Category: Scripture Journal

Striving to rest

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HIGHLIGHT

Hebrews 4:11 (ESV): 11 Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.

EXPLAIN

Using God’s rest on the 7th day of creation as an analogy along with the failure of the Israelites to enter Canaan as God’s rest, the writer contends that there is another rest for the people of God, in which we rest from our works as God did (Hebrews 4:10).

Fascinatingly, the Hebrews writer immediately uses the terminology of work, “strive”, to exhort the people to enter God’s rest.

The key to understanding this tension is in the concept of obedience. The Israelites in the wilderness failed to enter Canaan because of disobedience. So those who are called by God for salvation may lose out on the opportunity to be saved by failing to obey God’s call to trust in Christ alone by grace through faith.

In the latter part of Hebrews 4 and the beginning of Hebrews 5, the writer points out that Jesus, as God in flesh, understands our weaknesses and was tempted like us, yet he did not disobey. He lived without sin.

Indeed, Hebrews 5:8–9 (ESV): 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,

APPLY

It has been ingrained in us that salvation is by grace, which is never and can never be earned, alone through faith. This is true, and we must understand that we do not gain salvation through our own striving.

Yet missing sometimes in our understanding of salvation is that faith is much more than an intellectual agreement that Jesus is God or even that Jesus died in our place, taking our sin upon himself.

Rather, faith is a believing obedience, a surrender to the lordship of Christ Jesus, the beginning of a life of obedience to the one and only King.

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, thank you for your grace. I have surrendered my life to you, but I recommit myself today to live in obedience to your precepts and principles, always listening closely to the whisper of the Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The privilege of sharing

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HIGHLIGHT

Hebrews 2:10–11 (ESV): 10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers,

EXPLAIN

Hebrews 2 begins with the challenge that we must pay closer attention to the gospel so we do not drift from this great salvation. The writer then spoke of the majesty ofJesus, Lord of the universe, who was made lower than angels for a little while so that he might taste death for everyone.

This was only proper so that the founder of our salvation might be made perfect through suffering. Indeed, both Jesus (who sanctifies) and his followers (who are sanctified) have one source.

We are brothers with Christ! Hebrews 3:14 says that we have come to share in Christ, “if … we hold our original confidence firm to the end.”

APPLY

Suffering is not an extraordinary experience for the follower of Jesus. Indeed, it was necessary for Jesus to suffer… and it is necessary for us to suffer as we follow him.

Suffering for Jesus does not mark us as under God’s displeasure; suffering enables us to share in Christ!

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, thank you for the privilege of sharing in Christ. While I do not enjoy times of difficulty, may I see your hand in all seasons of life and live for your faithfully, holding on to the confidence of my salvation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The radiance of God’s glory

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HIGHLIGHT

Hebrews 1:3 (ESV): 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

EXPLAIN

The Hebrews writer proclaimed Jesus, the Son of God, as “better” throughout this letter. But even in the first sentences, we find this theme, as well. He immediately began to compare Jesus to angels, showing how these created beings are far inferior to the eternal Son of God.

Then, in Hebrews 1:10-12, the writer cites Psalm 102:25-27 to establish that Jesus laid the foundation of the earth and heavens at the beginning and even though the heavens and earth will perish, he will remain the same, his years having no end.

APPLY

It is truly amazing to consider that the “radiance of the glory of God” clothed himself in flesh to live among us. Even more, Jesus is the exact imprint of God’s nature. He upholds the universe by his power.

Yet Jesus willingly died in our place, taking the sins of all the world upon himself. Even more… Christ calls us, his followers, to be like him.

The exact imprint of God’s nature welcomes us… and expects us… to be changed by his grace so that we are an imitation of God’s holiness?!

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, I praise you for your wisdom and grace. You are so beyond us that we truly can only understand a little of your glory. Yet you willingly gave your only begotten Son so that we might know you. Thank you for the Light that has come into the world. Having received your light, may I be a light to this sin-darkened world for your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thank you, Lord, for your blessings

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HIGHLIGHT

Psalm 65:12–13 (ESV): 12 The pastures of the wilderness overflow, the hills gird themselves with joy, 13 the meadows clothe themselves with flocks, the valleys deck themselves with grain, they shout and sing together for joy.

EXPLAIN

Psalms 63-65 may not have been written in chronological order, but they provide interesting comparison and contrast.

In Psalm 63, David was in the wilderness of Judah, longing for God’s presence. He chose to worship God and so expressed confidence that those who sought to destroy him would experience destruction.

In Psalm 64, David expressed his complaint to God, asking God to preserve his life from the enemy. David described their attacks as ambushes, mounting sudden, secret, evil attacks upon him. But David expressed his confidence that God would shoot his own arrows at the wicked and they would be brought to ruin.

In Psalm 65, we now find a psalm of praise in which vows would be performed to God in the house of worship. God was described as the one who established the mountains and stilled the roaring of the seas. Now God would visit the earth with water, causing the crops to grow abundantly.

APPLY

God allows us to traverse dark, dreadful valleys in our lives. Indeed, sometimes, God allows us to be chased into barren wildernesses. But for the one who seeks God faithfully, God blesses.

God’s blessing should not necessarily be equated with worldly riches, although that may be a result. The greatest blessing we receive from walking faithfully with God is the confidence of his presence, in good times and bad.

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, thank you for your abundant blessings upon my life. They are too numerous to list. But thank you especially for the assurance of salvation, growth in Christ, and the confidence of your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God alone is my rock

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HIGHLIGHT

Psalm 62:1–2 (ESV): 1 For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. 2 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.

EXPLAIN

There isn’t much in the heading of this psalm to suggest its context. From what David wrote, however, it appears that he was under attack from people who were slandering him, trying to bring him down from his position of leadership. They were not doing this to his face, however. Instead, they would bless him with their mouths, but inwardly curse him.

In the latter part of the psalm, David addressed both the poor and rich, saying that both, in God’s sight, are “lighter than a breath” (v. 9). Therefore, David exhorted the people not to resort to trusting in riches, especially those gained immorally.

David closed the psalm expressing confidence that God will reward us according to our deeds.

APPLY

In a world of chaos and change, a world in which there are those who may wish us harm, God is our rock, our fortress. As a result, we can rest assured that we will not be “greatly shaken” (v. 2).

Yes, sometimes, we may feel like our world has been “rocked”, but if God is our Rock, our foundations for life will not crumble, for he is eternal.

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, thank you for being my rock and fortress. I will wait on you, for salvation comes only from you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Wise unto salvation

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HIGHLIGHT

2 Timothy 3:14–15 (ESV): 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

EXPLAIN

Throughout 2 Timothy 2-3 Paul wrote his son in the faith, encouraging him and challenging him to live and serve faithfully for Jesus, despite those in the church who focused on irreverent babble, twisting scripture and becoming doctrinally confused, as well as those in the world who would continue to live wickedly and oppose God’s people.

The salvation that God’s Word would make Timothy wise about is not “initial salvation” in which we are redeemed from sin and become children of God.

Rather, this salvation refers to our final salvation or to salvation in its entire scope – being saved by grace through faith, growing in grace, being filled fully with the Holy Spirit, and being welcomed into eternity as a good and faithful servant.

APPLY

A seemingly alarming number of believers today are questioning and even abandoning their faith. Also, a frightening number are adding onto their faith extra-biblical teachings that are not supported by God’s Word, but actually contradict it.

There is a place and need to “critically” study scripture. But scripture can and will stand up to faithful exposition; we must not abandon our faith!

Furthermore, scripture is all we need for life and godliness; we must not add or subtract to God’s Word because the plain text doesn’t support the popular ideas of people, whether inside or outside the church.

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, I thank you for your written Word which gives us life. May I live faithfully according to your teachings by faith in Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

He will fulfill his purpose

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HIGHLIGHT

Psalm 57:1–2 (ESV): 1 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. 2 I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.

EXPLAIN

This psalm was written by David when he fled from King Saul and hid in the cave. Saul went in the cave to use the restroom while David and his men hid further inside.

David’s men wanted him to kill Saul, but instead David cut a piece of the king’s robe. David was then struck with guilt.

After Saul went out, David called to him and told him what he had done, asking why the king was trying to kill him. Saul was ashamed and called off the manhunt for David.

In this psalm, while David had hidden in the cave, he says he would take refuge in the shadow of God’s wings.While David’s men wanted him to assassinate Saul so that he could finally realize God’s anointing to be king, David instead professed his reliance on God who would fulfill his purpose for him.

APPLY

When we think about God’s purpose for our lives, we often see it as something we must pursue and be successful in accomplishing. Surely, there is an element in which we must be faithful to obey God’s call and work in his will.

Yet this scripture reminds us that truly God is sovereign and he wants his will for our lives to be accomplished more than we do. We then must simply surrender ourselves to him, be faithful in serving him, and be patient as God works to accomplish his plan in our lives.

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, thank you for your goodness and faithfulness that you display not only in creation but even in the lives of your people. May I faithfully serve you as you accomplish your plan in this world. May I join you in your work of redemption and restoration. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Training for godliness

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HIGHLIGHT

1 Timothy 4:7–8 (ESV): 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

EXPLAIN

1 Timothy is a very personal letter from Paul to his son in the faith in which Paul encourages Timothy in his calling as a minister of the gospel and duties as a pastor.

One specific issue Paul challenged Timothy repeatedly about in this letter were some in the church who were focused on trivial issues – myths, genealogies, unbiblical rules such as forbidding marriage and abstinence, etc. – thinking that these led to spirituality.

Paul instead urged Timothy to devote himself to studying and proclaiming God’s Word. While physical exercise is good, training ourselves for godliness is much more valuable.

APPLY

A danger the believer can fall into is thinking that because they have read the Bible all the way – or even 10 times through, because they have attended Sunday School for so many years – or even taught Sunday School, because they have gone through this or that class, or went to the altar so many times… they have “arrived” spiritually.

They know it all. They’ve seen it all. If you can persuade them, they might be willing to teach what they know. Otherwise, they are not interested in learning or teaching, but only want to “experience” God.

They want to be entertained.

The secret to continuing spiritual victory and vitality is ongoing training in godliness.

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, help me to be disciplined and faithful in “godliness” training, building up my strength, stamina, and wisdom in how to be more like Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The worship God accepts

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HIGHLIGHT

Psalm 50:22–23 (ESV): 22 “Mark this, then, you who forget God, lest I tear you apart, and there be none to deliver! 23 The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!”

EXPLAIN

Psalm 50 pictures God as the Mighty One who comes in flaming fire. God is a righteous judge and he gathers his people to testify against them. God is not happy with his people merely offering sacrifices. God wants sacrifices of thanksgiving that come from pure hearts and hands.

Psalm 50 is followed by the famous psalm of King David’s repentance of his sin of adultery with Bathsheba and murder of her husband Uriah. Again, Psalm 51 contends that God is not pleased in mere sacrifices. Rather, God wants sacrifices of a broken and contrite heart.

APPLY

God knows when we are playing at “religion” and he is not happy when our worship is false. God expects us to worship him in sincerity and truth. Our worship must be worship of him. And, our worship must include confession of any sin and a reliance upon his grace.

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, may I worship you in sincerity and truth. I come to worship you, and you alone. And I recognize my continuing need of your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The traditions you must follow

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HIGHLIGHT

2 Thessalonians 2:15 (ESV): 15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.

EXPLAIN

A purpose of both Paul’s letters to the church in Thessalonica was to address misunderstandings of the people concerning Christ’s return.

Paul wrote in 2 Thessalonians 2 to assure the believers that Christ had not yet already returned. Paul gave some details about the man of lawlessness who would be revealed before Christ’s second coming.

Paul then transitioned, giving thanks to God for these believers, expressing his confidence of God’s salvation and calling. Therefore, Paul urged them to stand firm and hold to the traditions the missionaries had taught them.

To our modern ears, “traditions” often has a negative and legalistic tone. This should not confuse us about Paul’s meaning. Rather, in addition to the doctrine Paul taught believers, he also taught them practices of living and worship: traditions they should follow, “religion.”

“Religion” also includes negative connotations for many today, but that is unfortunate also. We understand: religion does not and cannot ever save us from sinfulness before God.

But our practice of living a holy life is a “religion”. My practice of reading God’s Word and praying every day is part of my religion, for example. Or, my practice of attending church regularly is also a religious tradition.

APPLY

In the midst of a corrupt world in which it seems like Christ’s coming is imminent, now more than ever, we must stand firm and continue the basic “traditions” of our faith.

Some might be tempted to put aside such basic religious practices, believing that “the hour” called for breathless waiting of the unveiling of Christ. But that was the error of some in Thessalonica Church: becoming busybodies, refusing to work because Christ’s coming was near.

Another temptation might be to compromise with a hostile world, slacking on various religious practices in order to get along with people who are unsympathetic to our faith in Christ and in order to keep up with a world changing rapidly.

We should recognize that best way to live for Christ is counter-culturally, standing firm for God instead of running from fad to fad.

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, please help me to stand firm in a hurried world that is often hostile to you. May I live faithfully, anticipating your return. In Jesus’ name, Amen.