Daily Archives: November 29, 2014

Daily Bible Study

November 30, 2014 Bible Study — Those Who Claim to Be Without Sin Are Deceiving Themselves

For today, One Year Bible Online links here.

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Proverbs 28:23-24

    In the long run people appreciate those who honestly tell them what they are doing wrong more than those who tell them how wonderful they are. As time goes by, people realize that it is the people who tell them how to make themselves better who really care about them. Those who are always flattering us don’t really care about us, they are merely trying to get something from us.

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Psalm 119:153-176

    People will harass and persecute us for following God’s instructions. Nevertheless, God will rescue us from such torment. If we follow God’s instructions and commands we will not fear the actions of mere men. God’s regulations will stand forever. They do not change. If we obey God’s commands he will rescue us. Yet, that is not the reason I obey His instruction. I obey God’s instructions because I love them. I have learned that doing as God directs gives me great happiness and leads to fulfillment in my life.

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1 John 1:1-10

    The writer starts out by stating that he witnessed Jesus’ life and teaching, that he touched Jesus with his own hands. He goes on to tell us that he is writing so that we can share the joy he gains from fellowship with God and Jesus Christ. God is light. There is no possibility of darkness in Him. This passage reminds me of a fact that was pointed out to me some time back: darkness is not a thing. Darkness is the absence of a thing. Darkness is the absence of light. In the same way, evil is not a thing. It is the absence of a thing. Evil is the absence of good. The writer here is telling us that in the same which the sun is the source of light on the earth, God is the source of goodness. It is only by living in the light, the goodness, that comes from God that we can have fellowship with each other and with God. If we live a life where we are hiding parts of ourselves from God (and thus living in spiritual darkness), we cannot have fellowship with God (or with each other).
    To make sure we get the point he is making the author than modifies his metaphor slightly. If we deny that we sin we are lying. If we believe it when we do so, we are lying to ourselves. More than that, we are calling God a liar. On the other hand, if we confess our sins to God, acknowledging that they are sins (and by calling them sins we are acknowledging that they are things which do not truly bring us happiness), He will forgive them and cleanse us of them (and other wickedness we had not yet realized was in us). I think that parenthetical bit is part of why we are often reluctant to confess our sins. We do not want to learn what other wickedness is in our hearts.

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Daniel 7:1-28

    Over the years I have had many different thoughts about what this passage means. There is definitely a parallel between it and the first dream which Daniel interpreted for Nebuchadnezzar. This vision also represents four kingdoms which will rise on the earth. However, it does not seem to be the same four kingdoms (although that may be a result of not understanding it, or the previous account, properly). I have come to realize that understanding the precise meaning of this vision is not necessary to see God’s message for us.
    The vision describes how worldly powers arise and have dominance for a time, but in the end God will give the earth and all that is in it to His people. In particular, some governments arise which will defy God and attempt to usurp His place. However, God will sit in judgement against them and bring them down in submission to His will. The fourth beast may refer to a particular empire in world history. In many ways it appears to be the Seleucid Empire, one of whose rulers defiled the Temple in Jerusalem. It can also be interpreted as the Roman Empire, which ruled when Christ was born. Or, it can be interpreted as some empire not yet identified which will fall when Christ returns. I have seen and heard all three interpretations presented.
    I believe that the important thing is to recognize when boastful rulers arise who resemble the “little horn”. These rulers will do great evil and lead many to blaspheme against God. Let us be on guard so that such people do not lead us astray.

Daily Bible Study

November 29, 2014 Bible Study — Hurrying The End

For today, One Year Bible Online links here.

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Proverbs 28:21-22

    It is wrong to show partiality, even though there are people who will do wrong for even the most minimal of reasons. This is an interesting statement of how we should behave. Even though we know some people will do wrong for very poor reasons, we should still treat them the same as everyone else.

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Psalm 119:129-152

    The psalmist continues with his praise of God’s instructions and commands. God’s laws are wonderful, those who understand them are happy to obey them. However, perhaps the most important point made by the psalmist is this

The teaching of your word gives light,
so even the simple can understand.

It does not require a genius, or great training, to understand God’s word. As we study God’s word, the combination of studying it and the Holy Spirit will provide all of the insight we need to understand what we are reading. All too many times people use their learning to find ways to claim that God did not command what His word says that He did command. We may be despised and insignificant but if we ask God, He will give us the understanding and strength to obey His law.
    Sometimes when we are under pressure and stress we are tempted to forgo studying God’s word. This is a terrible mistake, because studying God’s word is one of the best antidotes for stress.

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2 Peter 3:1-18

    Peter reminds us that Jesus will return. It may seem like it has been a long time since He promised to return, but God does not view time the same way we do. From God’s point of view there is no significant difference between a day and a thousand years. The reason for the delay between the promise and the return is because God is patient. He desires that everyone repent, so is willing to give people time to do so. Nevertheless, the end will come suddenly and without warning.
    In due time, everything we can see or touch is going to be destroyed. Which means that we should live godly and holy lives. One result of living godly lives will be that we eagerly look forward to the coming end and seek to hurry it along. The question is, how do we hurry that day along? Looking at what Peter said just a few sentences earlier there are two things we can do to speed Christ’s return. The first is repent of our sins and turn to God. Hopefully, we have already done this. The second follows from the first.
    The other thing we can do to speed Christ’s return is convince others to repent of their sins and accept Christ’s salvation. Since repentance is fully volitional, that is it must be something that one does entirely by one’s own free will, this involves demonstrating to others that this is a desirable thing to do. Repentance involves regretting our actions, not just getting caught. This is why it must be entirely volitional. I can use force to regret getting caught, but I cannot use force to make you regret the action itself (except insomuch as you believe that you could not take the action without getting caught).

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Daniel 6:1-28

    When his daily devotions became illegal, Daniel refused to change his habit of praying before God each day. Those officials who had written the law, and flattered the king into enacting it, knew that Daniel would remain faithful to God. That was why they proposed the law in the first place. Daniel is an example for us. Even though his enemies enacted a law to directly target his faithful service to God, he refused to change his behavior. He did not let the threatened dire consequences deter him from being faithful to God. Let us do likewise.
    There is another lesson to be learned here. When the king realized that Daniel was to be condemned as a result of the law he passed, he regretted his actions. It is important that we think through all of the consequences of our actions. The king only saw how this law would increase his stature and never thought to ask himself why these officials wanted him to enact such a law. What did they have to gain from it? We need to be careful not to make the same mistake.