the future of the work he is obliged to delegate to others. They reveal, therefore, as much about their author’s reactions to the situations he faces as contemporary conditions in the church.

Donald Guthrie, Tyndale New Testament Commentary

The second letter is Paul’s last will and testament for Timothy, his great legacy for the rest of Timothy’s life. In the shadow of death Paul lays the work into Timothy’s hands so that he might carry it forward as his worthy successor in the field where God shall place this beloved assistant of his.

R.C.H. Lenski, Commentary on the New Testament

The numbers are staggering. 85% of the world’s 2.2 million evangelical churches are led by pastors with little-to-no theological training. Let’s resolve to take the positive steps to read it, connect it, wrangle it, build it and share it.

While every Christian should be concerned about the lack of knowledge of the Bible in the churches, church leaders must be biblically literate and adept. Paul urged Titus to “hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it” (Titus 1:9 NIV).

Here is a positive step we can take toward biblical literacy.

Read It

The survey found a couple of other preferences. The most likely to have never read the Bible were Millennials, while those over the age of 70 were the most frequent readers. Of readers over the age of 50, 91% preferred a print edition of the Bible as opposed to other formats.

Noticing the differences between an expressed interest in reading the Bible and actually doing it, the logical question asks, “Why?” What could be the possible frustrations and disengagement toward Bible reading?

I Don’t Understand the Language.

The Bible is difficult for some to understand either because its vocabulary is more advanced or more specialized than the reader is accustomed.

  • Today the Scripture is translated into several different English reading levels. Choose a translation or a paraphrase that best meets your vocabulary needs.
  • In addition to vocabulary differences, Bibles are produced to help meet your reasons for reading. Study Bibles, devotional Bibles, picture Bibles, and doctrinal explanations within the Bible help meet your needs in reading.
  • In this section of Step One, there is a detailed explanation of how the Bible is translated. You will learn about the difference between a paraphrase and a translation. You will also read about how the translators seek to bring the ancient languages into English and why the versions vary so much in vocabulary.

I Don’t Know Where to Start.

Opening the Bible can be an overwhelming challenge, especially since it is not like any other book on your shelf.

  • You don’t have to start on page one. The Bible is a collection of 66 different books and one way to start reading is to read through one of the books.
  • Start by learning about Jesus. He is the heart and soul of the message of Christianity. The first four books of the New Testament – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – present accounts of His life. Some of the stories are found in more than one book. Other stories are unique to the author. Matthew and John were written by an apostle – the twelve men who followed the rabbi during His ministry on earth.
  • In this section of Step One, there are three different reading plans to help you get started on your Bible reading journey.

I Don’t Really See the Benefits.

Let’s consider several benefits which will help you understand the worth of Scripture and the value gained when you read it.

  • The Word of God stirs and strengthens faith. “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing from the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17 NIV).
  • The Word of God encourages us with hope. “Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4 NIV).
  • The Word of God is the source of wisdom. Wisdom is the insight and sense of how to live in a way that accomplishes our goals.
  • The Word of God gives us critical warnings. The book not only points us to the right path, but sounds warnings when we are about to travel the wrong one.
  • The Word of God leads us to understand the heart of the Father. The more we read, the more we learn about God.

Here are several verses of Scripture that reinforce the value and importance of the biblical literacy.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

2 Timothy 3:16 NKJV

2 Timothy 3:16 NLT

2 Timothy 3:16 MESSAGE

Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Proverbs 30:5 NKJV

Proverbs 30:5 NLT

Proverbs 30:5 MESSAGE

The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.

Psalm 119:130 NKJV

Psalm 119:130 NLT

Psalm 119:130 MESSAGE

Let’s join together and make progress toward improving our biblical literacy.

Understanding the Books

No other book in the New Testament fascinates and yet puzzles today’s Christian reader like the last book of the Bible, the book of Revelation.  Alan Johnson writes, “Indeed, it may well be that with the exception of the Gospels, the Apocalypse is the most profound and moving teaching on Christian doctrine and discipleship found anywhere in Holy Scripture.”

Revelation is one of a handful of books which belong to a group of literature known as “apocalyptic.”  Revelation appears to be the earliest book to receive this genre label. In this writing the predictive element is dominant in the style. Symbols are often arbitrary and are usually left unexplained. Threads of this style of writing can be seen in the books of Daniel, Ezekiel, and Zechariah.

[su_pullquote align=”right”]Revelation is a unique book. It was written to people who liked to think and who liked symbolism. Readers were expected to hold pictures and concepts in mind as more thoughts were presented. For some readers the symbols in Revelation are made barriers to understanding instead of being a medium through which understanding was intended to come. There is a consistency that is vital in the use of the figures in the message of the book. Numbers, colors, time values, places, events, objects – all have concept that contribute to the whole picture.

Thomas Friskney, “Strength for Victory”[/su_pullquote]

Who Wrote the Book?

Perhaps because of its subject matter, quotes from Revelation present authoritative Scripture by many early Christian writers, including Epistle of Barnabas, Ignatius, and the Teaching of the Twelve, Justin Martyr says that “John, one of the Apostles of Christ, prophesied that those who believed in our Christ would dwell a thousand years in Jerusalem.” Other early attestation can be seen from Irenaeus, Tertullian, Clement of Alexandria and Origen.

Four times in the book the writer calls himself John (Revelation 1:1, 4, 9 and 22:8). Though he does not call himself an apostle, the humble spirit of a servant is not out of character with the New Testament author.

This author was in exile on the island of Patmos (Revelation 1:9). Early church fathers declare that it was John the Apostle who had been banished to the isle. Eusebius, an early church historian, says that the Apostle John was freed from this imprisonment after the death of the Emperor Domitian. Irenaeus says that John remained in Ephesus after his return until the time of his death during the reign of Trajan.

To Whom was the Book of Revelation Written?

The book appears to be written for the believers in seven churches in Asia Minor mentioned several times in its pages (Revelation 1:4, 1:10, 1:11, Revelation 2:1, 8, 12, 18, Revelation 3:1, 7, 14). It was no doubt also intended for neighboring churches in the region and beyond to the church as a whole. The churches in Colossae and Hierapolis had been destroyed by an earthquake since the last days of Paul’s life. Restoration and renovation efforts  at the time is not known. There were other churches in this area including Troas and Miletus.

People speculate why these seven churches are singled out. Some find them representative of “eras” of church history, where most scholars always assume their own time is identified with the church of Laodecia. Mounce suggests that these seven churches were chosen because each had a specific relationship with the emperor worship of the times. This order just seems natural. The ancient roads of travel began at Ephesus and continued until finally arriving at Laodicea.

When was Revelation Written?

Linguistic scholars and theologians Westcott, Lightfoot, and Hort hold the book of Revelation was written about AD68 or 69. Two reasons are usually mentioned for the earlier dating. Some see the style and character of the Greek language as inferior, more simplistic than John’s gospel and epistles. This leads them to conclude Revelation was written first. Scholars also point out that in the book kings are mentioned, five already fallen, one was, one was to come, and finally an eighth would appear. The interpretation lead them to identify with the emperors of Rome. If the count begins with Julius Caesar, the book would be written during the time of Nero; if Caesar Augustus, the reign of Galba.

The majority of scholars like Swete, Milligan, Orr, Moffatt and Zahn hold to a much later date, placing it around AD96 or as late as 98. Banishment to the island of Patmos became a favorite sentence from Emperor Domitian who reigned from AD81 – 96. Historians indicate this was John’s fate two or three different times during this emperor’s reign.

What Messages Resonate in the Book?

The approach one uses to interpret the book of Revelation will often dictate the message one will receive from the book. Let’s make a couple of observations then talk about the main approaches to interpreting the book. The writing is called a “revelation of Jesus Christ.” The word means to expose completely what was formerly hidden or secret. It is a revelation of Jesus, a message He wants us to hear rather than a message about Him. It is the only time the word is used in writings by John, although it is used often in the vocabulary of other New Testament writers (Luke 2:32, Romans 16:25, Ephesians 3:5, 2 Thessalonians 1:7, 1 Peter 1:7, 13).

The message of the book was first given to its author, the Apostle John as he was banished to the island of Patmos. The message was “for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.” John was a “brother and companion in suffering” (Revelation 1:9). How does the believer respond in the midst of suffering, especially if the suffering appears to be getting worse? Notice what John says about the message’s effect on believers. He writes, “Blessed is the one who reads these words, and blessed is the one who hears it and takes the message to heart” (Revelation 1:3). This message gives hope and blessing to the one who suffers.

Methods of Interpretation

There are several methods primarily used to understand the message of this book. Is it possible to look at Revelation and interpret it in a literal way? Many assume that something should be literal unless it cannot be taken literally. While most symbolic interpretations are indeed wrong, a literal interpretation in Revelation is most always wrong. Let’s look at four general ways of understanding the content in Revelation.

  • The preteristic method holds the material in Revelation relates to the past. More specifically, they would view things as having taken place in John’s day. This is largely an approach taken officially by the Roman Catholic Church.
  • The historical method, sometimes referred to as a dispensational method, sees fulfillment in times of church history. Each church is seen as an age or era of history.
  • The futuristic method takes everything to refer sometime in the future, usually just before the second coming of Christ. Two inconsistencies almost always occur in this method, both dealing with literal and symbolic interpretation. Most who use this method take chapters one through three to refer to churches in the first century. They also see chapters four through nineteen as unfulfilled prophecy touching events during a literal 1000 year period of time. The futuristic method is popularized today in premillennialism. For more information on millennial views, follow this link.
  • Finally, the prophetic-symbolic method approaches the material as applicable to all periods of time. The language of figures and images is permitted to shine through its symbols. The practical message sees victory for the overcomers of suffering and opposition. Ultimately destruction awaits sin and the enemies of God.

Old Testament Imagery

Revelation uses dozens of symbols, many finding their meaning from the Old Testament: eating scrolls, beasts, marks on the forehead, gold, thrones, sun, moon, stars, candlesticks, dragons, Balaam, Jezebel, Gog and Magog, Sodom, Egypt and Babylon. Simon Kistemaker writes, “The conclusion we must draw is that the numbers, images, and expressions of greatness must be interpreted as symbols that present the idea of totality, fullness, and perfection” (Simon J. Kistemaker, Revelation: Exposition of the Book of Revelation, p.16).

What Do People Say About Revelation?

Many leading Bible teachers make strong comments about the book of Revelation. Their words may encourage you to read the book.

The Book of Revelation is such a dream landscape that you can plug any major conflict into it.

Elaine Pagels

Many hidden truths are often unobserved, not invisible.

Matthew A. Petti

If God did not want us to understand the book of Revelation, He would not have given it to us at all.

Dwight L. Moody

Not for nothing has the book of Revelation been the favourite book of the Bible for Christians under oppression in our time. The “trumpet call to faith” inspires endurance in the kingdom of God living in the spirit of Christ’s bearing his cross and the power of his resurrection, and in the light of the revelation of the kingdom of glory at his coming.

George R. Beasley-Murray

This grand judgment on the sinfulness of humanity shows the seriousness with which God views sin – payment will be exacted from those not covered by the blood of Jesus Christ.

Charles Swindoll

Biblical Literacy

 

Our small group is sharing “Twelve Scriptures Should You Know by Heart.” What Scriptures would make your list? I would love to hear the verses that mean a lot to you. Feel free to leave a comment at the end of today’s post.

Hiding God’s Word in your heart is certainly a concept taught in the Bible, but it is also something that brings personal comfort. Even if I only remember three or four words of a passage, I can put those words in Google and the hidden gem of Scripture will emerge uncovered – in about a million internet appearances. What peace and encouragement there is in knowing that God is speaking to my circumstances and guiding me on my path.

Guiding Our Thoughts

Let’s use this verse from the Bible to guide our thoughts. (I suppose this verse gives us thirteen Scriptures you should know by heart!) David writes in the Psalms,

How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
    By living according to your word.
10 I seek you with all my heart;
    do not let me stray from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart
    that I might not sin against you (Psalm 119:9-11 NIV).

Psalm 119:9-11 NASB

Psalm 119:9-11 NCV

Psalm 119:9-11 MESSAGE

Translations

As we look at our twelve Scriptures you should know by heart, I will list four versions of the Bible for each verse. The text that will be printed is from the New American Standard Version of the Bible. The three other versions are the New International Version (NIV), the New Century Version (NCV), and the Message (MSG, MESSAGE). By using the different versions, you will get a flavor for how the Bible can be translated. The information box on the side will remind you of the different styles and types of translation.

Meaning

Following each verse, we will offer a brief paragraph explaining why the verse is important to know. We should know how to find the verse and how to share it with someone else.

Anytime you read a “Top Ten List” about any subject, it is always easy to scrutinize too closely. “Why did this Scripture get left off?” “Who would put THAT verse on the list?” Don’t let yourself fall into that trap, but look at the list for what it is worth. We will talk about why the verses made my list. I think a couple of the verses will surprise you.

Understanding the Difference in Translations

[doc id=7810]

Understanding the Different Translations

Let’s get started with the twelve Scriptures you should know by heart.

Isaiah 40:28

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth; Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is unsearchable (Isaiah 40:28 NASB).

Isaiah 40:28 NIV

Isaiah 40:28 NCV

Isaiah 40:28 MESSAGE

We start with a verse that introduces God, His creative powers, and His nature. This is the God of the Bible, whom I trust not only because He created, but because He is better than me. He does not become weary. His wisdom is great. He is eternal.

John 1:1, 14

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us; and we saw His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:1, 14 NASB).

John 1:1, 14 NIV

John 1:1, 14 NCV

John 1:1, 14 MESSAGE

If the first concept that we look at from Scripture is the presence of God, it is vital that we next look at the presence of Jesus. John tells us that Jesus existed from the very beginning, not in the form and body of a human, but as a God-dwelling person of the Trinity. John sees Jesus as the ultimate communication of God – and calls Him “the Word.” Does that give you deeper understanding of the beginning of Hebrews, “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, (Hebrews 1:1-2a NIV).

1 John 1:8-9

If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:8-9 NASB).

1 John 1:8 NIV

1 John 1:8 NCV

1 John 1:8 MESSAGE

Once we understand God’s presence and stature, it is important to understand us. Created in the image of God, humans have one ungodly characteristic: sin. John tells us that if we say we have no sin, all we are doing is pretending, and deceiving ourselves. We are not “getting better” with time, our history certainly proves that. We also don’t learn very quickly.

Acts 4:12

And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among mankind by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12 NASB).

Acts 4:12 NIV

Acts 4:12 NCV

Acts 4:12 MESSAGE

Sin leaves us with a terrible dilemma. It makes us partners with death. Death is not just an end to the animated physical body, but it is a condition of our mind, soul and spirit. Death separates us – from each other, from a sense of right and wrong, from peace within, and ultimately from God Himself. None of us are righteous, not a single one.

Ephesians 2:8-9

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:8-9 NASB).

Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV

Ephesians 2:8-9 NCV

Ephesians 2:8-9 MESSAGE

We understand when someone is gracious. We receive more than what we deserve. God shows us that He is beyond gracious. From a God who cannot sin, who cannot tolerate sin, who must act justly by His very nature, God offers to cancel our partnership with death. Our only stipulation is that we take God at His Word. Faith is believing God’s Words – His Words about sin, His Words about life, and His Words about our need to escape the clutches of death. Doesn’t this make John’s words that we learned earlier even more meaningful?

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come (2 Corinthians 5:17 NASB).

2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

2 Corinthians 5:17 NCV

2 Corinthians 5:17 MESSAGE

The next several Scriptures speak to what happens to us when we understand God’s gracious gift to us, the gift He provided through faith. The first thing that happens is a change inside us. We become as different as night to day. The difference is obvious to God – and obvious to everyone else. The things we want to do changes. The reason we want to do them changes as well. We become transformed.

Romans 8:28

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28 NASB).

Romans 8:28 NIV

Romans 8:28 NCV

Romans 8:28 MESSAGE

The second thing that happens is a change outside of us. God promises to work everything together for good if we love Him. The promise doesn’t mean that bad things will not happen. We still live in a world where most people are in partnership with death. But God promises that He pays attention to our lives. Whatever comes our way, He will turn it to good, if we trust Him and allow Him the opportunity to work. This promise gives us hope.

Matthew 22:37-39

And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:37-39 NASB).

Matthew 22:37-39 NIV

Matthew 22:37-39 NCV

Matthew 22:37-39 MESSAGE

So if God has done all of this for me, what can I do to show Him that I love Him and appreciate His graciousness? Jesus said to love God with all our hearts, minds, souls and strength. We are also to love others just as we love ourselves.

Micah 6:8

He has told you, mortal one, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8 NASB)?

Micah 6:8 NIV

Micah 6:8 NCV

Micah 6:8 MESSAGE

How am I to treat others? I am to treat them fairly, I am to treat them kindly (gently not with harsh anger) and I am to allow them to see that I am walking humbly with God. If I treat others fairly and kindly, they will wonder why. Most people do not treat others outside their own household this way. (Neighbors, remember?) Be honest with them. Inside it would be much easier just to look out for yourself. But you act differently because of God. (And now you can share the first five Scriptures you know by heart.)

Romans 8:38-39

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39 NASB).

Romans 8:38-39 NIV

Romans 8:38-39 NCV

Romans 8:38-39 MESSAGE

But what if I mess up? What if I don’t love God like I should or love my neighbors correctly? What if I fall flat on my face? Get up. Dust yourself off. Try better tomorrow. Nothing you could do can separate you from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus. Don’t be deceived. Keep believing, and be transformed. (This might be a good time to think back to the fifth Scripture you know by heart.)

Romans 8:1

Therefore there is now no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1 NASB).

Romans 8:1 NIV

Romans 8:1 NCV

Romans 8:1 MESSAGE

This verse is included because it speaks to where I live as much as any other verse in the Bible. Satan wants to deceive me. He wants me not to believe God’s Words. His ship is sinking and he wants to take as many down with him as he can. He works hard to convince me that I am guilty and I should live my life as a guilty man. I snapped back at my wife. I lost my temper with the customer. My thoughts weren’t very pure last night.

It doesn’t take long for me to question my hope and my future, to wonder about the truthfulness of God’s Words. Isn’t that what he has been doing to humans since the Garden of Eden? There is no condemnation – at all – for those who are in Christ Jesus. Not in the future. Not from the past. Not now. Keep believing, and be transformed.

Hebrews 9:28

so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him (Hebrews 9:28 NASB).

Hebrews 9:28 NIV

Hebrews 9:28 NCV

Hebrews 9:28 MESSAGE

Our final verse of Scripture speaks to our hope. Jesus will appear a second time, not to provide a sacrifice for sin, but to embrace with open arms those who eagerly await Him. I am ready, Lord. Come at any time!

There you have it. Twelve Scriptures you should know by heart. Hiding God’s Word in your heart will transform your life. They will build inside you hope.

The Finale

As our study comes to a close, here are some resources to wrap up your lesson. If you want to use this study as content for a small group study, you can use the lesson handout to guide your group discussion. You may make as many copies as you need. The Source provides you with a handful of web sites that served as research for this material. The Essence gives you a brief devotional summary of the lesson that might be appropriate for a quick meditation for a gathering. There are also a handful of suggestions for you to continue your study. Finally, The Quiz gives you a chance to review and see what you have learned.

Handout
Source
Essence
Look Forward

The Quiz
studies, words

Do you start the year making new year’s resolutions? Are you good at keeping them? A majority of us say we make them. A whopping 73.7% of men, and 74.26% of women plan to make resolutions in the coming year. An even more impressive figure, 141.1 million Americans, or roughly 55% of the people, say that keeping the resolutions are within their reach. Was daily Bible study on your list?

For many of those with a faith background, there is a passion to also make resolutions for a deeper spiritual commitment during the coming year. Many of us attempt to read through the Bible in a year, to improve our church attendance, or even to increase our giving, but often we fall short of those goals. May I encourage you this year to join with us in forming some habits to improve the way we study and understand the Bible? I have put together a daily plan of Bible reading that will help you build a way of understanding the historical context of Scripture, making appropriate applications of the Scripture, all the while forming good habits of daily Bible reading.

Your habit could drastically improve your biblical literacy.

Research has shown that it takes about 21 days to form a habit. Then to make it a real life-style change, continue the habit for another 90 days. Several psychologists refer to this as the 21-90 rule. If we start reading from the Bible now, in just over 100 days, we will begin forming the habit of daily Bible study. The days are not tied to the calendar, so you can start today! Are you up for the challenge? Invite your friends to join in.

The First 21 Days

We will start our journey slow and easy. We will read one verse each day, think about how the verse applies to our life, and ask God to bless us in the reading and hearing of His Word. The main version of the Bible listed will be the New International Version.

Links provided make twelve other [popup_anything id=”5951″] available to you, including a Spanish version. English versions are available as either [popup_anything id=”5944″].

By participating, you are creating several important components that will make your habit last. We will build fellowship with each other by offering our thoughts in the reply tab at the bottom of this page. Each day, you can answer the thought question yourself, or you can comment and respond to the post of someone else. Not only are you learning to read Scripture for daily Bible study, but you are reflecting on it and communicating your understanding of it to others. You are building your own understanding of your personal [popup_anything id=”5943″] of the Bible.

week one

Day Scripture NIV Scripture NASB Scripture MSG Daily Thought Question
Day One Psalm 111:10 Psalm 111:10 NASB Psalm 111:10 MESSAGE What does it mean to fear the Lord? How is that the beginning of wisdom?
Day Two Romans 1:16 Romans 1:16 NASB Romans 1:16 MESSAGE How can you show that you are not ashamed of the gospel?
Day Three Isaiah 40:31 Isaiah 40:31 NASB Isaiah 40:31 MESSAGE How does the Lord renew your spiritual strength?
Day Four John 3:16 John 3:16 NASB John 3:16 MESSAGE John 3:16 may be the most well-known verse in the Bible. Will you explain what it means to you?
Day Five John 4:24 John 4:24 NASB John 4:24 MESSAGE What does it mean to worship God in spirit?
Day Six Romans 1:20 Romans 1:20 NASB Romans 1:20 MESSAGE What can you learn about God by looking at His creation?
Day Seven Psalm 90:2 Psalm 90:2 NASB Psalm 90:2 MESSAGE What do you learn about God from this Psalm?

 

 

week two

Day Scripture NIV Scripture NASB Scripture MSG Daily Thought Question
Day Eight Hebrews 4:12 Hebrews 4:12 NASB Hebrews 4:12 MESSAGE How is God’s word alive and active in your life?
Day Nine Psalm 119:105 Psalm 119:105 NASB Psalm 119:105 MESSAGE How does God’s word provide light and direction to the path that you walk?
Day Ten Romans 15:4 Romans 15:4 NASB Romans 15:4 MESSAGE Name a lesson that you have learned from the pages of the Old Testament.
Day Eleven Proverbs 3:5-6 Proverbs 3:5-6 NASB Proverbs 3:5-6 MESSAGE What does it mean to trust God with all your heart?
Day Twelve 1 Thessalonians 5:16 1 Thessalonians 5:16 NASB 1 Thessalonians 5:16 MESSAGE What does it mean to “pray continually?” Is that really possible?
Day Thirteen Psalm 119:11 Psalm 119:11 NASB Psalm 119:11 MESSAGE Will you memorize Psalm 119:11 as you start to hide God’s Word in your heart?
Day Fourteen James 1:22 James 1:22 NASB James 1:22 MESSAGE Is there a verse in the Bible that you have listened to but not obeyed? What should be your first step toward obedience?

week three

 

Day Scripture NIV Scripture NASB Scripture MSG Daily Thought Question
Day Fifteen 2 Corinthians 5:17 2 Corinthians 5:17 NASB 2 Corinthians 5:17 MESSAGE What is new about you since you have become a Christian?
Day Sixteen Galatians 2:20 Galatians 2:20 NASB Galatians 2:20 MESSAGE What does living by faith in the Son of God mean to you?
Day Seventeen Colossians 3:9-10 Colossians 3:9-10 NASB Colossians 3:9-10 MESSAGE What part of the “new self” have you put on that marks your new life in Christ?
Day Eighteen Romans 6:4 Romans 6:4 NASB Romans 6:4 MESSAGE What imagery of baptism stands out the most to you? Why?
Day Nineteen Psalm 133:1 Psalm 133:1 NASB Psalm 133:1 MESSAGE In what way is it possible for Christians to actually be united?
Day Twenty Acts 2:42 Acts 2:42 NASB Acts 4:42 MESSAGE To what aspect of the Christian faith would you consider yourself “devoted?” What does it mean to you to be devoted?
Day Twenty-One 1 Thessalonians 5:11 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NASB 1 Thessalonians 5:11 MESSAGE What Christian in your life is an encouragement to you? Who do you encourage in the faith?

 

Music is different things to different people. Music can make us think, emote and behave. Music can provide the backdrop for deeply meaningful thought or it can be mindless entertainment. Music can exhilarate or provoke. The music of Christmas challenges and encourages our faith.

The brand Spotify is the world’s most popular audio streaming service. Spotify offers a free and a premium product with 365 million users, including 165 subscribers, across 178 markets in over 50 different languages. Their marketing efforts reveal how personal music is to each of us. They also showed how the music created a community with life connections that went deeper than just a love for a particular artist.

Researchers at the University of Westminster and City University of London discovered the music we listened to between the ages of 10 and 30 defines us for the rest of our lives. Music from this period of our lives connects us to people, places and events that are significant to our identities.

Music defines us, molding and shaping our minds and our souls. If these things are true – and they are – then music must also touch my spiritual being. Does the music I listen to define my spirit? Let’s listen again to the Music of Christmas.

Lesson Web Pages
Lesson One: It’s the Celebration Season Lesson Two: Songs & Santa

Lesson Three: Songs of Reflection

Lesson Four: Carols & The Christ
Lesson Handouts
[doc id=5829] [doc id=5835] [doc id=5836] [doc id=5837]
Christmas Music Trivia
Mediterranean Moments
Mediterranean Moments Mediterranean Moments Mediterranean Moments Mediterranean Moments
Mediterranean Moments

In some ways, the Messianic Psalms are a devotional delight. They allow us to focus on an aspect of the Messiah or His kingdom with either a magnifying glass or a telescope. Psalms invite us to make an application that has been tailored just to fit our form and life. It is important to see certain characteristics of Messianic prophecies.

 

Let’s think back to the Messianic themes we discovered as we studied through the second Psalm. We will be looking for the development of these themes through each of the Royal Psalms.

  • The Lord Reigns – the story of a King and His kingdom
  • The nations oppose God and His people in rage
  • The Lord sends His Anointed One
  • The Lord’s people are blessed

 

The message of John the Baptist and indeed Jesus Himself proclaimed “the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2, Matthew 4:17, Matthew 10:5-8, 23 Mark 1:13-14, Luke 10:9). In the NIV translation of the Bible, Jesus mentions the kingdom (either of God or heaven) 106 times. The kingdom explains God’s presence with His people. It proclaims the leadership structure of His people. The kingdom presents God’s people with the territory ruled by its king.

 

First, we are looking for evidence of the reign of Almighty God. “The Lord reigns” is seen as a theme through these psalms.

 

We also notice the rage of the nations. The nations represent the people who do not necessarily follow God. The makeup of this group of people ranges from those who simply do not care to those who violently oppose God’s people and ways. In the Old Testament, the nations were literal, but the meaning applies in a figurative way as well.

 

Next we look for the presence of the Lord’s anointed one. Israel’s concept of the anointed one was tied completely to the king and kingdom. From the time of Saul forward, God’s chosen king was anointed. Remember, there are two spiritual concept tied to this imagery. God himself fulfilled the role of King for Israel. He also promised that a day would come when His own anointed one – the One He would call His Son – would reign. In the Old Testament, He was called the Messiah. In the New Testament, the term used was Christ.

 

Finally we look at the blessings that come for the people who take refuge in the Anointed One. God does not abandon His people. They are more than just members of a kingdom. They become adopted into His family.

 

These characteristics of Messianic prophecies help us as we read and study through the Psalms.

Mediterranean Moments

The New Testament makes many references to the Jewish Scripture to support the claims of early Christians that Jesus of Nazareth was the promised Messiah. From the time of Jesus until today, many faithful Jewish believers have not accepted the interpretation of Scripture understood by Christians seeing Jesus has the Messiah. The Hebrew Scripture provided an important source for the New Testament writers. Many scholars see Luke making allusion to all but three Old Testament books. The book of Psalms contains Messianic prophecies as well as explanations of the Kingdom.

Some estimate the Old Testament contains 333 prophecies predicting the coming Messiah. Peter Stoner, in the amazing book, Science Speaks, calculated the chance of one man fulfilling only 48 of these prophecies. He understands the probability being 1:10157 – a statistically impossible number.

The following websites can provide you additional information on the topic of Messianic prophecies.

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Mediterranean Moments

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