Bible Study Questions on 1 & 2 Peter
Short Description
The book is a Bible Study on 1 & 2 Peter. The Bible Study questions are to help you grow in your walk with God....
Description
Bible Study Questions On 1 & 2 Peter
Taken from Sermons by Pastor Scott Gilchrist
Southwest Bible Church Portland, Oregon http://www.swbible.org
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 PETER................................................................................................. 20 CHOSEN ALIENS 1 PETER 1.1-2..................................................................22 A LIVING HOPE 1 PETER 1.3.......................................................................24 THE MERCY OF GOD 1 PETER 1.3-5...........................................................26 OUR IMPERISHABLE INHERITANCE 1 PETER 1.4-5........................................28 REAL FAITH PT. 1 1 PETER 1.6-7...............................................................30 REAL FAITH PT. 2 1 PETER 1.8-9...............................................................32 OUR GREAT SALVATION 1 PETER 1.10-12..................................................34 HOLY LIVING PT. 1 1 PETER 1.14-17..........................................................36 HOLY LIVING PT. 2 1 PETER 1.17-21..........................................................38 THE LIVING & ABIDING WORD OF GOD PT. 1 1 PETER 1.23-2.3.......................................................................................40 THE LIVING & ABIDING WORD OF GOD PT. 2 1 PETER 1.22-2.3.......................................................................................42 THE LIVING & ABIDING WORD OF GOD PT. 3 1 PETER 1.22-2.3.......................................................................................44 THE FOUNDATION OF THE CHURCH PT. 1 1 PETER 2.4-10...........................46 THE FOUNDATION OF THE CHURCH PT. 2 1 PETER 2.4-10...........................48 THE NATURE OF THE CHURCH 1 PETER 2.4-10...........................................50 COMING TO HIM 1 PETER 2.4......................................................................52 ALIENS & STRANGERS 1 PETER 2.11-12....................................................54 PROTECTING THE SOUL, GLORIFYING GOD 1 PETER 2.11-12......................56 SUBMISSION TO THE GOVERNMENT 1 PETER 2.13-17..................................58 REAL FREEDOM 1 PETER 2.16-20...............................................................60 UNJUST SUFFERING 1 PETER 2.18-21.........................................................62 FOLLOWING CHRIST 1 PETER 2.21-23........................................................64 THE SHEPHERD & GUARDIAN OF YOUR SOUL 1 PETER 2.24-25........................................................................................66 HOLY WOMEN WHO HOPED IN GOD PT. 1 1 PETER 3.1-6...........................68 HOLY WOMEN WHO HOPED IN GOD PT. 2 1 PETER 3.1-6...........................70 CHRIST-LIKE HUSBANDS 1 PETER 3.7.........................................................72 LOVING LIFE 1 PETER 3.8-12......................................................................74 GOD'S PERSPECTIVE ON SUFFERING PT. 1 1 PETER 3.13-17.......................76 GOD'S PERSPECTIVE ON SUFFERING PT. 2 1 PETER 3.13-17.......................78 CHRIST'S ALSO SUFFERED 1 PETER 3.16-18..............................................80 CHRIST RISEN AND EXALTED 1 PETER 3.19-22...........................................82 LIVING FOR THE WILL OF GOD PT. 1 1 PETER 4.1-6....................................84 LIVING FOR THE WILL OF GOD PT. 2 1 PETER 4.1-6....................................86 THE END IS NEAR PT. 1 1 PETER 4.7-9......................................................88 THE END IS NEAR PT. 2 1 PETER 4.7-9......................................................90 FOR THE PURPOSE OF PRAYER 1 PETER 4.7...............................................92 MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR LIFE PT. 1 1 PETER 4.10-11..........................94 3
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR LIFE PT. 2 1 PETER 4.10-11..........................96 MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR LIFE PT. 3 1 PETER 4.11...............................98 MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR LIFE PT. 4 1 PETER 4.10-11........................100 MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR LIFE PT. 5 1 PETER 4.10-11........................102 MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR LIFE PT. 6 1 PETER 4.11.............................104 SUFFERING AS A CHRISTIAN PT. 1 1 PETER 4.12-13.................................106 SUFFERING AS A CHRISTIAN PT. 2 1 PETER 4.14-16.................................108 SUFFERING AS A CHRISTIAN PT. 3 1 PETER 4.17-19.................................110 SHEPHERDING THE FLOCK OF GOD PT. 1 1 PETER 5.1-2...........................112 SHEPHERDING THE FLOCK OF GOD PT. 2 1 PETER 5:1-4..........................114 SHEPHERDING THE FLOCK OF GOD PT. 3 1 PETER 5.1-4...........................116 SHEPHERDING THE FLOCK OF GOD PT. 4 1 PETER 5.3-4...........................118 CLOTHE YOURSELVES WITH HUMILITY 1 PETER 5.5-7................................120 CAST YOUR ANXIETIES ON HIM 1 PETER 5.7.............................................122 BE CAREFUL 1 PETER 5.5-8.....................................................................124 STANDING FIRM IN GRACE 1 PETER 5.10-14.............................................126 2 PETER................................................................................................ 128 AMAZING GRACE: 2 PETER 1:1-3.............................................................130 PARTAKERS OF THE DIVINE NATURE: 2 PETER 1:3-4................................132 SPIRITUAL DILIGENCE: 2 PETER 1:5..........................................................134 CHRISTIAN CHARACTER: 2 PETER 1:5-6...................................................136 GODLY LOVE: 2 PETER 1:6-7...................................................................138 USEFUL AND FRUITFUL: 2 PETER 1:8-11..................................................140 FINISH WELL: 2 PETER 1:12-15................................................................142 KNOWING FOR SURE: 2 PETER 1:16-21....................................................144 WOLVES IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING: 2 PETER 2:1-3........................................146 JUDGMENT IS SURE: 2 PETER 2:4-10........................................................148 JUDGMENT IS SURE, PART 2: 2 PETER 2:6-9............................................150 FALSE TEACHERS DESCRIBED: 2 PETER 2:10-14......................................152 AN OMINOUS APPRAISAL: 2 PETER 2:15-22.............................................154 A REMINDER TO REMEMBER: 2 PETER 3:1-4............................................156 THE GOD OF HISTORY: 2 PETER 3:5-7......................................................159 GOD’S PATIENCE: 2 PETER 3:8-9.............................................................162 WHAT SORT OF PEOPLE OUGHT YOU TO BE?: 2 PETER 3:10-13.....................................................................................164 A FINAL CALL TO DILIGENCE: 2 PETER 3:14-16.......................................166 THE GRACE AND KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST: 2 PETER 3:17-18....................168 APPENDIX............................................................................................ 170
GENESIS............................................................................................... 171
4
GEN. 1.1-3...............................................................................................171 GEN. 1.26-28...........................................................................................171 GEN. 2.16-25...........................................................................................171 GEN. 3.18-19...........................................................................................172 GEN. 6.5-13.............................................................................................173 GEN. 19.1-5.............................................................................................173 GEN. 19.23-29.........................................................................................174 GEN. 22.15-18.........................................................................................174 GEN. 39.1-9.............................................................................................174 GEN. 48.15..............................................................................................175 EXODUS............................................................................................... 176 EX. 3.1-15................................................................................................176 EX. 4.1.....................................................................................................177 EX. 4.10-13..............................................................................................177 EX. 20.1-7................................................................................................177 EX. 33.18-19............................................................................................178 LEVITICUS............................................................................................ 178 LEV. 10.3.................................................................................................178 LEV. 11.44...............................................................................................178 LEV. 18.22...............................................................................................178 LEV. 20.7-8..............................................................................................178 LEV. 20.13...............................................................................................179 LEV. 20.26...............................................................................................179 NUMBERS............................................................................................ 179 NU. 22.1-29.............................................................................................179 NU. 25.1-2...............................................................................................181 NU. 31.16................................................................................................181 NU. 27.12-20...........................................................................................181 DEUTERONOMY.................................................................................. 182 DEUT. 4.1-2..............................................................................................182 DEUT. 4.9-10............................................................................................182 DEUT. 6.3.................................................................................................182 DEUT. 6.13-17.........................................................................................182 DEUT. 8.1-3..............................................................................................183 DEUT. 12.28.............................................................................................183 DEUT. 18.15-18.......................................................................................183 5
DEUT. 25.4...............................................................................................184 DEUT. 31.1-12.........................................................................................184 DEUT. 32.2-4............................................................................................184 DEUT. 32.39.............................................................................................185 JOSHUA................................................................................................ 185 JOSHUA 1.1-9...........................................................................................185 JOSHUA 3.7-9...........................................................................................186 JOSHUA 10.25..........................................................................................186 JOSHUA 23.14..........................................................................................186 JUDGES................................................................................................ 186 JUDGES 7.15-18.......................................................................................186 JUDGES 17.6............................................................................................187 1 SAMUEL............................................................................................ 187 1 SAM. 14.6-7..........................................................................................187 1 SAM. 30.6.............................................................................................188 1 KINGS................................................................................................ 188 1 KINGS 10.23-24....................................................................................188 1 CHRONICLES.................................................................................... 188 1 CHR. 29.10-18......................................................................................188 2 CHRONICLES.................................................................................... 189 2 CHR. 7.14.............................................................................................189 2 CHR. 28.20...........................................................................................189 2 CHR. 32.1-7..........................................................................................189 EZRA..................................................................................................... 190 EZRA 7.10................................................................................................190 NEHEMIAH........................................................................................... 190
6
NEH. 8.8-10.............................................................................................190 NEH. 9.30................................................................................................190 JOB....................................................................................................... 190 JOB 1.1-3.................................................................................................191 JOB 1.13-22.............................................................................................191 JOB 2.7-10...............................................................................................191 JOB 22.21-26...........................................................................................192 JOB 23.10................................................................................................192 JOB 28:28................................................................................................192 JOB 42.1-6...............................................................................................192 PSALMS................................................................................................ 193 PS. 1........................................................................................................193 PS. 2........................................................................................................193 PS. 12.6...................................................................................................194 PS. 16.7-11..............................................................................................194 PS. 19......................................................................................................194 PS. 22.7-8................................................................................................195 PS. 23......................................................................................................195 PS. 27.13-14............................................................................................196 PS. 29.1-11..............................................................................................196 PS. 32.2...................................................................................................196 PS. 32.5...................................................................................................197 PS. 33.9...................................................................................................197 PS. 33.16-20............................................................................................197 PS. 34.1-11..............................................................................................197 PS. 34.18.................................................................................................198 PS. 37.1-6................................................................................................198 PS. 37.39-40............................................................................................199 PS. 39.4-5................................................................................................199 PS. 40.7-8................................................................................................199 PS. 42.1-5................................................................................................199 PS. 46.1...................................................................................................200 PS. 49.7-8................................................................................................200 PS. 51.1-10..............................................................................................200 PS. 59.16-17............................................................................................200 PS. 62.5-12..............................................................................................201 PS. 63.1-8................................................................................................201 PS. 90......................................................................................................201 PS. 70.5...................................................................................................202 PS. 73.25-28............................................................................................202 PS. 78.70-72............................................................................................203 PS. 79.6...................................................................................................203 7
PS. 89.30-33............................................................................................203 PS. 92.12-15............................................................................................203 PS. 94.17-19............................................................................................204 PS. 100....................................................................................................204 PS. 103....................................................................................................204 PS. 107.8-9..............................................................................................206 PS. 111.7-10............................................................................................206 PS. 112.1.................................................................................................206 PS. 115.1.................................................................................................206 PS. 115.11...............................................................................................206 PS. 118.22-23..........................................................................................206 PS. 119.2.................................................................................................207 PS. 119.9-40............................................................................................207 PS. 119.67...............................................................................................208 PS. 119.71...............................................................................................208 PS. 119.89...............................................................................................208 PS. 119.97...............................................................................................209 PS. 119.103.............................................................................................209 PS. 119.105.............................................................................................209 PS. 119.130.............................................................................................209 PS. 119.160.............................................................................................209 PS. 119.174.............................................................................................209 PS. 119.176.............................................................................................209 PS. 121.1-2..............................................................................................209 PS. 127.1.................................................................................................210 PS. 130.3-4..............................................................................................210 PS. 139.13-14..........................................................................................210 PS. 145.1-19............................................................................................210 PS. 146.8.................................................................................................211 PROVERBS.......................................................................................... 211 PROV. 1.1-2.............................................................................................211 PROV. 1.7................................................................................................211 PROV. 2.1-7.............................................................................................211 PROV. 3.1-8.............................................................................................212 PROV. 4.23..............................................................................................212 PROV. 5.15-21.........................................................................................212 PROV. 9.10..............................................................................................213 PROV. 10.19............................................................................................213 PROV. 13.3..............................................................................................213 PROV. 14.1..............................................................................................213 PROV. 15.1..............................................................................................213 PROV. 15.30............................................................................................213 PROV. 16.18............................................................................................213 PROV. 17.3..............................................................................................214
8
PROV. 18.12............................................................................................214 PROV. 18.21............................................................................................214 PROV. 21.23............................................................................................214 PROV. 22.4..............................................................................................214 PROV. 25.11............................................................................................214 PROV. 30.5-6...........................................................................................214 PROV. 31.25-30.......................................................................................214 ECCLESIASTES................................................................................... 215 ECC.12.12-13..........................................................................................215 ISAIAH.................................................................................................. 215 ISA. 1.1-3.................................................................................................215 ISA. 6.1-8.................................................................................................215 ISA. 7.14..................................................................................................216 ISA. 8.1-14...............................................................................................216 ISA. 9.1-6.................................................................................................217 ISA. 11.1-2...............................................................................................217 ISA. 14.12-15...........................................................................................218 ISA. 28.16................................................................................................218 ISA. 33.6..................................................................................................218 ISA. 40.8..................................................................................................219 ISA. 41.10................................................................................................219 ISA. 43.7..................................................................................................219 ISA. 43.10-13...........................................................................................219 ISA. 45.21-24...........................................................................................219 ISA. 46.8-11.............................................................................................220 ISA. 48.10................................................................................................220 ISA. 53.....................................................................................................220 ISA. 55.....................................................................................................221 ISA. 57.15................................................................................................222 ISA. 61.1..................................................................................................222 ISA. 66.1-2...............................................................................................222 JEREMIAH............................................................................................ 223 JER. 1.4-10..............................................................................................223 JER. 2.22.................................................................................................223 JER. 3.15.................................................................................................223 JER. 5.30-31............................................................................................223 JER. 6.15.................................................................................................223 JER. 8.12.................................................................................................224 JER. 9.23-24............................................................................................224 9
JER. 13.23...............................................................................................224 JER. 15.16...............................................................................................224 JER. 17.5-9..............................................................................................224 JER. 18.1-6..............................................................................................225 JER. 23.5-6..............................................................................................225 JER. 23.16-37..........................................................................................226 JER. 31.2-3..............................................................................................227 JER. 31.33-34..........................................................................................227 JER. 33.8.................................................................................................228 LAMENTATIONS.................................................................................. 228 LAM. 3.19-23............................................................................................228 EZEKIEL............................................................................................... 228 EZE. 7.8...................................................................................................228 EZE. 13.1-13............................................................................................228 EZE. 18.4.................................................................................................229 EZE. 28.13-16..........................................................................................229 EZE. 34.1-15............................................................................................230 DANIEL................................................................................................. 231 DAN. 1.8..................................................................................................231 DAN. 2.17-45...........................................................................................231 DAN. 3.12-18...........................................................................................233 DAN. 4.34-37...........................................................................................234 DAN. 6.19-22...........................................................................................234 DAN. 11.32..............................................................................................234 MICAH................................................................................................... 235 MICAH 5:15..............................................................................................235 MICAH 6.8................................................................................................235 HAGGAI................................................................................................ 235 HAGGAI 1.12............................................................................................235 ZECHARIAH......................................................................................... 235 ZECH. 7.8-12............................................................................................235 10
MATTHEW............................................................................................ 237 MATT. 3.1-2.............................................................................................237 MATT. 3.16-17.........................................................................................237 MATT. 4.3-10...........................................................................................237 MATT. 4.17-19.........................................................................................238 MATT. 5.10-19.........................................................................................238 MATT. 5.38-48.........................................................................................239 MATT. 6.9.................................................................................................239 MATT. 6.19-34.........................................................................................239 MATT. 7.7-16...........................................................................................240 MATT. 7.21-29.........................................................................................241 MATT. 9.23-24.........................................................................................242 MATT. 9.36-38.........................................................................................242 MATT. 10.25.............................................................................................242 MATT. 10.28.............................................................................................242 MATT. 10.38-39.......................................................................................242 MATT. 11.28-30.......................................................................................242 MATT. 13.18-23.......................................................................................243 MATT. 14.15-21.......................................................................................243 MATT. 15.7-9...........................................................................................244 MATT. 15.15-20.......................................................................................244 MATT. 16.15-17.......................................................................................244 MATT. 16.21-26.......................................................................................244 MATT. 17.4-6...........................................................................................245 MATT. 18.3-9...........................................................................................245 MATT. 18.32-33.......................................................................................245 MATT. 20.25-28.......................................................................................246 MATT. 20.32-34.......................................................................................246 MATT. 21.33-46.......................................................................................246 MATT. 22.29-33.......................................................................................247 MATT. 22.36-39.......................................................................................247 MATT. 23.32-33.......................................................................................248 MATT. 24.4-11.........................................................................................248 MATT. 24.35-39.......................................................................................248 MATT. 25.14-30.......................................................................................249 MATT. 26.23-24.......................................................................................250 MATT. 26.33-46.......................................................................................250 MATT. 26.59-68.......................................................................................251 MATT. 26.69-75.......................................................................................251 MATT. 27.11-14.......................................................................................252 MATT. 27.22-31.......................................................................................252 MATT. 27.39-46.......................................................................................253 MATT. 28.18-20.......................................................................................253 MARK.................................................................................................... 253
11
MARK 1.22...............................................................................................254 MARK 1.35...............................................................................................254 MARK 1.40-42..........................................................................................254 MARK 2.9-12............................................................................................254 MARK 3.5.................................................................................................254 MARK 4.39...............................................................................................254 MARK 5.8.................................................................................................255 MARK 5.15...............................................................................................255 MARK 5.39-42..........................................................................................255 MARK 6.2.................................................................................................255 MARK 6.34...............................................................................................255 MARK 7.17-23..........................................................................................255 MARK 8.34-38..........................................................................................256 MARK 10.33-34........................................................................................256 MARK 10.42-45........................................................................................256 MARK 11.15-17........................................................................................257 MARK 12.28-31........................................................................................257 MARK 13.5-8............................................................................................257 MARK 13.23-26........................................................................................258 MARK 14.32-42........................................................................................259 MARK 14.60-64........................................................................................259 MARK 15.16-20........................................................................................260 MARK 15.29-32........................................................................................260 LUKE..................................................................................................... 260 LUKE 1.1-4...............................................................................................260 LUKE 1.67-79...........................................................................................261 LUKE 2.21-38...........................................................................................261 LUKE 2.49-51...........................................................................................262 LUKE 4.3-4...............................................................................................263 LUKE 4.18-22...........................................................................................263 LUKE 5.8..................................................................................................263 LUKE 6.22-23...........................................................................................263 LUKE 6.47-48...........................................................................................263 LUKE 8.11................................................................................................264 LUKE 8.35................................................................................................264 LUKE 8.52-53...........................................................................................264 LUKE 9.23-24...........................................................................................264 LUKE 9.44-46...........................................................................................264 LUKE 10.26-27.........................................................................................264 LUKE 11.1-2.............................................................................................265 LUKE 11.27-28.........................................................................................265 LUKE 12.4-7.............................................................................................265 LUKE 12.16-21.........................................................................................265 LUKE 12.31-46.........................................................................................266
12
LUKE 13.33..............................................................................................267 LUKE 14.26..............................................................................................267 LUKE 16.13..............................................................................................267 LUKE 17.12-16.........................................................................................268 LUKE 17.26-29.........................................................................................268 LUKE 18.9-14...........................................................................................268 LUKE 19.10-28.........................................................................................269 LUKE 21.8-9.............................................................................................270 LUKE 22.21-27.........................................................................................270 LUKE 22.31-34.........................................................................................270 LUKE 22.44..............................................................................................271 LUKE 22.59-65.........................................................................................271 LUKE 22.69..............................................................................................271 LUKE 23.10-11.........................................................................................271 LUKE 23.33-43.........................................................................................272 LUKE 23.46..............................................................................................272 LUKE 24.25-32.........................................................................................273 LUKE 24.46-47.........................................................................................273 JOHN.................................................................................................... 273 JOHN 1.1..................................................................................................273 JOHN 1.4..................................................................................................274 JOHN 1.10-17...........................................................................................274 JOHN 2.13-17...........................................................................................274 JOHN 3.3-20.............................................................................................274 JOHN 3.30................................................................................................276 JOHN 3.36................................................................................................276 JOHN 4.13-14...........................................................................................276 JOHN 4.34-36...........................................................................................276 JOHN 5.4-5...............................................................................................276 JOHN 5.17-24...........................................................................................276 JOHN 6.2..................................................................................................277 JOHN 6.14-15...........................................................................................277 JOHN 6.28-30...........................................................................................277 JOHN 6.35-36...........................................................................................278 JOHN 6.40................................................................................................278 JOHN 6.45-47...........................................................................................278 JOHN 6.60-69...........................................................................................278 JOHN 7.30................................................................................................279 JOHN 7.37-46...........................................................................................279 JOHN 8.20................................................................................................280 JOHN 8.24................................................................................................280 JOHN 8.28-34...........................................................................................280 JOHN 8.51-59...........................................................................................280 JOHN 9.3-5...............................................................................................281
13
JOHN 9.28................................................................................................281 JOHN 10.1-18...........................................................................................281 JOHN 10.24-33.........................................................................................282 JOHN 10.35-36.........................................................................................283 JOHN 11.25-26.........................................................................................283 JOHN 11.32-36.........................................................................................283 JOHN 12.23-28.........................................................................................284 JOHN 13.1-17...........................................................................................284 JOHN 13.34-35.........................................................................................285 JOHN 14.1-9.............................................................................................285 JOHN 14.15-17.........................................................................................286 JOHN 14.21-23.........................................................................................286 JOHN 15.4-21...........................................................................................286 JOHN 15.26..............................................................................................287 JOHN 16.7-15...........................................................................................287 JOHN 17.3-4.............................................................................................288 JOHN 17.11..............................................................................................288 JOHN 17.17..............................................................................................288 JOHN 19.15..............................................................................................288 JOHN 19.30..............................................................................................289 JOHN 20.21..............................................................................................289 JOHN 20.28-31.........................................................................................289 JOHN 21.13-19.........................................................................................289 ACTS..................................................................................................... 290 ACTS 1.1-8...............................................................................................290 ACTS 1.18................................................................................................290 ACTS 2.22-43...........................................................................................290 ACTS 3.11-19...........................................................................................292 ACTS 3.22-25...........................................................................................292 ACTS 4.....................................................................................................293 ACTS 5.27-32...........................................................................................296 ACTS 5.40-42...........................................................................................296 ACTS 6.2-4...............................................................................................296 ACTS 7.35-38...........................................................................................297 ACTS 9.15-16...........................................................................................297 ACTS 9.23-27...........................................................................................297 ACTS 10.38-43.........................................................................................298 ACTS 12.5................................................................................................298 ACTS 12.11-12.........................................................................................298 ACTS 14.21-22.........................................................................................298 ACTS 16.22-34.........................................................................................299 ACTS 17.30-31.........................................................................................300 ACTS 20.17-35.........................................................................................300
14
ROMANS............................................................................................... 301 ROM. 1.1-7...............................................................................................301 ROM. 1.14-18...........................................................................................301 ROM. 1.21................................................................................................302 ROM. 1.26-28...........................................................................................302 ROM. 2.1-11.............................................................................................302 ROM. 3.1-2...............................................................................................303 ROM. 3.10-26...........................................................................................303 ROM. 4.1-8...............................................................................................304 ROM. 5.....................................................................................................305 ROM. 6.....................................................................................................306 ROM. 6.23................................................................................................307 ROM. 7.4..................................................................................................307 ROM. 7.14-25...........................................................................................308 ROM. 8.....................................................................................................308 ROM. 9.15-25...........................................................................................311 ROM. 10.8-17...........................................................................................311 ROM. 11...................................................................................................312 ROM. 12.1-10...........................................................................................314 ROM. 12.15-21.........................................................................................315 ROM. 13.1................................................................................................315 ROM. 13.5-7.............................................................................................315 ROM. 13.11-14.........................................................................................316 ROM. 15.4-6.............................................................................................316 ROM. 15.30..............................................................................................316 ROM. 16.17-20.........................................................................................316 1 CORINTHIANS................................................................................... 317 1 COR. 1.18.............................................................................................317 1 COR. 1.22-24........................................................................................317 1 COR. 2.1-2............................................................................................317 1 COR. 6.9-10..........................................................................................317 1 COR. 9.25-27........................................................................................317 1 COR. 10.11-12......................................................................................318 1 COR. 10.31...........................................................................................318 1 COR. 13.4-8..........................................................................................318 1 COR. 13.13...........................................................................................318 1 COR. 15.1-5..........................................................................................318 1 COR. 15.58...........................................................................................319 2 CORINTHIANS................................................................................... 319 2 COR. 3.18.............................................................................................319
15
2 COR. 4.3-4............................................................................................319 2 COR. 5.9...............................................................................................319 2 COR. 5.14-21........................................................................................319 2 COR. 6.2...............................................................................................320 2 COR. 9.15.............................................................................................320 2 COR. 11.13-14......................................................................................320 GALATIANS.......................................................................................... 320 GAL. 2.4...................................................................................................320 GAL. 2.20.................................................................................................320 GAL. 5.16-24............................................................................................320 GAL. 6.9-10..............................................................................................321 GAL. 6.14.................................................................................................321 EPHESIANS.......................................................................................... 321 EPH. 1.17-23...........................................................................................321 EPH. 2.8-13.............................................................................................322 EPH. 3.16-21...........................................................................................322 EPH. 4.1-3...............................................................................................323 EPH. 4.14-16...........................................................................................323 EPH. 4.25-32...........................................................................................323 EPH. 5.1...................................................................................................324 EPH. 5.22-25...........................................................................................324 EPH. 6.1...................................................................................................324 EPH. 6.10.................................................................................................324 PHILIPPIANS........................................................................................ 324 PHIL. 1.6..................................................................................................324 PHIL. 2.3-15.............................................................................................325 PHIL. 3.8..................................................................................................325 PHIL. 3.10................................................................................................326 PHIL. 3.18-19...........................................................................................327 PHIL. 4.4-9...............................................................................................327 COLOSSIANS....................................................................................... 327 COL. 1.3-17.............................................................................................327 COL. 1.28-29...........................................................................................328 COL. 2.2-3...............................................................................................328 COL. 3.1-2...............................................................................................328 COL. 3.16.................................................................................................329 16
COL. 4.2...................................................................................................329 1 THESSALONIANS............................................................................. 329 1 THESS. 5.2-3.........................................................................................329 1 THESS. 5.15-18.....................................................................................329 2 THESSALONIANS............................................................................. 330 2 THESS. 1.8-9.........................................................................................330 1 TIMOTHY........................................................................................... 330 1 TIM. 2.1-5.............................................................................................330 1 TIM. 3.14-16.........................................................................................330 1 TIM. 4.7-8.............................................................................................330 1 TIM. 4:15...............................................................................................331 1 TIM. 6.3-6.............................................................................................331 1 TIM. 5.17-18.........................................................................................331 2 TIMOTHY........................................................................................... 331 2 TIM. 1.6-12...........................................................................................331 2 TIM. 2.1-10...........................................................................................332 2 TIM. 2:15...............................................................................................333 2 TIM. 3.10-17.........................................................................................333 2 TIM. 4.9.................................................................................................333 2 TIM. 4.21...............................................................................................333 TITUS.................................................................................................... 333 TITUS 2.11-14..........................................................................................334 TITUS 3.5-8..............................................................................................334 HEBREWS............................................................................................ 334 HEB. 1.1-3...............................................................................................334 HEB. 1.10-12...........................................................................................334 HEB. 2.16-18...........................................................................................335 HEB. 4.12-16...........................................................................................335 HEB. 5.14.................................................................................................335 HEB. 7.26-28...........................................................................................335 HEB. 10.17...............................................................................................336 17
HEB. 10.23-25.........................................................................................336 HEB. 10.35-39.........................................................................................336 HEB. 11.8-10...........................................................................................337 HEB. 12.1-4.............................................................................................337 HEB. 13.9.................................................................................................337 JAMES.................................................................................................. 337 JAMES 1.2-4.............................................................................................337 JAMES 1.13-17.........................................................................................338 JAMES 1.21-25.........................................................................................338 JAMES 2.20..............................................................................................338 JAMES 5.8................................................................................................339 1 PETER................................................................................................ 339 1 PETER 1................................................................................................339 1 PETER 2................................................................................................341 1 PETER 3................................................................................................342 1 PETER 4................................................................................................343 1 PETER 5................................................................................................345 2 PETER................................................................................................ 346 2 PETER 1................................................................................................346 2 PETER 2................................................................................................347 2 PETER 3................................................................................................349 1 JOHN................................................................................................. 350 1 JOHN 1.1-4............................................................................................350 1 JOHN 1.8-9............................................................................................350 1 JOHN 2.4-6............................................................................................350 1 JOHN 2.12.............................................................................................351 1 JOHN 2.15-18........................................................................................351 1 JOHN 2.28.............................................................................................351 1 JOHN 3.1-5............................................................................................351 1 JOHN 3.16-18........................................................................................351 1 JOHN 4.8-11..........................................................................................352 1 JOHN 4.15-17........................................................................................352 JUDE..................................................................................................... 352 JUDE 1.1..................................................................................................352 18
JUDE 1.4..................................................................................................352 JUDE 1.7-9...............................................................................................352 JUDE 1.11................................................................................................354 JUDE 1.16-18...........................................................................................354 JUDE 1.24-25...........................................................................................354 REVELATION....................................................................................... 354 REV. 1.8-19.............................................................................................354 REV. 2.14.................................................................................................355 REV. 3.21.................................................................................................355 REV. 4.1-11.............................................................................................355 REV. 5.6-14.............................................................................................356 REV. 16.15...............................................................................................357 REV. 17.1-2.............................................................................................357 REV. 17.8.................................................................................................358 REV. 18.3.................................................................................................358 REV. 18.8-10...........................................................................................358 REV. 18.16-17.........................................................................................358 REV. 19.1-2.............................................................................................359 REV. 19.20-21.........................................................................................359 REV. 21....................................................................................................359 REV. 22.1-7.............................................................................................361 REV. 22.13...............................................................................................361 REV. 22.17...............................................................................................362
19
1 PETER
20
21
CHOSEN ALIENS 1 PETER 1.1-2
Summary: As we embark on a new book of Scripture we start by considering the author, the disciple with the foot shaped mouth; none other than the apostle Peter. He was bold and strong both ways, in the blunders of his humanity as well as in his ministry of love for the Lord Jesus. He addresses his audience as aliens; aliens because we have been “chosen…that you may obey Jesus Christ,” instead of living for the comforts of this world. From his immediate presentation of the holy Trinity, we will examine that predestined intimacy we have with God, as provided by the foreknowledge of the Father.
1. A. What do the following Scriptures tell us about Peter? Luke 5:8, 1 Peter 2:24, Matthew 16:15-17, 16:21-23, 26:33-35, 26:74-75
B. Peter became a changed man. What made the difference? John 21:1319, Acts 2:22-24, 2:36-41, 4:8-13
C. Peter was a personal eye witness of the risen and victorious Lord Jesus Christ. We do not have such an advantage today. So how are we to fulfill our calling as Peter did for his? Ezra 7:10 Matthew 4:19, John 20:2831, II Timothy 1:6-9, I Peter 5:6,
2. A. Peter describes his audience in different ways. What are they? I Peter 1:1-2
B. A primary theme of Peter is that people of God are “chosen aliens.” What is it then, that makes us so distinct, just on the basis of these two verses? What would the purpose clause in verse 2 suggest? We are “chosen…that we may” do what? John 15:16-17, Romans 8:29, Ephesians 1:4
22
C. To what extent are you committed to that obedience which God has chosen you for? What are some of the things that hinder us from living out that divine purpose? How then, would the grace and peace of God be yours in fullest measure?
3. A. Please identify the three Persons of the Trinity in I Peter 1:2. In what fashion is each member of the Godhead described?
B. How should we understand “the foreknowledge of God the Father?” Isaiah 46:8-10, John 3:16, 15:9, Romans 5:8, Titus 3:4-5, Revelation 1:5-6
C. It’s not just about cold predestination, is it? It has more to do with the love of God so powerful; a mercy and kindness so invincible that it cannot be thwarted! “I am God and there is no other…declaring the end from the beginning…My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure!”
Since our destiny is for an eternal love relationship with God, how might we best respond? 1Thessalonians 5:16-19
23
A LIVING HOPE 1 PETER 1.3
Summary: Last time we looked at the ups and downs of the apostle Peter, and how he spoke with head-turning confidence, because of having been with Jesus and filled with the Holy Spirit. We continue by considering the head-turning confidence of his writings, as he addresses the living hope of the believer to a suffering church.
1. A. Last time we saw that we are chosen according to the foreknowledge of the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. So we are chosen by the Father and set aside in holiness by the Spirit for what purpose? I Peter 1:2
B. What does it mean to “be sprinkled with His blood?” Isaiah 53:4-6, Romans 5:19-21, I Peter 1:18-19, 2:22-24, 3:18
C. Scripture makes it clear that we are not saved by our own obedience, but only through the obedience of the Lord Jesus. Only He died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust. And yet, when we surrender to Him, the Holy Spirit transforms us into what kind of people? John 10:27, II Corinthians 5:15, 21
2. A. Next Peter bursts into praise, and eulogizes “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” who “has caused us to be born again” according to what? I Peter 1:3
B. How should we understand “THE God and Father?” Genesis 1:1, Exodus 3:14-15, 20:1-6, Isaiah 6:1-5, Daniel 4:34-37, Revelation 20:11-15
How might we understand “His great mercy?” Psalm 103:1-13, John 3:1617, Ephesians 2:1-5
24
C. Mercy is the holding back of punishment we rightly deserve for opposing God. Until we have some grasp of the sovereign holiness of the Almighty, we will not understand the magnitude of His mercy. When we consider the judgment that we deserve for all our sins, how can we not also burst into praise for such mercy? The more we understand the salvation we have in the Lord Jesus, the greater our joy, thanksgiving and peace will be! How is yours? Philippians 4:4-7 The more we understand what we have in Christ, the better our victory in living for Him will be. Are you walking in His power? I John 5:4-5
3. A. God the Father provides us with what kind of hope? I Peter 1:3
B. What makes this “living hope” living? I Corinthians 15:3-6, Hebrews 6:17-20, 7:25
C. Faith looks back at the facts of what Jesus did. Hope looks ahead at what we know God will do. Both are settled certainties, based upon the unshakable facts of our dependable, unchanging God. We have a living hope because we depend upon a living Savior. Is your hope in Him alive and well? Romans 15:4-5
25
THE MERCY OF GOD 1 PETER 1.3-5
Summary: As we continue our series on what God is like, and having considered the holiness of God, we now come to the mercy of God. We will examine the following five points regarding His mercy: what it is, what it isn’t, how central mercy is to our salvation and to all of history, some wrong responses and the correct responses to God’s mercy.
1. A. Mercy, what is it? The NASB Greek & Hebrew Dictionary describes mercy (eleos) as pity or compassion. How does God take action regarding His loving-kindness towards us, and in so doing, demonstrate His great mercy? Matthew 20:32-34, Mark 1:40-41, Luke 18:9-14, 1 Peter 1:3-5
B. In what fashion is the holiness of God related to His mercy? Since God is holy and we are sinners, how does that build a case regarding the need for His mercy? Matthew 5:48, 1 Peter 1:15-16, Romans 7:18-8:1, Psalm 103:8-14, 130:3-4, Romans 5:6-8
C. We have just examined what mercy is, that we as helpless sinners do not suffer the judgment we deserve, but instead we depend on the compassionate forgiveness of God. God is holy and yet He provided a way to forgive us. We ourselves are not holy; should we not likewise forgive others who sin against us?
2. What mercy isn’t, in a word, is not deserved or merited in any fashion. How do the following Scriptures demonstrate this? Ephesians 2:1-5, Titus 3:3-5
3. We have seen so far how centralized the mercy of God is for our salvation. But His mercy is also central to all of history. Think of that! Why would this be the case? Psalm 145:9, Exodus 33:18-19, Romans 9:15-23, 11:25-36
A. “By the mercies of God,” what does He want us to do? Romans 12:1-2, Ephesians 4:1-3, 1 Peter 1:22 26
4. Three wrong responses to God’s mercy are to neglect it, to resent it and to abuse it. Discuss how understanding the holiness of God, and therefore surrendering to His justice, might bring repentance from each of these improper responses to His mercy. Psalm 51:4, Isaiah 6:3-5, Ezekiel 18:4, Romans 2:4, 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9
5. Based on what we know of God, what are some right responses to His mercy? John 1:12, 15:9-10, Matthew 18:32-33, Luke 17:12-16, Philippians 2:1-5
27
OUR IMPERISHABLE INHERITANCE 1 PETER 1.4-5
Summary: There is no way to summarize or paraphrase this perfect text: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
1. A. As a review, read I Peter 1:1-3. What is your observation?
B. Verses 1-3 fall into a sequence. What is it?
C. In summary of verses 1-3, what is the response to this sure salvation? I Peter 1:3, 6, 8, 10, 12
2. A. Read I Peter 1:3-4. What does this new birth bring in verse 4?
B. Take note of this word “inheritance” in light of three thoughts: inheritances come from another; we are usually related to the person we receive an inheritance from; and when we get an inheritance, it is ours. How do these thoughts on inheritance relate to our inheritance in verse 4? John 3:3-7, Ephesians 1:3-6, Hebrews 6:17-20
3. A. How is our inheritance described in I Peter 1:4?
B. Consider the following words and phrases: “imperishable”, “undefiled”, “will not fade away”, “reserved in heaven.” What do these mean to you who are “born again to a living hope?” Psalm 119:89, Matthew 6:19-21, 24:35, John 10:27-30, Romans 8:1, I Peter 1:8, 18-19, 23-25
28
C. Is this reservation made for you? Who made this reservation? Romans 8:31, I Peter 1:5, 5:10
29
REAL FAITH PT. 1 1 PETER 1.6-7
Summary: Real faith is imperishable, especially in times of trial and trouble, because it is of God. Real faith produces joy, in the midst of suffering.
1. A. I Peter 1:6 begins, “In this.” As a review, answer the question, in what? I Peter 1:3-9
B. Faith and hope are two sides of the same coin. Explain this statement from the following texts. Romans 5:1-2, Colossians 1:19-23, I Peter 1:3-5, 20-21
C. Are faith and hope combined in our lives? Do we see our past, present and future from God’s perspective? Romans 8:31-39
2. A. Read I Peter 1:6-7. Now read it again, thinking of the author’s life and events in his life. Matthew 26:70-74, Luke 22:31-34, 59-62
B. Life is not easy and real faith is tested, but real faith is imperishable and it does produce joy, especially in the times of trouble. Why are these things true? Does our culture support these truths? Psalm 115:1, II Timothy 3:1-5, I Peter 1:3
C. How many times have you heard, possibly from your own lips, that life has never been better and never been worse at the same time? Now look at the bookends of our text and rejoice! James 1:2-4, I Peter 1:6-9
3. A. Suffering is real, temporary, and purposeful. Observe this from the following texts. Job 1:1-3, 13-19, I Peter 1:6-7, I Peter 5:10
30
B. How does God redeem us? Isaiah 53:3, John 11:25-26, Ephesians 1:7, I Peter 1:2, 11, I Peter 4:1, I Peter 5:1
C. How do suffering and “various trials” play out in our lives? Job 1:20-22, Job 2:7-10, Romans 8:18-22, Romans 12:1, II Corinthians 4:16-18, Hebrews 13:15-16, I Peter 1:7
31
REAL FAITH PT. 2 1 PETER 1.8-9
Summary: We are saved by faith, we walk by faith, we are justified by faith, and we are kept by faith. Real faith sees Him who is unseen. Faith is the crucial element for salvation.
1. A. Take a quick look at the verses that support the summary statement. Psalm 33:16-20, John 3:16, 18, Romans 3:28, II Corinthians 5:7, Hebrews 11:6, I Peter 1:5
B. What is the outcome of faith in Jesus Christ? John 3:14-15, 36, John 5:24, John 6:40, I Peter 1:8-9
C. What is our exhortation to those who have not put their faith in Jesus Christ? Matthew 16:24-26, Acts 16:31, Hebrew 3:15
2. A. What key characteristic of faith do you see in I Peter 1:8-9? II Corinthians 4:16-18, Hebrews 11:1, 24, 27
B. We are called to believe; to see, if you will, “Him who is unseen.” How can this be? John 20:29-31, Ephesians 1:3-6, 13-14
3. A. Where does faith begin? Matthew 4:4, John 10:27-28, Romans 10:17
B. The parable of the “sower” is in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. That should get our attention. What is the seed? Matthew 13:1819a, Mark 4:3, 9, 14, Luke 8:11, Romans 15:4, II Timothy 3:15
32
C. Read the explanation of the parable of the sower in Mark 4:13-20. Note the repeated words, “hear the word.” What was different in verse 20? John 5:24, I Peter 1:8
4. A. The saying goes, “Seeing is believing.” Is this supported by the Bible? Mark 15:32, John 6:2, 14-15, 28-30, 36, John 20:31
B. If seeing is not believing or real faith, what is? John 6:45-47, 60-69, John 20:29, Hebrews 11:1, 23-27, I Peter 1:8-9
C. Your relationship to the words of Christ is identical to your relationship to the person of Jesus Christ. Is this true in our lives? Psalm 119:89, Matthew 4:3, 24:35, Romans 10:17, II Corinthians 5:7, Hebrews 12:1-2
33
OUR GREAT SALVATION 1 PETER 1.10-12
Summary: The Gospel, the good news, the great salvation from sin in Christ Jesus is prophesied throughout the Bible. “The word of the Lord” was examined even by the very ones who wrote it. Angels long to look into what you are able to pick up and read.
1. A. I Peter 1:10-12 begins, “As to this salvation.” What salvation? Review by backing up in I Peter chapter 1. I Peter 1:9, 8, 4-5, 3
B. What, or rather, Who, is this salvation all about? Describe our faith, hope, joy, or The Gospel. I Peter 1:3-9
2. A. How does the description of our salvation shift in I Peter 1:10-12? Romans 1:1-4
B. Did the prophets completely understand their own writings? I Peter 1:10-11
3. A. The text of I Peter 1:10-12 includes six key concepts: grace, Christ, inspiration, proclamation, the divine order, and the wonder of “this salvation.”
A word about grace: Salvation is about grace, completely undeserved favor. We need to be grasped by God’s grace. I Peter 1:10, Isaiah 55:1-3, II Timothy 1:9, Romans 4:1-8, I Peter 5:10, Revelation 22:17, Isaiah 45:22, John 3:14-15
A word about Christ: The prophets prophesied about a person. Our message is a person! I Peter 1:11, Isaiah 7:14, Deuteronomy 18:15, 18, Acts 3:22, 7:37, Genesis 22:18, Acts 3:25, Galatians 3:16, Luke 24:25-27, Isaiah 53:10-12, Psalm 22:7-8, 18, 27, Isaiah 9:2, 6, 11:1-2
34
A word on inspiration: “the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted.” God spoke by moving on the hearts of men and they spoke from God. I Peter 1:11, II Peter 1:20-21, Colossians 3:16, Deuteronomy 6:3, 8:1, 12:28, Psalm 19:7-9, II Timothy 3:16-17, Isaiah 66:1-2
A word about proclamation: It is imperative that when we proclaim God’s word, that we do so by the Holy Spirit. I Peter 1:10-12, I Corinthians 2:1-5, I Thessalonians 1:5
A word about the divine order: “the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow.” The cross proceeds the crown. I Peter 1:11, II Corinthians 4:16-18
A word about the wonder of it: The angels were present at creation, they announced Jesus’ birth, they were with Him in garden and at His tomb, yet we read “things into which angels long to look.” Angels do not experience His grace, we do! I Peter 1:12, Ephesians 2:4-7
In summary, what are we to do? Talk about Jesus. Talk about grace. Memorize verses about the cross in order to be ready to talk about Him. Matthew 11:28, II Corinthians 5:14-15, 20, Ephesians 2:8-9, I Peter 3:15, II Corinthians 4:18, I Peter 4:1, 5:10-11
35
HOLY LIVING PT. 1 1 PETER 1.14-17
Summary: Those who “hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” will “like the Holy One who called you, be holy.” “Holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus” is a call to Christ. We must know Him as Holy.
1. A. How are we to preach the gospel? Isaiah 61:1, Luke 4:18, I Peter 1:12
B. How should we pray when we come to God’s Holy Spirit inspired word? II Kings 6:17
2. A. Last week we came to the first imperative in I Peter. What was it? What are the next imperatives? I Peter 1:13-17
B. How are the following commands perceived today? “Hope completely” as “obedient children.” “Be Holy.” “Conduct yourselves in fear.”
C. I Peter 1:13-17 gives us commands. What does God have to say about His word? Proverbs 30:5, Matthew 5:17-19, John 10:35b, II Timothy 3:16
3. A. Today men pit grace against obedience. Read I Peter 1:13-17 again. What do you observe? I Peter 5:10
B. How is God described in I Peter 5:10? When will His grace be fully experienced and enjoyed? I Peter 1:13
36
C. What will a “hope completely” bring about in our lives? Luke 12:35-38, Titus 2:11-14, I John 3:1-3
4. A. What are the two positive imperatives in I Peter 1:14-17?
B. What is this call to holiness all about? Exodus 3:1-6, Leviticus 11:44, 19:2, 20:7-8, Isaiah 6:1-5, Romans 12:1-2, Revelation 4:8-11, Revelation 15:1-4
C. What about us? How are we to approach a Holy God? Matthew 6:9, Luke 11:1-2, John 17:11
5. A. Our text, I Peter 1:14-17, tells what our call to holiness is not. What does it say? Romans 12:1-2, I Peter 1:14
B. There is an “if . . . then” in I Peter 1:17. What is it?
C. What does the Bible have to say about those who “address as Father the One who impartially judges “and those who are commanded to “conduct yourself in fear during the time of your stay”? Psalm 111:7-10, Proverbs 1:7, 9:10, John 1:12-13, Romans 8:12-17, II Timothy 2:19
37
HOLY LIVING PT. 2 1 PETER 1.17-21
Summary: Life is short, live holy! The apostle Peter makes it clear that the call to a living hope is a call to holy living. His case: the character of God demands it, and the cost of the precious, innocent blood of Jesus on our behalf empowers it. In so doing we demonstrate that we are transformed from the futility of living for ourselves to the highest and greatest purpose of bringing glory and honor to God.
1. A. For the sake of clarity, if somebody were to ask you what holiness is, how would you define it? What exactly does “holy” mean, and based upon what? Leviticus 10:3, 20:26, Titus 2:13-14, I John 1:5, Revelation 4:8
B. Explain from the above Scriptures what Christians are separated from, and what they are set apart for.
C. It has been said that even though we fall short, and may not even understand it all that clearly, longing for holiness is a mark of authenticity in the heart of every Christian. What about you; is that the general direction of your life? Is that not the whole purpose of salvation in the first place? Matthew 4:17, II Corinthians 5:15, 6:17-7:1
2. A. Let’s consider this further by examining the first reason that Peter gives for holy living, namely the character of God. What characteristics about God do we observe from 1 Peter 1:14-17?
B. God is identified as “the Holy One.” He is the “One who called you.” Here we have another great “I AM” statement. We call Him our “Father.” What is God impartial about and why does that result in a justified fear toward Him? Deuteronomy 32:39, Psalm 89:32, Isaiah 46:9-10, Matthew 23:32-33, John 8:24, Hebrews 10:30-31
C. God is Holy. He is Sovereign and He is Judge; that is a sobering and fearsome combination! We don’t make the rules; He does. But man has been so busy raising himself up and bringing God down, that even the 38
church barely knows the difference. Why is there so little holiness among Christians today? A steadfast and relentless commitment to personal holiness; why so little? What’s missing? John 14:15, Romans 12:1-2
3. A. The second justification for personal holiness given by Peter is also huge. It is because of the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. What characteristics of this can you find in 1 Peter 1:18-19?
B. Why is the innocent blood of Jesus so precious, and what does it accomplish for us? More important, what does it accomplish for God, the Holy One? Psalm 49:7-8, Isaiah 53:4-12, Romans 3:23-26, 5:9, II Corinthians 5:21, Colossians 1:20-22
C. Why was the Father “pleased to crush Him?” Why did He “see it and be satisfied?” Because the shed blood of Jesus, as judgment for our sins, met the justice of that holy God.
And for us; He bought and paid for us with the cost of His own blood. We think we have rights; but we are not our own. And “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” Can you honestly say that your faith and hope are in God, to the extent that you no longer seek the futility of living for yourself? I Corinthians 6:18-20, II Timothy 2:22, I Peter 1:20-21
39
THE LIVING & ABIDING WORD OF GOD PT. 1 1 PETER 1.23-2.3
Summary: “For you have been born again, not of seed which is perishable, but imperishable, the living and abiding word of God.” Think of it! Your birth in Christ cannot and will not perish or fade away.
1. A. “The Law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul.” The Bible is packed with truth. I Peter is a short little letter with an amazing amount of truth. Before turning to I Peter, read Psalm 19 and prayerfully consider verses 7-14.
B. Sum up what you found in Psalm 19. Ecclesiastes 12:12-13, John 8:3132, 14:15, 17:17
2. A. Read I Peter 1:23-2:3. What does it say, or more specifically, what truth do you find there?
B. Who and what are you born of? John 1:12-13, 3:3-8, I Peter 1:23
C. Verse 23 is the middle of a sentence, so read I Peter 1:22-23. What are we told to do and why? John 13:34, 15:12-17, I John 4:19-21
3. A. Looking back through chapter one. Who are you and who caused you to be who you are? I Peter 1:1-3, 17-21
B. How did you come to be who you are? Acts 16:31, I Peter 1:23
C. Read on in I Peter 1:24-25 and enjoy how sure your birth in Christ is! Matthew 24:35
40
4. A. What is “Therefore” there for? I Peter 2:1-3
B. Put off and put on is a principle repeated in the scripture. Describe I Peter 2:1-3 as a “put off, put on.”
C. In I Peter 2:2 who are we to be like? Why? What are you longing for? Psalm 12:6, 119:18, 20, 40, 97, 174
41
THE LIVING & ABIDING WORD OF GOD PT. 2 1 PETER 1.22-2.3
Summary: According to our text, there are two characteristics which mark every follower of Christ, namely love for one another and desire for the Word of God. Interestingly, these are the two commands in the text as well. We are to love one another fervently from the heart, and we are commanded to long for the pure milk of the Word. On the basis of what? “For you have been born again…through the living and abiding Word of God.”
1. A. In 1 Peter 1:22 we have an active imperative in the Greek, (command) to love one another, and to do it fervently from the heart. Why is this so hard for us left to ourselves?
B. Notice verse 22 from the beginning. What kind of people are characterized by “a sincere love” without hypocrisy? How is this related to the “For” in verse 23? John 1:12-13, 3:3-8
C. On both sides, before and after the command to love fervently is the assurance that we who are born again now have this capability; it only comes from the transforming power of the Word of God. Is this what your lifestyle demonstrates? John 13:34-35, I John 2:9-11, 3:10-11, 4:7-8
2. A. Peter himself, so captured by the Word, describes it further in what fashion? 1 Peter 1:24-25
B. Everything is so temporary, is it not? But not the living and abiding Word of God. “THE WORD OF THE LORD ABIDES FOREVER.” Please explain the relationship of this with, “and THIS is the Word that was preached to you.” Acts 4:29-31, II Corinthians 3:12, Ephesians 6:19-20
C. It is no accident that the word “preached” means to proclaim with power, not to suggest. Men and women, if the Word of the Lord is that solid, that permanent, that trustworthy, then our proclamation of HIM must 42
be solid as well. These are not the fickle suggestions of man; they are the resolute, never changing utterances of God. Do you have a calm, settled authority regarding the Word of God? Acts 4:8-13, II Timothy 1:6-12
3.A. “Therefore” on the basis of having been born again transformed by this living and abiding Word of God, we are to put aside five things which demonstrate the opposite of Christian love. What are they? I Peter 2:1
B. It is not enough to just NOT do these things; we must replace them with something else. What is that something else? I Peter 2:2
C. Is there ever a time in which we stop growing “in respect to salvation?”
Then why do some of us act as if we don’t need this “pure milk of the Word” anymore? No wonder this is another active imperative in the Greek, (a direct and permanent command) to deal with our spiritual pride that demands the “meat of the Scriptures.”
Real wisdom recognizes that we never outgrow the basics of the Christian faith. We never outgrow our dependence upon the Lord Jesus Christ. In fact, growing in that dependence upon Him is one of the greatest life long projects we ever have to face. And in our maturity, we are commanded to “long for the pure milk of the Word” with the intensity of “newborn babies,” not necessarily because we are “newborn babies.” It was at the pinnacle of his ministry when John the Baptist said, “He must increase, I must decrease.” Should that not be the daily yearning in each of our hearts, to likewise live in dependence upon Him, that is, longing, longing, longing for this pure milk of the Word? John 15:4-5 Any and all kinds of learning can give you education. But only the Word of God will give you transformation. Life is short; start longing! Psalm 119:9-32
43
THE LIVING & ABIDING WORD OF GOD PT. 3 1 PETER 1.22-2.3
Summary: The Spirit of God uses the Word of God to give us the life of God. There are no teachings, dreams or programs of man that can substitute for this. We therefore must worship Him for His Word. As eternal life begins in us only by the Word of God, so we continue accordingly. People develop a taste for what they are exposed to. Do you “long for the pure milk of the Word” as a way of life, having “tasted the kindness of the Lord?”
1. A. What is the one and only source for becoming born again? I Thessalonians 2:13, I Peter 1:3-5, 1:23-25
B. For what purpose does God cause us to be born again, and in what fashion does that purpose demand the work of God, rather than the efforts or programs of man? I Peter 1:14-19, Jeremiah 13:23, Matthew 15:7-9, II Corinthians 5:15-21, Hebrews 4:12, Titus 3:3-11
C. It is alarming how many church leaders no longer depend on the living Word of God in their gospel message to grow their churches. However, it is the Word of God, the power of the Word of God alone, which performs its transforming work, not the methods of man. Are you depending on the Word of God alone for eternal life? Matthew 7:21-29, Luke 11:27-28, John 6:63, 14:23
2. A. What does this living and abiding Word of God produce within us, and compel within our hearts, as we become established in it? Psalm 119:38
B. What is reverence for God? I Chronicles 29:10-13, Job 1:1, Proverbs 3:5-7, Revelation 1:12-18
C. For us to see Jesus, we have no idea how we will be smitten with astonishment. And yet, do we not see Him all through the Holy 44
Scriptures? Should we not worship Him for His Mighty Word? Acts 2:4143
3. A. What does Colossians 2:6-7 say regarding the way we begin our salvation and the way that we continue? Ephesians 2:8-10
B. So the way we “received Christ Jesus THE LORD” is also the same way that we “walk in Him,” which is by grace through faith. Explain how this is related to the command in our main text to “long for the pure milk of the Word.” Psalm 1:1-6, 119:130, John 15:4-11, Romans 15:4-6
C. Have you “tasted the kindness of the Lord?” People tend to develop a taste for what they are exposed to. It is the same way for us regarding the Scriptures. How developed is your taste for the Word of God? Psalm 119:103, Ezekiel 3:3
45
THE FOUNDATION OF THE CHURCH PT. 1 1 PETER 2.4-10 Summary: We have been born by the Word of Life, the Living Stone, Jesus Christ. Just as a newborn baby desires milk, the healthy Christian longs for the pure milk of the Word. We come to Him, the Living Stone, the very foundation of the Church, and we “are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood.”
1. A. What is the key to life, according to I Peter 2:4?
B. Do you value what God values? Is what is precious in His sight precious in your sight? Matthew 3:17
C. How did you become a Christian in the first place? What happened?
2. A. How is the church described in the bookends our text, the very first statement of I Peter 2:4 and the last statement of I Peter 2:10?
B. How is the Church, those who have come to Him and received mercy, described in scripture? Luke 6:47-48, John 10:16, Romans 12:5, I Corinthians 3:9, 12:27, Colossians 1:18, Revelation 19:7
3. A. This week, and in coming weeks as we look at this passage, we will look at three aspects of this building, the church; the foundation of the church, the nature of the church, and the function of the church. First, we look at the foundation of the church. How is this foundation described? I Peter 2:4-8
B. How has this foundation been proclaimed? (Take note of who is proclaiming this foundation.) Deuteronomy 32:2-4, Matthew 7:24-25, Acts 2:22-24, 3:12-16, 4:7-12, I Corinthians 10:1-4, Ephesians 2:19-22
4.A. How is this foundation described in our text, I Peter 2:4-8?
46
B. What do we tend to get occupied with? What should we be occupied with? Luke 21:5-6, 33-36, Hebrews 13:8
5. A. Who laid this foundation? I Peter 2:6-8, Isaiah 8:11, 8:14, 28:16, Psalm 118:22-23
B. What is the function of a corner stone?
C. What is your relationship to THE Corner Stone? I Peter 2:6-10, Matthew 7:24-27, 11:28, John 5:24, Hebrews 4:7, Psalm 62:5-8
47
THE FOUNDATION OF THE CHURCH PT. 2 1 PETER 2.4-10
Summary: This text is not just about knowing Jesus, but the joy of coming to Him and receiving His mercy. As we consider the foundation, the nature and the function of the church, so far we have discussed Christ as the living foundation, precious in the sight of God and placed by the Father. We will examine these further, as well as the disobedient, who reject Jesus and take offense at His holy name.
1. A. By way of review, how is the Stone characterized in I Peter 2:4?
B. What makes this stone the “Living Stone” and why is that precious in the sight of God? I Corinthians 15:3-8, 15:12-20, John 3:16, Isaiah 53:511
C. It’s not just that Christ is living, but that He first died on the cross for our sins, and then was raised from the dead, in order to reconcile us to the holiness of God. This great exercise of love is what proves Jesus as precious in the sight of God. How precious is the Lord Jesus to you? Psalm 16:8-11, John 14:21, 21:15-17, Revelation 5:5-14
2. A. How do we know that this precious corner stone was placed by God the Father? I Peter 2:6, Isaiah 28:16
B. In what fashion did God continue to build His church, and what does this say regarding the way God uses His people? Acts 2:42-43, Ephesians 2:19-22
C. There can only be one corner stone, and the foundation of the teaching of the apostles and prophets has already been set, having been established in the Holy Scriptures. Yet, God is still using His people today to build His church. How is God using you? Ephesians 3:16-21, Colossians 1:28-29
48
3. A. Having addressed those who believe, how does Peter address “those who disbelieve?” I Peter 2:7-8
B. The name of Jesus is offensive to many today, just as it was back then. Why the rejection and stumbling regarding the mighty name of Jesus? John 3:18-20, Matthew 21:33-44, Daniel 2:20-45
C. Notice that no amount of unbelief can thwart the invincible, sovereign and almighty God. THIS CORNER STONE WILL NOT BE MOVED! Should this not encourage and empower us to be lovingly bold for Jesus, no matter what the opposition? II Timothy 1:7-9, I Peter 3:15
49
THE NATURE OF THE CHURCH 1 PETER 2.4-10
Summary: Following the metaphor of a spiritual house, last time we discussed the invincible sovereignty of the precious corner stone, Jesus Christ, and the foundation of the apostles and prophets. This time we begin to examine the nature of the church as living, as chosen by God, as a royal priesthood, a holy nation and as a people for God’s own possession.
1.A. In I Peter 2:5 Peter identifies believers “as living stones.” What does he base this on? I Peter 2:4, John 1:12, Ephesians 2:8-10.
B. What does it mean for us who follow Jesus to be living stones? II Peter 1:4-8
C. We become “living” to the extent that we depend on and follow the risen and living Lord Jesus Christ. In that fashion we become “partakers of the divine nature.” So many in the church today are casual and gullible regarding their view of God. How should we deal with the false teachings that are so prevalent today? Mark 4:24, Colossians 1:9-14, I Thessalonians 5:14, II Timothy 4:1-5
2.A. How else are Christians identified according to I Peter 2:9?
B. What does it mean to be “a chosen race?” Romans 8:29-30, Philippians 1:6, II Timothy 1:9, I Peter 1:1-2
C. Are you living according to His own purpose and grace, recognizing that you were chosen in order to become conformed into the image of Christ? What would this look like? John 15:4-16, Ephesians 1:4
3. A. In I Peter 2:9 Peter states that “you are … a royal priesthood.” What do you think that means? I Peter 2:5
50
B. In one sense there could not be a priest (from the line of Levi) that is also from a lineage of royalty (the line of Judah), except for the Lord Jesus Christ, (Hebrews 7:11-27). He alone therefore is the one and only mediator between God and man, (1 Tim.2:5). Then in what fashion do we also become “a royal priesthood?” Ephesians 5:1-2, Revelation 5:8-10
C. Do you picture yourself as having a “royal priesthood?” How would we carry this out specifically? Matthew 28:18-20, II Corinthians 6:14-7:1
4. A. In I Peter 2:9 we are also called a “holy nation.” What makes a holy person holy? Romans 10:9-12, II Corinthians 5:21, I Peter 2:24
B. I Peter 2:9 also makes it clear that we are set aside as “a people for God’s own possession;” this is what effective holiness is all about. On what basis have we become God’s own property, set aside for His own purpose? I Peter 1:15-19
C. Do you live out a life of personal holiness? Many Christians are living in defeat and shame, not having any real discipline of their thought life. How do we cultivate a steadfast and relentless commitment to holy living for the purpose of pleasing God and not ourselves? Proverbs 3:5-7, 4:23, Luke 10:27, Romans 12:1-2, I Corinthians 6:18-20, Ephesians 3:16-21, Titus 2:11-15, I John 1:9
51
COMING TO HIM 1 PETER 2.4
Summary: We were created for relationship with God though His Son, Jesus Christ. We were created male and female in the image of God with the capacity to know Him. You will never find real joy, fulfillment, and meaning in life until you see Jesus Christ as He really is, “choice and precious in the sight of God.”
1. A. What should be the focus of every Christian’s life? Psalm 34:1-3
B. What is the basis of our focus in life? Psalm 34:8, I Peter 1:3, 1:23
C. What are the results of our focus in life? I Peter 2:1-4
2. A. Read I Peter 2:4. Who are we called to come to?
B. Who is the “Him” in I Peter 2:4, “coming to Him”? Genesis 6:9, 39:2, Exodus 3:4-6, Psalm 34:3, Isaiah 6:3-5, Jeremiah 23:5-6, Daniel 2:17-18, 6:19-22, John 8:56, I Corinthians 1:22-25, Colossians 1:15-18
3. In I Peter 2:4, we have our sermon title, “Coming to Him.” What does this mean? Hebrews 4:16, 7:19, 7:25, 10:1, 10:22
4. A. In I Peter 2:4, how is Jesus is described?
B. How have people in general responded to His coming? Luke 4:22, John 1:10-11, 7:40-46, 19:15, I Corinthians 1:23
C. What is our constant danger in the Christian church? II Corinthians 11:3-4, Galatians 1:6-9
52
5. A. We need to see Him as He really is, “choice and precious in the sight of God.” What does this mean? Exodus 20:3, Matthew 3:17
B. What kind of devotion does the scripture demand? How can this be, that is, when we see Jesus as he really is? Proverbs 4:23, Matthew 6:1921, Luke 14:26, 16:13, Galatians 1:10, 2:20, Philippians 1:21, I Peter 2:1-5
6. What is God’s focus all throughout eternity? Romans 8:28-29, II Corinthians 3:18, 4:6, Ephesians 1:9-10, Colossians 1:28-2:3
53
ALIENS & STRANGERS 1 PETER 2.11-12
Summary: Protecting your soul is parallel to glorifying God. Peter defines life as a spiritual battle and urges us to see it that way and “to abstain from fleshly lusts” and “keep our behavior excellent among the Gentiles.”
1. A. I Peter 2:11-12 is a turning point. What has Peter been talking about, and what does he move to in these verses? I Peter 2:9-10
B. What comes to mind as you think on Peter’s description of who we are? I Peter 1:1-5, 1:23, 2:1-3
C. Wealth and then walk; it is a healthy New Testament pattern. Knowing who we are in Christ changes our daily walk with Him. Romans 1:1-7, 12:1-2, Ephesians 1:3-6, 4:1-3, Philippians 3:20, 4:1,
2. A. How does the description of believers change in I Peter 2:11?
B. What two primary concerns of the Christian life are found in I Peter 2:11-12?
C. Does our culture recognize these concerns, the salvation of our souls and the glorification of our God? Mark 8:34-38
3. A. Now, dig into this text, I Peter 2:11-12. What is the first word?
B. What is it to be the “beloved” of God? Romans 5:6, 5:8, Ephesians 2:45, I Peter 1:3, 2:10, I John 4:7-11
4. A. What is the exhortation in I Peter 2:11 and who is it to?
54
B. Could Peter have used stronger language? This word “epithumia”, translated desires, lusts, lustful, coveting, impulses, and long for, is a strong word. Romans 13:14, Galatians 5:16, 5:24, Colossians 3:5, I Peter 1:14, I John 2:16
C. Even more sobering, what do these “fleshly lusts” do and what are we to do? I Peter 2:11, 4:1-2, II Peter 1:3-4, 2:7-10, 2:18-19, 3:3
5. A. What is the exhortation in I Peter 2:12? What is the goal of the exhortation?
B. Think back on when you came to Christ and read I Peter 2:12. Did you respond to Christ by observing someone’s “excellent behavior” or on account of their “good deeds”?
C. How about right now, as you gather with others around the word of God? Are you urged on in your Christian walk as you observe how your brothers and sisters live? Romans 15:4, Hebrews 10:19-25
55
PROTECTING THE SOUL, GLORIFYING GOD 1 PETER 2.1112
Summary: The Apostle Peter makes it clear that who we are has everything to do with the way we live. In the context of “this world is not our home,” all people of God have the mandate to “abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul.” As a holy people for God’s own possession, we exist for the purpose of glorifying God with a corresponding holy behavior.
1. A. Considering the context of our main passage, why does Peter call the people he is writing to, “beloved” in 1 Peter 2:11? 1 Peter 2: 9-10
B. List out each of the ways that God’s people are identified here in verses 9-10. Why do you think this meant so much to Peter as an apostle? 1 Peter 1:14-19
C. Keep in mind that it was many years before that Peter was an eye witness, and that with bitter tears, of the blood that gushed out from his dying Messiah. Many years of transformed lives later, don’t you think that blood was precious to Him, as well as the very people whom God had purchased with that blood? Do not the two go hand in hand, the blood of Christ and transformed lives? If you call yourself a Christian, how has the blood of Christ changed your life? 1 Peter 2:24
2. A. According to 1 Peter 2:11, the soul faces undeclared war from which enemy? What else should we understand regarding this opposition against our own souls? Matthew 16:26, John 10:10, Romans 8:5-9, James 4:1-4
B. As we shall see, God alone can protect/save our souls. How does He do this? Psalm 19:7, Psalm 103, James 1:18 & 2:1, 1 Peter 1:23
56
C. Since the Word of God alone has the power to restore/protect/save our souls, what then should be our response? Psalm 1:1-3, 16:7-11, 42:1-5, 62:5-8, 107:8-9, Colossians 3:16
3. A. It has been said that all ministry is watching over the soul. How do we know this to be the case? Hebrews 13:17, 1 Peter 2:25
B. What are some of the non-negotiables, or primary responsibilities of effective ministry, and why? 2 Corinthians 12:15, Colossians 1:9-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
C. Are you a husband? This is for you. Are you mom or a dad? Then this is for you. Do you have influence over anybody? Then we should care enough and pray enough and spend ourselves enough because that is our calling. Do you? Colossians 1:28-29
4. A. Notice the “so that” in 1 Peter 2:12; what is the purpose of excellent behavior which we are to have? 1 Peter 3:15
B. 1 Peter 2:5 states that we as believers are being built up “for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” What are those “spiritual sacrifices?” Romans 12:1-2, Hebrews 13:15, 13:16, Philippians 4:18
C. If we are going to have excellent behavior which causes people to ask about our faith, it will be manifested in our devotion to Christ, in our worship of Christ, in our serving others because we love Christ and in our giving to His causes. In this fashion we glorify God; is this your greatest ambition? Colossians 1:10
57
SUBMISSION TO THE GOVERNMENT 1 PETER 2.13-17
Summary: Our role as followers of Christ is to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. We do this by means of excellent behavior while under the scrutiny of others which glorifies God. We also do this with an attitude of submission, in this case to the governing authorities. Walking in submission honors the sovereignty of God and demonstrates doing what is right to a watching world.
1. A. For what purpose does Peter bring up submission in 1 Peter 2:13?
B. How might we understand the significance of “for the Lord’s sake?” Psalm 103:19, Daniel 2:20-22, 4:34-37, Romans 13:1, 1 Peter 2:14
C. If all authority comes from God, and it does, then how should we respond, and why? Psalm 62:11, Proverbs 3:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13
2. A. In the context of submission, Peter uses another phrase which is synonymous. Can you identify it? 1 Peter 2:15
B. The phrase, “doing right” is really one Greek word which has the idea of doing what is good or beneficial to another. In what fashion is submission to authority a necessary factor to carry this out? Micah 6:8, Romans 2:4, 12:3-10
C. What are some practical areas where we can develop a greater submission for the benefit of others? Hebrews 13:15-17, 1 Peter 2:16-20, 3:1-9
3. A. Remembering that submission is to do the right thing, and that it is the direct will of God, (1Peter 2:15), what kind of opposition do we face? Romans 8:7-8, Ephesians 6:11-12
58
B. How then would you explain that submission is central to Christian behavior and attitudes? Ezekiel 3:1-11, John 3:36 (NASB), 10:27, 15:4-5, Romans 10:9-10
C. What does the way you spend your time and money demonstrate, regarding the priority of surrendering to the known will of God in your life? John 14:15, 2 Corinthians 5:15, 1 Peter 2:24
4. Submission to the government is not without limits. Discuss what we should do if we are forbidden to do what God commands, or, commanded to do what God forbids. Exodus 20:1-6, Daniel 3:12-18, Acts 5:27-29.
59
REAL FREEDOM 1 PETER 2.16-20
Summary: As we progress through our text on Fourth of July weekend, we come to the subject of freedom, which we will examine with four questions from a Biblical perspective. What is our responsibility to the government? What is the role of government? What is real freedom? And last, what does real freedom look like?
1. A. What is our Biblical responsibility to the government? 1 Peter 2:13
B. What justification did we give last week regarding submission to authority in general, and submission to the government in particular? Psalm 103:19, Daniel 4:34-37, Romans 13:1, 1 Peter 2:13-15, Acts 5:2729
C. Does it not boil down to having a heart of obedience to the LORDSHIP of Jesus Christ? What can we do to help cultivate a dedicated submission to His authority which is pleasing to Him? John 1:12, 3:3, Rom. 10:9-10, Proverbs 2:1-7, 3:1-7, 22:4, John 14:15, 1 Peter 5:5
2. A. According to our text, what is the role of the government towards us? 1 Peter 2:14
B. What happens when there is no governmental leadership for society? Genesis 6:5, Judges 17:6
C. We have a great nation as established by our founding fathers which has resulted in unprecedented freedom here in the United States. What are some of the things we can do as Americans in support of our country? Romans 13:5-7, 1 Timothy 2:1-2
3. A. What is real freedom? 1 Peter 2:16
60
B. True freedom, then, is to become a bond-slave of God. Why would this be the case, and how would you support it? Romans 6:1-18, 2 Corinthians 5:15, 17 & 21, 1 Peter 2:24
C. Real freedom is God centered, not self centered. Are you more concerned about what others think or about what pleases God? 2 Corinthians 5:9, Titus 2:12-15
4. A. And last, what does real freedom look like? 1 Peter 2:17
B. What do you think it means to “Honor all men; love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king?” Luke 10:27, Galatians 5:13-14
C. How can we best carry this out? Romans 12:1-3, Philippians 2:3-5
61
UNJUST SUFFERING 1 PETER 2.18-21
Summary: Submission and unjust suffering often go hand in hand. What God says about submission and unjust suffering is not something our flesh wants to hear. But if you will listen, hear and absorb what God has to say, it is liberating truth.
1. A. We have already learned that true freedom is to become a bondslave of God. A bond-slave of God is to submit to governmental authority and submission to human authority is ultimately submission to God. Now read our text in context, I Peter 2:13-25. What do you observe about submission in these verses?
B. Why are we to submit to human authority? What are the results of this submission? I Peter 2:18-21
C. What was the key to Christ’s submission? What affect does that have on our lives?
2. A. What is the command in I Peter 2:18?
B. Why does this make us nervous? What can we say for sure about all that seems to us to be unjust suffering? I Peter 1:6-9, 2:18-19, 23, Hebrews 11:1, 6
C. How are we to be in submission? What will it look like? I Peter 2:18-19, Ephesians 6:5-8, Colossians 3:22-24
3. A. Unjust suffering is very real. What do you observe in I Peter 2:20 concerning this issue of unjust suffering?
B. How are we able to unjustly suffer? I Peter 2:15, 21-25 62
C. Read the bookends of verses 19 and 20. Look at some other places that this word favor (grace) is used and explain what it means. John 1:14, 17, Romans 5:15-17
63
FOLLOWING CHRIST 1 PETER 2.21-23
Summary: The Bible weds intensely practical instruction with profoundly important doctrine. Nothing is more practical than following Jesus, the one who “kept entrusting Himself to Him who Judges righteously.”
1. A. As an overview of this text, I Peter 2:21-25, read it out loud and answer these questions: To what purpose were you called?
B. Why were you called to this purpose?
C. What example are you called to follow?
2. A. What is Peter’s mind saturated with, in the power of the Holy Spirit, as he writes this text? Isaiah 53
B. What is it about the Bible, and this text, that causes Christians to believe the Bible?
C. Is man able to predict the future? How many years ago did God, through Isaiah, pen this?
3. A Think back in I Peter and how practical the instruction has been. We need only to review the last few sermon titles to see how practical this has been: Submission to the Government, Responsibilities of Citizenship and Real Freedom, and Unjust Suffering. Now look at our text, I Peter 2:21-23, and take note of how the practical is wed to doctrine. Philippians 2:5-8
B. Support this statement, “The way you think is the way you act”, from text in the Bible. Matthew 15:15-20, Mark 7:17-23
64
C. What are you called to? I Peter 2:21-23, Proverbs 3:5-7
4. A. What two great doctrines do you find in I Peter 2:22-24?
B. These doctrines, the sinlessness of Jesus and His substitutionary atonement accomplished at the cross, are wed to two truths or facts. What are they? I Peter 2:22-24, Isaiah 53:4, 6, 7, 9, II Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 4:15, I John 3:5
C. Look at I Peter 2:22 and think of your own mouth, or anyone else’s for that matter. Only He is the sinless Savior! Isaiah 6:5, Jeremiah 17:9, Mark 1:22, John 7:44-46, James 3:2, 3:7-8
5. A. It is not just what He did say (I Peter 2:22) but what He did not say (I Peter 2:23). Observe how He spoke and did not speak. Matthew 26:5968, 27:11-14, 27:22-31, 27:39-46, Luke 23:34
B. How could He speak and not speak as He did? How can we follow Him? To whom did He entrust Himself? Luke 23:46, Philippians 2:9-13, I Peter 2:23
65
THE SHEPHERD & GUARDIAN OF YOUR SOUL 1 PETER 2.24-25
Summary: “All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him” (Isaiah 53:6). Do you see yourself as a sheep in need of a shepherd and guardian?
1. A. Read I Peter 2:21-25. To what purpose have you been called? To whom were you called? What example are we to follow? I Peter 2:21-23
B. “I have made the Lord God my refuge.” Can you say that? Psalm 73:25-28, Proverbs 3:5-6
C. Who is this God to whom we are to entrust ourselves? I Peter 2:23, John 5:19-24
2. A. The object of our trust, the key to every exhortation in the Bible, is to entrust ourselves to the Shepherd and Guardian of our souls (I Peter 2:25). Psalm 23:1 says, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” Can you say that?
B. Why do sheep need a shepherd? How are we like sheep? Isaiah 53:6, James 2:10, I Peter 2:25
C. What is the most important thing to a sheep? John 10:1-15
3. A. What did Jesus do and why did He do it? (I Peter 2:24) Psalm 40:78, Mark 10:45, Luke 19:10, John 12:27-28, Romans 3:21-26, I Corinthians 15:1-4, Galatians 3:13-14, Hebrews 10:9-10
66
B. What was the motive and the necessity of the cross? Isaiah 6:3, John 3:16, 15:13, Romans 5:8, 6:23, II Corinthians 5:21, I John 4:10, Revelation 4:8
C. We have just seen that God is holy and sin must be judged (think courtroom). God is righteous and sin must be paid for (think accounting). Faced with the reality of God’s motive and the necessity of sending His Son to the cross, what are we to do? Colossians 2:13-14, 3:1-3, I John 3:16
67
HOLY WOMEN WHO HOPED IN GOD PT. 1 1 PETER 3.1-6
Summary: God Himself created marriage in such a way, that to follow it brings the greatest happiness to us, as well as glory for Him. Christian marriage is to be a work of art which pictures the love relationship between Christ and the church. The submission of Jesus Christ to the Father is our greatest example of holy living, which, as we imitate it, produces a holy optimism within us in all its fullness. We will consider the Biblical case for submission further as we explore what God says regarding the Christian wife.
1. A. In 1Peter 3:1 we find the first phrase, “In the same way….” According to the context, the same way as what? Which of these characteristics would apply to the wife? 1Peter 2:21-25
B. Discuss some of the key words and phrases in the above text such as “this purpose,” “to follow,” “committed no sin,” no “deceit,” “did not revile,” “while suffering,” and how they relate to “kept entrusting Himself to Him.”
C. Everyone, not just the wives, to what extent are you entrusting yourself to God? Do you smile at the future because of your confidence in Him? Proverbs 31:25, Lamentations 3:21-23, Philippians 1:6, 2 Timothy 1:12
2. A. During the sermon it was made clear that holy women: * Hope in God * Demonstrate confidence in His Word * Obtain their adornment primarily from God and * Submit to their husbands, even with respect and honor. 1Peter 3:1-6
B. What kind of husband is the wife supposed to submit to? Why? 1Peter 3:1
68
C. Mark it! One of the greatest ways to gain the enjoyable cooperation of a man is with that disarming weapon of respect. Have you seen this to be the case, elsewhere in the Scriptures or in your own life? How so?
3. A. We have, even in the church a great misunderstanding about submission today. Submission is not inequality; that is, to carry out a submissive role is not to be less important or less significant. A tremendous example of this is in the Holy Trinity. What was the position of Jesus the Son in comparison to God the Father? John 1:1 & 14, 5:17-18, 8:53-59, 10:24-33, Colossians 1:13-18, Hebrews 1:1-3
B. If Jesus the Son is equal with God the Father, why did He surrender Himself to the will of the Father to such an extent? Romans 5:8, 6:23, Philippians 2:5-11, Titus 2:11-15, 1Peter 2:24, Rev. 5:1-14
C. To embrace the principle of authority and submission is to walk through the front door of success and personal fulfillment. Marriage God’s way is positively liberating. Are you smiling at the future? Proverbs 3:1-8, 1Corinthians 11:3, 15:28
69
HOLY WOMEN WHO HOPED IN GOD PT. 2 1 PETER 3.1-6
Summary: In times of trouble, what are you hoping in? “I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.”
1. A. What is the whole book of I Peter about? I Peter 1:3, 1:13, 1:21, 3:5
B. What does it mean to hope in God? What does the future hold for us? Psalm 2:1-12, Psalm 121:1-2, Proverbs 31:25-30, Revelation 19:4-9
C. How are we instructed to respond to adversity? In whom have you placed you trust? I Peter 3:13-18
2. A. What is marriage, and in particular, the woman’s role, all about? Genesis 1:26-28, 2:18-25, Proverbs 14:1, I Peter 3:1-7
B. On what is a Godly marriage based? In our passage, I Peter 3:1-6, how are women adorned? What have they placed their trust in? In what way are they beautiful? To whom are they submissive? Psalm 127:1, I Peter 3:1-6
C. This matter of submission is ear jarring and counter-culture today. Please note the following: 1) This command is to wives, not husbands; nowhere are husbands commanded to enforce this command given to wives. 2) This command does not speak to relative worth (see I Corinthians 11:8-12). Men and woman are equal (“fellow heirs”), but different, and with different roles in marriage (see I Peter 3:7 and the above passages in Genesis). The same word for helper in Genesis 2 is used of God throughout the Old Testament (see Psalm 33:20, 46:1, 70:5, 115:11, 121:1-2).
70
3) This command is not absolute. Absolute submission is to God and God alone. 4) This command is central to God’s instruction regarding marriage (see Ephesians 5:22, Titus 2:3-5, I Peter 3:1, Colossians 3:18). 5) This command “is precious in the sight of God” I Peter 3:4
3. A. Why are wives called to submit in I Peter 3:1-2?
B. What kind of man is referred to in I Peter 3:1 and how are they to “be won”? I Peter 2:8, 3:1-6, I Timothy 2:8-11
C. What do holy women hope in? Psalm 119:2, I Peter 3:5, Romans 5:1-5, 10:11, Hebrews 11:6, John 15:5, 8, 11, Philippians 2:9, 4:13
71
CHRIST-LIKE HUSBANDS 1 PETER 3.7
Summary: I Peter 3:7 begins “You husbands likewise….” Likewise points back to Christ. Marriage is a picture of the Gospel, our relationship with Christ. Our great need in our marriages is for Christ-like husbands.
1. A. The heart of this little letter is in chapter 2, verses 21 through 25. Begin by reading I Peter 2:21-25 and then jumping to our text, I Peter 3:7. As we look at Christian marriage, marriage based on a relationship with Christ, how do these verses describe Christ’s relationship to the church?
B. Men, husbands, has your relationship with Christ improved over time? Has this developing relationship with Christ improved your marriage, your relationship with your wife? Do you share the joy of this with your brothers in Christ?
2. A. This text, I Peter 3:7, is part of God’s instruction on marriage. What can be said about submitting to God’s instruction? I Peter 2:15, 2:20, 3:6, 3:17, 4:19
B. What are the implications of the instruction in these verses, that is “doing what is right”?
3. A. Christian marriage is a witness to those around us. What is God’s instruction on Christian marriage? Ephesians 5:18-33, I Peter 2:21-3:9
B. What happens to marriage, wives, husbands, children, whole cultures and societies when these instructions are not heeded? How serious is this?
C. Let I Peter 3:8 sink in. Do you know of any “harmonious” marriages, marriage where husbands and wives are in harmony, as if singing in harmony? If so, why are they that way?
72
4. A. What specifically are husband commanded to do in I Peter 3:7?
B. “In an understanding way”; husbands, get to know her and your responsibility to her. Love her sacrificially, unconditionally, with a sanctifying love, lead her always toward Christ like purity, love her with a caring love, and love her with an active love, as Christ loved us. Ephesians 5:18, 25-27, I Peter 2:24, John 3:16, I John 4:10, Romans 5:8
5. A. Read I Peter 3:7 again, and beginning with “as with”, what is this verse saying?
B. Beginning with “as with” in I Peter 3:7, what are the implications of this verse? Specifically, what are the implications for the husband’s prayer life?
C. I Peter 3:7 ties together the condition of the husband’s spiritual life, his communion with Christ, to the condition of his marriage. Husbands, have you found this to be true?
73
LOVING LIFE 1 PETER 3.8-12
Summary: Do you know how to enjoy life? Not the way most people think, in a self-centered fashion, but by putting God and others first? In the context of marriage, that is what we will discuss here as we examine the attitudes, actions and some Old Testament comments on what it means “to love life and see good days.”
1. A. Point out each of the five attitudes found in 1 Peter 3:8 and how you think they should be defined. Isaiah 57:15, John 11:35, Romans 12:10, Romans 15:5, Ephesians 4:32
B. What frame of mind, or quality of heart, is assumed by Peter even before his “sum up?” Discuss how such disciplines are related to the five attitudes we found in 3:8. 1 Peter 2:21-3:7
C. We all know, all too well, that we don’t just drift in this direction. What must we pray for God to do within our own hearts, in order to glorify Him in these ways? Romans 12:1-3, 12:15-16, Philippians 2:1-5, James 1:27, 1 Peter 5:5
2. A. What are we not to do, according to 1 Peter 3:9?
B. What do you think getting even has in common with unforgiveness and bitterness? Will it be like us to be that way, if we are walking in step with the Scriptures we discussed above? Luke 23:33-34, Ephesians 5:1
C. So, how enjoyable is that bitterness to you anyway? That’s really living isn’t it? More seriously, discuss some of the practical ways we might bless others in return for their dirt. Matthew 5:38-47
3. A. What does 1 Peter 3:10 say, (quoting from Psalm 34), that we are to do if we are going “to love life and see good days?”
74
B. In what fashion does what you say have a bearing on your quality of life? Proverbs 10:19, 13:3, 18:21, 21:23, James 3:1-13
C. What is the best way to deal with your own speech problems? Psalm 51:10, Proverbs 4:23, James 1:19-22
4. A. If you want the favor of the Lord on your side and His attention to your prayers, what must you do? Why? 1 Peter 3:11-12
B. Take another look at 3:11. What kind of initiative and diligence is assumed here? Job 1:1, 28:28, Proverbs 3:5-7, Romans 12:18-21
C. We might say then, to humble yourself and to choose the fear of the Lord is really living! Answered prayer alone is incredible, is it not? Isaiah 33:6
75
GOD'S PERSPECTIVE ON SUFFERING PT. 1 1 PETER 3.13-17
Summary: Peter in this letter tells us that suffering is real and it is varied. There is suffering in general and suffering for doing what is right. But suffering is also full of purpose because God is sovereign. And, suffering is short because God is eternal. We are not to fear because God uses it for great good, even perfecting our hope in Him. That calm stability in Christ which He develops through our submission, we must be prepared to gently explain to others with all respect.
1. A. Before we get into our main text, suffering is a theme all through this letter from the Apostle Peter. What was his perspective? 1 Peter 1:6-7, 2:11-12, 2:18-20, 3:8-9, 3:18, 4:12-5:1, 5:6-11
B. Many people blame God for sin and suffering in this world. But what does the Bible confirm, and what might Peter have been taught, regarding the first cause of sin and suffering? Genesis 3:8-19, Isaiah 14:12-15, Ezekiel 28:13-16, Romans 5:12
C. The fallen angel Satan is the first and original cause of all evil and hence all suffering. Mankind has been in rebellion against God since his first temptation. So we see that we have pain, suffering and tragedy because of the curse of sin in this world. Since God in Himself is good, should we not embrace Him and seek Him in times of trouble? Psalm 37:1-6, 37:39-40, 103:8-14
2. A. What kind of suffering does Peter address in 1 Peter 3:13-14, and what does he say not to do?
B. What is the setting and the significance of the quotation contained in verse 14? What does this demonstrate regarding the sovereignty of God? Psalm 103:19, Isaiah 8:1-14, 46:8-10
C. Suffering is purposeful because God is sovereign. Everyone thinks they are in charge, but only God really is! This should melt away our fears, 76
building hope and reverence for God in our hearts, should it not? Isaiah 33:6, 41:10
3. A. Why is the follower of Jesus Christ supposed to accept suffering for doing what is right? 1 Peter 2:21, 3:15-17
B. Would you allow your soul to be bonded with His soul, in the fellowship of His sufferings? Matthew 27:41-46, Philippians 3:8-10
C. In what fashion would you give an account for such hope that is in you, as it becomes evident to others?
77
GOD'S PERSPECTIVE ON SUFFERING PT. 2 1 PETER 3.13-17
Summary: Suffering brings eternal reward, Christ like character, and suffering opens the door with others for the Gospel. So be “ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you.”
1. A. What are you here for? I Peter 3:12-17
B. Focus your attention on I Peter 3:15 when you answer the above question. How does I Peter 3:15 play out the lives of believers? Acts 4:13, 7-13, 18-20, 16:22-34
C. What made Peter “ready to make a defense to everyone” “for the hope” that was in him? Acts 4:13, I Peter 3:15
2. A. Read I Peter 3:13-14. What is the cause of suffering in these verses?
B. How might “suffering for the sake of righteousness” look in our lives? II Timothy 3:10-12
C. “What can we say to these things”? Luke 12:4-7, Romans 8:31-39
3. A. Suffer and be blessed? How counter-culture is that? I Peter 3:14, Isaiah 55:8-11
B. There are three Biblical principles for us to ponder: suffering for the sake of righteousness brings eternal reward, suffering brings Christ like character, and suffering opens the door with others for the Gospel.
78
Suffering brings eternal reward-Matthew 5:10-12, Romans 8:18, II Corinthians 4:16-18 Suffering brings Christ like character-Romans 5:1-5, James 1:2-4, I Peter 1:6-7, 4:12-14 Suffering opens doors for the Gospel- Acts 5:27-32, 40-42, I Peter 3:15
C. What is our application for these principles? Acts 4:29-30, Romans 1:14-17, Ephesians 6:18-20, Colossians 4:2-6
4. A. What is the reason for the “hope that is in you”? I Peter 3:15, 18
B. Are you “ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you”? Are you being asked and should you wait to be asked? Do others see the “hope that is in you”? Do others see “gentleness and reverence”? Proverbs 1:7, 2:1-5, 15:1, Matthew 11:28-30
C. We have come full circle: Do you ask questions, like “What are we here for?” or “What is your spiritual background?”
79
CHRIST'S ALSO SUFFERED 1 PETER 3.16-18
Summary: The basis for God’s grace is the cross of Jesus Christ. “For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust.” The theme of I Peter is hope in the midst of suffering.
1. A. Peter knew suffering, he had seen the Lord suffer, and he knew he would suffer more, yet he had hope. Remember and enjoy your hope in Christ. I Peter 1:3, 13, 20-21
B. How is suffering described in the follow verses? I Peter 2:21-22, 3:8-9, 3:14-18
C. What happens to the Christian when he/she suffers for the sake of righteousness? I Peter 2:19-20, 3:15, Hebrews 6:17-20
2. A. What is I Peter 3:17 saying?
B. Does God use suffering for good? Does He even plan suffering and use it for good? I Peter 3:18, Philippians 2:8
C. How should we respond to God, Who plans and uses suffering for good? Galatians 6:14, I Corinthians 1:18
3. A. We need to understand the cross and God’s role in the cross. First, listen to what Peter said about the cross. For him, it was the main issue! Remember, you must understand the cross and God’s role in the cross. What did Peter emphasis? Acts 2:22-24, 4:19-28, John 10:17-18
Read I Peter 3:18 again, and answer five simple questions- Who suffered? Why did He suffer? When did He suffer? For whom did He suffer? And again, since its in the verse twice, why did He suffer? 80
Answer the questions again from the following verses- Who suffered? Acts 10:38, John 7:46, 8:28-29, I Peter 2:21-23, Hebrews 4:15
Why did He suffer unto death? Genesis 2:16-17, Isaiah 53:6, Romans 1:21, 3:23, Revelation 21:3-4
When did He suffer? John 19:30, Colossians 2:13-14, Romans 6:8-9, 8:1 Hebrews 7:26-27, 9:11-12, 9:27-28, 10:10-14
For whom did He suffer and die? Psalm 32:2, Jeremiah 2:22, 13:23, Romans 4:7-8, 5:6, I Timothy 1:15
And again, why did He suffer? Jeremiah 33:8, Romans 3:25-26, I Peter 1:3, 3:18
81
CHRIST RISEN AND EXALTED 1 PETER 3.19-22
Summary: Our text refers to a large period of time, reaching back to when Christ preached through Noah to the people of his day, till Jesus is exalted to the right hand of the Father. Noah’s ark is a great foreshadowing of the way Jesus rescues us. “Baptism now saves you” is not referring to a religious ritual of water baptism, but instead to the way we must be immersed into Jesus. All of this in the context of suffering, the resurrection of Jesus from the dead establishes the certainty that we too are the victors.
1. A. Let’s review 1 Peter 3:18. How is Jesus characterized, and how are we characterized? Acts 2:22-24, Romans 3:23, 5:6-8, 1 Peter 2:21-23, Hebrews 4:15
B. Why did Jesus suffer and die? Isaiah 53:5-6, 2 Corinthians 5:15-21, Colossians 2:13-14, Hebrews 10:10-14
C. Jesus Christ died for our sins in order to “bring us to God.” How well are you drawing near to Him? Psalm 119:9-11, Jeremiah 31:3
2. A. Who “made proclamation,” and when did this occur? 1 Peter 3:19-20
B. How would you explain that it was Jesus preaching through Noah; to the people of his time, and that they were the spirits of those people who are now in prison waiting for final judgment? Nehemiah 9:30, 1 Peter 1:10-12, 2 Peter 2:4-9, Revelation 20:11-15
C. Notice in 1 Peter 3:20 that only a few were brought to safety from the flood. Are you judging your service to the Lord by results or by looking successful? What does the Lord really want from us? John 15:4-12, 1 Corinthians 4:1-2
82
3. A. In context, the phrase “Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you” is referring to Noah’s ark. How else is this “baptism” described? 1 Peter 3:21
B. “Baptism” is not really a translation, but instead a transliteration. That makes a difference because the actual translation is to be dipped, submerged or immersed. In what fashion, then, is Noah’s ark a picture of “a good conscience through the resurrection of Jesus Christ?” Romans 6:1-12, 8:11
C. Baptism that saves is not by performing a ritual of water baptism. Instead, it’s being immersed into the Lord Jesus Christ. Are you depending on Him alone for your salvation, as well as for the obedience of your faith? John 14:6, Acts 4:12, Romans 8:1-4
4. Where is Jesus now? Are you gratefully “subjected to Him?” Proverbs 3:5-7, Philippians 2:9-13, 1 Peter 3:22
83
LIVING FOR THE WILL OF GOD PT. 1 1 PETER 4.1-6
Summary: Why is the topic of suffering so widely neglected in the church today? Maybe it is because most of us want Jesus for what He can do for us; not for what He wants us to be for Him. And yet, the Christian life begins with death to self. Living in light of Jesus’ first coming is to live holy for Him, even in suffering. Living in light of His second coming is to do that, but also to spread the Gospel in order to save the lost.
1. A. We are commanded to arm ourselves for what purpose? 1 Peter 4:12, 3:18
B. What does it mean “to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God?” What is the Biblical, God honoring place for suffering in this way of life? Matthew 10:38-39, 16:2125, 2 Corinthians 5:15
C. Is it your ambition to be a living and holy sacrifice for God, day by day? How so? Romans 12:1-3
2. A. What is the first command (imperative) in the book of Romans, and why? Romans 6:4-11
B. How else should we understand what it means to “consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus?” Acts 1:8, Galatians 2:20, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 5:21
C. “Consider yourselves” in the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit to “be My witnesses” (martyrs). It’s not just about what God does for us! It’s more about what He wants us to BE for Him. Our transformation is to live for Him, our calling is to bond with Him in the fellowship of His sufferings, and our glory is to possibly die for Him. Oh, Jesus is so worthy of our obedience! And, He is most worthy of our worship. But is He not also worthy of our suffering?
84
3. A. In what fashion are some followers of Jesus maligned by the world back in Peters’ day as well as today? 1 Peter 4:3-4
B. How does God exercise His justice in all this? 1 Peter 4:5
C. What should be the response of believers regarding the soon second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ? Titus 2:13-15, 1 Peter 4:6-7, Jude 1:2123
85
LIVING FOR THE WILL OF GOD PT. 2 1 PETER 4.1-6
Summary: The Apostle Peter demonstrates that followers of Christ are free from the penalty of sin, (justification) and the power of sin, (sanctification). Ultimately we will also be set free from the very presence of sin (glorification). Since Jesus suffered and died in order to bring us to Himself, we are to arm ourselves to live holy for Him, even at the cost of suffering.
1. A. In the context of suffering, for what purpose did Jesus die? Find the purpose clause in 1 Peter 3:18.
B. In what fashion was Lot and his family rescued, and how does that illustrate the way Christians are also rescued? Romans 3:23, 5:8, 6:23, 1 Peter 3:19-22
C. The Lord Jesus “died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God.” By satisfying the justice of God when He suffered in our place, He sets us free from the penalty of sin. But also, He draws us near to that Holy God. What are you doing to draw near to Him? Psalm 42:1-5, 63:1-8, Proverbs 2:1-7
2. A. What is the command given in 1 Peter 4:1?
B. Just how do we “arm” ourselves? And, how is the phrase, “he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin” explained for us in the next verse (4:2)? Romans 6:6-12, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Galatians 2:20
C. Because we belong to Christ, we are set free from the power of sin. What then is our part; what is our responsibility each day before God? Romans 6:12-18, 12:1-2, Galatians 5:16
86
3. A. Even as Paul discussed slavery to sin, so does Peter. Find the 3 categories of lust, escapism and idolatry, and what Peter says about them in 1 Peter 4:3.
B. What does God say regarding sexual sin? 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Ephesians 5:5-7
C. We have already seen that in Christ, as we have been transformed by Him, that we are set free from the power of sin. Why then do believers struggle with sexual sin? Nothing will stunt the spiritual growth of the believer more than a failure to make a clean break from the old sinful ways. What does God empower His people to actually do by means of His overcoming grace? Psalm 51:1-10, Proverbs 5:15-21, Romans 6:16-22, 1 Corinthians 6:18, Hebrews 13:4
4. A. In what fashion does the world generally respond to Christians who walk in repentance, and how does God respond to them in return? 1 Peter 4:4-5
B. Who is He “who is ready to judge the living and the dead,” and what do the Scriptures say about Him? Acts 10:39-43, 17:30-31, Philippians 2:811, Revelation 4:8
C. Since they face such a judgment, what must we be doing if we are to exemplify the compassionate obedience of Christ? Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8, 1 Peter 4:6
87
THE END IS NEAR PT. 1 1 PETER 4.7-9
Summary: “The end of all things is at hand;” this is the solemn assertion of the Holy Spirit of God. History has a beginning and history has an end. In light of this, we are exhorted to pray more and love more.
1. A. What does the Bible have to say about the end of history? I Peter 4:7, Hebrews 10:37, James 5:7-9
B. What is it like today, at this point in history, and what does the Bible say it will be like? Matthew 24:4-8, 24:37-39, Mark 13:5-8, Luke 21:8-9
C. In light of “the end of all things is at hand,” what should we do? I Peter 4:7-9
2. A. How are we exhorted to pray in I Peter 4:7?
B. “Sound judgment” is one word in the Greek. Think like a saved person. Luke 8:35, Romans 12:1-3, II Corinthians 5:13-15
C. When you pray, ask God to help you pray more thoughtfully, with a mind that has been saved and sees thing eternally. Colossians 3:1-4
3. A. How else are we exhorted to pray in I Peter 4:7?
B. This word “sober” is only in the New Testament 6 times, and three are in I Peter. How does its use help you with your prayer life? I Thessalonians 5:1-8, II Timothy 4:1-5, I Peter 1:13, 4:7, 5:8
88
4. A. A “sober spirit,” is the opposite of being lulled to sleep. How does this apply to prayer? Matthew 26:36-46
B. When was the last time you or I prayed with “sound judgment and sober spirit” for an hour? Do you or I pray in light of “the end of all things is at hand?” Matthew 9:36-38, John 4:34-36, Acts 4:31, 17:30-31, Ephesians 6:18-20, Philippians 1:18-20, I Thessalonians 5:16-18
5. What should we expect the next time we look at I Peter? I Peter 4:8-9, John 13:34-35, I John 2:9-10, 4:7-10
89
THE END IS NEAR PT. 2 1 PETER 4.7-9
1. A. In review, remember history has a beginning and an end and “the end of all things is at hand.” Briefly describe how history will be summed up and what we are to do in light of this fact. Romans 13:11-14, Ephesians 1:7-12, Colossians 4:2-6, I Peter 4:7-9
B. When you think of “the end is at hand,” does it strike fear in your heart or eager anticipation? Why? Philippians 3:17-21, Hebrews 9:27-28, Hebrews 10:37-39
C. As we come off a week of prayer, how good it is to be reminded how important prayer is and how God answers prayer. Luke 22:44, Acts 12:5, 12:11-12
2. A. What are we exhorted to do in I Peter 4:8-9?
B. I Peter 4:8-9 can be summarized by saying we are to love with fervency, love with forgiveness, and love with hospitality. How are we to do this? John 13:34-35, Mark 12:28-31, I Corinthians 13:4-7, Ephesians 4:31-5:2, I Peter 1:22-23
90
91
FOR THE PURPOSE OF PRAYER 1 PETER 4.7
Summary: The apostle Peter made it very clear; the end of all things is near. It is the Lord Jesus Himself who is in control of the end of the world. Therefore we are to have sound judgment, or transformed thinking, and be on the alert for the purpose of prayer.
1. A. How did Peter view the historical setting in his own time? How does that affect us today? Romans 13:11, I Peter 4:7a, II Peter 3:3-13
B. Speaking of the end times, who is the ONLY one who is worthy to open the book of seven seals, and what does that indicate regarding the sovereign control that He has regarding the future? Revelation 5:1-6:1
C. Take a closer look at Revelation 5:8-14. What kind of prayer is this and how should this impact our own prayers? Do you spend enough time alone with God to be moved into worship like this? Are you willing to do this on a consistent basis?
2. A. There are two commands right in the middle of I Peter 4:7. What are they?
B. How should we understand the command to be of “sound judgment?” What does it mean to cultivate a “sober spirit?” Joshua 1:7-8, Psalm 1:1-3, Mark 12:30, Romans 12:1-3, Ephesians 6:10-18, 1 Peter 1:13-21
C. It is good to “get into the Word,” but how much better when the Word gets into us, and becomes us, so that we are compelled to love the Lord with all we’ve got! How much better when the Word transforms our thinking, so that we become living sacrifices for God. How much better when we learn to give up entertainment for self-discipline, and to give up our ambitions for His ambitions! Is that not the calling of every single believer? II Corinthians 5:15, 21
92
3. A. What kind of “purpose” is Peter talking about at the end of I Peter 4:7?
B. If what we have been discussing is all “for the purpose of prayer”, what does that tell us regarding the importance of prayer? Why? John 15:4-5, Matthew 7:7-11, II Corinthians 5:9, Philippians 4:13, Colossians 1:10).
C. Prayer is so much more than asking God for what we want. Prayer is an expression of our dependence upon Him, and submission to Him, as we trust Him to know what is best for us. Do you do that?
Prayer is meant to cultivate an ongoing love relationship with God. Are you doing that? Real prayer is connecting with God, which embraces both listening to Him as well as pouring out your heart to Him. Isn’t that what you really want? If you were to make this a primary ambition in your daily life, what would it look like? Psalm 42:1-2, 145:1-5, Micah 6:8
93
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR LIFE PT. 1 1 PETER 4.10-11
Summary: What do you want to do with your life? Do the best with what God’s given you! Employ your gift(s) from God “so that in all things God may be glorified.” Spiritual gifts can be defined as “any ability that is empowered by the Holy Spirit and used in any ministry of the Church.”
1. A. Read I Peter 4:10-11 and as an overview, give short answers to the following questions:
Who receives the gifts? How are gifts to be used?
How are the gifts classified in this text? What is the ultimate purpose of gifts?
What is the context of verses 10-11? (7-11 is a paragraph)
2. A. In I Peter 4:10, in the NASB, the word gift is preceded by “special” in italics. We know then that it is added to the text to help us understand. This word “gift” is defined in the Greek as “a gift of grace, a free gift.” We could rightly say a “grace gift” which points to the giver, not the gift. Who is the giver? Romans 5:15, I Corinthians 1:4-7
B. Why have believers in Christ been gifted? Mark 10:45, Ephesians 4:1112, I Peter 4:10
3. A. Unity and diversity. What does that mean in a Biblical sense? I Corinthians 12:7, 11, 13, Ephesians 4:4, 7
B. We see the “body” analogy in the New Testament scriptures. We have a constant example of how the “Body of Christ” should function when we observe and learn how each part of our physical body works together. 94
What can you say about this analogy? Psalm 139:13-14, Romans 12:4-5, I Corinthians 12:4-7, 12-20
4. A. Looking back to our overview questions, who receives the gift(s)? I Peter 4:10, Romans 12:3, 6, I Corinthians 12:7, 11, 18, Ephesians 4:7, 16
B. Since the Bible teaches we are all grace gifted spiritually, what are we to do about it? Romans 12:6, I Corinthians 12:25, Ephesians 4:1-3, Hebrews 12:1-2, James 4:17, I Peter 4:10, II Peter 1:2-3, I John 4:19
95
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR LIFE PT. 2 1 PETER 4.10-11
Summary: In the context of exercising fervent love for one another for the glory of Christ, Peter gives instruction on spiritual gifts. This is not something for us to gloat over, nor to depreciate ourselves over. Just as certain that our “grace gift” is not earned or deserved, it is given to every follower of Christ nonetheless. So why don’t we do a better job using our gifts? It could be doctrinal confusion, a wrong self- diagnosis, a dreading of drudgery, or we have lost our first love. But one thing is certain, as we fill ourselves with the knowledge and love of Christ, nothing can hold us back!
1. A. As emphasized last week, verse 10 states that all believers have “received a grace gift” directly from “the manifold grace of God.” What is the significance of us receiving this exclusively by His grace? John 15:4-5, Ephesians 2:8-10
B. Since we are saved initially by the grace of God and not by works, explain how God intends that we continue in that salvation on a daily basis. John 7:37-39, Galatians 3:2-3, 2 Timothy 2:1-7
C. Some of us do not feel capable, or we think we don’t have anything to offer. Some of us don’t even feel worthy. But what does God say? Exodus 3:1-12, Psalm 103:10-13, Ephesians 3:16-4:2, Philippians 1:6, 4:13, Colossians 1:27-29)
2. A. 1 Peter 4:10 says, “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” Do you think this is a suggestion or a command? Why?
B. The word “employ” (a present active participle ) is expressed as an imperative in the Greek, which is a command. Considering the context how does 1 Peter 4:7 add to the urgency of this command? In what fashion does verse 8 motivate us to obey this command? 1 Peter 4:7-11
96
C. Do you love your brothers and sisters in Christ? Does it show in your commitment to serve them with your gift? Do you even know what your gift is? They tend to surface as we make ourselves available to assist God’s people. What are some of the most important disciplines we can cultivate in order to bring this about? Joshua 1:7-8, Psalm 1:2-3, Isaiah 6:8, Acts 6:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19
3. A. Again in verse 10, what is the meaning of “good stewards?” Genesis 39:1-9
B. What were some of the characteristics of Joseph, even in the midst of his horrible circumstances? Was the grace of God upon him? How so? How do you think his view of God impacted his sense of stewardship?
C. Not only did Joseph have a strong sense of personal responsibility before God as a worker, but he also was committed to personal holiness. A good steward is also a pure steward. How might we profit from his example? Proverbs 3:5-7, 4:23, Romans 13:14, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, Galatians 5:16, Hebrews 4:16, James 4:4-8, 1 John 1:8-9
4. A. What two categories of gifts does Peter discuss in 1 Peter 4:11?
B. Other than the fact that we are commanded to do so, why bother using our gifts? What is the greatest reason, the grandest motivation to apply ourselves with vigor and self sacrifice in using our gifts? Isaiah 53:4-6, Matthew 27:46, John 3:16, 14:15, 14:21, Mark 6:34, 1 John 4:19
C. Caring and feeling sympathy for the needs of others is one thing, but love goes beyond that; genuine love is compelled to take action. Have you lost your first love? Then it probably shows. Is your love for Christ growing steadily? Then that will show as well. What we discover almost by accident is that the more we spend ourselves for God, the greater our joy of living becomes. His honor and glory becomes our delight. Why not come to the Lord in prayer, that we would grow in these ways. Job 22:2126, 2 Peter 3:18
97
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR LIFE PT. 3 1 PETER 4.11
Summary: One of the ways we seek significance is to live for something bigger than ourselves. Last time we discussed the power of God’s grace in the stewardship of using our gifts. We serve out of an overflow of love for others. Today we consider the manifestation of the Spirit through us, as we examine the matter of being opportunistic with our gifts. And for what purpose? To God “belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever!” There is no highest and best purpose for living than that.
1. A. What is every single believer given the moment we are born again? 1 Corinthians 12:7
B. How is the “manifestation of the Spirit” meant to be exercised through us? What is the urgency? The motivation? The power and the purpose? 1 Peter 4:7-11
C. In these last days, are you moved by fervent love to serve others? Does the gladness of God flow through you like a river in spending your life for Him? Psalm 59:16-17, 63:3-7, John 7:37-39
2. A. On His resolute way to Jerusalem, Jesus taught this parable. What was it? Luke 19:10-28
B. Given that the nobleman who receives the kingdom represents none other than Jesus, what do we see regarding His expectations for productivity while He was away? How does He describe the servants who were productive and how did he reward them? Luke 19:15-19
C. If we are to be faithful regarding our gift, we are the ones who must “do business with this until I come back.” This kind of aggressive opportunism brings glory to God and is greatly rewarded. Are you seeking God for the vision, the planning, the investment, wisdom, time and energy needed to do business for Him?
98
3. A. What is the purpose clause that we find in 1 Peter 4:11?
B. To Christ “belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen!” And oh, how it does belong! Let’s discuss just why this is the case. Isaiah 53, Philippians 2:5-11, 3:20-21, Colossians 1:13-22, Titus 2:13-14, Hebrews 1:1-3, Revelation 1:3-8, 1:12-18
C. Is your life all about making much of Jesus? If the Word of Christ is dwelling in us richly, then we will be consumed with his glory as we enjoy His companionship. As we savor His precious presence. And no amount of praise is too much, no amount of sacrifice is too much and no amount of service is too much. Overflow will happen! To Him be the glory now, today, forever and ever! Colossians 3:16, 1 Chronicles 29:11-13, Revelation 5:6-14
99
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR LIFE PT. 4 1 PETER 4.10-11
Summary: “Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God.”
1. A. Read I Peter 4:10-11. We are to speak and serve as good stewards by the grace of God, in His strength, for His glory. But what is the context of this exhortation? I Peter 3:18-22, I Peter 4:7-9, Hebrews 10:37
B. He’s coming back! In review of last week, what is God impressed with? What happens when someone does not know God for what He’s really like and therefore does not use what He gives him or her? Matthew 25:1430, Luke 19:12-27
C. What can be said about those who use what God has given them? Matthew 25:21, Luke 19:17, John 15:16, Hebrews 6:10, I Peter 4:10
2. A. What two categories of spiritual gifts does Peter point out in I Peter 4:11?
B. Who is to exercise the gift of speaking? I Peter 4:10, Ephesians 5:1819, Colossians 3:12, 3:16, Hebrews 5:12
3. A. The spiritual gift of teaching, apart from the fact that we have just seen we are all called to speak God’s word, can be defined as “the ability to explain the scripture and to apply it to peoples lives.” What does the scripture say about teaching scripture? Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 10, 31:10-12, Joshua 3:7-9, I Kings 10:23-24, Mark 12:28-31
B. This phrase was repeated during this sermon: “Stay with the curriculum!” What does that mean? Ezekiel 3:1-4, Acts 7:35-38, Romans 3:1-2, 15:4, II Timothy 3:14-17, Hebrews 4:12, I Peter 4:11
100
C. Today we may see many readily take on the roll of teacher. Does that match what we see in scripture? Exodus 3:10-14, 4:1, 10-13, Isaiah 6:1-7, Jeremiah 1:4-10, James 3:1
4. A. What is our challenge, in every generation? Jeremiah 5:30-31, 23:16-37, Psalm 34:18
B. As we come full circle, we see that we need to see God for who He really is. Where have we heard this before? Exodus 20:1-7
C. How are we to see God for who He really is? Isaiah 66:1-2, John 8:3132
101
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR LIFE PT. 5 1 PETER 4.10-11
Summary: “Only one life will soon be passed; only what’s done for Christ will last.” We all need a sense of purpose as we go through this life, of living for something bigger than ourselves. Is your purpose in life to glorify God? This can only be done through the Lord Jesus Christ, and is largely accomplished by using our spiritual gifts. As we discuss the highest and best purpose of the Christian life, we will examine the speaking gifts of exhortation/encouragement and evangelism.
1. A. What purpose clauses can you find in our main context of 1Peter 4:7-11?
B. Examining purpose clauses are phrases like, “for the purpose of,” “because,” “so that,” etc. which is a tremendous study tool for discovering the heart of God. Now consider the phrase in verse 11, “so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” Can we glorify God any other way? Why does it have to be “through Jesus Christ?” John 15:4-8, Romans 8:29, 2 Corinthians 5:15, 5:21, 1 Peter 2:24
C. We are talking about nothing less than the highest and best purpose of the Christian life here. What does it look like to carry this out in a practical sense? II Corinthians 6:14-7:1, Colossians 3:16-24, II Timothy 1:6-12, Titus 2:11-14, I John 1:8-9
2. A. I Peter 4:11 describes two categories of spiritual gifts, speaking gifts and serving gifts. Among the speaking gifts, how would you identify the gift of encouragement/exhortation? Proverbs 15:30, 25:11, Romans 15:45
B. Who were some examples of encouragement, and how might we profit from their example? Deuteronomy 31:1-8, Joshua 1:1-9, 10:25, 1 Samuel 14:6-7, II Chronicles 28:20, II Chronicles 32:1-7, Acts 4:36-37, 9:23-27, Ephesians 6:10-11, II Timothy 2:1-2
102
C. Just when we become weary, beaten down, defeated and depressed, the Lord our God HIMSELF becomes our strength and our stronghold! He does this for a reason; why do you think that is? II Corinthians 1:3-4, Ephesians 4:12
3. A. What speaking gift was dear to the heart of the apostle Paul? I Corinthians 15:1-5
B. Please match the following components of evangelism with the right Scriptures. Compassion for the lost, some grasp of the holiness of God, brokenness over your own sins first, forgiveness and cleansing of sin, a willing spirit from a clear conscience, digesting the Gospel in your heart before sharing it with others, reverence for the Lord’s authority over you, depending on the power of the Holy Spirit, sharing the Gospel right where you are, and taking it where ever the Lord leads. Isaiah 6:1-8, Ezekiel 3:14, Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 6:34, Acts 1:8
C. Let’s pray for the Lord to prepare our hearts, our Scriptures and our obedience.
103
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR LIFE PT. 6 1 PETER 4.11
Summary: “Saved to serve.” Service: This is what you were made for; this is why you are still here. He chose you, He saved you, and He saved you in order that you might serve, and He honors service. He gives you gifts and then He provides the strength you need, “so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.”
1. A. As we begin this last of six parts, read the whole paragraph, I Peter 4:7-11. How does it begin?
B. What does the Bible have to say about “the end of all things is at hand”? Colossians 3:1-4, I Peter 1:3, 13, 23, John 3:16, 14:1-3, Philippians 3:20
C. According to this paragraph, in light of His soon return, what are we to do?
2. A. “We are saved to serve.” We will look at three questions. What is service? How do we serve? Why do we serve? To whom do we look to for our answer? Matthew 20:25-28, Mark 10:42-45, John 20:21
B. As we begin to look at these questions, why do we need instruction on this matter of service? I Timothy 6:17-21, II Timothy 4:1-5, Luke 9:44-46, 22:22-27, Galatians 5:13
C. As we look at what service is, how important is this matter of serving the Lord? John 12:23-26, I Peter 4:7-11, Luke 12:31-37, Matthew 6:19-21, I Corinthians 10:31, Colossians 3:23-24, Acts 6:2-4 (“serve”, verse 2, and “ministry”, verse 4, is the same Greek word)
104
3. How, in who’s strength, are we to serve? I Peter 4:11, Galatians 2:20, John 14:16, 15:5-7, Philippians 4:13, Colossians 1:28-29, Romans 15:30, Ephesians 2:8-10, Matthew 25:14-17
4. Why do we serve? Matthew 25:19-23, John 13:5, 12-17, Revelation 7:13-17, 22:1-6
105
SUFFERING AS A CHRISTIAN PT. 1 1 PETER 4.12-13
Summary: As a Christian, what should be our response to suffering? “Do not be surprised,” “keep on rejoicing,” and remember the future, “the revelation of His glory.”
1. A. Begin by praying through the following verses, remembering the Cross of Christ. II Corinthians 5:21, I Peter 3:18, 1:18-19, 2:24
B. What does it mean to be His “blood bought children?” Use the verses from 1A and whatever scriptures God has stored in your heart. I Peter 1:2, Romans 6:23, I Peter 2:22
2. A. Are Christians exempt from suffering? I Peter 1:6-7, 4:12-13
B. What are three responses to suffering found in I Peter 4:12-13?
3. “Do not be surprised.” The KJV version has “think it not strange concerning the fiery trial.” Suffering is “part and parcel” of Christian living. What does it mean to you? I Peter 4:12-13, 5:9, James 5:10-11, Job 23:10, Proverbs 17:3, Isaiah 48:10, Exodus 3:7-8
4. “Keep on rejoicing.” Is Christian joy based on circumstances? If not, what is it based on? What should be the norm of the Christian life? I Peter 4:13, 1:6-8, 2:21, I Thessalonians 5:16-18, Philippians 3:8-11, Colossians 1:24, James 1:2-4, Romans 5:1-6, 8:18
5. A. Remember the future; “so that at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice.” What should govern your thoughts as you look to the future? I Peter 4:7, 13, 1:7, Romans 8:18-25, II Corinthians 4:16-18, Hebrew 10:37
106
107
SUFFERING AS A CHRISTIAN PT. 2 1 PETER 4.14-16
Summary: Peter was living proof that understanding the sufferings of Christ helps us to properly share in our sufferings for Christ. When we are reviled for the name of Jesus we are blessed, even as the prophets. But we must be careful to avoid doing evil and having to suffer for what we deserve. It’s when we suffer for what we do not deserve, in the name of Christ, that we glorify God.
1. A. Considering the context of I Peter 4:12-19, what were some of the sufferings of Christ as described here in Peter’s letter? I Peter 1:18-19, 2:21-24, 3:18
B. What does it mean for us to “share the sufferings of Christ?” Luke 9:2324, John 12:24-26, 15:18-21, Philippians 3:10, I Peter 4:13
C. Are you living your life today as if you are “conformed to His death”? What hope and exultation do we have as a result of sharing in “the fellowship of His sufferings”? John 14:23,II Corinthians 4:17, Jude 1:24-25
2. A. How do we get blessed according to I Peter 4:14?
B. What is “the Spirit of glory and of God” that rests upon us? Isaiah 11:12, Matthew 5:10-16, Ephesians 3:16-21
C. When we are suffering for the name of Christ, in spite of this we can rejoice and have peace. How do we do this? Philippians 4:4-7, Hebrews 12:1-3
3. A. How can we avoid feeling ashamed when the time of suffering comes? I Peter 4:15-16
108
B. If we are not to suffer as “a troublesome meddler,” then how is that distinguished from the conviction of sin which comes from sharing the Gospel? What about the conflicts that arise out of legitimate opposition to evil? John 16:7-11, Acts 1:8, 4:18-20, Romans 12:16-18, II Timothy 4:1-5, I Peter 3:15
C. Notice that we are not supposed to deserve any suffering by doing wrong. God wants to reward us for suffering for what is right, by suffering for His name. Also, we are not supposed to try to do the Holy Spirit’s work in convicting others, but we are commanded to be a witness for the Lord Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. We are commanded to proclaim and exemplify Christ with gentleness and reverence. Is there not a difference between prideful condemnation and a gentle, well evidenced case presented with respect? Love, courage, wisdom and humility; we could use a big dose of these today could we not? Why not spend time in prayer, right now, over these things.
109
SUFFERING AS A CHRISTIAN PT. 3 1 PETER 4.17-19
Summary: The God of the Bible, the God who loves you and calls you “Beloved,” He has sovereign purpose in bringing suffering into your life. God has purpose in the Christian’s suffering. Glorify Him by entrusting yourself to Him. Trust Him with a child like faith and you will never ever be disappointed.
1. A. Read the paragraph, I Peter 4:12-19. How does it begin and end?
B. Who is Peter writing to and what are they called to do? Romans 5:8, 9:25, I Peter 4:12, 4:19, I John 4:10
2. A. How is suffering described and how are we called to respond to suffering? I Peter 1:6, 2:19-20, 3:14-17, 4:12-13, 4:19, 5:6-9
B. Did you notice that the suffering may be verbal, and that verbal suffering is real? Matthew 9:23-24, 10:25, 27:41-43, Mark 5:39-40, 10:3334, 15:31-32, Luke 8:52-53, 22:63-65, 23:10-11, John 9:28, I Peter 2:12, 2:23, 3:16, 4:14
3. A. I Peter 4:19 may be seen as a summary of this book to this point. Keeping it as simple as possible, how would you summarize this text?
B. What does it mean to trust the Lord, as it says in our text, “entrust their souls?” Psalm 34:1-5, Proverbs 3:5-7
4. A. What does I Peter 4:17-18 say about judgment and salvation? What are those who reject the gospel called?
B. Can anyone expect salvation by believing in God while rejecting or not submitting to the Gospel of Jesus Christ? I Peter 4:17-18, John 14:6 110
5. A. In contrast to the “Godless man and the sinner,” what does the faith of the believer look like? What can they expect in this life? I Peter 4:19, Job 1:20-22
B. If you are a Christian and you are suffering right now, what can you be sure of? I Peter 4:19, 3:17, 2:21, Revelation 6:9-11, Matthew 16:21, Luke 13:33, John 7:30, 8:20, 13:1, 21:18-19, Acts 9:15-16, 14:21-22
C. According to I Peter 4:19, what are we to do? I Peter 4:16
6. A. Stop and enjoy that God has purpose in your suffering, Christian! I Peter 2:21, 3:9, 4:1, 4:19, Romans 8:18, 8:32, 10:11, Isaiah 28:16, John 14:1-3, Hebrews 12:1-2, Proverbs 3:5
111
SHEPHERDING THE FLOCK OF GOD PT. 1 1 PETER 5.1-2
Summary: Given the fact that we will and do suffer, we have been exhorted to “entrust our souls to a faithful creator.” In light of this, Christian leaders, and by extension, all of us (for we all lead someone), lead aright!
1. A. Read I Peter 5:1-4. Does it seem as if the subject has shifted from the previous verses?
B. Are you suffering? Do you know anyone who is not suffering to some degree? Is suffering part and parcel of the Christian experience? I Peter 4:12-19
C. What do you know to be true that can comfort and exhort anyone, especially the Christian, who is suffering? I Peter 4:17-19, I Peter 2:24, John 3:16-17, Romans 6:23, 8:1, Ephesians 2:8-9
2. A. Who is exhorted in I Peter 5:1-2? Titus 1:5, Acts 20:17, 20:28, Philippians 1:1, I Timothy 3:1, 3:8
B. How does Peter describe himself in I Peter 5:1?
C. What can you learn from Peter’s self-description? (think church hierarchy and humility) I Peter 5:4-5, John 10:11, 10:14, Hebrews 13:1821
3. A. What is Peter referring to when he identifies himself as a “witness of the sufferings of Christ?”
B. Of all the things Peter had witnessed (the ascension, the resurrection), what comes to mind when he identifies himself as a “witness of the suffering of Christ?” Matthew 26:73-75 112
C. What is our application, seeing how Peter was used of God even after such failure as a “witness of the suffering?” Luke 22:31-32, Acts 5:28-29, 5:40-42
4. A. What does Peter identify himself as being a “partaker” of? How much was this on Peter’s mind? I Peter 5:1, 1:6-8, 11, 13, 4:12-13, 5:10
B. How is glory and suffering tied together? Luke 6:22-23, Romans 8:1821, II Corinthian 4:16-18, Hebrews 12:2
C. In light of who Peter identifies himself as, what is the exhortation in I Peter 5:2? Psalm 100:1-3, Hebrews 13:15-17, Acts 20:28, II Corinthians 5:14-15
113
SHEPHERDING THE FLOCK OF GOD PT. 2 1 PETER 5:1-4
Summary: Last time we looked at Peter’s self description as a fellow elder and witness of the sufferings and glories of Christ. Today we consider his exhortation to shepherd the flock of God, as Peter was passing the baton towards the end of his life. The shepherding which God does through us is feeding, seeking and caring for the sheep.
1. A. What is the command given by Peter, and whose flock is it? I Peter 5:1-2
B. Peter gives specific direction regarding proper shepherding in our main text, but so does Luke when he writes about the apostle Paul. What can we learn from the example of both apostles? Acts 20:17-35, I Peter 5:3-4
C. Does anybody follow you? Do you love the Lord Jesus? Then you are a shepherd! Do you have a commitment to express that love by helping others and building them up? Psalm 78:70-72, John 21:15-17, Philippians 2:1-5, II Timothy 2:1-2
2. A. A primary component of shepherding is feeding. How important is this to God and what does He say about it? Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34:1-15
B. What does it mean for us to feed others in the faith? Nehemiah 8:8-10, Jeremiah 3:15, Matthew 14:15-21
C. It is amazing what God can do through us just by making ourselves available to Him. How might we do this? Job 22:21-26, Psalm 1:2-3, 92:12-15, Matthew 28:18-20
3. A. How do we know that seeking lost sheep is now and always has been critical to our Lord? Luke 19:10
114
B. In what fashion did the Lord Jesus come to seek and to save the lost? Isaiah 53:5-6, Philippians 2:5-8, I Peter 3:18
C. So how does the Lord Jesus use us to help lost sheep? II Corinthians 5:15, I Thessalonians 5:14, Hebrews 10:23-25
4. A. When it comes to God, caring matters. How did Jesus care? Matthew 20:34, Mark 1:40-41, John 3:16-17, 10:11-16, 11:32-36
B. What did Moses really care about at the end of his life? Numbers 27:12-20
C. Christ wants to care through us, so that we shepherd His beloved, blood bought people. Jesus was moved with compassion. And He still is. Are you?
115
SHEPHERDING THE FLOCK OF GOD PT. 3 1 PETER 5.1-4
Summary: The chief shepherd is the one coming back. He is the good shepherd who laid His life down. He is the great shepherd who rose from the dead. The heart of God is to shepherd His sheep.
1. A. Read the text, I Peter 5:1-4, and note the terms shepherd and flock. What do you know to be true of shepherds and flocks?
B. What is our chief shepherd like, and what is His flock like? Genesis 48:15, Numbers 27:16-17, Isaiah 53:1-12
C. Seek, care, feed; “shepherd the flock of God among you” as God is shepherding you. Psalm 78:70-72, Ezekiel 34:11-15, Acts 20:28, Hebrews 13:20-21
2. A. What was the burden of God’s heart in Ezekiel 34:1-10?
B. What does the New Testament have to say about the burden of God’s heart for us? Matthew 11:28, Luke 19:10, John 20:21, Romans 10:15
C. What does God recognize and emphasize as our need? Deuteronomy 8:3, Psalm 34:8-11, Proverbs 30:5, Matthew 4:3-4, Luke 4:3-4, I Peter 1:23, 2:2
3. A. What are the three couplets, negative then positive, found in I Peter 5:2-3?
B. Are you voluntarily shepherding the flock, your children, your neighbors, co-workers? Has “sordid gain,” money, career, or position crept into your life and become your priority? Are we eagerly, voluntarily, serving as examples to the flock of God? What is God’s heart concerning 116
your heart to serve and minister? John 2:13-17, Mark 11:15-17, Philippians 2:14-30
C. Where do we get this heart to shepherd and serve? Isaiah 53:11-12, Philippians 2:1-13
117
SHEPHERDING THE FLOCK OF GOD PT. 4 1 PETER 5.3-4
Summary: God has promised reward for faithful service done for the glory of His Son in the power of His Spirit. We are all sheep and shepherds, as someone is following or observing our example. Much life change happens in the context of life example.
1. A. This study ends with “you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” Read the following texts. Contemplate on “men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” and on what man would get if he got what he really deserves. I Peter 5:1-4, II Peter 1:20-21, Romans 3:23, 6:23, Matthew 25:21
B. What does I Peter 5:4 say about this “crown of glory?” I Peter 1:3-5
C. What in your life is unfading? John 6:35, 8:51, 10:9, 14-15, 27-30, 11:25-26
2. A. What is the exhortation in I Peter 5:1-4 and what is the results of this exhortation?
B. What does it mean to “shepherd the flock of God?” What does God want, what is He looking for, and what does it mean to “shepherd” the way He wants His flock shepherded? I Peter 5:1-4
C. What is the background for this text? John 10:1-18
3. A. Last week we looked in I Peter 5:2 we saw how shepherding the flock of God plays itself out in the first two of three couplets. What is the third couplet in verse 3?
118
B. What is the Biblical model for “nor as yet lording it over those allotted to your charge but proving to be examples to the flock?” Luke 22:24-27, Galatians 1:6-10, Ephesians 4:11-13
C. We are called to follow Christ Jesus. What example did he set for us? John 13:1-5, 12-17, Mark 1:35, Hebrews 7:25, Romans 8:33-34
4. A. In I Peter 5:3, the word used here for example, means to leave a mark, make an impression or stamp. Another word translated “example” means to imitate and in some cases both words occur in the same verse. Look for these in the following verses- I Corinthians 4:16, Philippians 3:17, I Thessalonians 1:6-7, I Timothy 4:12
B. We follow Him and it gives others an example to follow in us. Those that follow us will ultimately be following Him. How humbling is that? We are followed even when we do not follow Him. How convicting is that? I Corinthians 11:1, Titus 2:7-8, Judges 7:15-18
C. Is this reward in I Peter 5:4 an earthly reward? II Timothy 4:5-8, 16-17, Revelation 1:4-8, 21:1-7, 22:12-13
119
CLOTHE YOURSELVES WITH HUMILITY 1 PETER 5.5-7
Summary: The Lord of glory delights in humble, childlike faith. Humility is a very slippery virtue but winsome when authentic. Just as shepherds must lead by example in all humility, so we must submit to their authority in all humility. We fulfill this with a driving ambition to please Christ out of reverence for His holy Word. A good way to develop humility is to feast on the greatness of God while being honest about ourselves.
1. A. Previously we considered three bad ways to shepherd God’s flock, and three good ways. What were they, and who does Peter refer to as our supreme example? I Peter 5:2-4
B. In what fashion did the Lord Jesus lead by example? Mark 6:34, John 13:1-17, 17:4, Philippians 2:3-8
C. What do the bad examples of selfish reluctance, greed and domineering pride all have in common? Philippians 2:21, James 3:14-16
How would you summarize the example of Christ; what is the common thread? Then what should by our greatest ambition as well? II Corinthians 5:9, 5:15
2. A. What two commands do we find in I Peter 5:5, and why?
B. Nothing could be worse than having God be against you! But there are other reasons for us to submit to proven church leaders with humility. What are they? Ephesians 4:11-12, II Timothy 4:1-5, Hebrews 13:7, 13:17
C. One of the greatest lessons of the Christian life (or lifelong projects, depending on how you look at it), is that humble submission to authority is proportionate to one’s reverence for the holy Word. Mark it, reverence for God breeds humility of self. The reverse is also true; humbling ourselves
120
before God releases us to revere His Word. So then, do you tremble at His Word? Psalm 119:38, Isaiah 66:1-2, Haggai 1:12
3. A. What is the command given by the apostle Peter in I Peter 5:6?
B. In what fashion then do we cultivate humility? What does the phrase, “under the mighty hand of God” have to do with it? I Chronicles 29:11-14, Job 42:1-6, Isaiah 6:1-5, Romans 5:6-8, Revelation 1:10-18, 4:1-11, 5:114
C. How fitting it is to know our place, way below His greatness! What is one of the best ways that we demonstrate humble dependence upon our Lord? I Peter 5:7
121
CAST YOUR ANXIETIES ON HIM 1 PETER 5.7
Summary: Some atheists believe they can find peace by ignoring God and by making much of themselves. But really, just the opposite is the case. Real peace flows from humility, as we exalt Jesus Christ to His rightful place. We can toss all of our anxieties upon God, because it is Him, the Almighty, God Most High and exalted; He is the One who cares for us.
1. A. What commands do we find in I Peter 5:5-6?
B. Notice that humility and being subject to our elders go hand in hand. How else might we express humility to God? Isaiah 66:1-2
C. Care free living is found in the presence of God and flows through humility. What can we do to carry this out in practical ways? II Chronicles 7:14, I John 1:8-9
2. A. In what fashion is the command to “humble yourselves” related to the participle, “casting all your anxiety upon Him?” I Peter 5:6-7
B. Notice that we are instructed to cast our anxiety upon God, not the trials themselves. Does this mean that we pray for ourselves in this regard, or for others, or both? Why? I Samuel 30:6, Psalm 27:13-14, 94:17-19, Romans 5:1-5
C. It may be humbling having to depend upon God, but is that not where real peace comes from? Matthew 6:25-34, Romans 15:4-6
3. A. We are to cast all our anxiety upon whom? I Peter 5:7
122
B. How capable is He in whom we trust, and how much does He care for us? Psalm 103:8-19, John 3:16-17, Romans 5:8, 8:28-32, Hebrews 4:1416
C. How then should we respond to Him who is sovereign and yet so good? Matthew 7:7-11, Philippians 4:6-7, Hebrews 13:20-21
123
BE CAREFUL 1 PETER 5.5-8
Summary: We have an enemy, a very real adversary. We are no match for him. He would like to eat us for lunch, and many millions are blinded by the god of this age. What should we do? The text moves from carefree living (not careless) to careful living and the two are in perfect harmony.
1. A. What have we just been exhorted to do in I Peter 5:5-7?
B. Why have we all been called to humility? I Peter 5:5-7, Romans 8:3132
2. A. Be careful. Why? I Peter 5:8-9, 4:7
B. How serious is this exhortation? Mark 14:32-42
C. What are we to do? I Peter 5:8-9
3. A. Know your enemy. Just like a sports team watches the opposition’s game tapes, we need to know our enemy. Who is he, what is he up to, and what should we do?
Who is he? I Peter 5:8, Matthew 4:10, Jude 9, Revelation 9:11, 12:9
What is he up to? Matthew 4:1-11, John 8:44, 10:10, II Corinthians 2:1011, 11:2-3, I Peter 5:8, Revelation 12:10
What should we do (and remember)? Proverbs 16:18, 18:12 Matthew 4:4, 7, 10 (references to Deuteronomy 8:3. 6:13-17) Matthew 10:28, Romans 8:1, 16:17-20, Colossians 2:13-15, I Thessalonians 5:4-8, I Timothy 1:15,
124
II Timothy 4:5, Hebrews 2:14-15 James 4:6-10, I Peter 4:7, 5:6-9, I John 2:15-16, 4:4, Revelation 19:20-20:3
125
STANDING FIRM IN GRACE 1 PETER 5.10-14
Summary: The apostle Peter concludes his letter with treasures regarding the God of all grace. Along with the eternal glory of His holiness and supreme dominion, we also see the greatness of His favor upon us, however undeserved. His grace does not preclude suffering because it serves to establish us in Christ-likeness. We are commanded to stand firm in the true grace of God, which includes walking in faithfulness, love and peace.
1. A. What characteristics of God can you find in I Peter 5:10?
B. How should we understand “His eternal glory?” Isaiah 6:1-3, Proverbs 9:10, John 6:68-69, Revelation 4:8-9
C. It is this great and glorious holy One, who is also the God of all grace! He is the One “who called you to His eternal glory in Christ.” How do we fulfill this calling today as His children? John 10:27-28, 15:4-17, Romans 8:4-14, II Timothy 1:9, Hebrews 5:7-9
2. A. How does Peter describe the suffering of God’s people in I Peter 5:10?
B. The grace of God does not eliminate suffering. Why not? II Corinthians 4:16-17, Philippians 3:10, I Peter 1:3-7, 3:18, 4:1-2
C. The point: our suffering is short compared to that eternal weight of glory which awaits us. Besides, God uses suffering to “perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” Are you willing to handle the suffering He allows in your life with a good and willing spirit? II Corinthians 12:7-10, II Timothy 1:7-9
3. A. What kind of worship does Peter express in I Peter 5:11?
126
B. How might we understand His “dominion forever and ever?” Psalm 103:19, Isaiah 46:8-10, Jeremiah 18:1-6, Matthew 28:18, I Timothy 6:1416, Revelation 1:6
C. What does the eternal dominion of God have to do with us? Psalm 119:33-38, Matthew 28:18-20, John 14:21, Philippians 2:10-15
4. A. How does Peter regard Silvanus in I Peter 5:12?
B. What makes a “faithful brother?” John 13:34, II Corinthians 5:9, II Timothy 2:1-7
C. Speaking of faithfulness, the parting command has been given. “This is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it!” God is not looking for greatness, just faithfulness. Let’s go forward in His grace with all confidence. Micah 6:8, Hebrews 13:7-9
127
2 PETER
128
129
AMAZING GRACE: 2 PETER 1:1-3 Summary: The apostle Peter had a shepherd’s heart that he wrote with. How did it show? In First Peter he wrote warning God’s people regarding dangers from outside the church; in Second Peter he gives warning about dangerous heresies from inside the church. He begins his letter with humility, not pulling rank. While introducing the righteousness of our faith, he does so in the context “of our GOD and Savior Jesus Christ.” He is the only Savior, because He alone is God, and we must boldly proclaim Him and represent Him accordingly. 1. A. Remember when we studied First Peter? How would you characterize the general flavor of the book? I Peter 1:13-19, 1:22, 2:1-3, 2:18-25, 3:14-18, 4:1-2, 4:12-16, 5:1-3, 5:6-10 B. How would the flavor of Second Peter be different and yet still related? II Peter 1:2-4, 1:13-16, 2:1, 3:1-2, 3:17-18 C. Can you see the caring, shepherding heart of Peter here? He was intentional in giving the Gospel of Christ, not just to the unsaved, but to Christians. In First Peter, Christians are instructed about love and holiness and suffering unjustly. In Second Peter, believers are taught regarding purity of doctrine as well as purity of life. In both cases, what is the remedy? I Corinthians 15:1-5, I Peter 2:1-2, II Peter 3:17-18 2. A. How does Peter introduce himself in II Peter 1:1? B. Why does he call himself first “a bond servant?” Isaiah 57:15, Mathew 20:25-28, John 13:12-17, I Peter 5:5-6 C. No matter what our position in life might be, how can we follow Peter’s example of humility? Psalm 103:10-11, John 13:34-35, Galatians 2:20, Philippians 2:3-8 3. A. In what fashion does Peter identify Jesus in II Peter 1:1? B. What would Peter mean by “our God and Savior Jesus Christ,” and why is this so important? Isaiah 43:10-13, 45:21-24, Mark 14:60-64, John 8:57-58, 14:6, Acts 4:10-12, II Peter 2:1 C. It is one thing for false teachers to deny the deity of the Lord Jesus, and to spread such heresy around. But what about those in the church, who waver about the exclusiveness of Jesus being the only way to God? 130
Since Jesus is the only savior because He alone is God, is not such compromise just as bad as the cults who are steeped in heresies? How might we address this effectively? Acts 4:13, 17:30-31, Romans 12:1-3, II Corinthians 5:9, 5:15, Ephesians 3:16-19, Colossians 3:16, II Timothy 2:13
131
PARTAKERS OF THE DIVINE NATURE: 2 PETER 1:3-4 Amazing! Marvelous! Do we ever use these words? How do we use these words? Now think about the words in our passage; divine power, glory, excellence, precious, magnificent, and divine nature. We would not say these things if God had not said them in His holy word. 1. A. When we encounter Jesus through His word, the Bible, how do we react? Mark 5:42, 6:2, II Peter 1:1-4 B. What is Peter gushing about in II Peter 1:1-4? C. How are we granted this divine nature? II Peter 1:3 2. A. II Peter is Peter’s last words to us. He knows he is going to die soon, and how he is going to die. What were Jesus’ last words to Peter? John 21:19 B. Remember what we mean when we say these are Peter’s last words and take note of this mixture of Peter’s exhortation to enjoy and grow in Jesus but also watch out and beware. II Peter 1:3-4, 1:20-2:1, 2:20, 3:14-18 C. How are we able to enjoy Him and to avoid false teaching? II Peter 1:2-3, 1:8, 3:18, Jeremiah 9:23-24, John 17:3, 1:4, 10:10 Philippians 3:8-10 3. A. We have seen the pattern of verse 1-11 of II Peter before; wealth then walk, what we have in Christ and how we should respond. Read these verses and then take note of the first part, the wealth we have in Christ in verses 1-4. B. “Grace and peace.” Can you have real peace without grace? II Peter 1:2, Romans 5:1, I Peter 5:10-11 C. What would the world be like without a God of grace? Do we have to imagine it, or do we see it every day? Do the false gods of this world preach grace? What a contrast “the God of all grace” is! Hebrews 2:16-18, II Peter 1:3
132
4. A. What phrase is repeated in II Peter 1:3-4? II Corinthians 9:15, Romans 6:23, 3:23-24 B. What is granted to us as stated in II Peter 1:3? What do we know about this? Genesis 1:1-3, Psalm 33:9, Mark 1:40-42, 2:9-12, 3:5, 4:39, 5:8, 15 C. Even with all this power language, what is the quintessential power of God? Matthew 22:29-32, Luke 22:69, Romans 1:16 I Corinthians 1:18, 22-24, 2:1-2, 15:1-4, Ephesians 1:18-23 5. A. Think about it Christian! What have you been granted in II Peter 1:4? Romans 8:32, Galatians 2:20 B. How do we lay hold of this? Do you search out His promises in your Bible? John 3:16 C. How are those who truly lay hold of this described in II Peter 1:34? Romans 8:16-17, II Corinthians 3:18, I John 3:1-3
133
SPIRITUAL DILIGENCE: 2 PETER 1:5 Summary: Why did Peter write this book? “For this very reason” he says, having “become partakers of the divine nature,” we are commanded to supply in our faith the seven Spirit filled characteristics. Just as the righteousness of Christ was a diligent expression of His faith, so we must “apply all diligence” in our own faith. Grace is not an excuse to be lazy Christians. Authentic grace is full of diligence, devotion and purpose to become more like Jesus Christ as we are disciplined to faithfully abide in Him. 1. A. In II Peter 1:1 he says we have received our faith “by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ.” How diligent is the righteousness of Jesus in the Scriptures? Luke 2:49-51, 23:39-43, II Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 7:26-28, I John 3:5 B. In what fashion is the aggressive diligence of Christ related to us becoming “partakers of the divine nature?” Romans 8:29, II Corinthians 5:21, II Peter 1:2-4 C. If we are “partakers of the divine nature,” this is how it shows! How should “the true knowledge of Him who called us” enable us to fulfill that calling with Christ-like diligence? Galatians 2:20, Ephesians 5:1, II Peter 3:17-18 2. A. Let’s talk about grace. Does living in God’s grace mean that we do not have to exert any effort in living the Christian life? II Peter 1:5 B. Is “applying all diligence” separated from grace? Why would that notion be a fundamental misunderstanding about authentic grace? Romans 5:20-6:18, Ephesians 2:8-10, Titus 2:11-14 C. Biblical grace is not an excuse for “Christians” to be lazy. Diligence is not separate from grace, but instead is a powerful manifestation of God’s grace in us. To have strong grace is to “bring your best game!” What are some of the ways we can “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus?” Colossians 1:28-29, 4:2, II Timothy 2:1-10 3. A. In our faith we are to supply what seven spiritual characteristics as a way of life? II Peter 1:5-7 B. The word “supply” in the Greek is an active imperative verb, which means it is a command. This is not something that we can just crank up. If that is the case, then how do we carry this out? John 15:4-11, Romans 12:1-2 134
C. How might we more faithfully abide in Christ? Psalm 1:1-3, 63:1-8, Ephesians 3:16-21, Colossians 3:16, II Peter 3:18
135
CHRISTIAN CHARACTER: 2 PETER 1:5-6 Summary: Last time we discussed the authenticity of God’s grace, that through the power of the Holy Spirit we have diligence to supply in our faith the seven virtues. Today we examine four of these spiritual characteristics, namely: moral excellence, knowledge, self control and perseverance. 1. A. What first characteristic are we to diligently supply to our faith? II Peter 1:5 B. Why do you think this would be mentioned first, and what is moral excellence? Joshua 1:7-8, Isaiah 6:1-5, Daniel 1:8, Titus 2:11-14, I Peter 1:13-16 C. Also translated as “goodness” or “virtue,” we have to face the fact that in ourselves we are helplessly bankrupt in this area. But “His divine power has granted” this to us in the Lord Jesus Christ. What are you doing to fortify moral excellence in your own life? Proverbs 4:23, Philippians 4:8-9, II Peter 1:1-4 2. A. What is the second characteristic we are to supply in II Peter 1:5? B. What kind of knowledge is this and how is it related to the moral excellence we just discussed? Psalm 103:10-13, John 3:36, Romans 8:1, Ephesians 1:17-23, Colossians 2:2-3, I Peter 2:24-25, II Peter 1:2-3, Revelation 5:8-14 C. We know a lot of things, do we not, regarding sports, work, politics and hobbies, but why don’t we have the fervor to learn and know what we have in Christ? Job 22:21-26, Proverbs 2:1-7, Philippians 3:8, Colossians 3:16, II Peter 3:18 3. A. We know that “knowledge is power,” so what becomes important to add next? II Peter 1:6 B. If we cannot just crank this up on our own, from where does self control come? Galatians 5:22-23 C. Self control is really Holy Spirit control. If your life ambition is to please and glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, what will this look like? Acts 1:8, II Corinthians 5:9, 5:14-15, Romans 12:1-3, 13:14 4. A. What else are we going to supply according to II Peter 1:6?
136
B. What does Peter mean by perseverance? Hebrews 12:1-4, James 1:24, I Peter 2:19-23, Jude 1:1, Revelation 3:21 C. What does biblical perseverance look like in our own lives? Romans 8:28-39, I Corinthians 15:58, Galatians 6:9, Colossians 1:9-11
137
GODLY LOVE: 2 PETER 1:6-7 God gives us Christ-like character, godly love. God is the God of all grace. He has given us everything we need for a life of godliness, a life of god likeness. God forms the life of Christ in us! Real love, godly love, takes the initiative and acts on its own at its own expense to meet the need that it sees, and it does so at awful cost. 1. A. What is the good news about love? John 3:16, I John 4:8-10, 16 B. Why do we celebrate this good news? John 3:14-16, Romans 8:35-39 2. A. What Christian virtues have we already been exhorted to II Peter 1? II Peter 1:5-6, Philippians 4:8, Jeremiah 9:23-24, Galatians 5:22-23, Romans 5:3-4 B. How do these virtues come about? II Peter 1:3, Galatians 5:16 C. Compare the description of godly love in II Peter 1:7 to the description in I Corinthians 13:4-8. 3. A. What are we exhorted to in II Peter 1:7? B. Godly love is described three ways in II Peter 1:7: godliness or God likeness, brotherly kindness, and love or Christian love. How are these terms used in the Bible? Matthew 22:36-39, John 14:9, Acts 3:12, Romans 8:28-29, II Corinthians 3:18, I Timothy 2:1-2, 3:14-16, 4:7-8, 6:36 4. A. How does the Bible define love and describe love? I John 4:10, I Corinthians 13:4-8, Galatians 5:22 B. How is godly love acted out? Ephesians 5:22-25, 6:1 C. What are the results of godly love? I John 3:16-18, 4:7-11
138
139
USEFUL AND FRUITFUL: 2 PETER 1:8-11 Oh, to know the creator, to worship the creator of Heaven and Earth! It is so good to know Him, and that is Peter’s theme in II Peter. He wants us to enjoy that He is knowable and that we can grow in our knowledge of Him. Amazingly, as we grow in our knowledge of Him, we can become useful to Him and fruitful for Him. We can contribute to the highest purpose. 1. A. Everyone knows he is here for a purpose. We talk of it when we say “He found his niche in life” or we see the frustration of those who never seem to find what they were made for. Peter deals with this, as does the whole Bible. So far, we have seen we are exhorted to “apply all diligence.” Read II Peter 1:2-11 and then recap where we have been by answering briefly this two-part question. What are we to “apply all diligence” to and why? Mark 12:29-31, John 13:34-35, I Corinthians 13:13 2. A. After this seven fold description of the Christian life in verses 5-7, verse 8 begins with an “if” statement. What is it? B. What does verse 8 say about “these qualities?” What is there to be in the Christian life? II Peter 3:18 C. We begin as babies in Christ, but there is to be growth. Lack of growth in the Christian life is not a pretty sight. Ephesians 4:14-16, II Peter 3:18, I John 2:4-6, 4:15-17 3. A. He wants these characteristics to be ours and increasing, so that we are not useless, idle, pointless or wasting time! God wants us to be useful. Matthew 5:16, 13:23, John 15:5, 16, Romans 7:4, Ephesians 2:10, Colossians 1:3-8, II Peter 1:8, James 2:20 B. Go back a focus on this famous parable in Matthew 13 and learn about this matter of being fruitless or unfruitful. What characterizes being unfruitful? Matthew 13:22 C. These two problems, “the worry of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches” keep people from coming to Christ as Savior and Lord. But what about you, Christian? Do these rob your usefulness and fruitfulness for God? 4. A. What happens “for he who lacks these qualities?” II Peter 1:9, James 2:20
140
B. What is the condition of those who have not come to Christ as Savior, even those who may think they have come to Him? What is the solution? II Corinthians 4:3-4, Psalm 146:8, Luke 24:31 C. Christians can be “short-sighted.” How are they characterized here in II Peter? What is the solution? II Peter 1:9, Colossians 3:1-2 5. Look at it again in II Peter 1:9. What is the great need in your life? Galatians 6:14, Ephesians 2:11-13, II Timothy 2:8, Hebrews 1:1-3, 10:17, II Peter 1:3 6. We are exhorted to diligence in II Peter 1:10-11. We can observe three results of this diligence in the Christian life. There will be a growth in assurance; “Make certain about His calling and choosing you.” Romans 9:16 “You will never stumble.” Who does it say will “never stumble” in II Peter 1:10? We will have a heavenly welcome home! II Peter 1:11, Revelation 21:27, Matthew 25:21
141
FINISH WELL: 2 PETER 1:12-15 Summary: Peter stood ready to remind his people of the mighty grace of God. The power of His grace enables us to become partakers of the Divine nature, which is manifested in God-like character and productivity in glorifying the Lord Jesus. Even as this was the right thing to do for Peter, it is for us as well. Near the end of his life, Peter was more concerned about others than himself, and to finish well as a leader by example. 1. A. What was Peter always ready to do, according to II Peter 1:12? B. What were “these things” which he twice calls for diligence? II Peter 1:2-10 C. If Peter said that his people were already “established in the truth,” why did he sense the importance for them to be reminded? Why is that just as true for us today? Psalm 119:67, 176, Romans 7:14-8:4, I Peter 2:11, II Peter 1:8-11 2. A. What was a high priority for Peter in his letter? II Peter 1:13, 3:1 B. What might Peter mean by, “to stir you up by reminder?” What motivated him? John 21:15-17, II Timothy 1:6-12, I Peter 4:7-11 C. Consider his phrase, “I consider it right.” Peter does not express concern about himself or even his own well being. Rather, he was concerned about that which was right. Are you? What are some things which are RIGHT that God holds us accountable for today? Matthew 4:19, 28:18-20, John 13:34-35, 15:4-5, Ephesians 4:1-3, 4:25-32, Philippians 4:4-7, I Thessalonians 5:15-18 3. A. What did Peter know about his life according to II Peter 1:14? B. How did Peter know, and what might he have learned about this? John 21:18-19 C. Peter appears to have an undertone of (matter of fact) victory for the “laying aside” of his tent; not even a hint of sadness or fear regarding the end of his life. Ever since Jesus said, “Follow Me,” both in life as well as in death, that’s what Peter did. Do you have that confidence? Acts 4:13, Ephesians. 3:16, 6:10 4. A. What personal responsibility did Peter focus on according to II Peter 1:15? 142
B. What was the purpose of Peter’s diligence here? Psalm 119:9-11 C. Is it your heartbeat to be a leader by example right to the end, like Peter? Romans 8:28-30, Philippians 1:6, II Timothy 2:1-2, Jude 1:24-25
143
KNOWING FOR SURE: 2 PETER 1:16-21 Summary: In the world epistemology is very shaky. The only absolute truth anymore is that “truth is relative,” (except of course, that “truth”). But everything from the Word of God is firm, solid, and dependable. Our faith is not based upon subjectivity or myths, but upon time and space factual events, which were faithfully recorded by apostolic witnesses and prophetic witnesses. As we examine these witnesses, knowing for sure enables us to grow strong in the knowledge and love of the Lord Jesus Christ. 1. A. What type of witness was the apostle Peter, regarding the life and events of Jesus Christ? II Peter 1:16-18 B. What was the event which he writes about here, as well as some other events of which he and the other apostles were direct first-‐hand witnesses? Matthew 17:4-6, Acts 2:22-36, 3:1315, 5:2932, 10:3843 C. Our faith, as Peter points out, is not based on clever fairy tales but upon facts; upon real events which took place in time and space. How should we respond to these historical facts regarding Jesus Christ? John 3:36, Romans 10:9-10, I John 1:8-9 2. A. What about John? What does this apostle record about Jesus, also as a direct witness? John 1:1 & 14, 3:3-17, 8:56-59, I John 1:1-4, Revelation 1:10-19 B. What then is Jesus most deserving of? Matthew 4:19, John 10:27, Revelation 5:6-14 C. Do you express reverence for Jesus as Lord and God? Does it show by the way you listen to Him, follow Him and worship Him? Philippians 2:9-15 3. A. What is the other type of witness which we are “to pay attention” to according to Peter? II Peter 1:19 B. What is “the prophetic word more sure?” Psalm 119:105, Proverbs 30:5-6, Isaiah 40:8, Luke 24:25-27 C. We have heard that “the Promiser keeps His promises,” (Joshua 1:8, 23:14). How might we adjust our ambitions for the Lord accordingly? Ezra 7:10, II Corinthians 5:9 4. A. In what fashion were men moved to speak for God? II Peter 1:20-21 144
B. Who were some of the others “moved by the Holy Spirit” to speak from God? Exodus 3:10-15, Psalm 16:7-11, Isaiah 1:1-3, Jeremiah 1:4-9, Ezekiel 13:1-9 C. Do you respect God’s Word as final and self sufficient? II Timothy 3:1317
145
WOLVES IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING: 2 PETER 2:1-3 Summary: Peter continues in diligence to present the truth. The truth is, God allows error alongside truth and many follow the error. We need not look far to see false teachers. We are called to “pay attention” and know the truth. 1. A. Peter knew he was about to lay his earthly dwelling aside. He had spent much time with Jesus. What did Jesus have to say on the night before His crucifixion? John 16:7 B. Ponder John 16:7 for a moment and reflect on Peter’s life. How did Peter’s life demonstrate the truth found in Jesus’ words? C. What have we already studied in this letter that reflects the burden of Peter’s life in Christ? II Peter 1:12-21 2. A. If God has apostles and prophets who wrote His word, and He does, how is the ruler of this world going to respond? II Peter 2:1-3 B. What did Jesus have to say about “false prophets” in His most famous sermon? Matthew 7:15 C. What truths are wrapped around Matthew 7:15? Matthew 7:13-16 3. A. Last week we looked at how reluctant true prophets were, as Jeremiah said “I do not know how to speak” and Moses said, “I have never been eloquent.” What are false prophets like? Jeremiah 23:25-32, Ezekiel 13:1-7, Matthew 7:15, II Peter 2:1 B. What can be said about “false prophets” and “false teachers?” Matthew 24:11, Acts 20:29-30, II Corinthians 11:13-14, Galatians 2:4, Philippians 3:18-19, I John 2:18, Jude 4 C. This whole chapter, II Peter 2, is a warning. Do you find the church today, we Christians, undiscerning? If so, why? What is the solution? II Peter 1:19 4. Jump right into the text, II Peter 2:1-3: there are five characteristics, two fruits and one end of false teachers. A. Five characteristics of false teacher from II Peter 2:1-3 1. They are deceivers (they wrote such a good book; they are such good speakers; they are so funny; they are such scholars.)
146
“Secretly introduce” is from two words meaning by the side of and bring in. Matthews 7:15, II Peter 2:1 2. “Denying the Master who bought them.” They deny Christ and His work. This is the core of false teaching. In some settings, are you tempted to not proclaim Christ as the only way? Matthew 7:1314, John 14:6, Acts 4:12, II Peter 2:1 3. “Their sensuality.” Often false teaching is accompanied by immorality. II Peter 2:2, 2:19, Jude 4 4. Popularity; “many will follow.” False teachers will avoid truths like this text. Do not determine truth by how popular some book or man or church is. Scripture determines truth. Matthew 24:11, II Peter 1:20-21, 2:2 5. “In their greed they will exploit you with false words.” All kinds of moneymaking schemes have been used around the gospel. I Timothy 6:3-5, II Peter 2:3 B. Two fruits of false teachers from II Peter 2:1-3 - People are misled and the way of the truth is maligned. Moral scandals and religious profiteering bring a picture of Christianity brought on by a televangelist begging for money even after being exposed in immorality. II Peter 2:2 C. One end of false teachers from II Peter 2:1-3 “Swift destruction;” God allows false teachers to go on but it is not going to go on forever. God knows how to judge sin and He will. II Peter 2:1, 3. The One who is truth personified, who’s word is truth, who’s Spirit is the Spirit of truth, has allowed error to co-exist though this drama called history. But the Lord warns, protects, and keeps His own. Psalm 119:160, John 8:31-32, 14:6, 15:4-7, 16:13, 17:17
147
JUDGMENT IS SURE: 2 PETER 2:4-10 Scripture states the certain, sure judgment of falsehood, of false teachers, and of their followers. “The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment.” Judgment is blessedly true. Judgment will be deserved; salvation is undeserved. 1. A. Review how Peter got to chapter 2 by simply reading the text of chapter 1, verses 10-21. Why is Peter writing, what does he know to be true, and how does he knows it? B. As a review of last week’s lesson, zoom in on 1:20-2:3. What is the subject of chapter 2? C. Can you remember the five characteristics, two fruits, and one end of false teachers? II Peter 2:1-3 2. A. This statement can be made: judgment is blessedly true. How can this be? John 3:16-19, Acts 17:30-31 B. Our culture has tried to convince itself that biblical judgment is an old fashioned concept. What is the biblical viewpoint according to Jesus? Matthew 7:13-15, John 3:16-19 C. Our text, II Peter 2:4-10, is an if/then statement. What are the “if” statements and the “then” statements? What did falsehood lead to in Noah’s day and in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah? Genesis 6:5, 19:1, 19:4-5 3. A. Look at II Peter 2:4-10 and a parallel text, Jude 4-7. What do both texts have in common concerning angels? B. Judgment is promised when Jesus said, “… just like the days of Noah.” Why was the ancient world judged? In what way was it like today? Genesis 6:5, 11-13, Matthew 24:37-39, Luke 17:26-29, Romans 2:1-8 C. Judgment is deserved; salvation is undeserved. What is the certainty of judgment in your life as a Christian? Isaiah 53:10, John 5:24, Acts 17:3031, I Peter 3:18, II Peter 2:9
148
149
JUDGMENT IS SURE, PART 2: 2 PETER 2:6-9 Summary: Peter gives an “if – then” statement regarding the certainty of judgment from a holy God. Three historical periods of judgment illustrate the certainty of judgment to come against all who sin against Him. However, when our sin was placed on Jesus at the cross, judgment fell upon Him in our place, making it possible for us to be rescued from that final judgment. 1. A. Please read the context of II Peter 2:1-9. What were the first two judgments of God on the earth from verses 4 and 5? B. Jesus said that the last days will be like the days of Noah (Matthew 24:35-39). Read Genesis 6:5-7 and find the words which describe the world at that time. What then are the words that describe God? C. Notice that “the Lord saw,” and then what else? Is anything ever hidden from His sight? Hebrews 4:12-13 D. Do you play games with God, forgetting that He knows all your very thoughts and intents of the heart? How might we do better? Psalm 32:5, Micah 6:8 2. A. What kind judgment from God fell on the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah? Genesis 19:23-29, II Peter 2:6 B. What does the Bible clearly teach regarding homosexuality? Leviticus 18:22, 20:13, Romans 1:26-28, I Corinthians 6:9-10, Jude 1:7 C. Notice what Peter says about “righteous Lot,” that he was “oppressed” and “tormented with their lawless deeds,” (II Peter 2:7-8). Are you? How do you respond to the wickedness all around us? What does God actually want us to do? II Chronicles 7:14, Matthew 5:13-16, 28:18-20, II Peter 3:10-13, I John 2:15-17 3. A. What two things does God very well know how to do according to II Peter 2:9? B. How would you express justification for the judgment of God upon sin? Psalm 51:1-4, 90:1-11, Isaiah 6:1-5, 43:7, 46:8-11, Romans 2:1-3, 3:10-20 C. How would you express justification for the mercy and forgiveness of God for all of our sins? Isaiah 53:5-6, 53:10-11, John 3:16-17, Romans 5:8, I Peter 2:24
150
D. Are you depending on the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ who suffered the judgment in your place for all of your sins? Psalm 103:10-13, John 1:12, 3:36, 5:24, II Corinthians 5:15, 17, 21
151
FALSE TEACHERS DESCRIBED: 2 PETER 2:10-14 Summary: Everything we learn about false teachers applies to falsehood. This descriptive warning about false teachers and falsehood in general, while living in a culture permeated with falsehood, will drive us to want to know Him. 1. A. Read the context of the above verses, II Peter 2:9-19. As you read, remember Peter’s theme for this book, knowing God (II Peter 1:2-3, 3:18). From this text, what characterizes false teachers? B. What happens when you hang out with (what you read, what you watch, what you listen to, what you fill yourself with) falsehood? C. Take a moment and contemplate our culture and this description of false teachers. Do you understand the importance of this warning? 2. A. When you read the context, you started with verse 9. Read a little more context, verses 4-9. What does it say about judgment? B. We have access to the end of THE Book, so to speak. What does it say about judgment? Revelation 17:1-2, 8, 18:3, 8-10, 16-17a, 19:1-2, 20-21 3. A. What specifically is judged in II Peter 2:10? B. Sensuous rebellion: when we indulge ourselves and despise authority, whom are we ultimately despising? Matthew 28:18 C. Who are we by nature and what is the solution? John 17:17, I Peter 3:15 4. A. Let us get right to the point: this text characterizes sensuous rebellion as arrogance, ignorance, immorality and greed. How is arrogance described in verses 10-11? In what ways do you see this in our culture? What should our attitude be? Romans 6:1-2, Jude 8-9 • Ignorance: one mark of false teacher is that they are quick to spout off when they do not know anything. Pray for discernment in your life. II Peter 2:12, Proverbs 1:1-2, Hebrews 5:14 • Immorality: our culture has gone along quite a while now believing we are just another species. What has this line of thought caused in our culture? What language is used in our text for immorality? II Peter 2:12-14, Jeremiah 6:15, 8:12 (Note: does lust satisfy? See II Peter 2:17. What does lust promise? See II Peter 2:19)
152
• Greed: false teacher are experts at raising money. What is our culture obsessed with? II Peter 2:14b, Luke 12:16-21, 16:13 B. How should chapter 2 of II Peter motivate us? What is God’s way of liberating us? John 8:31-32, 14:6, 16-17, 15:26, 16:7, 13, 17:17 C. How much time are you logging in the truth? Psalm 119:18, Philippians 4:8, II Peter 3:1-2
153
AN OMINOUS APPRAISAL: 2 PETER 2:15-22 Summary: “The last state has become worse for them than the first.” Who is this directed to? 1. A. Quickly review what this book is all about and who the author is. II Peter 1:1-3, 13-15, 3:17-18 B. As we get back into this book and chapter 2, as difficult as it is, what can we say about scripture? Open in prayer and pray this scripture would drive us to Jesus and that we would abhor sin and falsehood. Romans 15:4, II Peter 1:19-21 2. A. Who is chapter 2 describing? Count the times you see the word “they/them.” II Peter 2:15-22 B. What is THE deception and THE characteristic of false teachers in chapter 2? II Peter 2:1 C. What does apostasy/apostate mean? II Peter 2:20-22 3. A. Apostasy is from two words; to stand away from or to move from what you once held. The worst deceivers seem to once stand among the saints. There are two ways to apostatize; doctrinally and morally. Take a moment and think on this, in light of what you know churches allow or endorse and the doctrine they hold to, or rather do not hold to. B. What does scripture say about apostasy and false teachers? Matthew 18:3-9 C. What is God’s verdict on apostasy? Matthew 26:23-24, Luke 22:21-22, II Peter 2:21 4. A. Who do false teachers prey on? II Peter 2:14, 18 B. What is the problem and the solution? James 1:13-16, I Corinthians 10:11-12 C. Untaught and unstable; remember last week how we ended with a question. How much time are you logging in the truth? II Peter 3:16 5. A. Read II Peter 2:15. What does it mean, “way of Balaam?” Numbers 22:1-29, 25:1-2, 31:16, Jude 11, Revelation 2:14
154
B. Balaam’s teaching was idolatry and immorality and when he could not overtly curse Israel, he taught the king of Moab to deceive and seduce Israel through a distorted picture of God. Distortion of God always leads to a distortion of sexuality. How does this relate to society’s view of God and morality? C. Does a false view of God and the accompanying immorality ever satisfy? Where can we find true satisfaction? II Peter 2:17-19, John 4:1314, 8:34, Revelation 22:1-2 6. A. How does this chapter of warning close? II Peter 2:20-22 B. Who is this describing?
155
A REMINDER TO REMEMBER: 2 PETER 3:1-4 Summary: The apostle Peter writes, “I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder” regarding the Word of the Lord, in both the Old and New Testament Scriptures. As we probe a little deeper into this, we will also discuss the mockers of God’s Word which will characterize the last days. 1. A. What is Peter’s purpose for writing this letter? II Peter 1:12-15, 3:1-2 B. What do you think makes “your sincere mind” sincere, regarding the Word of God? I Chronicles 29:18 Mark 12:30, John 3:3, 3:30, 3:36, II Peter 1:2-4 C. How might we ourselves “remember the words” of the Scriptures personally? Ezra 7:10, Psalm 119:9-11, 119:38, II Timothy 3:10-11, James 1:21-25 2. A. What part of Scripture does Peter first identify in II Peter 3:2a? B. On what basis should God’s people have eagerness for learning the Old Testament? Psalm 1:1-3, 145:3-19, Proverbs 2:1-7, Jeremiah 15:16, Luke 24:27, 31-32 C. Do you neglect the riches of the Old Testament Scriptures? Should we not be immersed in them and delighting in them? Job 22:21-26, Psalm 19:7-11, 112:1 3. A. What part of Scripture does Peter identify next in II Peter 3:2b? B. On what basis do God’s people trust and obey the New Testament? Luke 1:1-4, John 20:30-31, Acts 1:1-3, 17:30-31, II Timothy 3:14-17, I John 1:1-4 C. In what fashion does God want us to be absorbed in His precious Word? Ephesians 3:16-21, 4:21-24, Colossians 3:16, I Timothy 4:15, II Timothy 2:15 4. A. What will people be like in the last days towards the Word of God, in particular regarding the return of Jesus Christ? II Peter 3:3-4 B. What else do they deny and how are they generally characterized? II Peter 2:1, 2:10, 2:18-19, Jude 16 & 18 C. How did Jesus deal with those who mocked Him, right to the very end? So then, how does God want us to respond to those who mock us 156
regarding the Scriptures? Matthew 27:41-44, Luke 23:33-43, Romans 2:4, 12:18-21, I Peter 3:14-15
157
158
THE GOD OF HISTORY: 2 PETER 3:5-7 Summary: In spite of those who mock and deliberately ignore the Lord Jesus, the God of history reigns supreme. God started history and He remains in charge of history, right to the end when the ungodly are judged by fire. In the meantime, in the greatness of His compassion He rescues people, to be set apart for Him, as His very own. 1. A. Mockers ridiculed Jesus severely during His first coming; what will characterize mockers regarding His second coming, and what will they be saying? Mark 15:16-20, 15:29-32, 2 Peter 3:3-4 B. What is God like whom they mock, and what has He spoken? What makes the phrase, “BY THE WORD OF GOD” nothing less than profound? Genesis 1:1-3, Psalm 90:1-11, Isaiah 40:8, 46:8-11, Mark 13:23-26, 14:60-62, John 3:16-17, 14:1-3, Romans 5:8-9, 1 Peter 2:24, 2 Peter 3:5 C. The phrase, “it escapes their notice” in the original Greek indicates a defiant turning away from God and what He has spoken in His Holy Word. What is a better way of responding to Him who is almighty, and yet full of compassion? Micah 6:8, Luke 18:9-14, Rom. 10:9-10, Hebrews 4:14-16 2. A. How does the LORD God demonstrate that He continues to be in charge of history? 2 Peter 3:6 B. The evolutionary humanism of man tries to overlook the flood; especially that it was an act of judgment for sin by a holy God. What makes the historic event of a world wide flood so important for us to learn from? Psalm 29:1-11, Rom. 15:4-6, Colossians 1:15-17, Heb. 1:1-3 C. What else motivates us to follow the ways of God instead of the ways of man? Jeremiah 17:5-8, Lamentations 3:19-23, John 15:9 3. A. What will be the final judgment, as God demonstrates His invincible sovereignty, consistent with His holiness, right to the very end? 2 Peter 3:7 B. Sometimes God is accused of being harsh. How do we know this is not the case? Psalm 51:3-4, 130:3, Isaiah 6:1-3, Rom. 2:4-11, 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 C. We could say that we have been in the last days since the New Testament was written in the first century. Why is God waiting? Why are
159
we here, as God’s people? Matthew 28:18-20, 1 Cor. 10:31, 2 Cor. 5:15, 2 Peter 3:8-9
160
161
GOD’S PATIENCE: 2 PETER 3:8-9 Summary: “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” The Lord is coming back. He’s coming to judge and to save. “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” 1. A. In what ways is man confused about God? B. Is the God of the Bible a God of judgment? Does He save those who believe He could never save the likes of them? II Peter 3:7-9 C. Are you stirred up to remember God’s word? Do you really believe this text? II Peter 3:1-9 2. A. As His beloved, how are we exhorted in II Peter 3:7-9? B. Who is man and what is his need? Psalm 39:4-5, Psalm 90, Romans 3:10-18 3. A. What truth about God and His promises do you see in II Peter 3:9? (There are two negations and two assertions) B. In the Bible, what is THE promise? Luke 1:67-79, 2:21-38 4. A. Why is God patient? Matthew 11:28-30, John 3:16, II Peter 3:9, Revelation 22:17 B. What is God’s want? I Timothy 2:3-5, II Peter 3:9 C. What is repentance? (Look it up in the oldest dictionary you can find.) 5. A. How important is repentance? Matthew 3:1-2, 4:17, Luke 24:46-47 B. Did the early church do what Jesus had commissioned them to do? Acts 2:36-38, 3:11-19, 17:30-31 C. What should we remember and how shall we respond? John 9:3-5, Galatians 6:10, Hebrews 10:23-25, II Peter 3:7-9
162
163
WHAT SORT OF PEOPLE OUGHT YOU TO BE?: 2 PETER 3:10-13 Summary: We live in light of who Jesus is and what He did, but we also live today in light of what He will do when He returns. “The day of the Lord will come” soon, sudden, unexpectedly and unmistakably. What sort of people ought we to be? Answer: progressing in holiness and God centered living, focused on what really counts; living not just for today but for the “new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.” 1. A. What period of history does Peter instruct his audience about, and why? II Peter 3:8-10 B. How will the day of the Lord’s return be characterized? Psalm 79:6, Ezekiel 7:8, Micah 5:15, Zechariah 7:8-12, Luke 12:35-46, Romans 1:18, 2:5-6, I Thessalonians 5:2-3, Hebrews 10:35-39, Revelation 16:15 C. Think of it, everything on this earth which we enjoy and are comfortable with will all go up in smoke! How then must we guard our hearts and our affections? Proverbs 4:23, Matthew 6:24-33, John 15:7-11, II Corinthians 5:9 2. A. In light of the day of the Lord, what does the apostle Peter say about what we should be, and the way we should live? II Peter 3:11-12 B. What does Peter mean by “holy conduct and godliness?” Daniel 1:8, Romans 6:6-18, 12:1-2, 13:14, I Corinthians 9:25-27, Galatians 5:16-24, Titus 2:11-14, I Peter 1:13-19, 4:7-11, I John 3:1-3 C. Can we actually become a person like this? How? First, John 3:3, then Ezra 7:10, Psalm 119:9-11, 119:38, 119:67 & 71, Matt. 28:19-20, II Timothy 2:1-2 3. A. What does Peter say Christians are really looking for? II Peter 3:13 B. What will the “new heavens and a new earth” be like? John 14:1-3, Revelation 1:12-19, 4:1-11, 21:1-7, 21:10-27, 22:1-7 C. The epitome of heaven is not the place; it’s the Person. Are you really living for the new heavens and a new earth? How so? Psalm 16:7-11, Mark 1:35, Hebrews 11:8-10 “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, 164
dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” Jude 1:24-25
165
A FINAL CALL TO DILIGENCE: 2 PETER 3:14-16 Summary: How can we be found spotless and blameless? In Christ! In light of the fact this world, heaven and earth, are passing away, we want to live for what lasts, looking forward to the new heavens and new earth where righteousness is at home. 1. A. What is repeated in II Peter 3:12-14? B. What question is in II Peter 3:11? According to II Peter 3:12-13, what is the answer? How can these things be? Matthew 24:35, John 14:3 C. Does righteousness reign in this world? What does reign? 2. A. Our text, II Peter 3:14-16, begins, “Therefore.” What is it referring to? II Peter 3:10-13 B. Material does not last, and we live in a materialistic day. What does the scripture say? Matthew 6:19-21, Hebrews 1:10-12 C. God loves you and Peter loved those he wrote to. Stop and enjoy this! II Peter 3:1, 8, 14-18 3. A. What are we called to in II Peter 3:14? B. Both Peter and Paul knew they were “short timers.” Take note of their call to you, in their last letters. II Peter 1:10, 1:15, 3:14, II Timothy 2:15, 4:9, 4:21 C. The more you understand grace, the more diligent you will be. II Peter 1:3-7 4. A. We need to understand our position and experience, our standing and our state, in Christ. What is the standing of every Christian? Jude 2425, Hebrews 10:17, I John 2:12 B. In light of our standing, what should our state of life be? II Peter 3:14, I John 2:28 5. A. How are we to regard His patience? II Peter 3:15, 3:8-9, Romans 13:11, II Corinthians 6:2, John 9:4, Galatians 6:10, Romans 10:14, 17 C. How did Peter regard Paul? II Peter 3:15-16
166
6. A. Some things are hard to understand. For instance, do you find Romans chapter 9 hard to understand? We just looked at verses following Romans 9, Romans 10:14 & 17. How does Romans 11 then follow? Romans 11:33 B. How do writers of scripture regard each other? I Peter 1:10-12, II Peter 15-16, I Timothy 5:17-18, Deuteronomy 25:4, Luke 10:7 C. We are exhorted to not let the hard to understand portions of scripture keep us from the scripture. Our problem is neglect of the Bible, not that it is so hard to understand. The main things are the plain things; the plain things are the main things. Therefore, be diligent. Matthew 22:29-33, Luke 10:26, II Timothy 2:15
167
THE GRACE AND KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST: 2 PETER 3:1718 Summary: As Peter closes his letter, and we close our study of this book, we want to hear everything we can. God has given us everything; He has lavished everything on us, everything we need, so apply all diligence. If you do not, you have forgotten the cross of Christ and been short sighted. Peter has continually reminded us of these things because he wants us to remember these things after he is gone. 1. A. As we have studied II Peter, think back to how many times we have already referred to verses 3:17-18. Why is that? Jeremiah 3:15, John 21:17, II Peter 3:17-18 B. What are the two imperatives in II Peter 3:17-18? 2. A. How does Peter view those he is writing to? II Peter 3:1, 8, 14, 17 B. Christian living flows from Christian knowledge. Read the verses from 2A again and notice this principle. Philippians 3:10 C. II Peter 3:17 says “knowing this beforehand.” Knowing what? II Peter 1:3, 5, 9, 12-14, 17-19, 2:1, 3:3, 9, 16, 18 3. Make the direct connection between II Peter 3:17 and 3:16. Connect “knowing this” to those who are “the untaught and unstable.” What is it to be taught and stable? Jeremiah 31:33-34, John 6:45, Acts 4:13 4. A. As we have seen, there are two imperatives in II Peter 3:17-18; “be on guard” and “grow.” What are we exhorted to guard against in 3:17? James 1:13-16 B. What, or rather, Who are we to cling to as our strength? Isaiah 45:24, II Peter 3:18, James 1:17, 5:8 C. What did Peter know, and by extension, want us to know, about being “carried away?” How does this reflect on Peter’s final exhortation to us? Matthew 26:69-74, Luke 22:31-32, I Peter 5:10, II Peter 3:18 5. A. “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Have you taken this lightly or maybe drifted away from this single purpose in life? Has your love for Him grown cold? Has reading His word meant more to you in the past than it does now? Jeremiah 9:23-24, Philippians 3:10, Revelation 1:8, 21:6, 22:13
168
B. “Grow in grace;” feed on His grace. Romans 5:1-2, Ephesians 2:8, Titus 3:5-8, Hebrews 13:9 C. Grow in “the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Be reminded why God the Holy Spirit came. Are you daily asking God to teach you? Psalm 119:18, Daniel 11:32, John 16:7-15, Philippians 3:10 Make it your personal aim to know Him. Have you drifted away from your first love? As a final exhortation, on Father’s Day, men, have you made it your ministry aim to teach your children the knowledge of Christ? Jeremiah 3:15, II Peter 3:18 “To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen” “I am the Lord, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another, nor My praise to graven images.” “So that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
169
APPENDIX Scripture taken from www.esv.org.
170
GENESIS GEN. 1.1-3 1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. 3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
GEN. 1.26-28 26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. 28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
GEN. 2.16-25 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” 18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” 19 Now out of the ground the Lord God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. 20 The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him.
171
21 So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. 22 And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. 23 Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” 24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. 25 And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.
GEN. 3.18-19 8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” 11 He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” 12 The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” 13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” 14 The Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field; on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. 15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” 16 To the woman he said, “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children. Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.” 17 And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life;
172
18 thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field. 19 By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
GEN. 6.5-13 5 The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And the Lord was sorry that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. 7 So the Lord said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. 9 These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God. 10 And Noah had three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 11 Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. 13 And God said to Noah, “I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth.
GEN. 19.1-5 1 The two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them and bowed himself with his face to the earth 2 and said, “My lords, please turn aside to your servant's house and spend the night and wash your feet. Then you may rise up early and go on your way.” They said, “No; we will spend the night in the town square.” 3 But he pressed them strongly; so they turned aside to him and entered his house. And he made them a feast and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.
173
4 But before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both young and old, all the people to the last man, surrounded the house. 5 And they called to Lot, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us, that we may know them.”
GEN. 19.23-29 23 The sun had risen on the earth when Lot came to Zoar. 24 Then the Lord rained on Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur and fire from the Lord out of heaven. 25 And he overthrew those cities, and all the valley, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. 26 But Lot's wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. 27 And Abraham went early in the morning to the place where he had stood before the Lord. 28 And he looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah and toward all the land of the valley, and he looked and, behold, the smoke of the land went up like the smoke of a furnace. 29 So it was that, when God destroyed the cities of the valley, God remembered Abraham and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow when he overthrew the cities in which Lot had lived.
GEN. 22.15-18 15 And the angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven 16 and said, “By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, 18 and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.”
GEN. 39.1-9 1 Now Joseph had been brought down to Egypt, and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, had bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him down there. 174
2 The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master. 3 His master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord caused all that he did to succeed in his hands. 4 So Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him, and he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had. 5 From the time that he made him overseer in his house and over all that he had the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had, in house and field. 6 So he left all that he had in Joseph's charge, and because of him he had no concern about anything but the food he ate. Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance. 7 And after a time his master's wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, “Lie with me.” 8 But he refused and said to his master's wife, “Behold, because of me my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my charge. 9 He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except yourself, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?”
GEN. 48.15 And he blessed Joseph and said, “The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life long to this day,
175
EXODUS EX. 3.1-15 1 Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. 3 And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.” 4 When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” 5 Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” 6 And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. 7 Then the Lord said, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings, 8 and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. 9 And now, behold, the cry of the people of Israel has come to me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them. 10 Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” 11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” 12 He said, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.” 176
13 Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” 14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel, ‘I am has sent me to you.’” 15 God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.
EX. 4.1 Then Moses answered, “But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you.’”
EX. 4.10-13 10 But Moses said to the Lord, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” 11 Then the Lord said to him, “Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” 13 But he said, “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.”
EX. 20.1-7 1 And God spoke all these words, saying, 2 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 3 You shall have no other gods before me. 4 You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
177
5 You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments. 7 You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.
EX. 33.18-19 18 Moses said, “Please show me your glory.” 19 And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The Lord.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.
LEVITICUS LEV. 10.3 Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord has said, ‘Among those who are near me I will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified.’” And Aaron held his peace.
LEV. 11.44 For I am the Lord your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. You shall not defile yourselves with any swarming thing that crawls on the ground.
LEV. 18.22 You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.
LEV. 20.7-8 7 Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, for I am the Lord your God. 8 Keep my statutes and do them; I am the Lord who sanctifies you.
178
LEV. 20.13 If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.
LEV. 20.26 You shall be holy to me, for I the Lord am holy and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine.
NUMBERS NU. 22.1-29 1 Then the people of Israel set out and camped in the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan at Jericho. 2 And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. 3 And Moab was in great dread of the people, because they were many. Moab was overcome with fear of the people of Israel. 4 And Moab said to the elders of Midian, “This horde will now lick up all that is around us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field.” So Balak the son of Zippor, who was king of Moab at that time, 5 sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor at Pethor, which is near the River in the land of the people of Amaw, to call him, saying, “Behold, a people has come out of Egypt. They cover the face of the earth, and they are dwelling opposite me. 6 Come now, curse this people for me, since they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I shall be able to defeat them and drive them from the land, for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.” 7 So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the fees for divination in their hand. And they came to Balaam and gave him Balak's message. 8 And he said to them, “Lodge here tonight, and I will bring back word to you, as the Lord speaks to me.” So the princes of Moab stayed with Balaam. 9 And God came to Balaam and said, “Who are these men with you?” 10 And Balaam said to God, “Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent to me, saying,
179
11 ‘Behold, a people has come out of Egypt, and it covers the face of the earth. Now come, curse them for me. Perhaps I shall be able to fight against them and drive them out.’” 12 God said to Balaam, “You shall not go with them. You shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.” 13 So Balaam rose in the morning and said to the princes of Balak, “Go to your own land, for the Lord has refused to let me go with you.” 14 So the princes of Moab rose and went to Balak and said, “Balaam refuses to come with us.” 15 Once again Balak sent princes, more in number and more honorable than these. 16 And they came to Balaam and said to him, “Thus says Balak the son of Zippor: ‘Let nothing hinder you from coming to me, 17 for I will surely do you great honor, and whatever you say to me I will do. Come, curse this people for me.’” 18 But Balaam answered and said to the servants of Balak, “Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the command of the Lord my God to do less or more. 19 So you, too, please stay here tonight, that I may know what more the Lord will say to me.” 20 And God came to Balaam at night and said to him, “If the men have come to call you, rise, go with them; but only do what I tell you.” 21 So Balaam rose in the morning and saddled his donkey and went with the princes of Moab. 22 But God's anger was kindled because he went, and the angel of the Lord took his stand in the way as his adversary. Now he was riding on the donkey, and his two servants were with him. 23 And the donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road, with a drawn sword in his hand. And the donkey turned aside out of the road and went into the field. And Balaam struck the donkey, to turn her into the road. 24 Then the angel of the Lord stood in a narrow path between the vineyards, with a wall on either side. 25 And when the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, she pushed against the wall and pressed Balaam's foot against the wall. So he struck her again. 26 Then the angel of the Lord went ahead and stood in a narrow place, where there was no way to turn either to the right or to the left. 180
27 When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, she lay down under Balaam. And Balaam's anger was kindled, and he struck the donkey with his staff. 28 Then the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?” 29 And Balaam said to the donkey, “Because you have made a fool of me. I wish I had a sword in my hand, for then I would kill you.”
NU. 25.1-2 1 While Israel lived in Shittim, the people began to whore with the daughters of Moab. 2 These invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods.
NU. 31.16 Behold, these, on Balaam's advice, caused the people of Israel to act treacherously against the Lord in the incident of Peor, and so the plague came among the congregation of the Lord.
NU. 27.12-20 12 The Lord said to Moses, “Go up into this mountain of Abarim and see the land that I have given to the people of Israel. 13 When you have seen it, you also shall be gathered to your people, as your brother Aaron was, 14 because you rebelled against my word in the wilderness of Zin when the congregation quarreled, failing to uphold me as holy at the waters before their eyes.” (These are the waters of Meribah of Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.) 15 Moses spoke to the Lord, saying, 16 “Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation 17 who shall go out before them and come in before them, who shall lead them out and bring them in, that the congregation of the Lord may not be as sheep that have no shepherd.” 18 So the Lord said to Moses, “Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him.
181
19 Make him stand before Eleazar the priest and all the congregation, and you shall commission him in their sight. 20 You shall invest him with some of your authority, that all the congregation of the people of Israel may obey.
DEUTERONOMY DEUT. 4.1-2 1 “And now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the rules that I am teaching you, and do them, that you may live, and go in and take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your fathers, is giving you. 2 You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you.
DEUT. 4.9-10 9 “Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children10 how on the day that you stood before the Lord your God at Horeb, the Lord said to me, ‘Gather the people to me, that I may let them hear my words, so that they may learn to fear me all the days that they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children so.’
DEUT. 6.3 Hear therefore, O Israel, and be careful to do them, that it may go well with you, and that you may multiply greatly, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has promised you, in a land flowing with milk and honey.
DEUT. 6.13-17 13 It is the Lord your God you shall fear. Him you shall serve and by his name you shall swear. 14 You shall not go after other gods, the gods of the peoples who are around you-
182
15 for the Lord your God in your midst is a jealous God-lest the anger of the Lord your God be kindled against you, and he destroy you from off the face of the earth. 16 “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test, as you tested him at Massah. 17 You shall diligently keep the commandments of the Lord your God, and his testimonies and his statutes, which he has commanded you.
DEUT. 8.1-3 1 “The whole commandment that I command you today you shall be careful to do, that you may live and multiply, and go in and possess the land that the Lord swore to give to your fathers. 2 And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not. 3 And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.
DEUT. 12.28 Be careful to obey all these words that I command you, that it may go well with you and with your children after you forever, when you do what is good and right in the sight of the Lord your God.
DEUT. 18.15-18 15 “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers-it is to him you shall listen16 just as you desired of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly, when you said, ‘Let me not hear again the voice of the Lord my God or see this great fire any more, lest I die.’ 17 And the Lord said to me, ‘They are right in what they have spoken. 18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him.
183
DEUT. 25.4 “You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain.
DEUT. 31.1-12 1 So Moses continued to speak these words to all Israel. 2 And he said to them, “I am 120 years old today. I am no longer able to go out and come in. The Lord has said to me, ‘You shall not go over this Jordan.’ 3 The Lord your God himself will go over before you. He will destroy these nations before you, so that you shall dispossess them, and Joshua will go over at your head, as the Lord has spoken. 4 And the Lord will do to them as he did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, and to their land, when he destroyed them. 5 And the Lord will give them over to you, and you shall do to them according to the whole commandment that I have commanded you. 6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” 7 Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land that the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall put them in possession of it. 8 It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” 9 Then Moses wrote this law and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi, who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and to all the elders of Israel. 10 And Moses commanded them, “At the end of every seven years, at the set time in the year of release, at the Feast of Booths, 11 when all Israel comes to appear before the Lord your God at the place that he will choose, you shall read this law before all Israel in their hearing. 12 Assemble the people, men, women, and little ones, and the sojourner within your towns, that they may hear and learn to fear the Lord your God, and be careful to do all the words of this law,
DEUT. 32.2-4
184
2 May my teaching drop as the rain, my speech distill as the dew, like gentle rain upon the tender grass, and like showers upon the herb. 3 For I will proclaim the name of the Lord; ascribe greatness to our God! 4 “The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.
DEUT. 32.39 “‘See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god beside me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand.
JOSHUA JOSHUA 1.1-9 1 After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' assistant, 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses. 4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory. 5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
185
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
JOSHUA 3.7-9 7 The Lord said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. 8 And as for you, command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant, ‘When you come to the brink of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan.’” 9 And Joshua said to the people of Israel, “Come here and listen to the words of the Lord your God.”
JOSHUA 10.25 And Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid or dismayed; be strong and courageous. For thus the Lord will do to all your enemies against whom you fight.”
JOSHUA 23.14 “And now I am about to go the way of all the earth, and you know in your hearts and souls, all of you, that not one word has failed of all the good things that the Lord your God promised concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed.
JUDGES JUDGES 7.15-18 15 As soon as Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped. And he returned to the camp of Israel and said, “Arise, for the Lord has given the host of Midian into your hand.” 16 And he divided the 300 men into three companies and put trumpets into the hands of all of them and empty jars, with torches inside the jars. 17 And he said to them, “Look at me, and do likewise. When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do as I do.
186
18 When I blow the trumpet, I and all who are with me, then blow the trumpets also on every side of all the camp and shout, ‘For the Lord and for Gideon.’”
JUDGES 17.6 In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.
1 SAMUEL 1 SAM. 14.6-7 6 Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the Lord will work for us, for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.” 7 And his armor-bearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart. Do as you wish. Behold, I am with you heart and soul.”
187
1 SAM. 30.6 And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.
1 KINGS 1 KINGS 10.23-24 23 Thus King Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. 24 And the whole earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put into his mind.
1 CHRONICLES 1 CHR. 29.10-18 10 Therefore David blessed the Lord in the presence of all the assembly. And David said: “Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. 11 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. 12 Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. 13 And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name. 14 “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. 15 For we are strangers before you and sojourners, as all our fathers were. Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding.
188
16 O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a house for your holy name comes from your hand and is all your own. 17 I know, my God, that you test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. In the uprightness of my heart I have freely offered all these things, and now I have seen your people, who are present here, offering freely and joyously to you. 18 O Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our fathers, keep forever such purposes and thoughts in the hearts of your people, and direct their hearts toward you.
2 CHRONICLES 2 CHR. 7.14 if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
2 CHR. 28.20 So Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria came against him and afflicted him instead of strengthening him.
2 CHR. 32.1-7 1 After these things and these acts of faithfulness, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah and encamped against the fortified cities, thinking to win them for himself. 2 And when Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib had come and intended to fight against Jerusalem, 3 he planned with his officers and his mighty men to stop the water of the springs that were outside the city; and they helped him. 4 A great many people were gathered, and they stopped all the springs and the brook that flowed through the land, saying, “Why should the kings of Assyria come and find much water?” 5 He set to work resolutely and built up all the wall that was broken down and raised towers upon it, and outside it he built another wall, and he strengthened the Millo in the city of David. He also made weapons and shields in abundance.
189
6 And he set combat commanders over the people and gathered them together to him in the square at the gate of the city and spoke encouragingly to them, saying, 7 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him, for there are more with us than with him.
EZRA EZRA 7.10 For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.
NEHEMIAH NEH. 8.8-10 8 They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading. 9 And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. 10 Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
NEH. 9.30 Many years you bore with them and warned them by your Spirit through your prophets. Yet they would not give ear. Therefore you gave them into the hand of the peoples of the lands.
JOB
190
JOB 1.1-3 1 There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil. 2 There were born to him seven sons and three daughters. 3 He possessed 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, and 500 female donkeys, and very many servants, so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the east.
JOB 1.13-22 13 Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, 14 and there came a messenger to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, 15 and the Sabeans fell upon them and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 16 While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 17 While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, “The Chaldeans formed three groups and made a raid on the camels and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 18 While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, 19 and behold, a great wind came across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young people, and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 20 Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. 21 And he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” 22 In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.
JOB 2.7-10
191
7 So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and struck Job with loathsome sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. 8 And he took a piece of broken pottery with which to scrape himself while he sat in the ashes. 9 Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.” 10 But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.
JOB 22.21-26 21 “Agree with God, and be at peace; thereby good will come to you. 22 Receive instruction from his mouth, and lay up his words in your heart. 23 If you return to the Almighty you will be built up; if you remove injustice far from your tents, 24 if you lay gold in the dust, and gold of Ophir among the stones of the torrentbed, 25 then the Almighty will be your gold and your precious silver. 26 For then you will delight yourself in the Almighty and lift up your face to God.
JOB 23.10 But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.
JOB 28:28 And he said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”
JOB 42.1-6 1 Then Job answered the Lord and said: 2 “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
192
3 ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. 4 ‘Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you make it known to me.’ 5 I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; 6 therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”
PSALMS PS. 1 1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. 4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; 6 for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
PS. 2 1 Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying, 3 “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.” 4 He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. 5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, 6 “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” 7 I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. 193
8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. 9 You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.” 10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
PS. 12.6 The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.
PS. 16.7-11 7 I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. 8 I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. 10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. 11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
PS. 19 1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 2 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. 4 Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun,
194
5 which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. 6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat. 7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. 12 Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. 13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
PS. 22.7-8 7 All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads; 8 “He trusts in the Lord; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he delights in him!”
PS. 23 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 195
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
PS. 27.13-14 13 I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! 14 Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
PS. 29.1-11 1 Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. 2 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness. 3 The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord, over many waters. 4 The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty. 5 The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars; the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon. 6 He makes Lebanon to skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox. 7 The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire. 8 The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness; the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. 9 The voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth and strips the forests bare, and in his temple all cry, “Glory!” 10 The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits enthroned as king forever. 11 May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!
PS. 32.2 Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
196
PS. 32.5 I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah
PS. 33.9 For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.
PS. 33.16-20 16 The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. 17 The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue. 18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, 19 that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine. 20 Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.
PS. 34.1-11 1 I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. 3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! 4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. 6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. 8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! 9 Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!
197
10 The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. 11 Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
PS. 34.18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
PS. 37.1-6 1 Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! 2 For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. 3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. 4 Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. 6 He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.
198
PS. 37.39-40 39 The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble. 40 The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.
PS. 39.4-5 4 “O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! 5 Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah
PS. 40.7-8 7 Then I said, “Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me: 8 I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”
PS. 42.1-5 1 As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all the day long, “Where is your God?” 4 These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I would go with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God with glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival. 5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation
199
PS. 46.1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
PS. 49.7-8 7 Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, 8 for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice,
PS. 51.1-10 1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. 5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
PS. 59.16-17 16 But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress. 17 O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love. 200
PS. 62.5-12 5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. 7 On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. 8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah 9 Those of low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath. 10 Put no trust in extortion; set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them. 11 Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God, 12 and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. For you will render to a man according to his work.
PS. 63.1-8 1 O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. 2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. 3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. 4 So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. 5 My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, 6 when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; 7 for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. 8 My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.
PS. 90 1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. 2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. 201
3 You return man to dust and say, “Return, O children of man!” 4 For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night. 5 You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning: 6 in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers. 7 For we are brought to an end by your anger; by your wrath we are dismayed. 8 You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. 9 For all our days pass away under your wrath; we bring our years to an end like a sigh. 10 The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. 11 Who considers the power of your anger, and your wrath according to the fear of you? 12 So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. 13 Return, O Lord! How long? Have pity on your servants! 14 Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. 15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, and for as many years as we have seen evil. 16 Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children. 17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!
PS. 70.5 But I am poor and needy; hasten to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay!
PS. 73.25-28 25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. 202
26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 27 For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you. 28 But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.
PS. 78.70-72 70 He chose David his servant and took him from the sheepfolds; 71 from following the nursing ewes he brought him to shepherd Jacob his people, Israel his inheritance. 72 With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with his skillful hand.
PS. 79.6 Pour out your anger on the nations that do not know you, and on the kingdoms that do not call upon your name!
PS. 89.30-33 30 If his children forsake my law and do not walk according to my rules, 31 if they violate my statutes and do not keep my commandments, 32 then I will punish their transgression with the rod and their iniquity with stripes, 33 but I will not remove from him my steadfast love or be false to my faithfulness.
PS. 92.12-15 12 The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 13 They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, 15 to declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him. 203
PS. 94.17-19 17 If the Lord had not been my help, my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence. 18 When I thought, “My foot slips,” your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up. 19 When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.
PS. 100 1 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! 3 Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! 5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
PS. 103 1 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, 3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, 5 who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. 6 The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. 7 He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel. 8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. 9 He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. 10 He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.
204
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. 13 As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. 14 For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; 16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. 17 But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children, 18 to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments. 19 The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. 20 Bless the Lord, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word! 21 Bless the Lord, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will! 22 Bless the Lord, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul!
205
PS. 107.8-9 8 Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! 9 For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.
PS. 111.7-10 7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy; 8 they are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness. 9 He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name! 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
PS. 112.1 Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments!
PS. 115.1 Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!
PS. 115.11 You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield.
PS. 118.22-23 22 The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. 23 This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.
206
PS. 119.2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart,
PS. 119.9-40 9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. 10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! 11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. 12 Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes! 13 With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. 14 In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. 15 I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. 16 I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. 17 Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. 18 Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. 19 I am a sojourner on the earth; hide not your commandments from me! 20 My soul is consumed with longing for your rules at all times. 21 You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones, who wander from your commandments. 22 Take away from me scorn and contempt, for I have kept your testimonies. 23 Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant will meditate on your statutes. 24 Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors. 25 My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word! 26 When I told of my ways, you answered me; teach me your statutes! 27 Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works. 28 My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!
207
29 Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law! 30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me. 31 I cling to your testimonies, O Lord; let me not be put to shame! 32 I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart! 33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end. 34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart. 35 Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. 36 Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! 37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways. 38 Confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared. 39 Turn away the reproach that I dread, for your rules are good. 40 Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life!
PS. 119.67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.
PS. 119.71 It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.
PS. 119.89 Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.
208
PS. 119.97 Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.
PS. 119.103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
PS. 119.105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
PS. 119.130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.
PS. 119.160 The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.
PS. 119.174 I long for your salvation, O Lord, and your law is my delight.
PS. 119.176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments.
PS. 121.1-2 1 I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? 2 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
209
PS. 127.1 Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.
PS. 130.3-4 3 If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? 4 But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.
PS. 139.13-14 13 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
PS. 145.1-19 1 I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. 2 Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. 3 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. 4 One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. 5 On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. 6 They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness. 7 They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness. 8 The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. 9 The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made. 10 All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your saints shall bless you!
210
11 They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power, 12 to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. 13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. [The Lord is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.] 14 The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. 15 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. 16 You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing. 17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works. 18 The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. 19 He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.
PS. 146.8 the Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous.
PROVERBS PROV. 1.1-2 1 The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: 2 To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight,
PROV. 1.7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
PROV. 2.1-7 1 My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you,
211
2 making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; 3 yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, 4 if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, 5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; 7 he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
PROV. 3.1-8 1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, 2 for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. 3 Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
PROV. 4.23 Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.
PROV. 5.15-21 15 Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well. 16 Should your springs be scattered abroad, streams of water in the streets? 17 Let them be for yourself alone, and not for strangers with you. 18 Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth,
212
19 a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love. 20 Why should you be intoxicated, my son, with a forbidden woman and embrace the bosom of an adulteress? 21 For a man's ways are before the eyes of the Lord, and he ponders all his paths.
PROV. 9.10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
PROV. 10.19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.
PROV. 13.3 Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
PROV. 14.1 The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down.
PROV. 15.1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
PROV. 15.30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones.
PROV. 16.18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
213
PROV. 17.3 The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts.
PROV. 18.12 Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.
PROV. 18.21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
PROV. 21.23 Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.
PROV. 22.4 The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.
PROV. 25.11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
PROV. 30.5-6 5 Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. 6 Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.
PROV. 31.25-30 25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. 27 She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
214
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” 30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
ECCLESIASTES ECC.12.12-13 12 My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh. 13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
ISAIAH ISA. 1.1-3 1 The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. 2 Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth; for the Lord has spoken: “Children have I reared and brought up, but they have rebelled against me. 3 The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master's crib, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.”
ISA. 6.1-8 1 In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”
215
4 And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. 5 And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” 6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.” 8 And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”
ISA. 7.14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
ISA. 8.1-14 1 Then the Lord said to me, “Take a large tablet and write on it in common characters, ‘Belonging to Maher-shalal-hash-baz.’ 2 And I will get reliable witnesses, Uriah the priest and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah, to attest for me.” 3 And I went to the prophetess, and she conceived and bore a son. Then the Lord said to me, “Call his name Maher-shalal-hash-baz; 4 for before the boy knows how to cry ‘My father’ or ‘My mother,’ the wealth of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria will be carried away before the king of Assyria.” 5 The Lord spoke to me again: 6 “Because this people has refused the waters of Shiloah that flow gently, and rejoice over Rezin and the son of Remaliah, 7 therefore, behold, the Lord is bringing up against them the waters of the River, mighty and many, the king of Assyria and all his glory. And it will rise over all its channels and go over all its banks, 8 and it will sweep on into Judah, it will overflow and pass on, reaching even to the neck, and its outspread wings will fill the breadth of your land, O Immanuel.”
216
9 Be broken, you peoples, and be shattered; give ear, all you far countries; strap on your armor and be shattered; strap on your armor and be shattered. 10 Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing; speak a word, but it will not stand, for God is with us. 11 For the Lord spoke thus to me with his strong hand upon me, and warned me not to walk in the way of this people, saying: 12 “Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. 13 But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. 14 And he will become a sanctuary and a stone of offense and a rock of stumbling to both houses of Israel, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
ISA. 9.1-6 1 But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. 3 You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. 4 For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
ISA. 11.1-2 1 There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.
217
2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
ISA. 14.12-15 12 “How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low! 13 You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ 15 But you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit.
ISA. 28.16 therefore thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’
ISA. 33.6 and he will be the stability of your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is Zion's treasure.
218
ISA. 40.8 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.
ISA. 41.10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
ISA. 43.7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”
ISA. 43.10-13 10 “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me. 11 I, I am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior. 12 I declared and saved and proclaimed, when there was no strange god among you; and you are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and I am God. 13 Also henceforth I am he; there is none who can deliver from my hand; I work, and who can turn it back?”
ISA. 45.21-24 21 Declare and present your case; let them take counsel together! Who told this long ago? Who declared it of old? Was it not I, the Lord? And there is no other god besides me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none besides me. 22 “Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. 23 By myself I have sworn; from my mouth has gone out in righteousness a word that shall not return: ‘To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.’
219
24 “Only in the Lord, it shall be said of me, are righteousness and strength; to him shall come and be ashamed all who were incensed against him.
ISA. 46.8-11 8 “Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, 9 remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ 11 calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it.
ISA. 48.10 Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction.
ISA. 53 1 Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 2 For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned-every one-to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
220
7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. 8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? 9 And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth. 10 Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. 11 Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.
ISA. 55 1 “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. 3 Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David. 4 Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples. 5 Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that did not know you shall run to you, because of the Lord your God, and of the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you. 6 “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; 7 let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
221
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. 12 “For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. 13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall make a name for the Lord, an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.”
ISA. 57.15 For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.
ISA. 61.1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
ISA. 66.1-2 1 Thus says the Lord: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest? 2 All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.
222
JEREMIAH JER. 1.4-10 4 Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” 6 Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” 7 But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.” 9 Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the Lord said to me, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth. 10 See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.”
JER. 2.22 Though you wash yourself with lye and use much soap, the stain of your guilt is still before me, declares the Lord God.
JER. 3.15 And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.
JER. 5.30-31 30 An appalling and horrible thing has happened in the land: 31 the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule at their direction; my people love to have it so, but what will you do when the end comes?
JER. 6.15
223
Were they ashamed when they committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed; they did not know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time that I punish them, they shall be overthrown,” says the Lord.
JER. 8.12 Were they ashamed when they committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed; they did not know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among the fallen; when I punish them, they shall be overthrown, says the Lord.
JER. 9.23-24 23 Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”
JER. 13.23 Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots? Then also you can do good who are accustomed to do evil.
JER. 15.16 Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.
JER. 17.5-9 5 Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. 6 He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land. 7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. 8 He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
224
9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?
JER. 18.1-6 1 The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2 “Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will let you hear my words.” 3 So I went down to the potter's house, and there he was working at his wheel. 4 And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do. 5 Then the word of the Lord came to me: 6 “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the Lord. Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.
JER. 23.5-6 5 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 6 In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’
225
JER. 23.16-37 16 Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord. 17 They say continually to those who despise the word of the Lord, ‘It shall be well with you’; and to everyone who stubbornly follows his own heart, they say, ‘No disaster shall come upon you.’” 18 For who among them has stood in the council of the Lord to see and to hear his word, or who has paid attention to his word and listened? 19 Behold, the storm of the Lord! Wrath has gone forth, a whirling tempest; it will burst upon the head of the wicked. 20 The anger of the Lord will not turn back until he has executed and accomplished the intents of his heart. In the latter days you will understand it clearly. 21 “I did not send the prophets, yet they ran; I did not speak to them, yet they prophesied. 22 But if they had stood in my council, then they would have proclaimed my words to my people, and they would have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their deeds. 23 “Am I a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? 24 Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord. 25 I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy lies in my name, saying, ‘I have dreamed, I have dreamed!’ 26 How long shall there be lies in the heart of the prophets who prophesy lies, and who prophesy the deceit of their own heart, 27 who think to make my people forget my name by their dreams that they tell one another, even as their fathers forgot my name for Baal? 28 Let the prophet who has a dream tell the dream, but let him who has my word speak my word faithfully. What has straw in common with wheat? declares the Lord. 29 Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?
226
30 Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, declares the Lord, who steal my words from one another. 31 Behold, I am against the prophets, declares the Lord, who use their tongues and declare, ‘declares the Lord.’ 32 Behold, I am against those who prophesy lying dreams, declares the Lord, and who tell them and lead my people astray by their lies and their recklessness, when I did not send them or charge them. So they do not profit this people at all, declares the Lord. 33 “When one of this people, or a prophet or a priest asks you, ‘What is the burden of the Lord?’ you shall say to them, ‘You are the burden, and I will cast you off, declares the Lord.’ 34 And as for the prophet, priest, or one of the people who says, ‘The burden of the Lord,’ I will punish that man and his household. 35 Thus shall you say, every one to his neighbor and every one to his brother, ‘What has the Lord answered?’ or ‘What has the Lord spoken?’ 36 But ‘the burden of the Lord’ you shall mention no more, for the burden is every man's own word, and you pervert the words of the living God, the Lord of hosts, our God. 37 Thus you shall say to the prophet, ‘What has the Lord answered you?’ or ‘What has the Lord spoken?’
JER. 31.2-3 2 Thus says the Lord: “The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness; when Israel sought for rest, 3 the Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.
JER. 31.33-34 33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”
227
JER. 33.8 I will cleanse them from all the guilt of their sin against me, and I will forgive all the guilt of their sin and rebellion against me.
LAMENTATIONS LAM. 3.19-23 19 Remember my affliction and my wanderings, the wormwood and the gall! 20 My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me. 21 But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: 22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
EZEKIEL EZE. 7.8 Now I will soon pour out my wrath upon you, and spend my anger against you, and judge you according to your ways, and I will punish you for all your abominations.
EZE. 13.1-13 1 The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel, who are prophesying, and say to those who prophesy from their own hearts: ‘Hear the word of the Lord!’ 3 Thus says the Lord God, Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing! 4 Your prophets have been like jackals among ruins, O Israel. 5 You have not gone up into the breaches, or built up a wall for the house of Israel, that it might stand in battle in the day of the Lord.
228
6 They have seen false visions and lying divinations. They say, ‘Declares the Lord,’ when the Lord has not sent them, and yet they expect him to fulfill their word. 7 Have you not seen a false vision and uttered a lying divination, whenever you have said, ‘Declares the Lord,’ although I have not spoken?” 8 Therefore thus says the Lord God: “Because you have uttered falsehood and seen lying visions, therefore behold, I am against you, declares the Lord God. 9 My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and who give lying divinations. They shall not be in the council of my people, nor be enrolled in the register of the house of Israel, nor shall they enter the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord God. 10 Precisely because they have misled my people, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace, and because, when the people build a wall, these prophets smear it with whitewash, 11 say to those who smear it with whitewash that it shall fall! There will be a deluge of rain, and you, O great hailstones, will fall, and a stormy wind break out. 12 And when the wall falls, will it not be said to you, ‘Where is the coating with which you smeared it?’ 13 Therefore thus says the Lord God: I will make a stormy wind break out in my wrath, and there shall be a deluge of rain in my anger, and great hailstones in wrath to make a full end.
EZE. 18.4 Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine: the soul who sins shall die.
EZE. 28.13-16 13 You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering, sardius, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, emerald, and carbuncle; and crafted in gold were your settings and your engravings. On the day that you were created they were prepared. 14 You were an anointed guardian cherub. I placed you; you were on the holy mountain of God; in the midst of the stones of fire you walked. 15 You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created, till unrighteousness was found in you.
229
16 In the abundance of your trade you were filled with violence in your midst, and you sinned; so I cast you as a profane thing from the mountain of God, and I destroyed you, O guardian cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.
EZE. 34.1-15 1 The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy, and say to them, even to the shepherds, Thus says the Lord God: Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep? 3 You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat ones, but you do not feed the sheep. 4 The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the injured you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them. 5 So they were scattered, because there was no shepherd, and they became food for all the wild beasts. 6 My sheep were scattered; they wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. My sheep were scattered over all the face of the earth, with none to search or seek for them. 7 “Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: 8 As I live, declares the Lord God, surely because my sheep have become a prey, and my sheep have become food for all the wild beasts, since there was no shepherd, and because my shepherds have not searched for my sheep, but the shepherds have fed themselves, and have not fed my sheep, 9 therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: 10 Thus says the Lord God, Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will require my sheep at their hand and put a stop to their feeding the sheep. No longer shall the shepherds feed themselves. I will rescue my sheep from their mouths, that they may not be food for them. 11 “For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. 12 As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness.
230
13 And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land. And I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the ravines, and in all the inhabited places of the country. 14 I will feed them with good pasture, and on the mountain heights of Israel shall be their grazing land. There they shall lie down in good grazing land, and on rich pasture they shall feed on the mountains of Israel. 15 I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I myself will make them lie down, declares the Lord God.
DANIEL DAN. 1.8 But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.
DAN. 2.17-45 17 Then Daniel went to his house and made the matter known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, 18 and told them to seek mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his companions might not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. 19 Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. 20 Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. 21 He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; 22 he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him. 23 To you, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, for you have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of you, for you have made known to us the king's matter.”
231
24 Therefore Daniel went in to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon. He went and said thus to him: “Do not destroy the wise men of Babylon; bring me in before the king, and I will show the king the interpretation.” 25 Then Arioch brought in Daniel before the king in haste and said thus to him: “I have found among the exiles from Judah a man who will make known to the king the interpretation.” 26 The king declared to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, “Are you able to make known to me the dream that I have seen and its interpretation?” 27 Daniel answered the king and said, “No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show to the king the mystery that the king has asked, 28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days. Your dream and the visions of your head as you lay in bed are these: 29 To you, O king, as you lay in bed came thoughts of what would be after this, and he who reveals mysteries made known to you what is to be. 30 But as for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because of any wisdom that I have more than all the living, but in order that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your mind. 31 “You saw, O king, and behold, a great image. This image, mighty and of exceeding brightness, stood before you, and its appearance was frightening. 32 The head of this image was of fine gold, its chest and arms of silver, its middle and thighs of bronze, 33 its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. 34 As you looked, a stone was cut out by no human hand, and it struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. 35 Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold, all together were broken in pieces, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, so that not a trace of them could be found. But the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth. 36 “This was the dream. Now we will tell the king its interpretation. 37 You, O king, the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, and the might, and the glory, 38 and into whose hand he has given, wherever they dwell, the children of man, the beasts of the field, and the birds of the heavens, making you rule over them all-you are the head of gold. 232
39 Another kingdom inferior to you shall arise after you, and yet a third kingdom of bronze, which shall rule over all the earth. 40 And there shall be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron, because iron breaks to pieces and shatters all things. And like iron that crushes, it shall break and crush all these. 41 And as you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter's clay and partly of iron, it shall be a divided kingdom, but some of the firmness of iron shall be in it, just as you saw iron mixed with the soft clay. 42 And as the toes of the feet were partly iron and partly clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly brittle. 43 As you saw the iron mixed with soft clay, so they will mix with one another in marriage, but they will not hold together, just as iron does not mix with clay. 44 And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever, 45 just as you saw that a stone was cut from a mountain by no human hand, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold. A great God has made known to the king what shall be after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation sure.”
DAN. 3.12-18 12 There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, pay no attention to you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” 13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in furious rage commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought. So they brought these men before the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar answered and said to them, “Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, well and good. But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?” 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 233
17 If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”
DAN. 4.34-37 34 At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; 35 all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?” 36 At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and splendor returned to me. My counselors and my lords sought me, and I was established in my kingdom, and still more greatness was added to me. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.
DAN. 6.19-22 19 Then, at break of day, the king arose and went in haste to the den of lions. 20 As he came near to the den where Daniel was, he cried out in a tone of anguish. The king declared to Daniel, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” 21 Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! 22 My God sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm.”
DAN. 11.32 He shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.
234
MICAH MICAH 5:15 And in anger and wrath I will execute vengeance on the nations that did not obey.
MICAH 6.8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
HAGGAI HAGGAI 1.12 Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the Lord their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the Lord their God had sent him. And the people feared the Lord.
ZECHARIAH ZECH. 7.8-12 8 And the word of the Lord came to Zechariah, saying, 9 “Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, 10 do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart.” 11 But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears that they might not hear. 12 They made their hearts diamond-hard lest they should hear the law and the words that the Lord of hosts had sent by his Spirit through the former prophets. Therefore great anger came from the Lord of hosts.
235
236
MATTHEW MATT. 3.1-2 1 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
MATT. 3.16-17 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
MATT. 4.3-10 3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” 7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.”
237
10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’”
MATT. 4.17-19 17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 18 While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
MATT. 5.10-19 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. 17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
238
MATT. 5.38-48 38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you. 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
MATT. 6.9 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
MATT. 6.19-34 19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light,
239
23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
MATT. 7.7-16 7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent?
240
11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! 12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. 13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. 15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
MATT. 7.21-29 21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ 24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” 28 And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, 29 for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.
241
MATT. 9.23-24 23 And when Jesus came to the ruler's house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, 24 he said, “Go away, for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him.
MATT. 9.36-38 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
MATT. 10.25 It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.
MATT. 10.28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
MATT. 10.38-39 38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
MATT. 11.28-30 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
242
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
MATT. 13.18-23 18 “Hear then the parable of the sower: 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. 20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. 22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. 23 As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”
MATT. 14.15-21 15 Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16 But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” 17 They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” 18 And he said, “Bring them here to me.” 19 Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20 And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. 21 And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
243
MATT. 15.7-9 7 You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said: 8 “‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; 9 in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”
MATT. 15.15-20 15 But Peter said to him, “Explain the parable to us.” 16 And he said, “Are you also still without understanding? 17 Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled? 18 But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. 20 These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.”
MATT. 16.15-17 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.
MATT. 16.21-26 21 From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. 22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” 23 But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” 244
24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?
MATT. 17.4-6 4 And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 5 He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified.
MATT. 18.3-9 3 and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, 6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 “Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes! 8 And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire.
MATT. 18.32-33
245
32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’
MATT. 20.25-28 25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
MATT. 20.32-34 32 And stopping, Jesus called them and said, “What do you want me to do for you?” 33 They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” 34 And Jesus in pity touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight and followed him.
MATT. 21.33-46 33 “Hear another parable. There was a master of a house who planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a winepress in it and built a tower and leased it to tenants, and went into another country. 34 When the season for fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to get his fruit. 35 And the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. 36 Again he sent other servants, more than the first. And they did the same to them. 37 Finally he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’
246
38 But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.’ 39 And they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. 40 When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” 41 They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons.” 42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? 43 Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. 44 And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.” 45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them. 46 And although they were seeking to arrest him, they feared the crowds, because they held him to be a prophet.
MATT. 22.29-33 29 But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. 31 And as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God: 32 ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not God of the dead, but of the living.” 33 And when the crowd heard it, they were astonished at his teaching.
MATT. 22.36-39 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?”
247
37 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 first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
MATT. 23.32-33 32 Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers. 33 You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell?
MATT. 24.4-11 4 And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. 5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. 9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. 11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.
MATT. 24.35-39 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 36 “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. 37 For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark,
248
39 and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
MATT. 25.14-30 14 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. 19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents.
249
29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
MATT. 26.23-24 23 He answered, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.”
MATT. 26.33-46 33 Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” 34 Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” 35 Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same. 36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” 37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” 39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” 40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 250
44 So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”
MATT. 26.59-68 59 Now the chief priests and the whole Council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, 60 but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward 61 and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’” 62 And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” 63 But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” 64 Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” 65 Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. 66 What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” 67 Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him, 68 saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?”
MATT. 26.69-75 69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came up to him and said, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.” 70 But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you mean.” 71 And when he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.”
251
72 And again he denied it with an oath: “I do not know the man.” 73 After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Certainly you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you.” 74 Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately the rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.
MATT. 27.11-14 11 Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You have said so.” 12 But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer. 13 Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?” 14 But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.
MATT. 27.22-31 22 Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” 23 And he said, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!” 24 So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves.” 25 And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” 26 Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified. 27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor's headquarters, and they gathered the whole battalion before him. 28 And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him,
252
29 and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head. 31 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him and led him away to crucify him.
MATT. 27.39-46 39 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads 40 and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” 41 So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, 42 “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way. 45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
MATT. 28.18-20 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
MARK
253
MARK 1.22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.
MARK 1.35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.
MARK 1.40-42 40 And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” 41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” 42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.
MARK 2.9-12 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”-he said to the paralytic11 “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” 12 And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”
MARK 3.5 And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored.
MARK 4.39
254
And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
MARK 5.8 For he was saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!”
MARK 5.15 And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid.
MARK 5.39-42 39 And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” 40 And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. 41 Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42 And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement.
MARK 6.2 And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands?
MARK 6.34 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.
MARK 7.17-23 17 And when he had entered the house and left the people, his disciples asked him about the parable. 255
18 And he said to them, “Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him, 19 since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.) 20 And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. 21 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
MARK 8.34-38 34 And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. 36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? 37 For what can a man give in return for his soul? 38 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
MARK 10.33-34 33 saying, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. 34 And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.”
MARK 10.42-45 42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.
256
43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
MARK 11.15-17 15 And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 16 And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. 17 And he was teaching them and saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.”
MARK 12.28-31 28 And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” 29 Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
MARK 13.5-8 5 And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. 6 Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. 7 And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains. 257
MARK 13.23-26 23 But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand. 24 “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.
258
MARK 14.32-42 32 And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. 34 And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” 35 And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” 37 And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. 41 And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”
MARK 14.60-64 60 And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” 61 But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” 62 And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”
259
63 And the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further witnesses do we need? 64 You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death.
MARK 15.16-20 16 And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the governor's headquarters), and they called together the whole battalion. 17 And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. 18 And they began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 19 And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him.
MARK 15.29-32 29 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 30 save yourself, and come down from the cross!” 31 So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. 32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him.
LUKE LUKE 1.1-4 1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us,
260
3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.
LUKE 1.67-79 67 And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, 68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people 69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, 70 as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, 71 that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us; 72 to show the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, 73 the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us 74 that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. 76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, 77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high 79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
LUKE 2.21-38 21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 22 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) 261
24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation 31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” 33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” 36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
LUKE 2.49-51 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?” 50 And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them.
262
51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.
LUKE 4.3-4 3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” 4 And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’”
LUKE 4.18-22 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” 20 And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” 22 And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth. And they said, “Is not this Joseph's son?”
LUKE 5.8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”
LUKE 6.22-23 22 “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! 23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.
LUKE 6.47-48 47 Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: 263
48 he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.
LUKE 8.11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
LUKE 8.35 35 Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid.
LUKE 8.52-53 52 And all were weeping and mourning for her, but he said, “Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping.” 53 And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead.
LUKE 9.23-24 23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.
LUKE 9.44-46 44 “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.” 45 But they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, so that they might not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying. 46 An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest.
LUKE 10.26-27 26 He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?”
264
27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”
LUKE 11.1-2 1 Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” 2 And he said to them, “When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come.
LUKE 11.27-28 27 As he said these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!” 28 But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”
LUKE 12.4-7 4 “I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. 5 But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7 Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.
LUKE 12.16-21 16 And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17 and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ 18 And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.
265
19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”
LUKE 12.31-46 31 Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. 32 “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 35 “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, 36 and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. 37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. 38 If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! 39 But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. 40 You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” 41 Peter said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?” 42 And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? 43 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 44 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.
266
45 But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, 46 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful.
LUKE 13.33 Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.’
LUKE 14.26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.
LUKE 16.13 No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
267
LUKE 17.12-16 12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance 13 and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” 14 When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. 15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; 16 and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan.
LUKE 17.26-29 26 Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man. 27 They were eating and drinking and marrying and being given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot-they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building, 29 but on the day when Lot went out from Sodom, fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all-
LUKE 18.9-14 9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’
268
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
LUKE 19.10-28 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” 11 As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. 12 He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. 13 Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’ 14 But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’ 15 When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business. 16 The first came before him, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.’ 17 And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’ 18 And the second came, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made five minas.’ 19 And he said to him, ‘And you are to be over five cities.’ 20 Then another came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief; 21 for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’ 22 He said to him, ‘I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? 23 Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?’ 24 And he said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.’ 269
25 And they said to him, ‘Lord, he has ten minas!’ 26 ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 27 But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.’” 28 And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.
LUKE 21.8-9 8 And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. 9 And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.”
LUKE 22.21-27 21 But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. 22 For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!” 23 And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this. 24 A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. 25 And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. 26 But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. 27 For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.
LUKE 22.31-34 31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 270
33 Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”
LUKE 22.44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
LUKE 22.59-65 59 And after an interval of about an hour still another insisted, saying, “Certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean.” 60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” 62 And he went out and wept bitterly. 63 Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking him as they beat him. 64 They also blindfolded him and kept asking him, “Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?” 65 And they said many other things against him, blaspheming him.
LUKE 22.69 But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.”
LUKE 23.10-11 10 The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. 11 And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate.
271
LUKE 23.33-43 33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. 35 And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine 37 and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” 39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
LUKE 23.46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.
272
LUKE 24.25-32 25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. 28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 29 but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?”
LUKE 24.46-47 46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
JOHN JOHN 1.1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
273
JOHN 1.4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men.
JOHN 1.10-17 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) 16 And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
JOHN 2.13-17 13 The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. 15 And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. 16 And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a house of trade.” 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.”
JOHN 3.3-20
274
3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. 16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.
275
20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.
JOHN 3.30 He must increase, but I must decrease.”
JOHN 3.36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.
JOHN 4.13-14 13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
JOHN 4.34-36 34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. 35 Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. 36 Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together.
JOHN 5.4-5 4--5 One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years.
JOHN 5.17-24 17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.”
276
18 This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. 19 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel. 21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. 22 The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
JOHN 6.2 And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick.
JOHN 6.14-15 14 When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!” 15 Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.
JOHN 6.28-30 28 Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” 30 So they said to him, “Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform?
277
JOHN 6.35-36 35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. 36 But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe.
JOHN 6.40 For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”
JOHN 6.45-47 45 It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me46 not that anyone has seen the Father except he who is from God; he has seen the Father. 47 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.
JOHN 6.60-69 60 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” 61 But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, “Do you take offense at this? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) 65 And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.” 66 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. 67 So Jesus said to the Twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?”
278
68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”
JOHN 7.30 So they were seeking to arrest him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come.
JOHN 7.37-46 37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. 40 When they heard these words, some of the people said, “This really is the Prophet.” 41 Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Is the Christ to come from Galilee? 42 Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the offspring of David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was?” 43 So there was a division among the people over him. 44 Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him. 45 The officers then came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why did you not bring him?” 46 The officers answered, “No one ever spoke like this man!”
279
JOHN 8.20 These words he spoke in the treasury, as he taught in the temple; but no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.
JOHN 8.24 I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins.”
JOHN 8.28-34 28 So Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. 29 And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.” 30 As he was saying these things, many believed in him. 31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?” 34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin.
JOHN 8.51-59 51 Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” 52 The Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon! Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death.’ 53 Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you make yourself out to be?”
280
54 Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ 55 But you have not known him. I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and I keep his word. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” 57 So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” 58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” 59 So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.
JOHN 9.3-5 3 Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
JOHN 9.28 And they reviled him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses.
JOHN 10.1-18 1 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” 281
6 This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. 7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”
JOHN 10.24-33 24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not part of my flock. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
282
28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one.” 31 The Jews picked up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?” 33 The Jews answered him, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.”
JOHN 10.35-36 35 If he called them gods to whom the word of God came-and Scripture cannot be broken36 do you say of him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’?
JOHN 11.25-26 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
JOHN 11.32-36 32 Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. 34 And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Jesus wept. 36 So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”
283
JOHN 12.23-28 23 And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. 27 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”
JOHN 13.1-17 1 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!”
284
10 Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.” 12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
JOHN 13.34-35 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
JOHN 14.1-9 1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
285
7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” 8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
JOHN 14.15-17 15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.
JOHN 14.21-23 21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
JOHN 15.4-21 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 286
9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. 12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another. 18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21 But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.
JOHN 15.26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.
JOHN 16.7-15 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 287
8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. 12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.
JOHN 17.3-4 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.
JOHN 17.11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.
JOHN 17.17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
JOHN 19.15 They cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.”
288
JOHN 19.30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
JOHN 20.21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”
JOHN 20.28-31 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” 30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
JOHN 21.13-19 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead. 15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.”
289
19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”
ACTS ACTS 1.1-8 1 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
ACTS 1.18 (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out.
ACTS 2.22-43 22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know-
290
23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. 25 For David says concerning him, “‘I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken; 26 therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my flesh also will dwell in hope. 27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption. 28 You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’ 29 “Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, 31 he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. 33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, “‘The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, 35 until I make your enemies your footstool.’ 36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” 37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”
291
40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.
ACTS 3.11-19 11 While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon's. 12 And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? 13 The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. 14 But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. 16 And his name-by faith in his name-has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all. 17 “And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. 19 Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out,
ACTS 3.22-25 22 Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you.
292
23 And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.’ 24 And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days. 25 You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.’
ACTS 4 1 And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, 2 greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. 4 But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand. 5 On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, 6 with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, 9 if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, 10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the deadby him this man is standing before you well. 11 This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. 12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
293
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. 14 But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. 15 But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, 16 saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” 18 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” 21 And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old. 23 When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, “‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed’27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.
294
29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. 32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.
295
ACTS 5.27-32 27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
ACTS 5.40-42 40 and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
ACTS 6.2-4 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
296
ACTS 7.35-38 35 “This Moses, whom they rejected, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’-this man God sent as both ruler and redeemer by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush. 36 This man led them out, performing wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years. 37 This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers.’ 38 This is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. He received living oracles to give to us.
ACTS 9.15-16 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”
ACTS 9.23-27 23 When many days had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him, 24 but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him, 25 but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket. 26 And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.
297
ACTS 10.38-43 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, 41 not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. 43 To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
ACTS 12.5 So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.
ACTS 12.11-12 11 When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.” 12 When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying.
ACTS 14.21-22 21 When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. 298
ACTS 16.22-34 22 The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. 23 And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. 24 Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, 26 and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened. 27 When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” 29 And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. 34 Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.
299
ACTS 17.30-31 30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”
ACTS 20.17-35 17 Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. 18 And when they came to him, he said to them: “You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, 21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. 25 And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all of you, 27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. 300
29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears. 32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. 34 You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. 35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
ROMANS ROM. 1.1-7 1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, 6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, 7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
ROM. 1.14-18
301
14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. 15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.
ROM. 1.21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
ROM. 1.26-28 26 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; 27 and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. 28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.
ROM. 2.1-11 1 Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. 2 We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. 3 Do you suppose, O man-you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself-that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?
302
5 But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed. 6 He will render to each one according to his works: 7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; 8 but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. 9 There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, 10 but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. 11 For God shows no partiality.
ROM. 3.1-2 1 Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? 2 Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God.
ROM. 3.10-26 10 as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; 11 no one understands; no one seeks for God. 12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” 13 “Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.” “The venom of asps is under their lips.” 14 “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.” 15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16 in their paths are ruin and misery, 17 and the way of peace they have not known.” 18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
303
19 Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
ROM. 4.1-8 1 What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. 5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, 6 just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.”
304
ROM. 5 1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. 6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person-though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. 12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned13 for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. 14 Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come. 15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. 16 And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification.
305
17 For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. 18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. 20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
ROM. 6 1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions.
306
13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. 14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. 15 What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! 16 Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, 18 and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. 19 I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification. 20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
ROM. 6.23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
ROM. 7.4 Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God.
307
ROM. 7.14-25 14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. 15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.
ROM. 8 1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
308
6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. 12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs-heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.
309
23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. 26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died-more than that, who was raised-who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
310
ROM. 9.15-25 15 For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. 19 You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” 20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? 22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory24 even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? 25 As indeed he says in Hosea, “Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’ and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.’”
ROM. 10.8-17 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”
311
12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
ROM. 11 1 I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? 3 “Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.” 4 But what is God's reply to him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” 5 So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. 6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace. 7 What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened, 8 as it is written, “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that would not see and ears that would not hear, down to this very day.” 9 And David says, “Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them; 10 let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see, and bend their backs forever.”
312
11 So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. 12 Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean! 13 Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry 14 in order somehow to make my fellow Jews jealous, and thus save some of them. 15 For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead? 16 If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is holy, so are the branches. 17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. 19 Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. 22 Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God's kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. 23 And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. 24 For if you were cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree. 25 Lest you be wise in your own sight, I want you to understand this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”;
313
27 “and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” 28 As regards the gospel, they are enemies of God for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30 For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, 31 so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy. 32 For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all. 33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! 34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” 35 “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” 36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
ROM. 12.1-10 1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching;
314
8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
ROM. 12.15-21 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
ROM. 13.1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
ROM. 13.5-7 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.
315
ROM. 13.11-14 11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. 12 The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
ROM. 15.4-6 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
ROM. 15.30 I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf,
ROM. 16.17-20 17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. 19 For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
316
1 CORINTHIANS 1 COR. 1.18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
1 COR. 1.22-24 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
1 COR. 2.1-2 1 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
1 COR. 6.9-10 9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
1 COR. 9.25-27 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 317
1 COR. 10.11-12 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.
1 COR. 10.31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1 COR. 13.4-8 4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.
1 COR. 13.13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
1 COR. 15.1-5 1 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you-unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.
318
1 COR. 15.58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
2 CORINTHIANS 2 COR. 3.18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
2 COR. 4.3-4 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
2 COR. 5.9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.
2 COR. 5.14-21 14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. 16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;
319
19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 COR. 6.2 For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
2 COR. 9.15 Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!
2 COR. 11.13-14 13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
GALATIANS GAL. 2.4 Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in-who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery-
GAL. 2.20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
GAL. 5.16-24 320
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
GAL. 6.9-10 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
GAL. 6.14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
EPHESIANS EPH. 1.17-23 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him,
321
18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
EPH. 2.8-13 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. 11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
EPH. 3.16-21 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith-that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
322
18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
EPH. 4.1-3 1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
EPH. 4.14-16 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
EPH. 4.25-32 25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.
323
29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
EPH. 5.1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.
EPH. 5.22-25 22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. 25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,
EPH. 6.1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
EPH. 6.10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
PHILIPPIANS PHIL. 1.6
324
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
PHIL. 2.3-15 3 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without grumbling or questioning, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
PHIL. 3.8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 325
PHIL. 3.10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
326
PHIL. 3.18-19 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.
PHIL. 4.4-9 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me-practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
COLOSSIANS COL. 1.3-17 3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel,
327
6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing-as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf 8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit. 9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. 11 May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy,
COL. 1.28-29 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.
COL. 2.2-3 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
COL. 3.1-2 1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
328
COL. 3.16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
COL. 4.2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
1 THESSALONIANS 1 THESS. 5.2-3 2 For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
1 THESS. 5.15-18 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
329
2 THESSALONIANS 2 THESS. 1.8-9 8 in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might,
1 TIMOTHY 1 TIM. 2.1-5 1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
1 TIM. 3.14-16 14 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, 15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. 16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.
1 TIM. 4.7-8 330
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.
1 TIM. 4:15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.
1 TIM. 6.3-6 3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, 4 he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. 6 Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment,
1 TIM. 5.17-18 17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.”
2 TIMOTHY 2 TIM. 1.6-12 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,
331
9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.
2 TIM. 2.1-10 1 You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. 7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. 8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
332
2 TIM. 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
2 TIM. 3.10-17 10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra-which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 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. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
2 TIM. 4.9 Do your best to come to me soon.
2 TIM. 4.21 Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers.
TITUS
333
TITUS 2.11-14 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live selfcontrolled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
TITUS 3.5-8 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.
HEBREWS HEB. 1.1-3 1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 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,
HEB. 1.10-12
334
10 And, “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; 11 they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, 12 like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end.”
HEB. 2.16-18 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
HEB. 4.12-16 12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. 14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
HEB. 5.14 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
HEB. 7.26-28
335
26 For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. 27 He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. 28 For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.
HEB. 10.17 then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”
HEB. 10.23-25 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
HEB. 10.35-39 35 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. 37 For, “Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; 38 but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” 39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
336
HEB. 11.8-10 8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.
HEB. 12.1-4 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
HEB. 13.9 Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them.
JAMES JAMES 1.2-4 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
337
4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
JAMES 1.13-17 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
JAMES 1.21-25 21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
JAMES 2.20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?
338
JAMES 5.8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
1 PETER 1 PETER 1 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith-more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire-may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, 11 inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories.
339
12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look. 13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. 22 Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, 23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; 24 for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, 25 but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you.
340
1 PETER 2 1 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. 4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” 7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” 8 and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. 13 Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.
341
16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. 18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
1 PETER 3 1 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct. 3 Do not let your adorning be external-the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. 5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.
342
7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. 8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 10 For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; 11 let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, 20 because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. 21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.
1 PETER 4 343
1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does. 7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies-in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
344
17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
1 PETER 5 1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. 13 She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son.
345
14 Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
2 PETER 2 PETER 1 1 Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: 2 May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 12 Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. 13 I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, 14 since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.
346
15 And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things. 16 For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” 18 we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. 19 And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, 20 knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. 21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
2 PETER 2 1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. 4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment; 5 if he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly; 6 if by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; 7 and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked
347
8 (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard); 9 then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, 10 and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority. Bold and willful, they do not tremble as they blaspheme the glorious ones, 11 whereas angels, though greater in might and power, do not pronounce a blasphemous judgment against them before the Lord. 12 But these, like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed, blaspheming about matters of which they are ignorant, will also be destroyed in their destruction, 13 suffering wrong as the wage for their wrongdoing. They count it pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, while they feast with you. 14 They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children! 15 Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray. They have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing, 16 but was rebuked for his own transgression; a speechless donkey spoke with human voice and restrained the prophet's madness. 17 These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved. 18 For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. 19 They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. 20 For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. 21 For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.”
348
2 PETER 3 1 This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, 2 that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles, 3 knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. 4 They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” 5 For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, 6 and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. 7 But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. 8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. 11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, 12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! 13 But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. 15 And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him,
349
16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. 17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
1 JOHN 1 JOHN 1.1-4 1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.
1 JOHN 1.8-9 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 JOHN 2.4-6 4 Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, 5 but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: 6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. 350
1 JOHN 2.12 I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name's sake.
1 JOHN 2.15-18 15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world-the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions-is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. 18 Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour.
1 JOHN 2.28 And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming.
1 JOHN 3.1-5 1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. 4 Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. 5 You know that he appeared to take away sins, and in him there is no sin.
1 JOHN 3.16-18 16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 351
17 But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
1 JOHN 4.8-11 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 JOHN 4.15-17 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 17 By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world.
JUDE JUDE 1.1 Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ:
JUDE 1.4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
JUDE 1.7-9 352
7 just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire. 8 Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones. 9 But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.”
353
JUDE 1.11 Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam's error and perished in Korah's rebellion.
JUDE 1.16-18 16 These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage. 17 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.”
JUDE 1.24-25 24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
REVELATION REV. 1.8-19 8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” 9 I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11 saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” 354
12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, 15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength. 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. 19 Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this.
REV. 2.14 But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality.
REV. 3.21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.
REV. 4.1-11 1 After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” 2 At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne. 3 And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald.
355
4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God, 6 and before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal. And around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: 7 the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with the face of a man, and the fourth living creature like an eagle in flight. 8 And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” 9 And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”
REV. 5.6-14 6 And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. 8 And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, 10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”
356
11 Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” 13 And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” 14 And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.
REV. 16.15 (“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”)
REV. 17.1-2 1 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who is seated on many waters, 2 with whom the kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality, and with the wine of whose sexual immorality the dwellers on earth have become drunk.”
357
REV. 17.8 The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to rise from the bottomless pit and go to destruction. And the dwellers on earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel to see the beast, because it was and is not and is to come.
REV. 18.3 For all nations have drunk the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxurious living.”
REV. 18.8-10 8 For this reason her plagues will come in a single day, death and mourning and famine, and she will be burned up with fire; for mighty is the Lord God who has judged her.” 9 And the kings of the earth, who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her, will weep and wail over her when they see the smoke of her burning. 10 They will stand far off, in fear of her torment, and say, “Alas! Alas! You great city, you mighty city, Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.”
REV. 18.16-17 16 “Alas, alas, for the great city that was clothed in fine linen, in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold, with jewels, and with pearls! 17 For in a single hour all this wealth has been laid waste.” And all shipmasters and seafaring men, sailors and all whose trade is on the sea, stood far off
358
REV. 19.1-2 1 After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, 2 for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.”
REV. 19.20-21 20 And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. 21 And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse, and all the birds were gorged with their flesh.
REV. 21 1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” 5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.
359
7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” 9 Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.” 10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, 11 having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. 12 It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed13 on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. 14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 15 And the one who spoke with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city and its gates and walls. 16 The city lies foursquare, its length the same as its width. And he measured the city with his rod, 12,000 stadia. Its length and width and height are equal. 17 He also measured its wall, 144 cubits by human measurement, which is also an angel's measurement. 18 The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, clear as glass. 19 The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel. The first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. 21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, transparent as glass. 22 And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. 23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. 360
24 By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, 25 and its gates will never be shut by day-and there will be no night there. 26 They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. 27 But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life.
REV. 22.1-7 1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. 6 And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.” 7 “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”
REV. 22.13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”
361
REV. 22.17 The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.
362
View more...
Comments
