October 23, Reading Notes

Jeremiah 42-44:23

As mentioned before, one of the things that shows you the Bible is the Word of God, and not the official national literature of Israel, is that no national literature ever describes its rulers and people in this way. After yesterday you might have thought that things couldn't get worse. Today they do.

Jer. 42

This chapter is pretty clear. The only clue that there is something wrong is in verses 18-22. There would be no need for this warning if there wasn't a danger. I think in the ten days they waited for Jeremiah, they worried, had discussions and made up their minds what they needed to do and hoped Jeremiah would confirm it.

Jer. 43

Vs. 1-3 Why is this not a surprise?

Interestingly, they blame Baruch for this. Apparently, Baruch was a well-known man, outside of his association with Jeremiah, politically or financially or socially. All of chapter 45 is devoted to Baruch, all 5 verses of it. The chapter dates back to his first involvement with Jeremiah implying that Baruch had hopes of greatness in life. God told Baruch back then, almost 20 years earlier, that God would give him his life as a prize of war, but that there would be no greatness to be found living in those times in Israel.

V. 6 They took Jeremiah and Baruch along with them at gun point.

Vs. 8-13 God even showed the people where Nebuchadnezzar would set up his throne.

Jer. 44:1-24

This all seems like a general declaration against the people until you get to verses 15-19. These people would never change their hearts. These circumstances revealed publicly what God knew was concealed in their hearts.

2 Timothy 2:1-21

In this entire letter there is a sense of urgency and importance. Try to sense that in this chapter as you read.

V. 1 You "then" my child. So what is the "then" referring to? I think it is all of chapter one, particularly the need to stand and suffer for Christ.

What does it mean for a disciple to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus? What do you find in Christ that is grace?

V. 2 Not just teaching, but entrusting truth for the next generation.

Vs. 3-7 This isn't just for the "professional" Christian, this is for every disciple. Yet, especially for those in full time service, this is a call to a very focused life.

Notice the call, again, to suffering for Christ and the gospel.

In verse 6, I think Paul is referring to working hard and trusting God for both fruit and daily provision.

Verse 7 is quite a promise and I think I've seen the fruit of this many times.

Vs. 8-13 I think this is a call to Timothy to be a disciple and know what he's living for. The gospel is at the center of this and Paul's life is the example.

Notice that the last part of this, "saying" or "poem" is actually something Jesus told his disciples, on at least a couple of occasions. Actually, you can find parts of this throughout Jesus' and Paul's words.

Matthew 10:33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

Vs. 14-18 It's too bad that we only read to verse 21 today.

Notice that there are two cautions here to avoid quarrels, and in the middle, Timothy is told to focus on his understanding and presentation of the truth.

The irreverent babble is defined as being the false teaching of Hymenaeus (remember him from 1 Tim 1?) and Philetus. But the discussions about words is not something we understand. I wonder sometimes if some of this isn't the theological hair-splitting that goes on over issues we really can't know for sure. The focus for Timothy was to teach well what was understandable and that his behavior was always supposed to honor God in the harvest.

Vs. 19-21 We don't always know who is a true believer, but God does. Remember in 1 Tim. 5, when Paul tells Timothy not to approve of people too quickly? This is an extension of that. I'm sure that these two men were well-known.

If being "ignoble" is referring to the doctrinal error that H&P were spreading, the idea of being noble is submitting to the word.

You get what Paul is saying in this illustration. Back in that day the vessels for ignoble use were used for garbage containers and toilets. I don't think any of us want to be used for that in God's house. But, between the lines, I think that's what Paul and the Spirit were thinking about H&P.

Psalms 92-93

Psalm 92

In my Bible it says this is a song for the Sabbath. Imagine taking the day off to reflect on the Lord and enjoy His provision while everyone around you is ignoring this time to slow down and be thankful. I think that thought is held in some of the things said here.

A life lived like this, taking time to go slow and honor God, is summed up in verses 14 and 15.

Psalm 93

This is a short song on God's majesty and might and fits to the Sabbath reflection of the last psalm.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjB_D-jd4Gc

Proverbs 26:3-5

If I understand this correctly…

V. 4 Do not answer the fool in a foolish, mocking way, lowering yourself to his level.

V. 5 But do make a wise response to a fool to correct and stop what he is doing.

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. Send comment or feedback to dgkachikis@gmail.com.