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Jun 22, 2025. II Peter 1:5-11

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CERTIFIED ELECTION. II Peter 1:5-11. 6/22/2025. #2.

5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. 10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; 11 for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

  1. Christian virtues
  2. Peter states that there are certain traits that should be seen in those who are true believers

                                a1. These traits should grow in magnitude & intensity as a believer matures

                                a2. The hallmarks of faith should be evident to those who interact with believers

  1. There are 2 practical purposes of these traits:

                                a1. To show forth the character of Christ in us

                                a2. To develop a practical outworking of beneficial works that help others & glorify God

  1. Peter’s use of “add to” is not meant of say that one trait precedes another & is developed prior to it

                                a1. Add to is from a Greek word meaning to make lavish provision for, originally referring to someone underwriting the entire cost of a play production

                                a2. The idea is to use every effort to purposely develop these traits to become like Christ

  1. The 8 traits go together (like the fruit of the Spirit)

                                a1. FAITH – an active belief & trust

                                a2. VIRTUE – excellence that functions the way it was designed to work (as a tool that does what it is designed to do, a believer should exhibit what God designs him to be

                                a3. KNOWLEDGE  – thorough understanding (epignosko = a working expertise)

                                a4. SELF-CONTROL – the Eng. word temperance (Proverbs 16:32, 25:28 slow to anger & react)

                                a5. PERSEVERENCE – pressing through difficult circumstances & temptations

                                a6. GODLINESS – to be God-like in character

                                a7. BROTHERLY KINDNESS – showing practical affection for others (Philadelphia)

                                a8. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE – charity & grace toward all, even difficult people (agape)

  1. Not shortsighted
  2. Those who do not exercise the virtues are short-sighted (myopizon, myopia) or even blind (not seeing clearly God’s call on our lives as servants or represent him to show grace, care, & light
  3. The Lord who saved us is the Lord to calls us

                                a1. To ignore spiritual growth & commitment is to dishonor the one who saved you

                                a2. To remain in old sins is to reject the Spirit’s working in your life           

  1. Believers are to cooperate with the Spirit

                                a1. Growth is not automatic

                                a2. Yielding to Spirit is necessary (Philippians 2:5-16)

  1. Confirmation
  2. Displaying the character of Christ & serving the Lord confirms (makes sure) your faith

                                a1. One is not saved by works, but godly works demonstrates to others you are saved

                                a2. II Corinthians 13:5 without evidence of working of Spirit, salvation is doubtful (Jam. 2)

  1. True salvation calls for a response to the Spirit
  2. Romans 8 by being led by the Spirit one is fruitful
  3. He has given all to us in abundance (fully)
  4. A grateful believer is a committed believer

Referenced passages: Philippians 2:5-16

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. 14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

Jun 22, 2025. Esther 9:1-17

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Jun 15, 2025. Father’s Day

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MAN OF GOD; MAN OF REGRET. I Kings 13. FATHER’S DAY 2025

1 And behold, a man of God went from Judah to Bethel by the word of the Lord, and Jeroboam stood by the altar to burn incense. 2 Then he cried out against the altar by the word of the Lord, and said, “O altar, altar! Thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, a child, Josiah by name, shall be born to the house of David; and on you he shall sacrifice the priests of the high places who burn incense on you, and men’s bones shall be burned on you.’ ” 3 And he gave a sign the same day, saying, “This is the sign which the Lord has spoken: Surely the altar shall split apart, and the ashes on it shall be poured out.” 4 So it came to pass when King Jeroboam heard the saying of the man of God, who cried out against the altar in Bethel, that he stretched out his hand from the altar, saying, “Arrest him!” Then his hand, which he stretched out toward him, withered, so that he could not pull it back to himself. 5 The altar also was split apart, and the ashes poured out from the altar, according to the sign which the man of God had given by the word of the Lord. 6 Then the king answered and said to the man of God, “Please entreat the favor of the Lord your God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored to me.” So the man of God entreated the Lord, and the king’s hand was restored to him, and became as before. 7 Then the king said to the man of God, “Come home with me and refresh yourself, and I will give you a reward.” 8 But the man of God said to the king, “If you were to give me half your house, I would not go in with you; nor would I eat bread nor drink water in this place. 9 For so it was commanded me by the word of the Lord, saying, ‘You shall not eat bread, nor drink water, nor return by the same way you came.’ ” 10 So he went another way and did not return by the way he came to Bethel. 11 Now an old prophet dwelt in Bethel, and his sons came and told him all the works that the man of God had done that day in Bethel; they also told their father the words which he had spoken to the king. 12 And their father said to them, “Which way did he go?” For his sons had seen which way the man of God went who came from Judah. 13 Then he said to his sons, “Saddle the donkey for me.” So they saddled the donkey for him; and he rode on it, 14 and went after the man of God, and found him sitting under an oak. Then he said to him, “Are you the man of God who came from Judah?” And he said, “I am.” 15 Then he said to him, “Come home with me and eat bread.” 16 And he said, “I cannot return with you nor go in with you; neither can I eat bread nor drink water with you in this place. 17 For I have been told by the word of the Lord, ‘You shall not eat bread nor drink water there, nor return by going the way you came.’ ” 18 He said to him, “I too am a prophet as you are, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the Lord, saying, ‘Bring him back with you to your house, that he may eat bread and drink water.’ ” (He was lying to him.) 19 So he went back with him, and ate bread in his house, and drank water. 20 Now it happened, as they sat at the table, that the word of the Lord came to the prophet who had brought him back; 21 and he cried out to the man of God who came from Judah, saying, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Because you have disobeyed the word of the Lord, and have not kept the commandment which the Lord your God commanded you, 22 but you came back, ate bread, and drank water in the place of which the Lord said to you, “Eat no bread and drink no water,” your corpse shall not come to the tomb of your fathers.’ ” 23 So it was, after he had eaten bread and after he had drunk, that he saddled the donkey for him, the prophet whom he had brought back. 24 When he was gone, a lion met him on the road and killed him. And his corpse was thrown on the road, and the donkey stood by it. The lion also stood by the corpse.

  1. Encounter at Bethel
  2. God had raised up Jeroboam to oppose Solomon

                                a1. Solomon’s wives had turned him from God

                                a2. Jeroboam was given 10 of the northern tribes

  1. Ironically, Jeroboam proved to be more wicked than Solomon since he built 2 shrines to Golden Calves
  2. While dedicating the shrine at Bethel, a man of God shows up from Judah to pronounce judgment on altar

                                a1. We are not told the name of the prophet

                                a2. No prophet was found among the people of the Northern Kingdom to deliver the message (Elisha and Amos were also sent north)

  1. The man of God had three messages:

                                a1. The altar at Bethel was cursed

                                a2. A king named Josiah would come (three centuries later) and burn the bones of the false priests on the altar to desecrate it

                                a3. As a sign, the altar would split and pour out its ashes on the ground (sign of rejection)

  1. Jeroboam reaches out his hand to order the prophet’s arrest, but the hand withers

                                a1. The altar splits and spills the ashes on the ground

                                a2. The king begs the prophet to pray for him so that his hand might be restored

  1. Finish the job
  2. The king invites the prophet to his home for a meal and a reward for restoring his hand

                                a1. Even with the miracles, Jer. does not repent

                                a2. The prophet refuses to fellowship with Jeremiah

  1. The prophet was given three instructions by God:

                                a1. Deliver the message of judgment to Jeroboam

                                a2. Do not eat or drink in Israel

                                a3. Return home by a different route than he came

  1. The prophet had done the hard part of confronting Jer.

                                a1. His work was not done

                                a2. He began to go home on a different route

                                a3. He must have figured he had done his job

  1. Guard down and fall coming
  2. The prophet mounts his donkey and leaves
  3. An old prophet hears of the events and sends his sons to fetch the prophet to dine with him

                                a1. The old prophet probably had not been used by God for a long time

                                a2. He desires to fellowship with a man of God

  1. The prophet tells the sons that he can’t come with them
  2. The Old prophet goes after the prophet to persuade him

                                a1. The prophet had stopped at an oak tree instead of going straight home

                                a2. The OP lies and says an angel brought new orders

  1. Had God changed his orders, he would’ve told the pro.
  2. The prophet yields and eats with the Old pro.

                                a1. Prophecy comes to the OP who pronounces death on the disobedient prophet

                                a2. The prophet is killed by a lion and buried in Bethel

  1. We are not done serving the Lord until called home

                                a1. To finish part of the race is not to finish at all

                                a2. God calls us to be faithful men, husbands, fathers, grandfathers, and examples in all things

  1. God may have to be involved in a great ministry or overcome a great obstacle, but you are not done yet

                                a1. Ezekiel 18 God expects us to complete our course

                                a2. Matthew 16:13-23,  no time to relax after a success

Verse: Matthew 16:13-23

13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” 14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ. 21 From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. 22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” 23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

Jun 15, 2025. Esther 8

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Jun 8, 2025. II Peter 1:1-4

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GREETINGS TO THE FAITHFUL. II Peter 1-4. 6/8/2025. #1

1 Simon Peter, a bond servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

  1. Peter’s second letter
  2. Scholars have greatly scrutinized second Peter

                                a1. Second Peter 2 & Jude are almost identical, leading some to believe that an author who used Peter’s name penned it

                                a2. No evidence that second Peter was quoted by the early church

  1. It is more likely that Jude quoted second Peter than vice versa & the letter’s limited audience made wide circulation difficult
  2. Matthew & Luke quote heavily from Mark
  3. While first Peter. focused on standing firm in faith in the face of persecution, second Peter warns of false teachers & the hope of Christ’s coming
  4. Written to Galatians (64-68 AD)
  5. Thoroughly equipped
  6. In Peter’s greeting he assures his reader that they share the same faith as he does

                                a1. Peter had seen the miracles, crucifixion, & risen Lord

                                a2. The precious faith in Christ rests upon the promises & righteousness of Christ

  1. Faith is obtained by His grace & power
  2. Peter emphasizes that a believer has all that he needs to live godly lives

                                a1. The full knowledge of God through Jesus Christ is freely given to us in all assurance

                                a2. All divine power that is needed to live spiritual lives that please God is given us

                                                b1. Everything we need to worship & serve the Lord is ours

                                                b2. Not only do we have the knowledge from the Word, but also power from the Spirit of God

                                a3. John 15:5 this precious promise enables us to serve the Lord in His strength, not ours

  1. Our calling is by glory & virtue

                                a1. We now have the power to glorify God

                                a2. We are instilled with virtue

                                                b1. Virtue  is excellence (that which works the way it should)

                                                b2. If we are not virtuous, we have chosen not to use the power in us

  1. The promises of God
  2. Peter likes the word precious (that which is of inestimable value & esteem)
  3. Our great & precious promises are many

                                a1. John. 3 the gift of eternal life

                                a2. Revelation 22 great eternal rewards for faithful

                                a3. I Corinthians 10:13 strength to overcome trials

                                a4. II Corinthians 10:1-6 we have been given mighty weapons against evil & forces of darkness

                                a5. Ephesians 6:11-18 we have been provided with effective armor to win spiritual battles

                                a6. II Timothy 4 promise of crowns for holiness

                                a7. Matthew 28:20 ever presence of the Lord

                                a8. Romans 8:31-39 more than conquerors in Him

  1. Every believer has escaped the corruption of the world overcome by lust & been given holy power

Key passage: 2 Corinthians 10:1-6

1 Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you. 2 But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

Jun 8, 2025. Esther 7

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Jun 1, 2025. I Peter 5:8-14

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FACING THE LION. I Peter 5:8-14. 06/01/25. #24.

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 12 By Silvanus, our faithful brother as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand. 13 She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you; and so does Mark my son. 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

  1. The adversary
  2. Peter closes his epistle with a warning, an admonition, and then encouragement

                                a1. The church was going through persecution & would face even stronger opposition

                                a2. The author of this opposition is Satan

  1. Satan (adversary) opposes God & his followers

                                a1. Isaiah 14, Ezekiel 28 Satan was originally Lucifer (light bearer), the covering cherub before the throne of God

                                a2. Due to pride, Satan rebelled against God, desiring to be equal with God

  1. Satan is seen throughout Scripture deceiving & accusing (devil, diabolic) believers

                                a1. Genesis 3 in Eden, deceiving Eve

                                a2. Job 1 seeking to move against Job

                                a3. Matthew 16 filling Peter to oppose God’s plan of redemption

  1. Revelation 12 Satan was cast out of heaven, taking 1/3rd of the angels with him
  2. Satan is a powerful being & must be taken seriously
  3. Peter urges vigilance against Satan’s wiles (Ephesians 6)
  4. Facts about Satan:

                                a1. He is not all powerful, knowing, or present

                                a2. He must obtain permission to attack us

                                a3. He is allowed certain latitude to operate

                                a4. God uses him to test the saints (Revelation 2:8-11)

                                a5. Luke 4 Satan severely tested Lord in wilderness with the Lord victorious

                                a6. I Corinthians 10:13 the Lord promised to limit the testing & to give adequate strength to win

                                a7. James 4:17 Satan can’t force one to sin

                                a8. Revelation 20 Satan to be cast into the Lake of Fire

  1. Victory over Satan
  2. If we fall, we do so on our own (James 1:12-15)
  3. Victory over Satan comes from faithfully obeying & serving the Lord (Rom. 10:17; 2 Tim. 3:15-17)
  4. Peter lays out the path of victory:

                                a1. What we face is common to all believers

                                a2. Suffering is the avenue to strengthening

                                a3. Victory brings completion (term used of mending a net), steadfastness (established

                                    on solid ground), & settling (calm assurance of the believer, confidence)

  1. By focusing on God’s call, Word, & promises, a believer possesses all the tools to overcome Satan

                                a1. God promises to strengthen the faithful

                                a2. Be aware of Satan, but not terrified of him

  1. Romans 8 we are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus
  2. Peter closes the letter in all hope & tranquility
  3. Peter attests to God’s eternal glory & dominion
  4. Peter ends with greetings

                                a1. Silvanus (Silas) was Peter’s secretary

                                a2. Peter attests to his exhortation & witness

                                a3. From Babylon = most believe that this is a code name for Rome to hide true origin

                                a4. Mark = most believe this is John Mark

                                a5. Greet each with a holy kiss (a practice of greeting still used in Europe, men to men)

  1. Peter ends with a call for peace on the church (not usual call for grace, but calm via trust in Lord)

Jun 1, 2025. Esther 6

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May 25, 2025. I Peter 5:5-7

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GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. I Peter 5:5-7. 05/25/25. #23.

5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud,

But gives grace to the humble.” 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

  1. Submission to leaders
  2. Peter moves from commanding the elders to lead willingly, humbly, and with grace to instructing the younger members to follow their lead

                                a1. Hebrews 13 the writer of Hebrews gives the same admonition

                                a2. John 13 Jesus set the example of servant leadership

  1. verses 5-7 assumes the truth of verses 1-4

                                a1. Leaders who are humbly serving and seeking God’s will for the flock are worthy to follow

                                a2. I Corinthians 11:1 Paul instructed that they could follow him as he followed Christ

  1. Elders who do not submit to the Lord or who are prideful lead the sheep in the wrong direction
  2. The best leadership occurs when godly men lead a godly congregation

                                a1. If much effort must be expended to discipline unruly members, the ministry is thwarted

                                a2. Both leaders and members must be seeking the Lord for a church to operate properly

  1. Submit to one another
  2. Peter urges everyone in the congregation to submit to one another, not just to leaders

                                a1. Ephesians 5:21 gives the same command

                                a2. Philippians 4:5-7 deferring to each other meets needs in the body, so Christ is honored

  1. Peter said that we are to be clothed in humility

                                a1. The term is used of a slave putting on an apron in order to serve others

                                a2. Philippians 2:3-8 the servant image is not only what Christ taught, but what he lived

  1. When we gather together, we need to have an image of putting on our aprons to serve each other

                                a1. Ephesians5:25, I Peter 3:7 the same image is seen in the man as the head of the house, serving his wife and guiding his children (Ephesians 6:1-4)

                                a2. Christ gave many examples about serving others: The Good Samaritan, washing the disciples’ feet, feeding of the 5,000…

  1. God resists the proud

                                a1. Those who seek to be honored, respected, followed, and exalted, God resists

                                                b1. God can’t use a prideful person

                                                b2. If you want to be the center of attention you push God out of the center

                                a2. Many examples of the destruction of the proud: Pharaoh, Saul, Nebuchadnezzar…

                                a3. Even God’s servants fell when they lifted themselves up: Moses at the rock, Joshua

                                       at Ai, Samson at Gaza. David in Jerusalem

  1. Nothing for God has ever been accomplished via pride and self-will

                                a1. II Corinthians 12 even Paul had to learn this lesson

                                a2. Solomon, Joash, and Zedekiah could have been great leaders if they were humble

  1. The lifting up
  2. Those who lead, follow, and serve faithfully will be exalted in due time

                                a1. As the men with five and two talents were rewarded, so will faithful believers

                                a2. Your place in the Millennial Kingdom is determined by your attitude and service now

  1. Difficulties come now, but eternal rewards are coming soon, so remain faithful (Galatians 6:7-9)
  2. Casting cares on the Lord – to give concerns to him

                                a1. He cares for us and will strengthen us

                                a2. The spiritual battle is fact, but so is his aid

  1. Hold onto both your calling and his promises

May 25, 2025. Esther 5:9-14

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May 18, 2025. I Peter 5:1-4

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SHEPHERDING THE FLOCK. I Peter 5:1-4. 05/18/2025. #22.

1 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; 4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.

  1. The position of elder
  2. This passage is linked to the previous passage

                                a1. The church was under great persecution

                                a2. It was important that the elders not shrink from their responsibilities under fire

  1. Peter knew about folding under pressure since he had denied the Lord and had to be restored (John 21:15-19)
  2. Peter identifies himself as an elder (same office as bishop or overseer)

                                a1. These were leaders in the church

                                a2. Elders were responsible for guiding church

  1. Peter states that he witnessed the suffering of Christ (witness = martyr)

                                a1. He will share in the glory to come

                                a2. Peter urges elders to stand strong

  1. The role of the elder
  2. Peter commands that elders shepherd the flock

                                a1. Shepherd is where we derive pastor

                                a2. Elders were to pastor the flock

  1. The shepherd imagery is throughout the Bible

                                a1. David used shepherding in the Psalms

                                a2. Solomon was told to shepherd God’s people (he did not do a good job)

  1. Sheep need protection, nourishing, oversight…
  2. Sheep depend upon the shepherd for guidance
  3. Elders guide the flock for the Lord
  4. The call of the elder
  5. An elder holds 2 positions in the church

                                a1. He is among the flock, so he is not superior in quality or status

                                a2. He has oversight responsibility

  1. An elder must serve willingly (lit., eagerly)

                                a1. I Timothy 3:1 he must not be forced to take the position by necessity or demand

                                a2. An elder must love his flock and love to serve the Lord, teaching the Word and by counsel

  1. An elder must have pure motivation

                                a1. Not seeking to fleece the flock of $

                                a2. Eager to serve for he loves God and his brothers and sisters in Christ

  1. An elder must not lord over the flock

                                a1. Sheep are led, not driven

                                a2. Elders are to take their responsibility seriously and humbly, leading by example and not by threat, terror, or intimidation

                                a3. A prideful or dominating man is not eligible to be an elder (1 Sam. 15:22-23 a self-willed person is an idol worshiper)

  1. Elders are to be knowledgeable, wise, gentle, humble, trustworthy, holy, loving, and prayerful
  2. Hebrews 13:7, 17 if an elder does his calling well, a crown of glory shall be given him

                                a1. A winner of a race was given a laurel or parsley crown which eventually faded

                                a2. The elder’s crown never fades away

  1. There are 7 crowns that can be earned: Victor’s, Life (martyr’s crown), imperishable, rejoicing, righteousness, glory, and authority
  2. Elders are not only to oversee the flock, but the flock is to follow the leadership of the elders

                                a1. A church works well when there is godly leadership and the flock follows its leaders

                                a2. If the leadership is not godly or if there is rebellion, then the church suffers, can’t properly serve God, and is a poor testimony

Passage reference: John 21:15-19

15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” 16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. 18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”

May 18, 2025. Esther 5:1-8

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May 11, 2025. (Mother’s Day 2025), Malachi 2:13-16

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THE WIFE OF YOUR YOUTH. MOM’S DAY 2025. Malachi 2:13-16

 13 And this is the second thing you do: You cover the altar of the Lord with tears, With weeping and crying; So He does not regard the offering anymore, Nor receive it with goodwill from your hands. 14 Yet you say, “For what reason?” Because the Lord has been witness Between you and the wife of your youth, With whom you have dealt treacherously; Yet she is your companion And your wife by covenant.

15 But did He not make them one, Having a remnant of the Spirit? And why one? He seeks godly offspring.  Therefore take heed to your spirit, And let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth.

16 “For the Lord God of Israel says That He hates divorce, For it covers one’s garment with violence,” Says the Lord of hosts. “Therefore take heed to your spirit, That you do not deal treacherously.”

  1. Bonded by covenant
  2. God had many things against Israel as they continued to violate his covenant (offering defective sacrifices, withholding tithes, marrying pagans…)
  3. One of their violations was divorcing their wives

                                a1. Verses 11-12 many had divorced their wives to marry pagan women (idol worshippers)

                                a2. By doing so, they covered God’s altar with the tears of the violated wives

  1. God states that he will not regard their offerings because of their transgressions

                                a1. The same statement is in I Peter 3:7

                                a2. Ecclesiastes 5:4 vows are sacred to God

  1. You have violated the covenant with the wife of your youth (when you were pleased with her)

                                a1. Must look upon our spouses with the same wonder when we first fell in love

                                a2. Cherishing one’s wife is a lifetime act

  1. There are 2 meanings of covenant here:

                                a1. Covenant between God and Israel

                                a2. Marriage covenant set by God (Genesis 2)

  1. A covenant is a binding sacred commitment

                                a1. Not based upon feelings, circumstances, or conditions

                                a2. One binds oneself to keep a covenant before God without breaking it ever

                                a3. God holds us to account for our vows

  1. The purpose of the covenant
  2. God gave 3 purposes of a marriage covenant:

                                a1. Companionship = she is your companion

                                                b1. A promise to uphold the unique sacred fellowship for life

                                                b2. To view one’s wife in the same sweet regard as in her youth

                                                b3. Become one flesh in intimacy that shall not be violated by another

                                a2. Partnership in the Spirit = she complements the husband in helps and service to God

                                a3. Reproduction = God wants holy offspring

                                                b1. Dt. 6 children raised to honor God

                                                b2. Family is a stewardship responsibility, as children are reared for God

  1. Mark 10:1-12 God warns Israel not to deal treacherously against their wives

                                a1. We (men and women) will be held to account how we treat our spouses and the covenant

                                a2. Even though many have broken the marriage covenant, God has not changed his position on the subject

  1. Even though God has allowed for divorce, he hates the putting away (disdain; despise)
  2. Violence or honor
  3. God calls dealing deceitfully with one’s spouse violence (an abuse of one’s spouse and treachery)
  4. When one marries a wife, you promise to cherish her, love her, serve her, honor her, and care for her

                                a1. She is the wife of your youth

                                a2. See her as a precious gift of God to be always valued and for you are thankful

  1. Your wife must experience your devotion to her
  2. Does your wife feel honored and special

ill – Does your wife come in tears or praise to God

Scripture Reference: Mark 10:1-12

1 Then He arose from there and came to the region of Judea by the other side of the Jordan. And multitudes gathered to Him again, and as He was accustomed, He taught them again. 2 The Pharisees came and asked Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” testing Him. 3 And He answered and said to them, “What did Moses command you?” 4 They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce, and to dismiss her.” 5 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Because of the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. 6 But from the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female.’ 7 ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, 8 and the two shall become one flesh’; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” 10 In the house His disciples also asked Him again about the same matter. 11 So He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. 12 And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

May 11, 2025. Esther 4

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May 4, 2025. I Peter 4:17-19

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DIFFICULT SALVATION. I Peter 4:17-19. 05/04/2025. #21.

17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

  1. Judgment at the household of God
  2. God deals with his people before his wrath falls upon the rebellious & lost
  3. 3 categories of judgment:

                                a1. ETERNAL JUDGMENT – the judgment for sin that falls upon the lost, but Jesus Christ took this judgment upon himself for those who come to Christ for salvation

                                a2. PURIFICATION JUDGMENT – God purifies his children through fiery trials & chastisement as correction for sins committed

                                a3. WORKS JUDGMENT – believers will stand before the Lord to have their works judged & worthy works that honor the Lord will be rewarded while unworthy works will be lost (I Corinthians 3:9-15)

  1. Peter emphasizes the purification judgment here

                                a1. Trials, correction, admonition, & reproof all begin with the church, as God molds us to be more like his Son (Acts 14:22)

                                a2. Much of the suffering of the saints is for perfecting faith, patience, & hope within us for his service & glory (Job 1, Romans 5:3-5)

  1. Believers are scarcely saved (saved with difficulty)

                                a1. Romans 5:8-12 it took God taking on flesh to be our sin sacrifice to save us (Philippians 2:3-8)

                                a2. Genesis 19 as with Lot many believers resist being rescued (Paul, Simon Magnus, Thomas…)

                                a3. God places believers through a purification process in order to change sinful behavior

  1. To be barely saved does not mean not fully saved

                                a1. We are not worthy of salvation

                                a2. None of us seek God (Rm. 3:11)

                                a3. Zechariah 3:2 we are brands plucked from the burning (not of our own choice)

  1. What of the lost?
  2. If believers are scarcely saved, what of the lost?

                                a1. Peter quotes Proverbs 11:31 that if the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly will receive it

                                a2. Our purification is minor (Romans 8:18) compared to the eternal wrath poured on lost

  1. Part of the purification of the saved is abuse heaped on them by the rebellious (not obey the Gospel)

                                a1. Matthew 23:29-36 by heaping abuse on the saints the lost build up for themselves greater judgment

                                a2. Persecution of the saints is for their purification, but for the persecutor, their doom

  1. Judgment on the saints serves 2 purposes: the purification of believers & the building up of wrath on unbelievers
  2. Faithful service for a faithful creator
  3. Peter states that we suffer according to the will of God (God designs suffering of the saints for a divine purpose & reason, not for cruelty – Romans 8:28)

                                a1. Job 1 testing of the saints has a sweet end

                                a2. Trust in God, who is faithful, brings hope

  1. Paul states that we are to submit to the Lord

                                a1. Commit their souls is same verb used of Christ when he committed his Spirit to God

                                a2. Turn complete over to God – Ecclesiastes 12:9-14

  1. vs. 19 is only place in NT where God is called creator

                                a1. Peter reminds us that no matter what our trials, God is faithful to sustain us (Mt. 6)

                                a2. Faithful service is a function of trust, not of sight or feelings about circumstances

Key Passage: Ecclesiastes 12:9-14

9 And moreover, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yes, he pondered and sought out and set in order many proverbs. 10 The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and what was written was upright—words of truth. 11 The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd. 12 And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh.

13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. 14 For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil.

May 4, 2025. Esther 3:8-15

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Apr 27, 2025. I Peter 4:12-16

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SUFFERING WITH A PURPOSE. I Peter 4:12-16. 4/27/2025. #20.

12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

  1. A matter of course
  2. Peter had spent time earlier explaining that trials were a natural part of a believer’s life

                                a1. A believer should not fear suffering, nor should they shy away from it

                                a2. Added to normal trials are persecutions that come from being Christians

  1. Peter speaks here to the persecution coming on the church soon that would be severe and intense

                                a1. Christians were tolerated as a sect of Jews

                                a2. Nero and succeeding emperors persecuted Christians as a threat to the empire, for they worshiped a new king (not Caesar)

  1. Peter states that they should not think trials as odd

                                a1. Strange (xenizein, as in xenophobe) = foreign, alien, external

                                a2. Suffering should be expected and embraced

  1. 3 different avenues of suffering:

                                a1. CIRCUMSTANTIAL = common trials of living in a fallen world (health, finances, relations, victims of abuse, disasters, accidents…)

                                a2. CONSEQUENTIAL = reaping what one sows (foolishness, sinful, inattentive, risks…)

                                a3. PERSECUTION = suffering for living for Christ in righteousness

  1. The glories of suffering for Christ
  2. Peter concentrates on suffering persecution

                                a1. Normal suffering of infirmities and adverse circumstances are common to all people

                                a2. Suffering for doing wrong is deserved

  1. Suffering for Christ’s sake has 4 aspects to it:

                                a1. EXPECTED = it is natural for those who hate God and Christ to hate their servants as well (Jn. 15:18)

                                                b1. Men do not persecute the religious, but the righteous (convicting)

                                                b2. Evil people hate faithful believers

                                a2. JOYFUL = to experience similar suffering as Christ experienced is to enter into his ring as a fellow partaker of holiness

                                                b1. The joy is not in the pain (pyrosis, fiery, burning, heated) – Matthew 5:10-16

                                                b2. The joy is in the results of standing for righteousness and being rewarded

                                a3. BLESSED = through enduring suffering with patience, resilience, and forgiveness, we are blessed with the strength of the Spirit and rewarded for our forbearance in Christ

                                a4. GLORIOUS = by patiently enduring hardships for Christ we glorify God

                                                b1. As Job praised God in his trials, we honor the Lord by rejoicing in trials

                                                b2. By reflecting glory back to God, we point people to Christ

                                                b3. By glorifying the One the wicked blaspheme, Christ’s light shines via you

  1. Not ashamed
  2. Suffering for doing evil as a liar, murderer, thief, meddler in others’ affairs, or vileness is shameful
  3. There is no shame in suffering for Christ

                                a1. Though men trial to shame and mock you, glorifying God brings honor and no shame

                                a2. To endure ridicule for Christ brings peace

  1. A holy life sets an example that evil can’t extinguish

Key Passages: Matthew 5:10-16

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.  13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Apr 27, 2025. Esther 3:1-7

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Apr 20, 2025. Easter 2025. II Corinthians 5

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RECONCILED TO BE RECONCILERS. EASTER 2025. II Corinthians 5

16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

  1. A transforming gift
  2. Paul begins by disregarding any man as being special or superior

                                a1. The Corinthians regarded some men (Peter, Apollos) as being better than others

                                a2. Paul states that looking upon men is the wrong focus

  1. When Christ died on the cross he did 3 things:

                                a1. He paid the penalty for man’s sins

                                a2. He reconciled God and man

                                a3. He made a way for any who would come to him to be reconciled to God

  1. Paul states that not only does Christ provide eternal life, but he provides a transformed life

                                a1. Old things have passed away and all things become new (kainos, uniquely new)

                                a2. A transformed life is to be set aside to serve the Lord alone

  1. To merely receive the gift of salvation misunderstands the nature of the newness of life
  2. A transformed life is different than the old life
  3. From reconciled to reconcilers
  4. To marvel at the wonders of the cross is glorious
  5. To merely wonder is to miss the point
  6. We are not only given life at the cross, but a commission as well
  7. The change in the new believer is dramatic

                                a1. The message of the cross is enlightening

                                a2. To realize that we are sinners who have a divine savior who paid for our sins is both thrilling and life changing

  1. By Christ’s sacrifice all who come to him have been given assurance of eternal life

                                a1. Recorded evidence (John 20:24-31)

                                a2. Prophesied evidence (Isaiah 53, Psalm 22, 16:10)

                                a3. Testimonial evidence (I John 1:1-3)

                                a4. Personal evidence (Acts 9)

  1. Receiving Christ comes with benefits and obligations

                                a1. We have been reconciled to God

                                a2. We have been given eternal life

                                a3. We have been empowered to live a holy life

                                a4. We have been commissioned to share the good news of reconciliation with others

  1. Becoming reconcilers means that we seek to share the good news of the cross with others

                                a1. We have been given the task of being reconcilers by the word of reconciliation

                                a2. Notice that the commitment of the great task of sharing the news has been given exclusively to believers and not angels

  1. There are only 2 sources to spread the Gospel: The Word of God and believers
  2. Shining the light
  3. The cross work had one other benefit: Christ did not die only to provide salvation, but also to transform believers to become the righteousness of God
  4. Becoming the righteousness of God in Christ does not mean that we have become sinless

                                a1. We still have a sin nature

                                a2. Those living for Christ become more like Him as we grow in Christ

  1. It is righteousness seen in believers that draw men to Him

                d. The power of the cross is to save and to live holy lives

Apr 20, 2025. Esther 2:19-23

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Apr 13, 2025. I Peter 4:7-11

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THE HOLY WALK. I Peter 4:7-11. 4/13/2025. #19.

7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

  1. Living in light of the end
  2. Peter connects his thoughts on preaching to those who are dead in sin to living a life worthy of Christ
  3. But the end of all things is at hand = as the end is drawing near (present perfect tense)

                                a1. 1st century saints believed that Christ would return very quickly

                                a2. The church age is the last age of the Gentiles before Christ comes

  1. Living in light of the approaching end has nothing to do with figuring out when the end will come

                                a1. It is to be a motivation to serve the Lord in preparation for the end (Matthew 25:13, Acts 1:6-8)

                                a2. Knowing that we are in the last days is to produce both an expectation & urgency in us (Ephesians 5:16 a no time to waste focus)

  1. Qualities of the focused believer
  2. Peter lists several traits of the faithful saint:

                                a1. Serious (sober-minded) = clear-minded thinking that leads to holy living (Romans 12:3; I Timothy 3:2, Titus 2:1-6)

                                a2. Watchful prayer = a prayer life that seeks both to intercede for others & seek God’s guidance in his service

                                a3. Fervent love = lit., strained love, a love that goes to extreme effort to care for & serve fellow believers

                                                b1. Proverbs 10:12 love covers a multitude of sins (does not mean that love ignores sins, but it endures or bears sins without condemnation, ridicule, shunning, or broadcasting it abroad)

                                                b2. 1 Cor. 13:4-8 love is patient with others, seeking to graciously help them

                                a4. Hospitality = welcoming others into our houses & lives without complaint or dismay

                                a5. Using spiritual gifts to serve one another

                                                a1. 1 Cor. 12 this is our stewardship responsibility in the body of Christ

                                                a2. Gifts aren’t for ourselves or to showcase our abilities, but to serve others

  1. The expectation of Christ’s coming is to stimulate us to work fervently to encourage & equip others, as well as live blameless lives before the lost to draw them to Christ (Romans 12:1-8)
  2. The oracles of God
  3. Peter then admonishes believers to speak the oracles (utterances) of God

                                a1. Not everyone is a teacher or preacher

                                a2. Everyone is called to be a witness

                                a3. Too many speak out of ignorance, speculation, or imagination

  1. Peter admonishes believers to speak God’s words

                                a1. Stay with the scriptures, not going beyond what they say or misinterpreting them

                                a2. This requires study (2 Tm. 2:15), restraint (James 1:19-20), & clarity (I Peter 3:15)

                                a3. Must stay away from the latest interpretive fads, creative insights, & clever reasoning

  1. Peter urges us to stay within ourselves: we are to minister to each other with the abilities God has given us in his strength as he supplies for his glory
  2. To serve as called in truth & love is faithfulness

Key Passage: Romans 12:1-8

1 I beseech[a] you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your [b]reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Apr 13, 2025. Esther 1:1-18

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Apr 6, 2025. I Peter 4:1-6

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STRANGE TO THE WORLD. I Peter 4:1-6. 4/6/2025. #18.

1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 3 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. 4 In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. 5 They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

  1. Ceased to sin
  2. There are two different possibilities of saying that those who have suffered in the flesh cease to sin:

                                a1. Those who come to Christ no longer sin

                                a2. Those who come to Christ no longer live in sin, but live for Christ

  1. Just as Christ suffered in the flesh in a battle against sin to overcome sin, believers should fight against sin in their lives (same mind as Christ)

                                a1. A believer who becomes accustomed to sin has dulled both his conscience and witness

                                a2. Loathing sin is a sign of spirituality

  1. A believer does not become sinless at conversion

                                a1. 1 Jn. 1:8-10 he who says he has no sin is a liar (must confess sins)

                                a2. Jam. 5 believers are to confess their sins

  1. Romans 6:1-14 when a person comes to Christ he is baptized into Christ’s death and his sins are nailed to the cross

                                a1. The believer is done with sin = he no longer lives to sin or to pursue unrighteousness

                                a2. I John 5 to habitually sin is to make manifest that one is not in Christ at all

                                a3. A believer shuns sin and seeks holiness

  1. From this time forward
  2. There is a demarcation at time of conversion

                                a1. Before coming to Christ one follows his own will and desires (varying degrees of sin)

                                a2. After coming to Christ, the believer shuns the things of the world and pursues the things of Christ

  1. Though a believer is not perfect yet (Paul goes to Jerusalem against will of God; Peter backs away from fellowship with Gentiles), their goal is to please the Lord
  2. The old friends of the believer wonder why he no longer is interested in drunkenness, sensuality, profanity, materialism, and other fleshly pursuits

                                a1. No longer have anything in common with those of the world

                                a2. Worldly neighbors think that believers are strange and even mysterious

  1. No matter how much time elapsed before conversion, a believer has the rest of his life to serve Christ

                                a1. There is nothing you can do about time past

                                a2. Determine this day forward to serve Lord

  1. Preaching to the dead
  2. Many take Christ preaching to the dead as referring back to 3:19, where he preached to spirits in hell

                                a1. Vs. 6 makes this an impossible interpretation

                                a2. Heb. 9:27 the dead don’t get a 2nd chance to come to Christ

  1. The gospel is preached to those who are spiritually dead in trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1)

                                a1. We are born spiritually dead (Rm. 3:10)

                                a2. Only those who come to Christ during their lifetime will be made alive to God in the spirit (given eternal life)

  1. Three marks given of a believer in this passage:

                                a1. Cease to pursue sin (done with sin)

                                a2. No longer have anything spiritually in common with the unsaved

                                a3. Seek to share the Gospel with the lost

Key passage: Romans 6:1-14

1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7 For he who has died has been freed from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. 13 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

Apr 6, 2025. Esther 1

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Mar 30, 2025. I Peter 3:18-22

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FROM THE DEPTHS. I Peter 3:18-22. 3/30/2025. #17.

 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 19 by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, 20 who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. 21 There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.

  1. In the bowels of the earth
  2. Many interpretations of this section
  3. The most consistent interpretation with other passages is that this describes Christ’s activity

                     between his crucifixion and resurrection

  1. Luke 16 We learn from the parable of the rich man and Lazarus that hell and paradise were located at the same place with a great gulf between them

                                a1. Luke 23:43 Jesus promised the repentant thief on the cross that he will be in paradise

                                a2. Once in paradise, Jesus preached to the

                                       spirits (demons) in prison who were disobedient during the days of Noah

                                a3. II Corinthians 5:8 at his resurrection and ascension, Jesus took paradise with him to heaven (EPH. 4:7-16)

  1. While in paradise Jesus preached across the gulf to the captive spirits

                                a1. We do not know the context of his message, but it probably was a proclamation of victory over their rebellion and sin

                                a2. Christ could have told them that the spirits could have shared in glorious eternity

  1. From baptism unto baptism
  2. Christ had died as the just for the unjust, but was made alive in his spirit

                                a1. A debate as to whether the Holy Spirit is meant or Christ’s human spirit

                                a2. John 10:17-18 Jesus had the power to both lay down his life and take it up again

  1. Peter makes a comparison between the Flood and believer’s baptism

                                a1. God waited for man to repent as Noah spent 120 years preparing the ark and was a preacher of righteousness (Hebrews 11)

                                a2. Just as faithful Noah and his family were saved through the water (not by the water), believers proclaim their faith by a good conscience toward God by baptism

                                a3. The ark was a type of salvation and baptism is the antitype or symbol of our salvation

  1. Rom. 6 we are saved through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9) and water baptism is a symbol of being washed clean by the blood sacrifice of Christ (Matthew 28:19-20)

                                a1. The water (washing of the filth of the flesh) does not save us, but symbolizes that we have been baptized with Christ

                                a2. Just as God saved Noah from the water, so we are saved apart from the water

  1. Upon high
  2. After Jesus raised from the dead sealing our own resurrection unto life, he ascended into heaven 40 days later
  3. Jesus now sits at the right hand of God

                                a1. He exercises authority over angels, powers, and all created things (Matthew 28:18)

                                a2. Hebrews 4:16 he makes intercession for us

  1. Since Jesus died on the cross in our place, rose again, and ascended on high, we have full assurance of both eternal salvation and victorious living (Romans 8)

                                a1. His victory is our victory!

                                a2. We live and minister in assurance of triumph

Key Passage:   Ephesians 4:7-16

7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore He says:

“When He ascended on high,

He led captivity captive,

And gave gifts to men.”

9 (Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) 11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Mar 30, 2025. Nehemiah 13:23-31

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Mar 23, 2025. I Peter 3:13-17

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HARM, HURT, & HOPE. I Peter 3:13-17. 3/23/2025. #16.

13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

  1. No harm in hurt
  2. Peter states that no one can harm you if you do what is good & right

                                a1. This seems like a contradiction since Jesus & the apostles suffered much for doing well

                                a2. This also seems to contradict vs. 17

  1. Harm (Greek: Kakos) means to do bad to

                                a1. There is no permanent eternal harm when we suffer for Christ (RM. 8:31-39)

                                a2. Suffering for doing what is right is both strengthening & rewarded

                                a3. The enemies of Christ can do no permanent harm to those who serve him

  1. Evil people may hurt (paschoite, cause to suffer) believers while we are in our present bodies

                                a1. The suffering is a result of doing what is right, rather than wrong, as evil people

                                       lash out against holiness which convicts them of their sins

                                a2. The suffering believer is blessed in his trials

  1. Fear not
  2. Peter states that we should neither be afraid nor troubled by their threats
  3. Having courage when threatened is a common theme throughout the Bible

                                a1. Ps. 118:6 the Lord is on my side; I will not fear; what can man do to me?

                                a2. Mt. 10:28 do not fear the one who can destroy the body; but fear him who can destroy both body & soul in hell

                                a3. Phil. 4:6 Be anxious for nothing…

  1. Suffering for doing right is the common lot of believers from the prophets to the apostles and to righteous believers

                                a1. Since it is normal to be abused for one’s faith, it should be expected

                                a2. Jn. 16:33 the Lord’s strength & encouragement should also be expected

  1. Be ready
  2. When a believer holds up well under persecution, there are some who will ask him why he has hope

                                a1. The good conscience (with knowledge; i.e., proper biblical knowledge), as opposed to the dull or defiled conscience (Tt. 1:5), seared conscience (1 Tm. 4:2), or evil conscience (Heb. 10:22; Is. 5:20) confirms within the believer that he is promoting holiness

                                a2. With fear (reverence) of the Lord, he stands

  1. Peter commands us to be ready to testify to others when given the opportunity

                                a1. Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts – set aside self for service of the Lord

                                a2. Ready to give a defense (apologia = defense or answer [apologetics]) for hope in you

                                                b1. Look for opportunities to testify

                                                b2. Know the biblical reasons for faith

                                                b3. Be able to clearly share your faith

  1. Is. 8:12-13 show forth your faith in meekness (gentleness) & reverence, not fearing abuse or rejection

                                a1. When your faith & testimony align with Christian conduct, your enemies are shamed

                                a2. Even if you are abused for you faith, it is better to suffer for doing well than evil

  1. To be ready & respond rightly makes trials worth it

Key passage: Romans 8:31-39

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written:

“For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”

37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Mar 23, 2025. Nehemiah 13:15-22

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