Jesus alluded to the “queen of the South” to bring shame upon the Jewish rulers who resisted His will, and the evidence supporting His claims (cf. Matthew 12:42). The queen Jesus considered was of Sheba, who made a long journey to hear Solomon’s wisdom straight from the source (cf. 1 Kings 10:1-13). Her eagerness and diligence in seeking the wisdom of Solomon should drive us to take advantage of the access we have in Jesus.
Amos 7 begins a series of five visions given to the prophet by Yahweh concering the northern kingdom. The first two were of destruction, yet the Lord’s hand was stayed by the prophet’s intercession. The third described the finality of God’s decision to punish the nation due to their persistence in unfaithfulness to the covenant. A major component of the vision is that of a plumb line, representing an objective standard of truth (cf. Amos 7:7-9). Still today, God suspends a plumb line in the midst of His people.
In her bitter trial of barrenness and persecution, Hannah poured her heart out to the Lord in faith. When God blessed her with a son, whom she called Samuel, noting that God had heard her, she turned to God in fervent praise. Her prayer-song in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 is filled with wonderful reflections on God and His faithfulness, sovereignty, and provision.
Following his exhortation for the Philippians to work out their salvation, Paul noted the Divine activity adjoining their efforts - "for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." (Philippians 2:13) How does God work in us? What does it mean that He works in us to will?
John's account of Jesus washing the disciples feet in the upper room provides an example of humility, service, and love that each disciple is called to engage in. Jesus answered Peter's objection to Him washing his feet, "If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” (John 13:8, ESV). The "share" Jesus alludes to is no less a part of His grace than the washing by His blood. We are privileged to share in the mission of our Lord, and His divine nature.
While awaiting a decision on his case, Paul was presented an opportunity when the governor, Felix, "sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ." (Acts 24:24) Luke records that Paul "reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come" (v. 25).
Amidst the rebuke of the scribes and Pharisees by Jesus in Matthew 23, He addressed a problem concerning their intense attention to small matters of the law, while failing to adhere to the weightier matters (v. 23). He likened this to straining out a gnat, but swallowing a camel (v. 24). This failure in proportion and priority should be avoided.
As Paul defends his ministry against his opponents in Corinth, he highlights how much better the New Covenant is than that from Sinai. Several contrasts are drawn, and important insight is given from a scene at Sinai in Exodus 34. What does it mean that "the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life" (2 Corinthians 3:6).
Paul told Timothy about a coming apostasy where some would prohibit certain things God had blessed man with. He explained that "those who believe and know the truth" (1 Timothy 4:3) partake in these things, knowing they are from the Lord. The phrase, "those who believe and know the truth," speaks of one class of people, but provides nuance. Knowing is not enough. Believing is more than knowing, but not lacking in it. We must not only know, but believe.
One of several contrasts Paul makes in Romans 8 is between the disposition of bondage, and that of adoption (Romans 8:15). Rather than experiencing constant fear as those dominated by sin, and under condemnation, those in Christ are sons of God, and can call on Him accordingly. This is a blessed relationship.
Paul wrote to Philemon to encourage him to possess Christ-like character and behavior in receiving his runaway slave, now brother in Christ, Onesimus. The letter is unique, and despite its brevity, is packed with lessons to learn. The entirety is a depiction of spiritual leadership on Paul's part. Like Paul, we should lead others to faithfulness through love.
By inspiration, the aposlte Paul lists some virtues possessed by those who are under the influence of the Holy Spirit through the word of Christ. “The fruit of the Spirit is...faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23).
By inspiration, the aposlte Paul lists some virtues possessed by those who are under the influence of the Holy Spirit through the word of Christ. “The fruit of the Spirit is...faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23).
By inspiration, the aposlte Paul lists some virtues possessed by those who are under the influence of the Holy Spirit through the word of Christ. "The fruit of the Spirit is...longsuffering, kindness, goodness" (Galatians 5:22).
Judah had been carried off to Babylonian captivity for their unfaithfulness, and Ezekiel prophesied to the exiles. Though their sins brought reproach upon God, for His name's sake He would bring them back to their land. A greater spiritual renewal, restoration, and revival was also in God's plan (Ezekiel 36-37).
By inspiration, the aposlte Paul lists some virtues possessed by those who are under the influence of the Holy Spirit through the word of Christ. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace" (Galatians 5:22).
Luke 7:36-50 records an incredible interaction Jesus had with a Pharisee and a woman who was a known sinner in the city. Jesus places the actions of the woman in contrast to that of the Pharisee to demonstrate the fact of her forgiveness, and what it provoked in her. The amazing account of God's mercy moves us to confidence, love, and peace.
Galatians 5:22-23 contains a list which comprises the fruit of the Spirit. These characteristics are possessed by those who are led by the will of God revealed by His Spirit. By bearing this fruit one is in fellowship with Christ, and imitates Him. The context of Galatians 5 is key to understanding the point of list given by God, and the important role it plays in the life of a Christian.
Everyone likes a compliment. However, some compliment to flatter or manipulate. Not all compliments are equal. On several occasions, Jesus gave compliments to people for certain character traits displayed in their lives. If Jesus gave a compliment, it meant something. What did Jesus find worthy of a compliment?
After his sin of unlawful sacrifice Saul was told that his kingdom would not continue, and that God has “sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.” (1 Samuel 13:14) This tells us Saul was after his own heart, and his actions demonstrate what that looks like.