Tag: Timothy

Psalm 119.1-24

Since we are strangers and pilgrims on this earth (1 Peter 2.11), we need a guide for our journey. That Guide is the Holy Spirit who indwells us. He uses His written word to guide us on our journey. When we take our eyes off His Word, we take a turn toward destruction. The importance of studying and knowing the Scripture is overwhelming here. Christianity is not a felt religion, it is a knowing relationship with a God who reveals Himself to us in His Word. Your life reflects your knowledge and application of God’s Word. How are you doing?

Psalm 119.1-24

Aleph (א) verses 1-8

This section presents the key to understanding this particular psalm (all the Bible really). It is to walk in the ways of God. The nature of such a man is found in the actions he takes. He walks in God’s ways, keeps God’s laws, and seeks God’s truth. When Paul tells us to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ, he is applying what these verses are telling us (2 Corinthians 10.4-6).

When we do this, we are allowing God to work in and through us, which, in turn, allows us to live the life for which He created us. This life is one that is increasingly characterized by the leaving of sin, which produces shame, and the turning to God (2 Timothy 2.22 and 1 John 1.5-2.1, 3.9, and 5.18). To truly live the life God called us to live, we must go from knowledge to practice.

The Word in Life Study Bible (1997) presents this chart for Psalm 119.2:

119:2 THE BENEFITS OF OBEYING THE BIBLE

Psalm 119:2 promises blessings for obeying God’s Word (or “testimonies”) and seeking the Lord with one’s whole heart. The psalm goes on to mention or allude to a number of these benefits:

  • Avoiding sin and pursuing godliness (Ps. 119:3, 11, 36, 102, 133).
  • A motivation and basis for praising God (119:7, 171).
  • A pure lifestyle (119:9).
  • Readjustments in our priorities (119:14, 92) and values (119:16, 20, 37, 48, 72, 103, 111, 127).
  • Insight into our purpose on earth (119:19, 32, 125).
  • Avoiding and learning from God’s rebuke (119:21–22, 67, 71, 75, 118).
  • A basis for evaluating criticism and opposition (119:23, 41–42, 51, 61, 69, 84–88, 98, 161).
  • A source of wisdom and guidance for day-to-day life (119:24, 66, 105, 130, 176).
  • Encouragement, hope, and comfort (119:25, 28, 41, 49–50, 52, 55, 61, 81–83, 114, 166).
  • Something valuable with which to occupy our minds (119:27, 55, 62, 97, 147–148) and conversation (119:46, 164, 172).
  • A basis for truth, honesty, and integrity (119:29–30, 99–100, 104, 163).
  • A sense of freedom (119:45).
  • A source of new songs (119:54).
  • An accurate basis for self-examination (119:59).
  • Fellowship with like-minded believers (119:63, 79).
  • A solid foundation for our faith (119:66, 89–90).
  • Protection and peace (119:114, 165).
  • The ability to discern right from wrong (119:136, 138–139, 158).
  • A motivation and basis for prayer (119:169–170).
  • The Lord’s help (119:173–174).

Which of these are you not experiencing today? This is an area of prayer and discipline for you.

Beth (ב) verses 9-16

When my life is planned around God’s Word, I will live a life that is pleasing and holy to Him (Romans 12.1-2). The sure way to accomplish this is through Scripture memorization that leads to acting upon what is memorized. Remember that memorization is not for the moment but for life. If you truly have memorized a verse or passage that becomes your guide throughout life. You know it. You apply it. You do not forget it.

Gimel (ג) verses 17-24

The study of God’s Word needs to be a regular exercise done on a daily basis. This would include meditation, which is to eat as a cow would chew cud. Chew for a bit, let it digest for a while, chew on it again, let it digest again. Repeat this process throughout the day. When we daily meditate on God’s Word, He brings joy into our life. Read these couplets to see the connection Psalm 119.15-16, 23-24, 47-48, 77-78.

A great verse to pray when beginning any Bible study is verse eighteen. The psalmist implores God, as should we, to open his eyes to the wonderful truths or principles in God’s Word. This is the work of the Holy Spirit and is necessary to understand what God’s Word means and how we can apply it to our lives (Daniel 5.11-14, John 16.13-15).

Since we are strangers and pilgrims on this earth (1 Peter 2.11), we need a guide for our journey. That Guide is the Holy Spirit who indwells us. He uses His written word to guide us on our journey. When we take our eyes off His Word, we take a turn toward destruction. The importance of studying and knowing the Scripture is overwhelming here. Christianity is not a felt religion, it is a knowing relationship with a God who reveals Himself to us in His Word. Your life reflects your knowledge and application of God’s Word. How are you doing?

Psalm 113

As God is in this world, so are we to be in this world. Do you walk by the poor and needy or do you stoop to help those in need? What would Jesus say about your actions and attitude? Take a moment to read Matthew 24-25 and listen to Keith Green’s song The Sheep and the Goats. There is no faith without action for faith creates action (James 2.14-26).

Psalm 113 (cf. Philippians 2.5-8 [He is immanent] and 1 Timothy 6.11-16 [He is transcendent])

This is the first of the Hallel Psalms or Praise Psalms used at the Passover Meal (Psalms 113-118, 136). Some have attributed this psalm to Samuel because the reference in verse nine imitating 1 Samuel 2.5, 8. Although this could be, it is not the view held here.

  • Verses 1-3-A call to praise God. All those who are His are to praise Him. We praise Him by thanking Him for who He is in our lives. We are to do this perpetually and everywhere our feet trod.
  • Verses 4-6-He is to be praised because He is great, He is without equal, and He has humbled Himself to be concerned with the affairs of man.
  • Verses 7-9-He is to be praised because He cares for the poor, needy, and barren, which are examples of His humbling of self to care for the needs of man.

As God is in this world, so are we to be in this world. Do you walk by the poor and needy or do you stoop to help those in need? What would Jesus say about your actions and attitude? Take a moment to read Matthew 24-25 and listen to Keith Green’s song The Sheep and the Goats. There is no faith without action for faith creates action (James 2.14-26).

Is God conceited? Read these articles by John Piper and NewLife Christian Fellowship to determine for yourself.

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1 Chronicles 26

In Christ, we have met the legal requirements to enter God’s presence. They are described as able men qualified for service. First Timothy 3 and Titus 1.5-15 declares the qualifications for men to minister, do you meet these requirements?

1 Chronicles 26

The gatekeepers job was to ensure that those who entered the Temple met the legal requirements to enter the Temple (2 Chronicles 23.19). In Christ, we have met the legal requirements to enter God’s presence. They are described as able men qualified for service. First Timothy 3 and Titus 1.5-15 declares the qualifications for men to minister, do you meet these requirements?

Some Levites were gatekeepers (1-19; described in 1 Chronicles 9.22-29), some were treasurers (20-28), and others were administrators (29-32). What is your gift and are you using it for God’s glory?

These were appointed in the last year of David’s reign (31).

Psalm 26

Have God examine your heart today.

Psalm 26

This psalm begins and ends with the desire to bring blessing to the covenant God of Israel  (יְֽהוָה).  David sees a way for this to occur in his life through his integrity, his moral uprightness or righteousness. We find this can only be found in a person who has a right relationship with God and who walks in fellowship with Him.

Due to the topic of this psalm, David’s integrity and God’s grace, many declare that this psalm was written before his failing with Bathsheba. However, the false accusations and the mood of the psalm place it about the time of Absalom’s rebellion with all the false accusations coming against David. This is why it is placed here, in this study, and not prior to 2 Samuel 11.

The words of David, to some, seem proud and boisterous. However, they are no different from his words in Psalm 139.23 where he asks God to search his heart.

Someone once said, “Look at others and be distressed; look at self and be depressed; look at Jesus and you will be blessed.” The thoughts of this anonymous saying present themselves in this psalm. David encourages us to look and examine ourselves (1-5), to focus ourselves on the God of our covenant (6-10), and continue to serve Him (11-12). The only way to truly be blessed is to realize that we are servants of the Most High and serve others in His name. This is true life.

Verses 1-5-Are you living the life God created for you to live? Examine yourself today.  Read our study on Psalm 1 for a call to examine your life.

Verses 6-10-When we look at ourselves, we can get depressed. When we look to others, we can get upset or frustrated or proud. When we focus on God, we can walk on water and we can also see the standard to which He has called us. It is not us or our world that is our standard, it is He who created us who is the standard (Romans 3.23).

In verses 3–5, David presents six reasons for his integrity:

  1. He calls on God’s grace, not his works.
  2. He basis his daily walk on the truth of God’s Word, not his desires, which only someone indwelt with the Spirit of God can claim.
  3. He proclaims that he has not joined in with others whose purpose is to walk away from God.
  4. He refuses to walk with those who have a form of godliness but deny its power (2 Timothy 3.1-5).
  5. He does not gather together with those who seek to do evil. The congregation he seeks is where he can serve God by serving others.
  6. He refuses to commune with those who propose wickedness. He knows he sits at God’s table (see our study of Psalm 23).

How do you measure up to these six reasons?

Verses 11-12-God calls us, knows us, will conform us ultimately into the image of His Son; He called us, He made us righteous, and He will bring it to completion (Romans 8.28-30 and Philippians 1.6). It is all about Him, not us. He has chosen to use His body, the church, as the chosen instrument to help our conformity to His image through the work of the Holy Spirit. Are you involving yourself in the local congregation? Are you actively praising God by serving others there? If not, you are not walking in integrity. This is the heart of this psalm, David’s desire to worship God with God’s people (6-8). David knew in order to do this he needed to be a man in right relationship with God and in fellowship with Him. Jesus stated this in Matthew 5.23-24.

Have God examine your heart today.

2 Samuel 14

There are times when people play on our emotions and on our real experiences in order to manipulate us into doing something which seems right in our eyes (Read Judges) but in the end it is destruction (Proverbs 14.12). This is syncretism at its peak. Be careful of things that you want to hear (2 Timothy 4.1-5) that do not align with Scripture. This is Satan’s number one ploy. In this chapter David’s trusted nephew was the source.

2 Samuel 14

Depending on how the preposition in verse one is rendered, this chapter takes two differing views. If the preposition עַל is translated “toward,” which is contextually difficult, the meaning is that David desired to have Absalom in his presence. However, is refusal to meet with him when he returned to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 14.24). The preposition most likely should be translated “against,” which better fits the passage. For the rest of Absalom’s life, he and David were at odds with each other. He would not allow Absalom into his presence, Absalom rebelled against David (see our study of 2 Samuel 15), and Absalom died tragically in rebellion to David (see our study to come on 2 Samuel 18 and The Consequences of Sin [study to come]). Through the deceit and duplicity of Joab in this chapter, David granted Absalom’s return. There was not repentance on Absalom’s part and not reconciliation on either part. Absalom was next in line to be king, Joab was playing both sides of the field and was not above deception to obtain favor in the eyes of both David and Absalom. In using this woman, he played on David’s emotions and upon a real experience David had. Nathan was a prophet through whom God spoke to convict David of his sin (see our study of 2 Samuel 12). The woman of Tekoa was used to play on this real experience in David’s life. She told him things that would get his emotions playing on who his son was and the need to see him no matter the cost. It would cost Absalom his life, David’s relationship was never restored with Absalom because they never sought reconciliation. They did not discuss the sins nor seek forgiveness for them.  Even though Absalom goes before David with obeisance, there is no repentance. Nothing biblical occurs.

Absalom’s character surfaces at the close of the chapter (25–33). He is good looking, charismatic (in the true sense of the word-drawing people to him), deceptive, and cruel.

There are times when people play on our emotions and on our real experiences in order to manipulate us into doing something which seems right in our eyes (Read Judges) but in the end it is destruction (Proverbs 14.12). This is syncretism at its peak. Be careful of things that you want to hear (2 Timothy 4.1-5) that do not align with Scripture. This is Satan’s number one ploy. In this chapter David’s trusted nephew was the source.

Psalm 20

This is a short psalm that reminds us to pray for those over us. Are you praying for your leaders, whether you like them or not? The psalm also shows us that true worship gets God’s attention.

Psalm 20 (cf. 1 Timothy 2.1-8 and see our study Psalm 21 and our study of 2 Samuel 10 for possible background to this psalm)

Verses 1-3-Trouble is coming in warfare. The priest is offering a sense of peace to David before the battle. Because of David’s faithfulness to God, God will bring him support. Pause (Selah). Are your sacrifices to God the kind that He celebrates and honors? Or, are they merely tokens you throw at Him, hoping to appease Him?  See our study on Psalm 50.

Verses 4-6-Triumph of God’s answers are evident. Notice the change from “your” to “we” to “I.” All are involved.

Verses 7-9-Trust and confidence in the God who gives victories and allows defeats.

Notice the bookend of “Lord answer” in verse one in the day of trouble and in verses nine in the day we call. Notice how the name of God is invoked in each stanza (1, 5, 7). Notice the abundance of desire in the first five verses with each beginning with “may.”

This is a short psalm that reminds us to pray for those over us. Are you praying for your leaders, whether you like them or not? The psalm also shows us that true worship gets God’s attention.

Psalm 24

The question being asked is “Who is the King of Glory?” This is the question all men need to answer. How do you answer it (1 Timothy 6.15 and Philippians 2.9-11)?

Psalm 24 (cf. 1 Corinthians 10.26)

This psalm is reminiscent of Psalm 15 (see our study). It was probably written after 2 Samuel 6 (cf. 1 Chronicles 15) when the Ark of the Covenant was brought into Jerusalem for the first time (see our study).

It can be divided in three parts. The first is a praise for whom God is (1-2, cf. our study on Psalm 19). The second is similar to Psalm 15 which provides the requirements for those who can be in God’s presence (3-6). The third is written as a processional antiphony (7-10), where the leader speaks and the congregation responds. The question being asked is “Who is the King of Glory?” This is the question all men need to answer. How do you answer it (1 Timothy 6.15 and Philippians 2.9-11)?

Take a moment to worship God in the context of music. Verse four of this chapter presents a deep thought. “Give us Clean Hands” is a prayer based on this verse. Give it a listen.

Psalm 15

Who is it that dwells in God’s presence? This is the question that is presented and answered in this short psalm. David’s answer is the man who walks blamelessly, righteously, and in purity. None of us attain to that standard. Only One fulfilled this in His life and that One is Christ. These qualities become part of who we are after we come into union with Him through salvation (Hebrews 4.16). He presents us blameless and without fault in His presence by His righteousness alone (Jude 24-25). We do not come to Him that way, after He saves us, He makes us that way. That is the Good News of the Gospel!

Psalm 15 (cf. Psalm 24 [see our study], Micah 6.8, and Isaiah 33.14-16)

Verse one provides the context for this chapter, which is service in God’s tabernacle or holy hill. Some have interpreted this chapter as asking the question “who is able to work in God’s service,” rather than who can exist in God’s presence. Both can be given from Psalm 15 and Psalm 24.

The terms for service are found in verse two and expanded in the remaining verses. That person is the one who is blameless, righteous, and pure. The evidence is found in how he treats his brother (3-5). Does he speak well of his neighbor, does he grieve over sin, does he walk in integrity, and does he give financially to help others? These are the ones who are to work in God’s service (1 Timothy 3). If this verses are read correctly, we can see the Greatest Commandment as Jesus presented it in Matthew 22.35-40.

Who is it that dwells in God’s presence? This is the question that is presented and answered in this short psalm. David’s answer is the man who walks blamelessly, righteously, and in purity. None of us attain to that standard. Only One fulfilled this in His life and that One is Christ. These qualities become part of whom we are after we come into union with Him through salvation (Hebrews 4.16). He presents us blamelessly and without a fault in His presence by His righteousness alone (Jude 24-25). We do not come to Him that way, after He saves us, He makes us that way. That is the Good News of the Gospel!

This psalm demands that we examine our life in light of God’s requirements. If you are a Christian, He has saved you and you are in a right relationship with Him. What follows each day is our fellowship with Him. When we are in right fellowship, living out His Word, we have true worship (Hebrews 10.19-25).

A brief note on money. This will become a major post as time passes. Verse five instructs the man of God not to lend money at an interest. The Torah allowed interest to be charged to an outsider, a Gentile, but not to an Israelite (Deuteronomy 23.19-20). However, this law can be interpreted as not lending to those who are unable to pay at an interest (Exodus 22.25 and Leviticus 25.35-37). Loans were meant to help another person get out of financial bondage, not place him deeper into it. Again, more on this later.

The Word in Life Study Bible presents this psalm as a list of ten things a person of integrity shows with application.

The person of integrity. . .

How about you?

1 Walks uprightly.

What is your basic ethical commitment? Are you out to honor the Lord or to serve yourself?

2 Works righteousness.

What is the end result of your work? Are you promoting good in the world—or evil?

3 Speaks the truth.

Are you in the habit of telling “little white lies” when it is necessary or convenient?

4 Does not backbite.

Do you tear down others behind their back?

5 Does no evil to a neighbor.

What is your policy on office politics? Do you believe in “doing unto others before they do unto you”?

6 Does not take up a reproach against a friend.

How loyal are you? When everyone is down on a colleague, do you jump on the bandwagon, or do you offer support and seek fair play?

7 Honors those who fear the Lord, not the ungodly.

What is the character of your best friends? What is their attitude toward God and the things of the Lord?

8 Keeps his word, even when it is costly.

Are you trustworthy and reliable? Is your word your bond, or is there always a question whether you will follow through?

9 Does not practice usury.

Do you make it harder or easier for poor people to gain the resources necessary to support themselves?

10 Does not take bribes.

What would it take to get you to compromise your integrity?

1 Chronicles 12

1 Chronicles 12 (cf. 1 Samuel 22, 27, 29, 30)

Our studies in 1 Samuel (22, 27, 29, and 30) covered the material found in the first twenty-two verses of 1 Chronicles 12. So, refer to them for now (more on this chapter will come in the future).

This chapter details the tribes that were loyal to David. Notice in verses 29-30 that some were still loyal to Saul. It was not a clean transition to the throne for David. Looking at verses 38-40, we can see the celebrations that occurred when David was finally proclaimed king over all Israel.

For further insight into these verses refer to these previous studies:

Probably the greatest contrast gathered from these verses is how David and Saul gained followers. When these verses are read, we see that David attracted followers. They were drawn to him. Saul had to draft men into his army (1 Samuel 14.52). Our character and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives attract others to our ministry. What is your character like? How is the Holy Spirit working in you today?

Look over this chapter again. Focus on these verses: 2, 8, 15, 16-18, 32, 33, and 38. What did you notice about these people who were attracted to David? Would you meet these qualifications? Jesus calls each one of us to His service. Does He attract you? Are you qualified for service or has sin stained you for this season? Are you skilled? Yes. The Holy Spirit has gifted you. Are you trained?  Second Timothy 2.15 requires us to do this work. Are you fearless? Again, 2 Timothy 1.7 proclaims that God has given us a spirit that should be fearless. Are you loyal? This is your decision. Will you follow Him regardless of the command? Will you follow His Word and His leaders and help others to do the same? Do you see what is going on around you and desire to change things for God? This is the list. How do you match-up? The good news is that God can qualify you as you surrender to His Word, His will, and His way.

Psalm 19

Do you see God’s work in creation (1-6), through His Word (7-11), and in your life (12-14)? This is where He is at work. Take time today to notice His work in your world, in your heart.

Psalm 19

This is a creation Psalm. It speaks of God’s majesty in creation and how He created it to show His majesty and glory. Many have suggested that if there is a God who created all this, why did He create the Universe to be so huge for so puny a creation as man. Some have answered this question by saying that God created man an inquisitive creature and that God created this universe for man’s exploration. A better response would be that the universe is not created for man to explore, although he can, does, and should, but that it was created to display the majesty of God per this Psalm. This would explain why it is so huge and complex.

Verses 1-4-David is expressing how creation shouts the glory of God (cf. Romans 1.19-20 and 10.18). This is called general revelation. Here God makes known His ways to all mankind. Many have taken this verse and attempted to show how the stars proclaim God’s glory. If you were to look at the original constellations, it would go from the Virgin to the Lion (Virgo to Leo), which shows the first coming of Christ in the virgin birth all the way to the second coming of Christ in power to rule. How do you see it?

Verses 5-6-When all the world would say the earth was flat, these verses proclaim it was round (cf. Ecclesiastes 1.5)

Verses 7-10-The heart of this chapter comes to the front, not in creation but in the Word of God. This is special revelation where God makes His will known to those who submit to Him and His Word. Each stanza in this poem refers to the same concept: God’s Word is what we need to live this life that He created us to live. It is His Word that gives us direction, wisdom, understanding, guidance in righteousness, and it is to be desired above life itself.

Verses 11-13-David, as Paul would later state in Romans 6.12-14, tells us our reward is found in keeping God’s Word. In so doing we will be blameless in our walk. No one will be able to accuse of wrong doing and sin will not be our master. There are two types of sinning mentioned here. One is the sin of ignorance. Even though we don’t know it is sin, if we commit it, it is still sin. Second is the sin of willful defiance. This is where we know it is wrong and still choose to do it. There is a third, not mentioned here, and it is when we know what we should do but refuse to do it (James 4.17). Which of these is your greatest struggle?

Verse 14-The entire purpose for having this special revelation is for us to meditate on it day and night. Meditation means for us to study all day long. To chew the cud as a cow would. We read a portion of Scripture, contemplate it, later on reconsider it, and still later consider it. It becomes a daylong process. When our mind is on His Word all day, that word will dominate our thinking, our words, and our actions. Are you meditating on God’s Word or merely reading it? Think about 2 Timothy 2.15-26 in its entirety. When our focus is on His Word we escape the schemes of Satan.

Hebrews 1.1-4 provides a summary of this Psalm.

Do you see God’s work in creation (1-6), through His Word (7-11), and in your life (12-14)? This is where He is at work. Take time today to notice His work in your world, in your heart.

If you have time today, about 45 minutes, watch Indescribable by Louie Giglio.