Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
[The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith] and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.
Summary: Paul points back to the origin of deception to help us see the danger of listening to anything other than Christ.
In our last meditation, “For or Against?,” we explored two possible views about what “abandon the faith” might mean.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 4:1b – Calling Jesus”
… and he began to teach them.
Summary: Jesus’ role as a “son” defines him in an entirely different way from who he is as a God, Creator, and King.
God, Creator, and King are three radically different roles for one person to occupy. Even with just these three aspects to consider, the implications are staggering. Yet we have only begun to explore the various roles that Jesus fills. Of those that are left to discuss, his role as “Son” is perhaps the most important.
Continue reading “Matthew 5:2 — Who is Jesus? Part IV — Son”
… since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
Summary: The NIV’s use of the word “struggle” prompts us to examine Paul’s intent more closely.
Struggle? What struggle?
Continue reading “Philippians 1:30 – Struggles”
… striving together as one for the faith of the gospel…
Summary: “Striving together” suggests a coordinated effort between people. On closer examination, we discover that a loose association of believers can also “strive together.”
When was the last time you found yourself “striving together” with anyone? Do you remember? What were you striving for?
Continue reading “Philippians 1:27c – A Point of Focus”Do not lie to each other …
Summary: Wondering about white lies leads us to wonder about the nature of truth as well.
The “Food for Thought” question at the end of the last meditation was, “Are ‘white lies’ okay in church?” This sparked comments that raised more questions.
The consensus in the comments was that we shouldn’t tell “white lies.” Lies are the province of the devil, the “father of lies” (John 8:44). Ergo, Christians should avoid lies of any kind. I agree, but what does that mean?
Continue reading “Colossians 3:9b – White Lies”
[… rid yourselves of] … malice …
Summary: Words have meanings, and meanings are important. “Malice” may not be a word we use very often anymore, but it is a good word that describes a very common condition.
One of the things Paul encourages us to get rid of is “malice.” Malice is a great word, but one we don’t often use. The simplest definition I found for it is “the intention or desire to do evil.”* More explicitly, it is a desire to do harm or cause suffering.
Okay … “evil” is a small word, but it carries a big stick. What does “evil” mean?
Continue reading “Colossians 3:8d – The Opposite of Good”Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion …
Summary: Satan doesn’t have a lot of power compared to God’s power, but he does have the ability to cause confusion wherever he goes.
Continue reading “Galatians 1:7b – Standing for Jesus”To the churches in Galatia:
Summary: The churches in Galatia have become a battlefield, and they don’t even know it.
Continue reading “Galatians 1:2b – Three Groups”… the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Summary: Today, we look at the devil’s attempts to put a flaming arrow in our Lord’s back. Spoiler Alert: It doesn’t go well for Satan.
Continue reading “Ephesians 6:16c – Potshots”… so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Summary: Understanding who the devil is helps us understand his schemes and why we need to take a stand.
Continue reading “Ephesians 6:11b – Soul Wars”