This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
2 Peter 1:11
11 For [gar] so [houto] an entrance [eisodos] shall be ministered [epichoregeo] unto you [humin] abundantly [plousios] into [eis] the everlasting [aionios] kingdom [basileia] of our [hemon] Lord [kurios] and [kai] Saviour [soter] Jesus [Iesous] Christ [Christos]. KJV-Interlinear
11 for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you. NASB
Peter is addressing believers in Christ. He is not addressing unbelievers in this letter. Review verse one of this chapter.
All believers will go to heaven, regardless of how they live their life here on this earth. Whether good or bad, makes no difference. Once saved, always saved. There is no one, and nothing, that can take salvation away from you once you have believed in Christ.
All believers however, do not live their spiritual lives in the same manner. Many disregard their spiritual life in favor of their carnal life. Many live some sort of hybrid spiritual life of their own design. Many oscillate in and out of their spiritual life.
The book of Revelation, describes the various attitudes toward ones spiritual life as cold, cool, lukewarm, and even warm, for the greater portion of believers that do not advance in their spiritual lives. Only a very few believers, from throughout all of human history, pursue their spiritual life with the hot emotion and desire that it calls for.
All believers will enter into heaven, but for the very few, the mature, their entrance will be somewhat different.
And that is described here as ‘abundantly supplied.’
Heaven will be a phenomenal place for all who enter, but for those who hear the instructions of the Bible, there will be greater reward, and ‘abundantly supplied,’ herein means more than you could ever expect, and infinitely beyond that which all believers will expect in heaven.
Just believing in Christ gives you a phenomenal blessing and saves you from the Lake of Fire. But that is not all there is to salvation. You are expected to grow up and to become and behave, as mature adults in your spiritual life.
And not only that, you are expected to be productive and contributors to your life. Not selfish and lazy burdens on society.
Your spiritual production is your measure of your spiritual life, and is measured by your legitimate application of spiritual principles in your daily life, and benefits you as well as anyone around you.
As the Bible has pointed out, when you advance in your spiritual life you are not useless. When you do not advance in your spiritual life, you are useless as a human being.
How do you receive an abundant entrance into heaven? By advancing in your spiritual life, here in this life.
You will only live here on this earth for a few decades, then you will die. What then?
Fools will ridicule this question, even in the face of the fact of their ultimate demise. Fools will chase after philosophies and beliefs and hobbies and attitudes, which have no semblance in fact. Fools are historical filler and useless.
Do not waste your life away in a useless mode, but rather pursue you spiritual life and eventually and with certainty, gain possession of the vast blessings that God has waiting for you in heaven.
We have just completed another year in our lives. The year, 2008, will either go down as a year of change in your life or another wasted year. Make the coming year, everyday of the coming year, be your best growth year for your spiritual life, yet.
Pursue your daily study without flinching, no matter what circumstances you might face. The world is full of enticements, distractions, and doubt, designed to derail your faith. Just stick to your spiritual guns and you will be a winner in Gods eyes, and all of heaven will celebrate your victories, even though no one else on this planet will ever know that you exist.
The world does not matter. Only Gods opinion matters.
From my family to yours, have a happy New Year, and an even greater spiritual life yet to come.
And now to Him who is able to keep you from falling, and to present you without blemish, before the presence of His glory, with exceeding joy, even Jesus Christ of Savior.
Stop worrying about anything, but in everything through prayer and supplication, let your requests be made known unto God. Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you. Cast your burdens upon the Lord for He cares for you. He will sustain you, He will never suffer the righteous to be moved. And the peace of God will garrison your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. For of Him, and through Him and to Him are all things, even Jesus Christ our Lord. To Him be glory and majesty, dominion and power, before time, now and forevermore. Amen.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
2 Peter 1:10
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
2 Peter 1:10
10 Wherefore [dio] the rather [mallon], brethren [adelphos], give diligence [spoudazo] to make [poieo] your [humon] calling [klesis] and [kai] election [ekloge] sure [bebaios]: for [gar] if ye do [poieo] these things [tauta], ye shall [pote] [ptaio] never [ou me] fall [pote] [ptaio]: KJV-Interlinear
10 Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; NASB
Therefore, means simply that if you recognize the significance of life, if you look beyond your pet beliefs and attitudes, if you come to realize that your life has more potential than just the things you do day after day, if you go beyond your wishes, hopes, dreams, hobbies, immediate desires, if you do all of this and finally figure out that your life will last for all of eternity, and that this is your one opportunity to get ready for the greater part of your life, then you need to get with the program of preparation, because you haven’t much time.
Joke about it, ridicule about it, settle back into your daily ‘waste your life’ habits, and one day you will be extremely sorry.
Give diligence, means make your own personal life and preparation, your single most important thing in your life.
Far too often folks will spend their time on frivolous things. We watch too much television. We spend too much time day dreaming and wishing. We focus on our career as though that is all that we have. We hustle around in life, or we procrastinate life away, or we just play games in life.
We make the near things (near sighted principle from yesterday) our priorities, and ignore the far sighted things (our spiritual life).
You, as a believer in Christ, were chosen by Him. His choice was through your belief in Him. That makes you special, in that God, chose you. And who or what are you? Nothing. Why would God choose someone who is nothing?
You can continue to fill up your days and months and years by doing the same nothing things that you do day after day. Things that gain you nothing.
Or, you can invest a little time in your daily routine, and build up your destiny, with Gods blessing. Why is that such a difficult task?
In doctrine you will never fail.
Outside of doctrine, failure for you will be certain.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
2 Peter 1:10
10 Wherefore [dio] the rather [mallon], brethren [adelphos], give diligence [spoudazo] to make [poieo] your [humon] calling [klesis] and [kai] election [ekloge] sure [bebaios]: for [gar] if ye do [poieo] these things [tauta], ye shall [pote] [ptaio] never [ou me] fall [pote] [ptaio]: KJV-Interlinear
10 Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; NASB
Therefore, means simply that if you recognize the significance of life, if you look beyond your pet beliefs and attitudes, if you come to realize that your life has more potential than just the things you do day after day, if you go beyond your wishes, hopes, dreams, hobbies, immediate desires, if you do all of this and finally figure out that your life will last for all of eternity, and that this is your one opportunity to get ready for the greater part of your life, then you need to get with the program of preparation, because you haven’t much time.
Joke about it, ridicule about it, settle back into your daily ‘waste your life’ habits, and one day you will be extremely sorry.
Give diligence, means make your own personal life and preparation, your single most important thing in your life.
Far too often folks will spend their time on frivolous things. We watch too much television. We spend too much time day dreaming and wishing. We focus on our career as though that is all that we have. We hustle around in life, or we procrastinate life away, or we just play games in life.
We make the near things (near sighted principle from yesterday) our priorities, and ignore the far sighted things (our spiritual life).
You, as a believer in Christ, were chosen by Him. His choice was through your belief in Him. That makes you special, in that God, chose you. And who or what are you? Nothing. Why would God choose someone who is nothing?
You can continue to fill up your days and months and years by doing the same nothing things that you do day after day. Things that gain you nothing.
Or, you can invest a little time in your daily routine, and build up your destiny, with Gods blessing. Why is that such a difficult task?
In doctrine you will never fail.
Outside of doctrine, failure for you will be certain.
Monday, December 29, 2008
2 Peter 1:9
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
2 Peter 1:9
9 But [gar] he that [hos] lacketh [me] [pareimi] these things [tauta] is [esti] blind [tuphlos], and cannot see afar off [muopazo], and hath forgotten [lethe] [lambano] that he was purged from [katharismos] his [autos] old [palai] sins [hamartia]. KJV-Interlinear
9 For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. NASB
Blind, ‘tuphlos,’ means to blink continually as though one was looking into a very bright light, making it very difficult, actually impossible, to see anything that is distant from you.
Seeing afar off, ‘muopazo,’ means to be near sighted. The blinding light prevents you from seeing truth, so you are left with looking only at that which is very near to you. In the nearness are the worldly details of life that you have a tendency of focusing on.
This tendency of focusing on the near, is a preference because trying to see anything further is difficult without any type of special filtered looking glass.
When a person looks into the brightness of something they generally will raise up their hand in order to shield their eyes from the brightness so they can see better. But this verse indicates that even this simple gesture is ignored, and not even tried. The preference to see only that which is close (worldliness), is a chosen decision, even though one knows that there is something better (Gods grace and peace concepts), in the distance.
So, when you reject, ignore, are indifferent toward, or actually revolt against Gods Word, then by choice you are blind to truth and choose only the short-sighted aspects of life, rather than the long term ramifications of your decisions and opportunities.
The word for forgotten, ‘lethe,’ means to forget by choice, to ignore, to conveniently maintain an indifference, to rationalize, by whatever means, your beliefs over the truths from God.
And what is it that the spiritually negative person chooses to ignore? It is their salvation, it is their plan which God has personalized for them, it is their preference for the tangible pleasures of this world over the intangible characteristics of the spiritual life.
To pursue the things of God, which we have been studying, gives you clarity of sight, discernment, understanding, orientation to everything, wisdom. And in addition, this gives you production in the spiritual life, which is rewardable both now in time and in eternity.
To ignore the aspects of your spiritual life, makes you blind, short-sighted, unable to see clearly the implications of this life. It makes you focus on the things of this earth. Things which are temporary and unimportant, and of which are designed to distract you from truth. This attitude makes you unproductive and worthless.
And because indifference is by conscious choice, then you have no excuse when you eventually face Jesus.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
2 Peter 1:9
9 But [gar] he that [hos] lacketh [me] [pareimi] these things [tauta] is [esti] blind [tuphlos], and cannot see afar off [muopazo], and hath forgotten [lethe] [lambano] that he was purged from [katharismos] his [autos] old [palai] sins [hamartia]. KJV-Interlinear
9 For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. NASB
Blind, ‘tuphlos,’ means to blink continually as though one was looking into a very bright light, making it very difficult, actually impossible, to see anything that is distant from you.
Seeing afar off, ‘muopazo,’ means to be near sighted. The blinding light prevents you from seeing truth, so you are left with looking only at that which is very near to you. In the nearness are the worldly details of life that you have a tendency of focusing on.
This tendency of focusing on the near, is a preference because trying to see anything further is difficult without any type of special filtered looking glass.
When a person looks into the brightness of something they generally will raise up their hand in order to shield their eyes from the brightness so they can see better. But this verse indicates that even this simple gesture is ignored, and not even tried. The preference to see only that which is close (worldliness), is a chosen decision, even though one knows that there is something better (Gods grace and peace concepts), in the distance.
So, when you reject, ignore, are indifferent toward, or actually revolt against Gods Word, then by choice you are blind to truth and choose only the short-sighted aspects of life, rather than the long term ramifications of your decisions and opportunities.
The word for forgotten, ‘lethe,’ means to forget by choice, to ignore, to conveniently maintain an indifference, to rationalize, by whatever means, your beliefs over the truths from God.
And what is it that the spiritually negative person chooses to ignore? It is their salvation, it is their plan which God has personalized for them, it is their preference for the tangible pleasures of this world over the intangible characteristics of the spiritual life.
To pursue the things of God, which we have been studying, gives you clarity of sight, discernment, understanding, orientation to everything, wisdom. And in addition, this gives you production in the spiritual life, which is rewardable both now in time and in eternity.
To ignore the aspects of your spiritual life, makes you blind, short-sighted, unable to see clearly the implications of this life. It makes you focus on the things of this earth. Things which are temporary and unimportant, and of which are designed to distract you from truth. This attitude makes you unproductive and worthless.
And because indifference is by conscious choice, then you have no excuse when you eventually face Jesus.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
2 Peter 1:8
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
2 Peter 1:8
8 For [gar] if these things [tauta] be [huparcho] in you [humin], and [kai] abound [pleonazo], they make [kathistemi] you that ye shall neither [ou] be barren [argos] nor [oude] unfruitful [akarpos] in [eis] the knowledge [epignosis] of our [hemon] Lord [kurios] Jesus [Iesous] Christ [Christos]. KJV-Interlinear
8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. NASB
These qualities refer to what we have been studying.
The quality of a genuine desire to learn about God, Christ, doctrine, your spiritual life and so forth. Your actual practice of studying, taking on the attitude that you are nothing and that God is everything. The formation of doctrine within your soul, which begins to change your attitude to toward God, toward people, toward yourself. The growth of tolerance within your character. Adopting Gods principles of truth for your life, rather than adopting the world’s opinions. Making doctrine and Gods principles and Gods plan for your life, your priority.
Note that these things have nothing to do with your doing anything. No crusades, no save the planet ventures, no do-gooder activities, no activist promotions.
When Peter rejected the idea that Jesus was to die, didn’t Jesus accuse him of satanic policies? ‘Get back Satan.’
Why did He say that? Because God has a plan and Satan has a plan and Gods plan was the cross, Satan's plan was to foil the cross. Peter was on the wrong side of Gods plan at that moment.
As for us, is it our objective to make this planet good for all of eternity, or for us to grow up in our spiritual life, made ready for the next life?
Is the destiny of this planet to be made into a garden of our choosing, or is it to become destroyed and eventually replaced?
What plan do you sponsor in your attitude and beliefs? Want to go out and cure all of the ills of the world, or do you want to get doctrine to everyone? Which would serve folks better?
You are a plant, which God has planted. He intends for you to bear fruit, to be productive, otherwise you are a worthless plant.
If you have a garden and have fruit plants in it, do you keep the unproductive plants? No. You remove them and make room for other productive plants.
And that is what God is looking for in His garden. You being the plant. He waters you with doctrine, and you either accept it or reject it. Plants that reject water, don’t produce and they eventually die and are discarded.
To be productive in Gods garden, you have only to desire the water, accept the water, learn from it and incorporate it into your life. That makes you productive in your spiritual life.
There is nothing said for going door to door and promoting Gods Word. There is nothing said about stopping wars, or hunger, or poverty, or making all the air clean, or making the planet green or any other color you might fancy.
You understand that this planet is heading for its worst series of disasters yet to come, when the Tribulation arrives. So all your efforts to transform humanity will never be successful. Never.
And even though you may try to change the world, if you stick with doctrine, then God will bring opportunities to you, for helping others. Others whom you will actually be able to help.
Production, spiritual production in your life, production which is real production and production that will last you forever, comes only through doctrine in your soul, utilized as God would have you use it. This is spiritual growth to maturity.
When you pursue Gods plan, you become useful and productive. Your life has meaning and purpose.
When you pursue your own plan, or the worlds plan, then you become useless and unproductive. Your life is nothing more than historical filler.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
2 Peter 1:8
8 For [gar] if these things [tauta] be [huparcho] in you [humin], and [kai] abound [pleonazo], they make [kathistemi] you that ye shall neither [ou] be barren [argos] nor [oude] unfruitful [akarpos] in [eis] the knowledge [epignosis] of our [hemon] Lord [kurios] Jesus [Iesous] Christ [Christos]. KJV-Interlinear
8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. NASB
These qualities refer to what we have been studying.
The quality of a genuine desire to learn about God, Christ, doctrine, your spiritual life and so forth. Your actual practice of studying, taking on the attitude that you are nothing and that God is everything. The formation of doctrine within your soul, which begins to change your attitude to toward God, toward people, toward yourself. The growth of tolerance within your character. Adopting Gods principles of truth for your life, rather than adopting the world’s opinions. Making doctrine and Gods principles and Gods plan for your life, your priority.
Note that these things have nothing to do with your doing anything. No crusades, no save the planet ventures, no do-gooder activities, no activist promotions.
When Peter rejected the idea that Jesus was to die, didn’t Jesus accuse him of satanic policies? ‘Get back Satan.’
Why did He say that? Because God has a plan and Satan has a plan and Gods plan was the cross, Satan's plan was to foil the cross. Peter was on the wrong side of Gods plan at that moment.
As for us, is it our objective to make this planet good for all of eternity, or for us to grow up in our spiritual life, made ready for the next life?
Is the destiny of this planet to be made into a garden of our choosing, or is it to become destroyed and eventually replaced?
What plan do you sponsor in your attitude and beliefs? Want to go out and cure all of the ills of the world, or do you want to get doctrine to everyone? Which would serve folks better?
You are a plant, which God has planted. He intends for you to bear fruit, to be productive, otherwise you are a worthless plant.
If you have a garden and have fruit plants in it, do you keep the unproductive plants? No. You remove them and make room for other productive plants.
And that is what God is looking for in His garden. You being the plant. He waters you with doctrine, and you either accept it or reject it. Plants that reject water, don’t produce and they eventually die and are discarded.
To be productive in Gods garden, you have only to desire the water, accept the water, learn from it and incorporate it into your life. That makes you productive in your spiritual life.
There is nothing said for going door to door and promoting Gods Word. There is nothing said about stopping wars, or hunger, or poverty, or making all the air clean, or making the planet green or any other color you might fancy.
You understand that this planet is heading for its worst series of disasters yet to come, when the Tribulation arrives. So all your efforts to transform humanity will never be successful. Never.
And even though you may try to change the world, if you stick with doctrine, then God will bring opportunities to you, for helping others. Others whom you will actually be able to help.
Production, spiritual production in your life, production which is real production and production that will last you forever, comes only through doctrine in your soul, utilized as God would have you use it. This is spiritual growth to maturity.
When you pursue Gods plan, you become useful and productive. Your life has meaning and purpose.
When you pursue your own plan, or the worlds plan, then you become useless and unproductive. Your life is nothing more than historical filler.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
2 Peter 1:7
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
2 Peter 1:7
7 And [de] to [en] godliness [eusebeia] brotherly kindness [philadelphia]; and [de] to [en] brotherly kindness [philadelphia] charity [agape]. KJV-Interlinear
7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. NASB
When you begin to live the spiritual life, which begins with your initial desire to learn, then listening, then learning, then adopting a consistent daily study, your growth will take on a mature state of poise in your life and demeanor.
In the spiritual life, you first begin to learn orientation to God through doctrine. Then you begin to learn orientation to people as well as yourself.
As your petty annoyances begin to subside, or at least you begin to tolerate them, then you begin to develop a tolerance for people. And we all know that there can be some pretty obnoxious people out there in the world.
Some may be our neighbors, some we interact with at work, some we see in the media, some we deal with while commuting back and forth between work and home, while on the road, while shopping, and so forth.
So, brotherly kindness is tolerance with people. And tolerance begins with taking into consideration the many opinions and personalities that you will run into in life. And believe it or not, not everyone out there is going to agree with you. In fact most folks will disagree with you, most of the time.
As you get deeper and deeper into your Bible study, then you will find even more folks will disagree with you.
But, brotherly tolerance has it limitations. And those limitations exist only within truth, not the lies of the world.
‘Agape,’ is one of the three words for love, which are used in the Bible. This word, ‘agape’ in its various forms, is the word for the principle of love, or the policy. It deals with the application of truth, or the principles, precepts, guidelines, standards which come from God.
One of the many areas where this relationship with people falters, is in the peer pressures that exist between teens. The phrase, ‘rat out,’ is a good example. For example, someone commits a crime, and others refuse to tell on him because they don’t want to ‘rat’ him out. Their loyalty to the crime or the lie, is greater than their loyalty to truth.
Another example deals with the discipline of children. Society has hammered into this generation that it is wrong to discipline children. This teaches children that authority is of no importance, or good behavior is of no importance. And of course this is all satanic in nature in that any attack against truth, is a device for destroying a generation of people.
You can still love your child while you are correcting him or her. Good disciplinary practices help them learn and grow up. It also helps them to orient to life, and to live a better life.
God hammers us all in order to help us keep our eyes on Him, on truth, on our spiritual life. Does He love us any less? No. He loves us all the more, especially when we respond to His discipline and grow up as better people.
You can have a good life and you can have good relationships with people, but there are principles that guide those relationships. Do not get into the wrong crowd, just because you want to be a part of a certain group. If their motives or morals are wrong, then you are better off by backing out.
Bible doctrine helps you keep your eyes on truth, and helps you make the right choices in life. It also helps you be a more relaxed and tolerant person.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
2 Peter 1:7
7 And [de] to [en] godliness [eusebeia] brotherly kindness [philadelphia]; and [de] to [en] brotherly kindness [philadelphia] charity [agape]. KJV-Interlinear
7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. NASB
When you begin to live the spiritual life, which begins with your initial desire to learn, then listening, then learning, then adopting a consistent daily study, your growth will take on a mature state of poise in your life and demeanor.
In the spiritual life, you first begin to learn orientation to God through doctrine. Then you begin to learn orientation to people as well as yourself.
As your petty annoyances begin to subside, or at least you begin to tolerate them, then you begin to develop a tolerance for people. And we all know that there can be some pretty obnoxious people out there in the world.
Some may be our neighbors, some we interact with at work, some we see in the media, some we deal with while commuting back and forth between work and home, while on the road, while shopping, and so forth.
So, brotherly kindness is tolerance with people. And tolerance begins with taking into consideration the many opinions and personalities that you will run into in life. And believe it or not, not everyone out there is going to agree with you. In fact most folks will disagree with you, most of the time.
As you get deeper and deeper into your Bible study, then you will find even more folks will disagree with you.
But, brotherly tolerance has it limitations. And those limitations exist only within truth, not the lies of the world.
‘Agape,’ is one of the three words for love, which are used in the Bible. This word, ‘agape’ in its various forms, is the word for the principle of love, or the policy. It deals with the application of truth, or the principles, precepts, guidelines, standards which come from God.
One of the many areas where this relationship with people falters, is in the peer pressures that exist between teens. The phrase, ‘rat out,’ is a good example. For example, someone commits a crime, and others refuse to tell on him because they don’t want to ‘rat’ him out. Their loyalty to the crime or the lie, is greater than their loyalty to truth.
Another example deals with the discipline of children. Society has hammered into this generation that it is wrong to discipline children. This teaches children that authority is of no importance, or good behavior is of no importance. And of course this is all satanic in nature in that any attack against truth, is a device for destroying a generation of people.
You can still love your child while you are correcting him or her. Good disciplinary practices help them learn and grow up. It also helps them to orient to life, and to live a better life.
God hammers us all in order to help us keep our eyes on Him, on truth, on our spiritual life. Does He love us any less? No. He loves us all the more, especially when we respond to His discipline and grow up as better people.
You can have a good life and you can have good relationships with people, but there are principles that guide those relationships. Do not get into the wrong crowd, just because you want to be a part of a certain group. If their motives or morals are wrong, then you are better off by backing out.
Bible doctrine helps you keep your eyes on truth, and helps you make the right choices in life. It also helps you be a more relaxed and tolerant person.
Friday, December 26, 2008
2 Peter 1:6
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
2 Peter 1:6
6 And [de] to [en] knowledge [gnosis] temperance [egkrateia]; and [de] to [en] temperance [egkrateia] patience [hupomone]; and [de] to [en] patience [hupomone] godliness [eusebeia]; KJV-Interlinear
6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness; NASB
Once you have put all of your distractions and prior beliefs away, and have begun to listen to the teaching of the Word of God, then temperance, then patience, then godliness, enter into your life.
But what exactly is temperance and patience and godliness? Does this mean that you become the perfect little angel we find in the children's stories? Does this mean that you change your lifestyle and stop drinking and gambling, and womanizing? Does this mean that you dress up in your pretty little outfit and smile shyly when someone looks at you?
No. These things have nothing to do with your personal lifestyle habits. Anyone, even an unbeliever, can read the Bible and mimic a shy or liquor free lifestyle. Anyone can move to a monastery and sit life out.
But what you do in life has nothing to do with your spiritual growth. Your spiritual growth affects your daily life, not the other way around.
Self-control means self-discipline, and self-discipline has to do with the consistency of your listening and learning on a daily basis. Anyone can go to church once a week or once a year, but it takes an exceptional person to study daily, every day, every day of their life. Motivation has to enter into your life somewhere along the way, and that motivation is the carrot, which God has dangled before your eyes already. Grace and peace.
You develop along the way a desire, a drive in your life, such that nothing else, not even the little things that may bother you along the way, will keep you from your daily study.
Life is full of annoying little mosquitoes. These are the things that bug you to death (so to speak). Things that annoy you. But children are the ones that get annoyed, not mature adults. ‘He looked at me.’ ‘She looked at me.’ ‘He just won’t pick up after himself.’ ‘That sound, that color, that thing, bothers me.’
These are the little things of life. If you allow them to bother you to the point that you are willing to lose an infinite prize, what then happens to you when really big problems come along, like losing a job, losing a family, losing a marriage, losing a home, losing your health, etc., etc., etc.?
Self-discipline helps you to get through the little things, the little distractions, early in your spiritual life.
Then we add to the recipe of your spiritual life, perseverance, which is endurance, which is the willingness to stick with your studies, especially when life does not go well with you, or your plans. Perseverance is the ability to concentrate, to focus on what you are learning and just what your priorities in life really are.
Are you reading the Bible so you can receive a miracle, so you can be impressed, so you can be entertained? Look around you. The days of parting waters have already occurred. Jesus healed thousands and the crowds still only wanted to be cured or entertained. Not many stood behind Him when He was arrested.
The objective of your spiritual life is to build up spiritual muscle in your soul, not act as a genie when you happen to need some help.
The objective of your spiritual life is to help you grow up.
And self-discipline, or consistency in your daily studies, combined with concentration, produces obedience to God. That means you begin to follow the things you have learned. You confess your sins, regularly, in order to get yourself into fellowship, so that your studies, your prayers are more effective.
You begin committing your heart, your will, your mind, your body, your finances, and your future to God.
By loving Bible doctrine more than anything else in our life.
By committing yourself completely to Him and His plan for your life.
By pursuing knowledge and wisdom through the study of the scriptures.
By recognizing that your talents, your abilities, your gifts all come from Him, and are to His credit, not yours.
By recognizing that all that we have, comes from God, and that we are the managers of His gifts, not the owners.
By understanding that your future is not in this life, but in the next, and that this is your time for preparation, not indifference.
This is the godliness achieved, or the beginning of the transformation of your mind away from the standards of the world, to the standards of God.
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2 Peter 1:6
6 And [de] to [en] knowledge [gnosis] temperance [egkrateia]; and [de] to [en] temperance [egkrateia] patience [hupomone]; and [de] to [en] patience [hupomone] godliness [eusebeia]; KJV-Interlinear
6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness; NASB
Once you have put all of your distractions and prior beliefs away, and have begun to listen to the teaching of the Word of God, then temperance, then patience, then godliness, enter into your life.
But what exactly is temperance and patience and godliness? Does this mean that you become the perfect little angel we find in the children's stories? Does this mean that you change your lifestyle and stop drinking and gambling, and womanizing? Does this mean that you dress up in your pretty little outfit and smile shyly when someone looks at you?
No. These things have nothing to do with your personal lifestyle habits. Anyone, even an unbeliever, can read the Bible and mimic a shy or liquor free lifestyle. Anyone can move to a monastery and sit life out.
But what you do in life has nothing to do with your spiritual growth. Your spiritual growth affects your daily life, not the other way around.
Self-control means self-discipline, and self-discipline has to do with the consistency of your listening and learning on a daily basis. Anyone can go to church once a week or once a year, but it takes an exceptional person to study daily, every day, every day of their life. Motivation has to enter into your life somewhere along the way, and that motivation is the carrot, which God has dangled before your eyes already. Grace and peace.
You develop along the way a desire, a drive in your life, such that nothing else, not even the little things that may bother you along the way, will keep you from your daily study.
Life is full of annoying little mosquitoes. These are the things that bug you to death (so to speak). Things that annoy you. But children are the ones that get annoyed, not mature adults. ‘He looked at me.’ ‘She looked at me.’ ‘He just won’t pick up after himself.’ ‘That sound, that color, that thing, bothers me.’
These are the little things of life. If you allow them to bother you to the point that you are willing to lose an infinite prize, what then happens to you when really big problems come along, like losing a job, losing a family, losing a marriage, losing a home, losing your health, etc., etc., etc.?
Self-discipline helps you to get through the little things, the little distractions, early in your spiritual life.
Then we add to the recipe of your spiritual life, perseverance, which is endurance, which is the willingness to stick with your studies, especially when life does not go well with you, or your plans. Perseverance is the ability to concentrate, to focus on what you are learning and just what your priorities in life really are.
Are you reading the Bible so you can receive a miracle, so you can be impressed, so you can be entertained? Look around you. The days of parting waters have already occurred. Jesus healed thousands and the crowds still only wanted to be cured or entertained. Not many stood behind Him when He was arrested.
The objective of your spiritual life is to build up spiritual muscle in your soul, not act as a genie when you happen to need some help.
The objective of your spiritual life is to help you grow up.
And self-discipline, or consistency in your daily studies, combined with concentration, produces obedience to God. That means you begin to follow the things you have learned. You confess your sins, regularly, in order to get yourself into fellowship, so that your studies, your prayers are more effective.
You begin committing your heart, your will, your mind, your body, your finances, and your future to God.
By loving Bible doctrine more than anything else in our life.
By committing yourself completely to Him and His plan for your life.
By pursuing knowledge and wisdom through the study of the scriptures.
By recognizing that your talents, your abilities, your gifts all come from Him, and are to His credit, not yours.
By recognizing that all that we have, comes from God, and that we are the managers of His gifts, not the owners.
By understanding that your future is not in this life, but in the next, and that this is your time for preparation, not indifference.
This is the godliness achieved, or the beginning of the transformation of your mind away from the standards of the world, to the standards of God.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
2 Peter 1:5
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
2 Peter 1:5
5 And [kai] [de] beside [autos] this [touto], giving [pareisphero] all [pas] diligence [spoude], add [epichoregeo] to [en] your [humon] faith [pistis] virtue [arete]; and [de] to [en] virtue [arete] knowledge [gnosis]; KJV-Interlinear
5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge; NASB
‘For this reason,’ means because God has gifts that exceed our imagination, we should pursue the qualifications that God has set before us, in order to receive them.
The gifts we have studied. Peace and grace multiplied, means as we have already studied, an abundance of blessings that are elsewhere described as exceedingly abundantly above and beyond all that we can think or ask.
How much can you think? How much could you ask? Well, if you are anywhere close to normal, you can think up a huge list of things to ask for. And presuming that you are not going to get subtly self-righteous on this list, then your wish list will be miles long. Give any child several toy catalogues and ask them to make up a no limit ‘Dear Santa’ list. What would you expect to get? A huge list. Certainly beyond any of our budgets.
But then, God has no limits on His budget, and His budget exists for every person who qualifies. He has infinite resources and abilities.
Therefore, ‘for this reason,’ begin to get your act together. Stop spending all of your time on petty subjects. Stop being bugged by life’s little annoyances.
‘Stop worrying about anything, but in everything, through prayer and supplication, let your requests be made known unto God. For the peace of God shall garrison your hearts and minds, through Christ Jesus.’
Applying all diligence, means just that. Your spiritual life is your single most valuable possession. It impacts your entire eternal life. Be diligent, meticulous, proactive, attentive, earnest in your pursuit of your spiritual goal, which is spiritual maturity.
Before you were born into this life, you had no say as to the circumstances of your life. But as you have been reborn in to a brand new life, you have every opportunity to establish the circumstances of your next life. Do you want to be a poor peasant in heaven or a trillion-trillionaire several times over? And be that way forever!
Again, the spiritual life is for normal people. The spiritual life creates normal people. And normal people will not want to be poor. Only stupid people want to be poor and pretend that they are making the ultimate sacrifice.
Does God ask here, that you make any sacrifices? No. These next few verses are mandates for your life. And in none of them is any sacrifice mentioned.
God did all of the work and God gets all of the credit. You in effect do nothing, but listen and learn and then subscribe to truth. But you have to commit your life to Gods way, not your own invented way.
Your spiritual life begins with an honest effort and desire to want to learn. That is the virtue here. This is not pretense. This is not making appearances for other people to observe in you. This is not trying to impress people. This is not pursuing your own ego or self-sacrifice practices.
This is an honest effort to want to learn. And from this desire, an open mind which will place all of your prior beliefs, on hold. That is an honest desire, or an approach to doctrine that is your virtue. This is absent of bias, absent of prejudice, absent of trying to turn Gods word into your own defined belief program.
And from your virtue or moral excellence, knowledge. This knowledge is ‘gnosis’ which is not ‘epignosis,’ which we studied the other day. ‘Gnosis’ is the raw data, the raw information of Bible doctrine. The nuts and bolts of Gods word.
‘Epignosis’ is the possession of knowledge, or wisdom. But ‘gnosis’ is the raw data, the details of doctrine. This means that you need to receive all information from Gods word, regardless of whether or not you agree with it.
God did not place you here in this world to evaluate Him, but to be a student without portfolio. That means that you know nothing, God knows everything, and you are to remain silent as in a classroom, and listen.
If you are conjuring up counter arguments then you are not listening. If you do not commit yourself to a daily study, then you are a poor student.
Bible doctrine is the food for the soul. I presume that you eat meals daily either at work or at home. How often do you go days or weeks without eating? And yet most folks do not take in their daily diet of Gods Word. What happens when you do not eat for an extended time? You get weak, sick and die. Is your spiritual life any different?
So, life begins with the desire (faith), added to an open mind (virtue), and then listening (knowledge intake).
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
2 Peter 1:5
5 And [kai] [de] beside [autos] this [touto], giving [pareisphero] all [pas] diligence [spoude], add [epichoregeo] to [en] your [humon] faith [pistis] virtue [arete]; and [de] to [en] virtue [arete] knowledge [gnosis]; KJV-Interlinear
5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge; NASB
‘For this reason,’ means because God has gifts that exceed our imagination, we should pursue the qualifications that God has set before us, in order to receive them.
The gifts we have studied. Peace and grace multiplied, means as we have already studied, an abundance of blessings that are elsewhere described as exceedingly abundantly above and beyond all that we can think or ask.
How much can you think? How much could you ask? Well, if you are anywhere close to normal, you can think up a huge list of things to ask for. And presuming that you are not going to get subtly self-righteous on this list, then your wish list will be miles long. Give any child several toy catalogues and ask them to make up a no limit ‘Dear Santa’ list. What would you expect to get? A huge list. Certainly beyond any of our budgets.
But then, God has no limits on His budget, and His budget exists for every person who qualifies. He has infinite resources and abilities.
Therefore, ‘for this reason,’ begin to get your act together. Stop spending all of your time on petty subjects. Stop being bugged by life’s little annoyances.
‘Stop worrying about anything, but in everything, through prayer and supplication, let your requests be made known unto God. For the peace of God shall garrison your hearts and minds, through Christ Jesus.’
Applying all diligence, means just that. Your spiritual life is your single most valuable possession. It impacts your entire eternal life. Be diligent, meticulous, proactive, attentive, earnest in your pursuit of your spiritual goal, which is spiritual maturity.
Before you were born into this life, you had no say as to the circumstances of your life. But as you have been reborn in to a brand new life, you have every opportunity to establish the circumstances of your next life. Do you want to be a poor peasant in heaven or a trillion-trillionaire several times over? And be that way forever!
Again, the spiritual life is for normal people. The spiritual life creates normal people. And normal people will not want to be poor. Only stupid people want to be poor and pretend that they are making the ultimate sacrifice.
Does God ask here, that you make any sacrifices? No. These next few verses are mandates for your life. And in none of them is any sacrifice mentioned.
God did all of the work and God gets all of the credit. You in effect do nothing, but listen and learn and then subscribe to truth. But you have to commit your life to Gods way, not your own invented way.
Your spiritual life begins with an honest effort and desire to want to learn. That is the virtue here. This is not pretense. This is not making appearances for other people to observe in you. This is not trying to impress people. This is not pursuing your own ego or self-sacrifice practices.
This is an honest effort to want to learn. And from this desire, an open mind which will place all of your prior beliefs, on hold. That is an honest desire, or an approach to doctrine that is your virtue. This is absent of bias, absent of prejudice, absent of trying to turn Gods word into your own defined belief program.
And from your virtue or moral excellence, knowledge. This knowledge is ‘gnosis’ which is not ‘epignosis,’ which we studied the other day. ‘Gnosis’ is the raw data, the raw information of Bible doctrine. The nuts and bolts of Gods word.
‘Epignosis’ is the possession of knowledge, or wisdom. But ‘gnosis’ is the raw data, the details of doctrine. This means that you need to receive all information from Gods word, regardless of whether or not you agree with it.
God did not place you here in this world to evaluate Him, but to be a student without portfolio. That means that you know nothing, God knows everything, and you are to remain silent as in a classroom, and listen.
If you are conjuring up counter arguments then you are not listening. If you do not commit yourself to a daily study, then you are a poor student.
Bible doctrine is the food for the soul. I presume that you eat meals daily either at work or at home. How often do you go days or weeks without eating? And yet most folks do not take in their daily diet of Gods Word. What happens when you do not eat for an extended time? You get weak, sick and die. Is your spiritual life any different?
So, life begins with the desire (faith), added to an open mind (virtue), and then listening (knowledge intake).
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
2 Peter 1:4
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
2 Peter 1:4
4 Whereby [dia] [hos] are given [doreomai] unto us [hemin] exceeding great [megistos] and [kai] precious [timios] promises [epaggelma]: that [hina] by [dia] these [touton] ye might be [ginomai] partakers [koinonos] of the divine [theios] nature [phusis], having escaped [apopheugo] the corruption [phthora] that is in [en] the world [kosmos] through [en] lust [epithumia]. KJV-Interlinear
4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. NASB
The spiritual life belongs to believers in Jesus Christ, only. No unbeliever has access to any form of a spiritual life, of any kind. And there is but one legitimate spiritual life in existence, anyway.
The many wonderful blessings that are available to believers, are likewise available only to mature believers, or those advancing toward that goal.
The phrases, ‘for by these,’ or ‘whereby,’ are a reference to Gods doctrine previously mentioned in the prior verses.
By means of this wisdom, from the knowledge and understanding of Bible doctrine, as well as the daily application of these principles to your life, are these promises of grace and peace, made available to you.
Note, that these things do not come to you automatically once you have believed in Christ. Just as a baby when born does not have immediate access to the family car, he has to grow up, learn to drive, after learning to read and write, and learn to be responsible, etc., before he can drive. Being born does not qualify you for driving.
And so, being born again, does not qualify you for the blessings of maturity. You have to grow up first. That should be obvious.
Those folks who think that they can simply believe in Christ and thus qualify for the magnificent blessings for mature believers, are mistaken. Likewise, no believer can believe in Christ and then substitute his own values and standards in place of those of Gods.
You can look around you and see that the people of the world will justify almost anything, in their own eyes. And even if billions believe something, their numbers alone do not make a thing right. Billions of people reject Christianity, and they are all wrong.
‘By them,’ means just that. By doctrine and only by doctrine, by growing up in a legitimate spiritual life, and only a legitimate spiritual life, can you attain spiritual maturity and thus qualify for the many promises which God has given to each one of us.
And finally, your spiritual life, is the only way that you can escape the evils that exist in the world. From decadent sin, to very subtle self-righteousness, to everything that opposes God, your only means of escaping it, is through your spiritual life.
As I write this study on this Christmas Eve, for tomorrows daily study, Christmas Day, I wish to thank from the very depths of my heart and soul, all those who have graciously supported me and this study. From my family to yours, we wish you the very merriest Christmas, and hope and pray that your Christmas and every day, will be wonderfully blessed.
And now to Him who is able to prevent you from falling, and to present you without blemish, before the presence of His glory, with exceeding joy. To the only wise God and Savior, even Jesus Christ our Lord. To whom be glory and majesty, dominion and power, before time, now and forever. Amen.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
2 Peter 1:4
4 Whereby [dia] [hos] are given [doreomai] unto us [hemin] exceeding great [megistos] and [kai] precious [timios] promises [epaggelma]: that [hina] by [dia] these [touton] ye might be [ginomai] partakers [koinonos] of the divine [theios] nature [phusis], having escaped [apopheugo] the corruption [phthora] that is in [en] the world [kosmos] through [en] lust [epithumia]. KJV-Interlinear
4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. NASB
The spiritual life belongs to believers in Jesus Christ, only. No unbeliever has access to any form of a spiritual life, of any kind. And there is but one legitimate spiritual life in existence, anyway.
The many wonderful blessings that are available to believers, are likewise available only to mature believers, or those advancing toward that goal.
The phrases, ‘for by these,’ or ‘whereby,’ are a reference to Gods doctrine previously mentioned in the prior verses.
By means of this wisdom, from the knowledge and understanding of Bible doctrine, as well as the daily application of these principles to your life, are these promises of grace and peace, made available to you.
Note, that these things do not come to you automatically once you have believed in Christ. Just as a baby when born does not have immediate access to the family car, he has to grow up, learn to drive, after learning to read and write, and learn to be responsible, etc., before he can drive. Being born does not qualify you for driving.
And so, being born again, does not qualify you for the blessings of maturity. You have to grow up first. That should be obvious.
Those folks who think that they can simply believe in Christ and thus qualify for the magnificent blessings for mature believers, are mistaken. Likewise, no believer can believe in Christ and then substitute his own values and standards in place of those of Gods.
You can look around you and see that the people of the world will justify almost anything, in their own eyes. And even if billions believe something, their numbers alone do not make a thing right. Billions of people reject Christianity, and they are all wrong.
‘By them,’ means just that. By doctrine and only by doctrine, by growing up in a legitimate spiritual life, and only a legitimate spiritual life, can you attain spiritual maturity and thus qualify for the many promises which God has given to each one of us.
And finally, your spiritual life, is the only way that you can escape the evils that exist in the world. From decadent sin, to very subtle self-righteousness, to everything that opposes God, your only means of escaping it, is through your spiritual life.
As I write this study on this Christmas Eve, for tomorrows daily study, Christmas Day, I wish to thank from the very depths of my heart and soul, all those who have graciously supported me and this study. From my family to yours, we wish you the very merriest Christmas, and hope and pray that your Christmas and every day, will be wonderfully blessed.
And now to Him who is able to prevent you from falling, and to present you without blemish, before the presence of His glory, with exceeding joy. To the only wise God and Savior, even Jesus Christ our Lord. To whom be glory and majesty, dominion and power, before time, now and forever. Amen.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
2 Peter 1:3
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
2 Peter 1:3
3 According as [hos] his [autos] divine [theios] power [dunamis] hath given [doreomai] unto us [hemin] all things [pas] that pertain unto [pros] life [zoe] and [kai] godliness [eusebeia], through [dia] the knowledge [epignosis] of him that hath called [kaleo] us [hemas] to [dia] glory [doxa] and [kai] virtue [arete]: KJV-Interlinear
3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. NASB
Jesus Christ controls history. Jesus Christ is the source of everything that we can or will ever have. Jesus Christ is the one and only path from oblivion, which we live in this life, to glory, which is available to each one of us in eternity.
By His power, by His ability, by His authority, by means of the original plan of God, all of which are consistent and integral with each other, are all things made available to us.
This availability is potential however.
God has provided for each person, everything that he or she will ever need in order to have a complete life. Complete as defined by God.
Everything, includes every possible condition that will exist in the human race, every possible circumstance that will ever occur in history, every possible situation that anyone will ever face in their life.
Everything, relates to any and all needs for ones daily living experience, and more than that, it includes Bible doctrine, which is necessary for ones advancement in the spiritual life to spiritual maturity.
Your temporal needs, wants and desires, are there for you as logistical support necessary for you to have a living in this life. They are not your primary objective for life, but exist for Gods glory, not for you to take advantage of others.
Bible doctrine, exists for your real and true life. Doctrine is food for the soul, which is permanent and eternal, while your temporal blessings are temporary at their very best.
Temporal blessings exist in order to support your physical life here on this earth. Whether food or drink, riches or talent, or anything else which is in your life, these things exist so that you can have a physical life and so that you can focus on your real objective in life, which is your spiritual life.
Your priority in life should be God, Christ, doctrine, and your spiritual growth to maturity.
Your temporal life, whatever it might be, is there to support your effort in your spiritual advancement, through study, teaching, training in responsibilities, instruction in obedience to God through life’s experiences, and so forth.
God has given each individual three capital assets – time, volition, and doctrine. Invest them wisely.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
2 Peter 1:3
3 According as [hos] his [autos] divine [theios] power [dunamis] hath given [doreomai] unto us [hemin] all things [pas] that pertain unto [pros] life [zoe] and [kai] godliness [eusebeia], through [dia] the knowledge [epignosis] of him that hath called [kaleo] us [hemas] to [dia] glory [doxa] and [kai] virtue [arete]: KJV-Interlinear
3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. NASB
Jesus Christ controls history. Jesus Christ is the source of everything that we can or will ever have. Jesus Christ is the one and only path from oblivion, which we live in this life, to glory, which is available to each one of us in eternity.
By His power, by His ability, by His authority, by means of the original plan of God, all of which are consistent and integral with each other, are all things made available to us.
This availability is potential however.
God has provided for each person, everything that he or she will ever need in order to have a complete life. Complete as defined by God.
Everything, includes every possible condition that will exist in the human race, every possible circumstance that will ever occur in history, every possible situation that anyone will ever face in their life.
Everything, relates to any and all needs for ones daily living experience, and more than that, it includes Bible doctrine, which is necessary for ones advancement in the spiritual life to spiritual maturity.
Your temporal needs, wants and desires, are there for you as logistical support necessary for you to have a living in this life. They are not your primary objective for life, but exist for Gods glory, not for you to take advantage of others.
Bible doctrine, exists for your real and true life. Doctrine is food for the soul, which is permanent and eternal, while your temporal blessings are temporary at their very best.
Temporal blessings exist in order to support your physical life here on this earth. Whether food or drink, riches or talent, or anything else which is in your life, these things exist so that you can have a physical life and so that you can focus on your real objective in life, which is your spiritual life.
Your priority in life should be God, Christ, doctrine, and your spiritual growth to maturity.
Your temporal life, whatever it might be, is there to support your effort in your spiritual advancement, through study, teaching, training in responsibilities, instruction in obedience to God through life’s experiences, and so forth.
God has given each individual three capital assets – time, volition, and doctrine. Invest them wisely.
Monday, December 22, 2008
2 Peter 1:2
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
2 Peter 1:2
2 Grace [charis] and [kai] peace [eirene] be multiplied [plethuno] unto you [humin] through [en] the knowledge [epignosis] of God [theos], and [kai] of Jesus [Iesous] our [hemon] Lord [kurios], KJV-Interlinear
2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; NASB
Knowledge is the mere accumulation of detailed information from life. The word for knowledge used here is ‘epignosis,’ as opposed to ‘gnosis,’ which indicates that mere accumulation of facts.
‘Epignosis,’ represents the mastery of knowledge, not the mere hearing, and is an indication of deep understanding and possession of information, such that one possesses an active and practical use or application of the information. We call this possession or mastery - wisdom.
Grace and peace, are the benefits of a relationship with God. They come only through the accumulation of thorough knowledge and understanding of Bible doctrine.
Grace is the policy of God to you, and peace is representative of the ultimate advancement to spiritual maturity, the goal or completion, of your spiritual life.
To be multiplied, means to receive an abundance, and abundance means having or receiving more than you could ever possibly want or use in an infinite number of lifetimes. Infinite represents eternity of course.
So abundance, or multiplied, represents a huge volume of blessing, beyond imagination.
Grace comes in three forms. The first is common grace, which applies to everyone in the human race in which everyone is benefited through a common source. Air, and water, and economies and such are examples of common grace. They apply to everyone regardless of whether or not they are saved.
Salvation grace applies to believers only, and represents the benefits of faith in Christ. You are saved and the second death of the Lake of Fire is now cancelled. Heaven is your destiny, and eternal life with God.
Greater grace belongs to mature believers only. We studied this in James. Greater grace, represents the abundant blessings of spiritual maturity, and are in view here. Many of the Parables of Christ, refer to this principle of greater blessings for those who are obedient to Gods principles and mandates to the point of spiritual maturity.
Peace is the actual attainment of your spiritual maturity status. It is the state of the completion of your soul.
When you were born into this world, your soul was an empty vessel, containing human life and not much more. As you grew up, you learned through experiences, and academics. And when you believed in Christ, Bible doctrine became available to you through your spiritual life.
Your spiritual life is the other and greater component of your life. By advancing in your spiritual life, through a daily study, through daily learning, through daily spiritual exercise, your life advances toward completion.
In this world you can accumulate things, which are external to you. Things like cars, real estate, wealth - things. But these things are not a part of your inner life, but external to your life. They are temporary and sooner or later, will be lost to you, in history.
However, doctrine in your soul, has a supernatural way of making your blessings, which God gives to you, an integral part of your soul, such that you actually possess them as a part of your being.
This completion of soul belongs to the soul only and comes from doctrine only, and from no other source.
No amount of academic or world experiences can duplicate this characteristic of your life. It comes to you only one way, which is through advancement in your spiritual life.
This means that if you are to qualify for the maximum grace and peace in your life, you have to one day, decide to commit yourself to obedience to Gods Word, and stop trying to get by with less than complete obedience.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
2 Peter 1:2
2 Grace [charis] and [kai] peace [eirene] be multiplied [plethuno] unto you [humin] through [en] the knowledge [epignosis] of God [theos], and [kai] of Jesus [Iesous] our [hemon] Lord [kurios], KJV-Interlinear
2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; NASB
Knowledge is the mere accumulation of detailed information from life. The word for knowledge used here is ‘epignosis,’ as opposed to ‘gnosis,’ which indicates that mere accumulation of facts.
‘Epignosis,’ represents the mastery of knowledge, not the mere hearing, and is an indication of deep understanding and possession of information, such that one possesses an active and practical use or application of the information. We call this possession or mastery - wisdom.
Grace and peace, are the benefits of a relationship with God. They come only through the accumulation of thorough knowledge and understanding of Bible doctrine.
Grace is the policy of God to you, and peace is representative of the ultimate advancement to spiritual maturity, the goal or completion, of your spiritual life.
To be multiplied, means to receive an abundance, and abundance means having or receiving more than you could ever possibly want or use in an infinite number of lifetimes. Infinite represents eternity of course.
So abundance, or multiplied, represents a huge volume of blessing, beyond imagination.
Grace comes in three forms. The first is common grace, which applies to everyone in the human race in which everyone is benefited through a common source. Air, and water, and economies and such are examples of common grace. They apply to everyone regardless of whether or not they are saved.
Salvation grace applies to believers only, and represents the benefits of faith in Christ. You are saved and the second death of the Lake of Fire is now cancelled. Heaven is your destiny, and eternal life with God.
Greater grace belongs to mature believers only. We studied this in James. Greater grace, represents the abundant blessings of spiritual maturity, and are in view here. Many of the Parables of Christ, refer to this principle of greater blessings for those who are obedient to Gods principles and mandates to the point of spiritual maturity.
Peace is the actual attainment of your spiritual maturity status. It is the state of the completion of your soul.
When you were born into this world, your soul was an empty vessel, containing human life and not much more. As you grew up, you learned through experiences, and academics. And when you believed in Christ, Bible doctrine became available to you through your spiritual life.
Your spiritual life is the other and greater component of your life. By advancing in your spiritual life, through a daily study, through daily learning, through daily spiritual exercise, your life advances toward completion.
In this world you can accumulate things, which are external to you. Things like cars, real estate, wealth - things. But these things are not a part of your inner life, but external to your life. They are temporary and sooner or later, will be lost to you, in history.
However, doctrine in your soul, has a supernatural way of making your blessings, which God gives to you, an integral part of your soul, such that you actually possess them as a part of your being.
This completion of soul belongs to the soul only and comes from doctrine only, and from no other source.
No amount of academic or world experiences can duplicate this characteristic of your life. It comes to you only one way, which is through advancement in your spiritual life.
This means that if you are to qualify for the maximum grace and peace in your life, you have to one day, decide to commit yourself to obedience to Gods Word, and stop trying to get by with less than complete obedience.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
2 Peter 1:1
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
2 Peter 1:1
1 Simon [Sumeon] Peter [Petros], a servant [doulos] and [kai] an apostle [apostolos] of Jesus [Iesous] Christ [Christos], to them that have obtained [lagchano] like precious [isotimos] faith [pistis] with us [hemin] through [en] the righteousness [dikaiosune] of God [theos] and [kai] our [hemon] Saviour [soter] Jesus [Iesous] Christ [Christos]: KJV-Interlinear
1 Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: NASB
In this letter, Peter begins with his given name, Simon, and then adds to it the name given to him by Jesus, which is Peter.
Simon means to hear, and Peter means a chip of rock. The hearer is one who listens repeatedly and finally gets it. The chip of rock is a chip from a larger rock. The larger rock being that of Christ.
In his first letter, Peter addressed those believers who were under pressures of sufferings of every imaginable kind.
This letter is addressed to all believers, anyone who has believed in Christ and has decided (finally), to listen to His words (doctrine), and grow up in their spiritual life.
This is a letter of reminder. Not that we do not already know the content of what he has to say, but that believers have only one defense against this world and that is the repetition of doctrine that keeps them on track in their spiritual life.
Without the repetition of Bible doctrine, believers will stray from their spiritual life into a life of oblivion, and even with repetition, believers have a tendency to stray out of the boredom which comes from nothing significant happening in their life, at least significant in such a manner as they want things to happen.
And then we have the daily occurrences of life which serve to keep us on track, if for no other reason but to remind us that we are not in control of our destiny in this world. The current storm serves as a great teacher of just how helpless we can become.
Currently we have three feet of snow and more on the way. Very abnormal for this time of year and especially here in Oregon, in the coast range (we typically get one of two inches, not thirty-six inches). Our power has been out for thirty hours now and the generator is on its last couple of cans of fuel. As power and phone lines are down, one can only wait for everything to be restored, for roads to be cleared, for the weather to warm up so all of this white stuff will melt away, and so that life can resume back to some semblance of normalcy. Warming temperatures are not expected for another week.
The whole country seems to be getting hammered from a severe winter storm this year.
So, what does that teach us? That we are helpless, and depend on powers outside of our control. We can only wait.
But suppose this were the Tribulation, when life will fall apart with huge storms and disasters, and there won’t be any help, or repairs, or restoration of services, ever. What do you suppose those folks will do?
Well, some will turn to Christ, some will dig their way out, and most will die.
And what does this have to do with Peter? This is a reminder that you need to get your priorities in order in your spiritual life, because life is a serious matter and not a game.
Your entire eternal future is at stake, and more than that, the quality of your entire eternity is at stake.
There is one common thread that intersects every persons life, and that common thread is Christ.
Anyone can listen, but it takes a bit more to hear, and a bit more to accept the mandates of God, without finding an excuse as to why they do not apply to you.
And more than that, it takes a whole lot more in you, to get you through whatever suffering you are having to endure, without falling away from God, from doctrine, and from your most valuable future.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
2 Peter 1:1
1 Simon [Sumeon] Peter [Petros], a servant [doulos] and [kai] an apostle [apostolos] of Jesus [Iesous] Christ [Christos], to them that have obtained [lagchano] like precious [isotimos] faith [pistis] with us [hemin] through [en] the righteousness [dikaiosune] of God [theos] and [kai] our [hemon] Saviour [soter] Jesus [Iesous] Christ [Christos]: KJV-Interlinear
1 Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: NASB
In this letter, Peter begins with his given name, Simon, and then adds to it the name given to him by Jesus, which is Peter.
Simon means to hear, and Peter means a chip of rock. The hearer is one who listens repeatedly and finally gets it. The chip of rock is a chip from a larger rock. The larger rock being that of Christ.
In his first letter, Peter addressed those believers who were under pressures of sufferings of every imaginable kind.
This letter is addressed to all believers, anyone who has believed in Christ and has decided (finally), to listen to His words (doctrine), and grow up in their spiritual life.
This is a letter of reminder. Not that we do not already know the content of what he has to say, but that believers have only one defense against this world and that is the repetition of doctrine that keeps them on track in their spiritual life.
Without the repetition of Bible doctrine, believers will stray from their spiritual life into a life of oblivion, and even with repetition, believers have a tendency to stray out of the boredom which comes from nothing significant happening in their life, at least significant in such a manner as they want things to happen.
And then we have the daily occurrences of life which serve to keep us on track, if for no other reason but to remind us that we are not in control of our destiny in this world. The current storm serves as a great teacher of just how helpless we can become.
Currently we have three feet of snow and more on the way. Very abnormal for this time of year and especially here in Oregon, in the coast range (we typically get one of two inches, not thirty-six inches). Our power has been out for thirty hours now and the generator is on its last couple of cans of fuel. As power and phone lines are down, one can only wait for everything to be restored, for roads to be cleared, for the weather to warm up so all of this white stuff will melt away, and so that life can resume back to some semblance of normalcy. Warming temperatures are not expected for another week.
The whole country seems to be getting hammered from a severe winter storm this year.
So, what does that teach us? That we are helpless, and depend on powers outside of our control. We can only wait.
But suppose this were the Tribulation, when life will fall apart with huge storms and disasters, and there won’t be any help, or repairs, or restoration of services, ever. What do you suppose those folks will do?
Well, some will turn to Christ, some will dig their way out, and most will die.
And what does this have to do with Peter? This is a reminder that you need to get your priorities in order in your spiritual life, because life is a serious matter and not a game.
Your entire eternal future is at stake, and more than that, the quality of your entire eternity is at stake.
There is one common thread that intersects every persons life, and that common thread is Christ.
Anyone can listen, but it takes a bit more to hear, and a bit more to accept the mandates of God, without finding an excuse as to why they do not apply to you.
And more than that, it takes a whole lot more in you, to get you through whatever suffering you are having to endure, without falling away from God, from doctrine, and from your most valuable future.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
2 Peter - Introduction
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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2 Peter
Introduction
The second book of Peter, was written while Peter was probably still living in Babylon. Although the place of writing is uncertain. In this book, Peter continues the theme of the previous book as a reminder that though believers will suffer in many and various forms, they should keep with the faith, endure, and wait patiently on Gods plan to unfold for them.
Probably written in the late sixties A.D., shortly after the first letter was written, and probably shortly before his death around 68 A.D., 2 Peter was written as an encouragement and as a reminder to believers to hold on to their faith and doctrine, especially during their time of suffering and adversity. Thus, the first letter was a book covering suffering, this book in one of reminder.
2 Peter Outline (New Unger's Bible Dictionary)
I. Introduction (1:1-4)
II. Exhortation to Christian growth (1:5-11)
III. Apostolic authority (1:12-21)
IV. The peril of apostate teachers (2)
V. Conduct in the light of the Lord's return (3)
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
2 Peter
Introduction
The second book of Peter, was written while Peter was probably still living in Babylon. Although the place of writing is uncertain. In this book, Peter continues the theme of the previous book as a reminder that though believers will suffer in many and various forms, they should keep with the faith, endure, and wait patiently on Gods plan to unfold for them.
Probably written in the late sixties A.D., shortly after the first letter was written, and probably shortly before his death around 68 A.D., 2 Peter was written as an encouragement and as a reminder to believers to hold on to their faith and doctrine, especially during their time of suffering and adversity. Thus, the first letter was a book covering suffering, this book in one of reminder.
2 Peter Outline (New Unger's Bible Dictionary)
I. Introduction (1:1-4)
II. Exhortation to Christian growth (1:5-11)
III. Apostolic authority (1:12-21)
IV. The peril of apostate teachers (2)
V. Conduct in the light of the Lord's return (3)
Friday, December 19, 2008
1 Peter 5:12-14
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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1 Peter 5:12-14
12 By [dia] Silvanus [Silouanos], a faithful [pistos] brother [adelphos] unto you [humin], as [hos] I suppose [logizomai], I have written [grapho] briefly [dia] [oligos], exhorting [parakaleo], and [kai] testifying [epimartureo] that this [taute] is [einai] the true [alethes] grace [charis] of God [theos] wherein [eis] [hos] ye stand [histemi].
13 The church that is at [en] Babylon [Babulon], elected together with [suneklektos] you, saluteth [aspazomai] you [humas]; and [kai] so doth Marcus [Markos] my [mou] son [huios].
14 Greet ye [aspazomai] one another [allelon] with [en] a kiss [philema] of charity [agape]. Peace [eirene] be with you [humin] all [pas] that are in [en] Christ [Christos] Jesus [Iesous]. Amen [amen]. KJV-Interlinear
12 Through Silvanus, our faithful brother (for so I regard him), I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it! 13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, and so does my son, Mark. 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace be to you all who are in Christ. NASB
Peter closes this letter with the mention of Silvanus, whom most believe to be the same Silas mentioned in Acts, also named as Silvanus by Paul, in both Thessalonians as well as in 2 Corinthians.
By these mentions, Silvanus appears to have been well known throughout the Christian groups in those early decades, and it also indicates that most of the early Christians knew of each other and their respective circumstances.
Knowledge of Christ, the scriptures, and those who taught them, was well known. Without any telephone, internet, television, or news reporting, as we know it today, information regarding Christ and doctrine spread throughout the region and beyond, almost effortlessly.
Absent the modern conveniences and technology, if Christianity is able to spread throughout the world back then, how much more so can it spread in our current day?
Jesus Christ controls history. Jesus Christ executes all of the details of Gods plan, even the spread of doctrine to every individual on the planet. Doctrine is never forced, but when anyone develops an interest, God knows, and therefore supplies the gospel and doctrine as it is needed and desired.
The reference to Mark is probably John Mark mentioned in Acts. And the reference as his son, is simply an expression of affection, not implying a father-son relationship. Many older folks will call younger men by the name of son.
Peter closes his letter of encouragement by telling those readers and hearers, that despite their suffering, whatever their situation might be, to hold on, be patient, and trust in Christ.
Peace is the ultimate goal and objective of the spiritual life – spiritual maturity. It is the symbol of completion of ones life to the maximum, and a designation for attaining the ultimate of all that is attainable in life, which includes security, prosperity, wealth, contentment and more.
Bible doctrine is the only means of attaining peace.
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1 Peter 5:12-14
12 By [dia] Silvanus [Silouanos], a faithful [pistos] brother [adelphos] unto you [humin], as [hos] I suppose [logizomai], I have written [grapho] briefly [dia] [oligos], exhorting [parakaleo], and [kai] testifying [epimartureo] that this [taute] is [einai] the true [alethes] grace [charis] of God [theos] wherein [eis] [hos] ye stand [histemi].
13 The church that is at [en] Babylon [Babulon], elected together with [suneklektos] you, saluteth [aspazomai] you [humas]; and [kai] so doth Marcus [Markos] my [mou] son [huios].
14 Greet ye [aspazomai] one another [allelon] with [en] a kiss [philema] of charity [agape]. Peace [eirene] be with you [humin] all [pas] that are in [en] Christ [Christos] Jesus [Iesous]. Amen [amen]. KJV-Interlinear
12 Through Silvanus, our faithful brother (for so I regard him), I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it! 13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, and so does my son, Mark. 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace be to you all who are in Christ. NASB
Peter closes this letter with the mention of Silvanus, whom most believe to be the same Silas mentioned in Acts, also named as Silvanus by Paul, in both Thessalonians as well as in 2 Corinthians.
By these mentions, Silvanus appears to have been well known throughout the Christian groups in those early decades, and it also indicates that most of the early Christians knew of each other and their respective circumstances.
Knowledge of Christ, the scriptures, and those who taught them, was well known. Without any telephone, internet, television, or news reporting, as we know it today, information regarding Christ and doctrine spread throughout the region and beyond, almost effortlessly.
Absent the modern conveniences and technology, if Christianity is able to spread throughout the world back then, how much more so can it spread in our current day?
Jesus Christ controls history. Jesus Christ executes all of the details of Gods plan, even the spread of doctrine to every individual on the planet. Doctrine is never forced, but when anyone develops an interest, God knows, and therefore supplies the gospel and doctrine as it is needed and desired.
The reference to Mark is probably John Mark mentioned in Acts. And the reference as his son, is simply an expression of affection, not implying a father-son relationship. Many older folks will call younger men by the name of son.
Peter closes his letter of encouragement by telling those readers and hearers, that despite their suffering, whatever their situation might be, to hold on, be patient, and trust in Christ.
Peace is the ultimate goal and objective of the spiritual life – spiritual maturity. It is the symbol of completion of ones life to the maximum, and a designation for attaining the ultimate of all that is attainable in life, which includes security, prosperity, wealth, contentment and more.
Bible doctrine is the only means of attaining peace.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
1 Peter 5:11
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Peter 5:11
11 To him [autos] be glory [doxa] and [kai] dominion [kratos] for [eis] ever [aion] and ever [aion]. Amen [amen]. KJV-Interlinear
11 To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen. NASB
To ‘Him,’ is a reference to the one deity who brings perfection into your life, which is Jesus Christ. For, of Him and through Him are all things.
Jesus Christ controls history. Jesus Christ controls everything in history, everything in your life, everything that you can imagine and beyond.
To Him is dominion, which is power, control, authority, command, sovereignty, even territory, all territory that exists anywhere and everywhere.
Jesus Christ is the one who was in the burning bush before Moses. He is the ‘I Am,’ the eternally self-sufficient one. Which means that He has unlimited resources and unlimited abilities.
This is to impress upon you, that dedicating yourself to a daily study of the Bible, will produce a winning result for your life. In contrast, by avoiding your spiritual life, you will not have a winning result. At least not as good as it would be otherwise.
Winning with salvation and going to heaven is a win, but advancing to spiritual maturity is a completion and infinitely better.
The Bible is only a book of words. They are repeated over and over again, such that you cannot help but notice their principles at some point during your life.
But then everyone does know of God, Christ and doctrine. How is it then that people simply do not rush to Gods views, but instead rush to the opposite views from this world?
God offers everything and offers it forever.
The world offers nothing and goes into a great effort in order to get humanity distracted and all caught up in worldly activities, enticements, crusades, making them a priority over all else. People will invent their own morals and standards, and magnify them over those of Gods.
And yet, when all is said and done, Christ will be supreme and man, in this world, will be nothing. God will judge man. Man will never be able to judge God.
Why do people miss the point? What is it that makes people presume that their ideas and beliefs, are better than those of God?
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Peter 5:11
11 To him [autos] be glory [doxa] and [kai] dominion [kratos] for [eis] ever [aion] and ever [aion]. Amen [amen]. KJV-Interlinear
11 To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen. NASB
To ‘Him,’ is a reference to the one deity who brings perfection into your life, which is Jesus Christ. For, of Him and through Him are all things.
Jesus Christ controls history. Jesus Christ controls everything in history, everything in your life, everything that you can imagine and beyond.
To Him is dominion, which is power, control, authority, command, sovereignty, even territory, all territory that exists anywhere and everywhere.
Jesus Christ is the one who was in the burning bush before Moses. He is the ‘I Am,’ the eternally self-sufficient one. Which means that He has unlimited resources and unlimited abilities.
This is to impress upon you, that dedicating yourself to a daily study of the Bible, will produce a winning result for your life. In contrast, by avoiding your spiritual life, you will not have a winning result. At least not as good as it would be otherwise.
Winning with salvation and going to heaven is a win, but advancing to spiritual maturity is a completion and infinitely better.
The Bible is only a book of words. They are repeated over and over again, such that you cannot help but notice their principles at some point during your life.
But then everyone does know of God, Christ and doctrine. How is it then that people simply do not rush to Gods views, but instead rush to the opposite views from this world?
God offers everything and offers it forever.
The world offers nothing and goes into a great effort in order to get humanity distracted and all caught up in worldly activities, enticements, crusades, making them a priority over all else. People will invent their own morals and standards, and magnify them over those of Gods.
And yet, when all is said and done, Christ will be supreme and man, in this world, will be nothing. God will judge man. Man will never be able to judge God.
Why do people miss the point? What is it that makes people presume that their ideas and beliefs, are better than those of God?
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
1 Peter 5:10
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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1 Peter 5:10
10 But [de] the God [theos] of all [pas] grace [charis], who [ho] hath called [kaleo] us [hemas] unto [eis] his [autos] eternal [aionios] glory [doxa] by [en] Christ [Christos] Jesus [Iesous], after that ye have suffered [pascho] a while [oligos], [autos] make [katartizo] you [humas] perfect [katartizo], stablish [sterizo], strengthen [sthenoo], settle [themelioo] you. KJV-Interlinear
10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. NASB
Here, suffering means to endure the hardships of life, whatever they might consist of. And simply being born into this world means that a person has to endure the physical and mental stresses of life, suffering begins at birth and continues until ones death.
This is a temporary state.
We all have two phases in our life, the one we have now, or our physical state in this life, and the second phase, which is our eternal state. Obviously the eternal state (trillions and trillions and trillions, etc. of years), which will last forever, is a far longer state than our current state, which can last but a few decades. So this life is but a blink if not less than that, on the timeline of life.
God the Father saw your life in eternity past. You were conceived in His mind and manifested in His plan, a very long time ago. He saw your faith in Christ, and therefore brought you into existence for the purpose of living forever with Him, in heaven.
For by means of Christ, by means of the Holy Spirit, by means of doctrine, which is our link through Christ to God, He will build you up and complete your life.
Peter uses four construction terms here to describe the building of your spiritual life.
God will make you perfect, which is the alignment of all components of a building, relative to each other. All parts of your spiritual life will be assembled together perfectly.
Stablish means to make one firm, to tie together, where one part serves to support another part such that every part holds up and holds together every other part.
The strengthening takes into consideration the shifting, leaning, warping, racking factors of a building. Every part of your spiritual life, in doctrine, is tied together in such a way that it cannot fall over, twist or break apart, even under the pressures from the heaviest of storms.
And the settling component of a newly established building all depends on the foundation upon which it is built. Bible doctrine is the safest, surest, soundest, most secure foundation in existence. There is nothing better, anywhere.
God is truth. Gods plan is truth. Gods Word is truth. There is nothing shady, deceitful, or flawed, in Gods spiritual design. The world offers nothing but uncertainty and suffering. God offers certainty and hope. In the world, you will always lose. In Christ, you will always win. All circumstances therefore, are irrelevant.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Peter 5:10
10 But [de] the God [theos] of all [pas] grace [charis], who [ho] hath called [kaleo] us [hemas] unto [eis] his [autos] eternal [aionios] glory [doxa] by [en] Christ [Christos] Jesus [Iesous], after that ye have suffered [pascho] a while [oligos], [autos] make [katartizo] you [humas] perfect [katartizo], stablish [sterizo], strengthen [sthenoo], settle [themelioo] you. KJV-Interlinear
10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. NASB
Here, suffering means to endure the hardships of life, whatever they might consist of. And simply being born into this world means that a person has to endure the physical and mental stresses of life, suffering begins at birth and continues until ones death.
This is a temporary state.
We all have two phases in our life, the one we have now, or our physical state in this life, and the second phase, which is our eternal state. Obviously the eternal state (trillions and trillions and trillions, etc. of years), which will last forever, is a far longer state than our current state, which can last but a few decades. So this life is but a blink if not less than that, on the timeline of life.
God the Father saw your life in eternity past. You were conceived in His mind and manifested in His plan, a very long time ago. He saw your faith in Christ, and therefore brought you into existence for the purpose of living forever with Him, in heaven.
For by means of Christ, by means of the Holy Spirit, by means of doctrine, which is our link through Christ to God, He will build you up and complete your life.
Peter uses four construction terms here to describe the building of your spiritual life.
God will make you perfect, which is the alignment of all components of a building, relative to each other. All parts of your spiritual life will be assembled together perfectly.
Stablish means to make one firm, to tie together, where one part serves to support another part such that every part holds up and holds together every other part.
The strengthening takes into consideration the shifting, leaning, warping, racking factors of a building. Every part of your spiritual life, in doctrine, is tied together in such a way that it cannot fall over, twist or break apart, even under the pressures from the heaviest of storms.
And the settling component of a newly established building all depends on the foundation upon which it is built. Bible doctrine is the safest, surest, soundest, most secure foundation in existence. There is nothing better, anywhere.
God is truth. Gods plan is truth. Gods Word is truth. There is nothing shady, deceitful, or flawed, in Gods spiritual design. The world offers nothing but uncertainty and suffering. God offers certainty and hope. In the world, you will always lose. In Christ, you will always win. All circumstances therefore, are irrelevant.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
1 Peter 5:9
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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1 Peter 5:9
9 Whom [hos] resist [anthistemi] stedfast [stereos] in the faith [pistis], knowing [eido] that the same [autos] afflictions [pathema] are accomplished [epiteleo] in your [humon] brethren [adelphotes] that are in [en] the world [kosmos]. KJV-Interlinear
9 But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. NASB
Resist him, means resist the policies, philosophies, and views of Satan. In all the world, there are only two views of life, Gods and Satan's.
Gods view is truth, and Satan's view is not truth, or lies.
You either subscribe to one or the other. There is no third choice. There is no combination of the two which is acceptable in any situation. Lies and truth are mutually exclusive. No pretense, no emotional feelings, no logic, nothing can compromise the truths of God.
There is only one way to oppose lies, and that is with truth. There is only one way to gain possession of truth, and that is by means of the mechanism, which God designed for learning, understanding, and inculcating truth into your soul.
And the ultimate goal of learning truth is not to accomplish something that you can do, but accomplishing a level of faith, wherein you trust God completely. Daniel and Moses are two examples of people who were brought to the very edge of human helplessness and they trusted God, even fully expecting their own death, but were delivered.
And that is your defense (faith), against the lies, enticements, distractions, threats or intimidations from this world.
You are not alone in the fight for spiritual success. Every believer that has ever lived and every believer that is alive today, is a target, and is suffering from the same difficulties as you are. Most of us have financial, social, physical, or emotional stresses of one kind or another. And the world will pound you relentlessly until you quit doctrine.
We just finished our study of Job. He hung in there, despite horrendous difficulties from financial losses, from personal family losses, from health losses, from social ostracism and such.
When you cry out for the pain, giving in to the world, then the world will probably, but not necessarily, leave you alone. More likely it will just hammer you all the more. Remember, the world cares nothing for you. Like the lion roaring after its prey, when the prey gives in, it is killed and devoured. That is Satan’s policy. There is never any mercy.
But in grace, faith is never abandoned, never let down. God cares more for you than you realize. He created an entire universe just so you could see the stars at night, or be amazed by the technologies that this universe makes possible. Couldn’t He have made salvation possible with far less?
After all, most of the technology we have today, was never known to humanity for many thousands of years, and has been with us only a few decades.
Your ultimate goal is to stand before the Lord, one day in the near future, and receive His highest praise as a good and faithful servant. You accomplish this by means of advancing in, and sticking with, your spiritual growth.
Expect trouble from many sources. The world has rejected God for a very long time now. This country is slipping away from Biblical principles. Even the weather is hammering us all with bitter winter storms.
There is only one-way out of, or through, your dilemma, and that is through faith, developed by a daily diet of Bible doctrine.
And if and when you do get hammered, do not blame God, but stick with your studies, and weather the storms of life as best you can. God will be there, with solutions of one type or another.
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1 Peter 5:9
9 Whom [hos] resist [anthistemi] stedfast [stereos] in the faith [pistis], knowing [eido] that the same [autos] afflictions [pathema] are accomplished [epiteleo] in your [humon] brethren [adelphotes] that are in [en] the world [kosmos]. KJV-Interlinear
9 But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. NASB
Resist him, means resist the policies, philosophies, and views of Satan. In all the world, there are only two views of life, Gods and Satan's.
Gods view is truth, and Satan's view is not truth, or lies.
You either subscribe to one or the other. There is no third choice. There is no combination of the two which is acceptable in any situation. Lies and truth are mutually exclusive. No pretense, no emotional feelings, no logic, nothing can compromise the truths of God.
There is only one way to oppose lies, and that is with truth. There is only one way to gain possession of truth, and that is by means of the mechanism, which God designed for learning, understanding, and inculcating truth into your soul.
And the ultimate goal of learning truth is not to accomplish something that you can do, but accomplishing a level of faith, wherein you trust God completely. Daniel and Moses are two examples of people who were brought to the very edge of human helplessness and they trusted God, even fully expecting their own death, but were delivered.
And that is your defense (faith), against the lies, enticements, distractions, threats or intimidations from this world.
You are not alone in the fight for spiritual success. Every believer that has ever lived and every believer that is alive today, is a target, and is suffering from the same difficulties as you are. Most of us have financial, social, physical, or emotional stresses of one kind or another. And the world will pound you relentlessly until you quit doctrine.
We just finished our study of Job. He hung in there, despite horrendous difficulties from financial losses, from personal family losses, from health losses, from social ostracism and such.
When you cry out for the pain, giving in to the world, then the world will probably, but not necessarily, leave you alone. More likely it will just hammer you all the more. Remember, the world cares nothing for you. Like the lion roaring after its prey, when the prey gives in, it is killed and devoured. That is Satan’s policy. There is never any mercy.
But in grace, faith is never abandoned, never let down. God cares more for you than you realize. He created an entire universe just so you could see the stars at night, or be amazed by the technologies that this universe makes possible. Couldn’t He have made salvation possible with far less?
After all, most of the technology we have today, was never known to humanity for many thousands of years, and has been with us only a few decades.
Your ultimate goal is to stand before the Lord, one day in the near future, and receive His highest praise as a good and faithful servant. You accomplish this by means of advancing in, and sticking with, your spiritual growth.
Expect trouble from many sources. The world has rejected God for a very long time now. This country is slipping away from Biblical principles. Even the weather is hammering us all with bitter winter storms.
There is only one-way out of, or through, your dilemma, and that is through faith, developed by a daily diet of Bible doctrine.
And if and when you do get hammered, do not blame God, but stick with your studies, and weather the storms of life as best you can. God will be there, with solutions of one type or another.
Monday, December 15, 2008
1 Peter 5:8
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Peter 5:8
8 Be sober [nepho], be vigilant [gregoreuo]; because [hoti] your [humon] adversary [antidikos] the devil [diabolos], as [hos] a roaring [oruomai] lion [leon], walketh about [peripateo], seeking [zeteo] whom [tis] he may devour [katapino]: KJV-Interlinear
8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. NASB
People look around themselves as though there is nothing else to consider in reality. We view science fiction as the view of mans future, when technology is advanced enough to allow humanity to venture into the stars, or fix virtually any body part or genetic part that is not functioning right.
Most folks view their temporal life as the only reality, and the spiritual life as nothing more than an emotional support, like a medication, to help relieve tension and worries. Kind of like a child’s favorite blanket or teddy bear. Something to help stabilize ones mental state, but only with psychological implications.
Weaker folks may need religion to help them get along in life, and the more intellectual of society, look at religion as something that they do not need, as they are above such children's stories or mental supports.
We know that there are things that we cannot see, like radio waves, light waves, sound waves, radar, atoms, electrons, genes and more. But since we have been able to detect them, we presume that if anything exists, it is detectable or measurable.
However, human life seems to elude us all. We can’t extract it from the body and place it in a jar. Angels seem to be able to hide from us. And though we know that human life exists, we ignore the possibility of angels or even God as a tangible creature.
And so life in this world becomes mans entire world. Even though we know with certainty that people do not live forever. The cemeteries are filled with past generations, and that is where we all will be sooner or later. But it is easier to ignore rather than contemplate.
We wrap ourselves up in the politics or beliefs of the day. We keep busy with our daily hustle and bustle looking toward the weekend, or the next vacation, or even toward retirement. And then what?
As we sleep at night, the earth still rotates, the clouds keep moving, the rivers keep flowing, the clock keeps ticking, and life for each one of us keeps on moving toward our ultimate meeting with Jesus.
How important is your belief in abortion or your opposition to it? How important is your belief in, or rejection of, global warming? How important are your views of marriage, or relationships, or anything in life?
Are these things great enough for you to put your spiritual life on hold?
God tells us to be alert, to be sober, to be on our guard. Why? Because we have one enemy in this world, Satan, whom we cannot see, cannot detect, cannot even get hold of by e-mail. And yet he is more powerfully deceitful and subtle than anything humanity has ever encountered in history.
And while people will not pursue truth from God, which is able to stand up against all tests and proofs, they will rush into the lies of life, which they cannot substantiate or prove.
Being sober means to be clear headed, straight thinking, able to discern between the truth and the lie.
Being alert means to be watchful, diligent, prepared.
And both refer to your only resource for having a stable and profitable life – Bible doctrine.
Anything that distracts you from your spiritual life, is from Satan. Whether he formally authored something or merely allows humanity to promote his policies, makes no difference. Evil originated from Satan, and evil is not easily detected when you are spiritually deficient.
Your destiny is not in this world. Your destiny is in the next life. The details and content of your destiny are determined by your own decisions in this life. And while you did not have any say in the details of your current life, you do have the opportunity to determine the extent of the details of your next life.
Why would you pass up that opportunity?
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Peter 5:8
8 Be sober [nepho], be vigilant [gregoreuo]; because [hoti] your [humon] adversary [antidikos] the devil [diabolos], as [hos] a roaring [oruomai] lion [leon], walketh about [peripateo], seeking [zeteo] whom [tis] he may devour [katapino]: KJV-Interlinear
8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. NASB
People look around themselves as though there is nothing else to consider in reality. We view science fiction as the view of mans future, when technology is advanced enough to allow humanity to venture into the stars, or fix virtually any body part or genetic part that is not functioning right.
Most folks view their temporal life as the only reality, and the spiritual life as nothing more than an emotional support, like a medication, to help relieve tension and worries. Kind of like a child’s favorite blanket or teddy bear. Something to help stabilize ones mental state, but only with psychological implications.
Weaker folks may need religion to help them get along in life, and the more intellectual of society, look at religion as something that they do not need, as they are above such children's stories or mental supports.
We know that there are things that we cannot see, like radio waves, light waves, sound waves, radar, atoms, electrons, genes and more. But since we have been able to detect them, we presume that if anything exists, it is detectable or measurable.
However, human life seems to elude us all. We can’t extract it from the body and place it in a jar. Angels seem to be able to hide from us. And though we know that human life exists, we ignore the possibility of angels or even God as a tangible creature.
And so life in this world becomes mans entire world. Even though we know with certainty that people do not live forever. The cemeteries are filled with past generations, and that is where we all will be sooner or later. But it is easier to ignore rather than contemplate.
We wrap ourselves up in the politics or beliefs of the day. We keep busy with our daily hustle and bustle looking toward the weekend, or the next vacation, or even toward retirement. And then what?
As we sleep at night, the earth still rotates, the clouds keep moving, the rivers keep flowing, the clock keeps ticking, and life for each one of us keeps on moving toward our ultimate meeting with Jesus.
How important is your belief in abortion or your opposition to it? How important is your belief in, or rejection of, global warming? How important are your views of marriage, or relationships, or anything in life?
Are these things great enough for you to put your spiritual life on hold?
God tells us to be alert, to be sober, to be on our guard. Why? Because we have one enemy in this world, Satan, whom we cannot see, cannot detect, cannot even get hold of by e-mail. And yet he is more powerfully deceitful and subtle than anything humanity has ever encountered in history.
And while people will not pursue truth from God, which is able to stand up against all tests and proofs, they will rush into the lies of life, which they cannot substantiate or prove.
Being sober means to be clear headed, straight thinking, able to discern between the truth and the lie.
Being alert means to be watchful, diligent, prepared.
And both refer to your only resource for having a stable and profitable life – Bible doctrine.
Anything that distracts you from your spiritual life, is from Satan. Whether he formally authored something or merely allows humanity to promote his policies, makes no difference. Evil originated from Satan, and evil is not easily detected when you are spiritually deficient.
Your destiny is not in this world. Your destiny is in the next life. The details and content of your destiny are determined by your own decisions in this life. And while you did not have any say in the details of your current life, you do have the opportunity to determine the extent of the details of your next life.
Why would you pass up that opportunity?
Sunday, December 14, 2008
1 Peter 5:7
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Peter 5:7
7 Casting [epirrhipto] all [pas] your [humon] care [merimna] upon [epi] him [autos]; for [hoti] he [autos] careth [melo] for [peri] you [humon]. KJV-Interlinear
7 casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you. NASB
In life, probably each and every day of our life, we all have anxiousness's, concerns, worries, apprehensions and such. And we have these worries because of the uncertainties of life.
Matt. 6:31-34
31 ‘Do not be anxious then, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'With what shall we clothe ourselves?'
32 ‘For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
33 ‘But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.
34 ‘Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. NASB
One of the most difficult things in life to master, is faith. We are so used to seeing and touching and deciding based on the tangible things around us, but there is always the uncertainty beyond the five senses as well as beyond logic. We cannot know what tomorrow will bring.
It is difficult enough during times of prosperity, and doubly difficult in times that are less than prosperous.
Just as we have studied the various uncertainties of life based on attitudes in these past few days, the biggest barrier in those studies, is in not getting upset with the subject material or the comments made. It is too easy to disagree and then become distracted from ones study.
None of us are prophets these days, we can only speculate, but we can know one thing for certain, and that is, that God blesses those who adopt His doctrine, and God disciplines those who do not. The specifics of either situation is the unknown.
But here is a promise. Your concerns, either spiritual or temporal, are Gods concerns. He knows what you need in life and when you need it. But that does not mean that He is going to provide you with what you want.
Your eternal life is of greater importance, and God will never trade away your destiny, for something temporary for today.
God is merciful, caring, loving, and deeply concerned for your life. Your concerns are His concerns. Your worries are His worries. Your problems are His problems, and God is your only solution regardless of your situation. God is your only solution regardless of what you think.
Remember, Jesus came into this world as a poor carpenters’ son. The priests were expecting a prince, riding a white warhorse, carrying a sword with lightning and power, and they expected Him to do their bidding, not His.
They all rejected Christ.
Very few who were present, actually cared for Jesus. And yet He did not reject us because we rejected Him.
And so, even if we do not agree with Gods teaching, we should be open minded enough and patient enough to hear Him out.
The world has enjoyed a tremendous period of prosperity since the end of World War II, despite several ups and downs along the way. Now we seem to be facing a transitional period of difficulty.
And while none of us truly know what to expect in the near or distant future, that really is irrelevant if you are pursuing your spiritual life.
This is a good verse to place in your list of memory verses.
Psa. 55:22
22 Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. NASB
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Peter 5:7
7 Casting [epirrhipto] all [pas] your [humon] care [merimna] upon [epi] him [autos]; for [hoti] he [autos] careth [melo] for [peri] you [humon]. KJV-Interlinear
7 casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you. NASB
In life, probably each and every day of our life, we all have anxiousness's, concerns, worries, apprehensions and such. And we have these worries because of the uncertainties of life.
Matt. 6:31-34
31 ‘Do not be anxious then, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'With what shall we clothe ourselves?'
32 ‘For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
33 ‘But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.
34 ‘Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. NASB
One of the most difficult things in life to master, is faith. We are so used to seeing and touching and deciding based on the tangible things around us, but there is always the uncertainty beyond the five senses as well as beyond logic. We cannot know what tomorrow will bring.
It is difficult enough during times of prosperity, and doubly difficult in times that are less than prosperous.
Just as we have studied the various uncertainties of life based on attitudes in these past few days, the biggest barrier in those studies, is in not getting upset with the subject material or the comments made. It is too easy to disagree and then become distracted from ones study.
None of us are prophets these days, we can only speculate, but we can know one thing for certain, and that is, that God blesses those who adopt His doctrine, and God disciplines those who do not. The specifics of either situation is the unknown.
But here is a promise. Your concerns, either spiritual or temporal, are Gods concerns. He knows what you need in life and when you need it. But that does not mean that He is going to provide you with what you want.
Your eternal life is of greater importance, and God will never trade away your destiny, for something temporary for today.
God is merciful, caring, loving, and deeply concerned for your life. Your concerns are His concerns. Your worries are His worries. Your problems are His problems, and God is your only solution regardless of your situation. God is your only solution regardless of what you think.
Remember, Jesus came into this world as a poor carpenters’ son. The priests were expecting a prince, riding a white warhorse, carrying a sword with lightning and power, and they expected Him to do their bidding, not His.
They all rejected Christ.
Very few who were present, actually cared for Jesus. And yet He did not reject us because we rejected Him.
And so, even if we do not agree with Gods teaching, we should be open minded enough and patient enough to hear Him out.
The world has enjoyed a tremendous period of prosperity since the end of World War II, despite several ups and downs along the way. Now we seem to be facing a transitional period of difficulty.
And while none of us truly know what to expect in the near or distant future, that really is irrelevant if you are pursuing your spiritual life.
This is a good verse to place in your list of memory verses.
Psa. 55:22
22 Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. NASB
Saturday, December 13, 2008
1 Peter 5:6
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Peter 5:6
6 Humble yourselves [tapeinoo] therefore [oun] under [hupo] the mighty [krataios] hand [cheir] of God [theos], that [hina] he may exalt [hupsoo] you [humas] in [en] due time [kairos]: KJV-Interlinear
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, NASB
In the general sense, the word humble means to be modest or unassuming, but in the spiritual sense, humble means to set aside ones own priorities, beliefs, attitudes and such, and replace them with Gods truth.
That is often difficult to accomplish when your own beliefs interfere with truth, as you often times will try to open up the rules of compromise, and include your own views mixed in with Biblical views.
Prov. 3:34
34 Though He scoffs at the scoffers, Yet He gives grace to the afflicted. NASB
Deut. 3:24
24 'O Lord God, Thou hast begun to show Thy servant Thy greatness and Thy strong hand; for what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do such works and mighty acts as Thine? NASB
Luke 1:51
51 ‘He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. NASB
In life you are always faced with submitting yourself to Gods will and thus receiving the marvelous blessings of grace, or constantly trying to incorporate your views into or over and above those of Gods, and then reaping the power of His discipline.
In this universe and in heaven, God is the sovereign power and authority. On this earth, neither you nor I, nor anyone in humanity has the power or authority to make the day one minute longer or shorter, or extend our life by even a minute.
Our opinions mean nothing. Gods opinion means everything.
Therefore, recognize your place, sooner than later, so that you will enjoy more blessing than suffering.
The biggest problem that folks seem to have, is that they take themselves too seriously, and think too highly of their own opinions. And, it is just too embarrassing to pretend that you are trusting in someone that you can’t contact, can’t see, can’t even locate on a map.
But, God possesses the power to punish, and He certainly possesses the power to exhalt.
And one last thought for this lesson. Is it not odd that all of the problems of the last decade or so have come together in this single year. The seeds sewn in the last of the 90’s now resulting in the current financial crisis, the environmental opposition to drilling for several decades resulting in the oil price crisis earlier this year (prior to the election), the disregard of terrorists in the 90’s resulting in the current fight against them in this decade, an unqualified candidate defeating a qualified candidate in the general election, a liberal candidate with government running everything views winning the presidency, a governor auctioning off senate seats, car companies failing to design more economical cars, unions reaching all time greed highs with total compensation packages exceeding 70 dollars an hour verses their competition who are at 45 dollars an hour, liberal thought that the ways of old (which have made this country great) need to be changed (to what), conservative thought that has become rigid and losing perspective.
And all of this and more coming to fruition this year!
And why? Because society has been drifting negative toward God, doctrine, and their spiritual lives for a long time. Once people drift away from God, they dig in their heals for this false beliefs.
What should we expect in the near future? That everyone will simply discover their mistakes and change? Or, that people will continue to embrace their beliefs and decisions, leading society to even greater trouble.
In almost every historical setting, it takes great crisis before people abandon their faulty views. The last great crisis in our country was back in the thirties and forties, and it took from 1929 to 1945 (16 years), before things turned around. And what exactly happened during those years?
And this is in our verse. God has a mighty hand (emphasis on the words ‘mighty hand’), and we have been witness to many events coming to a head this year. No one has elected to change or recognize the need for their change, so God has given society all their choices.
Back in ancient times, the people chose Saul rather than David. The country was nearly destroyed.
But, regardless of how the rest of the world goes, you always have an out. And that out is God, Christ, doctrine, and your spiritual life. Don’t adopt a causual attitude toward life and then be surprised when reality gets really serious (emphasize the word ‘serious’). You will have no one to blame but yourself (even though people will seek scapegoats).
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Peter 5:6
6 Humble yourselves [tapeinoo] therefore [oun] under [hupo] the mighty [krataios] hand [cheir] of God [theos], that [hina] he may exalt [hupsoo] you [humas] in [en] due time [kairos]: KJV-Interlinear
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, NASB
In the general sense, the word humble means to be modest or unassuming, but in the spiritual sense, humble means to set aside ones own priorities, beliefs, attitudes and such, and replace them with Gods truth.
That is often difficult to accomplish when your own beliefs interfere with truth, as you often times will try to open up the rules of compromise, and include your own views mixed in with Biblical views.
Prov. 3:34
34 Though He scoffs at the scoffers, Yet He gives grace to the afflicted. NASB
Deut. 3:24
24 'O Lord God, Thou hast begun to show Thy servant Thy greatness and Thy strong hand; for what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do such works and mighty acts as Thine? NASB
Luke 1:51
51 ‘He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. NASB
In life you are always faced with submitting yourself to Gods will and thus receiving the marvelous blessings of grace, or constantly trying to incorporate your views into or over and above those of Gods, and then reaping the power of His discipline.
In this universe and in heaven, God is the sovereign power and authority. On this earth, neither you nor I, nor anyone in humanity has the power or authority to make the day one minute longer or shorter, or extend our life by even a minute.
Our opinions mean nothing. Gods opinion means everything.
Therefore, recognize your place, sooner than later, so that you will enjoy more blessing than suffering.
The biggest problem that folks seem to have, is that they take themselves too seriously, and think too highly of their own opinions. And, it is just too embarrassing to pretend that you are trusting in someone that you can’t contact, can’t see, can’t even locate on a map.
But, God possesses the power to punish, and He certainly possesses the power to exhalt.
And one last thought for this lesson. Is it not odd that all of the problems of the last decade or so have come together in this single year. The seeds sewn in the last of the 90’s now resulting in the current financial crisis, the environmental opposition to drilling for several decades resulting in the oil price crisis earlier this year (prior to the election), the disregard of terrorists in the 90’s resulting in the current fight against them in this decade, an unqualified candidate defeating a qualified candidate in the general election, a liberal candidate with government running everything views winning the presidency, a governor auctioning off senate seats, car companies failing to design more economical cars, unions reaching all time greed highs with total compensation packages exceeding 70 dollars an hour verses their competition who are at 45 dollars an hour, liberal thought that the ways of old (which have made this country great) need to be changed (to what), conservative thought that has become rigid and losing perspective.
And all of this and more coming to fruition this year!
And why? Because society has been drifting negative toward God, doctrine, and their spiritual lives for a long time. Once people drift away from God, they dig in their heals for this false beliefs.
What should we expect in the near future? That everyone will simply discover their mistakes and change? Or, that people will continue to embrace their beliefs and decisions, leading society to even greater trouble.
In almost every historical setting, it takes great crisis before people abandon their faulty views. The last great crisis in our country was back in the thirties and forties, and it took from 1929 to 1945 (16 years), before things turned around. And what exactly happened during those years?
And this is in our verse. God has a mighty hand (emphasis on the words ‘mighty hand’), and we have been witness to many events coming to a head this year. No one has elected to change or recognize the need for their change, so God has given society all their choices.
Back in ancient times, the people chose Saul rather than David. The country was nearly destroyed.
But, regardless of how the rest of the world goes, you always have an out. And that out is God, Christ, doctrine, and your spiritual life. Don’t adopt a causual attitude toward life and then be surprised when reality gets really serious (emphasize the word ‘serious’). You will have no one to blame but yourself (even though people will seek scapegoats).
Friday, December 12, 2008
1 Peter 5:5
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Peter 5:5
5 Likewise [homoios], ye younger [neos], submit yourselves [hupotasso] unto the elder [presbuteros]. Yea [de], all [pas] of you be subject [hupotasso] one to another [allelon], and be clothed [egkomboomai] with humility [tapeinophrosune]: for [hoti] God [theos] resisteth [antitassomai] the proud [huperephanos], and [de] giveth [didomi] grace [charis] to the humble [tapeinos]. KJV-Interlinear
5 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. NASB
The proud and the humble are terms referring to the relative spiritual growth of immature believers as opposed to mature believers.
Likewise, the terms elders and younger also refer to those who are more advanced in wisdom as opposed to those who have relatively little spiritual growth under their belt.
The key to this whole verse is Gods policy toward believers in general, toward spiritually deficient believers specifically, and also toward mature believers.
Physical age has no bearing on Gods policy. Bible doctrine is the key as to what kind of relationship you will or will not have with God.
Therefore, if you are a relatively young believer, or better stated, if your spiritual life is relatively new or young, and it will be if you have just believed in Christ (whether you are nine or ninety is irrelevant), then prepare to subordinate yourself in respect, in humility, and so forth, toward those who have greater wisdom than you.
If in doubt, being quiet and polite is the better attitude to adopt. Time and doctrine will educate you as to whether your elders, are indeed wise in doctrine, or just older folks who can fool you.
You learn doctrine by clothing yourself in humility. Humility is a reference to your spiritual life. Therefore, put on the clothing of wisdom, and not arrogance. You put on these clothes by means of your spiritual growth. In other words, grow up.
Park your attitude and former beliefs at the door, and not only that, leave them outside of your life permanently. Listen and do not voice your opinions. No one wants to hear from an immature person anyway. The unwise cannot have anything to say, to the wise. The unwise has nothing to teach the wise.
All students of the Word of God, come before God without portfolio.
This verse is a general command to help you put your beliefs in perspective, to help you listen rather than speaking, to help you learn and grow up.
And when you grow up spiritually and become wise, then you will realize that you will not need to voice your opinions. That God voices His Word quite well, without your help. And you will just smile to yourself when other younger believers try to impose their opinions, which you can simply ignore, and know that you too once had those same dumb ideas. Oh, well. We’ve all been there, done that.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Peter 5:5
5 Likewise [homoios], ye younger [neos], submit yourselves [hupotasso] unto the elder [presbuteros]. Yea [de], all [pas] of you be subject [hupotasso] one to another [allelon], and be clothed [egkomboomai] with humility [tapeinophrosune]: for [hoti] God [theos] resisteth [antitassomai] the proud [huperephanos], and [de] giveth [didomi] grace [charis] to the humble [tapeinos]. KJV-Interlinear
5 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. NASB
The proud and the humble are terms referring to the relative spiritual growth of immature believers as opposed to mature believers.
Likewise, the terms elders and younger also refer to those who are more advanced in wisdom as opposed to those who have relatively little spiritual growth under their belt.
The key to this whole verse is Gods policy toward believers in general, toward spiritually deficient believers specifically, and also toward mature believers.
Physical age has no bearing on Gods policy. Bible doctrine is the key as to what kind of relationship you will or will not have with God.
Therefore, if you are a relatively young believer, or better stated, if your spiritual life is relatively new or young, and it will be if you have just believed in Christ (whether you are nine or ninety is irrelevant), then prepare to subordinate yourself in respect, in humility, and so forth, toward those who have greater wisdom than you.
If in doubt, being quiet and polite is the better attitude to adopt. Time and doctrine will educate you as to whether your elders, are indeed wise in doctrine, or just older folks who can fool you.
You learn doctrine by clothing yourself in humility. Humility is a reference to your spiritual life. Therefore, put on the clothing of wisdom, and not arrogance. You put on these clothes by means of your spiritual growth. In other words, grow up.
Park your attitude and former beliefs at the door, and not only that, leave them outside of your life permanently. Listen and do not voice your opinions. No one wants to hear from an immature person anyway. The unwise cannot have anything to say, to the wise. The unwise has nothing to teach the wise.
All students of the Word of God, come before God without portfolio.
This verse is a general command to help you put your beliefs in perspective, to help you listen rather than speaking, to help you learn and grow up.
And when you grow up spiritually and become wise, then you will realize that you will not need to voice your opinions. That God voices His Word quite well, without your help. And you will just smile to yourself when other younger believers try to impose their opinions, which you can simply ignore, and know that you too once had those same dumb ideas. Oh, well. We’ve all been there, done that.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
1 Peter 5:4
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Peter 5:4
4 And [kai] when the chief Shepherd [archipoimen] shall appear [phaneroo], ye shall receive [komizo] a crown [stephanos] of glory [doxa] that fadeth not away [amarantinos]. KJV-Interlinear
4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. NASB
There are five crowns of reward, for the believer, mentioned in the Bible. Three relate to self, and two relate to others.
For Self:
Crown of victory or incorruption, 1 Cor. 9:25 – remaining in fellowship.
Crown of life, James 1:12, Rev. 2:10-11, 1 Cor 3:15 - testing by trial.
Crown of righteousness, 2 Tim. 4:8 - maturity (perfection, integrity).
For Others:
Crown of the soul winner or rejoicing, Phil 4:1, 1 Thes. 2:19 - bringing others to Christ - their salvation.
Crown of glory, - teaching others about Christ - their growth, 1 Pet. 5:4.
In ancient times, winners of various events or those who accomplished things of an extraordinary nature, were presented with wreaths of flowers and such. These awards naturally faded over a short space of time. Their awards also were generally accompanied with honors, and even compensation, depending on the nature of the award.
This is the concept of the crowns mentioned in the scriptures, as they apply to each believer.
By accomplishing these various tasks, or by participating in them, then the believer can expect to receive an award when they come face to face with Christ.
Heb. 13:20
20 Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, NASB
At the ‘appearance of Christ,’ who is the Chief Shepherd, is a reference to your standing before His Judgment Seat for your evaluation.
When you participate in a competition of some type, you expect some type of award. It may be a ribbon or a medal for finishing first, or second, or third, or even a participation award, maybe a plaque or a trophy. And so it is with your spiritual life.
When you advance in your spiritual life, there are rewards waiting for you in heaven and eternity. The Parables of Christ, are filled with examples of these rewards. And even though we do not know the specifics of these rewards, we do know that they are beyond anything we can imagine (exceedingly abundantly beyond all we can think or ask), and that covers a huge unknown region that has not even been invented.
And not only are these rewards beyond imagination, but they will last forever, never fading, never being lost.
In this world, you have to defeat someone in order to win, and there is only one first place prize, one second place prize, and so forth.
But in the spiritual life, when you help someone win, you also become a winner. Heaven has enough room for us all to be winners. Your only competition is yourself and your willingness to seize hold of the greatest gift that God has provided us all, which is your spiritual life.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Peter 5:4
4 And [kai] when the chief Shepherd [archipoimen] shall appear [phaneroo], ye shall receive [komizo] a crown [stephanos] of glory [doxa] that fadeth not away [amarantinos]. KJV-Interlinear
4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. NASB
There are five crowns of reward, for the believer, mentioned in the Bible. Three relate to self, and two relate to others.
For Self:
Crown of victory or incorruption, 1 Cor. 9:25 – remaining in fellowship.
Crown of life, James 1:12, Rev. 2:10-11, 1 Cor 3:15 - testing by trial.
Crown of righteousness, 2 Tim. 4:8 - maturity (perfection, integrity).
For Others:
Crown of the soul winner or rejoicing, Phil 4:1, 1 Thes. 2:19 - bringing others to Christ - their salvation.
Crown of glory, - teaching others about Christ - their growth, 1 Pet. 5:4.
In ancient times, winners of various events or those who accomplished things of an extraordinary nature, were presented with wreaths of flowers and such. These awards naturally faded over a short space of time. Their awards also were generally accompanied with honors, and even compensation, depending on the nature of the award.
This is the concept of the crowns mentioned in the scriptures, as they apply to each believer.
By accomplishing these various tasks, or by participating in them, then the believer can expect to receive an award when they come face to face with Christ.
Heb. 13:20
20 Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, NASB
At the ‘appearance of Christ,’ who is the Chief Shepherd, is a reference to your standing before His Judgment Seat for your evaluation.
When you participate in a competition of some type, you expect some type of award. It may be a ribbon or a medal for finishing first, or second, or third, or even a participation award, maybe a plaque or a trophy. And so it is with your spiritual life.
When you advance in your spiritual life, there are rewards waiting for you in heaven and eternity. The Parables of Christ, are filled with examples of these rewards. And even though we do not know the specifics of these rewards, we do know that they are beyond anything we can imagine (exceedingly abundantly beyond all we can think or ask), and that covers a huge unknown region that has not even been invented.
And not only are these rewards beyond imagination, but they will last forever, never fading, never being lost.
In this world, you have to defeat someone in order to win, and there is only one first place prize, one second place prize, and so forth.
But in the spiritual life, when you help someone win, you also become a winner. Heaven has enough room for us all to be winners. Your only competition is yourself and your willingness to seize hold of the greatest gift that God has provided us all, which is your spiritual life.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
1 Peter 5:3
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Peter 5:3
3 Neither [mede] as [hos] being lords over [katakurieuo] God's heritage [kleros], but [alla] being [ginomai] ensamples [tupos] to the flock [poimnion]. KJV-Interlinear
3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. NASB
Here we have two parallel principles being taught. The first refers to each and every human being as an individual who is no better than anyone else, and the second, being a reference to any organization that might perceive itself as having power or authority over people.
The second is a command from God, made through Peter, that there is no such authority given to any priest or preacher, or church organization, whereby that person or organization may exercise its control over society. This principle has been ignored and abused since the time the Church of Rome began around the fourth century A.D.
Though they claim their roots back to Peter, the Levitical Priesthood was still in existence in his day, not the Church of Rome. And God made His intentions clear in 70 A.D. when the Roman army thoroughly destroyed that priesthood, and no other priesthood was there to replace it.
Christ alone is the head of the body of believers we call the Church. But, the Church is not limited to our dispensation, but to all believers throughout history.
Throughout history, culture after culture has risen up with their royalty and their priests. Both seeking to usurp power and authority from the masses, and that has always ended in corruption.
The most obvious corruption of this concept in our present day is from the religion of Islam. But there are many cults, and beliefs out there in the world that use religion for the advancement of the personal lusts of its leadership. These lusts include but are certainly not limited to, having multiple wives, abuse of children, the right to murder those who oppose you, radicals and guru’s to no end, and so forth.
Anyone who takes the name of God and uses it to advance their own agenda, whether on a worldwide scale, or from the many scam and scheming tent evangelists, is in violation of this principle.
Likewise, anyone who is included in the first view of this principle, and that includes us all, need to know that God made each and everyone of us, from the smallest component of our very being.
When you see anyone who possesses a magnificent talent, it is not them who should be held in awe, but God, who took a speck of dust and formed it into someone with tremendous beauty, talent, intelligence, etc.
Each one of us was but a hair thickness away from having been made an artistic phenomenon, a mental genius, or something else far inferior. Most of us are in the mid regions of genetic sculpturing, and all of us came from the hand of God.
Before our birth, none of us had any say in our design or circumstances. And after our birth, none of us have any right to boast about our abilities or our circumstances.
We are all subject to accidents, to body odors, to the disposal of human waste, to a wide range of disgusting human characteristics. None of us are superior to anyone else, regardless of the gifts we have been given.
God gave us all, what He gave us, for the glorification of Him, not us. And having received our gifts, whatever they might be, we have an obligation to help others, not ourselves.
Many celebrities in the news are prime examples of this selfish view or attitude concerning their talents.
Your obligation is to the flock, which belongs to God. To help preserve it, to help promote it, to help advance it spiritually, while you advance your own self within your spiritual life.
God provides you with all of the resources He deems that you need, and with all of the opportunities that He deems that you should have, in order to establish your true attitude, beliefs and faith, not to mention the degree of your willingness to obey His mandates.
Now, reading this Bible, you will soon discover that there is nothing new here that you don’t already know or should have known. Everyone knows the differences between right and wrong, as well as their responsibilities in life. Most folks simply choose to ignore them, favoring the drives of their sin nature. Life is easier that way.
But then, the world celebrates over your stupidity in choosing the easy way of the sin nature, in your boasting over your worldly advantages, over your recognition of your earthly superiority over others.
Don’t wait until you die (for their aren’t any second chances) before you discover just how wrong you are to have made the choices in life that you have made.
Jesus Christ came into this world knowing full well that all of humanity was an inferior lot of sinners. He could have turned around and said, ‘Well, they made their choices and that is too bad for them.’ But He did not demonstrate that kind of an attitude. He instead gave His own life for all of us sinners, who are nothing more than specks of dust. He in effect gave Himself, as God, for dirt.
Think about that, the next time you have second thoughts regarding whatever it is that you have, and whether or not you wish to help anyone out, in whatever way is available to you. And, whether you are setting a good or bad example for others, as God defines good or bad examples, not by your definition.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Peter 5:3
3 Neither [mede] as [hos] being lords over [katakurieuo] God's heritage [kleros], but [alla] being [ginomai] ensamples [tupos] to the flock [poimnion]. KJV-Interlinear
3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. NASB
Here we have two parallel principles being taught. The first refers to each and every human being as an individual who is no better than anyone else, and the second, being a reference to any organization that might perceive itself as having power or authority over people.
The second is a command from God, made through Peter, that there is no such authority given to any priest or preacher, or church organization, whereby that person or organization may exercise its control over society. This principle has been ignored and abused since the time the Church of Rome began around the fourth century A.D.
Though they claim their roots back to Peter, the Levitical Priesthood was still in existence in his day, not the Church of Rome. And God made His intentions clear in 70 A.D. when the Roman army thoroughly destroyed that priesthood, and no other priesthood was there to replace it.
Christ alone is the head of the body of believers we call the Church. But, the Church is not limited to our dispensation, but to all believers throughout history.
Throughout history, culture after culture has risen up with their royalty and their priests. Both seeking to usurp power and authority from the masses, and that has always ended in corruption.
The most obvious corruption of this concept in our present day is from the religion of Islam. But there are many cults, and beliefs out there in the world that use religion for the advancement of the personal lusts of its leadership. These lusts include but are certainly not limited to, having multiple wives, abuse of children, the right to murder those who oppose you, radicals and guru’s to no end, and so forth.
Anyone who takes the name of God and uses it to advance their own agenda, whether on a worldwide scale, or from the many scam and scheming tent evangelists, is in violation of this principle.
Likewise, anyone who is included in the first view of this principle, and that includes us all, need to know that God made each and everyone of us, from the smallest component of our very being.
When you see anyone who possesses a magnificent talent, it is not them who should be held in awe, but God, who took a speck of dust and formed it into someone with tremendous beauty, talent, intelligence, etc.
Each one of us was but a hair thickness away from having been made an artistic phenomenon, a mental genius, or something else far inferior. Most of us are in the mid regions of genetic sculpturing, and all of us came from the hand of God.
Before our birth, none of us had any say in our design or circumstances. And after our birth, none of us have any right to boast about our abilities or our circumstances.
We are all subject to accidents, to body odors, to the disposal of human waste, to a wide range of disgusting human characteristics. None of us are superior to anyone else, regardless of the gifts we have been given.
God gave us all, what He gave us, for the glorification of Him, not us. And having received our gifts, whatever they might be, we have an obligation to help others, not ourselves.
Many celebrities in the news are prime examples of this selfish view or attitude concerning their talents.
Your obligation is to the flock, which belongs to God. To help preserve it, to help promote it, to help advance it spiritually, while you advance your own self within your spiritual life.
God provides you with all of the resources He deems that you need, and with all of the opportunities that He deems that you should have, in order to establish your true attitude, beliefs and faith, not to mention the degree of your willingness to obey His mandates.
Now, reading this Bible, you will soon discover that there is nothing new here that you don’t already know or should have known. Everyone knows the differences between right and wrong, as well as their responsibilities in life. Most folks simply choose to ignore them, favoring the drives of their sin nature. Life is easier that way.
But then, the world celebrates over your stupidity in choosing the easy way of the sin nature, in your boasting over your worldly advantages, over your recognition of your earthly superiority over others.
Don’t wait until you die (for their aren’t any second chances) before you discover just how wrong you are to have made the choices in life that you have made.
Jesus Christ came into this world knowing full well that all of humanity was an inferior lot of sinners. He could have turned around and said, ‘Well, they made their choices and that is too bad for them.’ But He did not demonstrate that kind of an attitude. He instead gave His own life for all of us sinners, who are nothing more than specks of dust. He in effect gave Himself, as God, for dirt.
Think about that, the next time you have second thoughts regarding whatever it is that you have, and whether or not you wish to help anyone out, in whatever way is available to you. And, whether you are setting a good or bad example for others, as God defines good or bad examples, not by your definition.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
1 Peter 5:2
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Peter 5:2
2 Feed [poimaino] the flock [poimnion] of God [theos] which is among [en] you [humin], taking the oversight [episkopeo] thereof, not [me] by constraint [anagkastos], but [alla] willingly [hekousios]; not [mede] for filthy lucre [aischrokerdos], but [alla] of a ready mind [prothumos]; KJV-Interlinear
2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; NASB
The flock is a reference to all believers. ‘Of God,’ means just that. All believers belong to God and to God alone, not to any preacher, pastor, leader etc.
All believers in this world are given to anyone who qualifies as a teacher or instructor of doctrine. This means that doctrine has to be taught, and the various entertainment events that occupy so many organizations (soccer, baseball, dances, etc.) are not a part of the pastors’ duties. That is, they should not be the priority, or the end objective in order to get members.
From the parent who has a child or two, to the pastor who has a large congregation, to the individual who happens to stumble into a conversation with a stranger, we are all shepherds in one way or another.
‘According to the will of God,’ means in accordance with that which is placed in your care.
God will create opportunities for you and delegate into your care, from time to time, obligations for you to care for the soul of another. It may be a happen chance occurrence, or an ongoing obligation.
The circumstances and the numbers for whom you may be assigned are irrelevant. God owns the flock and God provides His flock with a shepherd or shepherds to see to their spiritual needs. Meeting your obligations for the care of one person, is no less important than being assigned the care of millions. Each individual is important, and each individual is entitled to care as though he or she is the only obligation you have.
Having the opportunity to help people in their spiritual lives, is in effect helping them with something that will last them forever as well as helping them with something (their spiritual life) that is far more valuable than anything else.
The value of your help therefore, is beyond calculation.
This alone should give you a sense of accomplishment and worth.
God will never place an undue burden on you. There will be many folks who will not listen to you. Even your children will have a tendency to ignore your words. But remember one important thing. Your words may come from your mouth, but their origin is from God, and God knows the hearers and what they need at any given moment throughout their life.
Your words may not meet with apparent success, but you may just be laying a subtle foundation that will blossom many years later. The flock belongs to God and God ultimately takes care of His own.
Above all else, do not place upon yourself unreasonable expectations. Do not approach the teaching or instruction of the Word for God with unreasonable expectations. Do not attempt to deceive others or enter into some vulgar, fraudulent, or opportunistic situation whereby you are in a position to take advantage of others.
Be up front in all that you do and never take advantage.
The woods are filled with predators, and the worst of them is the one who pretends to be the shepherd while abusing his or her position of trust.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Peter 5:2
2 Feed [poimaino] the flock [poimnion] of God [theos] which is among [en] you [humin], taking the oversight [episkopeo] thereof, not [me] by constraint [anagkastos], but [alla] willingly [hekousios]; not [mede] for filthy lucre [aischrokerdos], but [alla] of a ready mind [prothumos]; KJV-Interlinear
2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; NASB
The flock is a reference to all believers. ‘Of God,’ means just that. All believers belong to God and to God alone, not to any preacher, pastor, leader etc.
All believers in this world are given to anyone who qualifies as a teacher or instructor of doctrine. This means that doctrine has to be taught, and the various entertainment events that occupy so many organizations (soccer, baseball, dances, etc.) are not a part of the pastors’ duties. That is, they should not be the priority, or the end objective in order to get members.
From the parent who has a child or two, to the pastor who has a large congregation, to the individual who happens to stumble into a conversation with a stranger, we are all shepherds in one way or another.
‘According to the will of God,’ means in accordance with that which is placed in your care.
God will create opportunities for you and delegate into your care, from time to time, obligations for you to care for the soul of another. It may be a happen chance occurrence, or an ongoing obligation.
The circumstances and the numbers for whom you may be assigned are irrelevant. God owns the flock and God provides His flock with a shepherd or shepherds to see to their spiritual needs. Meeting your obligations for the care of one person, is no less important than being assigned the care of millions. Each individual is important, and each individual is entitled to care as though he or she is the only obligation you have.
Having the opportunity to help people in their spiritual lives, is in effect helping them with something that will last them forever as well as helping them with something (their spiritual life) that is far more valuable than anything else.
The value of your help therefore, is beyond calculation.
This alone should give you a sense of accomplishment and worth.
God will never place an undue burden on you. There will be many folks who will not listen to you. Even your children will have a tendency to ignore your words. But remember one important thing. Your words may come from your mouth, but their origin is from God, and God knows the hearers and what they need at any given moment throughout their life.
Your words may not meet with apparent success, but you may just be laying a subtle foundation that will blossom many years later. The flock belongs to God and God ultimately takes care of His own.
Above all else, do not place upon yourself unreasonable expectations. Do not approach the teaching or instruction of the Word for God with unreasonable expectations. Do not attempt to deceive others or enter into some vulgar, fraudulent, or opportunistic situation whereby you are in a position to take advantage of others.
Be up front in all that you do and never take advantage.
The woods are filled with predators, and the worst of them is the one who pretends to be the shepherd while abusing his or her position of trust.
Monday, December 8, 2008
1 Peter 5:1
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Peter 5:1
1 The elders [presbuteros] which are among [en] you [humin] I exhort [parakaleo], who [ho] am also an elder [sumpresbuteros], and [kai] a witness [martus] of the sufferings [pathema] of Christ [Christos], and also [kai] a partaker [koinonos] of the glory [doxa] that shall [mello] be revealed [apokalupto]: KJV-Interlinear
1 Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, NASB
The word for elder, ‘presbuteros,’ simply means someone who is older. But more than that, it is presumed that an older person is wiser than the younger upstarts of humanity.
So, the elders are usually referred to as the wise men or leaders of the group, whatever the group happens to be.
In the spiritual life, wisdom comes from learning Bible doctrine and growing up in ones spiritual life. Just as in your normal life, you learn from day to day, either in school or from the streets of life. You learn academically, and experientially.
The longer you are around, the more, presumably, you learn. It is difficult to understand suffering if you have not experienced it. And the wise among us, are usually those who have both learned doctrine, and have learned from daily life. Combining the two, creates a thorough learning experience and understanding of life.
The elder of the spiritual life is not limited by age, but by doctrinal wisdom. And anyone who has learned doctrine, and has lived life, usually has some savvy under their belt.
However based on tradition and the culture of Peter’s day, the elders here most likely referred to those who taught doctrine to their local groups in Asia Minor, to whom this letter was addressed. But this does not exclude parents who teach their children, or study leaders, or even to anyone who happens to enter into a Biblical conversation with a stranger.
Anyone who teaches doctrine, in whatever circumstances, is presumably wiser than those they are teaching, and therefore an elder, even if just for that moment.
Peter refers to the elders, and states clearly that he is one of them. He does not refer to bishops or classes of a clergy hierarchy, but only refers to those who possess wisdom.
Peter does not presume authority over anyone, but simply refers to himself as one who knows doctrine, and as one who has been witness to the sufferings of Christ.
The gospels do not state that Peter was present at the Crucifixion, but it is implied here, that he must have followed Christ to the Cross, even if only from a distance. Thus, he was a witness.
Luke 23:49
49 ‘all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things,’
The phrase, ‘all his acquaintance,’ suggests that many who knew Him were present, even though they kept their distance. Peter most likely was there, somewhere, watching everything unfold.
Peter places himself on the same level as all other people who know and teach doctrine, and he also mentions the ‘glory to be revealed,’ which is our resurrection and eternity and so forth.
Most folks know the facts of life. Most folks know that we are all born and that we all will one day die. Most folks know that there is something after this life. Unfortunately, most folks ignore this and pursue their day to day activities as though that is their only priority.
We rush to work in the morning and then we rush home in the evening, and then the day is over, forgotten and is no more.
We rush to the weekend and then the weekend is over.
We rush to school and then the schooling is over.
We rush through our careers to retirement, and then our retirement is over.
Everything we rush into, never lasts, but soon expires, and we soon forget all of the anxiousness's and all of the anticipations (or anxieties) we experienced while looking forward to those temporary events.
But there is one event which will never end, once it arrives in our lives, and that is eternity.
To those who persevere through all of the ordeals of life, adhering to their spiritual principles, and not giving up their hope, especially when hard times come, then there are special blessings intended for them.
The people to whom Peter initially wrote this letter, were suffering under very difficult conditions. They lived in a world that rejected, even hated Christianity, and in their world there was no nation, no place to which they could turn for help.
In our present day, the world has the USA as well as other regions of the world that they can look to for hope. But one day, that too will disappear, as we near the end of our current dispensation.
Whether we live in prosperous times or difficult times is irrelevant. All of our hope (confidence) comes from God, through doctrine, and that is where your focus should be in life, for your better life.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Peter 5:1
1 The elders [presbuteros] which are among [en] you [humin] I exhort [parakaleo], who [ho] am also an elder [sumpresbuteros], and [kai] a witness [martus] of the sufferings [pathema] of Christ [Christos], and also [kai] a partaker [koinonos] of the glory [doxa] that shall [mello] be revealed [apokalupto]: KJV-Interlinear
1 Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, NASB
The word for elder, ‘presbuteros,’ simply means someone who is older. But more than that, it is presumed that an older person is wiser than the younger upstarts of humanity.
So, the elders are usually referred to as the wise men or leaders of the group, whatever the group happens to be.
In the spiritual life, wisdom comes from learning Bible doctrine and growing up in ones spiritual life. Just as in your normal life, you learn from day to day, either in school or from the streets of life. You learn academically, and experientially.
The longer you are around, the more, presumably, you learn. It is difficult to understand suffering if you have not experienced it. And the wise among us, are usually those who have both learned doctrine, and have learned from daily life. Combining the two, creates a thorough learning experience and understanding of life.
The elder of the spiritual life is not limited by age, but by doctrinal wisdom. And anyone who has learned doctrine, and has lived life, usually has some savvy under their belt.
However based on tradition and the culture of Peter’s day, the elders here most likely referred to those who taught doctrine to their local groups in Asia Minor, to whom this letter was addressed. But this does not exclude parents who teach their children, or study leaders, or even to anyone who happens to enter into a Biblical conversation with a stranger.
Anyone who teaches doctrine, in whatever circumstances, is presumably wiser than those they are teaching, and therefore an elder, even if just for that moment.
Peter refers to the elders, and states clearly that he is one of them. He does not refer to bishops or classes of a clergy hierarchy, but only refers to those who possess wisdom.
Peter does not presume authority over anyone, but simply refers to himself as one who knows doctrine, and as one who has been witness to the sufferings of Christ.
The gospels do not state that Peter was present at the Crucifixion, but it is implied here, that he must have followed Christ to the Cross, even if only from a distance. Thus, he was a witness.
Luke 23:49
49 ‘all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things,’
The phrase, ‘all his acquaintance,’ suggests that many who knew Him were present, even though they kept their distance. Peter most likely was there, somewhere, watching everything unfold.
Peter places himself on the same level as all other people who know and teach doctrine, and he also mentions the ‘glory to be revealed,’ which is our resurrection and eternity and so forth.
Most folks know the facts of life. Most folks know that we are all born and that we all will one day die. Most folks know that there is something after this life. Unfortunately, most folks ignore this and pursue their day to day activities as though that is their only priority.
We rush to work in the morning and then we rush home in the evening, and then the day is over, forgotten and is no more.
We rush to the weekend and then the weekend is over.
We rush to school and then the schooling is over.
We rush through our careers to retirement, and then our retirement is over.
Everything we rush into, never lasts, but soon expires, and we soon forget all of the anxiousness's and all of the anticipations (or anxieties) we experienced while looking forward to those temporary events.
But there is one event which will never end, once it arrives in our lives, and that is eternity.
To those who persevere through all of the ordeals of life, adhering to their spiritual principles, and not giving up their hope, especially when hard times come, then there are special blessings intended for them.
The people to whom Peter initially wrote this letter, were suffering under very difficult conditions. They lived in a world that rejected, even hated Christianity, and in their world there was no nation, no place to which they could turn for help.
In our present day, the world has the USA as well as other regions of the world that they can look to for hope. But one day, that too will disappear, as we near the end of our current dispensation.
Whether we live in prosperous times or difficult times is irrelevant. All of our hope (confidence) comes from God, through doctrine, and that is where your focus should be in life, for your better life.
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