June 30th Romans, 6
1: What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2: God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3: Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4: Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up 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 planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7: For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8: Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10: For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11: Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12: Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13: Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14: For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
In this passage Paul talks about the union that believers have in Christ. This passage is not about christian baptism, its about baptism into Jesus Christ in which the believer becomes united to Christ. First, Paul suggests an objection to his teaching. Some might say, If Gods grace abounds more and more to cover all sin then we might as well sin more so that Grace might abound. His response to this idea is God forbid. Then he explains why. He asks a question, How shall we christians who are dead to sin live any longer in it? Don’t you know, he says, that we who believe have been baptised into Jesus Christ’s death. We are buried with him in baptism into death that in Christ we might be raised up from the dead by the Glory of God. Therefore we should walk in a new life. If we Christians have been planted into the same death as Christ then we will also live in the same resurrection power. Our old man is crucified in Christ so that the body of our sin might be destroyed and so that we might be free from the ruling power of sin. The person who is dead is free from sin. If we are dead in Christ we will also live in him. We know that Christ is not subject to death any more, death has lost its rule over him. Christ died once but he now lives in resurrection power to God. In a similar way we are to believe that we are also dead to sin but alive to God. We must not let sin rule our lives in the flesh to obey its lusts. Nor must we submit the parts of our body to unrighteous deeds but we are to submit ourselves unto God, as those that are living in a resurrection life. If we walk in the Spirit sin will not dominate our lives. Sin dominated our lives under law but this will not happen under Grace.
Steve
30/06/2011
PM June 29th Psa 13
June 29th Psalm 13
A Psalm of David
1: How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? 2: How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? 3: Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; 4: Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved. 5: But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. 6: I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
To the chief musician,
Psalm 14
A Psalm of David
1: The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. 2: The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. 3: They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one. 4: Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD. 5: There were they in great fear: for God is in the generation of the righteous. 6: Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor, because the LORD is his refuge. 7: Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! when the LORD bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.
On this day in June we are reading in Psalm 13 and 14. Both of these Psalms were written by David. In Psalm 13 David calls on the Lord in his time of distress because he feels that the Lord has forsaken him. The salvation of the Lord seems to be a long time in coming and David is getting more and more desperate. He asks how long will l talk to myself and have sadness in my soul every day? And he asks how long will you allow my enemy to rejoice against me? He aks for the Lord to think about him and to shed his light upon his eyes because if not that he will be killed and then his eyes will be shut in the grave. David says do not let my enemy overcome me and be able to rejoice at my downfall. He says they want to hurt me, but l have put my trust in the Lord and my heart will yet rejoice in my salvation. In that day l will sing to the LORD because he has given me so many blessings that l cannot count them all. In Psalm 14 David comments on the foolish men who live as if there is no God. Who become increasingly corrupted in their deeds and none of then live righteously. The LORD sees all men and he looks to seek if there are any that truly seek after him. Yet God sees that among the foolish there are none that are holy or that live righteously. He speaks in incredulity – Is there none among those who do works of wickedness that have any knowledge? They devour the people of the Lord as if they are eating bread. And they do not call on the LORD. They will suddenly fall into great fear because God is with the generation of the righteous. The poor have a refuge in the Lord and therefore the wicked will come to shame. If only the salvation of Israel were to come out of Zion when the LORD brings deliverance to his people. In that day Jacob will rejoice and Israel will be glad.
Steve
A Psalm of David
1: How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? 2: How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? 3: Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; 4: Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved. 5: But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. 6: I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
To the chief musician,
Psalm 14
A Psalm of David
1: The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. 2: The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. 3: They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one. 4: Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD. 5: There were they in great fear: for God is in the generation of the righteous. 6: Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor, because the LORD is his refuge. 7: Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! when the LORD bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.
On this day in June we are reading in Psalm 13 and 14. Both of these Psalms were written by David. In Psalm 13 David calls on the Lord in his time of distress because he feels that the Lord has forsaken him. The salvation of the Lord seems to be a long time in coming and David is getting more and more desperate. He asks how long will l talk to myself and have sadness in my soul every day? And he asks how long will you allow my enemy to rejoice against me? He aks for the Lord to think about him and to shed his light upon his eyes because if not that he will be killed and then his eyes will be shut in the grave. David says do not let my enemy overcome me and be able to rejoice at my downfall. He says they want to hurt me, but l have put my trust in the Lord and my heart will yet rejoice in my salvation. In that day l will sing to the LORD because he has given me so many blessings that l cannot count them all. In Psalm 14 David comments on the foolish men who live as if there is no God. Who become increasingly corrupted in their deeds and none of then live righteously. The LORD sees all men and he looks to seek if there are any that truly seek after him. Yet God sees that among the foolish there are none that are holy or that live righteously. He speaks in incredulity – Is there none among those who do works of wickedness that have any knowledge? They devour the people of the Lord as if they are eating bread. And they do not call on the LORD. They will suddenly fall into great fear because God is with the generation of the righteous. The poor have a refuge in the Lord and therefore the wicked will come to shame. If only the salvation of Israel were to come out of Zion when the LORD brings deliverance to his people. In that day Jacob will rejoice and Israel will be glad.
Steve
28/06/2011
AM June 29th Rom 5
June 29th Romans, 5
1: Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3: And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4: And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 6: For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7: For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8: But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9: Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10: For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11: And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. 12: Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 13: (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14: Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. 15: But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. 16: And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. 17: For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) 18: Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. 19: For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 20: Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
Paul says we are declared righteous before God on the basis of faith and because of this we are in a state of peace with God through what Christ has accomplished. Because of what Christ has done we are brought into a standing before God characterised by the unmerited kindness of God and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And not only this we glory in the opposition, we face, because we know that this trouble works patience in our lives and patience brings experience and experience hope in God. And our hope will never be embarrassing because Gods love is poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit which God has given to us. You see, when we were helpless sinners Christ died for us. Most people would not die for a righteous man however perhaps people would die for a good man but God demonstrated his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. But much more than this we are declared righteous by the blood of Christ and therefore we are saved from the wrath of God that is coming. If God has reconciled those that were his enemies by the death of his Son we will most certainly be saved by his life. And even more we are full of the joy of the Lord through Jesus Christ, and in Christ we have received the atonement. Through Adam sin entered into the world and death by sin and so that is why every man dies eventually because all men have sinned. Until the Mosaic Law was given sin existed in the world but sin was not reckoned to men when there was no law. However death dominated the lives of men from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not committed the same sin as Adam had. Through one man’s (Adam) sin all die, but conversely, through one man (Christ) many receive the gift of Gods Grace. Adam committed one sin and through it brought condemnation to all men. But the free gift of God in Christ brings forgiveness of many sins. Death dominated the lives of men through one man but by one other man the abundance of God grace came to all believers who are declared righteous in Jesus Christ. One man brought judgment on all men but the righteousness of God comes on all believers. By Adam’s disobedience many were made sinners, but by the obedience of Christ many are made righteous. The law was given so that men might know how wicked they really are, but where sin abounded the grace of God abounded even more. Just as sin dominated in men’s lives bringing death so the grace of God dominates through righteousness to eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Steve
1: Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3: And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4: And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 6: For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7: For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8: But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9: Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10: For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11: And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. 12: Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 13: (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14: Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. 15: But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. 16: And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. 17: For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) 18: Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. 19: For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 20: Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
Paul says we are declared righteous before God on the basis of faith and because of this we are in a state of peace with God through what Christ has accomplished. Because of what Christ has done we are brought into a standing before God characterised by the unmerited kindness of God and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And not only this we glory in the opposition, we face, because we know that this trouble works patience in our lives and patience brings experience and experience hope in God. And our hope will never be embarrassing because Gods love is poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit which God has given to us. You see, when we were helpless sinners Christ died for us. Most people would not die for a righteous man however perhaps people would die for a good man but God demonstrated his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. But much more than this we are declared righteous by the blood of Christ and therefore we are saved from the wrath of God that is coming. If God has reconciled those that were his enemies by the death of his Son we will most certainly be saved by his life. And even more we are full of the joy of the Lord through Jesus Christ, and in Christ we have received the atonement. Through Adam sin entered into the world and death by sin and so that is why every man dies eventually because all men have sinned. Until the Mosaic Law was given sin existed in the world but sin was not reckoned to men when there was no law. However death dominated the lives of men from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not committed the same sin as Adam had. Through one man’s (Adam) sin all die, but conversely, through one man (Christ) many receive the gift of Gods Grace. Adam committed one sin and through it brought condemnation to all men. But the free gift of God in Christ brings forgiveness of many sins. Death dominated the lives of men through one man but by one other man the abundance of God grace came to all believers who are declared righteous in Jesus Christ. One man brought judgment on all men but the righteousness of God comes on all believers. By Adam’s disobedience many were made sinners, but by the obedience of Christ many are made righteous. The law was given so that men might know how wicked they really are, but where sin abounded the grace of God abounded even more. Just as sin dominated in men’s lives bringing death so the grace of God dominates through righteousness to eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Steve
PM June 28th Psa 10
June 28th Psalm 10
1: Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble? 2: The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined. 3: For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth. 4: The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts. 5: His ways are always grievous; thy judgments are far above out of his sight: as for all his enemies, he puffeth at them. 6: He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for I shall never be in adversity. 7: His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity. 8: He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor. 9: He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net. 10: He croucheth, and humbleth himself, that the poor may fall by his strong ones. 11: He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see it. 12: Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up thine hand: forget not the humble. 13: Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it. 14: Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite it with thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless. 15: Break thou the arm of the wicked and the evil man: seek out his wickedness till thou find none. 16: The LORD is King for ever and ever: the heathen are perished out of his land. 17: LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear: 18: To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress.
To the chief musician,
Psalm 11
A Psalm of David
1: In the LORD put I my trust: How say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain? 2: For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart. 3: If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? 4: The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD's throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men. 5: The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. 6: Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup. 7: For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.
To the chief musician upon Sheminith,
Psalm 12
A Psalm of David.
1: Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men. 2: They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak. 3: The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things: 4: Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us? 5: For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him. 6: The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. 7: Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever. 8: The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted.
To the chief musician,
Today we are reading Psalm 10,11 & 12. Psalm 10 is a call on the Lord to deal with the wicked according to their wickedness and to save the righteous. Psalm 11 is a call on the Lord when the enemies of God surround the righteous. Psalm 12 is a statement of the Lord intent to save the righteous and destroy the wicked. These three Psalms have a similar theme. Back to Psalm 10. In this Psalm the poet asks for an explanation as to why the Lord appears to be absent when times of trouble come. He describes the evil deeds of the wicked such as the oppression of the poor. They have no thought for God and are full of self importance. They are full of cursing, lying and wickedness. They lie in wait to murder the innocent and pounce on the poor to rob them. He says to himself God will never see! - God will never hold me to account! But the Lord sees everything and he will definitely hold wicked men accountable for their sins. He calls for the judgment of God on these men. There will come a day when the LORD will be king of all the earth and there will be no wicked men in the land. The LORD hears the prayer of the humble and he will set right the injustices of men. In Psalm 11 David declares his trust in the Lord in the days of his trouble. The wicked are ready to kill the righteous But the Lord (Christ) is in his Holy Hill (This is prophetic and refers to the coming kingdom) And the LORD’s throne is in heaven and he sees everything. The Lord tries the righteous but the wicked and violent are hated by the Lord. He brings snares, fire and brimstone and tempests on them The LORD loves righteousness and he sees those who live uprightly. The next Psalm is again a contrast between the godly and the wicked. The wicked are flatterers, and they have double motives. The LORD will deal with them. When the poor and the needy sigh under their burden the Lord will arise. The Words of the Lord are pure words so pure that they are like silver put to the heat seven times. (This is no reference as some say to the AV of 1611) The words of the Lord will be preserved from generation to generation – Forever.
Steve
1: Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble? 2: The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined. 3: For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth. 4: The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts. 5: His ways are always grievous; thy judgments are far above out of his sight: as for all his enemies, he puffeth at them. 6: He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for I shall never be in adversity. 7: His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity. 8: He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor. 9: He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net. 10: He croucheth, and humbleth himself, that the poor may fall by his strong ones. 11: He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see it. 12: Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up thine hand: forget not the humble. 13: Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it. 14: Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite it with thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless. 15: Break thou the arm of the wicked and the evil man: seek out his wickedness till thou find none. 16: The LORD is King for ever and ever: the heathen are perished out of his land. 17: LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear: 18: To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress.
To the chief musician,
Psalm 11
A Psalm of David
1: In the LORD put I my trust: How say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain? 2: For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart. 3: If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? 4: The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD's throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men. 5: The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. 6: Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup. 7: For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.
To the chief musician upon Sheminith,
Psalm 12
A Psalm of David.
1: Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men. 2: They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak. 3: The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things: 4: Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us? 5: For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him. 6: The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. 7: Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever. 8: The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted.
To the chief musician,
Today we are reading Psalm 10,11 & 12. Psalm 10 is a call on the Lord to deal with the wicked according to their wickedness and to save the righteous. Psalm 11 is a call on the Lord when the enemies of God surround the righteous. Psalm 12 is a statement of the Lord intent to save the righteous and destroy the wicked. These three Psalms have a similar theme. Back to Psalm 10. In this Psalm the poet asks for an explanation as to why the Lord appears to be absent when times of trouble come. He describes the evil deeds of the wicked such as the oppression of the poor. They have no thought for God and are full of self importance. They are full of cursing, lying and wickedness. They lie in wait to murder the innocent and pounce on the poor to rob them. He says to himself God will never see! - God will never hold me to account! But the Lord sees everything and he will definitely hold wicked men accountable for their sins. He calls for the judgment of God on these men. There will come a day when the LORD will be king of all the earth and there will be no wicked men in the land. The LORD hears the prayer of the humble and he will set right the injustices of men. In Psalm 11 David declares his trust in the Lord in the days of his trouble. The wicked are ready to kill the righteous But the Lord (Christ) is in his Holy Hill (This is prophetic and refers to the coming kingdom) And the LORD’s throne is in heaven and he sees everything. The Lord tries the righteous but the wicked and violent are hated by the Lord. He brings snares, fire and brimstone and tempests on them The LORD loves righteousness and he sees those who live uprightly. The next Psalm is again a contrast between the godly and the wicked. The wicked are flatterers, and they have double motives. The LORD will deal with them. When the poor and the needy sigh under their burden the Lord will arise. The Words of the Lord are pure words so pure that they are like silver put to the heat seven times. (This is no reference as some say to the AV of 1611) The words of the Lord will be preserved from generation to generation – Forever.
Steve
27/06/2011
AM June 28th Rom 4
June 28th
13: For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14: For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: 15: Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. 16: Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, 17: (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. 18: Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. 19: And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: 20: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21: And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22: And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. 23: Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; 24: But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25: Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
Paul explains that the promise that Abraham had from God, which was that he would inherit the whole earth, was not based of Abraham’s righteousness according to obedience to the law, but it was through the righteousness of faith. If those who were in the old covenant obtained the promise given to Abraham then faith was made pointless and the promise was made ineffectual. The Law brings the wrath of God on sinners and were there is no law there is no transgression of the law. Salvation is of faith so that it might then be an act of Grace on Gods part. And the blessing promised to Abraham comes not only to those who are the natural seed of Abraham but also to his seed on the basis of Faith. Abraham is called the father of many nations and he hoped in God even when it was naturally impossible to have hope. He believed that God could give life to the dead and call into being children that didn’t exist. He was not weak in faith nor did he think that his inability to bear children being about a hundred years old. Nor did he think about the inability of Sarah’s womb to bear children. He was not surprised at the promises of God but he was strong in his faith and gave glory to God. He was completely assured that God who made the promise was able to fulfill his promise and God reckoned to him righteousness. This was not just recorded for Abraham’s benefit it was written for us to know and believe too - we who believe that Jesus our Lord has been raised up from the dead. Christ was delivered for our sins and raised up for our justification.
Steve
13: For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14: For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: 15: Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. 16: Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, 17: (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. 18: Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. 19: And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: 20: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21: And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22: And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. 23: Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; 24: But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25: Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
Paul explains that the promise that Abraham had from God, which was that he would inherit the whole earth, was not based of Abraham’s righteousness according to obedience to the law, but it was through the righteousness of faith. If those who were in the old covenant obtained the promise given to Abraham then faith was made pointless and the promise was made ineffectual. The Law brings the wrath of God on sinners and were there is no law there is no transgression of the law. Salvation is of faith so that it might then be an act of Grace on Gods part. And the blessing promised to Abraham comes not only to those who are the natural seed of Abraham but also to his seed on the basis of Faith. Abraham is called the father of many nations and he hoped in God even when it was naturally impossible to have hope. He believed that God could give life to the dead and call into being children that didn’t exist. He was not weak in faith nor did he think that his inability to bear children being about a hundred years old. Nor did he think about the inability of Sarah’s womb to bear children. He was not surprised at the promises of God but he was strong in his faith and gave glory to God. He was completely assured that God who made the promise was able to fulfill his promise and God reckoned to him righteousness. This was not just recorded for Abraham’s benefit it was written for us to know and believe too - we who believe that Jesus our Lord has been raised up from the dead. Christ was delivered for our sins and raised up for our justification.
Steve
PM June 27th Psa 7
June 27th Psalm 7
Shiggalon of David, which he sang unto the LORD concerning the words of Cush the Benjaminite
1: O Lord my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me: 2: Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver. 3: O LORD my God, if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands; 4: If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:) 5: Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take it; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust. Selah. 6: Arise, O LORD, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me to the judgment that thou hast commanded. 7: So shall the congregation of the people compass thee about: for their sakes therefore return thou on high. 8: The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me. 9: Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins. 10: My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart. 11: God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day. 12: If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready. 13: He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors. 14: Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood. 15: He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made. 16: His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate. 17: I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.
To the chief musician upon Gittith,
Psalm 8
A Psalm of David
1: O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. 2: Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. 3: When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; 4: What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? 5: For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. 6: Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: 7: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; 8: The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. 9: O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!
To the chief musician upon Muth-labben,
Psalm 9
A Psalm of David
1: I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. 2: I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High. 3: When mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at thy presence. 4: For thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou satest in the throne judging right. 5: Thou hast rebuked the heathen, thou hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put out their name for ever and ever. 6: O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them. 7: But the LORD shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment. 8: And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness. 9: The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. 10: And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. 11: Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings. 12: When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble. 13: Have mercy upon me, O LORD; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the gates of death: 14: That I may shew forth all thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation. 15: The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken. 16: The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah. 17: The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. 18: For the needy shall not always be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever. 19: Arise, O LORD; let not man prevail: let the heathen be judged in thy sight. 20: Put them in fear, O LORD: that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah.
In today’s bible reading we will be looking at Psalm 7, 8 & 9. Psalm 7 is about David in times of stress and persecution. It seems that Cush the Benjaminite had been saying some pretty horrible things about him so he sings this prayer to the Lord. He says O LORD my God I am trusting in you so save me from all those that are persecuting me and deliver me from their hands. Because if you don’t then l will be torn in my soul like a lion does to its prey. Then he turns to the Lord and says if l have done something wrong then let my enemies persecute me. David is not seeking deliverance if he has brought trouble on himself rather he pleads with the Lord to discipline him if he has done wrong. But he says if l am innocent then arise and defend me. He calls on the Lord to deal with him according to his integrity. He pleads that God might establish the righteous and judge the wicked. He says the Lord not only sees all that men do but he also sees their motives. The principle of living under the law is that God judges the righteous that he is angry with the wicked every day. And if the wicked do not turn from their sins then he will sharpen the sword that he will bring against them. And he has already bent his bow to begin battle against the wicked. He has prepared his instruments of destruction and he has decided which arrows he will use to destroy them. The Lord will make the wicked fall by the very means which they devise against the godly. Then David sings a note of praise to the LORD because he is righteous. Psalm 8 is the second Messianic Psalm - a hymn of praise to the Lord whose name excels all other names in all the earth. David says that he has set his glory above the heavens. Yet he has ordained that babies and breast-fed infants will receive strength to praise the Lord. And in this way the enemy and avenger will be made silent. David says that when he thinks about the universe that the Lord made with his fingers and the moon and stars who are placed in the sky to serve him. And when he considers their majesty what is man that God should think of them constantly. And who is the son of man that God should come to be with him? Because you have made men to be a little lower in rank that angels but you have crowned him – Christ with glory and honour. The Lord has made him be having dominion over the whole of the earth and all things will be put under his authority. All creatures in heaven and earth and sea will serve him. In Psalm 9 David brings his first Prayer-Psalm. In the beginning he brings his fourfold praise to God. He says. I will praise the LORD with all my mind. I will display all the marvellous works of the LORD. I will be glad and rejoice in the Lord and my heart will be full of music to the Lord because you Lord are the most high. When my enemies are overcome they will fall in your presence. You have kept me honoured and judged my case. You have destroyed the heathen so that they are forgotten forever. But the Lord will endure for ever. He will judge the world in righteousness. And he will be a refuge for the oppressed. Those that know the Lord will put their trust in him, because he never forsakes those who trust in him. So sing praises to the Lord. David says remember me in my day of trouble. Save me so that l can sing your praises. The wicked will be destroyed and all the nations that forget God. The poor will not be forgotten forever. And the poor will look up and their longing will not perish. So Arise LORD and do not allow evil men to win. Judge them O Lord, Put them in fear so that all the nations will realise that they are mere men.
Steve
Shiggalon of David, which he sang unto the LORD concerning the words of Cush the Benjaminite
1: O Lord my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me: 2: Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver. 3: O LORD my God, if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands; 4: If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:) 5: Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take it; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust. Selah. 6: Arise, O LORD, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me to the judgment that thou hast commanded. 7: So shall the congregation of the people compass thee about: for their sakes therefore return thou on high. 8: The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me. 9: Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins. 10: My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart. 11: God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day. 12: If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready. 13: He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors. 14: Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood. 15: He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made. 16: His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate. 17: I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.
To the chief musician upon Gittith,
Psalm 8
A Psalm of David
1: O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. 2: Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. 3: When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; 4: What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? 5: For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. 6: Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: 7: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; 8: The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. 9: O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!
To the chief musician upon Muth-labben,
Psalm 9
A Psalm of David
1: I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. 2: I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High. 3: When mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at thy presence. 4: For thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou satest in the throne judging right. 5: Thou hast rebuked the heathen, thou hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put out their name for ever and ever. 6: O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them. 7: But the LORD shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment. 8: And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness. 9: The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. 10: And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. 11: Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings. 12: When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble. 13: Have mercy upon me, O LORD; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the gates of death: 14: That I may shew forth all thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation. 15: The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken. 16: The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah. 17: The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. 18: For the needy shall not always be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever. 19: Arise, O LORD; let not man prevail: let the heathen be judged in thy sight. 20: Put them in fear, O LORD: that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah.
In today’s bible reading we will be looking at Psalm 7, 8 & 9. Psalm 7 is about David in times of stress and persecution. It seems that Cush the Benjaminite had been saying some pretty horrible things about him so he sings this prayer to the Lord. He says O LORD my God I am trusting in you so save me from all those that are persecuting me and deliver me from their hands. Because if you don’t then l will be torn in my soul like a lion does to its prey. Then he turns to the Lord and says if l have done something wrong then let my enemies persecute me. David is not seeking deliverance if he has brought trouble on himself rather he pleads with the Lord to discipline him if he has done wrong. But he says if l am innocent then arise and defend me. He calls on the Lord to deal with him according to his integrity. He pleads that God might establish the righteous and judge the wicked. He says the Lord not only sees all that men do but he also sees their motives. The principle of living under the law is that God judges the righteous that he is angry with the wicked every day. And if the wicked do not turn from their sins then he will sharpen the sword that he will bring against them. And he has already bent his bow to begin battle against the wicked. He has prepared his instruments of destruction and he has decided which arrows he will use to destroy them. The Lord will make the wicked fall by the very means which they devise against the godly. Then David sings a note of praise to the LORD because he is righteous. Psalm 8 is the second Messianic Psalm - a hymn of praise to the Lord whose name excels all other names in all the earth. David says that he has set his glory above the heavens. Yet he has ordained that babies and breast-fed infants will receive strength to praise the Lord. And in this way the enemy and avenger will be made silent. David says that when he thinks about the universe that the Lord made with his fingers and the moon and stars who are placed in the sky to serve him. And when he considers their majesty what is man that God should think of them constantly. And who is the son of man that God should come to be with him? Because you have made men to be a little lower in rank that angels but you have crowned him – Christ with glory and honour. The Lord has made him be having dominion over the whole of the earth and all things will be put under his authority. All creatures in heaven and earth and sea will serve him. In Psalm 9 David brings his first Prayer-Psalm. In the beginning he brings his fourfold praise to God. He says. I will praise the LORD with all my mind. I will display all the marvellous works of the LORD. I will be glad and rejoice in the Lord and my heart will be full of music to the Lord because you Lord are the most high. When my enemies are overcome they will fall in your presence. You have kept me honoured and judged my case. You have destroyed the heathen so that they are forgotten forever. But the Lord will endure for ever. He will judge the world in righteousness. And he will be a refuge for the oppressed. Those that know the Lord will put their trust in him, because he never forsakes those who trust in him. So sing praises to the Lord. David says remember me in my day of trouble. Save me so that l can sing your praises. The wicked will be destroyed and all the nations that forget God. The poor will not be forgotten forever. And the poor will look up and their longing will not perish. So Arise LORD and do not allow evil men to win. Judge them O Lord, Put them in fear so that all the nations will realise that they are mere men.
Steve
AM June 27th Rom 4
June 27th Romans, 4
1: What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? 2: For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 3: For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 4: Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5: But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 6: Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, 7: Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. 8: Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. 9: Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. 10: How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. 11: And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: 12: And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.
What can we learn from Abrahams life (who is the father of the Jews) We learn that if Abraham was justified by his own effort then he would have something to be proud about, However not before God. The Scripture states that Abraham believed God and God counted his faith as righteousness. If a man works hard then his reward is a debt owed to him and it is his wages and it cannot be by grace. But to the man that does not work for Gods blessing but believes in the God who declares righteous the unrighteous. His faith is counted by God as righteousness. David the king described the blessedness of the man who God imputes righteousness without human effort. When he said, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Now does this blessing only come to the Jew? (The circumcised) Or is it also for Gentile? (The uncircumcised) It wasn’t circumcision that made Abraham righteous it was faith. Because Abraham was reckoned righteous before he was circumcised. Circumcision was latter received as an outward sign to Abraham of his faith. Abraham is the father of all gentile believers in God even if they are not circumcised. Abraham is the father of circumcision to those who are not circumcised but who walk in his steps in the same faith in God that Abraham had when he was uncircumcised.
Steve
1: What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? 2: For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 3: For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 4: Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5: But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 6: Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, 7: Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. 8: Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. 9: Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. 10: How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. 11: And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: 12: And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.
What can we learn from Abrahams life (who is the father of the Jews) We learn that if Abraham was justified by his own effort then he would have something to be proud about, However not before God. The Scripture states that Abraham believed God and God counted his faith as righteousness. If a man works hard then his reward is a debt owed to him and it is his wages and it cannot be by grace. But to the man that does not work for Gods blessing but believes in the God who declares righteous the unrighteous. His faith is counted by God as righteousness. David the king described the blessedness of the man who God imputes righteousness without human effort. When he said, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Now does this blessing only come to the Jew? (The circumcised) Or is it also for Gentile? (The uncircumcised) It wasn’t circumcision that made Abraham righteous it was faith. Because Abraham was reckoned righteous before he was circumcised. Circumcision was latter received as an outward sign to Abraham of his faith. Abraham is the father of all gentile believers in God even if they are not circumcised. Abraham is the father of circumcision to those who are not circumcised but who walk in his steps in the same faith in God that Abraham had when he was uncircumcised.
Steve
PM June 26th Psa 4
June 26th Psalm 4
A Psalm of David.
1: Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. 2: O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah. 3: But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him. 4: Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. 5: Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD. 6: There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. 7: Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased. 8: I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
To the chief musician on Neginoth.
Psalm 5
A Psalm of David.
1: Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. 2: Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. 3: My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. 4: For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee. 5: The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity. 6: Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man. 7: But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple. 8: Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face. 9: For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue. 10: Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee. 11: But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. 12: For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.
To the chief musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith.
Psalm 6
A Psalm of David.
1: O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. 2: Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed. 3: My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long? 4: Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake. 5: For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks? 6: I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. 7: Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies. 8: Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping. 9: The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer. 10: Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.
Today we are reading three Psalms 4, 5 & 6. In Psalm 4 David says Hear me when l call Lord. You are the God before whom l am righteous. You have made me great when l was in distress. Treat me with kindness and hear my prayer. Then he rebukes then men who are his foes. He says how long will you glory in my shame? How long will you love empty plans? Think of it. He says l want you men to know that God sets apart all those who live lives righteously according to law. And the LORD will hear them when they call on him. So stand in awe of God and stop your sinning and talk to yourself on your bed and be still – think of that. Offer to the Lord the sacrifices of righteous deeds and put your trust in the LORD. There are many who doubt the Lord but He has put joy in my heart more than the joy of harvest time. I will sleep in perfect peace because the Lord makes me to live in safety. The Fifth Psalm is a prayer. Where David says to the Lord. O LORD think about my thoughts. Listen to me – My King – My God. I will lift up my eyes to pray to you in the morning. You have no pleasure in wickedness. Foolish men cannot stand before you, because you hate all wicked men. And you will destroy all those who live like that. You hate men of blood and craftiness. But l will approach you in you abounding mercy and in reverence l will worship toward the holy temple. Lead me Lord in righteousness because my enemies because my enemies surround me. They are untrustworthy and full of wickedness. There mouth is like an open grave. Destroy them O God. Let them be caught in their own snares. Banish them from your presence. But let all those who trust in you rejoice. They them shout for joy. Because you fight for them May the joy of the Lord fill their hearts. Because you will bless the righteous. You will be like a shield around them. Then in the 6th Psalm David pleads with the Lord not to rebuke him in his anger. Or punish him too much. He says have mercy on me. because l am weak. Heal me O LORD and save me because l am very troubled. How long LORD before you help me? David pleads and it breaks your heart to hear him plead. He says if l am killed l will not be able to remember you then and in my grave how will l give you thanks. David is exhausted and weeps profusely. He commands wicked men to leave him alone because he says in faith the LORD has heard my weeping. May my enemies be ashamed and turn away from me.
Steve
A Psalm of David.
1: Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. 2: O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah. 3: But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him. 4: Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. 5: Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD. 6: There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. 7: Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased. 8: I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
To the chief musician on Neginoth.
Psalm 5
A Psalm of David.
1: Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. 2: Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. 3: My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. 4: For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee. 5: The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity. 6: Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man. 7: But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple. 8: Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face. 9: For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue. 10: Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee. 11: But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. 12: For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.
To the chief musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith.
Psalm 6
A Psalm of David.
1: O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. 2: Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed. 3: My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long? 4: Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake. 5: For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks? 6: I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. 7: Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies. 8: Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping. 9: The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer. 10: Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.
Today we are reading three Psalms 4, 5 & 6. In Psalm 4 David says Hear me when l call Lord. You are the God before whom l am righteous. You have made me great when l was in distress. Treat me with kindness and hear my prayer. Then he rebukes then men who are his foes. He says how long will you glory in my shame? How long will you love empty plans? Think of it. He says l want you men to know that God sets apart all those who live lives righteously according to law. And the LORD will hear them when they call on him. So stand in awe of God and stop your sinning and talk to yourself on your bed and be still – think of that. Offer to the Lord the sacrifices of righteous deeds and put your trust in the LORD. There are many who doubt the Lord but He has put joy in my heart more than the joy of harvest time. I will sleep in perfect peace because the Lord makes me to live in safety. The Fifth Psalm is a prayer. Where David says to the Lord. O LORD think about my thoughts. Listen to me – My King – My God. I will lift up my eyes to pray to you in the morning. You have no pleasure in wickedness. Foolish men cannot stand before you, because you hate all wicked men. And you will destroy all those who live like that. You hate men of blood and craftiness. But l will approach you in you abounding mercy and in reverence l will worship toward the holy temple. Lead me Lord in righteousness because my enemies because my enemies surround me. They are untrustworthy and full of wickedness. There mouth is like an open grave. Destroy them O God. Let them be caught in their own snares. Banish them from your presence. But let all those who trust in you rejoice. They them shout for joy. Because you fight for them May the joy of the Lord fill their hearts. Because you will bless the righteous. You will be like a shield around them. Then in the 6th Psalm David pleads with the Lord not to rebuke him in his anger. Or punish him too much. He says have mercy on me. because l am weak. Heal me O LORD and save me because l am very troubled. How long LORD before you help me? David pleads and it breaks your heart to hear him plead. He says if l am killed l will not be able to remember you then and in my grave how will l give you thanks. David is exhausted and weeps profusely. He commands wicked men to leave him alone because he says in faith the LORD has heard my weeping. May my enemies be ashamed and turn away from me.
Steve
AM June 26th Rom 3
June 26th Romans, 3
1: What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? 2: Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. 3: For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? 4: God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. 5: But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) 6: God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? 7: For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? 8: And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just. 9: What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; 10: As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12: They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. 13: Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: 14: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: 15: Their feet are swift to shed blood: 16: Destruction and misery are in their ways: 17: And the way of peace have they not known: 18: There is no fear of God before their eyes. 19: Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20: Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21: But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22: Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24: Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26: To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. 27: Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. 28: Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. 29: Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: 30: Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. 31: Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
Paul anticipates the next question. (He has heard it so many times before) If the judgment of God comes on all men in a completely fair way then what is the advantage of being a Jew? And what benefit is circumcision? Paul says, look the Jews have lots of benefits. The first being, that they are the custodians of the word of God. Paul is arguing that the justice of God is going to be fair on all men outside of Grace. Will God be wrong to judge Jewish men for their deeds? And the answer is – God forbid. How can God judge any men if he does not judge them all. There are those who say that l say that we can do evil so that good will come of it. This is a wicked thing to say. Are Jews better than Gentiles? No absolutely not. We have already established that both Jews and Gentiles are both under sin. The Bible says that, There is none righteous no not one. There is none that understands, there is none that seeks after God. They have all gone out of the way; they have together become unprofitable; there are none that do good, no, not one. Their throat is like an open grave; with their tongues they have spoken deceit; the poison of snakes is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes. What an indictment on the Jewish nation. Paul says that we know that what the law says it says to those under the law so that every man under the law might be silenced in the presence of God. And that the entire world might realise that they are guilty before God. So we can see that by doing the deeds of the law no sinner is declared righteous before God. The law only brought the knowledge of sin. However, now a righteousness of God has been revealed to the world, a righteousness which is witnessed in the OT, but is only now revealed. It is the righteousness of God which is by faith in Jesus Christ (unto all and upon all them that believe – for there is no difference between all men, because all have sinned and fallen short of the glorious standard of God.) God declares those who believe to be righteous. And it is completely free to them; it is by his grace through the redemption that is found in Christ Jesus. God has made Christ to be a sacrifice for sin and men receive forgiveness of sins by faith in his blood. God is declared at this time to be just and the justifier of those who believe in Jesus. God remains holy and righteous but he is now able to make men holy and righteous. So who can boast before God? Boasting is completely excluded before God. Is it on the basis of merit? No it is because men must come to God only on the basis of faith. So says Paul we must conclude that a man is justified by faith in Christ and not by the doing the deeds of the Mosaic Law. And is this God the God only of the Jews? Is he not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, He is the God of Jews and Gentiles. There is one God and he justifies both the Jew and Gentile through faith. Paul comes to the last question for now. Has this made the Mosaic Law obsolete? Again he says God forbid; the Law has been established in all this.
Steve
1: What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? 2: Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. 3: For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? 4: God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. 5: But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) 6: God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? 7: For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? 8: And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just. 9: What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; 10: As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12: They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. 13: Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: 14: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: 15: Their feet are swift to shed blood: 16: Destruction and misery are in their ways: 17: And the way of peace have they not known: 18: There is no fear of God before their eyes. 19: Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20: Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21: But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22: Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24: Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26: To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. 27: Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. 28: Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. 29: Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: 30: Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. 31: Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
Paul anticipates the next question. (He has heard it so many times before) If the judgment of God comes on all men in a completely fair way then what is the advantage of being a Jew? And what benefit is circumcision? Paul says, look the Jews have lots of benefits. The first being, that they are the custodians of the word of God. Paul is arguing that the justice of God is going to be fair on all men outside of Grace. Will God be wrong to judge Jewish men for their deeds? And the answer is – God forbid. How can God judge any men if he does not judge them all. There are those who say that l say that we can do evil so that good will come of it. This is a wicked thing to say. Are Jews better than Gentiles? No absolutely not. We have already established that both Jews and Gentiles are both under sin. The Bible says that, There is none righteous no not one. There is none that understands, there is none that seeks after God. They have all gone out of the way; they have together become unprofitable; there are none that do good, no, not one. Their throat is like an open grave; with their tongues they have spoken deceit; the poison of snakes is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes. What an indictment on the Jewish nation. Paul says that we know that what the law says it says to those under the law so that every man under the law might be silenced in the presence of God. And that the entire world might realise that they are guilty before God. So we can see that by doing the deeds of the law no sinner is declared righteous before God. The law only brought the knowledge of sin. However, now a righteousness of God has been revealed to the world, a righteousness which is witnessed in the OT, but is only now revealed. It is the righteousness of God which is by faith in Jesus Christ (unto all and upon all them that believe – for there is no difference between all men, because all have sinned and fallen short of the glorious standard of God.) God declares those who believe to be righteous. And it is completely free to them; it is by his grace through the redemption that is found in Christ Jesus. God has made Christ to be a sacrifice for sin and men receive forgiveness of sins by faith in his blood. God is declared at this time to be just and the justifier of those who believe in Jesus. God remains holy and righteous but he is now able to make men holy and righteous. So who can boast before God? Boasting is completely excluded before God. Is it on the basis of merit? No it is because men must come to God only on the basis of faith. So says Paul we must conclude that a man is justified by faith in Christ and not by the doing the deeds of the Mosaic Law. And is this God the God only of the Jews? Is he not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, He is the God of Jews and Gentiles. There is one God and he justifies both the Jew and Gentile through faith. Paul comes to the last question for now. Has this made the Mosaic Law obsolete? Again he says God forbid; the Law has been established in all this.
Steve
PM June 25th Psa 1
June 25th Psalm 1
1: Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2: But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3: And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 4: The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5: Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6: For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Psalm 2
1: Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? 2: The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, 3: Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. 4: He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. 5: Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. 6: Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. 7: I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. 8: Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. 9: Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. 10: Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. 11: Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 12: Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
A Psalm of David, when he fled from Abalom his son.
Psalm 3
1: LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. 2: Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. 3: But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. 4: I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. 5: I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me. 6: I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about. 7: Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. 8: Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.
To the chief musician on Neginoth.
Today we begin studies in the Psalms. This is going to prove to be both very interesting and very blessed. In the first Psalm the poet describes the blessed man who lives in the fear of the Lord under the Mosaic Law. The blessed man has three negative things about his life. He does not live his life based on the ungodly advice of wicked men. Secondly he does not take his stand on the side of sinful men. Rather he crosses the valley to stand with the armies of the living God. Thirdly he does not sit in bitter mockery of those who try to live righteously before the Lord according to law. It’s easy to be grumpy and cynical but the blessed man is not like that. On the positive side the blessed man is a man whose absolute delight is in the meditation of the word of the Lord. He thinks about it day and night. The word of God is never far from his thinking. He thinks about it in the busy round of daily work and at night in his wakeful moments. Then the poet changes into an artist to paint a picture of a tree which he likens to the blessed man. This tree is no wild tree it is planted by the gardener to be in exactly the right place. It is planted by an endless source of sustenance and therefore it bring forth fruit that is fully developed and in the right time. And the tree opens its branches and bathes in the light of heaven. Then the poet breaks the picture to say that this man – the blessed man is prosperous in all he does. Then the scene changes and he describes the ungodly. They are life the chaff the wafer of husk that surrounds the kernel of grain which is light and the slightest breeze blows it clean away never to be seen again. Then the Poet declares that the ungodly WILL NOT STAND in the judgment. They have no honour and prosrate themselves before the judge of all men in terror. They will not be part of the assembly of the righteous in the coming kingdom. Why is this so? Because the Lord knows the life that the righteous live and he will make sure that the life style of the ugodly will be obliterated forever. The second Psalm is a series of expressions of incredulity regarding the plans of evil men to thwart the Messianic reign of Christ. When Christ comes to establish his everlasting kingdom the kings of the earth will not like it one bit. They will rage against him and think that they can over come him my military might. They will plan to invade the Holy land. They will plan to overthrow his rule. But the Lord will laugh and then he will come on them in his fierce anger. God will set his son in Zion on his holy hill. He will say of his this is my son. He will break his enemies with a rod of iron and break them in pieces like a clay pot. You nations – be wise. Kneel and kiss the son of God Lest he be angry and you perish from the earth. But the blessing of God will rest on all those who put their trust in him. The third Psalm is an expression of the troubles that come to the man of God in the course of his ministry. They taunt him saying there is no help for him in God. If there is no help in God then he is lost forever. Then the Psalmist rises up to contradict the words of men declaring that The LORD is a shield for him and his glory and the lifter up of his head. He is able to face men eye to eye and lift up his head to see the Lord his Saviour. He says l called on the Lord and he heard me in Zion his holy hill. He says l laid down to sleep and l woke up because the Lord sustained me. So l will not be afraid of 10,000 who surround me. He calls on the Lord to save him. He says the Lord has judged his enemies and saved him and blessed him – Think of that.
Steve
1: Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2: But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3: And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 4: The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5: Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6: For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Psalm 2
1: Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? 2: The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, 3: Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. 4: He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. 5: Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. 6: Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. 7: I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. 8: Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. 9: Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. 10: Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. 11: Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 12: Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
A Psalm of David, when he fled from Abalom his son.
Psalm 3
1: LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. 2: Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. 3: But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. 4: I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. 5: I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me. 6: I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about. 7: Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. 8: Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.
To the chief musician on Neginoth.
Today we begin studies in the Psalms. This is going to prove to be both very interesting and very blessed. In the first Psalm the poet describes the blessed man who lives in the fear of the Lord under the Mosaic Law. The blessed man has three negative things about his life. He does not live his life based on the ungodly advice of wicked men. Secondly he does not take his stand on the side of sinful men. Rather he crosses the valley to stand with the armies of the living God. Thirdly he does not sit in bitter mockery of those who try to live righteously before the Lord according to law. It’s easy to be grumpy and cynical but the blessed man is not like that. On the positive side the blessed man is a man whose absolute delight is in the meditation of the word of the Lord. He thinks about it day and night. The word of God is never far from his thinking. He thinks about it in the busy round of daily work and at night in his wakeful moments. Then the poet changes into an artist to paint a picture of a tree which he likens to the blessed man. This tree is no wild tree it is planted by the gardener to be in exactly the right place. It is planted by an endless source of sustenance and therefore it bring forth fruit that is fully developed and in the right time. And the tree opens its branches and bathes in the light of heaven. Then the poet breaks the picture to say that this man – the blessed man is prosperous in all he does. Then the scene changes and he describes the ungodly. They are life the chaff the wafer of husk that surrounds the kernel of grain which is light and the slightest breeze blows it clean away never to be seen again. Then the Poet declares that the ungodly WILL NOT STAND in the judgment. They have no honour and prosrate themselves before the judge of all men in terror. They will not be part of the assembly of the righteous in the coming kingdom. Why is this so? Because the Lord knows the life that the righteous live and he will make sure that the life style of the ugodly will be obliterated forever. The second Psalm is a series of expressions of incredulity regarding the plans of evil men to thwart the Messianic reign of Christ. When Christ comes to establish his everlasting kingdom the kings of the earth will not like it one bit. They will rage against him and think that they can over come him my military might. They will plan to invade the Holy land. They will plan to overthrow his rule. But the Lord will laugh and then he will come on them in his fierce anger. God will set his son in Zion on his holy hill. He will say of his this is my son. He will break his enemies with a rod of iron and break them in pieces like a clay pot. You nations – be wise. Kneel and kiss the son of God Lest he be angry and you perish from the earth. But the blessing of God will rest on all those who put their trust in him. The third Psalm is an expression of the troubles that come to the man of God in the course of his ministry. They taunt him saying there is no help for him in God. If there is no help in God then he is lost forever. Then the Psalmist rises up to contradict the words of men declaring that The LORD is a shield for him and his glory and the lifter up of his head. He is able to face men eye to eye and lift up his head to see the Lord his Saviour. He says l called on the Lord and he heard me in Zion his holy hill. He says l laid down to sleep and l woke up because the Lord sustained me. So l will not be afraid of 10,000 who surround me. He calls on the Lord to save him. He says the Lord has judged his enemies and saved him and blessed him – Think of that.
Steve
26/06/2011
AM June 25th Rom 2
June 25th
17: Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, 18: And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; 19: And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, 20: An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. 21: Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? 22: Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? 23: Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? 24: For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written. 25: For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. 26: Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? 27: And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfill the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? 28: For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Paul turns his attention specifically on the Jewish man. He says you are called a Jew by everyone and you rely on the Law and you boast in the relation you have with God. And because you have the law you know what God requires and you have on a higher level of culture. You are confident that you are able to tell those who cannot see it how to live. You can teach the unlearned in the things of God. You have a level of knowledge of the truth of the Law. Now you who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who teach others not to steal – do you steal? You teach others not to commit adultery but do you commit adultery? You who hate idols - do you commit sacrilege? You boast in the law but through your breaking of the law, don’t you dishonour God? Your God is cursed by Gentiles when they see you sin. Circumcision is a wonderful thing – if you keep the law, but if you break the law, then your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. And if Gentiles who do not have the law live righteously - like the law demands, and then is not his uncircumcision counted by God as if he were circumcised. And will not Gentiles judge Jews who do not keep the law. Being a Jew is not just an outward thing. Being a Jew is not just a name, it is an inward thing, in which the Jew is circumcised in heart and in the spirit. This type of person is praised by God and not just by men.
And so Paul has cut right through hypocrisy of Israel. Being a Jew, Paul says, is not just a name, nor just a nationality, it is a spiritual relation to God in which in heart and mind of the Jew in godly fear, keeps the law.
Steve
17: Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, 18: And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; 19: And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, 20: An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. 21: Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? 22: Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? 23: Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? 24: For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written. 25: For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. 26: Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? 27: And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfill the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? 28: For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Paul turns his attention specifically on the Jewish man. He says you are called a Jew by everyone and you rely on the Law and you boast in the relation you have with God. And because you have the law you know what God requires and you have on a higher level of culture. You are confident that you are able to tell those who cannot see it how to live. You can teach the unlearned in the things of God. You have a level of knowledge of the truth of the Law. Now you who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who teach others not to steal – do you steal? You teach others not to commit adultery but do you commit adultery? You who hate idols - do you commit sacrilege? You boast in the law but through your breaking of the law, don’t you dishonour God? Your God is cursed by Gentiles when they see you sin. Circumcision is a wonderful thing – if you keep the law, but if you break the law, then your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. And if Gentiles who do not have the law live righteously - like the law demands, and then is not his uncircumcision counted by God as if he were circumcised. And will not Gentiles judge Jews who do not keep the law. Being a Jew is not just an outward thing. Being a Jew is not just a name, it is an inward thing, in which the Jew is circumcised in heart and in the spirit. This type of person is praised by God and not just by men.
And so Paul has cut right through hypocrisy of Israel. Being a Jew, Paul says, is not just a name, nor just a nationality, it is a spiritual relation to God in which in heart and mind of the Jew in godly fear, keeps the law.
Steve
PM June 24th Job 40
June 24th Job, 40
1: Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said, 2: Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it. 3: Then Job answered the LORD, and said, 4: Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth. 5: Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further. 6: Then answered the LORD unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said, 7: Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. 8: Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous? 9: Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him? 10: Deck thyself now with majesty and excellency; and array thyself with glory and beauty. 11: Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath: and behold every one that is proud, and abase him. 12: Look on every one that is proud, and bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place. 13: Hide them in the dust together; and bind their faces in secret. 14: Then will I also confess unto thee that thine own right hand can save thee. 15: Behold now behemoth, which I made with thee; he eateth grass as an ox. 16: Lo now, his strength is in his loins, and his force is in the navel of his belly. 17: He moveth his tail like a cedar: the sinews of his stones are wrapped together. 18: His bones are as strong pieces of brass; his bones are like bars of iron. 19: He is the chief of the ways of God: he that made him can make his sword to approach unto him. 20: Surely the mountains bring him forth food, where all the beasts of the field play. 21: He lieth under the shady trees, in the covert of the reed, and fens. 22: The shady trees cover him with their shadow; the willows of the brook compass him about. 23: Behold, he drinketh up a river, and hasteth not: he trusteth that he can draw up Jordan into his mouth. 24: He taketh it with his eyes: his nose pierceth through snares.
Job, 41
1: Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook? or his tongue with a cord which thou lettest down? 2: Canst thou put an hook into his nose? or bore his jaw through with a thorn? 3: Will he make many supplications unto thee? will he speak soft words unto thee? 4: Will he make a covenant with thee? wilt thou take him for a servant for ever? 5: Wilt thou play with him as with a bird? or wilt thou bind him for thy maidens? 6: Shall the companions make a banquet of him? shall they part him among the merchants? 7: Canst thou fill his skin with barbed iron? or his head with fish spears? 8: Lay thine hand upon him, remember the battle, do no more. 9: Behold, the hope of him is in vain: shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him? 10: None is so fierce that dare stir him up: who then is able to stand before me? 11: Who hath prevented me, that I should repay him? whatsoever is under the whole heaven is mine. 12: I will not conceal his parts, nor his power, nor his comely proportion. 13: Who can discover the face of his garment? or who can come to him with his double bridle? 14: Who can open the doors of his face? his teeth are terrible round about. 15: His scales are his pride, shut up together as with a close seal. 16: One is so near to another, that no air can come between them. 17: They are joined one to another, they stick together, that they cannot be sundered. 18: By his neesings a light doth shine, and his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning. 19: Out of his mouth go burning lamps, and sparks of fire leap out. 20: Out of his nostrils goeth smoke, as out of a seething pot or caldron. 21: His breath kindleth coals, and a flame goeth out of his mouth. 22: In his neck remaineth strength, and sorrow is turned into joy before him. 23: The flakes of his flesh are joined together: they are firm in themselves; they cannot be moved. 24: His heart is as firm as a stone; yea, as hard as a piece of the nether millstone. 25: When he raiseth up himself, the mighty are afraid: by reason of breakings they purify themselves. 26: The sword of him that layeth at him cannot hold: the spear, the dart, nor the habergeon. 27: He esteemeth iron as straw, and brass as rotten wood. 28: The arrow cannot make him flee: slingstones are turned with him into stubble. 29: Darts are counted as stubble: he laugheth at the shaking of a spear. 30: Sharp stones are under him: he spreadeth sharp pointed things upon the mire. 31: He maketh the deep to boil like a pot: he maketh the sea like a pot of ointment. 32: He maketh a path to shine after him; one would think the deep to be hoary. 33: Upon earth there is not his like, who is made without fear. 34: He beholdeth all high things: he is a king over all the children of pride.
Job, 42
C Epilogue (Prose)
42v1-9 Job’s humility
1: Then Job answered the LORD, and said, 2: I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee. 3: Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. 4: Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. 5: I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. 6: Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. 7: And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath. 8: Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job. 9: So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the LORD commanded them: the LORD also accepted Job.
42v10-17 Job is restored in prosperity
10: And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. 11: Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the LORD had brought upon him: every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold. 12: So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses. 13: He had also seven sons and three daughters. 14: And he called the name of the first, Jemima; and the name of the second, Kezia; and the name of the third, Keren-happuch. 15: And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job: and their father gave them inheritance among their brethren. 16: After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, even four generations. 17: So Job died, being old and full of days.
The Lord today continues to speak to Job. The Lord is not interested in addressing Jobs friends; rather it is Job that needs to be challenged by the message of the Lord. Then in chapter 42 we have the Epilogue where Job is humbled and restored in prosperity. But first we read of the Lord challenging Job to answer whether he is able to instruct the Lord. The Lord says you who think that you can reprove God, let’s hear you speak? So Job does speak, but he does not answer proudly, he humbles himself before the Lord. He says, I am vile - how can l answer the Lord? I will put my hand on my mouth. The Lord spoke to him out of the tornado. Will you call my judgment into question? Will you condemn me - so that you will be known to be righteous? Are you omnipotent like God? Can you thunder like God can? Can you array yourself in majesty and excellency an in beauty and glory? Can you rage against proud men and humble them in your might? Can you see every proud man and can you bring them low and put all the wicked under your feet? If you can then to be honest you would be able to save yourself. Think of the great Dinosaurs which l have made. They eat grass like an ox and they are very powerful in their hips. His tail is like a cedar tree and his bones are like strong brass or bars of iron. They are the chief of all creation. He that made him can bring judgment on you. The mountains bring him food. He lies under shady trees, in the shallow waters among the reeds. He drinks huge amounts of water. Can you Job fish for one of the huge sea monsters and catch him with a hook? Will you be able to talk to him and make an understanding with him? If no man can stand up to this fierce sea monster then who can stand up and fight with me? Then a dragon is described who breaths fire. Is there any reason to think that The Lord who made this creature is describing a mythical animal? This dragon is described by the Lord as having a heart of stone and limbs that are very strong. The presence of this creature brings terrible terror to men and he is called by the Lord the king of beasts. Job answered and said, I know that you can do everything and that there is no thought that is beyond you. He says, l have heard your voice and l turn away from my thoughts and sit in dust and ashes. The whole book is drawn to a climax in these words. When everything had been said and done Job repented and sat on the dung hill. God has brought Job to the right place and he is now in his right mind. Then the Lord rebuked Eliphaz and his two friends, because they have spoken things about God that are not right, just like Job. (What a serious indictment that should cause every preacher to tremble) So these three men were sent by the Lord to Job who would sacrifice seven bullocks and seven rams as burnt offerings. And they would remain silent while Job prayed from them. The Lord accepted Jobs sacrifice and prayer and saved the lives of his friends. Then the Lord restored Jobs health, wealth, property and family. The Lord gave him double what he had before. Job held a feast for all his extended family and they came to mourn with him. He also had seven sons and three daughters, Jemima, Kezia and Keren-happuch. They were the most beautiful women in all the kingdom. Job gave them equal inheritance among their brothers. Job lived another 140 years and saw his great grandchildren. He died a very old man.
Steve
1: Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said, 2: Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it. 3: Then Job answered the LORD, and said, 4: Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth. 5: Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further. 6: Then answered the LORD unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said, 7: Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. 8: Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous? 9: Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him? 10: Deck thyself now with majesty and excellency; and array thyself with glory and beauty. 11: Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath: and behold every one that is proud, and abase him. 12: Look on every one that is proud, and bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place. 13: Hide them in the dust together; and bind their faces in secret. 14: Then will I also confess unto thee that thine own right hand can save thee. 15: Behold now behemoth, which I made with thee; he eateth grass as an ox. 16: Lo now, his strength is in his loins, and his force is in the navel of his belly. 17: He moveth his tail like a cedar: the sinews of his stones are wrapped together. 18: His bones are as strong pieces of brass; his bones are like bars of iron. 19: He is the chief of the ways of God: he that made him can make his sword to approach unto him. 20: Surely the mountains bring him forth food, where all the beasts of the field play. 21: He lieth under the shady trees, in the covert of the reed, and fens. 22: The shady trees cover him with their shadow; the willows of the brook compass him about. 23: Behold, he drinketh up a river, and hasteth not: he trusteth that he can draw up Jordan into his mouth. 24: He taketh it with his eyes: his nose pierceth through snares.
Job, 41
1: Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook? or his tongue with a cord which thou lettest down? 2: Canst thou put an hook into his nose? or bore his jaw through with a thorn? 3: Will he make many supplications unto thee? will he speak soft words unto thee? 4: Will he make a covenant with thee? wilt thou take him for a servant for ever? 5: Wilt thou play with him as with a bird? or wilt thou bind him for thy maidens? 6: Shall the companions make a banquet of him? shall they part him among the merchants? 7: Canst thou fill his skin with barbed iron? or his head with fish spears? 8: Lay thine hand upon him, remember the battle, do no more. 9: Behold, the hope of him is in vain: shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him? 10: None is so fierce that dare stir him up: who then is able to stand before me? 11: Who hath prevented me, that I should repay him? whatsoever is under the whole heaven is mine. 12: I will not conceal his parts, nor his power, nor his comely proportion. 13: Who can discover the face of his garment? or who can come to him with his double bridle? 14: Who can open the doors of his face? his teeth are terrible round about. 15: His scales are his pride, shut up together as with a close seal. 16: One is so near to another, that no air can come between them. 17: They are joined one to another, they stick together, that they cannot be sundered. 18: By his neesings a light doth shine, and his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning. 19: Out of his mouth go burning lamps, and sparks of fire leap out. 20: Out of his nostrils goeth smoke, as out of a seething pot or caldron. 21: His breath kindleth coals, and a flame goeth out of his mouth. 22: In his neck remaineth strength, and sorrow is turned into joy before him. 23: The flakes of his flesh are joined together: they are firm in themselves; they cannot be moved. 24: His heart is as firm as a stone; yea, as hard as a piece of the nether millstone. 25: When he raiseth up himself, the mighty are afraid: by reason of breakings they purify themselves. 26: The sword of him that layeth at him cannot hold: the spear, the dart, nor the habergeon. 27: He esteemeth iron as straw, and brass as rotten wood. 28: The arrow cannot make him flee: slingstones are turned with him into stubble. 29: Darts are counted as stubble: he laugheth at the shaking of a spear. 30: Sharp stones are under him: he spreadeth sharp pointed things upon the mire. 31: He maketh the deep to boil like a pot: he maketh the sea like a pot of ointment. 32: He maketh a path to shine after him; one would think the deep to be hoary. 33: Upon earth there is not his like, who is made without fear. 34: He beholdeth all high things: he is a king over all the children of pride.
Job, 42
C Epilogue (Prose)
42v1-9 Job’s humility
1: Then Job answered the LORD, and said, 2: I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee. 3: Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. 4: Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. 5: I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. 6: Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. 7: And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath. 8: Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job. 9: So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the LORD commanded them: the LORD also accepted Job.
42v10-17 Job is restored in prosperity
10: And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. 11: Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the LORD had brought upon him: every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold. 12: So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses. 13: He had also seven sons and three daughters. 14: And he called the name of the first, Jemima; and the name of the second, Kezia; and the name of the third, Keren-happuch. 15: And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job: and their father gave them inheritance among their brethren. 16: After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, even four generations. 17: So Job died, being old and full of days.
The Lord today continues to speak to Job. The Lord is not interested in addressing Jobs friends; rather it is Job that needs to be challenged by the message of the Lord. Then in chapter 42 we have the Epilogue where Job is humbled and restored in prosperity. But first we read of the Lord challenging Job to answer whether he is able to instruct the Lord. The Lord says you who think that you can reprove God, let’s hear you speak? So Job does speak, but he does not answer proudly, he humbles himself before the Lord. He says, I am vile - how can l answer the Lord? I will put my hand on my mouth. The Lord spoke to him out of the tornado. Will you call my judgment into question? Will you condemn me - so that you will be known to be righteous? Are you omnipotent like God? Can you thunder like God can? Can you array yourself in majesty and excellency an in beauty and glory? Can you rage against proud men and humble them in your might? Can you see every proud man and can you bring them low and put all the wicked under your feet? If you can then to be honest you would be able to save yourself. Think of the great Dinosaurs which l have made. They eat grass like an ox and they are very powerful in their hips. His tail is like a cedar tree and his bones are like strong brass or bars of iron. They are the chief of all creation. He that made him can bring judgment on you. The mountains bring him food. He lies under shady trees, in the shallow waters among the reeds. He drinks huge amounts of water. Can you Job fish for one of the huge sea monsters and catch him with a hook? Will you be able to talk to him and make an understanding with him? If no man can stand up to this fierce sea monster then who can stand up and fight with me? Then a dragon is described who breaths fire. Is there any reason to think that The Lord who made this creature is describing a mythical animal? This dragon is described by the Lord as having a heart of stone and limbs that are very strong. The presence of this creature brings terrible terror to men and he is called by the Lord the king of beasts. Job answered and said, I know that you can do everything and that there is no thought that is beyond you. He says, l have heard your voice and l turn away from my thoughts and sit in dust and ashes. The whole book is drawn to a climax in these words. When everything had been said and done Job repented and sat on the dung hill. God has brought Job to the right place and he is now in his right mind. Then the Lord rebuked Eliphaz and his two friends, because they have spoken things about God that are not right, just like Job. (What a serious indictment that should cause every preacher to tremble) So these three men were sent by the Lord to Job who would sacrifice seven bullocks and seven rams as burnt offerings. And they would remain silent while Job prayed from them. The Lord accepted Jobs sacrifice and prayer and saved the lives of his friends. Then the Lord restored Jobs health, wealth, property and family. The Lord gave him double what he had before. Job held a feast for all his extended family and they came to mourn with him. He also had seven sons and three daughters, Jemima, Kezia and Keren-happuch. They were the most beautiful women in all the kingdom. Job gave them equal inheritance among their brothers. Job lived another 140 years and saw his great grandchildren. He died a very old man.
Steve
23/06/2011
AM June 24th Rom 2
June 24th Romans, 2
1: Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. 2: But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. 3: And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? 4: Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 5: But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 6: Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: 8: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 9: Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; 10: But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 11: For there is no respect of persons with God. 12: For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; 13: (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. 14: For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) 16: In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
Having established the fact of sin in the human heart Paul goes on to establish the truth of the righteous judgment of God. He says men are without excuse before God because what they say is sin in other people, becomes the principle in which God will judge them, and God will judge them of the same sin. The judgment of God will be truthful. Those who do the very same things that they say are sin must not think that they will escape the judgment of God. Why do men despise the richness of the goodness and patience of God? Don’t they know that the goodness of God should lead men to think again about how they live in relation to God? But those who turn a deaf ear to God and refuse to be sorrowful for sin only store up the wrath of God which will be revealed in the righteous judgment of God, when God will judge in justice according to every mans deeds. And how will God render to every man according to his deeds? Those who patiently continued to do righteous deeds he will render to them glory, honour and immortality, that is eternal life. But to those who live in opposition to Gods word and do not obey the truth of God but do unrighteous deeds he will render to them wrath and righteous resentment. He will render tribulation and torment on every man that does evil deeds. He will do this to the Jews first and also to Gentiles. God does not have any favourites. Those who sin outside the covenant of Israel will perish outside the covenant but those who sin according to the law are judged according to the law. (It is not just those who hear the Law of Moses that are righteous but those who do it are righteous. Because Gentiles who do not have the Mosaic law, when they do by nature the things said in the Law they are a law unto themselves. They show the righteous deeds of the Law written in their minds. And their conscience either accuses them of excuses them.) The verses 13-15 are in parenthesis and so verse 16 picks up what was said in verse 12. Which was…Those who sin outside the law will perish outside the law but those who sin according to the law are judged according to the law - on the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. Gentiles will be judged according to conscience by the Jews will be judged according to Law.
Paul in this passage is describing the sinful lives and judgment of God on men outside of the Grace of God. Those that are Gentiles will be judged according to their conscience and those who are Jews will be judged according to the Mosaic Law.
Steve
1: Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. 2: But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. 3: And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? 4: Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 5: But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 6: Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: 8: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 9: Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; 10: But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 11: For there is no respect of persons with God. 12: For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; 13: (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. 14: For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) 16: In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
Having established the fact of sin in the human heart Paul goes on to establish the truth of the righteous judgment of God. He says men are without excuse before God because what they say is sin in other people, becomes the principle in which God will judge them, and God will judge them of the same sin. The judgment of God will be truthful. Those who do the very same things that they say are sin must not think that they will escape the judgment of God. Why do men despise the richness of the goodness and patience of God? Don’t they know that the goodness of God should lead men to think again about how they live in relation to God? But those who turn a deaf ear to God and refuse to be sorrowful for sin only store up the wrath of God which will be revealed in the righteous judgment of God, when God will judge in justice according to every mans deeds. And how will God render to every man according to his deeds? Those who patiently continued to do righteous deeds he will render to them glory, honour and immortality, that is eternal life. But to those who live in opposition to Gods word and do not obey the truth of God but do unrighteous deeds he will render to them wrath and righteous resentment. He will render tribulation and torment on every man that does evil deeds. He will do this to the Jews first and also to Gentiles. God does not have any favourites. Those who sin outside the covenant of Israel will perish outside the covenant but those who sin according to the law are judged according to the law. (It is not just those who hear the Law of Moses that are righteous but those who do it are righteous. Because Gentiles who do not have the Mosaic law, when they do by nature the things said in the Law they are a law unto themselves. They show the righteous deeds of the Law written in their minds. And their conscience either accuses them of excuses them.) The verses 13-15 are in parenthesis and so verse 16 picks up what was said in verse 12. Which was…Those who sin outside the law will perish outside the law but those who sin according to the law are judged according to the law - on the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. Gentiles will be judged according to conscience by the Jews will be judged according to Law.
Paul in this passage is describing the sinful lives and judgment of God on men outside of the Grace of God. Those that are Gentiles will be judged according to their conscience and those who are Jews will be judged according to the Mosaic Law.
Steve
PM June 23rd Job 37
June 23rd Job, 37
1: At this also my heart trembleth, and is moved out of his place. 2: Hear attentively the noise of his voice, and the sound that goeth out of his mouth. 3: He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth. 4: After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the voice of his excellency; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard. 5: God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend. 6: For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength. 7: He sealeth up the hand of every man; that all men may know his work. 8: Then the beasts go into dens, and remain in their places. 9: Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north. 10: By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened. 11: Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereth his bright cloud: 12: And it is turned round about by his counsels: that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth. 13: He causeth it to come, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy. 14: Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God. 15: Dost thou know when God disposed them, and caused the light of his cloud to shine? 16: Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge? 17: How thy garments are warm, when he quieteth the earth by the south wind? 18: Hast thou with him spread out the sky, which is strong, and as a molten looking glass? 19: Teach us what we shall say unto him; for we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness. 20: Shall it be told him that I speak? if a man speak, surely he shall be swallowed up. 21: And now men see not the bright light which is in the clouds: but the wind passeth, and cleanseth them. 22: Fair weather cometh out of the north: with God is terrible majesty. 23: Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict. 24: Men do therefore fear him: he respecteth not any that are wise of heart.
Job, 38
38v1-41v34 God speaks to Job
1: Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, 2: Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? 3: Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. 4: Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. 5: Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? 6: Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; 7: When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? 8: Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? 9: When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it, 10: And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors, 11: And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed? 12: Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place; 13: That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it? 14: It is turned as clay to the seal; and they stand as a garment. 15: And from the wicked their light is withholden, and the high arm shall be broken. 16: Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth? 17: Have the gates of death been opened unto thee? or hast thou seen the doors of the shadow of death? 18: Hast thou perceived the breadth of the earth? declare if thou knowest it all. 19: Where is the way where light dwelleth? and as for darkness, where is the place thereof, 20: That thou shouldest take it to the bound thereof, and that thou shouldest know the paths to the house thereof? 21: Knowest thou it, because thou wast then born? or because the number of thy days is great? 22: Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail, 23: Which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war? 24: By what way is the light parted, which scattereth the east wind upon the earth? 25: Who hath divided a watercourse for the overflowing of waters, or a way for the lightning of thunder; 26: To cause it to rain on the earth, where no man is; on the wilderness, wherein there is no man; 27: To satisfy the desolate and waste ground; and to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth? 28: Hath the rain a father? or who hath begotten the drops of dew? 29: Out of whose womb came the ice? and the hoary frost of heaven, who hath gendered it? 30: The waters are hid as with a stone, and the face of the deep is frozen. 31: Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion? 32: Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons? 33: Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth? 34: Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover thee? 35: Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go, and say unto thee, Here we are? 36: Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart? 37: Who can number the clouds in wisdom? or who can stay the bottles of heaven, 38: When the dust groweth into hardness, and the clods cleave fast together? 39: Wilt thou hunt the prey for the lion? or fill the appetite of the young lions, 40: When they couch in their dens, and abide in the covert to lie in wait? 41: Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat.
Job, 39
1: Knowest thou the time when the wild goats of the rock bring forth? or canst thou mark when the hinds do calve? 2: Canst thou number the months that they fulfill? or knowest thou the time when they bring forth? 3: They bow themselves, they bring forth their young ones, they cast out their sorrows. 4: Their young ones are in good liking, they grow up with corn; they go forth, and return not unto them. 5: Who hath sent out the wild ass free? or who hath loosed the bands of the wild ass? 6: Whose house I have made the wilderness, and the barren land his dwellings. 7: He scorneth the multitude of the city, neither regardeth he the crying of the driver. 8: The range of the mountains is his pasture, and he searcheth after every green thing. 9: Will the unicorn be willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib? 10: Canst thou bind the unicorn with his band in the furrow? or will he harrow the valleys after thee? 11: Wilt thou trust him, because his strength is great? or wilt thou leave thy labour to him? 12: Wilt thou believe him, that he will bring home thy seed, and gather it into thy barn? 13: Gavest thou the goodly wings unto the peacocks? or wings and feathers unto the ostrich? 14: Which leaveth her eggs in the earth, and warmeth them in dust, 15: And forgetteth that the foot may crush them, or that the wild beast may break them. 16: She is hardened against her young ones, as though they were not hers: her labour is in vain without fear; 17: Because God hath deprived her of wisdom, neither hath he imparted to her understanding. 18: What time she lifteth up herself on high, she scorneth the horse and his rider. 19: Hast thou given the horse strength? hast thou clothed his neck with thunder? 20: Canst thou make him afraid as a grasshopper? the glory of his nostrils is terrible. 21: He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength: he goeth on to meet the armed men. 22: He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted; neither turneth he back from the sword. 23: The quiver rattleth against him, the glittering spear and the shield. 24: He swalloweth the ground with fierceness and rage: neither believeth he that it is the sound of the trumpet. 25: He saith among the trumpets, Ha, ha; and he smelleth the battle afar off, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting. 26: Doth the hawk fly by thy wisdom, and stretch her wings toward the south? 27: Doth the eagle mount up at thy command, and make her nest on high? 28: She dwelleth and abideth on the rock, upon the crag of the rock, and the strong place. 29: From thence she seeketh the prey, and her eyes behold afar off. 30: Her young ones also suck up blood: and where the slain are, there is she.
Today we read of Elihu’s continued speech. And the LORD speaks to Job. Finally we might have some common sense! So back to Elihu. He speaks of the mightiest works of the Lord - the lightening and the thunder. He says effectively who can understand the Lord? He calls for the snow to fall and light and heavy rain. The beasts retreat into their dens. The Lord brings great tornados from the south and blizzards from the north. The Lord brings frost from the breath of his mouth. The Lord controls the weather by his command. So listen, Job. Stand still and think about the wonderful works of the Lord. Do you know how the clouds are held in balance? And how he brings in warm weather from the desert? Have you spread out the sky? We know so little. Even if we speak we know so little. Touching the Almighty we cannot understand him he exceeds everything in his power and in judgment and in al his judgments he will not inflict. Men generally fear him but he does not give honour to the wise. Then finally the Lord speaks to Job from out of a tornado. He says who is this man that makes understanding obscure by speaking when he knows nothing? What a great statement that is. I am going to talk to you so listen carefully. Where were you Job, when l laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me what you know - if you know anything! Who surveyed the earth to build its mountains? Do you know? Who measured it? The place where the foundations of the earth were fixed? Who laid the corner stone of the earth? Where you there when the morning stars sang in unison and all the angels shouted in the joy of the Lord? Who was there to see the seas shut up with flood gates and when they broke forth as if it came from a womb? When l made clouds a garment for the floods and made darkness the baby clothes for it. When l told the seas you may come so far and no further. When the proud waters were halted. Did you command the morning to begin? So that the whole earth is bathed in light and the wicked are shaken out of it? It is like clay to a seal and they stand as a covering. The wicked live in darkness and their strong arms are broken. Have you entered into the springs of the sea? And have you walked at the very bottom of the deepest sea? Have the gates of death been opened for you to go through? Have you see the doors of the shadow of death? Do you know exactly how big the earth is? Tell me if you know? Where is the place were light lives and where does darkness live? Do you know the way to the place where they live? Have you understood the treasures of the snow? And have you understood the treasures of the hail? And so the Lord goes on and on exposing the complete ignorance of Job. He speaks of rain, dew, frost and ice. Then he speaks of the stars, Pleiades, Orion, Mazzaroth and Arturus. The seasons, wild animals, lions and their divine provision. He speaks of wild goats, hinds calves; He says do you know the time of their gestation? Then he speaks of wild asses and describes their habitat and habits. Then he speaks of the unicorn (perhaps he is describing the Rhinoceros. He speaks of the wings of the peacocks and the ostrich. He speaks of horses and grasshoppers, hawks and eagles. This must have left Job feeling rather small and ignorant.
Steve
1: At this also my heart trembleth, and is moved out of his place. 2: Hear attentively the noise of his voice, and the sound that goeth out of his mouth. 3: He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth. 4: After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the voice of his excellency; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard. 5: God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend. 6: For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength. 7: He sealeth up the hand of every man; that all men may know his work. 8: Then the beasts go into dens, and remain in their places. 9: Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north. 10: By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened. 11: Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereth his bright cloud: 12: And it is turned round about by his counsels: that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth. 13: He causeth it to come, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy. 14: Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God. 15: Dost thou know when God disposed them, and caused the light of his cloud to shine? 16: Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge? 17: How thy garments are warm, when he quieteth the earth by the south wind? 18: Hast thou with him spread out the sky, which is strong, and as a molten looking glass? 19: Teach us what we shall say unto him; for we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness. 20: Shall it be told him that I speak? if a man speak, surely he shall be swallowed up. 21: And now men see not the bright light which is in the clouds: but the wind passeth, and cleanseth them. 22: Fair weather cometh out of the north: with God is terrible majesty. 23: Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict. 24: Men do therefore fear him: he respecteth not any that are wise of heart.
Job, 38
38v1-41v34 God speaks to Job
1: Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, 2: Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? 3: Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. 4: Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. 5: Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? 6: Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; 7: When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? 8: Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? 9: When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it, 10: And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors, 11: And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed? 12: Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place; 13: That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it? 14: It is turned as clay to the seal; and they stand as a garment. 15: And from the wicked their light is withholden, and the high arm shall be broken. 16: Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth? 17: Have the gates of death been opened unto thee? or hast thou seen the doors of the shadow of death? 18: Hast thou perceived the breadth of the earth? declare if thou knowest it all. 19: Where is the way where light dwelleth? and as for darkness, where is the place thereof, 20: That thou shouldest take it to the bound thereof, and that thou shouldest know the paths to the house thereof? 21: Knowest thou it, because thou wast then born? or because the number of thy days is great? 22: Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail, 23: Which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war? 24: By what way is the light parted, which scattereth the east wind upon the earth? 25: Who hath divided a watercourse for the overflowing of waters, or a way for the lightning of thunder; 26: To cause it to rain on the earth, where no man is; on the wilderness, wherein there is no man; 27: To satisfy the desolate and waste ground; and to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth? 28: Hath the rain a father? or who hath begotten the drops of dew? 29: Out of whose womb came the ice? and the hoary frost of heaven, who hath gendered it? 30: The waters are hid as with a stone, and the face of the deep is frozen. 31: Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion? 32: Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons? 33: Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth? 34: Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover thee? 35: Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go, and say unto thee, Here we are? 36: Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart? 37: Who can number the clouds in wisdom? or who can stay the bottles of heaven, 38: When the dust groweth into hardness, and the clods cleave fast together? 39: Wilt thou hunt the prey for the lion? or fill the appetite of the young lions, 40: When they couch in their dens, and abide in the covert to lie in wait? 41: Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat.
Job, 39
1: Knowest thou the time when the wild goats of the rock bring forth? or canst thou mark when the hinds do calve? 2: Canst thou number the months that they fulfill? or knowest thou the time when they bring forth? 3: They bow themselves, they bring forth their young ones, they cast out their sorrows. 4: Their young ones are in good liking, they grow up with corn; they go forth, and return not unto them. 5: Who hath sent out the wild ass free? or who hath loosed the bands of the wild ass? 6: Whose house I have made the wilderness, and the barren land his dwellings. 7: He scorneth the multitude of the city, neither regardeth he the crying of the driver. 8: The range of the mountains is his pasture, and he searcheth after every green thing. 9: Will the unicorn be willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib? 10: Canst thou bind the unicorn with his band in the furrow? or will he harrow the valleys after thee? 11: Wilt thou trust him, because his strength is great? or wilt thou leave thy labour to him? 12: Wilt thou believe him, that he will bring home thy seed, and gather it into thy barn? 13: Gavest thou the goodly wings unto the peacocks? or wings and feathers unto the ostrich? 14: Which leaveth her eggs in the earth, and warmeth them in dust, 15: And forgetteth that the foot may crush them, or that the wild beast may break them. 16: She is hardened against her young ones, as though they were not hers: her labour is in vain without fear; 17: Because God hath deprived her of wisdom, neither hath he imparted to her understanding. 18: What time she lifteth up herself on high, she scorneth the horse and his rider. 19: Hast thou given the horse strength? hast thou clothed his neck with thunder? 20: Canst thou make him afraid as a grasshopper? the glory of his nostrils is terrible. 21: He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength: he goeth on to meet the armed men. 22: He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted; neither turneth he back from the sword. 23: The quiver rattleth against him, the glittering spear and the shield. 24: He swalloweth the ground with fierceness and rage: neither believeth he that it is the sound of the trumpet. 25: He saith among the trumpets, Ha, ha; and he smelleth the battle afar off, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting. 26: Doth the hawk fly by thy wisdom, and stretch her wings toward the south? 27: Doth the eagle mount up at thy command, and make her nest on high? 28: She dwelleth and abideth on the rock, upon the crag of the rock, and the strong place. 29: From thence she seeketh the prey, and her eyes behold afar off. 30: Her young ones also suck up blood: and where the slain are, there is she.
Today we read of Elihu’s continued speech. And the LORD speaks to Job. Finally we might have some common sense! So back to Elihu. He speaks of the mightiest works of the Lord - the lightening and the thunder. He says effectively who can understand the Lord? He calls for the snow to fall and light and heavy rain. The beasts retreat into their dens. The Lord brings great tornados from the south and blizzards from the north. The Lord brings frost from the breath of his mouth. The Lord controls the weather by his command. So listen, Job. Stand still and think about the wonderful works of the Lord. Do you know how the clouds are held in balance? And how he brings in warm weather from the desert? Have you spread out the sky? We know so little. Even if we speak we know so little. Touching the Almighty we cannot understand him he exceeds everything in his power and in judgment and in al his judgments he will not inflict. Men generally fear him but he does not give honour to the wise. Then finally the Lord speaks to Job from out of a tornado. He says who is this man that makes understanding obscure by speaking when he knows nothing? What a great statement that is. I am going to talk to you so listen carefully. Where were you Job, when l laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me what you know - if you know anything! Who surveyed the earth to build its mountains? Do you know? Who measured it? The place where the foundations of the earth were fixed? Who laid the corner stone of the earth? Where you there when the morning stars sang in unison and all the angels shouted in the joy of the Lord? Who was there to see the seas shut up with flood gates and when they broke forth as if it came from a womb? When l made clouds a garment for the floods and made darkness the baby clothes for it. When l told the seas you may come so far and no further. When the proud waters were halted. Did you command the morning to begin? So that the whole earth is bathed in light and the wicked are shaken out of it? It is like clay to a seal and they stand as a covering. The wicked live in darkness and their strong arms are broken. Have you entered into the springs of the sea? And have you walked at the very bottom of the deepest sea? Have the gates of death been opened for you to go through? Have you see the doors of the shadow of death? Do you know exactly how big the earth is? Tell me if you know? Where is the place were light lives and where does darkness live? Do you know the way to the place where they live? Have you understood the treasures of the snow? And have you understood the treasures of the hail? And so the Lord goes on and on exposing the complete ignorance of Job. He speaks of rain, dew, frost and ice. Then he speaks of the stars, Pleiades, Orion, Mazzaroth and Arturus. The seasons, wild animals, lions and their divine provision. He speaks of wild goats, hinds calves; He says do you know the time of their gestation? Then he speaks of wild asses and describes their habitat and habits. Then he speaks of the unicorn (perhaps he is describing the Rhinoceros. He speaks of the wings of the peacocks and the ostrich. He speaks of horses and grasshoppers, hawks and eagles. This must have left Job feeling rather small and ignorant.
Steve
22/06/2011
AM June 23rd Rom 1
June 23rd Romans, 1
1: Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2: (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 3: Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4: And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 5: By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: 6: Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: 7: To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. 8: First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 9: For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; 10: Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. 11: For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; 12: That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. 13: Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. 14: I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. 15: So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. 16: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17: For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. 18: For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19: Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20: For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22: Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23: And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24: Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26: For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28: And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29: Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30: Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31: Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Paul sends his letter to Rome to introduce himself to the church before he arrives to preach the Gospel. He establishes his apostolic authority and his call to missionary endeavour. Then in his greeting he describes the subject of the letter. It is going to be about the Gospel of God concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Who according to the flesh was a Jew but who was openly declared to be the Son of God as a result of his resurrection from the dead. It is in Christ that we received salvation by grace and a ministry of apostleship among all the nations. Paul writes this letter is for you who are loved of God and called to be holy. Then he combines the Jewish and Christian greeting Charis Shalom. Charis – Grace is the principle in which God deals will men in our day and Shalom – Peace is the spiritual experience of those who come to a knowledge of his Grace.
Paul begins his letter with a number of personal remarks. First he says l thank God for you all because your faith is talked about in the whole world. And God will testify that l pray for you always. And my request is that l might be able to come and see you and give you some spiritual blessing so that you will be established in the faith. Then he says that he would have often come to see them but was hindered many times. But he says l am not ashamed of my message and l have not been putting off my visit to you, l want to see you at the first opportunity l get. No l am not ashamed because the Gospel is the power of God to salvation to all that believe. In the Gospel is revealed the righteousness of God and it comes by faith and is realised by faith. Because the righteous live daily by placing their faith in God. And the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all unrighteousness in men. God reveals himself to men even his power and divinity is revealed in the creation which we can see every day. Every man is without excuse before God because he can see Gods work all around him. And when men do not glorify God or are thankful to Him they think up empty ideas and their foolish minds are darkened to the truth of God. They say that they are clever but in fact they become foolish. They change the glory of an incorruptible God into images made to look like birds animals and snakes etc. So God let them get on with their uncleanness and lust filled lives. They dishonour their bodies with sexual activity with each other. Paul says they change the truth of God into a lie. And they worship and serve the creatures that God has made instead of worshipping the creator. So God let them go their own way to live in vile lusts, Even their women gave up their natural sexual purpose to do things which are contrary to nature. And the men also turn from natural sexual purpose to burn in lust after each other men with men doing things which are disgusting. And they receive in their bodies the wages of their sin. Because they did not want to even remember God He allowed them to go on to minds that are full of rejection of God. And to do those things which are not honourable. Their lives become full of bad deeds, forbidden sex, evil acts, they long after others people possessions, They are evil in seeking the hurt of other people, They are full of jealousy, they hate and kill, they deceive, they destroy, they let lies and behind peoples backs, they hate God, they do horrible things to others. They think they are cleaver, They think up new evil things, they openly defy their parents, they have no understanding, They break promises, they have no normal affections, they are unmovable and without a shred of mercy, They know the judgment of God and that God with destroy those who live like this but they not only want to continue but they take delight in perverting others to do the same. What an indictment on the world, Paul brings to us here. He describes the heart of man who leaves God behind. He describes atheism.
Steve
1: Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2: (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 3: Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4: And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 5: By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: 6: Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: 7: To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. 8: First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 9: For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; 10: Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. 11: For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; 12: That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. 13: Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. 14: I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. 15: So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. 16: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17: For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. 18: For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19: Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20: For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22: Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23: And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24: Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26: For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28: And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29: Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30: Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31: Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Paul sends his letter to Rome to introduce himself to the church before he arrives to preach the Gospel. He establishes his apostolic authority and his call to missionary endeavour. Then in his greeting he describes the subject of the letter. It is going to be about the Gospel of God concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Who according to the flesh was a Jew but who was openly declared to be the Son of God as a result of his resurrection from the dead. It is in Christ that we received salvation by grace and a ministry of apostleship among all the nations. Paul writes this letter is for you who are loved of God and called to be holy. Then he combines the Jewish and Christian greeting Charis Shalom. Charis – Grace is the principle in which God deals will men in our day and Shalom – Peace is the spiritual experience of those who come to a knowledge of his Grace.
Paul begins his letter with a number of personal remarks. First he says l thank God for you all because your faith is talked about in the whole world. And God will testify that l pray for you always. And my request is that l might be able to come and see you and give you some spiritual blessing so that you will be established in the faith. Then he says that he would have often come to see them but was hindered many times. But he says l am not ashamed of my message and l have not been putting off my visit to you, l want to see you at the first opportunity l get. No l am not ashamed because the Gospel is the power of God to salvation to all that believe. In the Gospel is revealed the righteousness of God and it comes by faith and is realised by faith. Because the righteous live daily by placing their faith in God. And the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all unrighteousness in men. God reveals himself to men even his power and divinity is revealed in the creation which we can see every day. Every man is without excuse before God because he can see Gods work all around him. And when men do not glorify God or are thankful to Him they think up empty ideas and their foolish minds are darkened to the truth of God. They say that they are clever but in fact they become foolish. They change the glory of an incorruptible God into images made to look like birds animals and snakes etc. So God let them get on with their uncleanness and lust filled lives. They dishonour their bodies with sexual activity with each other. Paul says they change the truth of God into a lie. And they worship and serve the creatures that God has made instead of worshipping the creator. So God let them go their own way to live in vile lusts, Even their women gave up their natural sexual purpose to do things which are contrary to nature. And the men also turn from natural sexual purpose to burn in lust after each other men with men doing things which are disgusting. And they receive in their bodies the wages of their sin. Because they did not want to even remember God He allowed them to go on to minds that are full of rejection of God. And to do those things which are not honourable. Their lives become full of bad deeds, forbidden sex, evil acts, they long after others people possessions, They are evil in seeking the hurt of other people, They are full of jealousy, they hate and kill, they deceive, they destroy, they let lies and behind peoples backs, they hate God, they do horrible things to others. They think they are cleaver, They think up new evil things, they openly defy their parents, they have no understanding, They break promises, they have no normal affections, they are unmovable and without a shred of mercy, They know the judgment of God and that God with destroy those who live like this but they not only want to continue but they take delight in perverting others to do the same. What an indictment on the world, Paul brings to us here. He describes the heart of man who leaves God behind. He describes atheism.
Steve
PM June 22nd Job 34
June 22nd Job, 34
1: Furthermore Elihu answered and said, 2: Hear my words, O ye wise men; and give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge. 3: For the ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat. 4: Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good. 5: For Job hath said, I am righteous: and God hath taken away my judgment. 6: Should I lie against my right? my wound is incurable without transgression. 7: What man is like Job, who drinketh up scorning like water? 8: Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, and walketh with wicked men. 9: For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God. 10: Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity. 11: For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways. 12: Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment. 13: Who hath given him a charge over the earth? or who hath disposed the whole world? 14: If he set his heart upon man, if he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath; 15: All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust. 16: If now thou hast understanding, hear this: hearken to the voice of my words. 17: Shall even he that hateth right govern? and wilt thou condemn him that is most just? 18: Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked? and to princes, Ye are ungodly? 19: How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands. 20: In a moment shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away: and the mighty shall be taken away without hand. 21: For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings. 22: There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves. 23: For he will not lay upon man more than right; that he should enter into judgment with God. 24: He shall break in pieces mighty men without number, and set others in their stead. 25: Therefore he knoweth their works, and he overturneth them in the night, so that they are destroyed. 26: He striketh them as wicked men in the open sight of others; 27: Because they turned back from him, and would not consider any of his ways: 28: So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted. 29: When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only: 30: That the hypocrite reign not, lest the people be ensnared. 31: Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more: 32: That which I see not teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more. 33: Should it be according to thy mind? he will recompense it, whether thou refuse, or whether thou choose; and not I: therefore speak what thou knowest. 34: Let men of understanding tell me, and let a wise man hearken unto me. 35: Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words were without wisdom. 36: My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end because of his answers for wicked men. 37: For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth his hands among us, and multiplieth his words against God.
Job, 35
1: Elihu spake moreover, and said, 2: Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's? 3: For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? and, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin? 4: I will answer thee, and thy companions with thee. 5: Look unto the heavens, and see; and behold the clouds which are higher than thou. 6: If thou sinnest, what doest thou against him? or if thy transgressions be multiplied, what doest thou unto him? 7: If thou be righteous, what givest thou him? or what receiveth he of thine hand? 8: Thy wickedness may hurt a man as thou art; and thy righteousness may profit the son of man. 9: By reason of the multitude of oppressions they make the oppressed to cry: they cry out by reason of the arm of the mighty. 10: But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night; 11: Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven? 12: There they cry, but none giveth answer, because of the pride of evil men. 13: Surely God will not hear vanity, neither will the Almighty regard it. 14: Although thou sayest thou shalt not see him, yet judgment is before him; therefore trust thou in him. 15: But now, because it is not so, he hath visited in his anger; yet he knoweth it not in great extremity: 16: Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain; he multiplieth words without knowledge.
Job, 36
1: Elihu also proceeded, and said, 2: Suffer me a little, and I will shew thee that I have yet to speak on God's behalf. 3: I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker. 4: For truly my words shall not be false: he that is perfect in knowledge is with thee. 5: Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom. 6: He preserveth not the life of the wicked: but giveth right to the poor. 7: He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous: but with kings are they on the throne; yea, he doth establish them for ever, and they are exalted. 8: And if they be bound in fetters, and be holden in cords of affliction; 9: Then he sheweth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded. 10: He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity. 11: If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures. 12: But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge. 13: But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath: they cry not when he bindeth them. 14: They die in youth, and their life is among the unclean. 15: He delivereth the poor in his affliction, and openeth their ears in oppression. 16: Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait into a broad place, where there is no straitness; and that which should be set on thy table should be full of fatness. 17: But thou hast fulfilled the judgment of the wicked: judgment and justice take hold on thee. 18: Because there is wrath, beware lest he take thee away with his stroke: then a great ransom cannot deliver thee. 19: Will he esteem thy riches? no, not gold, nor all the forces of strength. 20: Desire not the night, when people are cut off in their place. 21: Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction. 22: Behold, God exalteth by his power: who teacheth like him? 23: Who hath enjoined him his way? or who can say, Thou hast wrought iniquity? 24: Remember that thou magnify his work, which men behold. 25: Every man may see it; man may behold it afar off. 26: Behold, God is great, and we know him not, neither can the number of his years be searched out. 27: For he maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof: 28: Which the clouds do drop and distil upon man abundantly. 29: Also can any understand the spreadings of the clouds, or the noise of his tabernacle? 30: Behold, he spreadeth his light upon it, and covereth the bottom of the sea. 31: For by them judgeth he the people; he giveth meat in abundance. 32: With clouds he covereth the light; and commandeth it not to shine by the cloud that cometh betwixt. 33: The noise thereof sheweth concerning it, the cattle also concerning the vapour.
In chapters 34 – 36 Elihu continues to speak to all four men. He says, Listen to me you wise men. He summarised Jobs argument saying that he says that he is righteous. He is surrounded by evil men who laugh at him in his predicament. Job should continue to do what is right. And surely God does right too. If God gathered again all the breath of men then all men would die. God will do whatever he wishes with men but he will only do what is right. Therefore Job has spoken without knowledge and his words are foolish. He has taken the side of wicked man and spoken against God. Then Elihu spoke again saying, Is it right that Job is more righteous than God? Look at the sky the heavens are higher than you. The oppressed cry to the Lord, but none says where is God my maker? Who gives songs in the night. Who makes us understand things that animals cannot see. And makes us wiser than birds. God does not listen to empty words. So you say trust in God yet in your trust you have spoken foolishly. He continues God is mighty and he does not despise any man. He punishes the wicked and gives blessing to the poor. He calls on kings to serve him and if they turn away from him he commands them to return unto him. And if they do not then he will destroy them with the sword. But those who are hypocrites heap up the wrath of God. Who can know God can anyone count his days? Can anyone understand how God makes the rain to fall?
Steve
1: Furthermore Elihu answered and said, 2: Hear my words, O ye wise men; and give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge. 3: For the ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat. 4: Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good. 5: For Job hath said, I am righteous: and God hath taken away my judgment. 6: Should I lie against my right? my wound is incurable without transgression. 7: What man is like Job, who drinketh up scorning like water? 8: Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, and walketh with wicked men. 9: For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God. 10: Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity. 11: For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways. 12: Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment. 13: Who hath given him a charge over the earth? or who hath disposed the whole world? 14: If he set his heart upon man, if he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath; 15: All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust. 16: If now thou hast understanding, hear this: hearken to the voice of my words. 17: Shall even he that hateth right govern? and wilt thou condemn him that is most just? 18: Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked? and to princes, Ye are ungodly? 19: How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands. 20: In a moment shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away: and the mighty shall be taken away without hand. 21: For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings. 22: There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves. 23: For he will not lay upon man more than right; that he should enter into judgment with God. 24: He shall break in pieces mighty men without number, and set others in their stead. 25: Therefore he knoweth their works, and he overturneth them in the night, so that they are destroyed. 26: He striketh them as wicked men in the open sight of others; 27: Because they turned back from him, and would not consider any of his ways: 28: So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted. 29: When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only: 30: That the hypocrite reign not, lest the people be ensnared. 31: Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more: 32: That which I see not teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more. 33: Should it be according to thy mind? he will recompense it, whether thou refuse, or whether thou choose; and not I: therefore speak what thou knowest. 34: Let men of understanding tell me, and let a wise man hearken unto me. 35: Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words were without wisdom. 36: My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end because of his answers for wicked men. 37: For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth his hands among us, and multiplieth his words against God.
Job, 35
1: Elihu spake moreover, and said, 2: Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's? 3: For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? and, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin? 4: I will answer thee, and thy companions with thee. 5: Look unto the heavens, and see; and behold the clouds which are higher than thou. 6: If thou sinnest, what doest thou against him? or if thy transgressions be multiplied, what doest thou unto him? 7: If thou be righteous, what givest thou him? or what receiveth he of thine hand? 8: Thy wickedness may hurt a man as thou art; and thy righteousness may profit the son of man. 9: By reason of the multitude of oppressions they make the oppressed to cry: they cry out by reason of the arm of the mighty. 10: But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night; 11: Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven? 12: There they cry, but none giveth answer, because of the pride of evil men. 13: Surely God will not hear vanity, neither will the Almighty regard it. 14: Although thou sayest thou shalt not see him, yet judgment is before him; therefore trust thou in him. 15: But now, because it is not so, he hath visited in his anger; yet he knoweth it not in great extremity: 16: Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain; he multiplieth words without knowledge.
Job, 36
1: Elihu also proceeded, and said, 2: Suffer me a little, and I will shew thee that I have yet to speak on God's behalf. 3: I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker. 4: For truly my words shall not be false: he that is perfect in knowledge is with thee. 5: Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom. 6: He preserveth not the life of the wicked: but giveth right to the poor. 7: He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous: but with kings are they on the throne; yea, he doth establish them for ever, and they are exalted. 8: And if they be bound in fetters, and be holden in cords of affliction; 9: Then he sheweth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded. 10: He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity. 11: If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures. 12: But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge. 13: But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath: they cry not when he bindeth them. 14: They die in youth, and their life is among the unclean. 15: He delivereth the poor in his affliction, and openeth their ears in oppression. 16: Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait into a broad place, where there is no straitness; and that which should be set on thy table should be full of fatness. 17: But thou hast fulfilled the judgment of the wicked: judgment and justice take hold on thee. 18: Because there is wrath, beware lest he take thee away with his stroke: then a great ransom cannot deliver thee. 19: Will he esteem thy riches? no, not gold, nor all the forces of strength. 20: Desire not the night, when people are cut off in their place. 21: Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction. 22: Behold, God exalteth by his power: who teacheth like him? 23: Who hath enjoined him his way? or who can say, Thou hast wrought iniquity? 24: Remember that thou magnify his work, which men behold. 25: Every man may see it; man may behold it afar off. 26: Behold, God is great, and we know him not, neither can the number of his years be searched out. 27: For he maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof: 28: Which the clouds do drop and distil upon man abundantly. 29: Also can any understand the spreadings of the clouds, or the noise of his tabernacle? 30: Behold, he spreadeth his light upon it, and covereth the bottom of the sea. 31: For by them judgeth he the people; he giveth meat in abundance. 32: With clouds he covereth the light; and commandeth it not to shine by the cloud that cometh betwixt. 33: The noise thereof sheweth concerning it, the cattle also concerning the vapour.
In chapters 34 – 36 Elihu continues to speak to all four men. He says, Listen to me you wise men. He summarised Jobs argument saying that he says that he is righteous. He is surrounded by evil men who laugh at him in his predicament. Job should continue to do what is right. And surely God does right too. If God gathered again all the breath of men then all men would die. God will do whatever he wishes with men but he will only do what is right. Therefore Job has spoken without knowledge and his words are foolish. He has taken the side of wicked man and spoken against God. Then Elihu spoke again saying, Is it right that Job is more righteous than God? Look at the sky the heavens are higher than you. The oppressed cry to the Lord, but none says where is God my maker? Who gives songs in the night. Who makes us understand things that animals cannot see. And makes us wiser than birds. God does not listen to empty words. So you say trust in God yet in your trust you have spoken foolishly. He continues God is mighty and he does not despise any man. He punishes the wicked and gives blessing to the poor. He calls on kings to serve him and if they turn away from him he commands them to return unto him. And if they do not then he will destroy them with the sword. But those who are hypocrites heap up the wrath of God. Who can know God can anyone count his days? Can anyone understand how God makes the rain to fall?
Steve
21/06/2011
AM June 22nd Acts 28
June 22nd
16: And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him. 17: And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18: Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. 19: But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of. 20: For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain. 21: And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee. 22: But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against. 23: And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. 24: And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. 25: And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, 26: Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: 27: For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. 28: Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. 29: And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves. 30: And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31: Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
Luke brings his record of the Acts of the Apostles to an end by describing Paul’s adventures in Rome. When they arrived in Rome all the prisoners were handed over to the Roman guard but Paul was allowed to live in a house by himself with a soldier to keep watch over him. He was under house arrest. After three days Paul gathered the chief Jews together to speak to them. You will notice that Pauls practise from the beginning had been to the Jews first and then to the Gentiles. Paul as an apostle to the Jews calls them together to hear the good news of the Messiah. He explains the reason for his arrest. He says l have done nothing wrong, nor have l broken any of the customs of the Fathers yet despite this l was handed over to the Romans to be executed. But when the Romans looked into my case they wanted to release me, because l had done nothing worthy of death. When the Jews spoke against me l was compelled to appeal to Caesar. This is why l have called for you to speak to you. l am here in chains because of the hope of Israel. The Jews said that they had not heard anything about the case and we want to hear from you and what you believe, We have heard things about this group and we know that it is opposed everywhere. So they set a day when Paul could be heard and the Jews came to his lodging to hear him speak. Paul preached concerning the whole rule of God and persuaded them about Jesus of Nazareth. He preached Christ from the Law and the prophets from first thing in the morning to evening time. Some of the Jews believed the Gospel and some refused to believe it. The Jews were divided as to what Paul said. Luke comments that Isaiah prophesied well when he said Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. So Paul formally broke off from the Jews because of their official rejection of his message. He said, I want you to know that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. After Paul had spoken these words the Jews left him and they had a great discussion among themselves. Paul lived for two years in his own private apartment and he had freedom to receive all visitors. He continued to preach the kingdom of God and teaching everything about the Lord Jesus Christ, with total confidence, and no body was able to stopping him in this work.
And so this ends Luke’s Record. Luke has recorded the ministry of the Apostles. Firstly Peters ministry mainly in Jerusalem and Judea and Then Pauls ministry in Northern Palestine, Turkey, Macedonia, Greece and now Rome. In every place the ministry of the Apostles has been quite unique in that the Gospel of the Kingdom has gone out to the Jews of the whole Roman world. Nearly every Synagogue of the Jews has been touched by their preaching and most of the time it has been rejected by them. But there is another story the unfolding of the Gospel to the Gentiles. Starting from chapter 10 with the conversion of Cornelius who was a Jewish Proselyte the Gospel has gone out first to the Gentiles who are living as circumcised God fearing Proselytes and then to the Gentiles who have no link to Judaism the message of Christ has made large inroads into the masses of the Roman Empire. There have been many crisis’, such as the Question of whether Gentiles are to be forced to take up Judaism in order to be saved or whether christians can be legitimately persecuted and executed as enemies of the Jewish religion. And the Gospel has triumphed over all. Even at the last chapter the Word of the Lord is still going out unhindered.
Steve
16: And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him. 17: And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18: Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. 19: But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of. 20: For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain. 21: And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee. 22: But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against. 23: And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. 24: And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. 25: And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, 26: Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: 27: For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. 28: Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. 29: And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves. 30: And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31: Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
Luke brings his record of the Acts of the Apostles to an end by describing Paul’s adventures in Rome. When they arrived in Rome all the prisoners were handed over to the Roman guard but Paul was allowed to live in a house by himself with a soldier to keep watch over him. He was under house arrest. After three days Paul gathered the chief Jews together to speak to them. You will notice that Pauls practise from the beginning had been to the Jews first and then to the Gentiles. Paul as an apostle to the Jews calls them together to hear the good news of the Messiah. He explains the reason for his arrest. He says l have done nothing wrong, nor have l broken any of the customs of the Fathers yet despite this l was handed over to the Romans to be executed. But when the Romans looked into my case they wanted to release me, because l had done nothing worthy of death. When the Jews spoke against me l was compelled to appeal to Caesar. This is why l have called for you to speak to you. l am here in chains because of the hope of Israel. The Jews said that they had not heard anything about the case and we want to hear from you and what you believe, We have heard things about this group and we know that it is opposed everywhere. So they set a day when Paul could be heard and the Jews came to his lodging to hear him speak. Paul preached concerning the whole rule of God and persuaded them about Jesus of Nazareth. He preached Christ from the Law and the prophets from first thing in the morning to evening time. Some of the Jews believed the Gospel and some refused to believe it. The Jews were divided as to what Paul said. Luke comments that Isaiah prophesied well when he said Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. So Paul formally broke off from the Jews because of their official rejection of his message. He said, I want you to know that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. After Paul had spoken these words the Jews left him and they had a great discussion among themselves. Paul lived for two years in his own private apartment and he had freedom to receive all visitors. He continued to preach the kingdom of God and teaching everything about the Lord Jesus Christ, with total confidence, and no body was able to stopping him in this work.
And so this ends Luke’s Record. Luke has recorded the ministry of the Apostles. Firstly Peters ministry mainly in Jerusalem and Judea and Then Pauls ministry in Northern Palestine, Turkey, Macedonia, Greece and now Rome. In every place the ministry of the Apostles has been quite unique in that the Gospel of the Kingdom has gone out to the Jews of the whole Roman world. Nearly every Synagogue of the Jews has been touched by their preaching and most of the time it has been rejected by them. But there is another story the unfolding of the Gospel to the Gentiles. Starting from chapter 10 with the conversion of Cornelius who was a Jewish Proselyte the Gospel has gone out first to the Gentiles who are living as circumcised God fearing Proselytes and then to the Gentiles who have no link to Judaism the message of Christ has made large inroads into the masses of the Roman Empire. There have been many crisis’, such as the Question of whether Gentiles are to be forced to take up Judaism in order to be saved or whether christians can be legitimately persecuted and executed as enemies of the Jewish religion. And the Gospel has triumphed over all. Even at the last chapter the Word of the Lord is still going out unhindered.
Steve
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