Themes Insights 2 Timothy
Theme 1: The gospel gives us hope as the Holy Spirit works in our lives making us bold in sharing the word of salvation and giving us an understanding of the Bible. Paul did not despair that he was in prison but told Timothy that his imprisonment was for the sake of the gospel and involved relying on the power of God who had saved them through Christ for his purpose and grace. (1:8-9). Paul noted how the gospel was the central theme of the Christian faith and how following Christ involved identifying with him as we surrendered our lives to him. ( 2:8-14). He also stated that the Scripture was the inspired word of God and was useful for training in godliness and helped us be prepared to do the work God has for us. ( 3:16-17). Paul exhorted Timothy that Christians were supposed to preach the gospel whether it was popular or not and to be prepared to suffer for the Lord’s sake to do so.( 4:1-5).
Theme 2: Christians are to be godly and faithfully obey the Lord. Part of doing this involves guarding the Word of God in our minds with the help of the Holy Spirit and holding on to the sound teaching of faith in Christ Jesus. ( 1:13-14). Paul used the metaphors of soldiers and famers diligently working hard and following orders or directions to note that faith involved discipline and that discipline was part of the process of becoming more godly and Christ like. (2: 1-7). Our focus is to be on Christ and we must avoid that which leads people away from Christ. ( 2:15-19). Through keeping pure and confessing our sin , we become special tools used by the Lord who are ready to do the good works he has given us to do. (2:20-21).
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Esther
Theme 1 : (1-3) The Lord has put in motion all authority in the world and he is with those who follow him , being obedient to his commands and seeking after him. From King Xerxes lavish banquet in which he shows of all his wealth to his nobles and governing officials and his desire to show off Queen Vashti , I am reminded that God did appoint men to have leadership in the household. ( Esther 1: ,) but I am also reminded that women have dignity and thus Vashti was right to refuse him. From the story of Esther being chosen as Queen from among all the women of the empire , I am reminded that those who seek after the Lord will prosper as both Mordecai and Esther did so. ( Esther 2). From the story of Mordecai refusing to bow down and worship Haman as a god I am reminded that the Lord respects those who respect him and that the evil unchecked in a person’s life leads to pride growing immense. (Esther 3).
Theme 2 : (4-7) : Worship and seeking the Lord through prayer , spiritual disciplines like fasting and periods of intense pleading our ways in which we can influence our world as we pray into the Lord’s purposes. From the fasting for 7 days among all the Jews in Susa ( Esther 4) , I am reminded that worship involves times of solemnest in which believers pray prayers of interceding or praying on behalf of other people. I am also reminded that the words of Mordecai are correct as the Lord does place people in places of authority for his times and purposes.( 4:13-14) and that Esther’s brave response of having her people pray for her before she risked her life by entering the King ‘s presence was godly.( 4 :15-16). From the story of Esther gaining immense favor in King Xerxes’s eyes as he offered her half of his kingdom ( 5 : 3) , I am reminded that in faith we can take our requests to the Lord and trust him to act on our behalf. From the story of King Xerxes , reading his royal record and discovering Mordecai’s faithfulness in preventing an assaination attempt ( 6:1-3 ) and Haman upon coming into his presence seeking his own agenda and believing the King intends to delight and honor him , I am reminded that the Lord will oppose the proud individuals who seek to exalt themselves. Haman ended up instead honoring Mordecai. ( 6: 6-11). From Esther’s plea for her own life and that of the Jewish people and Haman’s facing death on the gallows he had built for Mordecai ( 7), I gain 2 insights about prayer and petition. The first is that the Lord avenges evil and listens to the prayers of those who seek him as he allowed Haman who in his pride desired to destroy the Jews as they did not worship him as a diety, to facing the humilitation of first giving to honor his enemy ( 6:6-11) and finally facing death on towering gallows he had intended for his enemy. ( 7:10).
Theme 3 : ( 8-10): The Lord always keeps the promises and agreements that he has made with his people and treats them as he told them he would through his prophets. From the stories of the Jews opposing in battle those who sought to destroy them throughout the Persian empire ( 8 : 1-9:16) , I am reminded that the Lord was faithful to his promises to be with those in exile as he told them to serve the king of the land of Babylon, in which they were living and promised them it would go well if they did so ( Jeremiah 42: 10-12 ) and his other prophecy that the exile would end after 70 years when the Lord used Cyrus the King of Persia and Media to free the Jews ( Jeremiah 25:12, Ezra 1:1) and how he kept the promise to Abraham to make his descendants into a great nation as numerous as the stars in the sky ( Genesis 15: 5) as the Jews were great in number. From the closing script of Esther which tells of Mordecai being made 2nd in command in the empire and of the good work he did ( Esther 10 : 1-3), I am reminded that those who act uprightly and trust in the Lord will be blessed by the Lord and used by him for his purposes.
Theme 2 : (4-7) : Worship and seeking the Lord through prayer , spiritual disciplines like fasting and periods of intense pleading our ways in which we can influence our world as we pray into the Lord’s purposes. From the fasting for 7 days among all the Jews in Susa ( Esther 4) , I am reminded that worship involves times of solemnest in which believers pray prayers of interceding or praying on behalf of other people. I am also reminded that the words of Mordecai are correct as the Lord does place people in places of authority for his times and purposes.( 4:13-14) and that Esther’s brave response of having her people pray for her before she risked her life by entering the King ‘s presence was godly.( 4 :15-16). From the story of Esther gaining immense favor in King Xerxes’s eyes as he offered her half of his kingdom ( 5 : 3) , I am reminded that in faith we can take our requests to the Lord and trust him to act on our behalf. From the story of King Xerxes , reading his royal record and discovering Mordecai’s faithfulness in preventing an assaination attempt ( 6:1-3 ) and Haman upon coming into his presence seeking his own agenda and believing the King intends to delight and honor him , I am reminded that the Lord will oppose the proud individuals who seek to exalt themselves. Haman ended up instead honoring Mordecai. ( 6: 6-11). From Esther’s plea for her own life and that of the Jewish people and Haman’s facing death on the gallows he had built for Mordecai ( 7), I gain 2 insights about prayer and petition. The first is that the Lord avenges evil and listens to the prayers of those who seek him as he allowed Haman who in his pride desired to destroy the Jews as they did not worship him as a diety, to facing the humilitation of first giving to honor his enemy ( 6:6-11) and finally facing death on towering gallows he had intended for his enemy. ( 7:10).
Theme 3 : ( 8-10): The Lord always keeps the promises and agreements that he has made with his people and treats them as he told them he would through his prophets. From the stories of the Jews opposing in battle those who sought to destroy them throughout the Persian empire ( 8 : 1-9:16) , I am reminded that the Lord was faithful to his promises to be with those in exile as he told them to serve the king of the land of Babylon, in which they were living and promised them it would go well if they did so ( Jeremiah 42: 10-12 ) and his other prophecy that the exile would end after 70 years when the Lord used Cyrus the King of Persia and Media to free the Jews ( Jeremiah 25:12, Ezra 1:1) and how he kept the promise to Abraham to make his descendants into a great nation as numerous as the stars in the sky ( Genesis 15: 5) as the Jews were great in number. From the closing script of Esther which tells of Mordecai being made 2nd in command in the empire and of the good work he did ( Esther 10 : 1-3), I am reminded that those who act uprightly and trust in the Lord will be blessed by the Lord and used by him for his purposes.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
1 Timothy
Themes and Insights from 1 Timothy
Theme 1: Those in authority and leadership are to set an example to others through holy living. In setting the tone for worship holiness is crucial , in addition to modesty , love and faith. (2:15). Self control in personal and family life is essential (3: 4-5) and leaders are to set an example of godly living that reflects the character of Christ. (3: 14-15). The Lord uses all people and anyone can be a leader despite their age so youth are not to be looked down upon. (4:12-16).
Theme 2: Christian living involves dealing with the world in a new way as our focus is on Christ Jesus. Paul warned Timothy to avoid controversy by not getting into myths and fables but to hold onto the teaching he had received about faith in Christ Jesus. ( 1:13-14). As Christians we are to pray for those in authority so that we are able to live lives of godliness in peace and quite with all godliness and dignity. ( 2:1-2). In the end times people will forsake the Lord and serve money and demons( 4:1-2), as followers of Christ we need to be different. Thus we have to focus on the teachings of Christ, abandon myths and fables and train ourselves in godly living. (4:7). those in leadership are to be pure and so elders and leaders should not be chosen hastily. (5:22).
Theme 3: Money is a source of temptation and should be dealt with wisely. Paul urged that the younger widows who could work not be given financial compensation and thus be prone to idleness and gossip. (5: 13). He also warned that in the end times people would become lovers of money, forsaking the Lord and serving money and demons. (4:1-2). He told Timothy to be on guard against money as it was a source of temptation (6:9). Paul went on to tell Timothy that money caused destruction and ruin, that it was the root of all kinds of evil and that in seeking to become rich , some had wandered away from Christ and harmed themselves. (6:16).
Theme 1: Those in authority and leadership are to set an example to others through holy living. In setting the tone for worship holiness is crucial , in addition to modesty , love and faith. (2:15). Self control in personal and family life is essential (3: 4-5) and leaders are to set an example of godly living that reflects the character of Christ. (3: 14-15). The Lord uses all people and anyone can be a leader despite their age so youth are not to be looked down upon. (4:12-16).
Theme 2: Christian living involves dealing with the world in a new way as our focus is on Christ Jesus. Paul warned Timothy to avoid controversy by not getting into myths and fables but to hold onto the teaching he had received about faith in Christ Jesus. ( 1:13-14). As Christians we are to pray for those in authority so that we are able to live lives of godliness in peace and quite with all godliness and dignity. ( 2:1-2). In the end times people will forsake the Lord and serve money and demons( 4:1-2), as followers of Christ we need to be different. Thus we have to focus on the teachings of Christ, abandon myths and fables and train ourselves in godly living. (4:7). those in leadership are to be pure and so elders and leaders should not be chosen hastily. (5:22).
Theme 3: Money is a source of temptation and should be dealt with wisely. Paul urged that the younger widows who could work not be given financial compensation and thus be prone to idleness and gossip. (5: 13). He also warned that in the end times people would become lovers of money, forsaking the Lord and serving money and demons. (4:1-2). He told Timothy to be on guard against money as it was a source of temptation (6:9). Paul went on to tell Timothy that money caused destruction and ruin, that it was the root of all kinds of evil and that in seeking to become rich , some had wandered away from Christ and harmed themselves. (6:16).
Nehemiah
Themes and Insights from Nehemiah
Theme 1: (1-4): Following the Lord involves repenting of one’s sin and trusting him for guidance. Nehemiah confessed the sin of his people, his household and his own personal sin. ( 1:6-7). He confronted his enemies who were opposing the rebuilding of the walls and the fortifying of the city , not allowing the plans to be compromised or delayed. (2: 19-20). From Nehemiah’s success and the success of those who worked at rebuilding the city , I am reminded that the Lord blesses the work of those who follow him ( 3: 28-32). Nehemiah overcame the plot of those who tried to kill those who worked on the wall by dividing them into groups and having men work with spears to protect the others. (4:15-18).
Theme 2: (5-8): The individual or individuals who are faithful to obey the Lord and are just will experience success and victory from the Lord as their work prospers. Nehemiah instructed the rich landowners, rebuking them and telling them to treat the people fairly. (5:9). He continued his task of reconstruction not giving into the opposition he faced (6: 1-14). As a result of this the Lord gave him success and the repairs were completed in only 52 days. (6: 15-16). Chapter 7 of Nehemiah recorded the details of the establishment of order in Jerusalem through having soldiers posted in the fortifications in the walls and the restoration of the Temple worship through the establishment of priests and Levites. The people heard the covenant read to them by Ezra (8:1-4) and later commit themselves to it by observing the ceremonies God had given them by celebrating the Festival of Booths in which they remembered the Lord’s faithfulness to them in the desert. (8:13-18).
Theme 3: (9-13): The Lord is merciful and faithful to us and in reverence we must worship him and have times of celebration and thanksgiving for what he has done. Through the people repenting as a nation when they assembled as a people and were instructed by Ezra , I am reminded that remembering the Lord’s goodness allows an individual or group of people to boldly pray and ask the Lord to restore what had been lost. ( 9:1-32). Pray and petition involves faith and commit as the people had to sign an oath of allegiance promising to follow the Lord. ( 9:38-10:39). From the detailed record of the people and the account of the Levites and Priests performing their duties ( 11-12) , I am reminded that the Lord was faithful to his promise of restoration ( Deuteronomy 28). Nehemiah upon returning from a visit to King Xerxes , found that the people had strayed from the Lord and so he urged the people to come back to the covenant and to abandon their foreign wives and children. (Nehemiah 13).
Theme 1: (1-4): Following the Lord involves repenting of one’s sin and trusting him for guidance. Nehemiah confessed the sin of his people, his household and his own personal sin. ( 1:6-7). He confronted his enemies who were opposing the rebuilding of the walls and the fortifying of the city , not allowing the plans to be compromised or delayed. (2: 19-20). From Nehemiah’s success and the success of those who worked at rebuilding the city , I am reminded that the Lord blesses the work of those who follow him ( 3: 28-32). Nehemiah overcame the plot of those who tried to kill those who worked on the wall by dividing them into groups and having men work with spears to protect the others. (4:15-18).
Theme 2: (5-8): The individual or individuals who are faithful to obey the Lord and are just will experience success and victory from the Lord as their work prospers. Nehemiah instructed the rich landowners, rebuking them and telling them to treat the people fairly. (5:9). He continued his task of reconstruction not giving into the opposition he faced (6: 1-14). As a result of this the Lord gave him success and the repairs were completed in only 52 days. (6: 15-16). Chapter 7 of Nehemiah recorded the details of the establishment of order in Jerusalem through having soldiers posted in the fortifications in the walls and the restoration of the Temple worship through the establishment of priests and Levites. The people heard the covenant read to them by Ezra (8:1-4) and later commit themselves to it by observing the ceremonies God had given them by celebrating the Festival of Booths in which they remembered the Lord’s faithfulness to them in the desert. (8:13-18).
Theme 3: (9-13): The Lord is merciful and faithful to us and in reverence we must worship him and have times of celebration and thanksgiving for what he has done. Through the people repenting as a nation when they assembled as a people and were instructed by Ezra , I am reminded that remembering the Lord’s goodness allows an individual or group of people to boldly pray and ask the Lord to restore what had been lost. ( 9:1-32). Pray and petition involves faith and commit as the people had to sign an oath of allegiance promising to follow the Lord. ( 9:38-10:39). From the detailed record of the people and the account of the Levites and Priests performing their duties ( 11-12) , I am reminded that the Lord was faithful to his promise of restoration ( Deuteronomy 28). Nehemiah upon returning from a visit to King Xerxes , found that the people had strayed from the Lord and so he urged the people to come back to the covenant and to abandon their foreign wives and children. (Nehemiah 13).
Monday, April 20, 2009
2 Thessalonians
Themes and Insights from 2 Thessalonians
Theme 1: Suffering has 2 purposes for the Christian and these are to make believers more like Christ and to spread the gospel. Paul told the Thessalonian believers that their suffering was evidence of the righteousness of God and was intended to make them worthy of the kingdom of God. (2 Thessalonians 1:5). Paul told them that he prayed that Christ would be glorified in them and that by his power might share in the work of the Lord. (2 Thessalonians 2:16).
Theme 2: Every individual must work at a task and not be idle. Paul told the Thessalonians that they needed to be like him, Timothy and Silas and not be idle. They were not idol but rather paid for their food with toil and sweat and work continually so they would not be a burden to any individual. (2 Thessalonians 3: 7-8).
Theme 1: Suffering has 2 purposes for the Christian and these are to make believers more like Christ and to spread the gospel. Paul told the Thessalonian believers that their suffering was evidence of the righteousness of God and was intended to make them worthy of the kingdom of God. (2 Thessalonians 1:5). Paul told them that he prayed that Christ would be glorified in them and that by his power might share in the work of the Lord. (2 Thessalonians 2:16).
Theme 2: Every individual must work at a task and not be idle. Paul told the Thessalonians that they needed to be like him, Timothy and Silas and not be idle. They were not idol but rather paid for their food with toil and sweat and work continually so they would not be a burden to any individual. (2 Thessalonians 3: 7-8).
Ezra
Themes and Insights from Ezra
Theme 1: The Lord has a plan for the events of history and is faithful to the covenant promises he makes. The Lord was faithful to his promise to bring back the Jews scattered abroad as King Cyrus freed the people of Israel. (Ezra 1:2-4). In addition to this the neighbors of the Jewish people are generous to them giving them what they need for their journey to Jerusalem. ( Ezra 1:6). The Lord also prospered the people in exile as they continued to grow in number. ( Ezra 2:1-67).
Theme 2: Worshipping the Lord involves being obedient to him in the present and remembering what the Lord has done in the past. The people celebrated the Passover rejoicing in God’s delivering them from bondage in Egypt in the past. (Ezra 3:1-6). They were also faithful to work on building the Temple and rejoiced when it was completed. ( Ezra 3:8-13). As a result of opposition the Temple was not completely rebuilt until a period of 6 years but when it was completed , the people rejoiced celebrating the Passover. (Ezra 6: 14-22). Part of their worship of the Lord involved repenting of their sins and removing sources of temptation. Ezra prayed on behalf of the people for their sin of intermarriage ( Ezra 9) and then the men sent away their foreign wives and children from the community. ( Ezra 10).
Theme 3: Following the Lord involves preserving despite hardships and delays to the work which we do for the Lord. The work of the Temple restoration was stopped by Persian force ( Ezra 4) and later restored by an edict from King Darius which also gave support to the project of Temple restoration. (Ezra 6).
Theme 4: Following the Lord involves seeking his will, being willing to be used by him and being grateful for what the Lord has done. Ezra trusted in the Lord and was used by a foreign King Darius to accomplish the task of bringing the people back to Jerusalem and settling them in their ancestral homeland. King Darius searched the archives finding the order of King Cyrus and writing orders that protected the Jews from their enemies and provided financial and other support to the project. (Ezra 5- 6:13).
Theme 1: The Lord has a plan for the events of history and is faithful to the covenant promises he makes. The Lord was faithful to his promise to bring back the Jews scattered abroad as King Cyrus freed the people of Israel. (Ezra 1:2-4). In addition to this the neighbors of the Jewish people are generous to them giving them what they need for their journey to Jerusalem. ( Ezra 1:6). The Lord also prospered the people in exile as they continued to grow in number. ( Ezra 2:1-67).
Theme 2: Worshipping the Lord involves being obedient to him in the present and remembering what the Lord has done in the past. The people celebrated the Passover rejoicing in God’s delivering them from bondage in Egypt in the past. (Ezra 3:1-6). They were also faithful to work on building the Temple and rejoiced when it was completed. ( Ezra 3:8-13). As a result of opposition the Temple was not completely rebuilt until a period of 6 years but when it was completed , the people rejoiced celebrating the Passover. (Ezra 6: 14-22). Part of their worship of the Lord involved repenting of their sins and removing sources of temptation. Ezra prayed on behalf of the people for their sin of intermarriage ( Ezra 9) and then the men sent away their foreign wives and children from the community. ( Ezra 10).
Theme 3: Following the Lord involves preserving despite hardships and delays to the work which we do for the Lord. The work of the Temple restoration was stopped by Persian force ( Ezra 4) and later restored by an edict from King Darius which also gave support to the project of Temple restoration. (Ezra 6).
Theme 4: Following the Lord involves seeking his will, being willing to be used by him and being grateful for what the Lord has done. Ezra trusted in the Lord and was used by a foreign King Darius to accomplish the task of bringing the people back to Jerusalem and settling them in their ancestral homeland. King Darius searched the archives finding the order of King Cyrus and writing orders that protected the Jews from their enemies and provided financial and other support to the project. (Ezra 5- 6:13).
Friday, April 17, 2009
1 Thessalonians
Theme 1 : The gospel when it is embraced by people results in a changed life in which holiness, mercy and love are evident. Christians are also people who pray continually. Paul noted that the Thessalonians believers after receiving the gospel in the power and conviction of the Holy Spirit became imitators of it despite facing persecution. ( 1:5-6). Paul noted that holiness, purity and love were the traits for which he wished the Lord would increase in their life and which he had prayed about. ( 3:12-13). A final characteristic of the changed life of a Christian is that it is one in which prayer is done on a continual basis. Paul stated to the Thessalonians Church that they were to pray without ceasing , giving thanks in all circumstances for this was the will of God in Christ Jesus for them. ( 5 :17).
Theme 2: Christ alone matters and not things , idols or ideas for he is the one who saves us. We have hope for Christ has been victorious over death and will come again to bring us to himself and the Father in heaven. Paul stated that Jesus had rescued them from the wrath that was coming. ( 1: 10). He told the Church that they were not without hope for they would spend eternity with Christ. Paul stated that all who had died would meet Christ in the air at the time of his return to earth. The living believers would follow. All believers would live in heaven with Christ forever. (4:16-18).
Theme 3: Christians have an adversary called Satan who wants to destroy us and so we must be on guard for him and use the weapons Christ has given us to defend ourselves against him. Paul noted that their adversary Satan had at times blocked their plans for ministry. ( 2: 18). He told the believers to use the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of salvation to defend themselves against Satan. ( 5:8). finally we are to encourage and build each other up so that we do not become discouraged in the Christian faith. ( 5:17).
Theme 2: Christ alone matters and not things , idols or ideas for he is the one who saves us. We have hope for Christ has been victorious over death and will come again to bring us to himself and the Father in heaven. Paul stated that Jesus had rescued them from the wrath that was coming. ( 1: 10). He told the Church that they were not without hope for they would spend eternity with Christ. Paul stated that all who had died would meet Christ in the air at the time of his return to earth. The living believers would follow. All believers would live in heaven with Christ forever. (4:16-18).
Theme 3: Christians have an adversary called Satan who wants to destroy us and so we must be on guard for him and use the weapons Christ has given us to defend ourselves against him. Paul noted that their adversary Satan had at times blocked their plans for ministry. ( 2: 18). He told the believers to use the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of salvation to defend themselves against Satan. ( 5:8). finally we are to encourage and build each other up so that we do not become discouraged in the Christian faith. ( 5:17).
2 Chronicles
Theme 1: (1-9): The Lord is faithful to keep his promises and desires to bless his people. The Lord blessed Solomon with wealth and fame in addition to wisdom for he was pleased with Solomon’s desire to rule as a man who followed after the Lord as his father David did. ( 2Chronicles 1). King Hiriam of Tyre whom Solomon assembled materials for the temple construction from , noted how the Lord had blessed Solomon with wisdom. ( 2 Chronicles 2). Solomon’s work of constructing the temple was blessed as he took time to diligently ensure it was done right. ( 2 Chronicles 3-5). The Lord promised to answer the prayers of the people who seek him in his temple and to bless those who follow him, dealing mercifully with those who are disobedient. ( 2 Chronicles 6-7). Solomon’s vast trading expeditions ( 2 Chronicles 8) and the Queen of Sheba noting how blessed and wise Solomon was ( 2 Chronicles 9) demonstrate that the Lord’s promise to give Solomon wealth and fame in addition to wisdom was kept.
Theme 2: (10-18): The Lord is faithful to equip and give success and blessing to those who follow him, prospering all their works. Reheboam’s kingdom was divided due to Solomon’s disobedience to the covenant as the Lord said the nation would be divided into 2 kingdoms . ( 2 Chronicles 10). Reheboam was initially blessed with success although he did not completely follow the Lord as he took many wives like his father Solomon had done. ( 2 Chronicles 11). His taking many wives caused him to follow the deities of his wives and worship them which resulted in the Lord punishing him by subjecting him to the king of Egypt. ( 2 Chronicles 12). King Abijah who obeyed the Moasic covenant was blessed with success. ( 2 Chronicles 13). King Asa who obeyed the Lord was given many military victories over his enemies. ( 2 Chronicles 14-15). However he suffered defeat when he trusted in human strength making an alliance with Israel ( 2 Chronicles 16). King Jeosophat trusted in the Lord and was given success, wealth and victory over his enemies. He rebuked King Ahab for not inquiring of the Lord before the 2 nations went into battle against the Syrians. ( 2 Chronicles 17-18).
Theme 3:(19-28): Those who seek the Lord ‘s instruction and follow him will be blessed while disobedience leads to downfall. Jehosophat established judges and appointed Levites to instruct the people in the Lord’s ways. He is given success by the Lord and prospers being victorious over his enemies. ( 2 Chronicles 19-20). King Jethrorath and King Ahaziah were disobedient to the Lord and they had short reigns. ( 2 Chronicles 21-22). King Josiah sought the Lord and destroyed the objects of worship for Baal and is given success. ( 2 Chronicles 23). King Joash, his son had a short reign due to his disobedience. ( 2 Chronicles 24). King Amaziah who obeyed the Lord at the beginning of his reign prospered but due to his turning away from the Lord, he died a brutal death. ( 2 Chronicles 25). King Uzziah had a long reign as he followed the Lord but he was punished by having leprosy for his taking on the role of a priest and offering sacrifices. ( 2 Chronicles 26). King Jotham had a peaceful reign of 16 years as he obeyed the Lord. ( 2 Chronicles 27). King Ahaz faced destruction as he disobeyed the Lord and was punished by Assyrian armies. (2 Chronicles 28).
Theme 4: ( 2 Chronicles 29-36). The Lord acts with compassion and allows his people opportunities to repent. Kings act as models for the people and help establish or destroy the worship of the Lord. King Hezekiah drew the people back to the Lord as he worked to reestablish the worship of the Lord. He even made arrangements for all the people in Judah and Israel to celebrate the Passover. ( 2 Chronicles 29-30). He also reestablished the Temple worship ( 2 Chronicles 31) and sought the Lord in prayer when his nation was delivered from the Assyrians. ( 2 Chronicles 32). His son Mannish disobeyed the Lord and worshiped idols . After he was taken captive by the Assyrians he repented and was returned to his kingdom. ( 2 Chronicles 33). King Josiah sought the Lord repairing the temple , reading the law of the Lord and reestablishing the covenant. He also led the people in celebrating the Passover. ( 2 Chronicles 34-35). As a result of their continually disobedience the nation of Judah is taken into captivity in Babylon and Jerusalem is destroyed. ( 2 Chronicles 36).
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Colossians
Themes and Insights from Colossians
Theme 1: Christians are to bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit and become more like Christ. Paul stated that he was pleased to hear that the Colossian Christians were full of love in the Holy Sprit. ( 1:8). He told them that his desire for them was that they would lead lives pleasing to the Lord , bearing fruit from their good works and growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. ( 1:10). Paul noted that his 2 goals as an Apostle were to proclaim the gospel and to teach believers in all wisdom so that they could present themselves to the Lord as mature believers. (1:25-28).
Theme 2: Human rituals and philosophy are worthless and only the gospel of Jesus Christ matters. Paul told the Colossian believers not to be deceived or taken captive by human philosophy for it was through Jesus Christ they had been saved and redeemed from the penalty of sin. Christ through his death and resurrection had disarmed all human authority making an example of it when he triumphed over it. (2:8-15). All of our former ways of worship and rituals were no longer of value. Paul stated that in Christ they had died to the things of the world. (2:20). He also said that although these rituals appeared to have value they were worthless. (2:22-23). He told them that their focus was to be on heavenly and not earthly things. ( 3:1-5). As part of our new focus on Christ we get rid of all the human wickedness in us and put away all of our former evil ways , as we cloth ourselves in the knowledge and way of Christ. ( 3:5-10). We live a new lifestyle in which we are filled with compassion, kindness, humility , meekness and patience and we are able to forgive and love each other. We have the peace of Christ and through his peace we are united as one body. ( 3:12-15). As followers of Christ , we have his word dwelling in us and we are able to encourage each other with God’s word and to worship him together with Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. All that we say and do is for the glory of God. (3:16-17).
Theme 3: Through submitting to those in authority and making the best use of our time , we can work for the spread of the gospel. Paul noted how obedience to husbands, parents and masters ( bosses) , was essential as in doing so we were being obedient to Christ. ( 3:18-25). Paul concluded his letter to the Colossians by telling them to make the most of their time and to have their speech seasoned with salt , so that their words would attract others and thus allow them to be effective witnesses for Christ. (4: 5-6).
Saturday, April 4, 2009
1 Chronicles
Theme 1: (1-9): The Lord is generous and merciful and he is faithful to fulfill his promises to us. All of the first 9 chapters of 1 Chronicles contain lists of genealogies which tell how land was given to all of the tribes of Israel and to individual clans and families out o f the goodness and mercy of the Lord to them. Chronicles 7 tells of how the descendants of Simeon multiplied greatly and were given more territory as they conquered the people dwelling in the land.(7:38-40).
Theme 2: (10-20): The Lord is holy and to be revered and those who honour and obey him, will experience his blessing. From the story of the death of Saul on Mt. Gilboa ( 1 Chronicles 10), I am reminded that we are judged for our actions and punished for our disobedience. David trusted in the Lord and obeyed him , being given victory when he conquered Jerusalem and made it Israel’s capital. ( 1 Chronicles 11). From David’s continued success and his attracting loyal followers , I can see God’s blessing on David’s life. ( 1 Chronicles 12). In the tale of sorrow , when a man called dies for touching the Ark of the Covenant , I am reminded that the Lord must be honored and his commands obeyed. ( 1 Chronicles 13). David trusted in the Lord and obeyed him and for his devotion , he was given victory over his enemies and fame among the nations. ( 1 Chronicles 14). From the story of the Ark of the Covenant being brought to Jerusalem, I am reminded that worshipping the Lord involves surrendering ourselves to him and it is the reason for our existence. ( 1 Chronicles 15). From David’s song of praise , written after the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem, I am reminded that the Lord is faithful and merciful and that I can wholly surrender myself to him , for he is gracious to me. ( 1 Chronicles 16). I am reminded from David’s desire to build a temple for the Lord , that he is pleased with us when we desire to honour him. ( 1 Chronicles 17). The stories of David’s military victories ( 1 Chronicles 18 &20), remind me that the Lord is faithful to keep his promises to us. The story of David’s initial gesture of goodwill to the new King of the Ammonites , in remembrance of the kindness shown by his Father, reminds me that the Lord blesses the seeking of peace as it pleases him. ( 1 Chronicles 19).
Theme 3: ( 21-29): It is vital to remember the work of the Lord in the past and his faithfulness, so that we continue to follow him and experience his guidance in our lives. The Lord answered David’s prayer of intercession after he built an altar to intercede for his nation and people during the pestilence. In fact the Lord was merciful to David , in the first place as he allowed him to choose his punishment for relying on military might and taking a census instead of trusting in him. David knew that he could trust the Lord and so he choose the pestilence rather than famine or being invaded by enemies. He stated that he would let the Lord punish him rather than men for he is merciful to me. ( 1 Chronicles 21: 13). David showed his gratitude and respect for the Lord by preparing for the temple building and gathering supplies after he was told that he would not be the one to build the temple. ( 1 Chronicles 22). From the records of the priests and their temple functions (1 Chronicles 23-26) and the records of David’s administrators ( 1 Chronicles 27) , I am reminded that the Lord prospers and blesses the work of those who serve him. From David’s final charge to his hier Solomon , ( 1 Chronicles 28), I am reminded that it is vital to pass on a fear of the Lord to the next generation as David did. From the story of the people of Israel giving additional gifts for the temple after seeing David’s example and from David’s prayer of thanksgiving ( 1 Chronicles 29), I am reminded that giving is just one way of showing our gratitude to the Lord for his work in our lives.
Theme 2: (10-20): The Lord is holy and to be revered and those who honour and obey him, will experience his blessing. From the story of the death of Saul on Mt. Gilboa ( 1 Chronicles 10), I am reminded that we are judged for our actions and punished for our disobedience. David trusted in the Lord and obeyed him , being given victory when he conquered Jerusalem and made it Israel’s capital. ( 1 Chronicles 11). From David’s continued success and his attracting loyal followers , I can see God’s blessing on David’s life. ( 1 Chronicles 12). In the tale of sorrow , when a man called dies for touching the Ark of the Covenant , I am reminded that the Lord must be honored and his commands obeyed. ( 1 Chronicles 13). David trusted in the Lord and obeyed him and for his devotion , he was given victory over his enemies and fame among the nations. ( 1 Chronicles 14). From the story of the Ark of the Covenant being brought to Jerusalem, I am reminded that worshipping the Lord involves surrendering ourselves to him and it is the reason for our existence. ( 1 Chronicles 15). From David’s song of praise , written after the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem, I am reminded that the Lord is faithful and merciful and that I can wholly surrender myself to him , for he is gracious to me. ( 1 Chronicles 16). I am reminded from David’s desire to build a temple for the Lord , that he is pleased with us when we desire to honour him. ( 1 Chronicles 17). The stories of David’s military victories ( 1 Chronicles 18 &20), remind me that the Lord is faithful to keep his promises to us. The story of David’s initial gesture of goodwill to the new King of the Ammonites , in remembrance of the kindness shown by his Father, reminds me that the Lord blesses the seeking of peace as it pleases him. ( 1 Chronicles 19).
Theme 3: ( 21-29): It is vital to remember the work of the Lord in the past and his faithfulness, so that we continue to follow him and experience his guidance in our lives. The Lord answered David’s prayer of intercession after he built an altar to intercede for his nation and people during the pestilence. In fact the Lord was merciful to David , in the first place as he allowed him to choose his punishment for relying on military might and taking a census instead of trusting in him. David knew that he could trust the Lord and so he choose the pestilence rather than famine or being invaded by enemies. He stated that he would let the Lord punish him rather than men for he is merciful to me. ( 1 Chronicles 21: 13). David showed his gratitude and respect for the Lord by preparing for the temple building and gathering supplies after he was told that he would not be the one to build the temple. ( 1 Chronicles 22). From the records of the priests and their temple functions (1 Chronicles 23-26) and the records of David’s administrators ( 1 Chronicles 27) , I am reminded that the Lord prospers and blesses the work of those who serve him. From David’s final charge to his hier Solomon , ( 1 Chronicles 28), I am reminded that it is vital to pass on a fear of the Lord to the next generation as David did. From the story of the people of Israel giving additional gifts for the temple after seeing David’s example and from David’s prayer of thanksgiving ( 1 Chronicles 29), I am reminded that giving is just one way of showing our gratitude to the Lord for his work in our lives.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Philippians
Themes in Philippians
Theme 1: Becoming more like Christ and taking on his character traits of humility, peace, holiness, joy and generosity. Paul stated that Christ who began a good work in them would be faithful to complete it. ( 1:6). He prayed that the Philippians believers would have overflowing love, increased knowledge and insight and would be able to determine the path to holy living being pure and blameless. ( 1:9-11). They are told to be of the same mind, have the same love , be in one accord doing nothing out of selfish motives but in humility consider other people better than themselves. (2:1-3). Christians are to be people of peace, living without grumbling or bitterness. (2:14). Despite the hardships we face we are to continually rejoice in the Lord and be filled with joy. (4:4). Paul concluded his letter to the Philippians church by commending them for their generosity which was a fragrant offering to the Lord. (4:15-18)
Theme 2: The spread of the Gospel is the key mission of believers and our chief function is to be witnesses of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul encouraged the Philippians not to despair about his imprisonment but to be happy that the Gospel was spreading throughout all of the Emperor’s guards and that all knew his imprisonment was for Jesus Christ. (1:12-13). He also stated that despite the intentions or motives of some which were wrong, the important thing was that the Gospel was being spread. (1:18). Paul urged them to live lives worthy of the Gospel so that whether he was with them or absent from them , he could be encouraged that they were united and working together for the spread of the good news. (1:27). Thus the key mission for Christians is the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Theme 3: Christ is to be the central focus of our life and we are not to focus on earthly things or boast about them but to focus on Jesus. Paul stated that all his accomplishments as a Pharisee and a person devoted to God were garbage and all that mattered was his salvation and relationship with Jesus Christ. (3:4-9). Paul told them that he wanted to know Christ and the power he had evidenced in his resurrection and to share in his sufferings. ( 3:10). He told them that he did not focus on the past but pressed on to what was ahead moving toward the call of Heaven and the call of Jesus Christ. (3:12). Finally he told the Philippians to focus on the true , honorable, just, commendable , pure , pleasing and praiseworthy things of God. (4:8).
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