Proverbs 29:11

Verse of the Day Devotion: Proverbs 29:11 

“A fool always loses his temper, but a wise man holds it back.” – Proverbs 29:11 

This life we live can be difficult at times.  It seems that many are so stressed that the simplest things can cause them to become angry and tell us what they really think about us.  Work environments are much more difficult and can be very stressful.  Political conversations can start out amiable but end up with yelling and other non-complementary actions.  It can be so easy at times to lose our temper and say things that should never be said.

I remember when I was in the Air Force and I was a roommate with a Seventh Day Adventist.  We agreed to attend each other’s church once and afterwards discuss our thoughts.  I will not get into any details, but I made a huge mistake which caused him to walk away from the faith.  I found an issue that he somewhat agreed with and I, in essence, beat him over the head with it.  He believed Jesus died on the cross for his sins.  He definitely lived the life of a Christian, probably more than I did at the time.  To make a long story short, he left his church and Christianity all together and started living a life separate from Christ.  I tried talking to him, but I could not get him to understand.  Now I did get angry during parts of the discussion, and I believe this was the major reason for his decision, and  I have regretted it ever sense. 

Today, it seems that it does not take much to end up quarreling with people.  And unfortunately I have seen this behavior between Christians.  And the majority of time it has to do with doctrinal disagreements.  Some over simple things like pre-tribulation verse post-tribulation rapture, or one that is very fiery (unfortunately) is the idea of Calvinism.  However, we must be careful of how we address these for several reasons.  First, if a brother or sister is in error doctrinally, yelling or insulting will only exacerbate the issue.  They may turn away and not listen to us anymore.  If what they believe is false doctrine, in love, show them their error.  If we argue in anger or yell, we may lose them and strengthen their belief in the heresy. 

And if we are speaking to a non-Christian regarding Jesus and how He died for us to provide salvation, we may end up in a debate because they do not believe in Him at the time of our conversation.  If we raise our voice and/or insult them in any way, we may lose the opportunity to share the gospel and turn them away from desiring Christ.  You see, if Christians treat people badly during times of evangelism, or if they see that we give up on them quickly, then we have no doubt lost the right to speak into their life.  And this may eliminate anyone else from ministering to them as well.

We are called to spread the good news of Christ and the salvation He provides and the invitation He has given us.  And we are called to disciple those new to the faith.  Moreover, we are to do both with a heart filled with love and patience, for many times it will take longer to reach them then a single meeting.  They must see we ourselves live the life we are inviting them to live.  And we must take whatever time is needed in order not only to lead them to Christ but help them grow in the faith.  Our Lord spent as much time as necessary to teach those He came across.  As our focus verse says, “A fool always loses his temper, But a wise man holds it back.” Proverbs 29:11  Do we speak in love to those we come into contact with?  Do we wisely present the truth so as to help them truly understand?  Do we patiently help people understand or lose our patience and act as such in unwise ways?  Do we lose our patience with people (fool), or do we hold back our anger (wise)?  If the latter, we are doing well.  If the former, then do the latter.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.

1 Peter 4:7

Verse of the Day Devotion: 1 Peter 4:7 

“The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.” – 1 Peter 4:7  

Peter is exhorting those he is writing to that they should realize the end of all things is near, that this world and its sinful ways will soon end.  Jesus spoke many times regarding this world as they know it coming to an end, that their suffering will be coming to an end.  The church during this time was under a two-fold attack.  First there was Rome.  If you did not worship Caesar as God, then you would be subject to punishment up to and including death.  Rome hated the early church and wanted it done away with.  A classic example of this is the death of the Apostle John’s disciple Polycarp.  He was arrested for his Christian faith, and because of this taken into the arena.  When they required him to denounce and reproach Christ, he said, “86 years have I served him, and he has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King and my Savior?”  He refused to denounce Him, so they burned him alive.

The Jews also persecuted the Christians.  They would bring them in to be tried and if they did not renounce Christ, they would find themselves punished.  And as we see from several instances that happened to Paul, they worked with the Roman government, just as they did regarding the crucifixion of Christ.

This was the level of persecution the Christians endured during this time.  And it grew greater as time went by.  What Peter was telling the church was that these days would not last forever, that soon, this would end.  And he encouraged them to remain strong throughout all this.  He told them to remain sober, meaning serious and thoughtful.  Also to remain calm and collected.  Yes, these times will be difficult, but do not let it take away your serious expectations of what is coming.  Instead of losing control over what they are seeing, they were encouraged them to spend time in prayer, going before God and lifting up their concerns to Him.  They should abstain from anything of a sinful nature, so as to be ready for the time when all this is over. 

And this should be our answer to this as well.  Things today are getting very difficult.  We need to be encouraged as well that the end is coming soon, and we must remain calm, cool and collected.  We must not lose control of ourselves, but carefully remain in prayer with the one who will take care of us.  We are seeing the church ridiculed and looked at in negative terms, being called racist, sexist and the remover of people’s rights.  Just remain calm and do not give in to their desires, for God’s plan for us is right on time.  He is with you and in you.  No matter what they do, stand firm.  Your reward is coming soon, in fact, it is on the way. 

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.

Romans 13:1-7

Verse of the Day Devotion – Romans 13:1-7

Submission to Authorities – Romans 13:1-7

Rom 13:1 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 
Rom 13:2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 
Rom 13:3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 
Rom 13:4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. 
Rom 13:5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. 
Rom 13:6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. 
Rom 13:7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. 

v1 – We are all to be under submission to governing authorities.  This is an important question because:

  • Christians professed supreme allegiance to the Lord Jesus Christ; he was their Lawgiver, their Sovereign, their Judge. It became, therefore, a question of great importance and difficulty
  • The kingdoms of the world were then “pagan” kingdoms. The laws were made by pagans and were adapted to the prevalence of paganism. Those kingdoms had been generally founded in conquest, and blood, and oppression. Many of the monarchs were blood-stained warriors; were unprincipled men; and were polluted in their private, and oppressive in their public character. Whether Christians were to acknowledge the laws of such kingdoms and of such men, was a serious question, and one which could not but occur very early.
  • Many of the early Christians were composed of Jewish converts. Yet the Jews had long been under Roman oppression and had borne the foreign yoke with great uneasiness. The whole pagan magistracy they regarded as founded in a system of idolatry; as opposed to God and his kingdom; and as abomination in his sight. With these feelings they had become Christians; and it was natural that their former sentiments should exert an influence on them after their conversion. How far they should submit, if at all, to heathen magistrates, was a question of deep interest; and there was danger that the “Jewish” converts might prove to be disorderly and rebellious citizens of the empire.
  • Nor was the case much different with the “Gentile” converts. They would naturally look with abhorrence on the system of idolatry which they had just forsaken. They would regard all as opposed to God. They would denounce the “religion” of the pagans as abomination; and as that religion was interwoven with the civil institutions, there was danger also that they might denounce the government altogether and be regarded as opposed to the laws of the land.
  • There “were” cases where it was right to “resist” the laws. This the Christian religion clearly taught; and in cases like these, it was indispensable for Christians to take a stand. When the laws interfered with the rights of conscience; when they commanded the worship of idols, or any moral wrong, then it was their duty to refuse submission. Yet in what cases this was to be done, where the line was to be drawn, was a question of deep importance, and one which was not easily settled. It is quite probable, however, that the main danger was, that the early Christians would err in “refusing” submission, even when it was proper, rather than in undue conformity to idolatrous rites and ceremonies.
  • In the “changes” which were to occur in human governments, it would be an inquiry of deep interest, what part Christians should take, and what submission they should yield to the various laws which might spring up among the nations. The “principles” on which Christians should act are settled in this chapter.

Submit. The word denotes that kind of submission which soldiers render to their officers. It implies “subordination;” a willingness to occupy our proper place, to yield to the authority of those over us. The word used here does not designate the “extent” of the submission, but merely enjoins it in general. The general principle will be seen to be, that we are to obey in all things which are not contrary to the Law of God.  They were told here by Paul to submit to the Roman leadership and hierarchy.

This is because their authority was given to them by God.

  • Dan 2:21  “It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men And knowledge to men of understanding. 
  • Dan 4:17  “This sentence is by the decree of the angelic watchers And the decision is a command of the holy ones, In order that the living may know That the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, And bestows it on whom He wishes And sets over it the lowliest of men.” 
  • Dan 4:25  that you be driven away from mankind and your dwelling place be with the beasts of the field, and you be given grass to eat like cattle and be drenched with the dew of heaven; and seven periods of time will pass over you, until you recognize that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever He wishes. 
    • This does not mean
      • That he approves of their conduct
      • That what they do is always right
      • That it is our duty “always” to submit to them

The main thing to remember is what Francis Schaeffer once said, and I paraphrase:        “Obey the laws of man where it does not counter the laws of God”

“But so that it will not spread any further among the people, let us warn them to speak no longer to any man in this name. And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:17-20

“When they had brought them, they stood them before the Council. The high priest questioned them,  saying, We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us. But Peter and the apostles answered, We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.” Acts 5:27-32 

v2 – That is, they who rise up against “government itself;” who seek anarchy and confusion; and who oppose the regular execution of the laws. It is implied, however, that those laws shall not be such as to violate the rights of conscience or oppose the laws of God.

vs3-4 – The general principle is that if you do good works, then we have no need to fear it.  They are generally not a terror for good works.

v5 – As a matter of conscience, or of “duty to God,” because “he” has appointed it, and made it necessary and proper.

Christians professed supreme allegiance to the Lord Jesus Christ; he was their Lawgiver, their Sovereign, their Judge. It became, therefore, a question of great importance and difficulty

  • “Keep the command of the king because of the oath before God. I say, Keep the command of the king because of the oath before God. Do not be in a hurry to leave him. Do not join in an evil matter, for he will do whatever he pleases. Since the word of the king is authoritative, who will say to him, “What are you doing? He who keeps a royal command experiences no trouble, for a wise heart knows the proper time and procedure.” Ecclesiastes 8:2-5

vs6-7 – This is the same thing Jesus said to His disciples. “But Jesus perceived their malice, and said, “Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the coin used for the poll-tax.” And they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, Whose likeness and inscription is this? They said to Him, Caesar’s. Then He said to them, Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.” Matthew 22:18-21

Go Forward to Chapter 13 Part 2

Romans 13:8-14

Verses of the Day – Romans 13:8-14

Fulfilling the Law Through Love – Romans 13:8-14

Rom 13:8 Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. 
Rom 13:9 For this, “YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, YOU SHALL NOT MURDER, YOU SHALL NOT STEAL, YOU SHALL NOT COVET,” and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” 
Rom 13:10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. 
Rom 13:11 Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. 
Rom 13:12 The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 
Rom 13:13 Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. 
Rom 13:14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts. 

v8 – After discussing the believer’s responsibility as concerning the government and civil magistrates, he moves on to our responsibility to our neighbor.  We are to owe no man anything but love.  We should have no obligations to anyone but to love them.  If we do not pay back a person, then we possibly hurt them and cause them to think wrongly themselves.  Plus, owing others may restrict what we may be able to do for our fellow man.

vs9-10 – We are to do love everyone, and if we do, then we will not deprive them of anything that is theirs, neither his wife, life or any of his possessions.  And if we truly love them, we will not even desire, or covet, what he has for we will want him to enjoy what he has.  He then ends this with reminding them that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves.

vs11-14 – These things should be our focus, knowing that the time is getting close for the return of Christ.  We must lay aside all our deeds of darkness that do not show love and do those that please the Father and show love to everyone.  We must live the live out the life that Christ lived, through to the point of death.  Our salvation from the life is almost over, the new life with God in His kingdom is at hand. 

We must show all who see us that this what we believe is true and there is little time left in this present life.  And the only way they will see it is if we live it.  Therefore we must be a light in this dark world, showing them the beauty of living in the light and ridding themselves of the darkness.  Therefore we must put on Christ, live the life He showed us, and make no provision for the lust that the flesh pushes on us.

Go Back to Chapter 13 Part 1

Matthew 28:6

Verse of the Day Devotion: Matthew 28:6 

“He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying.” – Matthew 28:6              

Now, Jesus has been crucified.  And when it was time to bring His dead body down from the cross, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph who also had become a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus, and Pilate ordered it given to him.  “And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the entrance of the tomb and went away. And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the grave.” Matthew 27:59-61. 

The next day, after the preparation, the chief priests and pharisees met with Pilate. “and said, “Sir, we remember that when He was still alive that deceiver said, After three days I am to rise again. Therefore, give orders for the grave to be made secure until the third day, otherwise His disciples may come and steal Him away and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last deception will be worse than the first.” Matthew 27:63-64.  Pilate was not interested in this, for it was the Jewish leadership that was concerned about the idea of resurrection,  so Pilate essentially told them to place their own guards at the tomb, which they did.

“Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave.” Matthew 28:1.  Now, it is understood that they came there not just to see the grave, but to see whether they could enter in and anoint the body with the spices and ointments which they had prepared and brought with them.  Suddenly a great earthquake hits.  According to Matthew, “for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it.” Matthew 28:2b.  An angel of the Lord descended from Heaven, rolled the stone away and then sat on the stone.  The guards appears to have collapsed in fear, however, the woman seemed to be afraid but not to the same extent.  “The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified.”  I believe they said this to ease their minds.  Then, they say what the focus verse is, “He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying.” Matthew 28:6.  After they saw that He was not there, they left quickly to go back and tell the disciples as the angel told them to. 

But there was a  surprise awaiting them as they were going back. “And behold, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him. Then Jesus said to them, Do not be afraid; go and take word to My brethren to leave for Galilee, and there they will see Me.”  Matthew 28:10.  Then they left to deliver the message.

This is the picture Matthew draws for us regarding the resurrection of Jesus.  Everything was put into motion when both Mary’s arrived at the tomb.  The angel comes, the stone is rolled away, and the angel declared to them that Jesus was not there, even though there were many guards at the tomb and the stone had not yet been rolled away before they arrived.  Both ladies had incredible faith and were, both afraid and full of joy. “and they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to report it to His disciples.” Matthew 28:8.  And I believe that to remove any possible doubt regarding a resurrection because of the words spoke about taking the body to fake it, He appears to them with a message to the disciples. 

As I have said before, this was the greatest 3 days in history, and this event was its culmination.  Jesus was crucified for the sins we have committed, was buried in the tomb of a rich disciple, and then was raised in order to sit at the right hand of the Father for our sake, and soon to come back so we can be with Him forever.  So, let us rejoice and be glad for as the angel said, “He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said.”  Matthew 28:6.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.

Romans 12:9-21

New Testament Study – Romans 12:9-21

Marks of the True Christian – Romans 12:9-21

Rom 12:9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 
Rom 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 
Rom 12:11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. 
Rom 12:12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 
Rom 12:13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. 
Rom 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 
Rom 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 
Rom 12:16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 
Rom 12:17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. 
Rom 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. 
Rom 12:19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. 
Rom 12:20 “BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.” 
Rom 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good. 

v9 – Without hypocrisy. Let it be sincere and unfeigned. Let it not consist in words or professions only, but let it be manifested in acts of kindness and in deeds of charity.

  • “Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.”  1 John 3:18
  • “If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?” James 2:15-16

v10 – The word used here occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It properly denotes tender affection, such as what subsists between parents and children; and it means that Christians should have similar feelings toward each other, as belonging to the same family, and as united in the same principles and interests. In showing or manifesting respect or honor. Not in seeking honor, or striving after respect, but in showing it to one another. The words “giving preference” means going before, leading, setting an example. Thus, in showing mutual respect and honor, they were to strive to excel; not to see which could obtain most honor, but which could confer most, or manifest most respect.

v11 – Whatsoever we do, do it with our might. In every business diligently and fervently serving the Lord – Doing all to God, not to man.

v12 – “Now faith is the assurance of thingshoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”  Hebrews 11:1. In these things we hope for, we rejoice that we shall at some point receive it.

No matter what troubles and persecution we experience, we are to persevere to the end.  We are not to quit or doubt in our faith.

And we are to be devoted to prayer, which is our great honor to communicate with our loving Father. 

  • “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

v13-16 – The idea here is however you think of yourself we are to think of others the same way.  An example given here is that we should not be haughty or arrogant, thinking we are better than others. We should not think of ourselves as the only source of wisdom, but we must understand we can learn and be instructed by others.

v17-19 – “Vengeance is Mine, and retribution, In due time their foot will slip; For the day of their calamity is near, And the impending things are hastening upon them.”  Deuteronomy 32:35

v20 – If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; For you will heap burning coals on his head, And the LORD will reward you.” Proverbs 25:22-23. The idea here in heaping hot coals is to give them more than they need. Heating the home and cooking was done through the use of hot coals. If someone finds their coals have gone cold, the idea is that one who has hot coals will give them an abundance. And in those days, the way things were carried was in pots held on the heads.

v21 – Paul ends this chapter by encouraging them to condemn evil, and do not act in such a way as to become what you condemn in others. And the way to vanquish evil is to do good to others.

Go Back to Chapter 12 Part 2

Study of Romans 12:3-8

New Testament – Romans 12:3-8

Gifts of Grace – Romans 12:3-8

Rom 12:3 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. 
Rom 12:4 For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, 
Rom 12:5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 
Rom 12:6 Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; 
Rom 12:7 if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; 
Rom 12:8 or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. 

v3 – Not to over-estimate himself, or to think more of himself than he ought to. What is the true standard by which we ought to estimate ourselves he immediately adds. This is a caution against pride; and an exhortation not to judge of ourselves by our talents, wealth, or function, but to form another standard of judging of ourselves, by our Christian character.

  • The Romans would probably be in much danger from this quarter. The prevailing habit of judging among them was according to rank, or wealth, or eloquence, or function. While this habit of judging prevailed in the world around them, there was danger that it might also prevail in the church. And the exhortation was that they should not judge of their own characters by the usual modes among people, but by their Christian attainments.
    • There is no sin to which people are more prone than an inordinate self-valuation and pride. Instead of judging by what constitutes true excellence of character, they pride themselves on that which is of no intrinsic value; on rank, and titles, and external accomplishments; or on talents, learning, or wealth. The only true standard of character pertains to the principles of action, or to that which constitutes the moral nature of the man; and to that the apostle calls the Roman people.

vs4-5 – As the human body consists of many parts, each having its respective office, and all contributing to the perfection and support of the whole; each being indispensably necessary in the place which it occupies, and each equally useful though performing a different function.

  • We who are members of the Church of Christ, which is considered the body of which he is the head, have various offices assigned to us, according to the measure of grace, faith and religious knowledge which we possess; and although each has a different office, and qualifications suitable to that office, yet all belong to the same body; and each has as much need of the help of another as that other has of his; therefore, let there be neither pride on the one hand, nor envy on the other.

vs6-8 – Whatever gift we are given in support of the Body of Christ, we are to exercise those gifts.  We are not to hold them back simply because it is not like another’s gift.

Go Forward to Chapter 12 Part 3

Go Back to Chapter 12 Part 1

 

Study Of Romans 12:1-2

New Testament – Romans 12:1-2

A Living Sacrifice – Romans 12:1-2

Rom 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 
Rom 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. 

v1 – Because of what Paul has written above, and because of the great mercy God has shown and poured down upon us, we should present ourselves as a sacrifice to God.

  • The word used here commonly denotes the action of bringing and presenting an animal or other sacrifice before an altar. It implies that the action was a free and voluntary offering. Religion is free; and the act of devoting ourselves to God is one of the most free that we ever perform.
    • To Present our Bodies – A metaphor taken from bringing sacrifices to the altar of God. The person offering picked out the choicest of his flock, brought it to the altar, and presented it there as an atonement for his sin. They are exhorted to give themselves up in the spirit of sacrifice; to be as wholly the Lord’s property as the whole burnt offering was, no part being devoted to any other use.
      • The sacrifice being perfect in its kind, and the intention of the one making the offering being such that both can be acceptable and well pleasing to God, who searches the heart. All these phrases are sacrificial and show that there must be a complete surrender of the person – the body, the whole man, mind and flesh, to be given to God; and that he is to consider himself no more his own, but the entire property of his Maker.
      • Nothing can be more consistent with reason than that the work of God should glorify its Author. We are not our own, we are the property of the Lord, by the right of creation and redemption; and it would be as unreasonable as it would be wicked not to live to his glory, in strict obedience to his will. The reasonable service,

v2 – The word rendered “conformed” properly means to put on the form, fashion, or appearance of another. It may refer to anything pertaining to the habit, manner, dress, style of living, etc., of others.

  • The word used here properly denotes an age, or generation of people. It may denote a particular generation, or it may be applied to the race. It is sometimes used in each of these senses. Thus, here it may mean that Christians should not conform to the maxims, habits, feelings, etc., of a wicked, luxurious, and idolatrous age, but should be conformed solely to the precepts and laws of the gospel; or the same principle may be extended to every age, and the direction may be, that Christians should not conform to the prevailing habits, style, and manners of the world, the people who know not God. They are to be governed by the laws of the Bible; to fashion their lives after the example of Christ; and to form themselves by principles different from those which prevail in the world.
    • In the application of this rule there is much difficulty. Many may think that they are not conformed to the world, while they can easily perceive that their neighbor is. They indulge in many things which others may think to be conformity to the world and are opposed to many things which others think innocent. The design of this passage is doubtless to produce a spirit that should not find pleasure in the pomp and vanity of the World; and which will regard all vain amusements and gaiety with disgust and lead the mind to find pleasure in better things.

 

Go Forward to Chapter 12 Part 2

Matthew 26:39

Verse of the Day Devotion: Matthew 26:39 

“And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” – Matthew 26:39            

This verse takes place in Gethsemane.  After the upper room meeting and supper, he goes to the Garden in Gethsemane to pray.  He takes with Him the inner three of the disciples, those being Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, James and John.  In our focus verse, and the others around it, we see the human side of Jesus.  He was troubled by what He knows is coming.  “Then He said to them, My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me.” Matthew 26:38. Walking on, He goes a short distance and then falls on His face and prays.  This was a traditional way of presenting oneself in humility to God when what is being asked for is major and difficult.  

He cries out, “My Father”.  Normally, He simply uses the word Father.  Even while on the cross He uses the single word “Father”.  However, during His times of anguish, He cries out with a more intimate relational tone.  Here with the words “My Father”, and while on the cross where He cries out, “My God, My God, Why have you forsaken Me?”  Both of these are cries in extreme anguish and show forth His human side.  His cry here, in our focus verse, is one of desiring another way.   

His wording regarding this was “Let this cup pass from me”.  This is speaking of a cup of poison and it was the way many were executed.  Socrates died in this manner.  According to Adam Clarke in his commentary on Matthew, the idea here is perhaps the allusion to several criminals standing in a row, who are all to drink of the same cup of poison, but the judge extending favor to a certain one, will allow the cup to pass by that person.  However, Jesus knew this was the way it would go.  We see this in the gospel of Luke.  “Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things which are written through the prophets about the Son of Man will be accomplished. For He will be handed over to the Gentiles, and will be mocked and mistreated and spit upon, and after they have scourged Him, they will kill Him; and the third day He will rise again.” Luke 18:31-33. There was no question this was His future.  He knew this was why He was born, for it was the only way to pay the penalty for our sins. The anxiety of what was going to happen caused Him to make this rhetorical statement.  His love for His Father and ultimately us allowed Him to submit to what His Father required.   “Then He came to the disciples and said to them, are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!” Matthew 26:45-46.

Not long after this, Judas came to Him with a large crown carrying swords and clubs.  Then one of those with Jesus pulled a sword out and cut off the ear of a slave of the high priest.  However, “Then Jesus said to him, Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” Matthew 26:52-53.   He freely went to die for us.  He could have prevented it, but He submitted to the Father to die for us that we might be saved.  There is no greater picture of love than this.  

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.

Revelation 20:15

Verse of the Day Devotion: Revelation 20:15 

“And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”  Revelation 20:15             

Today, my wife, son and I were going through True Devotion Ministries doctrinal statement to make some minor adjustments where needed.  When we finally got to the eschatology section, this verse stood out in a major way to me.  It speaks of those who never accepted the work Jesus did on the cross; His death, burial and resurrection that paid the penalty for their sins. 

Here is the basic order of what will take place as written in Revelation 20.  First, Satan will be thrown into an abyss for a thousand years.  Then those who were killed because of their testimony of Christ and had not received the mark on their hand or forehead will come to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. .  (Revelation 20:1-6).

After the thousand years have been completed, Satan will be released, and he will gather together an army.  With them, Satan will surround the saints and Jerusalem, but will be defeated.  After this, he will be thrown into the lake of fire where the beast and the false prophet already are. Then the dead are to be judged, every one of them are to be judged, after which  death and Hades will be thrown into the lake of fire.  (Revelation 20:7-14).

Next, we see our focus verse.  “And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:15.  The final verdict will be decided based on whether our name is found in the book of life or not.  Those whose names are written in the book of life are those who are saved.  Those who are destined for eternal life.  They believe that Jesus is the Christ. As Jesus put it, “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:14-16. 

Now, there is one important idea I want to bring out.  Those who do not believe, their names are not written in the Lambs book of Life.  We all know many people who are not saved.  Family, friends and acquaintances.  We see many people all over who are not saved.  Do we desire all our family members to have their names in the book?  Do we desire all our friends to have their names in the book?  It is up to us to make sure the names of everyone we know, and meet are found in the book of life.  We as Christians have a responsibility to share the gospel to as many as we have the opportunity to speak with.  Most unsaved have no idea what their future holds for them.  Make it a point to introduce them to the saving knowledge of Jesus.  God loves them and has called us to go out where He takes us and present the gospel.  “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20.  And since no one can be a disciple unless they are saved, we are called to share the gospel.  Let us do what we can to introduce as many people as we can to Jesus, praying to get their names in the most important book in all of history.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.