Bible Chapter: Jude 1
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Jude is one of the very short books of the Bible. Because of this it probably is often considered not as important. That is too bad. It contains some very important and necessary warnings. Within the lifetime of contemporaries of Jesus there was already false teaching. Jude describes them as godless men who changed the grace of God into license for immorality. The tempter is always trying to get people to deny what Jesus taught so they can participate in sin. They were teaching that it didn’t matter what you did after you believed in Jesus. They said that the laws of God didn’t matter since Jesus died on the cross to pay the price for sins. They claimed that believers have a license to do anything they want. This is completely wrong and very dangerous.
There are people today who are doing the same things. They are teaching that the grace of God is so powerful and sweeping that it allows people to sin and not be punished. Jude talked about God’s judgement. God WILL judge sin. Jude called these false teachers who allow for sin blemishes. He called them clouds with no rain. They are worthless. God will judge sin. This is a message the world desperately needs to hear. People today think God doesn’t mean what He says. They think Sodom and Gomorrah didn’t exist and reject the example of God’s judgement for their sexual sin. God is a righteous judge.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
I must not presume on the grace of God. He judges sin and strengthens His followers to live a holy life. False teachers that Jude wrote about said that it didn’t matter what a believer does. Yet, it does matter. Jude wrote that these people follow their own evil desires. This shows that they had sinful desires and came up with ways to justify their sin. If a person can take away the judgement of the Lord, they can make sin acceptable. If it is acceptable, then it is OK to do it. But, that goes against everything the Bible teaches. I must always keep this is focus and obey.
3. How can I help someone?
Help people see the real message of the Gospel. Yes, Jesus is love. Yes, His grace is amazing. But, this does not give permission to sin. Another very important message that people need to hear is the word judgement. Our culture thinks there is no such thing as judgement and that every behavior is acceptable. That is one of Satan’s biggest lies. People need to hear that, reject sin and life in obedience to God.
Bible Book: Jude
Because the Bible is practical, here is an overview of the book.
Author: Jude
Type of Book: Epistle
Outline
Christian Greetings (1:1-2)
The Reason for the Letter (1:3-4)
A Warning Against False Teachers (1:5-16)
Their Doom Illustrated From the Past (1:5-7)
The Example of Unbelieving Israel (1:5)
The Example of Rebellious Angels (1:6)
The Example of Sodom and Gomorrah (1:7)
Their Description in the Present (1:8-16)
Abusive Speech (1:8-10)
Unholy Character (1:11)
Guilty Conduct (1:12-13)
Certain Judgment (1:14-16)
A Challenge to True Believers (1:17-23)
Remember the Predictions of the Apostles (1:17-19)
Build Your Faith, Pray in the Spirit and Remain in God’s Love (1:20-21)
Help Others in Mercy, Mixed With Fear (1:22-23)
Closing Praise (1:24-25)
Theme: Contending and Fighting for the Faith
Date of Writing: A.D. 70-80
Background
Jude identifies himself simply as the “brother of James” (v. 1). The only brothers mentioned in NT by the names of Jude (Gk Judas) and James are the half-brothers of Jesus (Mt 13:55; Mk 6:3). Though neither Judas nor James refers to himself as Jesus’ brother, others referred to them as such (cf. Jn 7:3-10; Ac 1:14; 1Co 9:5). It is likely that the brothers did not want to command special consideration as sons of Joseph and Mary and family members of Jesus. Perhaps Jude mentions James because James’ prominence as leader of the Jerusalem church would help to clarify Jude’s own identity and authority (see introduction to James and the NT book of James).
This brief but hard-hitting letter was written to warn true believers in Christ to resist false teachers who were antinomian (i.e., against the law) or libertine. This means that they took full liberty to do as they pleased since they did not consider themselves bound by fixed rules or laws. They taught that since spiritual salvation is a result of God’s grace (i.e., his unearned, undeserved favor and love), they were not obligated to obey even the moral standards of God’s law. As a result, they promoted sin without fear of judgment. Many believed that it did not matter what they did, particularly with their bodies, as long as they believed the right things. These were “godless men, who change the grace of God into a license for immorality” (v. 4). In addition, many of these deceivers scornfully denied the true and original revelation about the person and nature of Jesus Christ (v. 4). All of this false teaching caused division in the churches over what to believe (vv. 19a, 22) and how to behave (vv. 4, 8, 16). Jude describes these unprincipled men as “ungodly” (v. 15) and as those who “do not have the Spirit” (v. 19; see article on False Teachers).
That the content of both Jude and 2Pe 2:1-3:4 are so similar gives a more certain time frame for determining when Jude was written. Most likely, Jude was familiar with 2 Peter (vv. 17-18) and, therefore, wrote after Peter (i.e., sometime between A.D. 70-80). Some scholars, however, believe that the longer letter (2 Peter) incorporated much of the shared information from the shorter letter (Jude). This would mean that the writing of Jude would have been much earlier (in the early 60s of the first century). The recipients of this letter are not identified specifically; but whoever and wherever they were, they seemed to be facing similar issues as the Christians who received Peter’s second letter (see the introduction to 2 Peter).
Purpose
Jude wrote this letter (1) to urgently warn believers about the serious threat of false teachers and their destructive influence within the churches, and (2) to urgently challenge all true followers of Christ without reservation to rise up and “contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints” (v. 3).
Survey
After his greetings (vv. 1-2), Jude reveals that his original goal was to write about the nature of spiritual salvation (v. 3a). However, he felt it necessary instead to write this letter because of the spiritually rebellious teachers who were perverting the message of God’s grace and undermining his standards of truth in the churches (v. 4). Jude charges them as being sexually impure (vv. 4, 8, 16, 18), compromising like Cain (i.e., the first murderer, v. 11), greedy like Balaam (v. 11), rebellious like Korah (v. 11), arrogant (vv. 8, 16), deceptive (vv. 4a, 12), sensual (v. 19) and causing division (v. 19). Jude declares the certainty of God’s judgment on all who commit such open and unashamed offenses against God and provides six OT examples (vv. 5-11) of the same wickedness. A twelve-part description of the false teachers’ lives reveals their ripeness for God’s wrath (i.e., his justified anger and punishment, vv. 12-16). In light of this, Jude challenges all true believers to guard themselves and to have compassion mixed with fear for those who are compromising or wavering in their faith (vv. 20-23). Jude concludes with a powerful and inspirational declaration of praise to God (vv. 24-25).
Special Features
Four major features characterize this letter. (1) It contains the NT’s most direct and dynamic passage of condemnation of false teachers. It clearly emphasizes for all generations the seriousness of the threat that false teaching always poses to genuine Christian faith and holy living. (2) It repeatedly uses triads—series of threes—e.g., three OT examples of judgment (vv. 5-7), a three-part description of the false teachers (v. 8) and three OT examples of ungodly men (v. 11) to make his points. (3) Under the full influence of the Holy Spirit, Jude freely refers to various written sources: (a) OT Scriptures (vv. 5-7, 11), (b) Jewish traditions (vv. 9, 14-15) and (c) 2 Peter, quoting directly from 3:3, which he acknowledges as being from the apostles, i.e., those personally authorized by Christ to deliver his original message and help establish the NT church (vv. 17-18). (4) It contains the most majestic NT benediction (i.e., closing blessing or praise).
Giving credit where credit is due. These informational notes about this book come from the Full Life Study Bible, also known as the Fire Bible. Don Stamps, editor. Originally published by Life Publishers.
Bible Chapter: III John
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
One of the most misunderstood and misapplied verses is verse 2. John wrote that he wished that Gaius would prosper. This word literally means to have a good journey. This is one place where having to read a translation (instead of the original language) can lead to false and out of balance teaching. It does not mean that God’s will is that all believers will be wealthy. Yes, God promises to provide and take care of us, but it does not mean that we have a guarantee of wealth. If God allows you to be wealthy, that’s great. But, it does not mean that the rich are more spiritual. God’s desire is that believers have a good journey through life and grow in their relationship with Him. Some will have a life of challenge, some will seem to have a life of privilege. Whatever it is, we must be faithful servants to the Lord.
A main theme of this book is the pride and arrogance of a man named Diotrephes. John said that he wanted to have the preeminence, he wanted to be the most important person and gain all the attention. He didn’t want to submit to anyone’s authority, (especially John’s authority) but wanted to run things. He was a dangerous man to the local church. Anyone who wants to always have their way and run things will cause problems. They will hurt the Lord’s work.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Be open to those who have a legitimate calling from God to give oversight to the Lord’s work. As believers, we are all in this work together. God has placed some people in positions to give guidance and we must be willing to listen and submit. I would rather be like Gaius, who was commended for his devotion to the truth and his faithfulness to God.
3. How can I help someone?
I can help people see the importance of service, of letting people guide who are called of God to do so. We all like those who are hospitable, and I can be friendly and welcoming to people. It will help them see who God really is.
Bible Book: III John
Because the Bible is practical, here is an overview of the book.
Author: John
Type of Book: Epistle
Outline
Christian Greetings (1:1)
John Commends Gaius (1:2-8)
For His Spiritual Health (1:2)
For His Devotion to the Truth (1:3-4)
For His Hospitality to Godly Messengers (1:5-8)
John Counsels Gaius (1:9-12)
Concerning the Bad Example of Diotrephes (1:9-11)
Concerning the Good Example of Demetrius (1:12)
Conclusion (1:13-14)
Theme: Devotion to God’s Truth and Hospitality to His Messengers
Date of Writing: A.D. 85-95
Background
John, one of the original apostles (i.e., those personally authorized and empowered by Christ to deliver his original message and help establish the NT church), again identifies himself by the title of “the elder” (v. 1; see the introduction to 2 John). This personal letter is addressed to a loyal follower of Christ named Gaius (v. 1), who was likely a member of one of the church communities in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). As with John’s other letters, 3 John was most likely written from Ephesus in the late 80s or early 90s of the first century. (For further background on John, see introductions to John’s Gospel and 1 John.)
Toward the end of the first century, itinerant ministers (i.e., ones who traveled from city to city) were commonly supported by believers who welcomed them into their homes and helped them on their way with material and financial support (vv. 5-8; cf. 2Jn 1:10). Gaius was one of many faithful Christians who graciously hosted and supported trustworthy traveling ministers (vv. 1-8). However, a leader named Diotrephes arrogantly resisted John’s authority and refused to receive messengers whom John had sent.
Purpose
John wrote to (1) commend Gaius for his gracious hospitality (i.e., welcome, friendliness, kindness, generosity) and faithful support of trustworthy traveling ministers, (2) indirectly warn the rebellious and prideful leader, Diotrephes, and (3) prepare the way for his own personal visit.
Survey
Three men are mentioned by name in 3 John. (1) Gaius is warmly commended for his faithfulness to God and devotion to the truth (vv. 3-4) and his exemplary hospitality to godly messengers (vv. 5-8). (2) Diotrephes, an arrogant and selfish leader, is denounced for his pride (“loves to be first,” v. 9). He had rejected a previous letter from John (v. 9), personally slandered John and refused to receive John’s messengers. He even threatened to excommunicate (i.e., expel from the church) those who welcomed and accommodated the messengers (v. 10). (3) Demetrius, perhaps the one who delivered this letter or a pastor in a nearby community, is commended as a man of good reputation and of loyalty to the truth (v. 12).
Special Features
Two major features characterize this letter. (1) Though brief, it provides insight into several important facets of early church history toward the end of the first century. (2) There are remarkable similarities between 3 John and 2 John. Still, the two letters differ in one important aspect: 3 John encourages believers to offer hospitality and support for trustworthy traveling ministers, while 2 John urges believers not to welcome or support untrustworthy ministers. His aim is that believers will not mistakenly promote false or destructive ministry, but rather share in the work of those who spread the true message of Christ.
Giving credit where credit is due. These informational notes about this book come from the Full Life Study Bible, also known as the Fire Bible. Don Stamps, editor. Originally published by Life Publishers.
Bible Chapter: II John 1
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Love is a major theme in Christianity. We often hear about loving one another. We know that God is love. We read that love was God’s motivating factor in Christ’s coming to the world. So, love is very important. But, love is also misapplied and misunderstood. Some people say that love means you simply accept all people as they are and encourage whatever it is they believe. To disagree is to hate. Verse 6 gives a different impact to the thought of love to show that many people are missing the point. Love is that we walk in obedience to God’s commands. And, there will be many deceivers who do not acknowledge Jesus as coming in the flesh. What I am seeing here is that love does not allow a person to change doctrine. If someone doesn’t teach the Bible as it was written or intended, it is not love to allow them to continue to do so.
John said that to encourage false teaching, to host traveling preachers who are not teaching the truth, to welcome them, is to be a part of their false teaching. These false teachers are perverting God’s Word and trying to gain a following for themselves. They are not building God’s kingdom.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
I must be discerning about whose teaching I follow. Can they back up their claims with the Bible? Do they clearly teach biblical truth? This is a very short book, one chapter, only thirteen verses. The point of the book is to warn the church to be careful about the teaching they hear and support. I find it amazing that so quickly after the life of Jesus there were already false teachers running around perverting the truths Jesus gave to His followers. The battle is real and intense. The battle is for eternal souls. To walk in love is to reject false brethren and protect the genuine message of the Bible.
3. How can I help someone?
I can help people see the clear message of the Bible. Love is not a mushy acceptance of anything and everything someone might say. Love does not enable people to create life and teaching the way they want. We must be students of the Bible, seek the clear teachings it gives, and then apply them to real life.
Bible Book: II John
Because the Bible is practical, here is an overview of the book.
Author: John
Type of Book: Epistle
Outline
Christian Greetings (1:1-3)
To the Chosen Lady and Her Children (1:1)
For the Sake of the Truth (1:2-3)
Commendation and Commandment (1:4-6)
Past Loyalty to Truth Commended (1:4)
Love and Obedience Commanded (1:5-6)
Counsel and Warning (1:7-11)
Recognize False Teachers (1:7)
Resist Their Influence (1:8-9)
Refuse Them the Use of Your Home (1:10-11)
Conclusion (1:12-13)
Theme: Truth, Love and Discernment
Date of Writing: A.D. 85-95
Background
The author identifies himself as “the elder” (v. 1). This was probably a title of honor that many Christians used to describe the apostle John during the last two decades of the first century. It is also possible that John served as an “elder” (see Tit 3:1, note), or pastoral leader, perhaps in the church at Ephesus. By this time, he was advanced in age and had a well-recognized position of authority as the only surviving original apostle (i.e., one personally authorized by Jesus to deliver his original message and help establish the NT church). John had been one of Jesus’ closest disciples when the Lord was on earth (see introductions to John’s Gospel and 1 John).
John addresses this letter to “the chosen lady and her children” (v. 1). Some interpret this figuratively, with “the chosen lady” as a phrase that represents the local church, “her children” as a phrase that represents the members and her “chosen sister” (v. 13) as a phrase that represents a sister congregation (i.e., another group of believers). Others interpret this greeting literally as being written to a prominent Christian widow in one of the nearby church communities in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) over which John had spiritual authority. In this case, her family (v. 1) and her sister’s children (v. 13) would be well known among the churches in that region. As with John’s other letters, 2 John was probably written from Ephesus in the late 80s or early 90s of the first century.
Purpose
In the first two centuries, the message of Christ was taken from place to place by traveling evangelists (“messengers of the good news”) and teachers. It was common for Christians to welcome these missionaries into their homes and to provide them with added support for their ongoing ministries. Since false teachers also relied on this custom, John wrote this letter to caution “the chosen lady” to use discernment in welcoming traveling ministers into her home and giving them support. John warned the believers so that they would not, through ignorance, find themselves supporting teachers whose message was not consistent with the original and true teaching of Christ and of those he commissioned to deliver his message (as we have in the Bible today). In this letter, John refutes the same false teaching that he condemns in 1 John.
Survey
This letter gives added emphasis to a warning also found in 1 John about the danger of false teachers who deny that Jesus is the Son of God, who was born, lived and died as a real flesh-and-blood man (vv. 7-8; cf. 1Jn 4:2). John commends “the chosen lady” and her children for “walking in the truth” (i.e., being loyal to the truth of Christ and living by the principles of his original message, v. 4). He then challenges them to show their true love for God by obeying Christ’s commands and loving each other (v. 6). John goes on to say that Christian love must wisely judge between truth and error and not provide an open door to false teachers (vv. 7-9). To welcome false teachers is to participate in their deception and share their guilt (vv. 10-11). The letter is brief because John plans soon to visit the lady “face to face” (v. 12).
Special Features
Three major features characterize this letter. (1) It is the shortest book in the NT. (2) It is strikingly similar to 1 and 3 John in its message, vocabulary and simple writing style. (3) It provides an important balance to the message of 3 John (which encourages supporting faithful ministers and missionaries) by advising caution concerning the support of ministers not known by or belonging to one’s own congregation. John urges church members to carefully evaluate teachings by how they measure up to the original teachings of Christ and his personally appointed messengers before supporting ministers who bring the teachings.
Giving credit where credit is due. These informational notes about this book come from the Full Life Study Bible, also known as the Fire Bible. Don Stamps, editor. Originally published by Life Publishers.
Bible Chapter: I John 5
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
What is a real believer in Jesus? What is a real Christian? There are several signs and the answer can be long to these questions. This chapter starts out with the statement that love for God and obedience to His commands shows the genuineness of belief. Real faith is expressed in this way. Jesus died on the cross to empower us to real repentance and restoration of relationship with God. He did not die to enable us to keep on sinning. The commands of God are not burdensome, for they enable us to overcome the world. Believers overcome the world. This is good news that we can overcome the power and destruction of sin.
We can overcome because we have the assurance of, the promise of God that we have eternal life. Look at verse 12: “He who has the Son has life . . .” John wrote this letter so the recipients would know they have eternal life. Believers can live with the confidence they have eternal life and can live with the hope that Jesus is with them here and will take them to be with Him for eternity. This also gives faith to pray and believe God for His answers.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Two different parts in this chapter talk about overcoming sin and obeying God’s commandments. Obedience is a sign of real faith. John said that anyone who is born of God does not continue to sin. They don’t continue to actively life a sinful lifestyle. They are living in such a way as to obey and please God. This is what I must always strive to live. In saying “strive to live” I’m not saying this is an excuse to fail, but I’m simply striving towards the goal. While I, or any other believer, is not perfect, there should be clear evidence of the change Jesus has made and is continuing to make in life. Since I know I have eternal life, I must live like it is true.
3. How can I help someone?
This promise of the assurance of eternal life is missing in millions who attend church, or who have a membership in a church. I have talked with many who know about the Bible but don’t have the confidence of salvation. Some say that no one can really know they are saved. Others assume that, since they are not an axe murderer, they are ready for heaven. The common belief is that everyone who is not a horrible criminal goes to heaven. Belief in Jesus gives us the assurance of heaven. This is what I want people to know.
Bible Chapter: I John 4
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
A very encouraging verse in the intense spiritual battle that continues against all believers is verse 4. We are overcomers because God is greater. We can overcome the temptations and trials we face because the One in us is greater than the powers in the world. Yes, God really IS greater. This is a good verse to remember in the heat of battle.
Another word of encouragement is found in the statement that God initiated His love towards us and send Jesus to the world to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. God’s judgement of sin must be satisfied. This is what Jesus accomplished on the cross. God’s love is so strong that He didn’t allow anything to keep people from having a way to restore relationship with Him. God’s love must flow through believers so that love is a hallmark of the church.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Perfect love casts out fear. This gives hope to be able to come to God without worry that He will reject us. In human relationships, when there is love, fear is not the controlling factor. A man and woman in “like” might fear that something simple might turn the other person away and break the friendship. A husband and wife in love don’t live in fear that something small will destroy their marriage, for their love keeps them together and takes away fear. (Please note that this is not saying a married couple shouldn’t work at their marriage or ignore the little things. Little things can turn to big things.) God’s perfect love takes away fear of coming to Him and trusting in Him. God loved us first.
3. How can I help someone?
The theme of this chapter is very strongly emphasizing God’s love for people and the importance of people loving people. I can help people by loving them. Loving them does not mean approval of anything they might be doing, but seeking to help them in their real needs.
Bible Chapter: I John 3
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
How massive is the love that God has lavished on us. That word lavish is a strong word that implies excess of good things. God does not hold back His love towards His children. How amazing it is that we can be His children. And we see that there is a distinct difference between believers and those who have not made Jesus the Lord of their lives. Those who have God’s love in them will love others. A sign of true believers is that they love one another.
There is a continual purifying process in the Christian life. We must remember that there is a lifestyle separation between the church and the world. The devil is real and he is fighting a nasty battle of lies and destruction against God. This battle is fought through deception that destroys people and separates them from God. It is not possible to live a godly life while actively participating in sin. The world will hate believers. The liar and deceiver will make believers look horrible and stupid. Don’t give up simply because deceived people mock you for your belief.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
In my ramblings through life I have observed that there are ups and downs in the understanding of what is spiritual (Christlike) and what is considered sin. Many things that Christians have avoided are now actively done. Right and wrong seem to shift from age to age and location to location. This is why it is incumbent on every believer to study the Bible and see what it really says. This chapter has some challenging statements that I must consistently apply.
Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself
No one who lives in him keeps on sinning
He who does what is right is righteous
No one who is born of God will continue to sin
We should love one another
Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth
This is quite a list to be applied to daily life. It makes a major difference when obeyed.
3. How can I help someone?
I can continue to strive to understand God’s love and then apply it. It is easy to judge people by all the superficial standards and not love people the way God wants us to love. I need to see people the way God sees them and treat them accordingly. This does not mean that I encourage or enable sin, but love people.
Bible Chapter: I John 2
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
A very challenging opening to this chapter: “I write this to you so you will not sin”. As believers we can commit sin, but we do not have to keep on sinning. A phrase I use often is “active participation in sin”. Believers do not have to actively sin, nor should they. God gives us power to overcome. But, should we yield to temptation, we have an advocate with the Father and His atoning sacrifice covers all sin.
One of the ways we will have spiritual victory is to follow the command to not love the world or anything in the world. All the cravings for the sinful things don’t come from God. Our relationship with the world and worldly life should be the same as a dead person. Once a person in dead, you can parade all the most powerful temptations in front of them, and they won’t respond. The things of the world will pass away and the thing of God will remain forever. There is a powerful spirit of being against God and all He says. This power will be destroyed, for only the things of God last forever.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Antichrist is coming, and already many antichrists have come. These people are against all that God stands for. They are in favor of immorality, violence, death, destruction, etc. They not only actively participate in sin, they promote it and encourage it and fight against righteousness. These people are liars, for they deny that Jesus is the Christ. They abandon anything that resembles the true teachings and practices of Christianity. It is not possible to promote sin and still be a true believer. So, I must always study, learn and apply what the Bible says. I must follow the command to not love the world or anything in the world. I must recognize these promoters of everything against Christ’s teachings and reject them. Their goal is to lead believers astray and make them as confused as the rest of the world.
3. How can I help someone?
I can help people see the blessings and benefits of following Jesus. Anything else will fade away and disappoint. The one who does the will of God will last forever.
Bible Chapter: I John 1
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
False doctrine. We see the Bible deal with this many times. John was writing to challenge false teachings about salvation. One of his claims is that there is no compromise or middle ground between the things of Jesus and sin. There is no middle ground between light and darkness, the truth and lies. The things Jesus taught were clear and direct. Right is right and wrong is wrong. Light is light and dark is dark. No one can change that important truth, no matter how many theology degrees they may have or how intensely they want to change things. Just as those who truly love Jesus love light, so those who are controlled by sin love darkness. When we walk in fellowship with Jesus we are not walking in darkness and changing biblical truth to fit our desires. We are to walk in the revealed truth of God’s Word. Since sin impacts everyone we all need salvation.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
The thoughts of walking in the light and fellowshipping with Jesus jump out to me as I read this chapter. Living a daily life of following God’s principles and truth and seeking communication with Jesus is the best way to live. Through Jesus we have eternal life.
3. How can I help someone?
I can help people see Jesus. This chapter tells us that everyone has sinned. Those who reject this thought have rejected God’s truth and call Him a liar. I don’t know anyone who would look directly at God and call Him a liar, yet life choices often say that. Walking in God’s light brings us close to Jesus and shows we have been purified from the impact of sin. We are to live a holy life.
Bible Book: I John
Because the Bible is practical, here is an overview of the book.
Author: John
Type of Book: Epistle
Outline
Introduction: The Reality of Jesus, God’s Son, as the Word of Life (1:1-4)
Companionship With God (1:5-2:28)
The Principles of Authentic Relationship With God (1:5-2:2)
Coming Out of Spiritual Darkness and Living in God’s Light (1:5-7)
Confessing Sin and Being Purified of Unrighteousness (1:8-2:2)
The Practice of Authentic Relationship With God (2:3-28)
Obedience to God (2:3-5)
Christ likeness (2:6)
Love for Others (2:7-11)
Confidence in Salvation (2:12-14)
Separation From Worldliness (2:15-17)
Loyalty to the Truth (2:18-28)
Children of God (2:29-3:24)
Characteristics of God’s Children (2:29-3:18)
Confidence of God’s Children (3:19-24)
Spirit of Truth (4:1-6)
Recognizing Deception (4:1, 3, 5)
Affirming the Truth (4:2, 4, 6)
Love of God (4:7-5:3)
The Source and Revelation of Love: God Through Christ (4:7-10)
Realizing and Relying on God’s Love (4:11-16)
The Perfection and Confidence of Love (4:17-18)
The Evidence and Response of Love (4:19-5:3)
Love for Others (4:19-5:2a)
Obedience to God (5:2b-3)
Assurances From God (5:4-20)
About Overcoming the World (5:4-5)
About the Truth of Christ (5:6-10)
About Eternal Life Through Christ (5:11-13)
About Answers to Prayer (5:14-17)
About Three Great Certainties (5:18-20)
The Reward of Persistence and Protection (5:18)
God’s Saving Hand and Satan’s Grip of Death (5:19)
Jesus Is the Truth (5:20)
Conclusion (5:21)
Theme: Knowing the Truth, Obeying God and Living in Love
Date of Writing: A.D. 85-95
Background
Five NT books are associated with the name John: a Gospel (one of the Bible’s four narrative accounts of the life of Jesus Christ), three letters and the book of Revelation. Although John does not identify himself by name in this letter, second-century witnesses (e.g., church leaders and writers like Papias, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Clement of Alexandria) affirm that it was written by the apostle John, one of Jesus’ original twelve disciples. The letter of 1 John and the Gospel of John are very similar in style and vocabulary (e.g., simple Greek), as well as in themes and images (e.g., contrasts like light and darkness, life and death, truth and lies, love and hate). These things affirm the reliable testimony of ancient Christianity that both books were written by the apostle John (see the introduction to John’s Gospel for more details about John).
Several passages (e.g., 2:12-14, 19; 3:1; 5:13) support the belief that the letter originally was addressed to believers (i.e., Christians), but there are no details within the letter telling specifically who they were or where they lived. Neither does the letter include greetings or mention of persons, places or events. The most likely explanation for this uncommon format is that John wrote from his home in Ephesus (where he spent his later years, c. A.D. 70-100) to a number of churches in the province of Asia. Clement of Alexandria writes that John ministered in various churches throughout that region. Certainly, those congregations recognized John’s authority as an apostle (i.e., one personally commissioned by Jesus with the authority to deliver his original message and help establish the NT church; cf. Rev 1:11). Since the churches faced similar problems and needs, John likely wrote this as a circular letter—meant to be circulated among Christians in a number of places—and sent it by a personal messenger along with his verbal greetings.
The primary issue addressed in this letter is the rise and influence of false teaching about spiritual salvation through Christ and how that salvation works in believers’ lives. Certain people who used to be associated with the local believers had left the church congregations (2:19), but the results of their false teaching were still twisting the true message of Christ and causing much confusion. Some began to feel unsure about how to “know” that they had eternal life. Doctrinally (i.e., in their basis of belief and teaching), these false teachers denied that Jesus is the Christ (i.e., the Messiah, Savior and Son of God, 2:22; cf. 5:1) or that Christ came in the flesh (i.e., in true human form, 4:2-3). Ethically (i.e., in regard to moral standards of behavior), they taught that obeying Christ’s commands (2:3-4; 5:3), overcoming worldly desires (2:15-17) and avoiding evil (3:7-12) were not necessary for spiritual salvation (cf. 1:6; 5:4-5).
The particular variety of false teaching was an early form of Gnosticism, one of the most dangerous heresies (i.e., erroneous beliefs and teachings contradicting the proven and established truth of God’s Word) during the first two centuries of the church. Its basic teaching was that “spirit” (i.e., the spiritual realm) is entirely good, while “matter” (i.e., the physical world) is entirely evil. This led to the belief that salvation was achieved through escape from the body, which came not by faith in Christ, but by special knowledge (the Greek word for “knowledge” is gnosis). This misguided belief caused some people to reject Jesus’ true humanity (cf. 2:22-23; 4:3) and to accept strange ideas about Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. Some claimed that Jesus only appeared to have a body. Others believed that a spiritual Christ was separate from the physical Jesus and that they were joined only between the time of his baptism and just before he died. John directly challenges these claims as he presents Jesus as the Son of God in physical human form, “which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched” (1:1; cf. 2:22; 4:2-3).
This philosophy of good and evil in relation to spirit and matter also led to two extremes. In one direction, it promoted asceticism (i.e., denying and even punishing the body) since the physical body was considered evil (cf. Col 2:21-23). In another direction, it led to the practice of sexual promiscuity and other physical indulgences because some believed that it did not matter what they did with their physical bodies. As long as they had the right beliefs, they felt that their physical actions did not affect them spiritually. John contradicts this by persistently emphasizing obedience to God’s commands, the moral standards of his law and separation from worldliness (cf. 2:3-5, 15-17; 3:3-10; 5:2-3, 18). In addition, forty-two times John uses two Greek verbs usually translated “know,” one of which was directly related to the name of the Gnostics. In doing so, he is stressing that true knowledge of God does not come through secret “wisdom” revealed by these false teachers or any other person. Knowing God comes only through a personal relationship with God’s Son, Jesus Christ (see 1:3; 5:20).
Purpose
John had two primary purposes in writing this letter: (1) to expose and challenge the doctrinal (i.e., dealing with beliefs) and ethical (i.e., dealing with behaviors) errors of the false teachers; and (2) to challenge his spiritual children to pursue a life of purity and companionship with God that should be shown by their devotion to what is true and right. Such a life is characterized by the full joy (1:4) and the assurance (5:13) of eternal life that come from an obedient faith in Jesus as the Son of God (4:15; 5:3-5, 12) and by the continual presence of the Holy Spirit (2:20; 4:4, 13; see article on Assurance of Salvation). Some believe that this letter was also intended to accompany the Gospel of John.
Survey
Belief and behavior—principle and practice—are inseparably woven together in this letter. The false teachers, whom John calls “antichrists” (2:18-22), were abandoning and undermining the true teaching about Christ and God’s standard of right living. Like 2 Peter and Jude, 1 John vigorously rejects and condemns these particular kinds of false teachers (e.g., 2:18-19, 22-23, 26; 4:1, 3, 5) with their destructive message and lifestyle. See article on False Teachers.
On the positive side, 1 John describes the characteristics of true knowledge of God and companionship with him (e.g., 1:3-2:2). John reveals five specific tests by which believers may know with assurance that they have eternal life: (1) the test of confirmed truth about Christ (1:1-3; 2:21-23; 4:2-3, 15; 5:1, 5, 10, 20); (2) the test of an obedient faith that follows Christ’s commands (2:3-11; 5:3-4); (3) the test of holy living (i.e., turning from sin to companionship with God; 1:6-9; 2:3-6, 15-17, 29; 3:1-10; 5:2-3); (4) the test of love for God and other believers (2:9-11; 3:10-11, 14, 16-18; 4:7-12, 18-21); and (5) the test of the Holy Spirit’s witness (2:20, 27; 4:13; 5:7-12). John concludes that people can know with confidence that they have eternal life (5:13) when the fruit—the effective results in character—of these five areas is evident in their lives (see article on Assurance of Salvation).
Special Features
Five major features characterize this letter. (1) It defines the Christian life by using contrasting terms and by seeming to allow no middle ground between light and darkness, truth and lies, righteousness and sin, love and hate, loving God and loving the world and children of God and children of the devil. (2) Significantly, it is the only NT writing to refer to Jesus as our advocate (Gk paraklëtos, one who comes alongside to support and speak on another’s behalf) with the Father when we sin though we are sincere believers in Christ (2:1-2; cf. Jn 14:16-17, 26; 15:26; 16:7-8). (3) Its message is grounded almost entirely in John’s personal first-hand knowledge of Christ rather than in prior OT revelation; references to OT Scripture are noticeably absent. (4) Since its Christology (i.e., teaching in regard to the nature, character and actions of Christ) is aimed at disproving a particular kind of false teaching, it focuses on the two particular issues related to Jesus: (a) his incarnation (i.e., his coming in human form) and blood (i.e., his sacrifice on the cross). It does this without making specific mention of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, which John can assume that sincerely devoted followers of Christ know and accept. (5) Its style is simple and repetitive as John discusses certain terms such as “light,” “truth,” “believe,” “remain,” “know,” “love,” “righteousness,” “witness,” “born of God” and “eternal life.”
Giving credit where credit is due. These informational notes about this book come from the Full Life Study Bible, also known as the Fire Bible. Don Stamps, editor. Originally published by Life Publishers.
Bible Chapter: II Peter 3
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Jesus is coming. When He left this earth, there was the promise that Jesus would return. Books and teachings about prophecy have been very popular as people have wondered when Jesus would return. In the last days there will be many scoffers who say that the promise of the return of Jesus has been around for a long time and nothing has happened. They say it will never happen. Except they miss the fact we are told here that a thousand years is like a day to God. So, it’s only been a few days since Jesus returned to heaven. We are seeing more and more people living in blatant sin and promoting all kinds of immorality. They act as if Jesus will never come back and it doesn’t matter how they live.
A thought that has come to my mind many times recently comes from the story of Noah. Noah didn’t want to obey God and tell a wicked city about God’s judgement. When he finally went he did not go to tell them to repent, but that judgement was coming. As a result of his proclamation they did repent. The world today, especially the western world, needs to hear a message of judgement. The end is coming and God will judge people for their sins.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
I must remember that judgement is real and those who actively participate in and promote the immorality and sin proliferating in our world will pay the price. It is not only that we must see the negative of sin, but the positive of getting close to Jesus. God doesn’t want anyone to perish, so He gives them opportunities to receive Him as personal Savior. This chapter says we are to live holy and godly lives as we look forward to the day of the Lord’s return. This is good advice.
3. How can I help someone?
I can help people see this principle - living ready for Jesus is the best way. Don’t think that Jesus will not come back or that we can live any way we please. Simply not believing doesn’t change the facts. The evidence of God is overwhelming and the promises of the Bible are going to happen.
Bible Chapter: II Peter 2
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
False prophets and teachers. They have always been around. They use the things of God to promote themselves, getting rich and famous. God will judge and punish them for their actions. An important question to ask is how do we know if they are false or not. The answer is found in studying the Bible and seeing if they line up with its teachings. False teachings do great harm to those who listen and believe, thereby applying false teachings in their lives. People end up believing and practicing sinful things because someone in the name of religion taught them something. God will severely judge the false teachers.
The proponents of false teachings are called springs without water. What good is a spring without water? They promote desires that come from sinful hearts. They mouth empty words. They promote sin. Sadly, we see false teachers and prophets in the church world today telling gullible people lies. These lies give permission for people to sin. Great judgement awaits these proponents of sin.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
I must be careful to teach only what the Bible really says and means. I must never manipulate scripture to my personal advantage. This chapter talks about teachers who, in their greed, make up stories to their personal advantage. Because the Bible is dealing with eternity, false teachers destroy the eternity of those who listen and apply. Made up stories make the Bible simply a product to produce a profit. Having money is not a sin, but getting it under false pretenses in a sin.
What did God intend in inspiring any specific passage of scripture? That is what I must preach and teach.
3. How can I help someone?
I can help people by telling them the truth about what the Bible says. Sometimes the message of the Bible is not pleasing to hear, but I must tell them the truth. Like a doctor who once told me my gall bladder had gone bad and he had to take it out, I must tell the truth. I didn’t want to have surgery, but the sick and destructive part had to be taken out or I would continue to have problems. I must tell people the truth so that God can deal with the destructive sin that traps them. They may not like the initial diagnosis, but they need something radical to happen or they will continue to have problems and eventually be judged for eternity as a result.
Bible Chapter: II Peter 1
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
What do we need for life and godliness? We find it all in God’s Word and God’s provision for us. We have all we need through Him. It is impossible to add to what God has already provided. It is unnecessary to try. Jesus gave us everything necessary to live on the earth and prepare for eternity.
The issue is that we must receive it and apply it in life. Look at verses 5-8 and see a progression of attributes that will make the difference. Faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, love - all of these being possessed in increasing measure will cause a believer to grow and be effective for the Lord. So, the Christian life is not simply a matter of praying to receive the forgiveness Jesus offers, but then a life of spiritual growth and maturity. Note: “being possessed in increasing measure”. Be eager to grow spiritually and have a solid life in relationship with Jesus.
Peter said they were eyewitnesses of His majesty. They saw the supernatural things that Jesus did. Skeptics today claim that the early church leaders made up stories to enhance the potential of creating followers and establishing a religion. That is simply not true. They experienced the powerful and miraculous things Jesus did. They reported them and many believed. They were not creative writers but witnesses of His majesty and power.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
How did we get the Bible? Did some people get together and say, “Let’s write a religious book”? No, Godly men were inspired, carried by the Spirit of God to write. None of it came from the creative mind of a person, but by the inspiration of God. We see evidence of God’s involvement in the provision of and preservation of the Bible. Every time older copies are found we see that the message has not changed. Like no other book of its era, the scriptures have been preserved and protected from error and changes. The early scribes who took it upon themselves to make copies of the scripture meticulously copied letter by letter the message God has given to the world. Because this is true, it is critical for me to study and apply the Bible in daily living. Because the Bible is true I must continue to grow in applying what it says. I find myself saying this often. Don’t I already know all that the Bible says? No, for there are depths of the scriptures that can be mined no matter how many times a person reads the Bible. Even very familiar stories can have new concepts arise as they are read.
3. How can I help someone?
I can encourage people to read and study the Bible so they can learn it more, so they can grow in faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love.
Bible Book: II Peter
Because the Bible is practical, here is an overview of the book.
Author: Peter
Type of Book: Epistle
Outline
Christian Greetings (1:1-2a)
The Source and Application of True Knowledge (1:2b-21)
The Privilege and Transforming Power of Knowing God (1:2b-4)
The Responsibility and Progressive Character of Christian Growth (1:5-11)
The Purpose and Validation of Peter’s Message (1:12-21)
His Motive (1:12-15)
His Method (1:16-21)
An Eyewitness of Christ and the Prophetic Word (1:16-19)
The Illumination and Inspiration of Prophetic Scripture (1:20-21)
The Warning Against False Teachers (2:1-22)
What to Expect From False Teachers (2:1-3)
What They Can Expect From God (2:4-10a)
Some Characteristics of False Teachers (2:10b-19)
The Dangers of Turning From the Truth (2:20-22)
The Certainty of Christ’s Return (3:1-18a)
Denial of His Return (3:1-7)
Assurance of His Return (3:8-10)
Living for His Return (3:11-18a)
Benediction (3:18b)
Theme: Faithful Truth Versus False Teachers
Date of Writing: c. A.D. 66-67
Background
In his greeting, Simon Peter (Simon being his original name and Peter being the name Jesus gave him, Jn 1:40-42) identifies himself as author of this letter. He later remarks that this is his second letter to the readers (3:1), indicating that he is writing to the same general audience in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) who had received his first letter (1Pe 1:1). Since Peter, like Paul, was put to death by an edict, or command, of the wicked Emperor Nero (who himself died in June, A.D. 68), it is most likely that Peter wrote this letter between A.D. 66-67, shortly before his execution in Rome (1:13-15).
Some scholars, in both ancient and modern times, have ignored the remarkable similarities between 1 and 2 Peter. Instead, they have stressed the differences between the two letters, leading to an assumption that Peter was not the author of this letter. However, the differences in content, vocabulary, emphases and writing style between the two letters can be adequately accounted for by the different circumstances of both Peter and his readers in the two letters. (1) The original circumstances of the recipients had changed from the outward threat of persecution from their surrounding society to the inward threat of compromise from within the church by false teachers. Peter wrote this letter to emphasize that these deceptive individuals must not be allowed to undermine the churches’ foundations of truth and distract the believers from their true purpose in following Christ. (2) Peter’s circumstances were also different. While he had the skilled assistance of Silas when writing his first letter (1Pe 5:12), it appears that Silas was not available when writing this one. Peter may have used his own rough Galilean Greek or relied on a less capable scribe than Silas.
Purpose
Peter wrote (1) to encourage believers to diligently pursue godly character and a true knowledge of Christ and (2) to expose and denounce the dangerously deceptive activity of false prophets and false teachers among the churches in Asia Minor who were undermining the original truth of Christ’s message. Peter summarizes his purpose in 3:17-18, as he challenges true believers (1) to be on their guard so that they may not “be carried away by the error of lawless men” (3:17) and (2) to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (3:18).
Survey
This short letter instructs believers to develop and show godly character resulting from a true knowledge of God, which comes through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The first chapter emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth. Having begun by faith, Christians must diligently pursue moral excellence, godly knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and selfless love. The aim is that they would mature in their faith and knowledge of Jesus and that they would be productive in serving him (1:3-11; see article on Sanctification).
The next chapter seriously warns about false prophets and false teachers who were emerging among the churches. Peter denounces them as lawless men (2:1, 3; 3:17) who participate in shameful lifestyles that appeal to the corrupt desires of sinful human nature (2:2, 7, 10, 13-14, 18-19). He describes them as greedy (2:3, 14-15), arrogant (2:18) and self-willed (2:10) and ones who despise authority (2:10-12). Peter’s aim is to protect true believers against destructive beliefs, teachings and practices (2:1) by exposing the evil motives and conduct of these false leaders (see article on False Teachers).
In ch. 3, Peter argues against the doubt, denial and skepticism that have been taught about Jesus’ return (3:3-4). For as Noah’s generation mistakenly and tragically tossed aside as foolishness the idea of the judgment of a great flood from God, so these false teachers are equally blind concerning the promises of Christ’s return. But with the same swift and definite action of God’s judgment through the flood (3:5-6), Christ will return to execute judgment on the present earth by fire (3:7-12). After that, he will create a new heaven and earth as a home for his people (3:13). In view of this, God’s people must live holy (i.e., morally pure, spiritually whole, separated from evil and dedicated to God and his purposes) and godly lives in this present age (3:11, 14).
Special Features
Four major features characterize this letter. (1) It contains one of the Bible’s strongest statements about the inspiration, reliability and authority of Scripture—God’s written Word (1:19-21; see article on The Inspiration and Authority of Scripture). (2) Ch. 2 and Jude’s letter are remarkably similar in how they describe and denounce false teachers. It is very likely that one of the authors relied on the other for some of the shared information. Perhaps Jude, later facing the same problem of false teachers, utilized portions of Peter’s inspired teaching to make the same point (see the introduction to Jude). It is also possible that the longer letter (Peter) incorporated much of the shared information from the shorter letter (Jude). (3) Ch. 3 is one of the great NT chapters on Christ’s second coming. (4) Peter indirectly refers to Paul’s writings as Scripture (God’s inspired and authoritative written Word) by mentioning them in relation to “the other Scriptures” (3:15-16).
Giving credit where credit is due. These informational notes about this book come from the Full Life Study Bible, also known as the Fire Bible. Don Stamps, editor. Originally published by Life Publishers.
Bible Chapter: I Peter 5
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
This chapter starts out talking to those in spiritual leadership positions. The principles given here are good principles for all believers to apply. Be a servant, eager to serve. Don’t do things with the thought that they will make you rich. Money is not a problem as long as it is not the main goal in life. Don’t seek power to control or manipulate people Just be a faithful servant and trust God to provide.
Clothe yourself with humility. This should be the trademark of all believers, not being controlled by pride but giving the credit for anything accomplished to God for giving the ability. Wrap yourself in humility and let the world know that you belong to Jesus. Remember that God opposes the proud but He gives grace to the humble.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
I must be aware that the enemy is constantly on the prowl to consume me and all believers. We must resist him. We must stand firm in the faith. We must remember that we really can do these things if we will strive to do them. Satan is a threat and seeks to destroy all who trust in the Lord. We are equipped by God to resist, but we must continue to use God’s weapons to fight and win. Through Jesus we are conquerors, and we are more than conquerors. We do have the victory, but the battle must continually be fought. So, be self-controlled and alert.
3. How can I help someone?
I can help people resist the battle. I can help people overcome through a close walk with Jesus and a greater understanding of the Bible.
Bible Chapter: I Peter 4
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Peter again talks on the theme of how Jesus unjustly suffered. Those who follow Jesus must be prepared to suffer for serving Him. Sticking with Jesus and enduring opposition for serving the Lord will help believers to resist sin and also follow God’s plan for their lives as they learn to more and more depend on God. This helps make the tug of sin less substantial and elevated God’s purposes to be a top priority.
There is an important principle for Christians to remember. We have a present life with Jesus. This means that we also have a past life, one that is different from what we have now. Whatever the sins were that controlled a person before Christ, they must be PAST TENSE. They must be history. Verse 3 talks about what the pagans do, these things are all past. I find too many believers still trying to dabble in the things of the past instead of enjoying the fullness and joy of the Lord. We are blessed beyond measure and comprehension to know Jesus as our personal Savior and have His joy and promises to carry us through. We should not want anything of the past, only the new life we have in Jesus.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
We are challenged to offer hospitality. We are challenged to use the gifts that God has given us to serve others. I am continually learning that we all have different gifts that God has given us. We can’t all do the same things. We don’t all even like the same things. These gifts and desires that come from God are designed to be used in various ways to honor Him. This means we can all work together, doing what we do best, and see God’s plan accomplished. His work will be done. I can’t do it all. I must do what I can do and encourage each one to do their part.
3. How can I help someone?
There are ungodly people, there are sinners in the world. There are those with contempt towards God. There are those who are missing the mark through a life of sin. It is a challenge for these people to come to Jesus, but the Bible says all who call on the Lord will be saved. I must never look at anyone with the attitude that they can’t be saved.
Bible Chapter: I Peter 3
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Since God is the Creator, since He made everything and then put people on the earth, He has always had a plan for how things should work. God made men and women and established that they would marry and have families. He designed specific roles for each one. While we appreciate physical beauty, the real beauty that God is looking for is inward. A gentle and quiet spirit - purity and reverence - are signs of true beauty. Some women who are very beautiful physically are ugly spiritually.
God calls for husbands to be considerate and respectful of their wives. This is so important to God that He says a man’s prayers can be hindered if he doesn’t treat his wife properly. They are to live in harmony with one another, being compassionate and humble. This is a good plan for strong families.
The Lord sees and hears all that is going on in life. He is against those who do evil. God is against evil because it goes against His righteous nature. Evil also is destructive to God’s highest creation - people. Lives are destroyed by the harmful influence of evil. This is why God hates it.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
This chapter says that Jesus died once for the sins of all, the righteous for the unrighteous. Because He was put to death we can have life. I must apply that in my life by living with Jesus as my Lord. The sacrifice of Jesus was a complete fulfillment of the Father’s righteous judgement. Jesus took our punishment and it is available for all who will receive it. The cross completed the work of redemption. There is no need for any more sacrifice for sins. All who make Jesus their Lord have eternal life and will some day see Him.
I also want to be reminded of the verse that says I must treat my wife with consideration and respect, that my prayers won’t be hindered. No, I won’t do that simply to get something (answered prayers), but because it is the right thing to do and she is worthy of being treated that way. Men, take note of what this passage says.
3. How can I help someone?
Verse 15 tells me to set Jesus as Lord in my heart and always be ready to talk about the hope I have. I do have hope in Jesus. I do have His promise and assurance of eternal life. I can look forward to a grand reunion some day with family and friends who have gone before. I can look forward to entering in to the full presence of God. Live ready. That is what I strive to do.
Bible Chapter: I Peter 2
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. That is a pathetic list if it describes a person. We are to get rid of all that garbage and instead, crave good spiritual food. Start with the basics and then go for the deeper spiritual food. A new believer must learn the basics of the Bible, of the Christian life. Then it is time to dive in to the deeper things of God. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Yes, once you have experienced the best, the slime of the world is repulsive. So, learn to dine on the rich things of God.
God calls us to understand that as believers we are strangers in this world. We don’t belong here, for our citizenship is in heaven. So, we are to abstain from the sinful desires that war against us and strive to trap us in a life of sin. Sin leads to death. Instead we are to live lives that are a good example among the heathen people of the world. Let people know what a real Christian is. This includes respect for authority and life in general. Those who call Jesus their Lord really should be different from the rest of the world.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
I must continue to clean house. I must continue to clear out the crud listed in verse one that wants to come in and mess up my life. I must continue to crave the deep spiritual food God makes available.
There is a great challenge in verse nine.
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
God has called His people to be holy, set apart from sin and belonging to HIM. Then, through our lives and lifestyles we declare the praises of God. God called us out of darkness, fear, the mess of a sinful life into His wonderful light. That is the best way to live.
3. How can I help someone?
I can help people see the difference between the common lifestyles of the world that surrounds us and what God offers to those who serve Him. Life serving Jesus is so much better. It gives eternal hope.
Bible Chapter: I Peter 1
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
When we believe in Jesus we have the gift of salvation. This includes a living hope, the promise of being with Jesus here on earth and then spending eternity with Him. Because Jesus resurrected from the grave we are filled with hope for eternity. When a believer dies, we can rest with confidence knowing where they are.
There is a powerful challenge to how we are to live our lives. We are to be prepared for action, to live life after Christ’s example of holiness. We are commanded to not conform to the evil world around us, but to live a holy life. There always seems to be pressure to conform to what everyone else is doing. But, when that conforming includes participation in sin, we must reject it. God expects believers to be holy. This is living separated from ungodly patterns in the world and set apart for God. We have been saved by the precious blood of Christ. It was the most costly sacrifice in the history of the world and we must not cheapen it by playing around with sin.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
The topic of holiness and what it means has been debated hotly over the decades. Some think the goal of being holy is so unreachable that they don’t even try. Yet, this chapter tells us to be holy. So, what does it mean and how can I apply it?
The simple response to that question is the goal to be like Jesus, to live a Christlike life. While we will never be perfect, we can grow in the attributes He expressed. Jesus lived a life separate from sin. He was a friend of sinners, but didn’t participate in their sin. A holy life is committed to Jesus. A holy life is striving to mature spiritually. A holy life recognizes the cost of the blood of Jesus on the cross and won’t defile that sacrifice. A holy life looks forward to eternity with Jesus.
We must not be overwhelmed by the concept of living a holy life, we must simply pursue the life that pleases Jesus.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help encourage those who claim Jesus to see that we all can live a holy life. Many continually get discouraged by the battle. We don’t have to give up, but we can continually focus on Jesus and live a life of a spiritual overcomer.
Bible Book: I Peter
Because the Bible is practical, here is an overview of the book.
Author: Peter
Type of Book: Epistle
Outline
Christian Greetings (1:1-2)
The Believer’s Relationship to God (1:3-2:10)
Salvation Through Faith (1:3-12)
Holiness Through Obedience (1:13-2:10)
The Practice of Believers (1:13-2:3)
Prepare for Action (1:13-16)
Live With Reverence for God (1:17-21)
Love One Another (1:22-25)
Forsake Sin and Grow Spiritually (2:1-3)
The Position of Believers (2:4-10)
A Spiritual House (2:4-8)
A Chosen People (2:9-10)
The Believer’s Relationship to Others (2:11-3:12)
Public Responsibilities (2:11-17)
Avoid Sin, Do Good and Be an Example (2:11-13)
Submit to Authority, Respect Others and Serve God (2:14-17)
Domestic Responsibilities (2:18-3:7)
Slaves to Masters (2:18-20)
Christ’s Example of Submission (2:21-25)
Wives to Husbands (3:1-6)
Husbands to Wives (3:7)
Summary of Principles Guiding the Believer’s Relationship to Others (3:8-12)
The Believer’s Relationship to Suffering (3:13-5:11)
Endurance in the Face of Suffering (3:13-4:11)
The Blessing and Influence of Suffering Unjustly (3:13-17)
The Powerful Example of Christ (3:18-4:6)
The Urgency of the End Time (4:7-11)
Rejoicing in the Face of Suffering (4:12-19)
It Tests the Reality of Our Faith (4:12)
It Means Sharing in Christ’s Sufferings (4:13a, 14-16)
It Prepares Us for the Glory of His Coming (4:13b, 17-19)
Encouragements in the Face of Suffering (5:1-11)
To Pastors—Willingly Serve (5:1-4)
To Younger Men—Willingly Submit (5:5-11)
Conclusion (5:12-14)
Theme: Separation, Submission and Suffering for Christ
Date of Writing: A.D. 60-63
Background
This is the first of two NT letters written by the apostle Peter (1:1; 2Pe 1:1), one of Jesus’ original and closest disciples and one of the primary leaders of the early church, particularly in Jerusalem. Peter testifies that he wrote his first letter with the assistance of Silas (Gk Silvanus) as his scribe, or writing secretary (5:12). Silas’ more fluent writing style, particularly in the literary or formal Greek (cf. Ac 15:22-29), is reflected in this letter, while possibly Peter’s own less-polished Greek appears in his second letter. The tone and content of 1 Peter is consistent with what we know about Simon Peter (Simon was his original name before Jesus gave him the name Peter, Mk 3:16). His years of close companionship with Jesus are reflected as he recounts Jesus’ death (1:11, 19; 2:21-24; 3:18; 5:1) and resurrection (1:3, 21; 3:21). Indirectly, he seems to refer even to Jesus’ post-resurrection appearance to him in Galilee (2:25; 5:2a; cf. Jn 21:15-23). In addition, many similarities occur between this letter and Peter’s sermons recorded in the book of Acts.
Peter addresses this letter to “strangers... scattered” throughout the Roman provinces of Asia Minor (1:1). Some of these may have been among those who received Christ in response to Peter’s message on the day of Pentecost and then returned to their own cities with their newfound faith (cf. Ac 2:9-11; see map of Countries of People Mentioned at Pentecost). These believers are called “aliens and strangers” (2:11) to remind them that, as Christians, they are on a journey through a world that is hostile to Jesus Christ. For this reason, they can expect opposition and persecution. Peter probably wrote this letter in response to reports from Christians in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) of growing opposition (4:12-16) that did not yet have official backing from the government (2:12-17).
Peter wrote from “Babylon” (5:13). This may be understood literally as the country of Babylon (modern-day Iraq) in Mesopotamia or as a symbolic expression for Rome, the supreme center of organized godlessness in the first century. Although Peter may have once visited the large colony of orthodox Jews in Babylon, we can more readily account for Peter, Silas (5:12) and Mark (5:13) being together in Rome (Col 4:10) rather than at literal Babylon. This would date Peter’s writing of this letter from Rome between A.D. 60-63, which would have been before the burning of Rome (A.D. 64) and the subsequent persecution and slaughter of many Christians under the Emperor Nero.
Purpose
Peter wrote this letter of joyful hope to provide Christians with an eternal perspective of their earthly lives. This included giving practical guidance to those who were beginning to experience intense opposition and suffering as Christians in an ungodly environment. Peter was concerned that believers should not provoke hostility or rebel against governmental structures unnecessarily. Instead, they should follow Jesus’ example in suffering innocently and honorably for what is right and true (see article on The Suffering of the Righteous).
Survey
1 Peter begins by reminding Christ’s followers of several things. (1) They have a glorious purpose and heavenly inheritance because of their relationship with Jesus Christ (1:2-5). (2) Their faith and love in this life will be tested and refined through difficulty and suffering, but it will result in praise, glory and honor when the Lord Jesus returns (1:6-9). (3) This great salvation was predicted by the OT prophets (1:10-12). (4) Christians must live holy lives, clearly different from the society around them (1:13-21). Peter then describes Christ’s followers as people who have been chosen and set apart (1:2), as growing infants who need the pure milk of God’s Word (2:1-3), as living stones who are being built into a spiritual house (2:4-10) and as aliens who are passing through a foreign land (2:11-12). For these reasons, they must live honorably and humbly in their relations with all people during their earthly journey (2:13-3:12).
The primary message of 1 Peter concerns godly submission and suffering honorably for Christ. They are to follow the example of Jesus himself (2:18-24; 3:9-5:11). Peter assures believers that by suffering for what is right, they will obtain God’s favor and reward. In the context of this teaching about suffering for Christ, Peter stresses the interrelated themes of spiritual salvation, hope, love, joy, faith, holiness, humility, fear of God, obedience and submission. For further comments on these issues, see articles on Biblical Words for Salvation; Biblical Hope; Faith and Grace; Sanctification; and The Fear of the Lord.
Special Features
Five major features characterize this letter. (1) Along with Hebrews and Revelation, its message revolves around Christians who are facing the prospect of severe persecution because of their identity with Jesus Christ. (2) More than any other NT letter, it provides instruction on how to respond as a Christian to unjust persecution and suffering (3:9-5:11). (3) Peter stresses the truth that believers are aliens and strangers on earth (1:1; 2:11). (4) Many OT titles for God’s people are applied to NT believers (e.g., 2:5, 9-10). (5) It contains one of the most difficult NT passages to interpret: when, where and how Jesus “went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed... in the days of Noah” (3:19-20).
Giving credit where credit is due. These informational notes about this book come from the Full Life Study Bible, also known as the Fire Bible. Don Stamps, editor. Originally published by Life Publishers.
Bible Chapter: James 5
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Money, is it good or evil? Money is a topic close to the heart of the majority of people. James is not saying money is bad. It matters if the person controls money or if money controls the person. Money is a great tool to accomplish much good. It can also cause many problems. So, use money, manage money for God’s glory. Don’t live for money, live for God.
Another thought that comes in this chapter is to stick with it, persevere in life. There is a word my parents used to use, they probably made it up - sticktoitavness. It means a person will stick to the work, project, challenge they face and not quit. They will get it done. My computer’s spell checker is having a fit with this word, but it is a good concept for everyone. When things get tough, it is so easy to say “I quit”. Life is hard - I quit. The spiritual battle is getting tough - I quit. Things are difficult at work - I quit. We are reminded of Job. Everyone around him told him to give up. But, he persevered and in the end he won.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
This chapter includes the great challenge to faith and prayer. I am finding that prayer and faith are critical ingredients in life. One of the ways I find them so important is the pressure I feel to abandon them. It is so easy to not pray and trust God. It is so easy to always look for other sources of provision. It is simple to try to do everything myself. But, here we are challenged to call for others to pray. Trust God and join with others of faith and believe God to answer. When we are weak, we are to reach out with other believers and trust God. The prayer of righteous people is powerful.
3. How can I help someone?
Always be ready to pray for people. Always be ready to believe for God to intervene. Help them see that sticking with the pursuit of life will always be worth it. There is a famous statement attributed to Winston Churchill - Never give up, Never give up, Never, Never, Never give up.
Bible Chapter: James 4
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Selfishness and the desire for preeminence. That is the theme that starts this chapter. Fights and arguments come from the desire to get recognition and power. Even the prayers of some are wrong, asking only so they can get something for pleasure. This reminds me that we are in a battle and one of the tricks of the enemy is to get us fighting over things that don’t matter so we get distracted from the real purpose of our service to God. There is to be no slander against each other.
The temptation to compromise. Believers are told here to not compromise righteousness, for friendship with the world is called adulterous hatred towards God. This does not mean we are not friends with those around us. It means we are not to actively participate in what God calls sin. We are not to participate in the world’s values and attitudes. This is an expression of God’s proper jealousy for His people. When we belong to Him, we must not be involved in sinful activities. He doesn’t want us to get destroyed by the consequences of sin.
So, we are to submit to God, resist the devil, come near to God and live the life God designed. Submission shows we know WHO is in control. We recognize that each day is in God’s hands.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
The section starting in verse 4 is part of the Fire Bible’s Themefinder - Overcoming the World and Worldliness. I must overcome this temptation to be like everyone else. I believe that I have been successful in this, but I must not then become casual about the deceit of the spirit of the world. It is too easy to slack off. So, I must continue to be an overcomer. Believers are called to be separated from participation is anything that could pull us down into the pit of failing the Lord. Victory comes from a continual submission to God. Be humble before the Lord and let Him lift you up.
3. How can I help someone?
I can be sure to not get caught up in the disagreements that can so easily infect the church. I don’t want to hurt anyone over a worthless argument. I also need to help believers grasp the principles of overcoming the world.
