Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
[He] was vindicated by the Spirit…
Summary: Vindication is an interesting word. In this passage, it means something a little different from how we might use the word today.
The word “vindicated” in this passage is key to understanding the meaning.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 3:16c – Vindication”
[The law is made for]… lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers …
Summary: Paul’s list of examples of false teachers who violate the law closely parallels God’s Ten Commandments.
If you squint when you look at this passage, it is possible to “see” the law Paul is talking about.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:9b-10a – Squinting”
We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for …
Summary: As Paul leads us into his list of people the law was made for, it is good to pause and consider our personal role in the Body of Christ.
Paul’s sentences can be difficult to follow. He says: ”We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for …”
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:9a – Challenge Enough”
We know that the law is good if one uses it properly.
Summary: Using the law to clean up our behavior is a good thing. Before something can be cleaned, though, it has to want to be cleaned.
Now that we have briefly looked at the different kinds of law that both Paul and Timothy were aware of, let’s examine how the law is used “properly.”
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:8 – Part II: Cleaning House”
For no word from God will ever fail.
Summary: In this meditation, we look back on why Jesus had to become a man and what it means for us.
The Gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, and John are all written from the perspective of a first or second-hand account of Jesus’ life on earth by people who knew him. Luke’s Gospel is different.
Continue reading “Luke 1:37 – Merry Christmas, Part 1”
… but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.
Summary: How we see things can change everything.
Have you ever noticed how polarized sunglasses cut out the glare? It is really quite amazing! The effect is most noticeable on water.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:9c – Son Glasses”
… as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.
Summary: Understanding the difference between the law and love is not as simple as it sounds.
How can anyone say that they are “faultless?”
Really?
Faultless?!
Continue reading “Philippians 3:6b – Faultless”
… in regard to the law, a Pharisee;
Summary: Paul reminds us that he was a Pharisee before he met Jesus.
What does Paul mean by saying “in regard to the law, a Pharisee?” The answer, it turns out, requires that we understand the story behind the Pharisees.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:5e – Before He Met Jesus”
… though I myself have reasons for such confidence.
Summary: Today, we take an inside-out look at Paul’s statement about confidence. We are also taking a break from blogging.
Taken in context, Paul is referring to his spiritual “credit rating” under the Old Covenant Law. He has a lot to be proud of! He could trace his lineage back to Abraham. He was schooled under the best instructor, Gamaliel. He was apparently a good student. And as far as enthusiasm goes, his Zeal Factor was off the charts. When it came to enforcing the Law, there was no one better.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:3e – Taking a Break”
…we who serve God by his Spirit…
Summary: The concept of serving God is clearly explained in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, obedience becomes more Spirit-driven.
If you ever wonder why it takes us so long to get through a short book of the Bible, this passage is a great example of why.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:3b – Serving God”