October 22, Reading Notes

Today reflects a lot of dark times in the plan of redemption. In the Psalms we get Moses' reflections of 40 years leading a dying generation though the wilderness. In Jeremiah, Jerusalem is destroyed and the last of Israel is taken into captivity. In 2 Timothy, we find Paul in prison in Rome awaiting death and I think Timothy is shaking in his sandals. It might be a good idea to get a bowl of something sweet to eat (Candy corn? Pumpkin pie?) as you read through these portions.

Jeremiah 39-41

Jer. 39

Vs. 1-14 These are a summary of the events. This happened just as God said it would.

V. 11 Notice that Nebuchadnezzar knew quite a bit about Jeremiah. There could have been a lot of sources for this information, but in terms of his desire to be kind to Jeremiah, you only have to look at the book of Daniel. Daniel had now been Neb's chief advisor for about 17 years and Nebuchadnezzar had not only worshipped God twice, but he had made it a law in his empire that Jews had complete religious liberty to worship Yahweh alone.

Vs. 15-18 This is a flashback just before the Babylonians broke into the city. God tells Ebed-melech that he will be spared from the destruction of Jerusalem. Anyone who followed the Lord was spared. That says something about God and about the people.

Jer. 40

Vs. 1-6 We will not read this word of the Lord until Jer. 42:9. All of this is historical narrative of what happened after the Babylonians left and why the leaders and people came to Jeremiah to inquire of God. God's judgment on the ungodly wasn't finished and what you see in chapter 42 will shock you.

Apparently Jeremiah was rounded up for deportation to go into exile. When Nebuchadnezzar told Nebuzaradan to free Jeremiah, Nebuzaradan had to seek for Jeremiah. His words to Jeremiah show you what the leaders of Babylon understood about what God was allowing to happen to Jerusalem. I believe this is the influence of Daniel. Just so you understand the impact of Daniel, we'll see that he was the godliest man on earth. The presence of such a person on earth has only happened a few times in the history of this planet. Through Daniel God protected His people in the Babylonian and Persian empires, both preserving them and sending them back to Israel. That Nebuzaradan knew all of this, probably means that Daniel had explained everything to Nebuchadnezzar and the other leaders. Daniel would have known Jeremiah as a boy before he was taken into captivity and, as a prophet, they would have been connected. It never says that Daniel accompanied Nebuchadnezzar on his journeys, but Daniel was his top/main/chief personal advisor, so it is possible that Daniel was there when Zedekiah had his eyes put out. It could also mean that Daniel actually met Jeremiah.

Vs. 7-16 Some people suggest that it would have taken over a year to set up a government, but Gedaliah was an experienced government leader who came from godly stock. He would have known how to organize things. In a way, this was no different than Nebuchadnezzar installing a new king, except that he destroyed the city, the temple, took all of the bronze and gold, and most of the people. What was left behind would have been very easy to organize and run.

Notice verse 14.

Jer. 41

V. 2 Ishmael had been an Israelite captain in the army. Now he was trying to take over. The nations around Israel, including Egypt and the Ammonites, had made a treaty to fight together against Babylon. The reason Gedaliah had to die was that he wanted to obey God (whether he was godly or not) and serve Nebuchadnezzar. This is why he was killed. It is like the governments the US has set up in Afghanistan and Iraq. Their leaders become targets for assassination.

V. 11 Unfortunately for Ishmael, Johanan liked Gedaliah and didn't like Ishmael.

Vs. 17-18 Now we have the stage set for the word of the Lord mentioned in Jer. 40:1.

2 Timothy 1

Paul is in jail in Rome. Nero has gone officially nuts. Paul isn't under that nice house arrest from before, but he is sitting in a dark, dank, dungeon facing death.

V. 1 If you look at a couple of Paul's normal greetings in Ephesians and Philippians, you'll see that the first verses of 1 Tim and 2 Tim are different. I think that Paul is really emphasizing here that the reason we risk our lives in this dark world is because of the promise of life in Christ Jesus.

Vs. 3-8 Several sermons could be preached on this. This is very tender and Paul is trying to strengthen and rouse Timothy. I think Timothy is fearful because of the storm of persecution that has suddenly broken upon the church by Nero.

Vs. 8-12 Notice that this begins and ends with not being ashamed. Notice the tight logic and connection of these words and how they build an eternal perspective in the gospel.

Vs. 13-14 Very personal words for Timothy to keep on going and working in the harvest.

"The faith and love that are in Christ Jesus" is what Paul received as a spiritual enablement in 1 Tim. 1:14. This phrase is a good one to ponder.

V. 15 The storm that hit Paul scattered the flock. Apparently it was a surprise and a blow to Paul that these two guys deserted him. Remember, Paul had some physical ailment and probably needed more than one person to attend him. We know from the end of this letter that Luke was the only one who stayed with Paul. This could happen to anyone, but really, if we are trained in Christ, shouldn't we be willing to die for Him in the harvest? What was it that Jesus said about taking up our cross daily? The cross meant death.

Vs. 16-18 Here is the funny thing about these verses: did Onesiphorus survive? I'm not sure. I think he might have. But, imagine if the government was looking for Christians to lock up and you went to visit the Apostle Paul in jail? That would be nuts, right? But he was nuts for Jesus.

Psalms 90-91

Wow, this is a mega reading. Psalm 90 is by Moses, but Psalm 91 is anonymous. Reading them together you wonder if Moses wrote Psalm 91 also. Psalm 90 could be Moses' reflection on 40 years in the wilderness leading the people, and Psalm 91 could be Moses' reflection on 120 years being led by God on earth.

Remember as you read these that they were both songs of worship, not just theological declarations.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFk68nFvPzM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6joOPChOYo&feature=related

Proverbs 26:1-2

Amen.

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.

October 21, Reading Notes

Jeremiah 37-38

The adventures of Jeremiah!

Jer. 37

This actually took place before Jeremiah bought the property in chapter 32. Today we find out how Jer got put in jail back in 32. But the point today is to show how God saved Jeremiah, what a noodle Zedekiah was, and how God, even in this late, dark hour, gave Zedekiah a chance to save himself and the city.

Vs. 1-5 This is some background. This would have also been the time when they had set the slaves free, but now the Babylonians had withdrawn from the city to fight the Egyptians. The people enslaved their former slaves.

Vs. 6-10 God assured everyone that Nebuchadnezzar would be back.

Vs. 11-15 So this is how Jeremiah got thrown in prison. His visit home was not to look at the property of ch. 32 since that hadn't happened yet.

Vs. 16-21 This is the first of two interactions Jeremiah would have with Zedekiah.

Jer. 38

Vs. 1-4 Being in the king's court gave Jeremiah the freedom to preach and get his message out. That didn't make these guys happy.

Vs. 5-6 We'll see in a few verses what a scared man Zedekiah really was.

Vs. 7-13 Quite an adventure. After this, Zedekiah did a better job of protecting Jeremiah.

Thinking about the "joys" of ministry, thinking about Jeremiah and liking this Elvis song, I rewrote the words and turned it into "Missionary Preacher Blues." Try to ignore Elvis and use my words. I would have sung it myself if I didn't sound like a dying animal.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNoiOYGayek&feature=feedu

Vs. 14-26 This is quite a portion of Scripture. Zedekiah was a weak, scared man. If he had listened, I'm sure the Lord would have done what He said. This is very sad. Later we will see a group of people do this same thing.

Vs. 27-28 Zedekiah had reason to worry, but had no faith to obey.

1 Timothy 6

Vs. 1-2 Notice that Paul is concerned here with how non-Christians viewed God as a result of the behavior of the saved slaves.

Vs. 3-5 There is a lot to observe here.

Notice that Paul didn't have an open mind regarding these issues or people. Timothy was to teach them and anyone who taught otherwise was not only in the wrong, they were evil.

It looks like there were available copies of the gospels and Jesus' teachings. If so, there were already teachers disagreeing with Jesus.

Finally, it looks like some people saw Christianity as a good way to make a living.

Vs. 6-10 This looks like the difference between following Jesus and living for yourself as a Christian.

Vs. 11-12 Timothy was to be fully devoted. I think this is meant to be imitated by all of Jesus' disciples who are following Him in the harvest.

Vs. 13-16 This is the primary and strongest charge to Timothy in the book. There is a lot to see here.

Vs. 17-19 This wasn't meant to insure salvation for the rich, but rather to show who was the real Lord and master of their lives.

Vs. 20-21 Paul wouldn't have cautioned Timothy like this if he hadn't seen the possibility that Timothy could get off track. All of us become unfocused or distracted or caught up in something that leads us away from our work in the harvest.

Psalm 89:38-52

Now we get to the real pain of this Psalm. It looks like it was written after the destruction of Jerusalem. We are reading about this destruction. This psalm could have been written in Babylon or in the days of the first groups that returned to the ruined Jerusalem after the exile.

V. 52 As he waits on God to restore and fulfill His promises, the psalmist never forgot the steadfast love of the Lord and to bless the Lord for His faithfulness.

Proverbs 25:28

Amen.

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.

October 20, Reading Notes

Jeremiah 35-36

These two chapters are looking into the past citing two examples. One example shows respect and faithfulness and the other shows an extreme lack of respect and faithfulness.

Jer. 35 The Rechabites, honoring their great, great, great, great grandfather.

Just to frame the story for you, here are some fun thoughts.

The Rechabites are a family going back to the early days of the exodus, having a connection with Moses' father-in-law and also with the tribe of Judah. Apparently they became scribes during the 40 years in the wilderness and settled in the town of a godly man to ply their trade. The name of the town was Jabez. (1 Chron. 2:55)

We met Jonadab, the son (descendant) of Rechab, back when Jehu became king. Jehu destroyed the house of Ahab and asked Jonadab to help him kill the prophets of Baal. This was back in 2 Kings 10. Jonadab was apparently a godly man and one of the remnant of 7000 men who had not bowed the knee to Baal. That was about 240 years before this chapter in Jeremiah, about the same length of time between now and the founding of the United States.

Jonadab lived at a very crucial and devastating time in the northern kingdom and history of Israel. I believe he understood what would happen in the future and made these rules for his family to protect them and keep them from adopting the ungodliness of the culture. Both the abstinence from drinking wine and not living in houses meant they would be nomads. They had no houses and no vineyards. You could see this as the difference between Abraham and Lot. When Lot moved down to Sodom and fell into the "good life," he got infected. Abraham always lived in tents.

What makes this more interesting is that Jeremiah, a true prophet of God, calls them into the temple of God and offers them wine. How much worse can a temptation be? But for them it was no temptation.

V. 19 This means that somewhere on earth, at this moment, there is a descendant of Jonadab, the son of Rechab, who is a follower of Jesus.

Jer. 36 In contrast, Jehoiakim, a disgrace to his godly father.

This chapter is pretty straightforward, so I'll just make a couple of comments.

Josiah, Jehoiakim's father, both found and valued the Word of God.

V. 2 Notice that this is really God's command to write the book of Jeremiah. I wonder if Jeremiah had already written out notes. This book would be almost everything we've read: chapters 1-12, 14-20, 22:1-19, 26 & 35.

V.4 This apparently is the first time Jeremiah used Baruch.

V. 11 This man is Michaih, the son of Gemariah, the son of Shaphan. Shaphan was one of the men who discovered the last copy of the OT and brought it to Josiah. These men still honored their father.

V. 24 Compare this verse with how Jehoiakim's father, Josiah, responded upon hearing the Word of the Lord.

2 Kings 22:18 But as to the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD, thus shall you say to him, Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: Regarding the words which you have heard, 19 because your heart was penitent, and you humbled yourself before the LORD, when you heard how I spoke against this place, and against its inhabitants, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and you have rent your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you, says the LORD.

Among other things, this chapter shows us why Jehoiakim was given the burial of a donkey.

1 Timothy 5

I'm sure at this point, Timothy was somewhat weighted with these instructions, and the weight would just increase. Looking at the instructions Paul gave him, it looks like Timothy was either the pastor, or he was invested with apostolic authority. While Timothy is responsible to be an example and model, it looks like Paul is assuming Timothy has the authority and right to declare and make these decisions. Poor guy. It gives me the sense that there had been some disaster or split and that Timothy was rebuilding.

Vs. 1-2 In doing what Timothy was told to do, Paul is advising him on how to relate to the groups in the church. Timothy had to win confidence as he led; and remember, Paul just told him to be a model to all.

Vs. 3-8 There was no social security or social services in those days. Thirty years earlier in Acts 6, widows in the church had been an issue. It could also be that church widows were on the rise because of Nero.

Vs. 9-10 The issue here was not whether or not to help them out financially on occasion. This seems to be an official position in the church given to widows. If you look at all of the other things mentioned, they needed to be serving the church. Apparently the younger widows had abused this service of visitation and service by gadding about, becoming gossips and busybodies. Look at Titus 2:3-5 to get another possible perspective on this service.

V. 9 Literally, she had to have been a one-man-woman. Again, I think with all the other rules here, it is only saying she was a faithful and focused wife, not that she couldn't have been married to two men, both of whom died, for example.

V. 10 She had to be comfortable in serving others and had to have a reputation for doing it.

Vs. 11-15 Reading this about the younger widows gives you the impression this was an official church position; and that, in the case of the older widows, it was assumed they would focus on serving the church and not focus on marriage. Apparently Paul had some experience with this problem, where the younger widows were guilty of abusing the position, "gadding about," checking out the available guys and getting themselves in trouble.

V. 16 It was a pretty narrow category of woman who could be enrolled, but apparently they had a lot of widows.

Just taking a think pause here, imagine: Timothy was the one who was supposed to enforce this, being responsible for telling one widow "yes" and another, "no." How would you like that? Also, he got to tell the younger widows that the church would not enroll them, that Paul (actually God) said they should go out, get married and have kids. Poor Timothy.

Vs. 17-18 Again, Timothy had the responsibility to make these decisions and see that this was done. I can't imagine that saying "yes" to one man didn't offend another man. O Weh!

Now it gets worse.

Vs. 19-20 Apparently there had been cases of elders being accused of sin, and some of them were stubborn and didn't repent. Notice that "sin" itself didn't disqualify an elder, but to persist in sin did disqualify an elder. In the case of a repeat or stubborn offender, Timothy was commanded to put them under discipline publicly for the express purpose of instilling fear/respect in the other elders and in the congregation. O Weh!

V. 21 This is a very strong charge to Timothy and you can see why.

V. 22 Practical matters: Go slow in putting men or women forward. In time of need this is not easy. O Weh!

V. 23 I always laugh here because no one knows what this verse is doing here. This is just me, but I don't think Timothy's stomach was the problem, I think it was his head. Look at everything Paul has just told him to do. Think of all the stress and all of the potential conflict and yelling. I think Timothy couldn't get calm. I don't think it was the bacteria in the drinking water. I think Timothy's stress in his mind and soul came out in his stomach. I think the wine was for the stress, and therefore, for the stomach.

Vs. 24-25 This is some calming advice from Paul. Sometimes you just don't know if you've put the right person in a position. You do your best and they can still turn out to be a fraud and a fake. You have to know you tried to do the right thing, face the music and take them out of that position. O Weh! On the other hand, if you take the time to slowly look at a person's life, you'll also see, eventually, if they are bearing fruit for Christ.

Poor Timothy. O Weh!

Psalm 89:14-37

We'll be in Psalm 89 one more day and there are lots of things to observe and underline. One thing that stood out to me this reading was verse 17, "for you are the glory of their strength."

I would say in all the things that we face in following Christ, it is all worth it if in and through it we learn that our glory is in Christ and He is our strength.  P.S. the song begins 45 seconds into the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGMOKBki56k

Proverbs 25:25-27

V. 25 This brings peace.

Vs. 26 This doesn't bring peace; you only think it does.

Vs. 27 This never brings peace.

News from the far country takes time and waiting. The other two are immediate; they consume us and eventually they destroy peace personally and in a group.

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.

October 19, Reading Notes

Jeremiah 33-34

We are inching closer to the fall of Jerusalem. There will be one notable look to the past, but from now on, everything will be fairly chronological leading to God's unrelenting punishment of Jerusalem and Judah.

Jer. 33

However, we are still in that section called "The Book of Consolation."

It is always a good idea to underline, circle, or somehow mark words and phrases. Once you notice certain words, the structure and logic just pop out. And besides that, you stay awake.

Vs. 1-5 Notice both "the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah" and "for thus says the Lord."

As we have seen so often, there is a description of some event, in this case a bad one, followed by a declaration, in this case a good one.

The houses were broken down in the center of Jerusalem, and the stones were taken to build up the walls where the Babylonians were trying to get in.

The holes where the houses had been would be used as places to dump bodies.

Vs. 6-9 The ultimate fulfillment of this will be after the Messiah returns.

Vs. 10-11 "Thus says the Lord," but what is the focus of this?

Vs. 12-16 "Thus says the Lord," but what is the focus of this?

Vs. 17-18 "Thus says the Lord," but what is the focus of this?

Interestingly, this doesn't say that a descendant of David will always sit on the throne, but that David will never lack descendants who could sit on the throne. Both Joseph and Mary were descendants of David.

Vs. 19-26 These are very definite promises of God.

Jer. 34

It is interesting to see how God made promises and gave hope as an encouragement for faith and obedience, but also as a test of faith.

V. 4 This appears to be a word to Zedekiah because of the good thing they had just done in releasing the slaves.

Now, to really understand what is happening with the rest of this, you need to read verse 21. This explains why the people went back on their actions. The Egyptians came against the Babylonians, and the rulers and people thought they were OK again and recaptured the people they had set free. God was probably the one who stirred up the Egyptians and created this little time of confusion.

What you see in this is that the people obeyed God for themselves, to relieve the pressure. As soon as they "made" God answer them by their good deeds, they didn't need the good deeds. They got what they wanted. Now, with Nebuchadnezzar leaving, they had to rebuild Jerusalem and they needed those slaves again.

V. 18 Remember when God made the covenant with Abraham, animals were cut up and a lane was made through the body parts. Normally, the parties who made the covenant walked through that lane and swore the covenant saying that if they didn't keep the bargain, they should end up looking like those animals. In the covenant with Abraham, the promise of the new covenant, only God walked through that lane, taking the full responsibility for the covenant. This is why the ultimate fulfillment of that promise doesn't depend on Israel.

Here, many of the people who violated this covenant would soon look like road kill and probably be the bodies thrown into those lots where houses had stood in 33:5.

1 Timothy 4

Having told Timothy how the foundation of the church is made secure, Paul warns him of the coming resistance and how to deal with it positively.

Vs. 1-5 Many people wonder what this teaching was or is; but the point is, Paul is telling Timothy and us, there will always be resistance and of a kind that looks very conservative and righteous, but is ultimately self-focused and isolating. I think what we read in chapter one, about people becoming inward focused on the law and self-righteousness, rather than on Christ and grace and the harvest, comes into play here.

Vs. 6-8 This is a challenge to Timothy to wage the good warfare from chapter one. If Timothy did his job right, at times, he would be in opposition to false teachers and to the prevailing opinions and moods of the people.

Interestingly, here, and even more so in 2 Timothy, Paul strongly warns Timothy to stay out of arguments over stupid stuff. I think this was Timothy's "youthful passion." He was good with his mouth and thought that he could win every argument. Paul directs Timothy to teach, not to argue.

"Train yourself in godliness," I think, means to mindfully understand that you are being led by the Spirit into all circumstances and to respond in those situations in a way that honors God. You mess up sometimes, but you keep training. In the Greek, the word "godliness" does not have the word "god" in it. It means to give honor.

Vs. 9-10 This is the charge and it is based on the gospel again. God is called the Savior for the third time. It seems that Paul is saying that it is this mission that has moved them to set their hope on God and live following Christ into this harvest.

The words, "trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance" have only been used one other place in this letter (1 Tim 1:15), and there it was a very emotional declaration for Paul. I think this is an emotional declaration too.

Giving up "stuff" to give the look of being serious and suffering and making God happy seems religious. But following Christ as a disciple, setting our hope on Him, giving ourselves to the work in the harvest to reach the lost and make disciples who make disciples, is the real deal. It is what we have been called to. It isn't religion. It is following Him, and it is full of grace. It involves suffering and putting aside things here, but even there, it is the Spirit directing us and showing us what is not for our lives on this earth so that we can follow in the harvest.

Vs. 11-16 Notice the emotion and urgency in this. It pours out of verses 9-10. Look at the crisp, short commands. This is the positive of what Timothy is supposed to do. He isn't supposed to counter silliness, he is to teach and model what is healthy, sound and godly.

I think verses 15-16 are very important. How many of us as disciples make this our hobby and passion? We need to perfect and get good at what God wants us to do in the harvest, and to live to be an example to others. Not many people take this to heart.

Verse 16 is important for all of us, not just preachers. We often let ourselves get out of shape emotionally, physically, sexually, etc… and we get tripped up. Some translations insert "your" before "the teaching" because of the word "yourself" that precedes it. Often too, we teach one thing and don't heed our own words. If more teachers, preachers and disciples did what they taught, they would "save" themselves from a lot of problems.

"Saved" here, obviously isn't salvation from damnation, but salvation from damage and becoming shipwrecked.

Psalm 89:1-13

In some respects, this is a very redemption oriented psalm. The steadfast love of the Lord runs through it. The promise to David is messianic. The might of God in the creation and among the angelic hosts shows that God is in charge of everything. And somehow, in the middle of all of this, He regards us and loves us. What can we do but sing of God's love in the harvest?

Proverbs 25:23-24

I wonder if being that person with the backbiting tongue, also makes you liable to marry the quarrelsome woman? In any event, I think the Lord is cautioning us not to be these people.

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.

October 18, Reading Notes

Jeremiah 31:27-32:44

In Jerusalem's darkest hour God gives Jeremiah a far off picture of their ultimate restoration.

Jer. 31:27-40

The structure of this section is seen in the phrase "Behold, the days are coming."

Vs. 27-30 Here God will replant Israel and Judah.

The sour grapes message will be seen again in Ezekiel as a way the present generation blamed the previous generation. God didn't have much patience for that. During the future time of renewal, no one will use that saying.

Vs. 31-37 This new covenant was initiated with Jesus' sacrifice and the giving of the Spirit, but its complete fulfillment will be the acceptance of Israel under that covenant in the Millennium. Much of this is in Romans 11 and it makes sense.

The promise of verse 34 is still future, but what a promise. This passage is quoted in Hebrews 8 to persuade the people that going back into Judaism was not an option because the new covenant was better.

God pledges His promise on the creation. In other words, this promise is absolutely solid. In Romans 11, Paul mentions one other thing that confirms this promise.

Vs. 38-40 This is the promise to rebuild the city, which was about to be destroyed. Jerusalem was destroyed again in 70 AD by the Romans. The future completed city will have the temple from which Jesus will reign.

Jer. 32

Vs. 1-5 Now I know this doesn't seem like a good thing, but if you were the only prophet speaking the truth in a city that hated you and where the people were going to be starving, being locked in prison might actually be a good thing. Seriously, I think there is some grace in this.

Vs. 6-15 Normally this would not have been a wise move since Babylon already controlled everything in Israel. It would have been like selling property in East Berlin after the Russians took over. They owned everything and all ownership had no legality. But God was making a point.

We are also introduced here to Jeremiah's secretary and personal scribe, Baruch. We'll see later that Baruch must have been a well known person and as a result of his work for Jeremiah, God spares him from the multiple disasters that roll over Jerusalem and the Jews.

Vs. 16-25 This is amazing praise from Jeremiah. He realized the grace and mercy in what God was promising. Jeremiah contrasted this mercy with all the sin the people had committed.

Vs. 26-35 God restates the reason for His judgment on Jerusalem and Judah.

Vs. 36-41 God promises to bring the entire nation back.

Notice "the Lord God of Israel."

Notice that even though the people will be brought back in 50 some years, the ultimate fulfillment is in the Millennium.

Vs. 42-44 This promise goes back to the beginning of the chapter.

Timothy 3

So, in reestablishing order in this church Paul told Timothy that all the people should pray for the government, in order to live quietly under the radar so they can work in the harvest. Then Paul said the men should pray to maintain a godly perspective on life and the women should focus on doing good works for those around them. The women should not be given the authority of establishing the teaching and guidance of the church, rather, that belongs to ….

Vs. 1-7 Men who are the elders.

V. 1 I would say, from my experience, to "aspire" means they are actually involved in the lives of other people for the sake of the harvest and the Great Commission and coming alongside people in the church to encourage them to do likewise.

V. 2 I believe "one woman man" meant the same back then as it does in US culture today: marital and sexual stability and faithfulness.

V. 3 Not a drunkard. This doesn't even say he can't get "merry" (see Ruth 3:7) on occasion, but that it isn't a constant state or addiction.

Not violent is a "striker," someone who has fits of rage, losing his cool.

Not mentioned here, but putting all Scripture together, this person needs to be active in reaching the lost and making disciples. Too often you have this squeaky clean guy as an elder, who isn't involved in the harvest and doesn't know which end of the scythe to hold. These guys often have no natural desire to involve themselves in making disciples who make disciples. Elsewhere, Paul says that we should look for examples and models. I can't image making a person an elder who is not an example or a model of what it means to follow Christ in the harvest.

Vs. 8-13 Servants in the church.

V. 8 Paul address the men first with three characteristics similar to the elders.

V. 11 This is a very unfortunate translation. Although this word can mean "women" or "wives," it is the same word Paul used in chapter two and was never translated "wives" there. Also, here it is translated "their wives." There is no genitive here, no case of ownership or possession. Honest to the Greek would be "the."

I understand the King James doing this since it was translated in a culture and time when women would never have been accepted in this position, but the translators of the ESV had no excuse here.

In Romans 16:1 Phoebe is called a deaconess of the church at Cenchreae. Why should this be a problem?

Also, why would there be some special condition for the wife of a servant of the church and not for the elder of the church. Elder's wives would have much more information and have much more influence over their husbands and the affairs of the church.

I think this poor translation is a result of the King James and the cultural prejudices of that time.

V. 12 is now using the masculine to describe all deacons, just like we do rather than saying "him or her." In 1Tim. 5:14 women are also told to rule their households.

Vs. 14-16 Now, there are some very famous verses here, and the priority of the church is strongly presented, but this all really just underscores the vital importance of everything Paul has said since 2:1. The magnitude of these verses means we should go back and carefully follow all of chapters two and three. If we don't, these are just nice flowery verses and the church and the harvest suffers.

I still like the image of the church being a group of laborers gathering at some place in their part of the harvest. They meet to gain strength and encourage each other and then they go back out into the harvest.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4OWswCFx8A

Psalm 88

This is said to be the saddest psalm in Psalms.

Just a couple of observations:

First, we have seen in Job and even in Paul, that great things come out of deep personal distress. If we are servants and slaves of our loving Father, we have to allow Him to do this to us for His glory, but saying that, we have to come through it the right way. It doesn't glorify God to give up, yell at your wife, kick the dog and defect from the faith.

Second, the very fact that the Holy Spirit inspired this Psalm and its words, should tell us that these words are what we need to imitate and model in our crying out to God. God is teaching us how to cry out.

Psalm 40:3 says, "He put a new song in my mouth." God himself put that new song there, but only after He had led David through a similar experience.

We cry out and wait patiently. When He is done, He will put a new song in our mouths, a song of praise to our God.

Proverbs 25:20-22

I think Paul used all of this in Romans 12.

V. 20 It is a command to "mourn with those who mourn." Being witty and happy isn't always the best thing.

Vs. 21-22 Read Romans 12:19-21 for the full story, and then add the promise here.

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.

October 17, Reading Notes

Jeremiah 30-31:26

Some people call chapters 30-33 the "Book of Consolation." Almost right in the middle here, God gives the nation a view of their distant hope and His everlasting love.

Jer. 30

Vs. 1-7 After the promise to restore the entire nation, Israel and Judah, verse seven projects ahead to "Jacob's" ultimate distress at the end of the tribulation.

Vs. 8-9 In this final deliverance, Israel will no longer be threatened and they will be led by a resurrected king David. Ezekiel 34 also mentions the return of David.

Vs. 10-17 This is hope mixed with an explanation of why God needs to punish them to heal them. Notice the mention in verse 17 of Zion. That will be important. Notice also that the way these promises are stated, the restoration of verse 10 and 11 have to be for the Millennial Kingdom.

Vs. 18-22 This will be the ultimate restoration of the people, and of course, before that, there will be events that foreshadow this; but Israel will never be in peace until the Messiah rules on earth.

Vs. 23-24 In the latter days, probably of the tribulation and the Kingdom.

Jer. 31:1-26

V. 1 This should probably belong to the last verses of chapter 30. In order for God to be the GOD of all the clan, they all have to be believers. This is still in the future.

After this statement come the declarations of the Lord.

Vs. 2-6 The rebuilding of Israel.

Notice the everlasting love. It is still everlasting for Israel's future.

Notice that the Lord is in Zion.

Vs. 7-9 The regathering of Israel.

Vs. 10-14 The redeeming of Israel.

Notice that this declaration went out to the nations. The result is great joy in Israel.

V. 15 This is a famous verse, but what is it doing here?

Here is my thought on this. In the plan of redemption, the moment God put His hand on Abraham, Abe and his family and the nation of Israel became servants of the world, examples to the world of sin and God's character and forgiveness. God has put them to hard work for us.

Rachel's destiny was a part of this story. She died near Ramah giving birth to the only of Jacob's children born in the land of promise. As Rachel was dying she tried to name the child "son of my sorrow," but Jacob named the child, "son of my right hand," Benjamin. Rachel wept in death, losing her children, her sad life and death being a part of God's plan of redemption.

During Jeremiah's days in that same area around Jerusalem, many would die. It was because of Israel's sin and God's punishment, but more because of God's use of Israel in His plan of redemption.

When Herod destroyed the children around Bethlehem trying to kill Jesus, again, Israel suffered tragedy and violence because of its work in the plan of redemption.

Vs. 16-17 The nation has wept, but there will be a reward for their work. That is quite a profound statement.

Vs. 18-20 Israel (designated by the name Ephraim) repents and God welcomes him. Doesn't this sound like the prodigal son?

Vs. 21-25 God brings them back and restores the holy hill of Zion in millennial blessing.

V. 22 Usually it is the man who seeks the woman. Here, Israel as a bride, seeks the man, the Lord.

V. 26 Poor Jeremiah. What a stressed out guy, always bringing bad news and being pushed by the Lord and punished by the people. But this was a good vision of hope from the Lord and it brought him peace and comfort.

1 Timothy 2

So then, since Paul has been chosen by grace to be an apostle, and in view of the distress of the times and in view of the call of God on Timothy's life, Timothy is to reestablish the foundation of the church.

Vs. 1-7 This is a general pronouncement for the entire church.

This is where we get the well-known command to pray for rulers, but notice that the point is so that we can work in the harvest under the radar.

This is the second time Paul uses the phrase "God our Savior." He used it in the first line of the book and now here. Paul is making sure that the church is established in reaching out to a lost world.

So, if this is to be the general focus of the church, praying and working in the harvest, Paul gives some specific instruction to men and women.

V. 8 Men are to pray, lifting holy hands, that is, I think with a godly perspective. They shouldn't be given to anger and quarrelling. Anger and quarrelling over what? Anything. Not over the price of gas or the political party. Their perspective is to be in going to God and having a spiritual perspective on life in the harvest.

Vs. 9-10 Women, in general, are also to be focused on the harvest. Good works as in Eph. 2:10 are what God has prepared for us to do for our neighbors in opening doors of opportunity. Like men, women are not to be consumed by the issues of life, in their case, focusing on looking fine.

Now, I want to suggest something here. When Paul talks about men and women, sometimes he uses a kind of alternating reference, sort of like men-women, women-men, men-women. You see this in 1Cor. 7:2-4 and 7:12-14. I think that Paul uses alternating references to men and women as he changes his topic in the rest of this chapter and in chapter three. I would say it looks like this:

Topic: Focus in the harvest, Men-prayer / Women-good works

Topic: Leadership of the church, Women-submission / Men-serve as elders

Topic: Serving the church Men-as deacons / Women-as deaconesses

In the Greek there is no chapter break between chapters two and three. I believe Paul is talking about the guiding leadership of the church beginning in 2:11.

Vs. 11-15 A woman's role in the authority and teaching of the church is to learn quietly in submission. I think the words "teach and have authority" are key to understanding what Paul says here and why he introduces the elders in 3:1. Elders are the people who are responsible for the teaching in the church (they determine, protect and oversee the entrusting of that truth) and they exercise authority in the church. I don't think a woman is to be in the position of an elder, responsible for teaching as an elder is responsible for teaching, nor should she be in a position to exercise authority in the church as an elder exercises authority. I think the limits on a woman's ability to teach and have authority are in the context of what an elder does.

Vs. 13-14 Paul's / the Spirit's reasoning here is biblical and not cultural, based on God's decision in the creation order and in the events of the Fall.

V. 15 "Fools rush in where angels fear to tread." Alexander Pope.

But just for an attempt, here goes. In creation, God created Adam and Eve differently. A man is "saved" (from damage) by doing what God has given him to do, and a woman is "saved" by doing what she was meant to do. Each has received roles of leadership and service. To deny these roles is to put ourselves where we were not meant to be and, therefore, not to discover the fullness that God has for us. For most women, not all, that plan of God involves bearing children. In the job of being a mom there is not only fulfillment, but plenty of leadership and service. Women for whom God hasn't designed motherhood, can find fulfillment, a role of leadership and service in other ways. The point is, God has designated a role for men and women and only in staying true to those roles do we develop "safely" the way God wants us to develop.

I remember wrestling with verse 15 and feeling the Lord had given me some insight into it. So I went to my mother-in-law, Barbara Youderian, and asked her what she thought verse 15 meant and she not only said the same thing, but she said it much better and gave me a great example. I sat there feeling like a kindergartner.

Psalm 87

This is a very short and amazing psalm. Considering God's feeling toward Jerusalem and His everlasting love toward these people whom He has used as an example to the world of lost humanity, it is interesting to see that someday it will be a high honor to hear that someone was born in Zion.

Wayne Watson used this theme, "Born in Zion," to talk about the salvation of all who come to Christ. The song's idea is that even with unfulfilled lives on earth, when entering heaven, we will hear something like, "you were born in Zion," from the Father and that will more than make up for anything we've lost on earth.

The words and a YouTube link are below.

Proverbs 25:18-19

Amen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIdjEFgDdcs

Born in Zion
from Wayne Watson's Giants in the Land Album
Words by Michael Hudson
Music by Gary Driskell
Very few are born to riches, very few
Very few of cherished wishes ever come true
But that won't matter much at all
On the day your name is called
When this earthbound life is through
And your Father says of you
This one was born in Zion
Make no mistake, this one is Mine
This one was born in Zion
This one will never, this one will never
This one will never die.
Very few are ever famous, very few
Very few will ever live the dream that they choose
But that won't matter much at all
On the day your name is called
When this earthbound life is through
And your Father says of you

This one was born in Zion
Make no mistake, this one is Mine
This one was born in Zion
This one will never, this one will never
This one will never die.
And every dream left unfulfilled
And every worthy goal
Is just a shadow of the joy that waits
Forever to unfold

This one was born in Zion
Make no mistake, this one is Mine
This one was born in Zion
This one will never, this one will never
This one will never die.
Copyright 1985 by StaightWay Music

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.

October 16, Reading Notes

Jeremiah 28-29

Finally some action and adventure in Jeremiah; and the further we go, the more action there will be.

So, last chapter, God told Jeremiah to make a nice yoke, put it on his neck and then tell the nations and Zedekiah, that in spite of what might have heard about instability in Babylon, God was requiring all nations to submit to Nebuchadnezzar.

Jer. 28

Vs. 1-4 Hananiah was about to really get in trouble.

V. 1 Notice that the time is given very exactly.

Vs. 5-11 This false prophesy was given in Jeremiah's presence, in public, and Jeremiah was made to look like a fool by this smooth talking, dynamic preacher.

It is interesting to me that Jeremiah's only retaliation was the word God gave him. Even after the yoke was smashed, Jeremiah didn't lose his mind. This speaks for his submission to God and to his maturity.

Vs. 12-17 You might wonder why God even allowed Hananiah to speak, but the people wanted to believe a lie. They could always have believed Jeremiah.

Notice in this section the occurrences of "you." God was not happy with Hananiah.

V. 17 The people heard of this prophesy against Hananiah. Where Hananiah projected two years for his prophesy, it didn't take God two months to fulfill his word on Hananiah.

I wonder if anyone took this to heart?

Jer. 29

This is a very interesting chapter. Jeremiah sent a letter to the exiles in Babylon. Just think of that. Nebuchadnezzar allowed that. The people were organized in Babylon. By this time Daniel had been in Babylon about 10 years. For the past 7 years Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah were top government officials. Nebuchadnezzar had already developed a respect for Yahweh, bowing to worship Him. It is possible that Daniel 3 had already occurred. If so, Nebuchadnezzar had worshipped Him again, but I'm guessing, by this chapter, that that event was still in the near future. Anyway, that is all to explain why this communication would have been possible. God had already made a safe place for His people in Babylon.

Vs. 1-14 These orders by God to the exiles give a lot of information and hope.

V. 3 Notice Elasah the son of Shaphan. Shaphan was one of the officials who found the only existent copy of the Bible during the early years of Josiah. His heritage can be seen by looking at the following link.

http://books.google.com/books?id=tSJWE-sR5HkC&pg=PA1164&lpg=PA1164&dq=bible+knowledge+commentary+the+line+of+shaphan&source=bl&ots=S88UiNpK4i&sig=3UbnAJwdTVwTX4FF9z7t4LeuKz4&hl=en&ei=JsmYTquDL9KisQL6kYXzBA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CC4Q6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q&f=false

This was a very godly man and three of his four sons were also godly.

Vs. 15-23 There are lots of observations to be made here.

V. 15 God would take care of these prophets. First, God was going to raise up Ezekiel in the 5th year of the taking of Jehoiachin. Second, since these prophets were prophesying against Nebuchadnezzar, both Neb and Daniel would have been concerned about their words, though for different reasons.

V. 22 This is why I think that Daniel chapter 3 hadn't happened yet, but I don't know because I wasn't there. Here is my thinking. When you see Neb's arrogance against Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah I'm guessing it is because he has already roasted these two "prophets" and Yahweh did nothing. God was setting up Nebuchadnezzar for a shock that would protect the Jews throughout his entire empire and become the top of the world's evening news for several months.

Vs. 24-32 If you understand what is happening here, there is a second letter Jeremiah / God is sending back to Babylon. Some guy named Shemaiah heard the first letter in Babylon and got mad and sent a letter to Jerusalem saying they should rebuke Jeremiah. So God sends a letter back to the exiles in Babylon saying not to listen to Shemaiah, and that Shemaiah would get whammied. Interestingly, in contrast to the heritage of Shaphan, Shemaiah will have no descendants.

It might be hard for us to identify with this conflict and the false prophets, but we live with it too. Politicians do this all the time, saying things are fine with Fanny Mae and Freddy Mac when they were totally bad. Now we are paying the price for decades of abuse. Yet we're not that aware of political things. On the spiritual side of life we need to be very aware. Not only are there spiritual cults and counterfeits, we need to make sure, as we work in the harvest, that we are giving the whole counsel of God and not just what is easy for us to say. The false prophets in Jeremiah's day were "positive" and likeable and giving the people hope. You can see how it would be a lot more fun to give people that message than the one Jeremiah was giving. Our message is not just about getting one's life or family together and hanging out with God. It is also about a coming kingdom and a king and judgment and the need to turn to God and be forgiven or having to face God's wrath and His judgment.

John 3:36 He who believes in the Son has eternal life; he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God rests upon him.

1 Timothy 1

The pastoral epistles, 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus, were written after Paul was released from Rome at the end of Acts. While 1 Timothy and Titus are similar in terms of the tasks of Timothy and Titus, 2 Timothy is graver in its atmosphere. In 2 Tim. Paul is in a Roman dungeon awaiting judgment and death. Paul died in 67 AD, three years before the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and the temple, fulfilling Jesus' pronouncement of judgment on the generation He spoke to.

There was probably a 5-year gap between Paul's imprisonments in Rome. These books give us the only details of what the church or ministry looked like during those years. The tone of 1 Timothy is hectic. Paul is going off to Macedonia but is sending Timothy to Ephesus. What awaited Timothy there was stress and, it looks like, having to rebuild the church in Ephesus. In Acts 20 the church there seemed to be pretty strong. Here it looks like major problems have torn the church apart. As usual, as a result of this disaster, we get some great teaching.

These letters are very much about Paul building into Timothy. Hardly anything Paul says is just for teaching or guiding the church. Everything Paul says seems to have some message to Timothy to strengthen him and clear his vision for the task of making disciples of the believers.

V. 1 This is an unusual greeting for Paul, unique for Timothy. What is Paul directing Timothy's attention to? Notice how there is a focus on the gospel and the harvest right from the first verse. It is what Ephesus had lost.

V. 2 Paul apparently led Timothy to Christ. This is not Paul's usual "grace to you and peace" benediction. Timothy needs all of these in his fight.

Vs. 3-4 You notice the urgency in this letter immediately. We'll see that the confusing influence that tore this church apart had a very Jewish bent to it.

V. 4 The RSV says, "the divine training which is in faith." There is a pattern of life, of building and working forward in the harvest that is in view here.

Vs. 5-7 You could begin verse five with "whereas" and end the verse with a comma, not a period.

You see, once again, it was legalistic, hard, conservative Jewish teaching that was creating difficulties.

Vs. 8-11 The point here is that Christians are to be focused on Christ and the harvest, not on the law. The law focuses on condemnation; grace focuses on Christ and forgiveness. This focus on the law had probably stopped the church from being salt and light, and it may have also blown the leadership of the church apart through judging people according to the law.

Vs. 11-17 Aren't we glad this happened in Ephesus so we would have this testimony and look into Paul's walk with Christ? Maybe the Lord allows stuff like this in our lives for the same purpose.

Vs. 11-12 I sense the burden and weight of this on Paul.

V. 14 For ministry, I believe that Paul received a supernatural equipping and gifting of faith and of love in Christ. It think this working of the Spirit turned this scrawny Jewish boy into Captain America, I mean Captain Gospel.

V. 15 Even near the end of his life, Paul never forgot what he had been and how/why God had saved and equipped him. It wasn't for himself, but for Christ, for others, for the harvest.

V. 16-20 Paul is charging Timothy to wage war. Paul was in the battle and Timothy was to stay in the battle. He was to remember and be inspired by what God had said about him.

V. 20 Hymenaeus gets mentioned in 2 Timothy. False teachers were on the rise. Delivering these men was to exclude them from the safety and protection of the church and its fellowship.

These words to Timothy are some of the most complete on keeping the church focused on the harvest and making disciples who make disciples who make disciples. The harvest and the making of disciples is a part of everything Paul is saying in these letters. If the church falls, so does the commission we were entrusted with.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Mj4kvMFAOY

Psalm 86

The following video on this psalm is interesting. I was going to recommend that you look for words to underline, especially "O Lord," "you," and "your." In this video they do that. As you read the psalm, highlight those words. It gives the psalm an interesting emphasis as you read.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTBoyfX8C-g

Proverbs 25:17

Amen.

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.