Tag: Paul

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, The Armor of God

Faithful Protector

Posted on by

based on the LGG Study, The Armor Of God / w4d4

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 / SOAP: verse 3

But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.

2 Thessalonians 3:3

Sometimes you can pull one verse out of a passage and SOAP it without the others, but sometimes it is made so much richer with the others. I find this to be true of these five verses. While each one has a distinct message, each one also highlights the next as well.

  • Paul starts off asking for prayer, “Finally,” he says, “pray for us, brothers and sisters, that the Lord’s message may spread quickly and be honored as in fact it was among you.”
    • It is an example that reminded me that as brothers and sisters in Christ, we are not only to pray for one another but we are to share our needs or the needs of the body with one another.
    • It is also a reminder that, like Paul, we are to understand and be concerned about the Lord’s message spreading quickly.
  • Paul continues with the prayer request in verse two with the concern for the dangers they faced in spreading the message. He continues, “and that we may be delivered from perverse and evil people, for not all have faith.” As we know from Paul’s letters to the churches, his life and those he served with were often in great danger from those who opposed the message of the cross. Such danger led to countless imprisonments and beatings by those not of the faith.

 His enemies were hardened unbelievers.

Bibleref.com
  • Now, our SOAP verse –

 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. – 2 Thessalonians 3:3

  • I love this verse because it starts with the word “BUT.” The word ‘but’ in Scripture is an ‘alarm’ word. Not only does it mean looking back and seeing what came before, but it typically means something is coming we don’t want to miss. In this case, what follows is ” the Lord is faithful.” Can’t you hear the collective sigh of relief for Paul among the church as they read this part of the letter naming the urgency of spreading the Gospel and the danger that comes with it? Paul knew they would need to be reminded and encouraged that – “The Lord is faithful! He understood that remembering the truth of God’s character would help them to pray with hope, knowing the Lord would hear and answer their prayers. Paul added even more hope with the reminder, “The Lord will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” 

Paul had confidence from the Lord that their faith was strong and they were living it out well.

  • Paul’s encouragement to the Thessalonians continued in verse four, where he wrote “And we are confident in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we commanded you.” This had to bring them great encouragement to know that not only would they know the Lord’s protection from the evil one but Paul had confidence from the Lord that their faith was strong and they were living it out well.
  • Finally, verse five – which really stood out to me and is why I realized that the five verses were a package deal. For in order for them to continue to know the hope and encouragement and faithfulness to live the righteous life they would have to have their hearts directed toward God’s love and the endurance of Christ, or they would fail miserably. Their faith, had to be set firm in God (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) and not in Paul, his ministry, or anything, or anyone else; and so Paul prayed: “Now may the Lord direct your hearts toward the love of God and the endurance of Christ.”

Note: Applications (underlined text) are laced throughout the observations of this SOAP

Prayer of Response to the Word

Father, thank You for Your teachings through men like Paul. His letters and examples of the faith encouraged those in his day and all the generations of believers to this day and beyond. They are living and active, and I pray for strength and faithfulness to apply them well. Grace me with the daily reminders of the truths of Your character, as we find in Paul’s words that You are faithful and will strengthen us and protect us from evil. We are now and forever more dependent on You, and these truths fill us with the hope we need to use the Shield of Faith well – to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. I bless Your Name and the name of Jesus through whom I pray. Amen!

Worship of Praise Response
Going Further in the Journey

Check out these But God verses

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, The Armor of God

Lay Aside the Old – Put on the New

Posted on by

based on the Love God Greatly Study, The Armor of God /w2d5

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-24; SOAP: Ephesians 4:22-24

You were taught with reference to your former way of life to lay aside the old man who is being corrupted in accordance with deceitful desires, 23 to be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and to put on the new man who has been created in God’s image—in righteousness and holiness that comes from truth.

Ephesians 4:22-24

At the beginning of chapter four Paul reminds those in the church of Ephesus that they have been called by God and should live accordingly – that is “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, putting up with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” He goes on to tell them, and by extension – us, that they are no longer to live like the Gentiles. This is best explained by Bibleref.com and, for context, should be understood before digesting or soaping verse 22-24.

[In verse 17-19] Paul instructs the Ephesians not to share in the kind of immoral lifestyle which non-believers follow. The Ephesian Christians were mostly Gentiles, in the sense of being non-Jewish: they were not descendants of Israel. Symbolically, “the Gentiles” mentioned in this context are those people who are separated from God. They are the unsaved. As saved believers, the Ephesians were once “spiritual” Gentiles, but no longer. Paul’s point here is that believers cannot continue to live as unbelievers and expect to please God.

Verses 22-24 of chapter four are some of Paul’s best teaching as to Christian living – or living righteously. He reminds them of what they were taught and gives them word pictures in regard to both their former way of life and the new. As we have seen throughout week two of The Armor of God, living righteously requires more than God saving grace, it requires personal responsibilities on our part. We must be active in our faith – like putting off, or as Paul says here, “laying aside the old man … being renewed in our minds … and putting on the new man.” It is important not to miss the distinction between the two –

  • “The old man is being corrupted in accordance with deceitful desires.”
  • “The new man has been created in God’s image – in righteousness and holiness that come from ‘Truth.'”

Righteousness and Holiness come from TRUTH, God’s Word is TRUTH.

Do you want to live the righteous and holy life God has called you to? Surround yourself with God’s Word, fill yourself with it, and study it for yourself. Then we can say like the Psalmist who asked how he could keep his way pure. Answering his own question – he realizes that it is by living according to God’s word. He then acknowledges that he seeks [God] with all of his heart – and asks God not to let him stray from His commandments – and ends with the profession: I have hidden Your Word in my heart so that I might not sin against You” (119:9-11)

How can a young person maintain a pure life? By guarding it according to your instructions. 10 With all my heart I seek you. Do not allow me to stray from your commands. 11 In my heart I store up your words, so I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119:9-11

Reflection of the Journey

What does Romans 12:1-2 teach about the process of putting off the old self and putting on the new self? How does this process lead to a change in our behaviors and actions?

Going Further

Read Romans 12:1-2 for more about being renewed and not conformed to the ways of the world

Be sure and check out today’s Love God Greatly blog post –

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, The Armor of God

Know the Enemy

Posted on by
based on the Love God Greatly Study, The Armor of God / w1d2
Scripture: Ephesians 6:12 / SOAP 6:12

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.

Ephesians 6:12

Just as it is crucial for us to be prepared for the battles that are lurking around us, it is equally important to know who our enemy is and who he is not. Why? Because if we do not know him we will more easily fall prey to his lies and deceptions when he comes for us. Likewise, if we do not understand who he ‘is not’, ie “flesh and blood,” or as Bibleref.com explains, our enemies are “not people or objects. Instead, they are “part of the demonic armies”, or as Paul defines them: “rulers… powers… world rulers of darkness… and spiritual forces of evil.” They are dangerous and can only be overcome when we are standing ready in the strength and the power of our God.

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

It isn’t enough to know what God has said, Eve knew what He said and she even repeated it to the serpent [the enemy] but she still succumbed and submitted to the enemy’s lie and to the desire of the flesh and eye that the lie had stirred within her. Make no mistake regardless of the form our enemy takes, his goal is to lead us away from God – which ultimately leads us to sin.

Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.

James 4:17

Sin, “our true opponent.”1 has a name. Eve knew him as the serpent in Genesis chapter three. Here, in Ephesians chapter six, Paul refers to him as the devil – but he has a host of other names and demons that work to do his bidding. They have one purpose in mind and that is to steal, kill, and destroy all those who faithfully follow after God. Our only hope of survival is standing firm in the strength and power of God and implementing the full resources of His armor. This may, at times, seem impossible but consider the encouragement of Peter, who said, “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, [God] has given us great and promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires” (2 Peter 1:3-4). Like Adam and Eve, we try to explain away our sin or cast blame onto the ‘enemy’, but the truth is – we, like them, are without excuse for our sinful choices. So, may we heed the wisdom and encouragement of Paul’s words – to prepare ourselves and know our enemy so that we might stand firm and begin to suit up in the weeks ahead as we learn to implement the “full armor of God.”

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life.

2 Peter 1:3a

1Bibleref.com

More on Ephesians 6:12

Posted in Bible study, Enduring Hope, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

The Focus of Our Hope

Posted on by

based on the LGG Study, Enduring Hope / w6d4

Today’s Scripture: Genesis 3:1-7/ SOAP: 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Command those who are rich in this world’s goods not to be haughty or to set their hope on riches, which are uncertain, but on God who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment. 18 Tell them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, to be generous givers, sharing with others. 19 In this way they will save up a treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the future and so lay hold of what is truly life.

1 Timothy 6:17-19 NET (click on the link to find your preferred translation)
Observations

It should be noted that Paul is giving instructions to Timothy about teaching wealthy believers how to live. That being said, the truth behind the teaching is good for all believers, wealthy or not. For every believer should put their hope in God and not worldly riches or possessions. Likewise, every believer is to do good and to share/give as generously as the Lord allows. And, in doing so – every believer is storing up for themselves treasures that truly matter and lead to what is “truly life”.

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”

Matthew 6:19-21 NLT

The focus of our hope is vital to our endurance. This is made clear by Paul’s words to Timothy. He doesn’t just give instructions about not setting their hope on riches (things, desires, treasures) of this world that are “uncertain” – but he immediately follows up with the good and profitable focus of their hope, which was “on God”. The contrast of the focus is – one is uncertain and the other is not only a sure and trustworthy ‘hope’ but also one who “richly provides”. Paul says that God provides those who hope in Him “with all things – not just for necessity but “for enjoyment”. In-turn, as recipients of His rich provisions we are to imitate Him by “doing good” and not just being good through obedience – but “to be rich in good deeds and generous in giving and sharing with others.” By doing this we are storing up for ourselves treasures in heaven where that which is “truly life” – Jesus, the hope of eternity – awaits us.

Application

I’m a list maker by nature and this is definitely one of those times where a list is beneficial –

  • Do not set your hope on riches that are uncertain.
  • Do not be haughty [arrogantly superior and disdainful].
  • Set your hope on God, who richly provides all things for our enjoyment.
    • Enjoy what He gives.
  • Do good.
  • Do an abundance of good deeds.
  • Give generously.
  • Share with others.
  • Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven... as you endure with hope
Prayer, Response to God’s Word

Father, giver of life and light and all that is good I praise You. I hope in You and seek to please You and to what is good and pleasing in Your sight. Help me to not be haughty or to set my hope on riches, which are uncertain, but instead, let them be set on You – who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment. Help me to do good, to be rich in good deeds, to be a generous giver who shares with others. For in this way I will save up a treasure that is a firm foundation for the future and so lay hold of what is truly life – that which is eternal life in Jesus Christ my Lord. – In His name I pray and trust – amen and amen!

More for the Journey

Today’s Scripture included a passage from Genesis chapter three. I have included the notes from my journal page on this passage. It always amazes me when such a familiar passage can seem so new and enlightening – but for me it was captivating. May we always be blessed by the Word of God – careful not to rush through it as though its a boring ‘rerun’. Rather, may we pray over it before reading, asking for fresh insight and understanding … and may we linger there so that we do not lose sight of it when we are finished.

Posted in Bible study, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Living In Community, Not Made to Be Alone, Quiet Time

The Impact of God’s People

Posted on by

based on: Not Made to Be Alone, an Love God Greatly Study / w4d2

Today’s Reading: Matthew 5:13-16 / SOAP: 14-16

You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 People do not light a lamp and put it under a basket but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16
Be the light

God’s people are important to His process of calling others to Himself. Consider the words of Paul to the Romans, in chapter 10:13-14 – where he writes, “How are they to call on one they have not believed in? And how are they to believe in one they have not heard of? And how are they to hear without someone preaching to them?” And don’t forget the “great commission” of the [church] to be His hands and feet and the mouth pieces though whom He speaks.

Like a light in a dark room we are meant to help others see their way out of the darkness to God. So what we say and do is meant to draw attention, not to us, but to our deeds and words – which should reflect God in us and in return reflect honor and glory back to Him.

Response to God’s Word

Father let the words of our mouths and the actions we take or the countenances and responses we have reflect Your love in us and our love for You – so that in all things You receive the glory – Forever Amen+

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Quiet Time

One In The Spirit

Posted on by

 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.

Ephesians 4:3

We live in a world that is ‘self-driven’. The ‘I have to have the best’, ‘be the best’, and ‘be better than her’ attitude is prevalent. Not only do we expect better than the best from ourselves we demand it from others, and we have little to no tolerance for those who do not measure up. While there is nothing wrong with being motivated and wanting to ‘do your best’, or even expecting others to do their best – Paul teaches us here and throughout his writings, that we are to be God-driven rather than ‘self-driven’. His words to “Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit,” are preceded by the wisdom of how to do this, wisdom that basically teaches putting others first. He teaches humbleness, gentleness, patience, and making allowance for other’s faults – and he bases it on our love – which, according to Jesus’ teaching, is supposed to mirror His love for us, (john 13:34) – and His love was anything but selfish and self-driven. Where this love is absent, self will be prevalent and there will be no true unity. This is why Paul doesn’t suggest that we do this on our own but instead says to “make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.”

It strikes me as I’m writing and glancing back up at verse 1, where Paul begs the believers to lead a life worthy of someone who is called by God – that we are not just called to salvation but rather to live out that salvation. To love as Jesus loved, to be His hands and feet to the world, to go and make disciples, to edify and encourage others, to lift up the weak, and pray for the sick, and so much more. God’s calling is not easy but He made it all possible by giving us His Spirit – who not only binds us together with peace and in love but empowers, teaches, and guides us to do all that God has called us to do, even live at peace with other believers who we may not see eye to eye with.

Are you having trouble living at peace with someone or a group of someones? The Spirit of God is your answer – your strength and hope of overcoming the barriers to the unified peace God has called us to. May we heed Paul’s words and “because of [our love] make every effort to keep ourselves united in the Spirit, binding ourselves together with peace“. In this, God will be glorified and we will know His peace.

Response to God’s Word

Father as the old hymn says, “bind us together – with cords that cannot be broken – bind us together in love” – In Jesus’ name I pray, amen and amen!

Notes from the insideout journal –
Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study, The Importance of Prayer, The Importance of Prayer

Prayer for God’s Strength

Posted on by

8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

2 Corinthians 12:8-9

Have you ever wondered what Paul struggled with? Defined as a “thorn in his flesh”, one that was given purposefully to trouble him, and one meant to keep him from being arrogant. Ouch! Read the verses again, don’t miss how Paul handled the maddening trouble (7). Verse 8 says that on three different occasions he prayed – begging the Lord to take it away from him. Paul was both confident and persistent and yet the answer was continuously ‘no’. Why? Because God knew that the effect of the trouble would cause Paul to see his own weakness and depend on God’s strength. God’s plan was never for Paul, or us for that matter, to think of ourselves as self sufficient but rather to be dependent on God’s all-sufficient grace

Therefore, so that I would not become arrogant, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to trouble me—so that I would not become arrogant.

2 Corinthians `12:7

When we see our own weaknesses and in turn realize the need for and sufficiency of our God, we will understand the futility of bragging about our strengths and instead we will find ourselves seeking God, trusting in Him, and praising Him. As Paul says, we will boast all the more about our weaknesses so that the power of Christ might be seen in us. To this end we should all live – that Christ be glorified in us.

Be sure and check out today’s Love God Greatly Blog Post

https://lovegodgreatly.com/lgg-blog/

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, God is good, Quiet Time

The Three Steps

Posted on by

TODAY’S READING: 1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18 (SOAP ALL)

Paul has laid out three distinct steps for the believers – rejoice, pray, and “in everything” give thanks. Don’t miss his conclusion though – this isn’t just a teaching that he thinks is important, he clarifies that this is God’s will for us [believers], in Christ Jesus.

YOUR TURN: (IF YOU MISSED YESTERDAY’S POST YOU WILL WANT TO GO BACK AND READ IT) – SO, IN LIGHT OF YESTERDAY’S POST, WHY DO YOU THINK PAUL’S INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDE REJOICING AND PRAYING BEFORE HE SAYS GIVE THANKS IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES?
Posted in From the Insideout, God is good, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time
Posted on by

OVERFLOWING WITH THANKFULNESS

TODAY’S READING: COLOSSIANS 2:6-7 (SOAP: V7)

According to Paul, true thankfulness seems to overflow, not from the circumstances of our life, but from the FAITH we have been taught and placed in CHRIST. When we allow that faith to grow and deepen “into Him” then it becomes unshakable and thankfulness abounds in spite of life’s circumstances. –


MefromtheNsideout –
YOUR TURN: HOW CAN YOU LET THE ROOTS OF YOUR FAITH GROW DEEP INTO JESUS? I invite you to share your answer in the comment bar
Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout
Posted on by

Alienated From God

Day 2 of “Jesus I Need You, part 1” A study by Thistlebend Ministries, as posted on Youversion

Scripture Reading: Isaiah chapter 1 (focus verses 2-4); Ephesians 4:17-19

Listen, O heavens, pay attention, O earth!

For the Lord speaks:

“I raised children, I brought them up, but they have rebelled against me!

3 An ox recognizes its owner, a donkey recognizes where its owner puts its food;

but Israel does not recognize me, my people do not understand.”

4  Beware sinful nation, the people weighed down by evil deeds.

They are offspring who do wrong, children who do wicked things.

They have abandoned the Lord, and rejected the Holy One of Israel.

They are alienated from him.

Isaiah 1:2-4 NET
Observations: What’s the Message?

The message in Isaiah chapter one is from the LORD, Himself. He is obviously offended, angered, and grieved over how His children do not even recognize Him and how they have chosen to live. Their choices have alienated them from God. Verses two through four paint the main part of the picture but reading the entire chapter is to more fully understand the perspective and emotion of God.

Paul’s message in Ephesians chapter 4, specifically verse 17-32, is about living in holiness. While we are focusing on verses 17-19, it is worth reading, and quite helpful, to read the larger passage. In doing so we realize not only the danger of living an unholy life like the Israelites were in Isaiah’s time, but we also gain a comprehensive look at the choices we should make in order to not alienate ourselves from God.

Application: How Then Should We Live?

Paul answers this question quite well with his instructions, actually His insistence, that the Ephesians [Christ Followers, like us] should “no longer live as the Gentiles do”. The description here in these verses is that the Gentiles were alienated from the “life of God”, their hearts had grown hardened to sin which caused ignorance in their choices and a callousness to the way they lived. Basically, Paul is telling the believers to make better choices. He paints a vivd picture and exhorts them not to allow their hearts to grow hardened toward sin and rebel against God, or lose sight of Him or His Word, but that they should, as we saw in our previous lesson from John 15:5, abide closely and stay familiar with Christ and His ways.

– no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding, being alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts. Because they are callous, they have given themselves over to indecency for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.

A description of the Gentiles, as described by Paul in Ephesians 4:17-19 NET

One other application we can and should make from both messages – is to Encourage others in this way. I believe this is the same message we find in Hebrews 3:13, where the writer tells the believers to encourage each other daily for the specific reference to not allowing themselves to be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. 

But exhort one another each day, as long as it is called “Today,” that none of you may 
become hardened by sin’s deception.  Hebrews 3:13  NET
Prayer: Response to the Word

Father, set a watch upon our hearts, that we not lose sight of You. Keep us ever hungering and thirsting for Your Word and living and loving like Jesus. Help us to encourage one another daily so that none of us become callous to sin and it’s deceitfulness. These things I pray in Jesus’ name and power – Amen an Amen!

Want More?

Visit Thistlebend Ministries for their encouraging devotional – Be sure and check-out what comes after their devotional! It’s a great and profitable way to go deeper in the Word.