Ephesians 6:17b

Verse of the Day Devotion:  Ephesians 6:17b   

“And the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” – Ephesians 6:17b 

I want to start again with the several verses that introduce this idea Paul is putting forth.  “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” Ephesians 6:10-13.  He is telling us to put on the full armor of God for the following reason, that we can stand firmly against the powers of the enemy, namely the sly schemes of the devil. 

The phrase “sword of the Spirit” is found only once in Scripture, here in our focus verse.   The sword is one of the pieces of spiritual armor Paul tells the Ephesian Christians to put on as part of the full armor of God that will enable us to stand our ground against evil.  The sword is both an offensive and defensive weapon used by soldiers or warriors. In our case here, it is a weapon belonging to the Holy Spirit.  Swords were used to protect oneself from harm or to attack the enemy to overcome or kill him. In both cases it was necessary for a soldier to get rigid training on the proper use of the sword to get maximum protection. All Christian soldiers need the same rigid training to know how to properly handle the Sword of the Spirit, the sword that Paul refers to here as the Holy Scriptures.

This sword is useful for every good work we do.  “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17.  The scriptures are from God written through men.  And as stated above, it is both defensive and offensive.  Since every Christian is in a  spiritual battle with the satanic and evil forces of this world, we need to know how to handle the Word properly. Only then will it be an effective defense against evil, but we will also be on the  offensive to demolish strongholds of error and falsehood. And this is very much needed for there is an abundance of false teachings going around, and we need to, first know what is error as opposed to truth, and secondly we need to know where in scripture this is laid out.  And we must be bold in pronouncing all falsehoods and wrong teachings, providing for them the truth that is found in the word of God.

We see this analogy also in the book of Hebrews.  “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12.  Here the Word is described as living and active and sharper than a double-edged sword. The Roman sword was commonly made in this manner. The fact that it had two edges made it easier to penetrate, as well as to cut in every way. The idea is that of piercing, or penetrating; the Word of God reaches the “heart,” the very center of action, and lays open the motives and feelings of those it touches.

It is because of this that it is important for us to study His Word and plant it deep within our hearts.  “Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.”  1 Peter 3:13-15.  Note the words “always being ready to make a defense.”  This is important for we are those called to bring the gospel to all.  And how can we do this if we do not know His word. 

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

 

Ephesians 6:17a

Verse of the Day Devotion:  Ephesians 6:17a  

“And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION.” – Ephesians 6:17a

I want to start again with the several verses that introduce this idea Paul is putting forth.  “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” Ephesians 6:10-13.  He is telling us to put on the full armor of God for the following reason, that we can stand firmly against the powers of the enemy, namely the sly schemes of the devil. 

The next part of our armor is the helmet of salvation, or as it is expressed by Paul to the Thessalonians, the hope of salvation.  This is the assurance of our salvation.  It is the impenetrable defense against anything the enemy can throw at us.  When a soldier suited up for battle, the helmet was the last piece of armor to go on. It was the final act of readiness in preparation for combat. A helmet was vital for survival, protecting the brain, the command station for the rest of the body. If the head were badly damaged, the rest of the armor would be of little use.

In Matthew, we read the following, “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”  Matthew 10:28.  The idea in this verse is that, as we prepare for Satan’s attacks, we must grab that helmet and buckle it on tightly. Salvation is not limited to a one-time act of the past or even a future hope. God’s salvation is an ongoing, eternal state that His children enjoy in the present. It is daily protection and deliverance from our sin nature and Satan’s schemes.  We must understand the importance of protecting ourselves with the helmet of salvation so we can counter and reject the lies of the enemy.

There are several things a believer can do that can keep his helmet fastened and functional. First, we must renew our minds for our mind is a great battlefield. “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. 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.”  Romans 12:1-2.  We must allow the truth of God to wipe out anything contrary to the Word.  This includes old ideas, opinions and worldviews.  These must be replaced by the truth of God, knowing that His word is truth. 

We must also reject any doubts that come from bad circumstances.  If we allow them to, these circumstances can convince us that God does not really love us as we thought or that His Word is not true.  We must also keep an eternal perspective, knowing that this life will end and a better life is coming.  Also, we can call to Him and He can bring us safely through anything that comes our way.  And lastly, we must find all our hope in Him.  We must be assured that what He has promised will come about, even though we may not see it now.  “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1.  And, our focus needs to be on Him.  “Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.” Psalm 73:25.  Our helmet is most effective when we treasure what it represents. The salvation Jesus purchased for us cannot share the place of importance in our hearts with earthly things. When pleasing the Lord is our supreme delight, we eliminate many of Satan’s lures and render his evil suggestions powerless.

Therefore, always put on the helmet of salvation every day, and wear it all day.  Our minds will become insolated against the suggestions, desires and traps the enemy lays out there for us.  We must choose to guard our minds from excessive worldly influence and rather think on things that honor God.  In doing so, we wear our salvation as a protective helmet which will guard our hearts and minds in Christ.  In this we will have the peace of God in us, and as Paul said, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7.   

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

Ephesians 6:16

Verse of the Day Devotion:  Ephesians 6:16 

“In addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” – Ephesians 6:16

I want to start again with the several verses that introduce this idea Paul is putting forth.  “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” Ephesians 6:10-13.  He is telling us to put on the full armor of God for the following reason, that we can stand firmly against the powers of the enemy, namely the sly schemes of the devil. 

The next part of our armor is the shield of faith.  As our focus verse says, “in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” Ephesians 6:16.  What is meant here is that “over all” take up the shield of faith.  It constitutes a protection over every part of the body, as it can be turned in every direction. The idea is, that as the shield covered or protected the other parts of the armor, so faith has a similar importance in the Christian virtues.

The shield in ancient Rome was made of a lightweight wood or a rim of brass which was covered by several folds of thick and strong animal hide, which was preserved by frequent anointing.  This shield was carried or held by the left arm and was secured by straps which the arm passed through.  The outer surface of the shield was made somewhat rounded from the center to the edge.  It was polished smooth or anointed with oil so that the arrows or darts would glance off or rebounded.  This large oblong oval door-like shield of the Romans was four feet long by two and a half feet wide; not the small round buckler.  It was of great important to a soldier for it provided a blanket of protection which was meant to be taken up in all circumstances.  And they would protect the soldier from fiery darts projected at them.  These darts, known as “falarica” which were headed with lead, in or about which some combustible substance was placed that took fire in the passage of the arrow through the air, and often burnt up the enemy’s engines, ships, etc.  They were made to stick in the shields and set them on fire.

And note that, when used, we will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Not that it might but will quench the fiery darts of the enemy.   Paul here no doubt refers to the temptations of the great adversary, and/or those furious suggestions of evil that lures us to sin which he may throw into the mind like fiery darts.  It would also refer to doubts placed in our mind regarding God and the Christian life.   

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1.  It is one of the three great gifts stated in 1 Corinthians, which are faith, hope and love.  And it is through faith that we are justified.  “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9.  And because we have faith in God, our suffering need not faze us; in fact, we can persevere under it.  All Christians have this promise.  “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:4-5.  Faith is a protective barrier between us and the schemes of Satan. When we believe God and take Him at His word, we remain grounded in truth, the lies of the enemy lose their power, and we become overcomers. In that way, faith is our shield.

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

Ephesians 6:15

Verse of the Day Devotion:  Ephesians 6:15   

“and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE.” – Ephesians 6:15

I want to start with the several verses that introduce this idea Paul is putting forth.  “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” Ephesians 6:10-13.  He is telling us to put on the full armor of God for the following reason, that we can stand firmly against the powers of the enemy, namely the sly schemes of the devil. 

The next part of our armor is the feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.  The idea is that we will be prepared for any attack that comes our way.  A soldier in ancient Rome had to be prepared for battle when an enemy comes upon them.  He had to study how his enemy attacked and also when he went into defense mode.  He had to have studied their ways in order to be confident in his strategy.  In football, if a coach studies his opponents and finds a weakness in their offensive line, he will no doubt focus his attacks in that area in order to gain as much yardage as possible.  This is the idea here.  We must be ready for any attack of the enemy so that we can hold our ground. 

Back then, a soldier’s battle shoes were studded with spikes or nails, similar to cleats today.  This was done to help him keep his balance in combat.  It was well known that if he lost his footing and fell before his enemy, it would not matter how prepared he was for battle, the enemy now had the upper hand and  It would not matter all that much how well armored he was.  We must always be ready to fight the battle, to remain firm in our convictions, assist our brothers and sister in Christ when needed, and to spread the gospel when the opportunity arises. “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.” 2 Timothy 4:1-2.

We must be ready to come against the enemy’s attacks in order to protect ourselves and anyone else we defend.  We must be assured of the calling God has given us no matter how difficult it is.  “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” 1 John 5:13-14.     If we have something negative happen to us and we are struggling heavily, we can stand firmly on His word where it says, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28.

If our feet are shod with the gospel of peace, then no matter what happens to us, being fully committed to God and His ways, and understanding that we are saved and under the protection of Christ, we can be at peace.  Isaiah put it best when he said, “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, For in GOD the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock.” Isaiah 26:3-4.  Be steadfast and firmly footed in your confidence in God, for it is through this that peace resides.

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

Ephesians 6:14b

Verse of the Day Devotion:  Ephesians 6:14b   

“And HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS,” – Ephesians 6:14b

I want to start with the several verses that introduce this idea Paul is putting forth.  “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” Ephesians 6:10-13.  He is telling us to put on the full armor of God for the following reason, that we can stand firmly against the powers of the enemy, namely the sly schemes of the devil. 

The next part of our armor is the breastplate of righteousness.  This idea is first seen in the book of Isaiah.  “He put on righteousness like a breastplate, And a helmet of salvation on His head; And He put on garments of vengeance for clothing And wrapped Himself with zeal as a mantle.” Isaiah 59:17.  The idea put forth here is not simply works of righteousness done by men, although these are important and can be like a fence when rightly used against the reproaches and charges of the enemy, but rather graces of faith and love.  “For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night.  But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.” 1 Thessalonians 5:7-8.

The breastplate covers the heart of the soldier.  This does not seem to mean the righteousness of God imputed to us when we make Christ our Lord and Savior which means our justification and the forgiveness of our sins.  “But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction.” Romans 3:21-22.  It speaks of our uprightness of character, loyalty in principle and action to the commandments of God.  To neglect what we know to be righteous action is to leave a gaping hole in our armor and to show that we really do not love Him as we claim.  “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” John 14:15.  By the holiness of our conduct, and our consciousness thereof, we defend ourselves from being moved by the calumnies and reproaches of the wicked. No armor for the back is mentioned; we are always to face our enemies.

In closing, we put on the breastplate of righteousness by seeking God and His righteousness above everything else.  We make Him and His ways our dwelling place.   We delight in His ways and desire for them to become our ways.  When God reveals an area of change to us, we obey and allow Him to work through us.  And as we wear Christ’s breastplate of righteousness, we begin to develop a purity of heart that translates to actions.  Wearing it creates a lifestyle of putting into practice what we truly believe in our hearts, and as our lives become conformed to the image of Christ our choices become more righteous, and these Godly choices also protect us from temptation and deception.  “He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.” Psalm 23:3.  We need to wear the  breastplate of righteousness in order to gain the victory Paul laid out in 2 Corinthians.  “not boasting beyond our measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but with the hope that as your faith grows, we will be, within our sphere, enlarged even more by you,” 2 Corinthians 10:15.  We are destroying all falsity and speculations raised against the knowledge of God we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.  When we quickly reject heretical ideas, idolatry, and the “counsel of the ungodly” (Psalm 1:1) and instead “keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith”, we keep our breastplate securely fastened, prepared to take on the enemy by standing firm in the battle.

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

Ephesians 6:14a

Verse of the Day Devotion:  Ephesians 6:14a   

“Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH” – Ephesians 6:14a

I want to start with the several verses that introduce this idea Paul is putting forth.  “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” Ephesians 6:10-13.  He is telling us to put on the full armor of God for the following reason, that we can stand firmly against the powers of the enemy, namely the sly schemes of the devil. 

We will start this series of verses with the first part of verse 14, which says “Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH.”  Ephesians 6:14a.  I am wanting to speak of each part of the armor individually which is why I am focusing on half of this verse.  The idea of girding is to fasten garments with a girdle or a belt.  There are several metaphorical ideas associated with girding the loins as seen by the Greco-Roman and Jewish world.  It could be the leather apron which was put on under the breastplate. Or it could be the belt from which the sword was hung.  This part of the armor along with the others, aside from the sword, are defensive in nature. 

Jesus said, “Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” John 14:5.  Truth is from God, through Christ, and is the defense we need to counter the attacks from the father of lies.  It is a crucial piece of defensive armor guarding our heart from deception.  If we do not know the truth, then how can we know if what we are told by the enemy is a lie?  We cannot, and thus we see the cause of many people who confessed Christianity but then fell away because they accepted some false teachings that lead them astray.  These teaching can appear to be biblical, however their goal is to trick us into walking away from the faith. This is why it is imperative that we spend time in learning the truth.  And we can do this through our leaders.  “And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-13.  And if we follow these teachings, we will then be equipped.  “As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;” Ephesians 4:14.

The devil wants to steal as many sheep as he can, therefore we must fill ourselves with  the truth of God so we can stand strong and firm to protect ourselves from his schemes.  And the only way we can know if something is false is if we know what is true.  I was given teller training at a Savings and Loan I used to work at.  When they taught us what to look for regarding counterfeit money, they did not show us all the way money looked false, but how real currency looked.  And this is how we need to look for false teaching as well.  We are to be so familiar with the truth that it is obvious what is not true.  So we must gird ourselves with the truth so that when the enemy tries to lead us astray, we will see it as falsehood and not be fooled no matter how fiendish he is.   

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

Ephesians 6:10

Verse of the Day Devotion – Ephesians 6:10

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” – Ephesians 6:10.

In the beginning of this chapter, Paul stated to the Church in Ephesus the duties which they were to perform in doing the work of God.  He had considered the various relations of life, including children who were to obey and honor their father and mother, and the father who was not to provoke their children.  Back then slaves were found all over the area there, and so he encourages them to obey their masters.  And to obey them “not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.” Ephesians 6:6.  In other words, not simply look like they were doing their jobs, but actually doing it.  And he clarifies this with the next verses, “With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free.” Ephesians 6:7-8.  And he also speaks to masters, where he says “And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.” Ephesians 6:9.

So, Paul was not unaware that in the discharge of their duties they would need strength from above. He knew that they had great and mighty foes, and that to meet them, they needed to be clothed in a spiritual form of a uniform of the soldier.  Paul therefore closes by exhorting them to put on all the strength which they could to meet the enemies with which they had to contend; and in the commencement of his exhortation, he reminds them that it was only by the strength of the Lord that they could hope for victory. To be “strong in the Lord” is to first be strong and courageous in his cause, and also to feel that he is our strength and to rely on him and his promises.

Throughout the scriptures God has promised to help us through difficult times.  Paul wrote to the Philippians “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19.  He also wrote to the Church in Rome, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28.  In both of these verses, he is telling us that God will supply everything we need, both in material things as well as in addressing times of difficulty. 

And the prophet Isaiah tells us that we have no reason to be afraid, for God is with us, His people.  “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10.  And in Deuteronomy we read, “Then Moses called to Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land which the LORD has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:7-8. 

Over this week, I will be looking at the verses that refer to the armor of God. And why should we focus on this?  “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.”  Ephesians 6:11.  We are not in this alone.  God is with us and will give us the things we need to stand firm against the evil that the enemy throws our way.  God loves us greatly and will provide all we need to stay true to Him. 

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

Luke 18:22

Verse of the Day Devotion:  Luke 18:22  

“When Jesus heard this, He said to him, one thing you still lack; sell all that you possess and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me” – Luke 18:22

“A ruler questioned Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Luke 18:18.  This young man was a ruler among the Jews.  He was also a very rich person who essentially lacked nothing.  This man was not a Sadducee because he believed in a future eternal life.  He asked Jesus a serious question because he was concerned about what he should do in order to receive and enjoy everlasting life.  However, he was looking at this from a legal standpoint, figuring that all good things are given him by his good works.  Therefore, he said “what shall I do to inherit eternal life. 

Jesus then asks him about what he said.  “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.” Luke 18:19.  Knowing the young man was a Jew, Jesus knew this young man did not believe Him to be the Son of God.  He was one who believed keeping the Jewish law was important and helpful in attaining the favor of God.  And Jesus used this knowledge to open up the discussion regarding the Law.  “You know the commandments: Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.”  Luke 18:20. 

The man then tells Jesus he has kept all these from his youth.  He was hinting that he knew it would require more than just following the Jewish Law, which it does.  But again, he believed their must be more that must be done.  Then Jesus tells the young man what he must do.  “One thing you still lack; sell all that you possess and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”  Luke 18:22.  What Jesus was telling him was he had to give up those things which were more important to him then God.  Mark adds an additional idea to this.  “Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him.” Mark 10:21a.  To many, money has become an idol, the thing they seek beyond everything else.  And this appears to be what was going on with this young ruler.  He responded by becoming very sad because of the great wealth he had.  These things he had accumulated along with the great wealth he had set aside was more important than the eternal life he asked about.

It is important that we examine our hearts and see if there is anything we would choose not to give up for the cause of Christ.  He is to be more important than anything else in our lives no matter what.  What is it that motivates you?  If it is other than doing God’s work or a relationship with Him, then, as Jesus said, we may have to give these things up.  We cannot allow anything to take precedence over God.  So, I want to challenge us, and I include myself in this as well, to look at what is the most important thing that drives us.  And if it Is not God, then we may have something we need to give up. 

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

2 Timothy 1:8

Verse of the Day Devotion:  2 Timothy 1:8  

“Therefore, do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God.” – 2 Timothy 1:8

This is Paul’s second letter to Timothy, his companion and partner along with Silas.  In this part of the letter, Paul is encouraging his disciple Timothy to stand strong for the gospel of Christ.  He starts by telling Timothy that he is reminded of his mother and grandmother.  “For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.” 2 Timothy 1:5.  They were strong women of faith that set the foundation for Timothy.  And because of them, he had the opportunity to work with Timothy regarding Christ.  “For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” 2 Timothy 1:6.  Paul here is using the analogy of a fire as representing the gift God gave him.  The idea here is that if this gift is not frequently stirred up and fresh fuel added, it will go out.

He goes on to tell Timothy God has given him a gift of boldness.  “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7.  The idea here is that the spirit which He gave us, was not the spirit of timidity or cowardice, which is weakness, but of power exhibited in a fearless testimony for Christ.  And this power comes through the gift of the Holy Spirit.  “And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” Luke 24:49. 

Paul then tells Timothy to let his boldness shine forth.  In our focus verse we see, “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,” 2 Timothy  1:8.   He is encouraging Timothy to join him in his suffering which is a result of his sharing the truth regarding the gospel according the power of God. 

And this gospel is from God “who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher.” 2 Timothy 1:9-11.  And it is because of this gospel, which is absolute truth, he has suffered.  “For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.” 2 Timothy 1:12.

And we should be encouraged by this as well.  Many in this world are turning away from belief in Jesus Christ and the salvation He brings our way, and ridicule us who continue to declare the truth of the gospel as a way to save us from our sins which will result in eternal life with God.  If we truly believe this, we should never be ashamed to share this truth to all so that many can believe and be saved as well.  The definition of ashamed is a feeling of shame, guilt or disgrace for something you have done.  We should never feel shame, guilt or disgrace because we have shared the gospel or stood firmly for the truth.  If we do feel shame, then we need to look at ourselves and see where we are and then pray that God will help us, knowing that the gospel is truth, to live like it is truth.  If we show timidity it may hinder others from seeing the truth in us. 

Let us always be proud and determined to declare and live the truth of the gospel of Christ.  We should forget the ways of the world and do the work God has called us to.  “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15. 

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

Philippians 4:19

Verse of the Day Devotion:  Philippians 4:19  

“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19

Paul here is speaking to the Philippian Church thanking them for the much-needed assistance they provided to him.  It appears that the church had stopped providing supplies for Paul’s ministry due to circumstances outside of their control.  “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity.” Philippians 4:10.  Notice the phrase “but lacked opportunity”.  This signifies that he believed they had entertained the same sentiments of him, had the same affection and inward care for him all along; but they had no opportunity of showing it, him being at such a distance, with them having no convenient or proper persons to send to him; or were hindered through multiplicity of business on their hands that they could not attend to him.

Paul then says he was not saying this because he had needed anything from them during this time.  “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.” Philippians 4:11.  He tells them he knows how to deal with little.  “I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.” Philippians 4:12.  Before Christ’s calling of him to spread the gospel, he had been well off and had all his needs met.  He was a Pharisee and one highly regarded by many in Judaism.  However, in his current life he has learned to rely on God for everything.  Yes, there are times when difficulties come and he finds himself lacking in food.  However, in the previous verse he says he has learned how to handle hunger and plenty.  He knows he can do everything God calls him to do no matter what, but he is thankful for their help.  “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction.” Philippians 4:13-14. 

Paul then reminds the Philippians that while after he had preached to them, he left Macedonia and ministered throughout the area, no other church helped them in the meeting of their needs.  He wanted to say thanks to them for the sacrifices they made on their behalf.  He also encouraged them through our focus verse.  “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19.  He essentially was telling them that as they have given to him in his distress, God will never suffer them to be in need without helping them in their time.  His fulness and riches are infinite. 

And when we are in need, He will give us what we need through His infinite riches and grace.  All the favors and fulfillments of the provisions given would be given through Christ.  Even the supply of our temporal needs comes to us through the Savior.  The theologian Albert Barnes puts it this way.  “Were it not for the atonement, there is no more reason to suppose that blessings would be conferred upon people than that they would be on fallen angels. For them no atonement has been made; and at the hand of justice they have received only wretchedness and woe.”  And I want to add that often these blessing conferred upon non-Christians can lead to their salvations. 

Therefore, if God will supply all our needs then we need to ask the question, “If God does not provide for what we deem a need, is it really a need or is it simply a desire?  And we must remember that God knows how best to meet our needs, which may not be how we expect or desire them to be met.  So we must have trust and faith in God that however things happen is how He determines is the best way.  God loves us more than we can ever imagine, so much so that He sent His begotten Son to address an issue we could not.   And if He loves us this much to sacrifice His only begotten son, why would He not address other “needs” we may have?  Just be who He has called you to be. “Only, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each, in this manner let him walk. And so I direct in all the churches.” 1 Corinthians 7:17. 

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