July 12, Reading Notes

1 Chronicles 12:19-14:17

1 Chr. 12:19-40

Vs. 19-22 Boy, did these guys come at the right time. Remember what David found when he got back to Ziklag? Notice that this story points to God's provision and to the united Israel.

Vs. 23-40 Notice that the geography and time change from one group to another, when and where they joined David. These men joined David during the seven years he was king of Judah at Hebron during the civil war with Saul’s followers.

V. 32 is interesting. These men were not only good fighters, they knew what Israel needed and did it. This would be a lesson to those returning to Israel after the exile. This should be a lesson to us also, to know the times and live accordingly.

1 Chr. 13

This is a retelling of the story of David getting the ark. Remember Ezra is giving the returned nation a view of how God formed Israel under David, to give the returning people pride in their calling by God. If even David failed on his first attempt, they shouldn't lose heart trying to reestablish the worship of the people in the rebuilt temple. When we read Ezra and Hosea, we'll see they had plenty of challenges getting the temple and the worship back in order.

1 Chr. 14

This is the establishing of Israel. Peace with its neighbors and rest from its enemies. Notice that the seeking of the ark and God's presence and favor is sought before the security of the nation with its neighbors. The message was clear that David sought the Lord’s favor first, before and above his own security. This should be a model for the reestablished nation. And it’s good advice for us as disciples.

Romans 1:1-17

Wow, beginning Romans! There is so much here regarding discipleship and living for Christ that you’ll be gleaning from this book each year for the rest of your life. You’ll make plenty of your own observations, so I’ll just make a few.

Paul wrote this letter from Corinth during the three months he was in Greece mentioned in Acts 20:3. Phoebe, mentioned in Romans 16:1, was a deaconess of the church of Cenchrea, the eastern harbor of Corinth. Part of the purpose of this letter, toward the end, is to introduce her. Erastus, also mentioned in chapter 16 and in 2 Timothy 4, was the city treasurer of Corinth.

V. 1 Always notice how Paul introduces himself. Particularly here in Romans, it has something to do with his entire focus in the letter.

Vs. 1-7 Notice how often you find something that refers to being called by God. Notice the promise in these verses and how Paul mentions David. Notice how the mission is woven through all of this. Notice how the Spirit is writing this, so that it could apply to you too.

V. 8 Notice that their faith was visible. How do you think it was seen?

V. 9 Jesus told the Samaritan woman that those who worshiped the Father would worship Him in spirit and in truth. So what does it mean to serve God in spirit?

V. 13 We’ll hear more about this in chapter 15.

Notice that Paul naturally assumed he would be fruitful in the Gospel when he came to Rome. Shouldn't we assume the Gospel will bring fruit?

Vs. 14-17 Maybe a lack of fruit is because Christians lack this sense of conviction and confidence and calling. This is why a disciple is left on earth, to follow Christ into the harvest and to bear much fruit. The Gospel is still powerful.

Psalm 9:13-20

We have read of Abraham waiting. We have read of Moses living in obscurity for 40 years as a shepherd. We’ve seen David anointed and victorious and still have to run for his life for 10 years. We’ve seen Paul chased from town to town, beaten and lied against and then imprisoned for 4-5 years. Yet, as we’ll see in Romans 8, God uses all of this for good, for His purpose. And in our suffering and waiting, He teaches us humility and seeking so that we’ll be fruitful for Him in the harvest.

Proverbs 19:4-5

It seems that verse 5 is the commentary on verse 4. Verse four is full of lying. Verse five says that even in relationships like these, there will be justice.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it.