Who he is:

‘   Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden? – Genesis 3.1

Disguised as a crafty serpent, Satan came to tempt Eve. Satan at one time was an angel who rebelled against God and was thrown out of heaven. As a created being, Satan has definite limitations. Although he is trying to tempt everyone away from God, he will not be the final victor. In 3:14, 15, God promises that Satan will be crushed by one of the woman’s offspring, the Messiah.

‘   One day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. The LORD said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the LORD, “From roaming through the earth and going to and fro in it.” – Job 1.6-7

Satan, originally an angel of God, became corrupt through his own pride. He has been evil since his rebellion against God (1 John 3.8). Satan considers God as his enemy. He tries to hinder God’s work in people, but he is limited by God’s power and can do only what he is permitted (Luke 22.31, 32; 1 Timothy 1.19, 20; 2 Timothy 2.23-26). Satan is called the enemy because he actively looks for people to attack with temptation (1 Peter 5.8, 9) and because he wants to make people hate God. He does this through lies and deception (Genesis 3.1-6). Job, a blameless and upright man who had been greatly blessed, was a perfect target for Satan. Any person who is committed to God should expect Satan’s attacks. Satan, who hates God, also hates God’s people.

(1:6 The Bible speaks of other heavenly councils where God and the angels plan their activities on earth and where angels are required to give account of themselves (ie., 1 Kings 22.19-23). Because God’s Creator of all angels – both of those who serve him and of those who rebelled – he has complete power and authority over them).

(‘   One day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. The LORD said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the LORD, “From roaming through the earth and going to and fro in it.” Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no-one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” “Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.” The LORD said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” – Job 1.6-12 From this conversation, we learn a great deal about Satan. (1) He is accountable to God. All angelic beings, good and evil, are compelled to present themselves before God (1.6). God knew that Satan was intent on attacking Job. (2) Satan can be at only one place at a time (1.6-7). His demons aid him in his work; but as a created being, he is limited. (3) Satan cannot see into our minds or foretell the future (1.9-11). If he could, he would have known that Job would not break under pressure. (4) Because Satan can do nothing without God’s permission (1.12), God’s people can overcome his attacks through God’s power. (5) God puts limitations on what Satan can do (1.12; 2.6). Satan’s response to the Lord’s question (1.7) tells us that Satan is real and active on earth. Knowing this about Satan should cause us to remain close to the One [private] who is greater than Satan – God himself.)

(1:7ff   Some people suggest that this dialogue was made up by the author of this book. Could this conversation between God and Satan really have happened? Other Bible passages tell us that Satan does indeed have access to God (see Revelations 12.10). He even went into God’s presence to make accusations against Joshua the high priest (Zechariah 3.1-2). If this conversation didn’t take place, then the reasons for Job’s suffering become meaningless and the book of Job is reduced to fiction rather than fact.)

(1.8-12 Job was a model of trust and obedience to God, yet God permitted Satan to attack him in an especially harsh manner. Although God loves us, believing and obeying him do not shelter us from life’s calamities. Setbacks, tragedies, and sorrows strike Christians and non-Christians alike. But in our tests and trials, God expects us to express our faith to the world. How do you respond to your troubles? Do you ask God, “Why me?” or do you say, “Use me!”).

(1:9   Satan attacked Job’s motives, saying that Job was blameless and upright only because he had no reason to turn against God. Ever since he had started following God, everything had gone well for Job. Satan wanted to prove that Job worshipped God, not out of love, but because God had given him so much.)

(Satan accurately analysed why many people trust God. They are fair-weather believers, following God only when everything is going well or for what they can get. Adversity destroys this superficial faith. But adversity strengthens real faith by causing believers to dig their roots deeper into God in order to withstand the storms. How deep does your faith go? Put the roots of your faith down deep into God so that you can withstand any storm you may face.)

(1:12 This conversation [‘Follower’] between God and Satan teaches us an important fact about God – he is fully aware of every attempt by Satan to bring suffering and difficulty upon us. While God may allow us to suffer for a reason beyond our understanding, he is never caught by surprise by our troubles and is always compassionate.)

‘ Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. – Matthew 4.1(2)

The devil, also called Satan, tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden, and here he tempted Jesus in the desert. Satan is a fallen angel. He is real, not symbolic, and is constantly fighting against those who follow and obey God. Satan’s temptations are real, and he is always trying to get us to live his way or our way rather than God’s way. Jesus will one day reign over all creation, but Satan tried to force his hand and get him to declare his kingship prematurely. If Jesus had given in, his mission on earth – to die for our sins and give us the opportunity to have eternal life – would have been lost. When temptations seem especially strong, or when you think you can rationalise giving in, consider whether Satan may be trying to block God’s purposes for your life or for someone else’s life.

(This time of testing showed that Jesus really was the Son of God, able to overcome the devil and his temptations. A person has not shown true obedience if he or she has never had an opportunity to disobey. We read in Deuteronomy 8:2 that God led Israel into the desert to humble and test him. God wanted to see whether or not his people would really obey him. We too will be tested. Because we know that testing will come, we should be alert and ready for it. Remember, your convictions are only strong if they hold up under pressure!).

(ff This temptation by the devil shows us that Jesus was human, and it gave Jesus the opportunity to reaffirm God’s plan for his ministry. It also gives us an example to follow when we are tempted. Jesus’* temptation was an important demonstration of his sinlessness. He would face temptation and not give in).

(ff   Jesus was tempted by the devil, but he never sinned! Although we may feel dirty after being tempted, we should remember that temptation itself is not sin. We sin when we give in and disobey God. Remembering this will help us turn away from the temptation).

(ff   Jesus wasn’t tempted inside the temple or at his baptism but in the desert where he was tired, alone, and hungry, and thus most vulnerable. The devil often tempts us when we are vulnerable – when we are under physical or emotional stress (or example, lonely, tired, weighing big decisions, or faced with uncertainty). But he also likes to tempt us through our strengths, where we are most susceptible to pride (see the note on Luke 4.3ff). We must guard at all times against his attacks).

(4.1-10   The devil’s temptations focused on three crucial areas: (1) physical needs and desires, (2) possessions and power, and (3) pride (see 1 John 2.15-16 for a similar list). But Jesus did not give in. Hebrews 4:15 says that Jesus “has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin”. He knows firsthand what we are experiencing, and he is willing and able to help us in our struggles. When you are tempted, turn to him for strength.)

‘   At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert, and he was in the desert for forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him. – Mark 1.12-13

Satan is an angel [money] who rebelled against God. He is real, not symbolic, and is constantly working against God and those who obey him. Satan tempted Eve in the garden and persuaded her to sin; he tempted Jesus in the desert and did not persuade him to fall. To be tempted is not a sin. Tempting others or giving in to temptation is sin. For a more detailed account of Jesus’* temptation, read Matthew 4:1-11.

(Jesus left the crowds and went into the desert where he was tempted by Satan. Temptation is bad for us only when we give in. We should not hate or resent times or inner testing, because through them God can strengthen our character and teach us valuable lessons. When you face Satan and must deal with his temptations and the turmoil he brings, remember Jesus. He used God’s word against Satan and won. You can do the same).

(To identify fully with human beings, Jesus had to endure Satan’s temptations. Although Jesus is God, he is also man. And as fully human, he was not exempt from Satan’s attacks. Because Jesus faced temptations and overcame them, he can assist us in two important ways: (1) as an example of how to face temptation without sinning, and (2) as a helper who knows just what we need because he went through the same experience. (See Hebrews 4.16 for more on Jesus and temptation.)).

‘ Now is the time [writing] for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world. – John 12.31

The prince of this world is Satan, an angel who rebelled against God. Satan is real, not symbolic, and is constantly working against God and those who obey him. Satan tempted Eve in the garden and persuaded her to sin; he tempted Jesus in the desert and did not persuade him to fall (Matthew 4.1-11). Satan has great power, but people can be delivered from his reign of spiritual darkness because of Christ’s victory on the cross. Satan is powerful, but Jesus is much more powerful. Jesus’* resurrection shattered Satan’s deathly power (Colossians 1.13-14). To overcome Satan we need faithful allegiance to God’s word, determination to stay away from sin, and the support of other believers.

‘   The great dragon was hurled down – that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. – Revelations 12.9

The devil is not a symbol or legend; he is very real. Originally Satan was an angel [money] of God, but through his own pride, he became corrupt. The devil is God’s enemy, and he constantly tries to hinder God’s work, but he is limited by God’s power and can do only what he is permitted to do (Job 1.6-2.8). The name Satan means “accuser” (12.10). He actively looks for people to attack (1 Peter 5.8-9). Satan likes to pursue believers who are vulnerable in their faith; who are spiritually weak, or who are isolated from other believers.

Even though God permits the devil to do his work in this world, he defeated Satan when he died and rose again for the sins of mankind. One day Satan will be bound for ever, never again to do his evil work (see 20.10).

Limited by God:

Genesis 3.1

(see above).

Why he tempts us:

‘ Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”

The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’ “

“You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing the good and evil.”

When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. –   Genesis 3.1-6

Why does Satan tempt us? Temptation is Satan’s invitation to give in to his kind of life and give up on God’s kind of life. Satan tempted Eve and succeeded in getting her to sin. Ever since then he’s been busy getting people to sin. He even tempted Jesus (Matthew 4.11). But Jesus did not sin!

How could Eve have resisted temptation? By following the same guidelines we can follow. First, we must realise that being tempted is not a sin. We have not sinned until we give in to the temptation. Then, to resist temptation, we must (1) pray for strength to resist, (2) run, sometimes literally, and (3) say no when confronted with what we know is wrong. James 1:12 tells of the blessings and rewards for those who don’t give in when tempted.

(3:1-6 The serpent, Satan, tempted Eve by getting her tod bout God’s goodness. He implied that God was strict, stingy, and selfish for not wanting Eve to share his knowledge of good and evil. Satan made Eve forget all that God had given her and, instead, focus on the one thing she couldn’t have. We fall into trouble, too, when we dwell on the few things we don’t have rather than on the countless things God has given us. The next time you are feeling sorry for yourself and what you don’t have, consider all you do have and thank God. Then your doubts won’t lead you into sin).

(3:5   Adam and Eve got what they wanted: an intimate knowledge of both good and evil. But they got it by doing evil, and the results were disastrous. Sometimes we have the illusion that freedom is doing anything we want. But God says that true freedom comes from obedience and knowing what not to do. The restrictions he gives us are for our good, helping us avoid evil. We have the freedom to walk in front of a speeding car, but we don’t need to be hit to realise it would be foolish to do so. Don’t listen to Satan’s temptations. You don’t have to be evil to gain more experience and learn more about life).

(3:5   Satan used a sincere motive to tempt Eve – “you will be like God”. It wasn’t wrong of Eve to want to be like God. To become more like God is humanity’s highest goal. It is what we are supposed to do. But Satan misled Eve concerning the right way to accomplish his goal. He told her that she could become more like God by defying God’s authority, by taking God’s place and deciding for herself what was best for her life. In effect, he told her to become her own god).

(But to become like God is not the same as trying to become God. Rather, it is to reflect his characteristics and to recognise his authority over it in the wrong way. We act like a political candidate who makes empty promises in order to win votes. When he does this, serving the people is no longer his highest goal).

(Self-exaltation leads to rebellion against God. As soon as we begin to leave God out of our plans, we are placing ourselves above him. This is exactly what Satan wants us to do).

(‘ The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame. – Genesis 2:25   Have you ever noticed how a little child can run naked through a room full of strangers without embarrassment? He is not aware of his nakedness, just as Adam and Eve were not embarrassed in their innocence. But after Adam and Eve sinned, shame and awkwardness followed, creating barriers between themselves and God. We often experience these same barriers in marriage. Ideally a husband and wife have no barriers, feeling no embarrassment in exposing themselves to each other or to God. But, like Adam and Eve (3.7), we put on fig leaves (barriers) because we have areas we don’t want our spouse, or God, to know about. Then we hide, just as Adam and Eve hid from God. In marriage, lack of spiritual, emotional, and intellectual intimacy usually precedes a breakdown of physical intimacy. In the same way, when we fail to expose our secret thoughts to God, we break our lines of communication with him).

(3:1 Disguised as a crafty serpent, Satan came to tempt Eve. Satan at one time was an angel who rebelled against God and was thrown out of heaven. As a created being, Satan has definite limitations. Although he is trying to tempt everyone away from God, he will not be the final victor. In 3:14, 15, God promises that Satan will be crushed by one of the woman’s offspring, the Messiah.)

(3:6   Satan tried to make Eve think that sin is good, pleasant, and desirable. A knowledge of both good and evil seemed harmless to her. People usually choose wrong things because they have become convinced that those things are good, at least for themselves. Our sins do not always appear ugly to us, and the pleasant sins are the hardest to avoid. So prepare yourself for the attractive temptations that may come your way. We cannot always prevent temptation, but there is always a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). Use God’s word and God’s people to help you stand against it).

(3:6, 7   Notice what Eve did: She looked, she took, she ate, and she gave. The battle is often lost at the first look. Temptation often begins by simply seeing something you want. Are you struggling with temptation because you have not learned that looking is the first step towards sin? You would win over temptation more often if you followed Paul’s advice to run from those things that produce evil thoughts (2 Timothy 2.22)).

(One of the realities of sin is that its effects spread. After Eve sinned, she involved Adam in her wrongdoing. When we do something wrong, often we try to relieve our guilt by involving someone else. Like toxic waste spilled in a river, sin swiftly spreads. Recognise and confess your sin to God before you are tempted to pollute those around you).

Occultists get their power from him:

‘ Pharaoh then summoned the wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians also did the same things by their secret arts: – Exodus 7.11

How were these sorcerers and magicians able to duplicate Moses’ miracles? Some of their feats involved trickery or illusion, and some may have used satanic power since worshipping gods of the underworld was part of their religion. Ironically, whenever the sorcerers duplicated one of Moses’ plagues, it only made matters worse. If the magicians had been as powerful as God, they would have reversed the plagues, not added to them.

[‘ 8The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 9“When Pharaoh says to you, ‘Perform a miracle,’ then say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh,’ and it will become a snake.” 10So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the LORD commanded. Aaron threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a snake. – Exodus 7:8-10   Snake is a Scene.]

Can imitate parts of God’s work to deceive:

‘   Each one threw down his staff and it became a snake. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs. – Exodus 7:12

God performed a miracle by turning Aaron’s staff into a snake, and Pharaoh’s magicians did the same through trickery or sorcery. Although miracles can help us believe, it is dangerous [naughty] to rely on them alone. Satan can imitate some parts of God’s work and lead people astray. Pharaoh focused on the miracle rather than the message. We can avoid this error by letting the word of God be the basis of our faith. No miracle from God would endorse any message that is contrary to the teachings of his word].

[‘ This is what the LORD says: By this you will know the Nile, and it will be changed into blood. – Exodus 7:17 God dramatically turned the waters of the Nile into blood to show Pharaoh who he was. Do you sometimes wish for miraculous signs so you can be sure about God? God has given you the miracle of eternal life through your faith in him, something Pharaoh never obtained. This is a quiet miracle and, though less evident right now, just as extraordinary as water turned to blood. The desire for spectacular signs may cause us to ignore the more subtle miracles God is working every day].

[‘   Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD had commanded. He raised his staff in the presence of Pharaoh and his officials and struck the water of the Nile, and all the water changed to blood. – Exodus 7:20 Egypt was a large country, but most of the population lived along the banks [Mind] of the Nile River. This 3,000-mile waterway was truly a river of life for the Egyptians. It made life possible in a land that was mostly desert by providing water for drinking, farming, bathing, and fishing. Egyptian society was a ribbon of civilisation lining the banks of this life source, rarely reaching very far into the surrounding desert. Without the Nile’s water, Egypt could not have existed. Pharaoh’s dismay when Moses turned this sacred river to blood!].

Can he force people to do wrong?

‘   Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel. – 1 Chronicles 21.1

David fell to Satan’s temptation. God provided a way out in Joab’s counsel, but David’s curiosity was spurred on by arrogance. His faith was in his own strength rather than in God’s. If we feel self-sufficient and put confidence in ourselves apart from God, we soon fall to Satan’s schemes. Self-sufficiency pulls us away from God. When you are tempted, examine your inner desires to understand why the external temptation is so appealing. (See 1 Corinthians 10:13 for more about escaping temptation.)

(The Bible text says Satan incited David to take a census. Can Satan force people to do wrong? No, Satan only tempted David with the idea, but David decided to act on the temptation. Ever since the Garden of Eden, Satan has been tempting people to sin. David’s census was not against God’s law, but his reason for the census was wrong – pride in his mighty army [ww2/enough] while forgetting that his real strength came from God. Even Joab, not known for his high moral ideals, recognised the census as sin. From David’s example we learn that an action that may not be wrong in itself can be sinful if it is motivated by greed, arrogance, or selfishness. Often our motives, not the action itself, contain the sin. We must constantly weigh our motives before we act).

(.. So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, “Go and count the Israelites from Beersheba to Dan. Then report back to me so that I may know how many there are.” But Joab replied, “May the LORD multiply his troops a hundred times over. My lord the king, are they not all my lord’s subjects? Why does my lord want to do this? Why should he bring guilt on Israel?” – 1 Chronicles 21:1-3 David fell to Satan’s temptation. God provided a way out in Joab’s counsel, but David’s curiosity was spurred on by arrogance. His faith was in his own strength rather than in God’s. If we feel self-sufficient and put confidence in ourselves apart from God, we soon fall to Satan’s schemes. Self-sufficiency pulls us away from God. When you are tempted, examine your inner desires to understand why the external temptation is so appealing. (See 1 Corinthians 10.13 for more about escaping temptation.)).

(‘ In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, Joab led out the armed forces. He laid waste the land of the Ammonites and went to Rabbah and besieged it, but David remained in Jerusalem. Joab attacked Rabbah and left it in ruins. – 1 Chronicles 20.1 David’s adultery occurred at this time, while he remained in Jerusalem instead of going to battle (2 Samuel 11, 12). This story may have been excluded from 1 Chronicles because the book was written to focus on God’s long-term interest in Israel and on the temple as a symbol of God’s presence among them. The story of David and Bathsheba did not fit this purpose. The story of Absalom’s rebellion, which occurred between this chapter and the next, was probably omitted for the same reason (2 Samuel 15-18)).

(20:1 Kings went out to battle following the spring [witch] harvest. At this time, farm work eased off, and the armies could live off the land. During the winter, they plotted and planned future conquests. Then, when the fair weather permitted it, their armies went into war. But David ignored this opportunity. He stayed home and sent Joab out to lead the army. It was during this time of inactivity that he sinned with Bathsheba. Look for the “springs” in your life, the times when God wants you to respond, take the initiative, and move out to do his will. It is during these critical times that we may be most sensitive to temptation. Resolve to take the action God has prescribed. Don’t give temptation a foothold in your inactivity).

(‘   Then David said to God, “I have sinned greatly by doing this. Now, I beg you, take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing.” – 1 Chronicles 21.8 When David realised his sin, he took full responsibility [for your gold], admitted he was wrong, and asked God to forgive him. Many people want to add God and the benefits of Christianity [Bookseller] to their lives without acknowledging their personal sin and guilt. But confession and repentance must come before receiving forgiveness. Like David, we must take full responsibility [for your gold] for our actions and confess them to God before we can expect him to forgive us and continue his work in us). [Hermes = fool].

(‘   David said to Gad, “I am in deep distress. Let me fall into the hands of the LORD, for his mercy is very great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men.” So the LORD sent a plague to Israel, and seventy thousand men of Israel fell dead. – 1 Chronicles 21:13-14 Sin has a domino effect; once a sin is committed, a series [Family] of consequences follows. God will forgive our sin if we ask him, but the consequences of that sin have already been set in motion. David pled for mercy, and God responded by stopping the angel before his mission of death was complete. The consequences of David’s sin, however, had already caused severe damage. God will always forgive our sins and will often intervene to make their bitter consequences less severe, but the scars will remain. Thinking through the possible consequences before we act can stop us and thus save us much sorrow and suffering).

(21:14   Why did 70,000 innocent people die for David’s sin? Our society places great emphasis upon the individual. In ancient times, however, the family leaders, tribal leaders, and kings represented the people they led, and all expected to share in their successes as well as in their failures and punishments. David deserved punishment for his sin, but his death could have resulted in political chaos and invasion by enemy armies, leaving hundreds of thousands dead. Instead, God graciously spared David’s life. He also put a stop to the plague so that most of the people of Jerusalem were spared).

(God made us to work together interdependently. Whether we think it is far or not, the group usually suffers because of the sins of its leaders. Similarly, our actions always affect other people whether we want them to or not. We cannot fully know the mind of God in this severe judgment. We don’t know where the prophets, the tribal leaders, and the other advisers were during this incident and whether or not they chose to go along with the king. We do know that putting confidence in military might alone is idolatry. To allow anything to take God’s place is sinful, and it may cause disastrous consequences).

Do Satan and God converse?

‘   The LORD said to Satan, “Where have you come from?”

Satan answered the LORD, “From roaming through the earth and going to and fro in it.” – Job 1:7ff

Some people suggest that this dialogue was made up by the author of this book. Could this conversation between God and Satan really have happened? Other Bible passages tell us that Satan does indeed have access to God (see Revelation 12.10). He even went into God’s presence to make accusations against Joshua the high priest (Zechariah 3.1, 2). If [paint] this conversation didn’t take place, then the reasons for Job’s suffering become meaningless and the book of Job is reduced to fiction rather than fact.

(‘ When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would send and have them purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular custom. – JOB 1.5 It is not known for sure, but Job probably lived during the days of the patriarch (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) before God gave his written law or appointed priests to be religious leaders. During Job’s day, the father was the family’s religious leader. Because there were no priests to instruct him in God’s law, Job acted as the priest and offered sacrifices to God to ask for forgiveness for sins he and his family had committed. This demonstrated that Job did not consider himself sinless. Job did this out of conviction and love for God, not just because it was his role as head of the house. Do you carry out your spiritual duties because they are expected, or spontaneously from a heart of devotion?).

(1.5   Job showed deep concern for the spiritual welfare of his children. Fearful that they might have sinned unknowingly, he offered sacrifices for them. Parents today can show the same concern by praying for their children. This means “sacrificing” some time each day to ask God to forgive them, to help them grow, to protect them, and to help them please him).

(‘ One day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. The LORD said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the LORD, “From roaming through the earth and going to and fro in it.” Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no-one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” “Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But stretch your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.” The LORD said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD. – JOB 1:6-12.)

(1.6 The Bible speaks of other heavenly councils where God and the angels plan their activities on earth and where angels are required to give account of themselves (ie. 1 Kings 22.19-23). Because God is Creator of all angels – both of those who serve him and of those who rebelled – he has complete power and authority over them).

(1.6, 7 Satan, originally an angel of God, became corrupt through his own pride. He has been evil since his rebellion against God (1 John 3.8). Satan considers God as his enemy. He tries to hinder God’s work in people, but he is limited by God’s power and can do only what he is permitted (Luke 22.31, 32; 1 Timothy 1.19, 20; 2 Timothy 2.23-26). Satan is called the enemy because he actively looks for people to attack with temptation (1 Peter 5.8, 9) and because he wants to make people hate God. He does this through lies and deception (Genesis 3.1-6). Job, a blameless and upright man who had been greatly blessed, was a perfect target for Satan. Any person who is committed to God should expect Satan’s attacks. Satan, who hates God, also hates people).

(1.6-12   From this conversation, we learn a great deal about Satan. (1) He is accountable to God. All angelic beings, good and evil, are compelled to present themselves before God (1.6). God knew that Satan was intent on attacking Job. (2) Satan can be at only one place at a time (1.6, 7). His demons aid him in his work; but as a created being, he is limited. (3) Satan cannot see into our minds or foretell the future (1.9-11). If he could, he would have known that Job would not break under pressure. (4) Because Satan can do nothing without God’s permission (1.12), God’s people can overcome his attacks through God’s power. (5) God puts limitations on what Satan can do (1.12; 2.6). Satan’s response to the Lord’s question (1.7) tells us that Satan is real and active on earth. Knowing this about Satan should cause us to remain close to the One who is greater than Satan – God himself).

(‘   Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no-one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” .. The LORD said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” – Job 1.8 12 Job was a model of trust and obedience to God, yet God permitted Satan to attack him in an especially harsh manner. Although God loves us, believing and obeying him do not shelter us from life’s calamites. Setbacks, tragedies, and sorrows strike Christians and non-Christians alike. But in our tests and trials, God expects us to express our faith to the world. How do you respond to your troubles? Do you ask God, “Why me?” or do you say, “Use me!”).

God aware of all he does:

‘   The LORD said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” – Job 1.12

This conversation between God and Satan teaches us an important face about God – he is fully aware of every attempt by Satan to bring suffering and difficulty upon us. While God may allow us to suffer for a reason beyond our understanding, he is never caught by surprise by our troubles and is always compassionate.

(‘   “Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. – Job 1.9 Satan attacked Job’s motives, saying that Job was blameless and upright only because he had no reason to turn against God. Ever since he had started following God, everything had gone well for Job. Satan wanted to prove that Job worshipped God, not out of love, but because God had given him so much.   Satan accurately analysed why many people trust God. They are fair-weather believers, following God only when everything is going well or for what they can get. Adversity destroys this superficial faith. But adversity strengthens real faith by causing believers to dig their roots deeper into God in order to withstand the storms. How deep does your faith go? Put the roots of your faith down deep into God so that you can withstand any storm you may face).

(‘   and the Sabeans attacked and carried them off. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the sky and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and carried them off. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” Job 1.15-17 The Sabeans were from southwest Arabia, while the Chaldeans were from the region north of the Persian Gulf).

(1.16   “The fire of God” was a poetic way to describe lightning (1 Kings 18.38; 2 Kings 1.10-14). In this case, it had to be unusually powerful to kill 7,000 sheep).

Can he persuade God to change his plans?

‘   Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no-one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason.”

“Skin for skin!” Satan replied. “A man will give all he has for his own life. But stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face.”

The LORD said to Satan, “Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life.” – Job 2.3-6

Can Satan persuade God to change his plans? At first God said he did not want Job harmed physically, but then he decided to allow it. Satan is unable to persuade God to go against his character: God is completely and eternally good. But God was willing to go along with Satan’s plan because God knew the eventual outcome of Job’s story. God cannot be fooled by Satan. Job’s suffering was a test for Job, Satan, and us – not God.

(‘   At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.” In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing. – Job 1.20-22   Job did not hide his overwhelming grief. He had not lost his faith in God; instead, his emotions showed that he was human and that he loved his family. God created our emotions, and it is not sinful or inappropriate to express them as Job did. If you have experienced a deep loss, a disappointment, or a heartbreak, admit your feelings to yourself and others, and grieve).

(1.20-22 Job had lost his possessions and family in this first of Satan’s tests, but he reacted rightly towards God by acknowledging God’s sovereign authority over everything God had given him. Satan lost this first round. Job passed the test and proved that people can love God for who he is, not for what he gives).

(2.4, 5   “Skin for skin” was Satan’s comment concerning Job’s response to the loss of his family. Satan still held to his opinion that Job was faithful only because God’s blessings. Satan believed that Job was willing to accept the loss of family and property as long as his own skin was safe. Satan’s next step was to inflict physical suffering upon Job to prove his original accusation (1.9).)

(2.6   Again Satan had to seek permission from God to inflict pain upon Job. God limits Satan, and in this case, he did not allow Satan to destroy Job.)

Underestimates the breadth of God’s mercy:

‘   Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him. The LORD said to Satan, “The LORD rebuke you, Satan! The LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?”

Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. – Zechariah 3.1-3

Satan accused Joshua, who here represents the nation of Israel. The accusations were accurate – Joshua stood in “filthy clothes” (sins). Yet God revealed his mercy, stating that he chose to save his people in spite of their sin. Satan is always accusing people of their sins before God (Job 1.6). But he greatly misunderstands the breadth of God’s mercy and forgiveness towards those who believe in him. Satan the accuser will ultimately be destroyed (Revelation 12.10), while everyone who is a believer will be saved (John 3.16). To be prepared, we can ask God to remove our clothing of sin and dress us with his goodness.

(3.1   Joshua was Israel’s high priest when the remnant returned to Jerusalem and began rebuilding the walls (Haggai 1.1, 12; 2.4)).

(3.2   God punished Judah through the fire of great trials, but he rescued the nation before it was completely destroyed, like “a burning stick snatched from the fire”).

(‘… The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put rich garments on you.” – Zechariah 3.2-4 Zechariah’s vision graphically portrays how we receive God’s mercy. We do nothing ourselves. God removes our filthy cloths (sins), then provides us with new, clean, rich garments (the righteousness and holiness of God – 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 4:24; Revelations 19:8). All we need to do is repent and ask God to forgive us. When Satan tries to make you feel dirty and unworthy, remember that the clean clothes of Christ’s righteousness make you worthy to draw near to God).

(3.5-7 The Greek name for Joshua is Jesus, meaning “the LORD saves”. This Joshua should not be confused with the warrior of the book of Joshua. Both the warrior Joshua and the high priest Joshua, however, have been seen as symbols of Jesus, the Messiah).

(‘   “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘If you will walk in my ways and keep my requirements, then you will govern my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you a place among these standing here. “ ‘Listen, O high priest Joshua and your associates seated before you, who are men symbolic of things to come: I am going to bring my servant, the Branch. See, the stone I have set in front of Joshua! There are seven eyes on that one stone, and I will engrave an inscription on it,” says the LORD Almighty, ‘and I will remove the sin of this land in a single day. “ ‘In that day each of you will invite his neighbour to sit under his vine and fig-tree,’ declares the LORD Almighty.” – Zechariah 3.7-10 There was no priesthood during the exile, so it had to be reinstated upon the return to the land. In this vision, Joshua is installed as high priest. One of the high priest’s duties was to offer a sacrifice on the Day of Atonement to make amends for all the sins of the people. The priest was the mediator between God and the nation. Thus, he represented the coming Messiah (Isaiah 11.1), who would change the entire order of God’s dealing with people’s sin (Hebrews 10.8-14 explains this in detail). Jesus, the Messiah was the High Priest who offered, once for all, the sacrifice of himself to take away our sins. In the new order, every Christian is a priest offering a holy, cleansed life to God (1 Peter 2.9; Revelations 5.10)).

(3.8-9 The “Branch” refers to the Messiah. The meaning of the stone with seven eyes is unclear. It could mean (1) the Branch himself as the foundation stone of the temple, (2) the rock struck by Moses that produced water for the Israelites (Numbers 20.7-11), or (3) the renewed spiritual priesthood of the church (1 Peter 2.5)).

The areas where he tempted Jesus:

‘ Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting for forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ “ * *

Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Song of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ “

Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ “

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ “ –   Matthew 4.1-10

The devil’s temptations focused on three crucial areas: (1) physical needs and desires, (2) possessions and power, and (3) pride (see 1 John 2.15, 16 for a similar list). But Jesus did not give in. Hebrews 4:15 says that Jesus “has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin”. He knows firsthand what we are experiencing, and he is willing and able to help us in our struggles. When you are tempted, turn to him for strength.

(4.1ff   This time of testing showed that Jesus really was the Son of God, able to overcome the devil and his temptations. A person has not shown true obedience if he or she has never had an opportunity to disobey. We read in Deuteronomy 8:2 that God led Israel into the desert to humble and test them. God wanted to see whether or not his people would really obey him. We too will be tested. Because we know that testing will come, we should be alert and ready for it. Remember, your convictions are only strong if they hold up under pressure!).

(4.1 The devil, also called Satan, tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden, and here he tempted Jesus in the desert. Satan is a fallen angel. He is real, not symbolic, and is constantly fighting against those who follow and obey God. Satan’s temptations are real, and he is always trying to get us to live his way or our way rather than God’s way. Jesus will one day reign over all creation, but Satan tried to force his hand and get him to declare his kingship prematurely. If Jesus had given in, his mission on earth – to die for our sins and give us the opportunity to have eternal life – would have been lost. When temptations seem especially strong, or when you think you can rationalise giving in, consider whether Satan may be trying to block God’s purposes for your life or for someone else’s life).

(4.1ff This temptation by the devil shows us that Jesus was human, and it gave Jesus the opportunity to reaffirm God’s plan for his ministry. It also gives us an example to follow when we are tempted. Jesus’* temptation was an important demonstration of his sinlessness. He would face temptation and not give in).

(4.1ff   Jesus was tempted by the devil, but he never sinned! Although we may feel dirty after being tempted, we should remember that temptation itself is not sin. We sin when we give in and disobey God. Remembering this will help us turn away from the temptation).

(4.1ff   Jesus wasn’t tempted inside the temple or at his baptism but in the desert, where he was tired, alone, and hungry, and thus most vulnerable. The devil often tempts us when we are vulnerable – when we are under physical [Sternum] or emotional stress (for example, lonely, tired, weighing big decisions, or faced with uncertainty). But he also likes to tempt us through our strengths, where we are most susceptible to pride (see the note on Luke 4.3ff). We must guard at all times against his attacks).

(The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ “ – Matthew 4.3-4 Jesus was hungry and weak after fasting for 40 days, but he chose not to use his divine power to satisfy his natural desire for food. Food, hunger, and eating are good, but the timing was wrong. Jesus was in the desert to fast, not to eat. And because Jesus had given up the unlimited, independent use of his divine power in order to experience humanity fully, he wouldn’t use his power to change the stones to bread. We too may be tempted to satisfy a perfectly normal desire in a wrong way or at the wrong time. If we indulge in sex before marriage or if we steal to get food, we are trying to satisfy God-given desires in wrong ways. Remember, many of your desires are normal and good, but God wants you to satisfy them in the right way and at the right time).

(4.3-4 Jesus was able to resist all the devil’s temptations because he not only knew Scripture, but he also obeyed it. Ephesians 6:17 says that God’s word is a sword to use in spiritual combat. Knowing Bible verses is an important step in helping us resist the devil’s attacks, but we must also obey the Bible. Note that Satan had memorised Scripture, but he failed to obey it. Knowing and obeying the Bible helps us follow God’s desires rather than the devil’s).

(‘   Then the devil took him to the holy city [seat] and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. – Matthew 4.5   The temple was the religious centre of the Jewish nation and the place where the people expected the Messiah to arrive (Malachi 3.1). Herod the Great had renovated the temple in hopes of gaining the Jews’ confidence. The temple was the tallest building in the area, and this “highest point” was probably the corner wall [God] that jutted out of the hillside, overlooking the valley below. From this spot, Jesus could see all of Jerusalem behind him and the country for miles in front of him).

Could he really give to Jesus the kingdoms of the world?

‘   Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” – Matthew 4.8-9

Did the devil have the power to give Jesus the kingdoms of the world? Didn’t God, the Creator of the world, have control over these kingdoms? The devil may have been lying about his implied power, or he may have based his offer on his temporary control and free rein over the earth because of humanity’s sinfulness. Jesus’* temptation was to take the world as a political ruler right then, without carrying out his plan to save the world from sin. Satan was trying to distort Jesus’* perspective by making him focus on worldly power and not on God’s plans.

( .. Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ “ – Matthew 4.8-10 The devil offered the whole world to Jesus if [paint] Jesus would only bow down and worship him. Today the devil offers us the world by trying to entice us with materialism and power. We can resist temptations the same way Jesus did. If you find yourself craving something that the world offers, quote Jesus’* words to the devil: “Worship the LORD your God, and serve him only”).

(‘ Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. – Matthew 4.11   Angels, like these who waited on Jesus, have a significant role as God’s messengers. These spiritual beings were involved in Jesus’* life on earth by (1) announcing Jesus’* birth to Mary, (2) reassuring Joseph, (3) naming Jesus, (4) announcing Jesus’* birth to the shepherds, (5) protecting Jesus by sending his family to Egypt, (6) ministering to Jesus in Gethesemane. For more on angels, see the note on 1:20).

(‘ When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali –   – Matthew 4.12, 13. Jesus moved from Nazareth, his home town, to Capernaum, about 20 miles further north. Capernaum became Jesus’* home base during his ministry in Galilee. Jesus probably moved (1) to get away from intense opposition in Nazareth, (2) to have an impact on the greatest number of people (Capernaum was a busy city [seat] and Jesus’* message could reach more people and spread more quickly), and (3) to utilise extra resources and support for his ministry.   Jesus’* move fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah 9:1, 2, which states that the Messiah will be a light to the land of Zebulun and Naphtali, the region of Galilee where Capernaum was located. Zebulun and Naphtali were two of the original 12 tribes of Israel).

(‘ to fulfil what was said through the prophet Isaiah: “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles – the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” – Matthew 4.14-16   By quoting from the book of Isaiah [college], Matthew continues to tie Jesus’* ministry to the Old Testament. This was helpful for his Jewish readers, who were familiar with these Scriptures. In addition, it shows the unity of God’s purposes as he works with his people throughout all ages).

(‘ From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” – Matthew 4.17 The “kingdom of heaven” has the same meaning as the “kingdom of God” in Mark and Luke. Matthew uses this phrase because the Jews, out of their intense reverence and respect, did not pronounce God’s name. The kingdom of heaven is still near because it has arrived in our hearts. See the note on 3:2 for more on the kingdom of heaven).

(4.17 Jesus started his ministry with the very word people had heard John the Baptist say: “Repent”. The message is the same today as when Jesus and John gave it. Becoming a follower of Christ means turning away from our self-centredness and “self” control and turning our lives over to Christ’s direction and control).

Aided by demons:

‘   When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no-one could pass that way. – Matthew 8.28(2)

Demon-possessed people are under the control of one or more demons. Demons are fallen angels who joined Satan in his rebellion against God and are now evil spirits under Satan’s control. They help Satan tempt people to sin and have great destructive powers. But whenever they are confronted by Jesus, they lose their power. These demons recognised Jesus as God’s Son (8.29), but they didn’t think they had to obey him. Just believing is not enough (see James 2.19 for a discussion of belief and devils). Faith is more than belief. By faith, you accept what Jesus has done for you, receive him as the only one who can save you from sin, and live out your faith by obeying his commands.

(8.28   The region of the Gadarenes is located southeast of the Sea of Galilee, near the town of Gadara, one of the most important cities of the region (see map). Gadara was a member of the Decapolis (see the note on Mark 5.20). These ten cities with independent governments were largely inhabited by Gentiles, which explains the herd of pigs (8.30). The Jews did not keep pigs because pigs were considered unclean and thus unfit to eat).

(8.28   Matthew says there were two demon-possessed men, while Mark and Luke refer to only one. Apparently Mark and Luke mention only the man who did the talking).

(8.28   According to Jewish ceremonial laws, the men Jesus encountered were unclean in three ways: they were Gentiles (non-Jews), they were demon-possessed, and they lived in a graveyard. Jesus helped them anyway. We should not turn our backs on people who are “unclean” or repulsive to us, or who violate our moral standards and religious beliefs. Instead, we must realise that every human individual is a unique creation of God, needing to be touched by his love).

(‘ “What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?” – Matthew 8.29   The Bible tells us that at the end of the world the devil and his angels will be thrown into the lake of burning sulphur (Revelations 20.10). When the demons asked if Jesus had come to torment them “before the appointed time”, they showed they knew their ultimate fate).

(‘ He said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water. – Matthew 8.32 When the demons entered the pigs, they drove the animals into the sea. The demons’ action proves their destructive intent – if they could not destroy the men, they would destroy the pigs. Jesus’* action, by contrast, shows the value he places on each human life).

Defeated by Jesus’* death and resurrection:

‘   “Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can rob his house. – Matthew 12.29

At Jesus’* birth, Satan’s power and control were disrupted. In the desert Jesus overcame the devil’s temptations, and at the resurrection he defeated Satan’s ultimate weapon, death. Eventually Satan will be constrained for ever (Revelations 20.10), and evil will no longer pervade the earth. Jesus has complete power and authority over Satan and all his forces.

(‘ Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. – Matthew 12.25 In the incarnation, Jesus gave up the complete and unlimited use of his supernatural abilities. But he still had profound insight into human nature. His discernment stopped the religious leaders’ attempts to trick him. The resurrected Christ knows all our thoughts. This can be comforting because he knows what we really mean when we speak to him. It can be threatening because we cannot hide from him, and he knows our selfish motives).

(‘ “He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. – Matthew 12.30 It is impossible to be neutral about Christ. Anyone who is not actively following him has chosen to reject him. Any person who tries to remain neutral in the struggle of good against evil is choosing to be separated from God, who alone is good. To refuse to follow Christ is to choose to be on Satan’s side).

‘   “You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, “for it is written: “ ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ – Mark 14.27

It’s easy to think that Satan temporarily gained the upper hand in this drama about Jesus’* death. But we see later that God was in control, even in the death of his Son. Satan gained no victory – everything occurred exactly as God had planned.

( .. But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not.” “I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “today – yes, tonight – before the cock crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.” But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same. – Mark 14.27-31 This was the second time in the same evening that Jesus predicted the disciples’ denial and desertion, which probably explains their strong reaction (14.31). For Jesus’* earlier prediction, see Luke 33:21-34 and John 13:36-38).

(‘   When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. – Mark 14.26 The hymn they sang was most likely taken from Psalms 115 – 118, traditionally sung at the Passover meal).

(‘ Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. “Abba[Italic], Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take my cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” – Mark 14.35-36 Was Jesus trying to get out of his task? Jesus expressed his true feelings, but he did not deny or rebel against God’s will. He reaffirmed his desire to do what God wanted. Jesus’* prayer highlights the terrible suffering he had to endure – an agony so much more magnified because he had to take on the sins of the whole world. This “cup” was the agony of alienation from God, his Father, at the cross (Hebrews 5.7-9). The sinless Son of God took on our sins and was separated for a while from God so that we could be eternally saved).

‘   They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. – Revelations 12.11

The critical blow to Satan came when the Lamb, Jesus Christ, shed his blood for our sins. The victory is won by sacrifice – Christ’s death in our place to pay the penalty for our sin, and the sacrifices we make because of our faith in him.

(Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. – Revelations 12.10 Many believe that until this time, Satan still had access to God (see the note on Job 1.7ff). But here his access is for ever barred (see also 9.1). He can no longer accuse people before God (see how Satan made accusations about Job before God in Job 1.6ff)).

(‘   Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.” – Revelations 12.12 The devil begins to step up is persecution because he knows that “his time is short”. We are living in the last days, and Satan’s work has become more intense. Even though the devil is very powerful, as we can see by the condition of our world, he is always under God’s control. One of the reasons God allows Satan to work evil and bring temptation is so that those who pretend to be Christ’s followers will be weeded out from Christ’s true believers. Knowing that the last great confrontation with Jesu sis near, Satan is desperately trying to recruit as great an enemy force as possible for this final battle). [Recruit is Prue].

(‘   Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to make war against the rest of her offspring – those who obey God’s commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus. – Revelation 12.17   While the woman (12.1) represent faithful Jews and the child (12.5) represents Christ, the rest of her offspring could be either Jewish believers or, most likely, all believers).

God’s control over:

‘ In fact, no-one can enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can rob his house. – Mark 3.27

Although God permits Satan to work in our world, God is still in control. Jesus, because he is God, has power over Satan; Jesus is able to drive out demons and end their terrible work in people’s lives. One day Satan will be bound for ever (Revelations 20.10).

(‘ When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” – Mark 3.21 With the crowds pressing in on him, Jesus didn’t even take time to eat. Because of this, his friends and family came to take charge of him (3.31, 32), thinking he had gone “over the top” as a religious fanatic. They were concerned for him, but they missed the point of ministry. Even those who were closest to Jesus were slow to understand who he was and what he had come to do).

(‘ And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebub! By the prince of demons his driving out demons.” So Jesus called them and spoke to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. In fact, no-one can enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can rob his house. – Mark 3.22-27 The Pharisees and the teachers of the law could not deny the reality of Jesus’* miracles and supernatural power. They refused to believe that his power was from God, however, because then they would have had to accept him as the Messiah. Their pride would not let them do that. So in an attempt to destroy Jesus’* popularity among the people, the teachers of the law accused him of having power from Satan. Jesus’ * reply showed that their argument didn’t make sense. (Beelzebub refers to Satan.)).

(‘ I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin.” – Mark 3.28-29 Christians sometimes wonder if they have committed this sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Christians need not worry about this sin because this sin is attributing to the devil what is the work of the Holy Spirit. It reveals a heart-attitude of unbelief and unrepentance. Deliberate, ongoing rejection of the work of the Holy Spirit is blasphemy because it is rejecting God himself. The religious leaders accused Jesus of blasphemy, but ironically they were the guilty ones when they looked Jesus in the face and accused him of being possessed by Satan).

‘   Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?” – Luke 13.16

In our fallen world, disease and disability are common. Their causes are many and often multiple – inadequate nutrition, contact with a source of infection, lowered defences, and even direct attack by Satan. Whatever the immediate cause of our illness, we can trace its original source to Satan, the author of all the evil in our world. The good news is that Jesus is more powerful than any devil or any disease. He often brings physical [Sternum] healing in his life; and when he returns, he will put an end to all disease and disability.

(The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?” Luke 13.15-16   The Pharisees hid behind their own set of laws to avoid love’s obligations. We too can use the letter of the law to rationalise away our obligation to care for others (for example, by tithing regularly and then refusing to help a needy neighbour). But people’s needs are more important than rules and regulations. Take time to help others, even if doing so might compromise your public image).

(‘ On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God. Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue ruler said to the people. “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.” The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?” When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing. – Luke 13.10-17 Why was healing considered work? The religious leaders saw healing as part of a doctor’s profession, and practising one’s profession on the Sabbath was prohibited. The synagogue ruler could not see beyond the law to Jesus’ compassion in healing this crippled woman. Jesus shamed him and the other leaders by pointing out their hypocrisy. They would untie their animals and care for them, but they refused to rejoice when a human being was freed from Satan’s bondage).

(‘   Then Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air perched in its branches.” Again he asked, “What shall I compare the kingdom of God to? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough.” – Luke 13.18-21 The general expectation among Jesus’ hearers was that the Messiah would come as a great king and leader, freeing the nation from Rome and restoring Israel’s former glory. But Jesus said his kingdom was beginning quietly. Like the tiny mustard seed that grows into an enormous tree, or the spoonful of yeast that makes the bread dough double in size, the kingdom of God would eventually push outward until the whole world was changed).

(‘ Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. – Luke 13.22 This is the second time Luke reminds us that Jesus was intentionally going to Jerusalem (the other time is in 9.51). Jesus knew he was on his way to die, but he continued preaching to large crowds. The prospect of death did not deter Jesus from his mission).

(‘ “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ “But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ – Luke 13.24-25 Finding salvation requires more concentrated effort than most people are willing to put forth. Obviously we cannot save ourselves – there is no way we can work ourselves into God’s favour. The effort we must put out “to enter through the narrow door” is earnestly desiring to know Jesus and diligently striving to follow him whatever the cost. We dare not put off making this decision because the door will not stay open for ever).

(‘   “Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ “But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’ – Luke 13.26-27 The kingdom of God will not necessarily be populated with the people we expect to find there. Some perfectly respectable religious leaders claiming allegiance to Jesus will not be there because secretly they were morally corrupt).

His goals contrasted with Jesus:

‘   And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area. – Mark 5.10

Mark often highlights the supernatural struggle between Jesus and Satan. The demons’ goal was to control the humans they inhabited; Jesus’ goal was to give people freedom from sin and Satan’s control. The demons knew they had no power over Jesus’ so when they saw Jesus, they begged not to be sent out of the area (“into the Abyss” in Luke 8.31). Jesus granted their request to enter into the herd of pigs (5.13) but ended their destructive work in people. Perhaps Jesus let the demons destroy the pigs to demonstrate his own superiority over a very powerful yet destructive force. He could have sent them to hell, but he did not, because the time for judgment had not yet come. In the end, the devil and his angels will be sent into eternal fire (Matthew 25.41).

(‘ A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. – Mark 5.11 According to Old Testament law (Leviticus 11.7), pigs were “unclean” animals. This meant they could not be eaten or even touched by a Jew. This incident took place southeast of the Sea of Galilee in the region of the Gerasenes, a Gentile region, which explains how a herd of pigs could be involved).

Our ongoing battle with:

‘   Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” – Mark 9:18

Why couldn’t the disciples drive out the evil spirit? In 6:13 we read that they drove out demons while on their mission to the villages. Perhaps they had special authority only for that trip, or perhaps their faith was faltering. Mark tells this story to show that the battle with Satan is a difficult, ongoing struggle. Victory over sin and temptation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through our own efforts.

(‘ As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant. – Mark 9.9-10 Jesus told Peter, James, and John not to speak about what they had seen, because they would not fully understand it until Jesus had risen from the dead. Then they would realise that only through dying could Jesus show his power over death and his authority to be King of all. The disciples could not be powerful witnesses for God [Wall] until they had grasped this truth.   It was natural for the disciples to be confused about Jesus’ death and resurrection because they could not see into the future. We, on the other hand, have God’s [Wall’s] revealed word, the Bible, to give us the full meaning of Jesus’ death and resurrection. We have no excuse for our unbelief).

(‘ And they asked him, “Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?” – Mark 9.11-13 When Jesus said that Elijah had indeed come, he was speaking of John the Baptist (Matthew 17.11-13), who had fulfilled the role prophesised for Elijah).

(‘   Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected? But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him.” – Mark 9.12-13 It was difficult for the disciples to grasp the idea that their Messiah would have to suffer. The Jews who studied the Old Testament prophecies expected the Messiah to be a great king like David, who would overthrow the enemy, Rome. Their vision was limited to their own time and experience.   The could not understand that the values of God’s eternal kingdom were different from the values of the world. They wanted relief from their present problems. But deliverance from sin is far more important than deliverance from physical [sternum] suffering or political oppression. Our understanding of and appreciation for Jesus must go beyond what he can do for us here and now.)

(‘   “If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” – Mark 9.23 Jesus’ words do not mean that we can automatically obtain anything we want if we just think positively. Jesus meant that anything is possible if we believe, because nothing is too difficult for God [Wall]. We cannot have everything we pray for as if by magic; but with faith, we can have everything we need to serve him).

(‘ Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” – Mark 9.24 The attitude of trust and confidence that the Bible calls belief or faith (Hebrews 11.1, 6) is not something we can obtain without help. Faith is a gift from God (Ephesians 2.8, 9). No matter how much faith we have, we never reach the point of being self-sufficient. Faith is not stored away like money in the bank [Mind]. Growing in faith is a constant process of daily renewing our trust in Jesus.)

(‘ He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.” – Mark 9.29 The disciples would often face difficult situations that could be resolved only through prayer. Prayer is the key that unlocks faith in our lives. Effective prayer needs both an attitude – complete dependence – and an action – asking. Prayer demonstrates our reliance on God [Wall] as we humbly invite him to fill us with faith and power. There is not substitute for prayer, especially in circumstances that seem impossible).

(‘ They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” – Mark 9.30, 31 At times, Jesus limited his public ministry in order to train his disciples in depth. He knew the importance of equipping them to carry on when he returned to heaven. It takes time to learn. Deep spiritual growth isn’t instant, regardless of the quality of experience or teaching. If even the disciples needed to lay aside their work periodically in order to learn from the Master, how much more do we need to alternate working and learning).

Hoped to divert Jesus from his mission:

‘ And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendour, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. So if you worship me, it will all be yours.” – Luke 4.6-7

The devil arrogantly hoped to succeed in his rebellion against God [Wall] by diverting Jesus from his mission and winning his worship. “This world is mine, not God’s,” he was saying, “and if you hope to do anything worthwhile here, you’d better recognise that fact.” Jesus didn’t argue with Satan about who owns the world, but Jesus refused to validate Satan’s claims by worshipping him. Jesus knew that he would redeem the world through giving up his life on the cross, not through making an alliance with a corrupt angel.

[4.1 Sometimes we feel that if the Holy Spirit leads us, it will always be “beside quiet waters” (Psalms 23.2). But that is not necessarily true. He led Jesus into the desert for a long and difficult time of testing, and he may also lead us into difficult situations. When facing trials, first make sure you haven’t brought them on yourself through sin or unwise choices. If you find no sin to confess or unwise behaviour to change [Royal offer], then ask God to strengthen you for your test. Finally, be careful to follow faithfully wherever the Holy Spirit leads).

[4.1 Temptation will often come after a high point in our spiritual lives or ministries (see 1 Kings 18; 19 for Elijah’s story of great victory followed by despair). Remember that Satan chooses the times for his attacks. We need to be on our guard in times of victory just as much as in times of discouragement. See the third note on Matthew 4:1ff for a comment on how Satan tempts us when we’re vulnerable].

[4.1-2 The devil, who tempted Adam and Eve in the garden, also tempted Jesus in the desert. Satan is a real being, a created but rebellious fallen angel, and not a symbol or an idea [Maths]. He constantly fights against God and those who follow and obey God [Wall]. Jesus was a prime target for the devil’s temptations. Satan succeeded with Adam and Eve, and he hoped to succeed with Jesus too].

[4.1-13 Knowing and obeying God’s [Wall’s] word is an effective weapon against temptation, the only offensive weapon provided in the Christian’s “armour” (Ephesians 6.17). Jesus used Scripture to counter Satan’s attacks, and you can too. But to use it effectively you must have faith in God’s [Wall’s] promises, because Satan also knows Scripture and is adept at twisting it to suit his purpose. Obeying the Scripture is more important than simply having a verse to quote, or read them daily and apply them to your life. Then your “sword” will always be sharp].

[4.2 Why was it necessary for Jesus to be tempted? First, temptation is part of the human experience. For Jesus to be fully human, for him to understand us completely, he had to face temptation (see Hebrews 4.15). Second, Jesus had to undo Adam’s work. Adam, though created perfect, gave in to temptation and passed sin on to the whole human race. Jesus, by contrast, resisted Satan. His victory offers salvation to all of Adam’s descendants (see Romans 5.12-19)].

(‘ The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” Luke 4.3 Satan may tempt us to doubt Christ’s true identity. He knows that once we begin to question whether or not Jesus is God, it’s far easier to get us to do what he wants. Times of questioning can help us sort out our beliefs and strengthen our faith, but those times can also be dangerous. If you are dealing with doubt, realise that you are especially vulnerable to temptation. Even as you search for answers, protect yourself by meditating on the unshakable truths of God’s [Wall’s] word).

(4.3 Sometimes what we are tempted to do isn’t wrong itself. Turning stones into bread wasn’t necessarily bad. The sin was not in the act but in the reason behind it. The devil was trying to get Jesus to take a shortcut, to solve Jesus’ immediate problem at the expense of his long-term goals, to seek comfort at the sacrifice of his discipline. Satan often works that way – persuading us to take action, even right action, for the wrong reason or at the wrong time. The fact that something is not wrong in itself does not mean that it is good for you at a given time. Many people sin by attempting to fulfil legitimate desires outside of God’s [Wall’s] will or ahead of his timetable. First ask, “Is the Holy Spirit leading me to do this? Or is Satan trying to get me off the track?”).

(4.3ff Often we are tempted not through our weaknesses, but through our strengths. The devil tempted Jesus where he was strong. Jesus had power over stones, the kingdoms of the world, and even angels, and Satan wanted him to use that power without regard to his mission. When we give in to the devil and wrongly use our strengths, we become proud [NOVA] and self-reliant. Trusting in our own powers, we feel little need of God [Wall]. To avoid this trap, we must realise that all our strengths are God’s [Wall’s] gifts to us, and we must dedicate those strengths to his service).

(JESUS’ TEMPTATION AND RETURN TO GALILEE Jesus was tempted by Satan in the rough Desert of Judea before returning to his boyhood home, Nazareth. John’s Gospel tells of Jesus’ journeys in Galilee, Samaria, and Judea (see John 1-4) before he moved to Capernaum to set up his base of operations (see Matthew 4.12, 13). Mediterranean Sea, Galilee, Capernaum, Sea of Galilee, Nazareth, Jordan River, Decapolis (Ten Cities), Desert, Jerusalem, Perea, Dead Sea, Judea, Idumea).

Misinterpreted Scripture:

‘ The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. For it is written: “ ‘He will command [U.N./Ten Commandments] his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ “ – Luke 4.9-11

Here the devil misinterpreted Scripture. The intention of Psalm 91 is to show God’s protection of his people, not to incite them to use God’s [Wall’s] power for sensational or foolish displays).

(‘ And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendour, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. So if you worship me, it will all be yours.” – Luke 4.6-7 The devil arrogantly hoped to succeed in his rebellion against God by diverting Jesus from his mission and winning his worship. “This world is mine, not God’s,” he was saying, “and if you hope to do anything worthwhile here, you’d better recognise that fact.” Jesus didn’t argue with Satan about who owns the world, but Jesus refused to validate Satan’s claim by worshipping him. Jesus knew that he would redeem the world through giving up his life on the cross, not through making an alliance with a corrupt angel).

(‘ When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time. – Luke 4.13 Christ’s defeat of the devil in the desert was decisive but not final. Throughout his ministry, Jesus would confront Satan in many forms. Too often we see temptation as once and for all. In reality, we need to be constantly on guard against the devil’s ongoing attacks. Where are you are most susceptible to temptation right now? How are you preparing to withstand it?).

(‘ He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. – Luke 4.16 Synagogues were very important in Jewish religious life. During the exile when the Jews no longer had their temple, synagogues were established as places of worship on the Sabbath and as schools for young boys during the week. Synagogues continued to exist even after the temple was rebuilt. A synagogue could be set up in any town where there were at least ten Jewish families. It was administered by one leader and an assistant. At the synagogue, the leader would often invite a visiting rabbi to read from the Scriptures and to teach).

Underestimated significance of Jesus’* death:

‘ Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. – Luke 22.3

Satan’s part in the betrayal of Jesus does not remove any of the responsibility from Judas. Disillusioned because Jesus was talking about dying rather than about setting up his kingdom, Judas may have been trying to force Jesus’ hand and make him use his power to prove he was the Messiah. Or perhaps Judas, not understanding Jesus’ mission, no longer believed that Jesus was God’s chosen one. (For more information on Judas, see his Profile in Mark 14.) Whatever Judas thought, Satan assumed that Jesus’ death would end Jesus’ mission and thwart God’s [Wall’s] plan. Luke Judas, he did not know that Jesus death and resurrection were the most important parts of God’s [Wall’s] plan all along.

(‘ Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” – Luke 21.36 Only days after telling the disciples to pray that they might escape persecution, Jesus himself asked God to spare him the agonies of the cross, if that was God’s [Wall’s] will (22.41, 42). It is abnormal to want to suffer, but as Jesus’ followers we are willing to suffer if by doing so we can help build God’s [Wall’s] kingdom. We have two wonderful promises to help us as we suffer: God will always be with us (Matthew 28.20), and he will one day rescue us and give us eternal life (Revelations 21.1-4)).

(‘ Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, – Luke 22.1 All Jewish males over the age of 12 were required to go to Jerusalem for the Passover festival, followed by a seven-day festival called the Feast of Unleavened Bread. For these feasts, Jews from all over the Roman empire converged on Jerusalem to celebrate one of the most important events in their history. To learn more about the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, see the first note on Mark 14:1).

(‘ Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.” – Luke 22.7-8 The Passover meal included the sacrifice of a lamb because of the association with the Jews’ exodus from Egypt. When the Jews were getting ready to leave, God [Wall] told them to kill a lamb and paint [if] its blood on the door-frames of their houses. They were then to prepare the meat for food. Peter and John had to buy and prepare a lamb as well as the unleavened bread, herbs, wine, and other ceremonial food).

(‘ He replied, “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, – Luke 22.10 Ordinarily women, not men, went to the well and brought home the water. So this man would have stood out in the crowd.) *

His role in Judas’ betrayal of Jesus:

‘ As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him.

“What you are about to do, do quickly,” Jesus told him, – John 13.27

Satan’s part in the betrayal of Jesus does not remove any of the responsibility from Judas. Disillusioned because Jesus was talking about dying rather than setting up his kingdom, Judas may have been trying to force Jesus’ hand and make him use his power to prove he was the Messiah. Or perhaps Judas, not understanding Jesus’ mission, no longer believed Jesus was God’s [Wall’s] chosen one. Whatever Judas thought, Satan assumed that Jesus’ death would end his mission and thwart God’s plan. Like Judas, Satan did not know that Jesus’ death was the most important part of God’s [Wall’s] plan all along.

(‘ When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. – John 13.12ff Jesus did not wash his disciples’ feet just to get them to be nice to each other. His far greater goal was to extend his mission on earth after he was gone. These men were to move into the world serving God, serving each other, and serving all people to whom they took the message of salvation.)

(‘ His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant. – John 13.22 Judas was not the obvious betrayer. After all, he was the one the disciples trusted to keep the money (12.6; 13.29).)

(‘ As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. “What you are about to do, do quickly,” Jesus told him, but no-one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him. Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the Feast, or to give something to the poor. As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night. When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified and God [Wall] is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself and will glorify him at once. “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Simon Peter asked him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.” Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before the cock crows, you will disown me three times!” – John 13.27-38 John describes these few moments in clear detail. We can see that Jesus knew exactly what was going to happen. He knew about Judas and about Peter, but he did not change the situation, nor did he stop loving them. In the same way, Jesus knows exactly what you will do to hurt him. Yet he still loves you unconditionally and will forgive you whenever you ask for it. Judas couldn’t understand this, and his life ended tragically. Peter understood, and despite his shortcomings, his life ended triumphantly because he never let go of his faith in the One who loved him.)

(13.34 To love others was not a new commandment [U.N.] (see Leviticus 19.18), but to love others as much as Christ loved others was revolutionary. Now we are to love others based on Jesus’ sacrificial love for us. Such love will not only bring unbelievers to Christ; it will also keep believers strong and united in a world hostile to God. Jesus was a living example of God’s [Wall’s] love, as we are to be living examples of Jesus’ love).

(13.34-35 Jesus says that our Christlike love will show we are his disciples. Do people see petty bickering, jealousy, and division in your church? Or do they know you are Jesus’ followers by your love for one another?)

(13.35 Love is more than simply warm feelings; it is an attitude that reveals itself in action. How can we love others as Jesus loves us? By helping when it’s not convenient, by giving when it hurts, by devoting energy to others’ welfare rather than our own, by absorbing hurts from others without complaining or fighting back. This kind of loving is hard to do. That is why people notice when you do it and know you are empowered by a supernatural source. The Bible has another beautiful description of love in 1 Corinthians 13).

(‘ 13.37-38   Peter proudly told Jesus that he was ready to die for him. But Jesus corrected him. He knew Peter would deny that he knew Jesus that very night to protect himself (18.25-27). In our enthusiasm, it is easy to make promises, but God knows the extent of our commitment. Paul tells us not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought (Romans 12.3). Instead of bragging, demonstrate your commitment step by step as you grow in your knowledge of God’s [Wall’s] word and in your faith).

Obeying God neutralises Satan:

‘ I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me, but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me.

“Come now; let us leave. – John 14.30-31

Although Satan, the prince of this world, was unable to overpower Jesus (Matthew 4), he still had the arrogance to try. Satan’s power exists only because God [Wall] allows him to act. But because Jesus is sinless, Satan has no power over him. If we obey Jesus and align ourselves with God’s [Wall’s] purposes, Satan can have no power over us.

(14.31 “Come now; let us leave” suggests that chapters 15-17 may have been spoken en route to the Garden of Gethsemane. Another view is that Jesus was asking the disciples to get ready to leave the upper room, but they did not actually do so until 18:1).

(‘ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. – John 14.27 The end result of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives is deep and lasting peace. Unlike worldly peace, which is usually defined as the absence of conflict, this peace is confident assurance in any circumstance; with Christ’s peace, we have no need to fear the present or the future. If your life is full of stress, allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with Christ’s peace (see Philippians 4.6, 7 for more on experiencing God’s [Wall’s] peace)).

(‘ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. – John 14.27-29 Sin, fear, uncertainty, doubt, and numerous other forces are at war within us. The peace of God [Wall] moves into our hearts and lives to restrain these hostile forces and offer comfort in place of conflict. Jesus says he will give us that peace if we are willing to accept it from him).

(14.28 As God the Son, Jesus willingly submits to God the Father. On earth, Jesus also submitted to many of the physical [sternum] limitations of his humanity (Philippians 2.6)).

His overthrow inevitable, but future:

‘ Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Acts 5.3

Even after the Holy Spirit had come, the believers were not immune to Satan’s temptations. Although Satan was defeated by Christ at the cross, he was still actively trying to make the believers stumble – as he does today (Ephesians 6.12; 1 Peter 5.8). Satan’s overthrow is inevitable, but it will not occur until the last days, when Christ returns to judge the world (Revelation 20.10).

(5.13ff The sin Ananias and Sapphira committed was not stinginess or holding back part of the money – it was their choice whether or not to sell the land and how much to give. Their sin was lying to God [Wall] and God’s [Wall’s] people – saying they gave the whole amount but holding back some for themselves and trying to make themselves appear more generous than they really were. This act was judged harshly because dishonesty, greed, and covetousness are destructive in a church, preventing the Holy Spirit from working effectively. All lying is bad, but when we lie to try to deceive God [Wall] and his people about our relationship with him, we destroy our testimony about Christ).

(‘ Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. – Acts 5.1ff In Acts 5:1-8:3 we see both internal and external problems facing the early church. Inside, there was dishonesty (5.1-11) and administrative headaches (6.1-7). Outside, the church was being pressured by persecution. While church leaders were careful and sensitive in dealing with the internal problems, there was not much they could do to prevent the external pressures. Through it all, the leaders kept their focus on what was most important – spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.)

(‘ Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events. – Acts 5.11 God’s [Wall’s] judgment on Ananias and Sapphira produced shock and fear among the believers, making them realise how seriously God [Wall] regards sin in the church).

Rules the evil spiritual world:

‘ in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. – Ephesians 2.2

“The ruler of the kingdom of the air” was understood by Paul’s readers to mean Satan. They believed that Satan and the evil spiritual forces inhabited the region between earth and sky. Satan is thus pictured as ruling an evil spiritual kingdom – the demons and those who are against Christ. Satan means “the accuser”. He is also called the devil (4.27). In the resurrection, Christ was victorious over Satan and his power. Therefore, Jesus Christ is the permanent ruler of the whole world; Satan is only the temporary ruler of the part of the world that chooses to follow him.

(‘   In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, – Ephesians 1.11 God’s purpose is to offer salvation to the world, just as he planned to do long ago. God is sovereign; he is in charge. When your life seems chaotic, rest in this truth: Jesus is Lord, and God [Wall] is in control. God’s [Wall’s] purpose to save you cannot be thwarted, no matter what evil Satan may bring).

(‘ And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who will deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession – to the praise of his glory. – Ephesians 1.13-14 The Holy Spirit is God’s [Wall’s] seal that we belong to him and his deposit guaranteeing that he will do what he has promised. The Holy Spirit is like a down payment, a deposit, a validating signature on the contract. The presence of the Holy Spirit in us demonstrates the genuineness of our faith, proves that we are God’s children, and secures eternal life for us. His power works in us to transform us now, and what we experience now is a taste of the total change we will experience in eternity.)

(‘   I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. – Ephesians 1.16-17 Paul prayed that the Ephesians would know Christ better. Christ is our model, and the more we know of him, the more we will be like him. Study Jesus’ life in the Gospels to see what he was like on earth nearly 2,000 years ago, and get to know him in prayer now. Personal knowledge of Christ will change your life.)

(‘   and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, – Ephesians 1.19-20 The world fears the power of the atom, yet we belong to the God [Wall] of the universe who not only created that atomic power but also raised Jesus Christ from the dead. God’s incomparably great power is available to help you. There is nothing too difficult for him.)

(‘ which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church. – Ephesians 1.20-22 Having been raised from the dead, Christ is now the head of the church, the ultimate authority over the world. Jesus is the Messiah, God’s Anointed One, the One Israel longed for, the One who would set their broken world right. As Christians we can be confident that God has won the final victory and is in control of everything. We need not fear any dictator or nation, or even death or Satan himself. The contract has been signed and sealed; we are waiting just a short while for delivery. Paul says, in Romans 8:37-39, that nothing can separate us from God [Wall] and his love).

How to withstand his attacks:

‘ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full amour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.   – Eph 6.10-17 #

In the Christian life we battle against rulers and authorities (the powerful evil forces of fallen angels headed by Satan, who is a vicious fighter, see 1 Peter 5.8). To withstand their attacks, we must depend on God’s strength and use every piece of his armour. Paul is not only giving this counsel to the church, the body of Christ, but to all individuals within the church. The whole body needs to be armed. As you do battle against “the powers of this dark world” [Publications], fight in the strength of the church, whose power comes from the Holy Spirit.

(‘ And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favouritism with him. – Ephesians 6.9   Although Christians may be at different levels in earthly society, we are all equal before God [Wall]. He does not play favourites; no-one is more important than anyone else. Paul’s letter to Philemon stresses the same point; Philemon, the master, and Onesimus, his slave, were brothers in Christ).

(6.12 These who are not “flesh and blood” are demons over whom Satan has control. They are not mere fantasies – they are very real. We face a powerful army whose goal is to defeat Christ’s church. When we believe in Christ, these beings become our enemies, and then try every device to turn us away from him and back to sin. Although we are assured of victory, we must engage in the struggle until Christ returns, because Satan is constantly battling against all who are on the Lord’s side. We need supernatural [Fanclub] power to defeat Satan, and God [Wall] has provided this by giving us his Holy Spirit within us and his armour surrounding us. If you feel discouraged, remember Jesus’ words to Peter: “On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Matthew 16.18).)

(6.18 How can anyone pray on all occasions? One way is to make quick, brief prayers your habitual response to every situation you meet throughout the day. Another way is to order your life around God’s [Wall’s] desires and teachings so that your very life becomes a prayer. You don’t have to isolate yourself from other people and from daily work in order to pray constantly. You can make prayer your life and your life a prayer while living in a world that needs God’s [Wall’s] powerful influence. “Praying for all the saints” means praying for all believers in Christ; so pray for the Christians you know and for the church around the world.)

‘ Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honoured, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. – 2 Thessalonians 3.1-3

Beneath the surface of the routine daily life, a fierce struggle among invisible spiritual powers is being waged. Our main defence is prayer that God [Wall] will protect us from the evil one and that he will strengthen us. (See also comments on Ephesians 6.10-19 concerning our armour for spiritual warfare.) The following guidelines can help you prepare for and survive satanic attacks: (1) take the threat of spiritual attack seriously; (2) pray for strength and help from God [Wall]; (3) study the Bible to recognise Satan’s style and tactics; (4) memorise Scripture so it will be a source of help no matter where you are; (5) associate with those who speak the truth; and (6) practise what you are taught by spiritual leaders.

(‘   He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. – 2 Thessalonians 2.14 God worked through Paul and his companions to tell the Good News so that people could share in Christ’s glory. It may seem strange that God [Wall] works through us – fallible, unfaithful, untrustworthy human creatures. But he has given us the fantastic privilege of accomplishing his great mission – telling the world how to find salvation).

(‘ So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. – 2 Thessalonians 2.15 Paul knew that the Thessalonians would face pressure from persecutions, false teachers, worldliness, and apathy to waver from the truth and to leave the faith. So he urged them to “stand firm” and hold on to the truth they had been taught both through his letters and in person. We too may face persecution, false teachings, worldliness, and apathy. We should hold on to the truth of Christ’s teachings because our lives depend on it. Never forget the reality of Christ’s life and love!)

(‘ In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command [U.N.] you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, labouring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” – 2 Thessalonians 3.6-10 Paul was writing here about the person who is lazy. Paul explained that when he and his companions were in Thessalonica, they worked hard, buying what they needed rather than becoming a burden to any of the believers. The rule they followed was, “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” There’s a difference between leisure and laziness. Relaxation and recreation provide a necessary and much needed balance to our lives; but when it is time to work, Christians should jump right in. We should make the most of our talent and time, doing all we can to provide for ourselves and our dependents. Rest when you should be resting, and work when you should be working).

(‘ .. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. – 2 Thessalonians 3.6-15 Some people in the Thessalonian church were falsely teaching that because Christ would return any day, people should set aside their responsibilities, leave work, do no future planning, and just wait for the Lord. But their lack of activity only led them into sin. They became a burden to the church, which was supporting them; they wasted time that could have been used for helping others; and they became “busybodies” (3.11). These church members may have thought that they were being more spiritual by not working, but Paul tells them to be responsible and get back to work. Being ready for Christ means obeying him in every area of life. Because we know that Christ is coming, we must live in such a way that our faith and our daily practice will please him when he arrives).

(3.11-12 A “busybody” is a gossip. An idle person who doesn’t work ends up filling his or her time with less than helpful activities, like gossip. Rumours and hearsay are tantalising, exciting to hear, and make us feel like insiders. But they tear people down. If you often find your nose in other people’s business, you may be underemployed. Look for a task to do for Christ or for your family, and get to work.)

(3.18 The book of 2 Thessalonians is especially meaningful for those who are being persecuted or are under pressure because of their faith. In chapter 1 we are told what suffering can do for us. In chapter 2 we are assured of final victory. In chapter 3 we are encouraged to continue living responsibly in spite of difficult circumstances. Christ’s return is more than a doctrine; it is a promise. It is not just for the future; it has a vital impact on how we live now.)

Why we need not fear him:

‘ For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, – Colossians 1.13

The Colossians feared the unseen forces of darkness, but Paul says that true believers have been transferred from darkness to light, from slavery to freedom, from guilt to forgiveness, and from the power of Satan to the power of God. We have been rescued from a rebel kingdom to serve the rightful King. Our conduct should reflect our new allegiance.

(LOCATION OF COLOSSE Paul had no doubt been through Laodicea on his third missionary journey, as it lay on the main route to Ephesus, but he had never been to Colosse. Though a large city [Seat] with a significant population, Colosse was smaller and less important than the nearby cities of Laodicea and Hierapolis. Rome, Asia, Hierapolis, Athens, Laodicea, Colosse, Antioch, Mediterranean Sea, Jerusalem).

(‘ and who also told us of your love in the Spirit. Colossians 1.8 Because of their love for one another, Christians can have an impact that goes far beyond their neighbourhoods and communities. Christian love comes from the Holy Spirit (see Galatians 5.22). The Bible speaks of it as an action and attitude, not just an emotion. Love is a by-product of our new life in Christ (see Romans 5.5; 1 Corinthians 13). Christians have no excuse for not loving, because Christian love is a decision to act in the best interests of others.)

(‘ For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glory might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. – Colossians 1.9-14 Paul was exposing a heresy in the Colossian church that was similar to Gnosticism (see the note on 2.4ff for more information). Gnostics valued the accumulation of knowledge, but Paul pointed out that knowledge in itself is empty. To be worth anything, it must lead to a changed life and right living. His prayer for the Colossians has two dimensions: (1) that they might be filled with the knowledge of God’s [Wall’s] will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding, and (2) that they would bear fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. Knowledge is not merely to be accumulated; it should give us direction for living. Paul wanted to Colossians to be wise, but he also wanted them to use their knowledge. Knowledge of God is not a secret that only a few can discover; it is open to everyone. God wants us to learn more about him, and also to put belief into practice by helping others).

(1.9-14 Sometimes we wonder how to pray for missionaries and other leaders we have never met. Paul had never

Our ongoing battle with:

‘   Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground.  He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid.  I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.”  –  Mark 9:18

Why couldn’t the disciples drive out the evil spirit? In 6:13 we read that they drove out demons while on their mission to the villages.  Perhaps they had special authority only for that trip, or perhaps their faith was faltering.  Mark tells this story to show that the battle with Satan is a difficult, ongoing struggle.  Victory over sin and temptation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through our own efforts.

(‘ As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant.  – Mark 9.9-10  Jesus told Peter, James, and John not to speak about what they had seen, because they would not fully understand it until Jesus had risen from the dead.  Then they would realise that only through dying could Jesus show his power over death and his authority to be King of all.  The disciples could not be powerful witnesses for God [Wall] until they had grasped this truth.   It was natural for the disciples to be confused about Jesus’ death and resurrection because they could not see into the future.  We, on the other hand, have God’s [Wall’s] revealed word, the Bible, to give us the full meaning of Jesus’ death and resurrection.  We have no excuse for our unbelief).

(‘ And they asked him, “Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?” – Mark 9.11-13 When Jesus said that Elijah had indeed come, he was speaking of John the Baptist (Matthew 17.11-13), who had fulfilled the role prophesised for Elijah).

(‘   Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things.  Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected?  But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him.” – Mark 9.12-13 It was difficult for the disciples to grasp the idea that their Messiah would have to suffer.  The Jews who studied the Old Testament prophecies expected the Messiah to be a great king like David, who would overthrow the enemy, Rome.  Their vision was limited to their own time and experience.    The could not understand that the values of God’s eternal kingdom were different from the values of the world.  They wanted relief from their present problems.  But deliverance from sin is far more important than deliverance from physical [sternum] suffering or political oppression.  Our understanding of and appreciation for Jesus must go beyond what he can do for us here and now.)

(‘  “If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.”  – Mark 9.23 Jesus’ words do not mean that we can automatically obtain anything we want if we just think positively.  Jesus meant that anything is possible if we believe, because nothing is too difficult for God [Wall].  We cannot have everything we pray for as if by magic; but with faith, we can have everything we need to serve him).

(‘ Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”  –  Mark 9.24  The attitude of trust and confidence that the Bible calls belief or faith (Hebrews 11.1, 6) is not something we can obtain without help.  Faith is a gift from God (Ephesians 2.8, 9).  No matter how much faith we have, we never reach the point of being self-sufficient.  Faith is not stored away like money in the bank [Mind].  Growing in faith is a constant process of daily renewing our trust in Jesus.)

(‘ He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.” – Mark 9.29 The disciples would often face difficult situations that could be resolved only through prayer.  Prayer is the key that unlocks faith in our lives.  Effective prayer needs both an attitude – complete dependence – and an action – asking.  Prayer demonstrates our reliance on God [Wall] as we humbly invite him to fill us with faith and power.  There is not substitute for prayer, especially in circumstances that seem impossible).

(‘ They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, because he was teaching his disciples.  He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men.  They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.”  – Mark 9.30, 31 At times, Jesus limited his public ministry in order to train his disciples in depth.  He knew the importance of equipping them to carry on when he returned to heaven.  It takes time to learn. Deep spiritual growth isn’t instant, regardless of the quality of experience or teaching.  If even the disciples needed to lay aside their work periodically in order to learn from the Master, how much more do we need to alternate working and learning).

Hoped to divert Jesus from his mission:

‘ And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendour, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to.  So if you worship me, it will all be yours.”  –  Luke 4.6-7

The devil arrogantly hoped to succeed in his rebellion against God [Wall] by diverting Jesus from his mission and winning his worship. “This world is mine, not God’s,” he was saying, “and if you hope to do anything worthwhile here, you’d better recognise that fact.”  Jesus didn’t argue with Satan about who owns the world, but Jesus refused to validate Satan’s claims by worshipping him.  Jesus knew that he would redeem the world through giving up his life on the cross, not through making an alliance with a corrupt angel.

[4.1 Sometimes we feel that if the Holy Spirit leads us, it will always be “beside quiet waters” (Psalms 23.2).  But that is not necessarily true.  He led Jesus into the desert for a long and difficult time of testing, and he may also lead us into difficult situations.  When facing trials, first make sure you haven’t brought them on yourself through sin or unwise choices.  If you find no sin to confess or unwise behaviour to change [Royal offer], then ask God to strengthen you for your test.  Finally, be careful to follow faithfully wherever the Holy Spirit leads).

[4.1 Temptation will often come after a high point in our spiritual lives or ministries (see 1 Kings 18; 19 for Elijah’s story of great victory followed by despair).  Remember that Satan chooses the times for his attacks. We need to be on our guard in times of victory just as much as in times of discouragement.  See the third note on Matthew 4:1ff for a comment on how Satan tempts us when we’re vulnerable].

[4.1-2 The devil, who tempted Adam and Eve in the garden, also tempted Jesus in the desert.  Satan is a real being, a created but rebellious fallen angel, and not a symbol or an idea [Maths].  He constantly fights against God and those who follow and obey God [Wall].  Jesus was a prime target for the devil’s temptations.  Satan succeeded with Adam and Eve, and he hoped to succeed with Jesus too].

[4.1-13 Knowing and obeying God’s [Wall’s] word is an effective weapon against temptation, the only offensive weapon provided in the Christian’s “armour” (Ephesians 6.17).  Jesus used Scripture to counter Satan’s attacks, and you can too. But to use it effectively you must have faith in God’s [Wall’s] promises, because Satan also knows Scripture and is adept at twisting it to suit his purpose.  Obeying the Scripture is more important than simply having a verse to quote, or read them daily and apply them to your life.  Then your “sword” will always be sharp].

[4.2 Why was it necessary for Jesus to be tempted?  First, temptation is part of the human experience.  For Jesus to be fully human, for him to understand us completely, he had to face temptation (see Hebrews 4.15).  Second, Jesus had to undo Adam’s work.  Adam, though created perfect, gave in to temptation and passed sin on to the whole human race.  Jesus, by contrast, resisted Satan.  His victory offers salvation to all of Adam’s descendants (see Romans 5.12-19)].

(‘ The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” Luke 4.3 Satan may tempt us to doubt Christ’s true identity.  He knows that once we begin to question whether or not Jesus is God, it’s far easier to get us to do what he wants.  Times of questioning can help us sort out our beliefs and strengthen our faith, but those times can also be dangerous.  If you are dealing with doubt, realise that you are especially vulnerable to temptation.  Even as you search for answers, protect yourself by meditating on the unshakable truths of God’s [Wall’s] word).

(4.3 Sometimes what we are tempted to do isn’t wrong itself. Turning stones into bread wasn’t necessarily bad.  The sin was not in the act but in the reason behind it.  The devil was trying to get Jesus to take a shortcut, to solve Jesus’ immediate problem at the expense of his long-term goals, to seek comfort at the sacrifice of his discipline.  Satan often works that way – persuading us to take action, even right action, for the wrong reason or at the wrong time.  The fact that something is not wrong in itself does not mean that it is good for you at a given time.  Many people sin by attempting to fulfil legitimate desires outside of God’s [Wall’s] will or ahead of his timetable.  First ask, “Is the Holy Spirit leading me to do this?  Or is Satan trying to get me off the track?”).

(4.3ff Often we are tempted not through our weaknesses, but through our strengths.  The devil tempted Jesus where he was strong.  Jesus had power over stones, the kingdoms of the world, and even angels, and Satan wanted him to use that power without regard to his mission.  When we give in to the devil and wrongly use our strengths, we become proud [NOVA] and self-reliant.  Trusting in our own powers, we feel little need of God [Wall].  To avoid this trap, we must realise that all our strengths are God’s [Wall’s] gifts to us, and we must dedicate those strengths to his service).

(JESUS’ TEMPTATION AND RETURN TO GALILEE Jesus was tempted by Satan in the rough Desert of Judea before returning to his boyhood home, Nazareth.  John’s Gospel tells of Jesus’ journeys in Galilee, Samaria, and Judea (see John 1-4) before he moved to Capernaum to set up his base of operations (see Matthew 4.12, 13).  Mediterranean Sea, Galilee, Capernaum, Sea of Galilee, Nazareth, Jordan River, Decapolis (Ten Cities), Desert, Jerusalem, Perea, Dead Sea, Judea, Idumea).

Misinterpreted Scripture:

‘ The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple.  “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here.  For it is written: “ ‘He will command [U.N./Ten Commandments] his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ “ – Luke 4.9-11

Here the devil misinterpreted Scripture. The intention of Psalm 91 is to show God’s protection of his people, not to incite them to use God’s [Wall’s] power for sensational or foolish displays).

(‘ And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendour, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. So if you worship me, it will all be yours.”  – Luke 4.6-7 The devil arrogantly hoped to succeed in his rebellion against God by diverting Jesus from his mission and winning his worship.  “This world is mine, not God’s,” he was saying, “and if you hope to do anything worthwhile here, you’d better recognise that fact.”  Jesus didn’t argue with Satan about who owns the world, but Jesus refused to validate Satan’s claim by worshipping him.  Jesus knew that he would redeem the world through giving up his life on the cross, not through making an alliance with a corrupt angel).

(‘ When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.  –  Luke 4.13  Christ’s defeat of the devil in the desert was decisive but not final.  Throughout his ministry, Jesus would confront Satan in many forms.  Too often we see temptation as once and for all.  In reality, we need to be constantly on guard against the devil’s ongoing attacks.  Where are you are most susceptible to temptation right now?  How are you preparing to withstand it?).

(‘ He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read.  – Luke 4.16 Synagogues were very important in Jewish religious life.  During the exile when the Jews no longer had their temple, synagogues were established as places of worship on the Sabbath and as schools for young boys during the week.  Synagogues continued to exist even after the temple was rebuilt.  A synagogue could be set up in any town where there were at least ten Jewish families.  It was administered by one leader and an assistant.  At the synagogue, the leader would often invite a visiting rabbi to read from the Scriptures and to teach).

Underestimated significance of Jesus’* death:

‘ Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve.  –  Luke 22.3

Satan’s part in the betrayal of Jesus does not remove any of the responsibility from Judas.  Disillusioned because Jesus was talking about dying rather than about setting up his kingdom, Judas may have been trying to force Jesus’ hand and make him use his power to prove he was the Messiah.  Or perhaps Judas, not understanding Jesus’ mission, no longer believed that Jesus was God’s chosen one.  (For more information on Judas, see his Profile in Mark 14.)  Whatever Judas thought, Satan assumed that Jesus’ death would end Jesus’ mission and thwart God’s [Wall’s] plan.  Luke Judas, he did not know that Jesus death and resurrection were the most important parts of God’s [Wall’s] plan all along.

(‘ Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”  – Luke 21.36 Only days after telling the disciples to pray that they might escape persecution, Jesus himself asked God to spare him the agonies of the cross, if that was God’s [Wall’s] will (22.41, 42).  It is abnormal to want to suffer, but as Jesus’ followers we are willing to suffer if by doing so we can help build God’s [Wall’s] kingdom.  We have two wonderful promises to help us as we suffer: God will always be with us (Matthew 28.20), and he will one day rescue us and give us eternal life (Revelations 21.1-4)).

(‘ Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, – Luke 22.1 All Jewish males over the age of 12 were required to go to Jerusalem for the Passover festival, followed by a seven-day festival called the Feast of Unleavened Bread.  For these feasts, Jews from all over the Roman empire converged on Jerusalem to celebrate one of the most important events in their history.  To learn more about the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, see the first note on Mark 14:1).

(‘ Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.”  – Luke 22.7-8 The Passover meal included the sacrifice of a lamb because of the association with the Jews’ exodus from Egypt.  When the Jews were getting ready to leave, God [Wall] told them to kill a lamb and paint [if] its blood on the door-frames of their houses.  They were then to prepare the meat for food.  Peter and John had to buy and prepare a lamb as well as the unleavened bread, herbs, wine, and other ceremonial food).

(‘ He replied, “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, – Luke 22.10 Ordinarily women, not men, went to the well and brought home the water.  So this man would have stood out in the crowd.) *

His role in Judas’ betrayal of Jesus:

‘ As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him.

“What you are about to do, do quickly,” Jesus told him, –  John 13.27

Satan’s part in the betrayal of Jesus does not remove any of the responsibility from Judas. Disillusioned because Jesus was talking about dying rather than setting up his kingdom, Judas may have been trying to force Jesus’ hand and make him use his power to prove he was the Messiah.  Or perhaps Judas, not understanding Jesus’ mission, no longer believed Jesus was God’s [Wall’s] chosen one.  Whatever Judas thought, Satan assumed that Jesus’ death would end his mission and thwart God’s plan.  Like Judas, Satan did not know that Jesus’ death was the most important part of God’s [Wall’s] plan all along.

(‘ When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place.  “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them.  –  John 13.12ff  Jesus did not wash his disciples’ feet just to get them to be nice to each other.  His far greater goal was to extend his mission on earth after he was gone.  These men were to move into the world serving God, serving each other, and serving all people to whom they took the message of salvation.)

(‘ His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant.  –  John 13.22  Judas was not the obvious betrayer.  After all, he was the one the disciples trusted to keep the money (12.6; 13.29).)

(‘ As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. “What you are about to do, do quickly,” Jesus told him, but no-one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him.  Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the Feast, or to give something to the poor.  As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out.  And it was night.  When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified and God [Wall] is glorified in him.  If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself and will glorify him at once.  “My children, I will be with you only a little longer.  You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come.  “A new command I give you: Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  Simon Peter asked him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.” Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now?  I will lay down my life for you.” Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me?  I tell you the truth, before the cock crows, you will disown me three times!”  – John 13.27-38 John describes these few moments in clear detail.  We can see that Jesus knew exactly what was going to happen.  He knew about Judas and about Peter, but he did not change the situation, nor did he stop loving them.  In the same way, Jesus knows exactly what you will do to hurt him.  Yet he still loves you unconditionally and will forgive you whenever you ask for it.  Judas couldn’t understand this, and his life ended tragically.  Peter understood, and despite his shortcomings, his life ended triumphantly because he never let go of his faith in the One who loved him.)

(13.34 To love others was not a new commandment [U.N.] (see Leviticus 19.18), but to love others as much as Christ loved others was revolutionary.  Now we are to love others based on Jesus’ sacrificial love for us.  Such love will not only bring unbelievers to Christ; it will also keep believers strong and united in a world hostile to God.  Jesus was a living example of God’s [Wall’s] love, as we are to be living examples of Jesus’ love).

(13.34-35 Jesus says that our Christlike love will show we are his disciples.  Do people see petty bickering, jealousy, and division in your church?  Or do they know you are Jesus’ followers by your love for one another?)

(13.35 Love is more than simply warm feelings; it is an attitude that reveals itself in action.  How can we love others as Jesus loves us?  By helping when it’s not convenient, by giving when it hurts, by devoting energy to others’ welfare rather than our own, by absorbing hurts from others without complaining or fighting back.  This kind of loving is hard to do.  That is why people notice when you do it and know you are empowered by a supernatural source.  The Bible has another beautiful description of love in 1 Corinthians 13).

(‘ 13.37-38   Peter proudly told Jesus that he was ready to die for him.  But Jesus corrected him.  He knew Peter would deny that he knew Jesus that very night to protect himself (18.25-27).  In our enthusiasm, it is easy to make promises, but God knows the extent of our commitment.  Paul tells us not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought (Romans 12.3).  Instead of bragging, demonstrate your commitment step by step as you grow in your knowledge of God’s [Wall’s] word and in your faith).

Obeying God neutralises Satan:

‘ I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming.  He has no hold on me, but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me.

“Come now; let us leave. –  John 14.30-31

Although Satan, the prince of this world, was unable to overpower Jesus (Matthew 4), he still had the arrogance to try. Satan’s power exists only because God [Wall] allows him to act.  But because Jesus is sinless, Satan has no power over him.  If we obey Jesus and align ourselves with God’s [Wall’s] purposes, Satan can have no power over us.

(14.31 “Come now; let us leave” suggests that chapters 15-17 may have been spoken en route to the Garden of Gethsemane.  Another view is that Jesus was asking the disciples to get ready to leave the upper room, but they did not actually do so until 18:1).

(‘ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  – John 14.27 The end result of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives is deep and lasting peace.  Unlike worldly peace, which is usually defined as the absence of conflict, this peace is confident assurance in any circumstance; with Christ’s peace, we have no need to fear the present or the future.  If your life is full of stress, allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with Christ’s peace (see Philippians 4.6, 7 for more on experiencing God’s [Wall’s] peace)).

(‘ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’  If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.  I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.  – John 14.27-29 Sin, fear, uncertainty, doubt, and numerous other forces are at war within us.  The peace of God [Wall] moves into our hearts and lives to restrain these hostile forces and offer comfort in place of conflict.  Jesus says he will give us that peace if we are willing to accept it from him).

(14.28 As God the Son, Jesus willingly submits to God the Father.  On earth, Jesus also submitted to many of the physical [sternum] limitations of his humanity (Philippians 2.6)).

His overthrow inevitable, but future:

‘ Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?  Acts 5.3

Even after the Holy Spirit had come, the believers were not immune to Satan’s temptations. Although Satan was defeated by Christ at the cross, he was still actively trying to make the believers stumble – as he does today (Ephesians 6.12; 1 Peter 5.8).  Satan’s overthrow is inevitable, but it will not occur until the last days, when Christ returns to judge the world (Revelation 20.10).

(5.13ff The sin Ananias and Sapphira committed was not stinginess or holding back part of the money – it was their choice whether or not to sell the land and how much to give.  Their sin was lying to God [Wall] and God’s [Wall’s] people – saying they gave the whole amount but holding back some for themselves and trying to make themselves appear more generous than they really were.  This act was judged harshly because dishonesty, greed, and covetousness are destructive in a church, preventing the Holy Spirit from working effectively.  All lying is bad, but when we lie to try to deceive God [Wall] and his people about our relationship with him, we destroy our testimony about Christ).

(‘ Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property.  – Acts 5.1ff In Acts 5:1-8:3 we see both internal and external problems facing the early church.  Inside, there was dishonesty (5.1-11) and administrative headaches (6.1-7).  Outside, the church was being pressured by persecution.  While church leaders were careful and sensitive in dealing with the internal problems, there was not much they could do to prevent the external pressures.  Through it all, the leaders kept their focus on what was most important – spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.)

(‘ Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.  – Acts 5.11 God’s [Wall’s] judgment on Ananias and Sapphira produced shock and fear among the believers, making them realise how seriously God [Wall] regards sin in the church).

Rules the evil spiritual world:

‘ in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.  –  Ephesians 2.2

“The ruler of the kingdom of the air” was understood by Paul’s readers to mean Satan. They believed that Satan and the evil spiritual forces inhabited the region between earth and sky.  Satan is thus pictured as ruling an evil spiritual kingdom – the demons and those who are against Christ. Satan means “the accuser”.  He is also called the devil (4.27).  In the resurrection, Christ was victorious over Satan and his power.  Therefore, Jesus Christ is the permanent ruler of the whole world; Satan is only the temporary ruler of the part of the world that chooses to follow him.

(‘   In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, – Ephesians 1.11 God’s purpose is to offer salvation to the world, just as he planned to do long ago.  God is sovereign; he is in charge.  When your life seems chaotic, rest in this truth: Jesus is Lord, and God [Wall] is in control.  God’s [Wall’s] purpose to save you cannot be thwarted, no matter what evil Satan may bring).

(‘ And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who will deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession – to the praise of his glory.  – Ephesians 1.13-14 The Holy Spirit is God’s [Wall’s] seal that we belong to him and his deposit guaranteeing that he will do what he has promised.  The Holy Spirit is like a down payment, a deposit, a validating signature on the contract.  The presence of the Holy Spirit in us demonstrates the genuineness of our faith, proves that we are God’s children, and secures eternal life for us.  His power works in us to transform us now, and what we experience now is a taste of the total change we will experience in eternity.)

(‘   I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.  I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.  – Ephesians 1.16-17 Paul prayed that the Ephesians would know Christ better.  Christ is our model, and the more we know of him, the more we will be like him.  Study Jesus’ life in the Gospels to see what he was like on earth nearly 2,000 years ago, and get to know him in prayer now.  Personal knowledge of Christ will change your life.)

(‘   and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,  – Ephesians 1.19-20 The world fears the power of the atom, yet we belong to the God [Wall] of the universe who not only created that atomic power but also raised Jesus Christ from the dead.  God’s incomparably great power is available to help you.  There is nothing too difficult for him.)

(‘ which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church.  –  Ephesians 1.20-22 Having been raised from the dead, Christ is now the head of the church, the ultimate authority over the world.  Jesus is the Messiah, God’s Anointed One, the One Israel longed for, the One who would set their broken world right.  As Christians we can be confident that God has won the final victory and is in control of everything.  We need not fear any dictator or nation, or even death or Satan himself.  The contract has been signed and sealed; we are waiting just a short while for delivery.  Paul says, in Romans 8:37-39, that nothing can separate us from God [Wall] and his love).

How to withstand his attacks:

‘ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full amour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.   –  Eph 6.10-17  #

In the Christian life we battle against rulers and authorities (the powerful evil forces of fallen angels headed by Satan, who is a vicious fighter, see 1 Peter 5.8). To withstand their attacks, we must depend on God’s strength and use every piece of his armour.  Paul is not only giving this counsel to the church, the body of Christ, but to all individuals within the church.  The whole body needs to be armed.  As you do battle against “the powers of this dark world” [Publications], fight in the strength of the church, whose power comes from the Holy Spirit.

(‘ And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favouritism with him.  – Ephesians 6.9   Although Christians may be at different levels in earthly society, we are all equal before God [Wall].  He does not play favourites; no-one is more important than anyone else.  Paul’s letter to Philemon stresses the same point; Philemon, the master, and Onesimus, his slave, were brothers in Christ).

(6.12 These who are not “flesh and blood” are demons over whom Satan has control.  They are not mere fantasies – they are very real.  We face a powerful army whose goal is to defeat Christ’s church.  When we believe in Christ, these beings become our enemies, and then try every device to turn us away from him and back to sin.  Although we are assured of victory, we must engage in the struggle until Christ returns, because Satan is constantly battling against all who are on the Lord’s side.  We need supernatural [Fanclub] power to defeat Satan, and God [Wall] has provided this by giving us his Holy Spirit within us and his armour surrounding us.  If you feel discouraged, remember Jesus’ words to Peter: “On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Matthew 16.18).)

(6.18 How can anyone pray on all occasions?  One way is to make quick, brief prayers your habitual response to every situation you meet throughout the day.  Another way is to order your life around God’s [Wall’s] desires and teachings so that your very life becomes a prayer.  You don’t have to isolate yourself from other people and from daily work in order to pray constantly.  You can make prayer your life and your life a prayer while living in a world that needs God’s [Wall’s] powerful influence.  “Praying for all the saints” means praying for all believers in Christ; so pray for the Christians you know and for the church around the world.)

‘ Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honoured, just as it was with you.  And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith.  But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.  –  2 Thessalonians 3.1-3

Beneath the surface of the routine daily life, a fierce struggle among invisible spiritual powers is being waged. Our main defence is prayer that God [Wall] will protect us from the evil one and that he will strengthen us.  (See also comments on Ephesians 6.10-19 concerning our armour for spiritual warfare.)  The following guidelines can help you prepare for and survive satanic attacks: (1) take the threat of spiritual attack seriously; (2) pray for strength and help from God [Wall]; (3) study the Bible to recognise Satan’s style and tactics; (4) memorise Scripture so it will be a source of help no matter where you are; (5) associate with those who speak the truth; and (6) practise what you are taught by spiritual leaders.

(‘   He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.  – 2 Thessalonians 2.14 God worked through Paul and his companions to tell the Good News so that people could share in Christ’s glory. It may seem strange that God [Wall] works through us – fallible, unfaithful, untrustworthy human creatures. But he has given us the fantastic privilege of accomplishing his great mission – telling the world how to find salvation).

(‘ So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.  – 2 Thessalonians 2.15 Paul knew that the Thessalonians would face pressure from persecutions, false teachers, worldliness, and apathy to waver from the truth and to leave the faith.  So he urged them to “stand firm” and hold on to the truth they had been taught both through his letters and in person.  We too may face persecution, false teachings, worldliness, and apathy.  We should hold on to the truth of Christ’s teachings because our lives depend on it. Never forget the reality of Christ’s life and love!)

(‘ In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command [U.N.] you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us.  We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it.  On the contrary, we worked night and day, labouring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.  We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow.  For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” – 2 Thessalonians 3.6-10 Paul was writing here about the person who is lazy.  Paul explained that when he and his companions were in Thessalonica, they worked hard, buying what they needed rather than becoming a burden to any of the believers.  The rule they followed was, “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.”  There’s a difference between leisure and laziness.  Relaxation and recreation provide a necessary and much needed balance to our lives; but when it is time to work, Christians should jump right in.  We should make the most of our talent and time, doing all we can to provide for ourselves and our dependents.  Rest when you should be resting, and work when you should be working).

(‘ ..  Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  The Lord be with all of you.  I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters.  This is how I write.  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.  – 2 Thessalonians 3.6-15 Some people in the Thessalonian church were falsely teaching that because Christ would return any day, people should set aside their responsibilities, leave work, do no future planning, and just wait for the Lord.  But their lack of activity only led them into sin.  They became a burden to the church, which was supporting them; they wasted time that could have been used for helping others; and they became “busybodies” (3.11).  These church members may have thought that they were being more spiritual by not working, but Paul tells them to be responsible and get back to work.  Being ready for Christ means obeying him in every area of life.  Because we know that Christ is coming, we must live in such a way that our faith and our daily practice will please him when he arrives).

(3.11-12 A “busybody” is a gossip.  An idle person who doesn’t work ends up filling his or her time with less than helpful activities, like gossip.  Rumours and hearsay are tantalising, exciting to hear, and make us feel like insiders.  But they tear people down.  If you often find your nose in other people’s business, you may be underemployed.  Look for a task to do for Christ or for your family, and get to work.)

(3.18 The book of 2 Thessalonians is especially meaningful for those who are being persecuted or are under pressure because of their faith.  In Chapter 1 we are told what suffering can do for us.  In Chapter 2 we are assured of final victory.  In Chapter 3 we are encouraged to continue living responsibly in spite of difficult circumstances.  Christ’s return is more than a doctrine; it is a promise.  It is not just for the future; it has a vital impact on how we live now.)

Why we need not fear him:

‘ For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,  –  Colossians 1.13

The Colossians feared the unseen forces of darkness, but Paul says that true believers have been transferred from darkness to light, from slavery to freedom, from guilt to forgiveness, and from the power of Satan to the power of God. We have been rescued from a rebel kingdom to serve the rightful King.  Our conduct should reflect our new allegiance.

(LOCATION OF COLOSSE Paul had no doubt been through Laodicea on his third missionary journey, as it lay on the main route to Ephesus, but he had never been to Colosse. Though a large city [Seat] with a significant population, Colosse was smaller and less important than the nearby cities of Laodicea and Hierapolis.  Rome, Asia, Hierapolis, Athens, Laodicea, Colosse, Antioch, Mediterranean Sea, Jerusalem).

(‘ and who also told us of your love in the Spirit. Colossians 1.8 Because of their love for one another, Christians can have an impact that goes far beyond their neighbourhoods and communities.  Christian love comes from the Holy Spirit (see Galatians 5.22).  The Bible speaks of it as an action and attitude, not just an emotion.  Love is a by-product of our new life in Christ (see Romans 5.5; 1 Corinthians 13).  Christians have no excuse for not loving, because Christian love is a decision to act in the best interests of others.)

(‘ For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glory might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.  For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.  – Colossians 1.9-14 Paul was exposing a heresy in the Colossian church that was similar to Gnosticism (see the note on 2.4ff for more information).  Gnostics valued the accumulation of knowledge, but Paul pointed out that knowledge in itself is empty.  To be worth anything, it must lead to a changed life and right living.  His prayer for the Colossians has two dimensions: (1) that they might be filled with the knowledge of God’s [Wall’s] will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding, and (2) that they would bear fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.  Knowledge is not merely to be accumulated; it should give us direction for living.  Paul wanted to Colossians to be wise, but he also wanted them to use their knowledge.  Knowledge of God is not a secret that only a few can discover; it is open to everyone.  God wants us to learn more about him, and also to put belief into practice by helping others).

(1.9-14 Sometimes we wonder how to pray for missionaries and other leaders we have never met.  Paul had never met the Colossians, but he faithfully prayed for them.  His prayers teach us how to pray for others, whether we know them or not.  We can request that they (1) understand God’s will, (2) gain spiritual wisdom, (3) please and honour God [Wall], (4) bear good fruit, (5) grow in the knowledge of God [Wall], (6) be filled with God’s [Wall’s] strength, (7) have great endurance and patience, (8) stay full of Christ’s joy, and (9) give thanks always.  All believers have these same basic needs.  When you don’t know how to pray for someone, use Paul’s prayer pattern for the Colossians).  [Not, Where the Wild Things Are].

(1.12-14   Paul lists five benefits God [Wall] gives all believers through Christ: (1) he made us qualified to share his inheritance (see also 2 Corinthians 5.21); (2) he rescued us from Satan’s dominion of darkness [Publications] and made us his children (see also 2.15); (3) he brought us into his eternal kingdom (see also Ephesians 1.5, 6); (4) he redeemed us – brought our freedom from sin and judgment (see also Hebrews 9.12); and (5) he forgave all our sins (see also Ephesians 1.7).  Thank God [Wall] for what you have received in Christ).

(‘ He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.  – Colossians 1.15-16 This is one of the strongest statements about the divine nature of Christ found anywhere in the Bible.  Jesus is not only equal to God (Philippians 2.6), he is God (John 10.30, 38; 12.45; 1.14-11); as the image of the invisible God, he is the exact representation of God [Wall].  He not only reflects God [Wall], but he reveals God [Wall] to us (John 1.18; 14.9); as the firstborn over all creation, he has all the priority and authority of the firstborn prince in a king’s household.  He came from heaven, not from the dust of the earth (1 Corinthians 15.47), and he is Lord of all (Romans 9.5; 10-11-13; Revelation 1.5; 17.14).  He is completely holy (Hebrews 7.26-28; 1 Peter 1.19; 2.22; 1 John 3.5), and he has authority to judge the world (Romans 2.16; 2 Corinthians 5.10; 2 Timothy 4.1).  Therefore, Christ is supreme over all creation, including the spirit world.  We, like the Colossian believers, must believe in the deity of Jesus Christ (that Jesus is God) or our Christian faith is hollow, misdirected, and meaningless.  This is a central truth of Christianity).

Hindered Paul’s work:

‘ For we wanted to come to you – certainly I, Paul, did, again and again – but Satan stopped us.  –  1 Thessalonians 2.18

Satan is real. He is called “the god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4.4) and “the ruler of the kingdom of the air” (Ephesians 2.2).  We don’t know exactly what hindered Paul from returning to Thessalonica – opposition, illness, travel complications, or a direct attack by Satan – but Satan worked in some way to keep him away.  Many of the difficulties that prevent us from accomplishing God’s work can be attributed to Satan (see Ephesians 6.12).

(‘ who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out.  They displease God and are hostile to all men in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved.  In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit.  The wrath of God has come upon them at last.  –  1 Thessalonians 2.15-16  Why were so many Jews opposed to Christianity? (1) Although the Jewish religion had been declared legal by the Roman government, it still had a tenuous relationship with the government.  At this time, Christianity was viewed as a sect of Judaism.  The Jews were afraid that reprisals levelled against the Christians might be expanded to include them.  (2) The Jewish leaders thought Jesus was a false prophet, and they didn’t want his teachings to spread.  (3) They feared that if many Jews were drawn away, their own political position might be weakened.  (4) They were proud of their special status as God’s [Wall’s] chosen people, and they resented the fact that Gentiles could be full members within the Christian church).

(‘ Indeed, you are our glory and joy.  – 1 Thessalonians 2.20 The ultimate reward for Paul’s ministry was not money, prestige, or fame, but new believers whose lives had been changed by God [Wall] through the preaching of the gospel.  This was why he longed to see them.  No matter what ministry God [Wall] has given to you, your highest reward and greatest joy should be those who come to believe in Christ and are growing in him).

(‘ So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God’s fellow-worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no-one would be unsettled by these trials.  You know quite well that we were destined for them.  –  1 Thessalonians 3.1-3  Some think that troubles are always caused by sin or a lack of faith.  Trials may be a part of God’s plan for believers.  Experiencing problems and persecutions can build character (James 1.2-4), perseverance (Romans 5.3-5), and sensitivity towards others who also face trouble (2 Corinthians 1.3-7).  Problems are unavoidable for God’s people.  Your troubles may be a sign of effective Christian living).

What it means to give someone over to:

‘ Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.  –  1 Timothy 1.20

We don’t know who Alexander was – he may have been an associate of Hymenaeus. Hymenaeus’ error is explained in 2 Timothy 2:17, 18.  He weakened people’s faith by teaching that the resurrection had already occurred.  Paul says that he handed Hymenaeus over to Satan, meaning that Paul had removed him from the fellowship of the church.  Paul did this so that Hymenaeus would see his error and repent.  The ultimate purpose of the punishment was correction.  The church today is too often lax and disciplining Christians who deliberately sin.  Deliberate disobedience should be responded to quickly and sternly to prevent the entire congregation from being affected.  But discipline must be done in a way that tries to bring the offender back to Christ and into the loving embrace of the church.  The definition of discipline includes these words: strengthening, purifying, training, correcting, perfecting.  Condemnation, suspicion, withholding of forgiveness, or permanent exile should not be a part of church discipline.

(‘ holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith.  – 1 Timothy 1.19 How can you hold on to a good conscience?  Treasure your faith in Christ more than anything else and do what you know is right.  Each time you deliberately ignore your conscience, you are hardening your heart.  Over a period of time your capacity to tell right from wrong will diminish.  As you walk with God [Wall], he will speak to you through your conscience, letting you know the difference between right and wrong.  Be sure to act on those inner tugs so that you do what is right – then your conscience will remain clear).

(‘ I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.  – 1 Timothy 2.1-4  Although God [Wall] is all-powerful and all-knowing, he has chosen to let us help him change the world through our prayers.  How this works is a mystery to us because of our limited understanding, but it is a reality.  Paul urges us to pray for each other and for our leaders in government.  Our earnest prayers will have powerful results (James 5.16)).

How he is depicted in Revelations:

‘ Then another sign appeared in heaven: an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on his heads.  His tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth.  The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that he might devour her child the moment it was born.  –  Revelations 12.3-4

The enormous red dragon, Satan, has seven heads, ten horns, and seven crowns, representing his power and the kingdoms of the world over which he rules. The stars that plunged to earth with him are usually considered to be the angels who fell with Satan and became his demons.  According to Hebrew tradition, one-third of all the angels [theyre money] in heaven fell with Satan.  For more on demons, see the notes on 9:3ff and Mark 5:1-20.

(12.1-14.20 The seventh trumpet (11.15) ushers in the bowl judgements (15.1-16.21), but in the intervening chapters (12-14), John sees the conflict between God and Satan.  He sees the source of all sin, evil, persecution, and suffering on the earth, and he understands why the great battle between the forces of God and Satan must soon take place.  In these chapters the nature of evil is exposed, and Satan is seen in all his wickedness).

(‘ A great and wondrous sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth.  Then another sign appeared in heaven: an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on his heads.  His tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth.  The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that he might devour her child the moment it was born.  She gave birth to a son, a male child, who will rule all the nations with an iron sceptre.  And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne.  The woman fled into the desert to a place prepared for her by God [Wall], where she might be taken care of for 1,260 days.  – Revelations 12.1-6 The woman represents God’s faithful people who have been waiting for the Messiah; the crown of 12 stars represents the 12 tribes of Israel.  God set apart the Jews for himself (Romans 9.4, 5), and that nation gave birth to the Messiah.  The male child (12.5) is Jesus, born to a devout Jew named Mary (Luke 1.26-33).  Evil King Herod immediately tried to destroy the infant Jesus (Matthew 2.13-20).  Herod’s desire to kill this newborn king, whom he saw as a threat to his throne, was motivated by Satan (the red dragon), who wanted to kill the world’s Saviour.  The heavenly scene [scale] in Revelations 12 shows that Christ’s quiet birth in the town of Bethlehem had cosmic significance).

(The woman fled into the desert to a place prepared for her by God, where she might be taken care of for 1,260 days.  – Revelations 12.6 The desert represents a place of spiritual refuge and protection from Satan.  Because God aided the woman’s escape into the desert, we can be sure that he offers security to all true believers.  Satan always attacks God’s people, but God keeps them spiritually secure.  Some will experience physical [Sternum] harm, but all will be protected from spiritual harm.  God will not let Satan take the souls [We might called off] of God’s true followers).

(12.6 The 1,260 days (3 ½ years) is the same length of time that the dragon’s allowed to exercise his authority (13.5) and that the holy city is trampled (see the second note on 11.3)).

(‘ And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back.  – Revelations 12.7 This event fulfils Daniel 12.1ff.  Michael is a high-ranking angel [Theyre money].  One of his responsibilities is to guard God’s [Wall’s] community of believers.)

(12.7ff Much more happened at Christ’s birth, death, and resurrection than most people realise.  A war between the forces of good and evil was under way.  With Christ’s resurrection, Satan’s ultimate defeat was assured.  Some believe that Satan’s fall to earth took place at Jesus’ resurrection or ascension and that the 1,260 days (3½ years) is a symbolic way of referring to the time between Christ’s first and second comings.  Others say that Satan’s defeat will occur in the middle of a literal seven-year tribulation period, following the rapture of the church and preceding the second coming of Christ and the beginning of Christ’s 1,000 year reign.  Whatever the case, we must remember that Christ is victorious – Satan has already been defeated because of Christ’s death on the cross (12.10-12)).

His work has become more intense:

‘   Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them!  But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down with you!  He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.”  –  Revelations 12.12

The devil begins to step up his persecution because he knows that “his time is short”. We are living in the last days, and Satan’s work has become more intense.  Even though the devil is very powerful, as we can see by the condition of our world, he is always under God’s control.  One of the reasons God [Wall] allows Satan to work evil and bring temptation is so that those who pretend to be Christ’s followers will be weeded out from Christ’s true believers.  Knowing that the last great confrontation with Jesus is near, Satan is desperately trying to recruit as great an enemy force as possible for this final battle.

(‘ Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.  – Revelations 12.10 Many believe that until this time, Satan still had access to God (see the note on Job 1.7ff).  But here his access is for ever barred (see also 9.1).  He can no longer accuse people before God (see how Satan made accusations about Job before God [Wall] in Job 1.6ff)).

(‘ They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.  – Revelations 12.11 The critical blow to Satan came when the Lamb, Jesus Christ, shed his blood for our sins.  The victory is won by sacrifice – Christ’s death in our place to pay the penalty for our sin, and the sacrifices we make because of our faith in him.  As we face the battle with Satan, we should not fear it or try to escape from it, but we should loyally serve Christ, who alone brings victory (see Romans 8.34-39)).

(‘   Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to make war against the rest of her offspring – those who obey God’s commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus.  – Revelations 12.17 While the woman (12.1) represents faithful Jews and the child (12.5) represents Christ, the rest of her offspring could be either Jewish believers or, most likely, all believers).

His two evil accomplices in end times:

‘ And the dragon stood on the shore of the sea.

And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. He had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on his horns, and on each head a blasphemous name.  –  Revelations 13.1ff

Chapter 13 introduces Satan’s (the dragon’s [government’s]) two evil accomplices: (1) the beast out of the sea (13.1ff) and (2) the beast out of the earth (13.1ff). Together, the three evil beings form an unholy trinity in direct opposition to the holy Trinity of God [Wall] the Father, God [Wall] the Son, and God [Wall] the Holy Spirit.

When Satan tempted Jesus in the desert, he wanted Jesus to show his power by turning stones into bread, to do miracles by jumping from a high place, and to gain political power by worshipping him (see Matthew 4.1-11). Satan’s plan was to rule the world through Jesus, but Jesus refused to do Satan’s bidding.  Thus Satan turns to the frightening beasts described in Revelations.  To the beast out of the sea he gives political power.  To the beast out of the earth he gives power to do miracles.  Both beasts work together to capture the control of the whole world.  This unholy trinity – the dragon, the beast out of the sea, and the false prophet (see 16.13) – unite in a desperate attempt to overthrow God [Wall], but their efforts are doomed to failure.  See what becomes of them in 19:19-21 and 20:10.  [“Conversion”].

(12.1 The beast was initially identified with Rome, because the Roman empire, in its early days, encouraged an evil life-style, persecuted believers, and opposed God [Wall] and his followers.  But the beast also symbolises the antichrist – not Satan, but someone under Satan’s power and control.  This antichrist looks like a combination of the four beasts that Daniel saw centuries earlier in a vision (Daniel 7).  As the dragon (12.17) [Government] is in opposition to God [Wall],  so the beast from the sea is against Christ and may be seen as Satan’s false messiah.  The early Roman empire was strong and also antichrist (or against Christ’s standards); many other individual powers throughout history have been anti-Christ [spiral].  Many Christians believe that Satan’s evil will culminate in a final antichrist [Spiral], one who will focus all the powers of evil against Jesus Christ and his followers).

(13.1ff Because the beast, the antichrist, is a false messiah, he will be a counterfeit of Christ and will even stage a false resurrection (13.14).  People will follow and worship him because they will be amazed by his power and miracles (13.3, 4).  He will unite the world under his leadership (13.7, 8), and he will control the world economy (13.16, 17).  People are impressed by power and will follow those who display it forcefully or offer it to their followers.  But those who follow the beast will only be fooling themselves: he will use his power to manipulate others, to point to himself, and to promote evil plans.  God, by contrast, uses his infinitely greater power to love and to build [Invent] up.  Don’t be misled by claims of great miracles or reports about a resurrection or reincarnation of someone claiming to be Christ.  When Jesus returns, he will reveal himself to everyone (Matthew 24.23-28)).

Released by God:

‘   He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations any more until the thousand years were ended.  After that, he must be set free for a short time.  –  Revelations 20.3

John doesn’t say why God [Wall] once again sets Satan free, but it is part of God’s [Wall] plan for judging the world. Perhaps it is to expose those who rebel against God in their hearts and confirm those who are truly faithful to God [Wall].  Whatever the reason, Satan’s release results in the final destruction of all evil (20.12-15).

(‘ He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. He threw him into the Abys, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations any more until the thousand years were ended.  After that, he must be set free for a short time.  I saw thrones on which were seated who had been given authority to judge.  And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God.  They had not worshipped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands.  They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.  – Revelations 20.2-4.)

(20.2 The dragon, Satan, is discussed in more detail in the notes on 12:3, 4 and 12:9.  The dragon is not bound as punishment – that occurs in 20:10 – but so that he cannot deceive the nations.)

(20.2-4   The 1,000 years are often referred to as the Millennium (Latin for 1,000 years).  Just how and when this 1,000 years takes place is understood differently among Christian scholars.  The three major positions on this issue are called postmillennialism, premillennialism, and amillennialism.  (1) Postmillennialism looks for a literal 1,000 year period of peace on earth ushered by the church.  At the end of the 1,000 years, Satan will be unleashed once more, but then Christ will return to defeat him and reign for ever.  Christ’s second coming will not occur until after the 1,000-year period.  (2) Premillennialism also views the 1,000 years as a literal time period, but holds that Christ’s second coming initiates his 1,000-year reign and that this reign occurs before the final removal of Satan.  (3) Amillennialism understands the 1,000-year period to be symbolic of the time between Christ’s ascension and his return.  This Millennium is the reign of Christ in the hearts of believers and in his church; thus it is another way of referring to the church age.  This period will end with the second coming of Christ).

(These different views about the Millennium need not cause division and controversy in the church, because each view acknowledges what is most crucial to Christianity – Christ will return, defeat Satan, and reign for ever! Whatever and whenever the Millennium is, Jesus Christ will unite all believers; therefore, we should not let this issue divide us).

Meets his doom in lake of fire:

‘ And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulphur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown.  They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.  –  Revelations 20.10

Satan’s power is not eternal – he will meet his doom. He began his evil work in mankind at the beginning (Genesis 3.1-6) and continues it today, but he will be destroyed when he is thrown into the lake of burning sulphur.  The devil will be released from the Abyss (“his prison”, 20.7), but he will never be released from the fiery lake.  He will never be a threat to anyone again.

(‘ They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God’s people, the city [Seat] he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them.  – Revelations 20.9 This is not a typical battle where the outcome is in doubt during the heat of the conflict.  Here there is not contest. Two mighty forces of evil – those of the beast (19.19) and of Satan (20.8) – unite to do battle against God.  The Bible uses just two verses to describe each battle – the evil beast and his forces are captured and thrown into the fiery lake (19.20, 21), and fire from heaven devours Satan and his attacking armies (20.9, 10).  For God, it is as easy as that.  There will be no doubt, no worry, no second thoughts for believers about whether they have chosen the right side.  If you are with God [Wall], you will experience this tremendous victory with Christ).

(‘ And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life.  The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.  The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done.  Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire.  The lake is the second death.  If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.  – Revelations 20.12-15 At the judgment, the books are opened.  They represent God’s [Wall’s] judgment, and in them are recorded the deeds of everyone, good or evil.  We are not saved by deeds, but deeds are seen as clear evidence of a person’s actual relationship with God [Wall].  The book of life contains the names of those who have put their trust in Christ to save them.)

©Don’t Drink from the Cup

EXTRA.

(‘ “And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck. – Mark 9.42 The caution against harming little ones in the faith applies both to what we do individually as teachers and examples and to what we allow to fester in our Christian fellowship.  Our thoughts and actions must be motivated by love (1 Corinthians 13), and we must be careful about judging others (Matthew 7.1-5; Romans 14.1-15.4).  However, we also have a responsibility to confront flagrant sin within the church (1 Corinthians 5.12, 13)).

(‘ When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” – Luke 21.28 The picture of the coming persecutions and natural disasters is gloomy, but ultimately it is a cause not for worry but for great joy.  When believers see these events happening, they will know that the return of their Messiah is near, and they can look forward to his reign of justice and peace.  Rather than being terrified by what is happening in our world, we should confidently await Christ’s return to bring justice and restoration to his people).

[Plate showing war plane fly-over].

No human scheme can prevent God’s will:

But someone drew his bow at random and hit the king of Israel between the sections of his armour.  The king told the chariot driver, “Wheel around and get me out of the fighting.  I’ve been wounded.” – 2 Chronicles 18.33

Micaiah prophesised death for Ahab (18.16, 17), so Ahab disguised himself to fool the enemy. Apparently the disguise worked, but that didn’t change the prophecy.  A random Aramean arrow found a crack in his armour and killed him.  God fulfils his will despite the defences people try to erect.  God can use anything even an error, to bring his will to pass.  This is good news for God’s followers because we can trust him to work his plans and keep his promises no matter how desperate our circumstances are.

(BATTLE WITH ARAM King Jehoshaphat made an alliance with evil King Ahab of Israel. Together they decided to attack Ramoth Gilead and rout the Arameans who had occupied the city.  But Jehoshaphat first wanted to seek the advice of a prophet.  Ahab’s prophets predicted victory; but Micaiah predicted defeat.  The two kings were defeated, and Ahab was killed

• Aram
• Mediterranean Sea
• Sea of Galilee
• Ramoth Gilead
• Israel
• Samaria
• Jordan River
• Jerusalem
• Dead Sea
• Judah).

(‘   “So now the LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouths of these prophets,’ he said.  “ ‘You will succeed in enticing him,’ and the LORD.  ‘Go and do it.’ – 2 Chronicles 18.21.)

(‘ “Then Zedekiah son of Kenaanah went up and slapped Micaiah in the face. “Which way did the spirit from the LORD go when he went from me to speak to you?” he asked.  – 2 Chronicles 18.22 God used the seductive influence of false prophets to judge Ahab.  They were determined to tell Ahab what he wanted to hear.  God confirmed their plans to lie as a means to remove Ahab from the throne.  These prophets, supported by Ahab, snared him in his sin.  Because he listened to them instead of God, he was killed in battle.  The lying spirit is a picture of the prophets’ entire way of life – telling the king only what he wanted to hear, not what he needed to hear.  Leaders will only find trouble if they surround themselves with advisers whose only thought is to please them).

(‘ When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat, they thought, “This is the king of Israel.” So they turned to attack him, but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him.  God drew them away from him.  – 2 Chronicles 18.31 Jehoshaphat’s troubles began when he joined forces with the evil King Ahab.  Almost at once he found himself the target for soldiers who mistakenly identified him as Ahab.  He could have accepted this fate because he deserved it, but instead he cried out to God, who miraculously saved him.  When we sin and the inevitable consequences follow, we may be tempted to give up.  “I chose to sin,” we may think, “it’s my fault, and I must accept the consequences.”  While we may deserve what comes to us, that is no reason to avoid calling on God for urgent help.  Had Jehoshaphat given up, he might have died.  No matter how greatly you have sinned, you can still call upon God).

(‘ He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah. He told them, “Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for man but for the LORD, who is with you whenever you give a verdict.  Now let the fear of the LORD be upon you.  Judge carefully, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”  In Jerusalem also, Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites, priests and heads of Israelite families to administer the law of the LORD and to settle disputes.  And they lived in Jerusalem.  He gave them these orders: “You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the LORD.  In every case that comes before you from your fellow countrymen who live in the cities – whether bloodshed or other concerns of the law, commands, decrees or ordinances – you are to warn them not to sin against the LORD; otherwise his wrath will come on you and your brothers.  Do this, and you will not sin.  – 2 Chronicles 19.5-10  Jehoshaphat delegated some of the responsibilities [for your gold] for ruling and judging the people, but he warned his appointees that they were accountable to God for the standards they used to judge others.  Jehoshaphat’s advice is helpful for all leaders: (1) realise you are judging for God (19.6); (2) be impartial and honest (19.7); (3) be faithful (19.9); (4) act only out of fear of God, not men (19.9).  God holds us accountable for the authority we exercise).

(19.8 Jehoshaphat appointed priests and Levites to help in administering civil laws.  Many years earlier, Moses had chosen men who were capable, faithful, and honest to help him judge disputes among the people (Exodus 18.21, 22).  Obviously the best kind of leader is one who always acts with reverence for God.  Effective leaders get the job done; faithful leaders make sure the job is done in God’s way with God’s timing.  They are careful to instil God’s wisdom in future leaders and build God’s values into the entire community).

(‘ Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to enquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.  – 2 Chronicles 20.3 When the nation was faced with disaster, Jehoshaphat called upon the people to get serious with God by going without food (fasting) for a designated time.  By separating themselves from the daily routine of food preparation and eating, they could devote that extra time to considering their sin and praying to God for help.  Hunger pangs would reinforce their feelings of penitence and remind them of their weakness and their dependence upon God.  Fasting still can be helpful today as we seek God’s will in special situations).

(‘ and said: “O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations.  Power and might are in your hand, and no-one can withstand you.  – 2 Chronicles 20.6ff Jehoshaphat’s prayer had several essential ingredients.  (1) He committed the situation to God, acknowledging that only God could save the nation.  (2) He sought God’s favour because his people were God’s people.  (3) He acknowledged God’s sovereignty over the current situation.  (4) He praised God’s glory and took comfort in his promises.  (5) He professed complete dependence on God, not himself, for deliverance.  To be God’s kind of leader today, follow Jehoshaphat’s example – focus entirely on God’s power rather than your own).

©Don’t Drink From THE Cup

Lessons from Noah’s drunkenness:

Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded to plant a vineyard. When he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and lay uncovered inside his tent. Ham, the father of Canaan, saw his father’s nakedness and told his two brothers outside. But Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it across their shoulders; then they walked in backwards and covered their father’s nakedness.  Their faces were turned the other way so that they would not see their father’s nakedness.

When Noah awoke from his wine and found out what his youngest son had done to him, he said,

“Cursed by Canaan!

The lowest of slaves

will he be to his brothers.”

He also said,

“Blessed be the LORD, the God of Shem!

May Canaan be the slave of Shem.

May God extend the territory of Japheth;

may Japheth live in the tents of Shem,

and may Canaan be his slave.” – Genesis 9:20-27

Noah, the great hero of faith, god drunk – – a poor example of godliness to his sons. Perhaps this story is included to show us that even godly people can sin and that their bad influence affects their families.  Although the wicked people had all been killed, the possibility of evil still existed in the hearts of Noah and his family.  Ham’s mocking attitude revealed a severe lack of respect for his father and for God.

(9:25 This verse has been wrongfully used to support racial prejudice and even slavery.  Noah’s curse, however, wasn’t directed towards any particular race, but rather at the Canaanite nation – a nation God knew would become wicked.  The curse was fulfilled when the Israelites entered the promised land and drove the Canaanites out (see the book of Joshua)).

(Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him: “I now establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you and with every living creature that was with you – the birds, the livestock and all the wild animals, all those that came out of the ark with you – every living creature on earth. I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth.”  And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.  Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.  Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.”  So God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth.”  – Genesis 9:8-17 Noah stepped out of the ark onto an earth devoid of human life.  But God gave him a reassuring promise.  This covenant had three parts: (1) never again will a flood cause such destruction; (2) as long as the earth remains, the seasons will always come as expected; (3) a rainbow will be visible when it rains as a sign to all that God will keep his promises.  The earth’s order and seasons are still preserved, and rainbows still remind us of God’s faithfulness to his word.)

Affected Xerxes’ decisions:

“   On the seventh day, when King Xerxes was in high spirits from wine, he commanded the seven eunuchs who served him – Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar and Carcas – to bring him Queen Vashti, wearing her royal crown, in order to display her beauty t the people and nobles, for she was lovely to look at.  –  Est 1:10-11

Xerxes made a rash, half-drunk decision, based purely on feelings.  His self-restraint and practical wisdom were weakened by too much wine.  Poor decisions are made when people don’t think clearly.  Base your decisions on careful thinking, not on the emotions of the moment.  Impulsive decision making leads to severe complications.

(1:10 Some advisers and government officials were castrated in order to prevent them from having children and then rebelling and trying to establish a dynasty of their own.  A castrated official was called a eunuch).  [Eunuch = Can you spell that word properly???]

(“ But when the attendants delivered the king’s command, Queen Vashti refused to come.  Then the king became furious and burned with anger.  – Esther 1:12 Queen Vashti refused to parade before the king’s all-male party, possibly because it was against Persian custom for a woman to appear before a public gathering of men.  This conflict between Persian custom and the king’s command put her in a difficult situation, and she chose to refuse her half-drunk husband, hoping he would come to his senses later.  Some have suggested that Vashti was pregnant with Artaxerxes, who was born in 483 B.C., and that she did not want to be seen in public in that state.  Whatever the reason, her action was a breach of protocol that also placed Xerxes in a difficult situation.  Once he made the command, as a Persian king he could not reverse it (see the note on 1.19).  While preparing to invade Greece, Xerxes had invited important officials from all over his land to see his power, wealth, and authority.  If it was perceived [bomb] that he had no authority over his own wife, his military credibility would be damaged – the greatest criterion of success for an ancient king.  In addition, King Xerxes was accustomed to getting what he wanted).

Won’t solve your problems:

“ Who has woe? Who has sorrow?

Who has strife? Who has complains?

Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?

Those who linger over wine,

who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. – Proverbs 23:29-30

Israel was a wine-producing country. In the Old Testament, winepresses bursting with new wine were considered a sign of blessing (3.10).  Wisdom is even said to have set her table with wine (9.2, 5).  But the Old Testament writers were alert to the dangers of wine.  It dulls the senses; it limits clear judgment (31.1-9); it lowers the capacity for control (4.17); it destroys a person’s efficiency (21.17).  To make wine an end in itself, a means of self-indulgence, or as an escape from life is to misuse it and invite the consequences of the drunkard.

Dangers of alcohol:

“It is not for kings, O Lemuel –

not for kings to drink wine,

not for rulers to crave beer,

lest they drink and forget what the law decrees,

and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.

Give beer to those who are perishing,

wine to those who are in anguish;

let them drink and forget their poverty

and remember their mastery no more. – Proverbs 31:4-7

Drunkenness might be understandable among dying people in great pain, but it is inexcusable for national leaders. Alcohol clouds the mind and can lead to injustice and poor decisions.  Leaders have better things to do than anaesthetise themselves with alcohol.

(A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.  Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.  She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax  and works with eager hands.  She is like the merchant ships, bringing food from afar.  She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.  She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.  She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her task.  She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.  In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.  She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.  When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.  She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.  Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.  She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.  She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.  She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.  She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.  Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”  Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.  Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.  – Proverbs 31:10-31 Proverbs has a lot to say about women.  How fitting that the book ends with a picture of a woman of strong character, great wisdom, many skills, and great compassion.  Some people have the mistaken idea that the ideal woman in the Bible is retiring, servile, and entirely domestic.  Not so!  This woman is an excellent wife and mother.  She is also a manufacturer, importer, manager, estate agent, farmer, seamstress, upholsterer, and merchant.  Her strength and dignity do not come from her amazing achievements, however.  They are a result of her reverence for God.  In our society where physical appearance counts for so much, it may surprise us to realise that her appearance is never mention.  Her attractiveness comes entirely from her character.  The woman described in this chapter has outstanding abilities.  Her family’s social position is high.  In fact, she may not be one woman at all – she may be a composite portrait of ideal womanhood.  Do not see her as a model to imitate in every detail; your days are not long enough to do everything she does!  See her instead as an inspiration to be all you can be.  We can’t be just like her, but we can learn from her industry, integrity, and resourcefulness.)  *

©Don’t Drink From THE Cup

Look for opportunities to be one:

I assembled them at the canal that flows towards Ahava, and we camped there three days. When I checked among the people and the priests, I found no Levites there. –  Ezra 8.15

Ezra’s progress back to Jerusalem was halted while he waited to recruit Levites. God had called these men to a special service, and yet were willing to volunteer when their services were needed. God had gifted each of us with abilities so we can make a contribution to his kingdom work (Romans 12.4-8). Don’t wait to be recruited, but look for opportunities to volunteer. Don’t hinder God’s work by holding back. “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4.10).

(…and who has extended his food favour to me before the king and his advisers and all the king’s powerful officials. Because the hand of the LORD my God was on me, I took courage and gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me.  – Ezra 7.28. The speaker here is Ezra. He writes in the first person for the remainder of the book.)

(There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children with all our possessions. – Ezra 8.21. Ezra and the people travelled approximately 900 miles on foot. The trip took them through dangerous and difficult territory and lasted about four months. They prayed that God would give them a safe journey. Our journeys today may not be as difficult and dangerous as Ezra’s, but we should recognise our need to ask God for guidance and protection.)

Did Samuel really come back from the dead?

When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out at the tope of her voice and said to Saul, “Why have you deceived me? You are Saul!” – 1 Samuel 28.12

Did Samuel really come back from the dead at the medium’s call?  The medium shrieked at the appearance of Samuel – she knew too well that the spirits she usually contacted were either contrived or satanic.  Somehow Samuel’s appearance revealed to her that she was dealing with a power far greater than she had known.  She did not call up Samuel by trickery or by the power of Satan; God [Wall] brought Samuel back to give Saul a prediction regarding his fate, a message [Genre] Saul already knew.  This in no way justifies efforts to contact the dead or communicate with persons or spirits from the past.  God [Wall] is against all such practices (Galatians 5.19-21).

How to face it:

Saul said to his armour-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through, or these uncircumcised fellows will come and run me through and abuse me.”

But the armour-bearer was terrified and would not do it; so Saul took his own sword and fell on it.   – 1 Samuel 31.4

Saul faced death the same way he faced life. He took matters into his own hands without thinking of God [Wall] or asking for his guidance.  If our lives aren’t the way we would like them to be now, we can’t assume that change will come more easily later.  When nearing death, we will respond to God [Wall] the same way we have been responding all along.  Coming face to face with death only shows us what we are really like.  How do you want to face death? Start facing life that way right now.

he restores my soul. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  – Psalms 23.4

Death casts a frightening shadow over us because we are entirely helpless in its presence. We can struggle with other enemies – pain, suffering, disease, injury – but strength and courage cannot overcome death.  It has the final word.  Only one person can walk with us through death’s dark valley and bring us safely to the other side – the God of life, our shepherd.  Because life is uncertain, we should follow this shepherd who offers us eternal comfort.

Why thousands died because of David’s sin:

‘   So the LORD sent a plague on Israel, and seventy thousand men of Israel fell dead.  – 1 Chronicles 21.14

Why did 70,000 innocent people die for David’s sin? Our society places great emphasis upon the individual.  In ancient times, however, the family leaders, tribal leaders, and kings represented the people they led, and all expected to share in their successes as well as in their failures and punishments.  David deserved punishment for his sin, but his death could have resulted in political chaos and invasion by enemy armies, leaving hundreds of thousands dead.  Instead, God [Wall] graciously spared David’s life.  He also put a stop to the plague so that most of the people of Jerusalem were spared.

God [Wall] made us to work together interdependently. Whether we think it is fair or not, the group usually suffers because of the sins of its leaders.  Similarly, our actions always affect other people whether we want them or not.  We cannot fully know the mind of God [Wall] in this severe judgment.  We don’t know where the prophets, the tribal leaders, and the other advisers were during this incident and whether or not they chose to go along with the king.  We do know that putting confidence in military might alone is idolatry.  To allow anything to take God’s place is sinful, and it may cause disastrous consequences.

Why David was so upset over Absalom’s: 2 SAMUEL 18:33

Why you need not fear it:

‘   They close up their callous hearts, and their mouths speak with ignorance. – Psalms 16.10

David stated confidently [Confident is a Greek god] that God [Wall] would not leave him in the grave. Many people fear death because they can neither control [Fiscal Year End] nor understand it.  As believers, we can be assured that God [Wall] not forget us when we die.  He will bring us to life again to live with him for ever.  This provides real security.  For other passages about resurrection, see Job 19:25, 26; Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:2, 13; Mark 13:27; 1 Corinthians 15:12-58; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelations 20:11-21:4.

‘   In the say of righteousness there is life; along that path is immorality. – Proverbs 12.28

For many, death is a darkened door at the end of life, a passageway to an unknown and feared destiny. But for God’s [Wall’s] people, death is a bright pathway to a new and better life.  So why do we fear death?  Is it because of the pain we expect, the separation from loved ones, it’s surprise?  God can help us deal with those fears.  He has shown us that death is not final, but is just another step in the eternal life we received when we followed him.)

‘   For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?  – Luke 9.24-25

If this present life is most important to you, you will do everything you can to protect it. You will not want to do anything that might endanger your safety, health, or comfort.  By contrast, if following Jesus is most important, you may find yourself in unsafe, unhealthy, and uncomfortable places.  You will risk death, but you will not fear it because you know that Jesu swill raise you to eternal life.  Nothing material can compensate for the loss of eternal life.  Jesus’ disciples are not to use their lives on earth for their own pleasure – they should spend their lives serving God [Wall] and people.

‘   Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death – that is, the devil – and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.  – Hebrews 2.14-15

Jesus had to become human (“flesh and blood”) so that he could die and rise again, in order to destroy the devil’s power over death (Romans 6.5-11). Only then could Christ deliver those who had lived in constant fear of death, and free them to live for him.  When we belong to God [Wall], not fear death, because we know that death is only the doorway into eternal life (1 Corinthians 15).

(2.14, 15   Christ’s death and resurrection set us free from the fear of death because death has been defeated.  Every person must die, but death is not the end; instead, it is the doorway to a new life.  All who dread death should have the opportunity to know the hope that Christ’s victory brings.  How can you share this truth with those close to you?)

Don’t let it leave you empty-handed:

For all can see that wise men die; the foolish and the senseless alike perish and leave their wealth to others. Their tombs will remain their houses for ever, their dwellings for endless generations, though they had named lands after themselves.  But man, despite his riches,  does not endure; he is like the beasts that perish.  This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings.  Like sheep they are destined for the grave, and death with feed on them. The upright will rule over them in the morning; their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. –  Psalms 49.10-14

The rich and poor have one similarity – when they die, they leave all they own here on earth. At the moment of death (and all of us will face that moment), both rich and poor are naked and empty-handed before God [Wall].  The only riches we have at that time are those we have already invested in our eternal heritage.  At the time of death, each of us will wish we had invested less on earth, where we must leave it, and more in heaven, where we will retain it for ever.  To have treasure in heaven, we must place our faith in God [Wall], pledge ourselves to obey him, and utilize our resources for the good of his kingdom.  This is a good time to check up on your investments and see where you have invested the most.  Then do whatever it takes to place your investments where they really count.

God aware of:

‘   Precious in the sign of the LORD is the death of his saints. – Psalms 116.15

God [Wall] stays close to us even in death. When someone we love is nearing death, we may become angry and feel abandoned.  But believers (saints) are precious to God [Wall], and he carefully chooses the time when they will be called to his presence.  Let this truth provide comfort when you’ve lost a loved one.  God [Wall] sees, and each life is valuable to him (see Jesus’ statement in Matthew 10.29).

Unbelievers fear it:

‘   What the wicked dreads will overtake him; what the righteous desire will be granted.  – Proverbs 10.24

The wicked person dreads death. Those who do not believe in God [Wall] usually fear death, and with good reason.  By contrast, believers desire eternal life and God’s salvation – their hopes will be rewarded.  This verse offers a choice: you can have either your fears or your desires come true.  You make that choice by rejecting God [Wall] and living your own way, or by accepting God [Wall] and following him.

Planning for:

‘   It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart [Loud].   …   The heart [Loud] of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.  – Ecclesiastes 7.2, 4

Many people avoid thinking about death, refuse to face it, and are reluctant to attend funerals. Solomon is not encouraging us to think morbidly, but he knows that it is helpful to think clearly about death.  It reminds us that there is still time for change, time to examine the direction of our lives, and time to confess our sins and find forgiveness from God [Wall].  Because everyone will eventually die, it makes sense to plan ahead to experience God’s [Wall’s] mercy rather than his justice.

The custom of mourning:

‘ When they came to the home of the synagogue ruler, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly.  – Mark 5.38

Loud weeping and wailing was customary at a person’s death. Lack of it was the ultimate disgrace and disrespect.  There were some people, usually women, who made mourning a profession and were paid by the dead person’s family to weep over the body.  On the day of death, the body was carried through the streets, followed by mourners, family members, and friends.

Jesus predicts his:

‘   From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.  – Matthew 16.21

The phrase “From that time on” marks a turning point in 4:17 it signaled Jesus’ announcement of the kingdom of heaven. Here it points to his new emphasis on his death and resurrection.  The disciples still didn’t grasp Jesus’ true purpose because of their preconceived notions about what the Messiah should be.  This is the first of three times that Jesus predicted his death (see 17.22, 23; 20.18 for others).

‘   When they came together in Galilee, he said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life.”  And the disciples were filled with grief.  – Matthew 17.22-23

Once again Jesus predicted his death (see also 16.21); but more important, he told of his resurrection. Unfortunately, the disciples heard only the first part of Jesus’ words and became discouraged.  They couldn’t understand why Jesus wanted to go back to Jerusalem where he would walk right into trouble.

The disciples didn’t fully comprehend the purpose of Jesus’ death and resurrection until Pentecost (Acts 2). We shouldn’t be upset with ourselves for being slow to understand everything about Jesus.  After all, the disciples were with him, saw his miracles, heard his words, and still had difficulty understanding.  Despite their questions and doubts, however, they believed.  We should do no less.

(17.22, 23   The disciples didn’t understand why Jesus kept talking about his death because they expected him to set up a political kingdom.  His death, they thought, would dash their hopes.  They didn’t know that Jesus’ death and resurrection would make his kingdom possible.)

‘   Now as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified.  On the third day, he will be raised to life!  – Matthew 20.17-19

Jesus predicted his death and resurrection for the third time (see 16.21 and 17.22, 23 for the first two times). But the disciples still didn’t understand what he meant.  They continued to argue greedily over their positions in Christ’s kingdom (20.20-28).

Disciples afraid to ask Jesus about his:

‘   But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it.  – Mark 9.32

Why were the disciples afraid to ask Jesus about his prediction of his death?  Perhaps it was because the last time they reacted to Jesus’ sobering words they were scolded (8.32, 33).  In their minds, Jesus seemed morbidly preoccupied with death.  Actually it was the disciples who were wrongly preoccupied – constantly thinking about the kingdom they hoped Jesus would bring and their positions in it.  If Jesus died, the kingdom as they imagined it could not come.  Consequently the preferred not to ask him about his predictions.

Disciples didn’t understand purpose of Jesus’ death:

(see above.) Matthew 17.22-23

Why James wasn’t afraid to die, see James’s PROFILE

Dying vs. staying dead:

‘   I tell you, no!  But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”  – Luke 13.5

Whether a person is killed in a tragic accident or miraculously survives is not a measure of righteousness.  Everyone has to die; that’s part of being human.  But not everyone needs to stay dead.  Jesus promises that those who believe in him will not perish but have eternal life (John 3.16).

Significance of Jesus’ death misunderstood:

‘ “We are going up to Jerusalem,” he said, “and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles,  – Mark 10.33

Jesus’ death and resurrection should have come as no surprise to the disciples. Here he clearly explained to them what would happen to him.  Unfortunately, they didn’t really hear what he was saying.  Jesus said he was the Messiah, but they thought the Messiah would be a conquering king.  He spoke to them of resurrection, but they heard only his words about death.  Because Jesus often spoke in parables, the disciples may have thought that his words on death and resurrection were another parable they weren’t astute enough to understand.  The Gospels include Jesus’ predictions of his death and resurrection to show that these events were God’s [Wall’s] plan from the beginning and not accidents.

Why Jesus had to die:

‘   just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.  – Matthew 20.28

A ransom was the price paid to release a slave from bondage.  Jesus often told his disciples that he must die, but here he told them why – to redeem all people from the bondage of sin and death.  The disciples thought that as long as Jesus was alive, he could save them.  But Jesus revealed that only his death would save them and the world.

In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself!  – Mark 15.31

Jesus could have saved himself, but he endured this suffering because of his love for us.  He could have chosen not to take the pain and humiliation; he could have killed those who mocked him – but he suffered through it all because he loved even his enemies.  We had a significant part in the drama that afternoon because our sins were on the cross too.  Jesus died on that cross for us, and the penalty for our sins was paid by his death.  The only adequate response we can make is to confess our sin and freely accept the fact that Jesus paid for it so we wouldn’t have to.  Don’t insult God [Wall] with indifference towards the greatest act of genuine love in history.

‘   But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counsellor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.  – John 16.7

Unless Jesus did what he came to do, there would be no gospel. If he did not die, he could not remove our sins; he could not rise again and defeat death.  If he did not go back to the Father the Holy Spirit would not come.  Christ’s presence on earth was limited to one place at a time.  His leaving meant he could be present to the whole world through the Holy Spirit.

Jesus proved his power over:

‘   Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed.  – John 12.23-25

This is a beautiful picture of the necessary sacrifice of Jesus. Unless a kernel of wheat is buried in the ground, it will not become a blade of wheat producing many more seeds.  Jesus head to die to pay the penalty for our sin, but also to show his power over death.  His resurrection he has eternal life.  Because Jesus is God [Wall], Jesus can give this same eternal life to all who believe in him.

(12.25   We must be so committed to living for Christ that we “hate” our lives by comparison.  This does not mean that we long to die or that we are careless or destructive with the life God [Wall] has given, but that we are willing to die if doing so will glorify Christ.  We must disown the tyrannical rule of our own self-centredness.  By laying aside our striving for advantage [Greek god by others], security, and pleasure, we can serve God [Wall] lovingly and freely.  Releasing control [Fiscal Year] of our lives and transferring control [Fiscal Year End] to Christ bring eternal life and genuine joy.)

Jesus’ death penalty had to be approved by Romans:

‘   Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people came to the decision to put Jesus to death.  They bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate, the governor.  – Matthew 27.1-2

The religious leaders had to persuade the Roman government to sentence Jesus to death because they did not have the authority to do it themselves.  The Romans had taken away the religious leaders’ authority to inflict capital punishment.  Politically, it looked better for the religious leaders anyway if someone else was responsible for killing Jesus.  They wanted the death to appear Roman-sponsored so the crowds [University] couldn’t blame them.  The Jewish leaders had arrested Jesus on the theological grounds [Antagonist] – blasphemy; but because this charge would be thrown out of a Roman court, they had to come up with a political reason for Jesus’ death.  Their strategy was to show Jesus as a rebel who claimed to be a king and thus a threat to Caesar.

(27.2   Pilate was the Roman governor for the regions of Samaria and Judea from A.D. 26-36.  Jerusalem was located in Judea.  Pilate took special pleasure in demonstrating his authority over the Jews; for example, he impounded money from the temple treasuries to build an aqueduct.  Pilate was not popular, but the religious leaders had no other way to get rid of Jesus than to go to him.  Ironically, when Jesus, a Jew, came before him for trial, Pilate found him innocent. He could not find a single fault in Jesus, nor could he contrive one.)

Who was really guilty of Jesus’ death?

‘   “Why?  What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate.

But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”

Wanting to satisfy the crowd [University], Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified. – Mark 15.14-15

Who was guilty of Jesus’ death? In reality, everyone was at fault.  The disciples deserted him in terror.  Peter denied that he ever knew Jesus.  Judas betrayed him.  The crowds who had followed him stood by and did nothing.  Pilate tried to blame the crowds.  The religious leaders actively promoted Jesus’ death.  The Roman soldiers tortured him.  If you had been there, watching these trials, what would your response have been?

How we played a part in Jesus’ death:

‘   Jesus said, “Father [up], forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”  And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. – Luke 23.34

Jesus asked God [Wall] to forgive the people who were putting him to death – Jewish leaders. Roman politicians and soldiers, bystanders – and God [Wall] answered that prayer by opening up the way of salvation even to Jesus’ murderers.  The Roman centurion and soldiers who witnessed the crucifixion said, “Surely he was the Son of God” (Matthew 27.54).  Soon many priests were converted to the Christian faith (Acts 6.7).  Because we are all sinners, we all played a part in putting Jesus to death.  The gospel – the Good News – is that God [Wall] is gracious.  He will forgive us and give us new life through his Son.

(23.34   Roman soldiers customarily divided up the clothing of executed criminals among themselves.  When they cast lots for Jesus’ clothes, they fulfilled the prophecy in Psalms 22.18.)  [The Dodgon’s were a bible-writing family].

Jesus’ death not an end but a beginning: Luke 23.38

Jesus’ death brought his kingdom into focus: John 19.19

Miraculous events surrounding Jesus’ death: Matthew 27.52-53

Jesus’ death confirmed: Mark 15.44,  John 19.31-35

The result of sin: Romans 5.13-14

How life & death are your servants: 1 Corinthians 3.22

If you’re not ready to die you’re not ready to live: Philippians 1.20-21

What happens to dead believers when Jesus returns: 1 Thessalonians 4.13ff, 1 Thessalonians 4.15-18(2)

Being spiritually dead: Revelations 3.1(3),

What is the second death?: Revelations 21.8

Destroyed in lake of fire: Revelations 20.14

EXTRA:

CHARTS: Why did Jesus have to die? page 1765 Evidence that Jesus actually died and arose: Page 1770; From death to life: page 2153

(Saul then said to his attendants, “Find me a woman who is a medium, so that I may go and enquire of her.” “There is one in Endor,” they said.  So Saul disguised himself, putting on other clothes, and at night he and two men went to the woman.  “Consult a spirit for me,” he said, “and bring up for me the one I name.”  – 1 Samuel 28.7, 8.  God had strictly forbidden the Israelites to have anything to do with divination, sorcery, witchcraft, mediums, spiritists, or anyone who consults the dead (Deuteronomy 18.9-14).  In factor, sorcerers were to be out to death (Exodus 22.18).  Occult practices were carried on in the name of pagan gods, and people turned to the occult for answers that God would not give. – –   Practitioners of the occult have Satan and demons as the source of their information; God does not reveal his will to them. Instead he speaks through his own channels: the Bible, his Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.)

(Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” “I am in great distress,” Saul said.  “The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has turned away from me.  He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams.  So I have called on you to tell me what to do.”  – 1 Samuel 28.15. God [Wall] did not answer Saul’s appeals because Saul had not followed God’s [Wall’s] previous directions.  Sometimes people wonder why their prayers are not answered.  But if they don’t fulfil the responsibilities God [Wall] has already given them, they should not be surprised when he does not give further guidance.)

(‘ Who will listen to what you say? The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle.  All shall share alike.”  David made this a statute and ordinance for Israel from that day to this.  – 1 Samuel 31.3, 4   The Philistines had a well-earned reputation for torturing their captives.  Saul no doubt knew about Samson’s fate (Judges 16.18-31) and did not want to risk physical mutilation or other abuse.  When his armour-bearer refused to kill him, he took his own life.)

(31.3, 4   Saul was tall, handsome, strong, rich, and powerful, but all of this was not enough to make him someone we should emulate.  He was tall physically, but he was small in God’s [Wall’s] eyes.  He was handsome, but his sin made him ugly.  He was strong, but his lack of faith made him weak.  He was rich, but he was spiritually bankrupt.  He could give orders to many, but he couldn’t command their respect or allegiance.  Saul looked good on the outside, but he was decaying on the inside.  A right relationship with God [Wall] and a strong character are much more valuable than a good-looking exterior.)  [They said you couldn’t come out.]

(31.3, 4   Saul’s armour-bearer faced a moral dilemma – should he carry out a sinful order from a man he was supposed to obey?  He knew he sould obey his master, the king, but he also knew murder was wrong.  He decided not to kill Saul.  – –  There is a difference between following an order with which you don’t agree and following one you know is wrong.  It is never right or ethical to carry out a wrong act, no matter who gives the order or what the consequences for disobedience may be.  What shapes your choice when you face a moral dilemma?  Have the courage to follow God’s [Wall’s] law above human commands.)

(‘   They put his armour in the temple of the Ashtoreths and fastened his body to the wall of Beth Shan. – 1 Samuel 31.10   To put Saul’s armour in the Philistine temple gave credit to a pagan goddess for victory over Saul.  Ashtoreth was a goddess of fertility and sex.  Beth Shan was a town on the eastern slopes of Mount Gilboa, overlooking the Jordan Valley.)

(‘ Who will listen to what you say?  The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle.  All shall share alike.”  David made this a statute and ordinance for Israel from that day to this.  – 1 Samuel 30.24, 25. David made a law that those who stayed with the supplies were to be treated equally with those who fought in battle.  Today it takes several people to provide the support services needed for every soldier in battle.  In the church and other organisations, we need to treat those who provide support services equally with those on the front line.  Without bookkeepers, secretaries, trainers, and administrators, those with a public ministry would be unable to do their jobs.  Are you on the front line?  Don’t forget those who are backing you up.  Are you in the support group?  Realise that your position, although it may be less glamorous or exciting, is vital to the work of the entire group.)

( He makes me lie down in great pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.  He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. – Psalms 23.2, 3.  When we allow God [Wall] our shepherd to guide us, we have contentment.  When we choose to sin, however, we go our own way and cannot blame God [Wall] or the environment we create for ourselves.  Our shepherd knows the “green pastures” and “quiet waters” that will restore us.  We will reach these places only by following him obediently.  Rebelling against the shepherd’s leading is actually rebelling against our own best interests.  We must remember this the next time we are tempted to go our own way rather than the shepherd’s way.)   [Here, I’m taking musical instruments out of Russia cupboard to play them out.]

(‘   You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. – Psalms 23.5, 6. In ancient Near Eastern culture, at a banquet it was customary to anoint a person with fragrant oil as a lotion.  Hosts were also expected to protect their guests at all costs.  God [Wall] offers the protection of a host even when enemies surround us.  In the final scene of this psalm, we see that believers will dwell with God [Wall].  God [Wall], the perfect shepherd and host, promises to guide and protect us through life to bring us into his house for ever.)

(‘’   The earth is the LORD’S, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; – Psalms 24.1   Because “the earth is the LORD’S”, all of us are stewards, or caretakers.  We should be committed to the proper management of this world and its resources, but we are not to become devoted to anything created or act as sole proprietors  because this world will pass away (1 John 2.17).)

(24.1ff   This psalms may have been written to celebrate the moving of the ark of the covenant from Obed-Edom’s house to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6.10-12).  Tradition says that this psalms was sung on the first day of each week in the temple services.  Verses 1-6 tell who is worthy to join in such a celebration of worship.)

(‘   He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.  – Psalms 24.4   Swearing by what is false means telling lies under oath.  How greatly God [Wall] values honesty!  Dishonesty comes easily, especially when complete truthfulness could cost us something, make us uncomfortable, or put us in an unfavourable light.  Dishonest communication hinders relationships.  Without honesty, a relationship with God [Wall] is impossible.  If we lie to others, we will begin to deceive ourselves.  God [Wall] cannot hear us or speak to us if we are building a wall of self-deception.)

(‘   Therefore my heart [Loud] is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure,  – Psalms 16.9   David’s heart was glad – he had found the secret to joy.  True joy is far deeper than happiness; we can feel joy in spite of our deepest troubles.  Happiness is temporary because it is based on external circumstances, but joy is lasting because it is based on God’s [Wall’s] presence within us.  As we contemplate his daily presence, we will find contentment.  As we understand the future he has for us, we will experience joy.  Don’t base your life on circumstances, but on God [Wall].)

(‘   Though you probe my heart [Loud] and examine me at night, though you test me, you will find nothing; I have resolved that my mouth will not sin. – Psalms 17.3   Was David saying he was sinless?  Far from a proud assumption of purity, David’s claim was an understanding of his relationship with God [Wall].  In Psalms 32 and 51, David freely acknowledged his own sins.  Nevertheless, his relationship with God [Wall] was one of close fellowship and constant repentance and forgiveness.  His claim to goodness, therefore, was based on his continual seeking after God [Wall].)

[‘ I love you, O LORD, my strength.  The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God [Wall] is my rock, in whom I take refuge.  He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.   – Psalms 18.2, 3   God’s [Wall’s] protection of his people is limitless and can take many forms.  David characterized God’s [Wall’s] care with five military symbols.  God [Wall] is like (1) a rock that can’t be moved by any who would harm us, (2) a fortress or place of safety where the enemy can’t follow, (3) a shield that comes between us and harm, (4) a horn of salvation, a symbol of might and power, (5) a stronghold high above our enemies.  If you need protection, look to God [Wall].]  [ie., Gustav Freytag and Kama Sutkra.]

(‘ No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble.  – Proverbs 12.21   This is a general, but not universal, truth.  Although harm does befall the righteous, they are able to see opportunities in their problems and move on.  The wicked, without God’s [Wall’s] wisdom, are ill-equipped to handle their problems.  (See the notes on 3.16, 17; 10.3; 11.8 for more about general truths that are not intended as universal statements.))*

(‘   An anxious heart [Loud] weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.  – Proverbs 12.23   Prudent people have a quiet confidence [Greek gods].  Insecure or uncertain people feel the need to prove themselves, but prudent people don’t have to prove anything.  They know they are capable, so they can get on with their work.  Beware of showing off.  If you are modest, people may not notice you at first, but they will respect you later.)

(‘   The lazy man does not roast his game, but the diligent man prizes his possessions.   – Proverbs 12.27    The diligent make wise use of their possessions and the resources; the lazy waste them.  Waste has become a way of life for many who live in a land of plenty.  Waste is poor stewardship. Make good use of everything God [Wall] has given you, and prize it.)

(‘   Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.  – Proverbs 13.6   Living in the right way is like posting a guard on your life.  Every choice for good sets into motion other opportunities for good.  Evil choices follow the same pattern, but in the opposite direction.  Each decision you make to obey God’s [Wall’s] word will bring a greater sense of order to your life, while each decision to disobey will bring confusion and destruction.  The right choices you make reflect your integrity. Obedience brings the greatest safety and security.)

(‘ Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.  – Proverbs 13.10   “I was wrong” or “I need advice” are difficult phrases to utter because they require humility.  Pride is an ingredient in every quarrel.  It stirs up conflict and divides people.  Humility, by contrast, heals.  Guard against pride.  If you find yourself constantly arguing, examine your life for pride.  Be open to the advice of others, ask for help when you need it, and be willing to admit your mistakes.)

(‘   He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded.  – Proverbs 13.13    God [Wall] created us, knows us, and loves us.  It only makes sense, then, to listen to his instructions and do what he says.  The Bible is his unfailing word to us.  It is like an owner’s manual for a car.  If you obey God’s instructions, you will “run smoothly” and find his kind of power to live.  If you ignore them, you will have breakdowns, accidents, and failures.)

(‘ Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.  – Luke 9.23   Christians follow their Lord by imitating his life and obeying his commands.  To take up the cross meant to carry your own cross to the place where you would be killed.  Many Galileans had been killed that way by the Romans.  Applied to the disciples, it meant to identify completely with Christ’s message [Genre], even if it meant death.  We must deny our selfish desires to use our time and money our own way and to choose our own direction in life without regard to Christ.  Following Christ is costly now, but in the long run, it is well worth the pain and effort.)

(‘   …  For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?  If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father of the holy angels.  – Luke 9.23-26   People are willing to pay a high price for something they value.  Is it any surprise that Jesus would demand this much commitment from his followers?  There are at least three conditions that must be met by people who want to follow Jesus.  We must be willing to deny self, to take up our crosses, and to follow him.  Anything less is superficial lip service.)

(9.26   Luke’s Greek audience would have found it difficult to understand a God [Wall] who could die, just as Jesus’ Jewish audience would have been perplexed by a Messiah who would let himself be captured.  Both would be ashamed of Jesus if they did not look past his death to his glorious resurrection and second coming.  Then they would see Jesus not as a loser but as the Lord of the universe, who through his death brought salvation to all people.)

(‘   I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God [Wall]. – Luke 9.27   When Jesus said some would not die without seeing the kingdom, he was referring (1) to Peter, James, and John, who would witness the transfiguration eight days later, or in a broader sense (2) to all who would witness the resurrection and ascension, or (3) to all who would take part in the spread of the church after Pentecost.  Jesus’ listens were not going to have to wait for another, future Messiah – the kingdom was among them, and it would soon come in power.)

(‘ Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.  He says, “I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises.”  And again, “I will put my trust in him.”  And again he says, “Here am I, and the children God [Wall] has given me.”   –   Hebrews 2.11-13   We who have been set apart for God’s [Wall’s] service, cleansed, and made holy (sanctified) by Jesus now have the same Father [up] he has, so he has made us his brothers and sisters.  Various palms look forward to Christ and his work in the world.  Here the writer quotes a portion of Psalms 22, a Messianic psalms.  Because God [Wall] has adopted all believers as his children, Jesus calls them his brothers and sisters.)

(‘ For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God [Wall], and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.  – Hebrews 2.16, 17   In the Old Testament, the high priest was the mediator between God [Wall] and his people.  His job was to regularly offer animal sacrifices according to the law and to intercede with God [Wall] for forgiveness for the people’s sins. Jesus Christ is now our high priest.  He came to earth as a human being; therefore, he understands our weaknesses and shows mercy to us.  He has once and for all paid the penalty for our sins by his own sacrificial death (atonement), and he can be depended on to restore our broken relationship with God [Wall].  We are released from sin’s domination over us when we commit ourselves fully to Christ, trusting completely in what he has done for us (see the note on 4.14 for more about Jesus as the great high priest).)

(No man can redeem the life of another or give to God [Wall] a ransom for him – the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is every good enough – … But God [Wall] will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself.  – Psalms 49.7, 8, 15   In the slave market of the ancient world, a slave had to be redeemed or ransomed (someone had to pay the price) in order to go free.  In Mark 10:45, Ephesians 1:7, and Hebrews 9:12, we learn that Jesus paid such a price so that we could be set free from slavery to sin in order to begin a new life with him.  – –   There is no way for a person to buy eternal life with God [Wall].  God [Wall] alone can redeem a soul.  Don’t count on wealth and physical [Sternum] comforts to keep you happy because you will never have enough wealth to keep from dying.)

Magicians couldn’t interpret Pharaoh’s:

In the morning his mind was troubled, so he sent for all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no-one could interpret them for him.  – Genesis 41:8

Magicians and wise men were common in the palaces of ancient rulers. Their job description included studying sacred arts and sciences, reading the stars, interpreting dreams, predicting the future, and performing magic.  These men had power (see Exodus 7:11, 12), but their power was satanic.  They were unable to interpret Pharaoh’s dream, but God had revealed it to Joseph in prison.

[The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him. – Genesis 40:23.  When Pharaoh’s cupbearer was freed from prison, he forgot about Joseph, even though he had Joseph to thank for his freedom.  It was two full years before Joseph had another opportunity to be freed (41:1).  Yet Joseph’s faith was deep, and he would be ready when the next chance came.  When we feel passed by, overlooked, or forgotten, we shouldn’t be surprised that people are often ungrateful.  In similar situations, trust God as Joseph did.  More opportunities may be waiting.]

[And the cows that were ugly and gaunt ate up the seven sleek, fat cows. Then Pharaoh woke up. – Genesis 41:4.  Our most important opportunities may come when we least expect them.  Joseph was brought hastily from the dungeon and pushed before Pharaoh.  Did he have time to prepare?  Yes and no.  He had no warning that he would be suddenly pulled from prison and questioned by the king.  Yet Joseph was ready for almost anything because of his right relationship with God.  It was not Joseph’s knowledge of dreams that helped him interpret their meaning.  It was his knowledge of God.  Be ready for opportunities by getting to know more about God.  Then you will be ready to call on him when opportunities come your way.]

Joseph’s were coming true:

Although Joseph recognised his brothers, they did not recognise him. Then he remembered his dreams about them and said to them, “You are spies!  You have come to see where our land is unprotected.”  – Genesis 42:8-9

Joseph remembered his dreams about his brothers bowing down to him (37:6-9). Those dreams were coming true!  As a young boy, Joseph was boastful about his dreams.  As a man, he no longer flaunted his superior status.  He did not feel the need to say “I told you so.”  It was not yet time to reveal his identity, so he kept quiet.  Sometimes it is best for us to remain quiet, even when we would like to have the last word.

[As soon as Joseph saw his brothers, he recognised them, but he pretended to be a stranger and spoke harshly to them. “Where do you come from?“ he asked.  “From the land of Canaan,” they replied, “to buy food.”  – Genesis 42:7.  Joseph could have revealed his identity to his brothers at once.  But Joseph’s last memory of them was of staring in horror at their faces as slave traders carried him away.  Were his brothers still evil and treacherous, or had they changed over the years?  Joseph decided to put them through a few tests to find out.]

[And this is how you will be tested: As surely as Pharaoh lives, you will not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here.  – Genesis 42:15.  Joseph was testing his brothers to make sure they had not been as cruel to Benjamin as they had been to him. Benjamin was his only full brother, and he wanted to see him face to face.]

Of Nebuchadnezzar:

In the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; his mind was troubled and he could not sleep. So the king summoned the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers and astrologers to tell him what he had dreamed.  When they came in and stood before the king, he said to them, “I have had a dream that troubles me and I want to know what it means.”

Then the astrologers answered the king in Aramaic, “O king, live for ever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will interpret it.” 

The king replied to the astrologers, “This is what I have firmly decided: If you do not tell me what my dream was and interpret it, I will have you cut into pieces and your houses turned into piles of rubble. But if you tell me the dream and explain it, you will receive from me gifts and rewards and great honour.  So tell me the dream and interpret it for me.”

Once more they replied, “Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will interpret it.”

Then the king answered, “I am certain that you are trying to gain time, because you realise that this is what I have firmly decided: If you do not tell me the dream, there is just one penalty for you. You have conspired to tell me misleading the wicked things, hoping the situation will change.  So then, tell me the dream, and I will know that you can interpret it for me.”

The astrologers answered the king, “There is not a man on earth who can do what the king asks! No king, however great and mighty, has ever asked such a thing of any magician or enchanter or astrologer.  What the king asks is to difficult.  No-one can reveal it to the king except the gods, and they do not live among men.”  – Daniel 2:1-11

Dreams were considered to be messages from the gods, and the wise men were expected interpret them. Usually the wisemen could give some sort of interpretation as long as they knew what the dream was about.  This time, however, Nebuchadnezzar demanded to be told the dream also.  God sent a series of dreams to Nebuchadnezzar with prophetic messages that could be revealed and understood only by a servant of God.  People from other time periods who received dreams from God include Jacob (Genesis 28:10-15), Joseph (Genesis 37:5-11), Pharaoh’s cupbearer and his baker (Genesis 40), Pharaoh (Genesis 41), Solomon (1 Kings 3:5-15), and Joseph (Matthew 1:20-24).

(The astrologers told the king that “not a man on earth” could know the dreams of another person.  What the king asked was humanly impossible.  But Daniel could tell what the king had dreamed, and he could also give the interpretation because God was working through him.  In daily life, we face many apparently impossible situations that would be hopeless if we had to handle them with our limited strength.  But God specialises in working through us to achieve the impossible.)

(The astrologers were unable to persuade the king with any amount of logic or rational argument. The king asked for something impossible and didn’t want anyone to change his mind.  When power goes to a leader’s head, whether at work, at home, or in the church, that leader can sometimes begin demanding the impossible from subordinates.  At times, this may be the challenge needed to motivate workers to achieve more than they thought they could.  At other times, it may be the rantings and ravings of someone deluded with power.  Just as David dealt wisely in the situation, we can ask God to give us wisdom to know how to deal with unreasonable bosses.)

What the king asks is to difficult. No-one can reveal it to the king except the gods, and they do not live among men.”  – Daniel 2:11

The astrologers said that the gods “do not live among men”. Of course their gods didn’t – they didn’t even exist!  This exposed the limitations of the astrologers.  They could invent interpretations of dreams but could not tell Nebuchadnezzar what he had dreamed.  Although his request was unreasonable, Nebuchadnezzar was furious when his advisers couldn’t fulfil it.  It was not unusual in these times for astrologers to be in conflict with the king.  They sometimes used their craft to gain political power.

(By answering that the gods “do not live among men”, the astrologers betrayed their concept of the gods.  Theirs was a hollow religion, a religion of convenience.  They believed in the gods, but that belief made no difference in their conduct.  Today, many people profess to believe in God, but it is also a hollow belief.  In essence, they are practical atheists because they don’t listen to him or do what he says.  Do you believe in God?  He does live among people, and he wants to change your life.)

[At this, Daniel went in to the king and asked for time, so that he might interpret the dream for him. Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah.  He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.  – Daniel 2:16-18.  Daniel was at a crisis point.  Imagine going to see the powerful, temperamental king who had just angrily ordered your death!  Daniel did not shrink back in fear, however, but confidently believed God would tell him all the king wanted to know.  When the king gave Daniel time to find the answer, Daniel found his three friends and they prayed.  When you find yourself in a tight spot, share your needs with trusted friends who also believe in God’s power.  Prayer is more effective than panic.  Panic confirms your hopelessness; prayer conforms your hope in God.  Daniel’s trust in God saved himself, his three friends, and all the other wise men of Babylon.]

Of Joseph, Mary’s husband:

When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt.  Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”  –   Matthew 2:13

This was the second dream or vision that Joseph received from God. Joseph’s first dream revealed that Mary’s child would be the Messiah (1:20, 21).  His second dream told him how to protect the child’s life.  Although Joseph was not Jesus’ natural father, he was Jesus’ legal father and was responsible for his safety and well-being.  Divine guidance comes only to prepared hearts.  Joseph remained receptive to God’s guidance.

[So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” – Matthew 2:14, 15.  Going to Egypt was not unusual because there were colonies of Jews in several major Egyptian cities.  These colonies had developed during the time of the great captivity (see Jeremiah 43; 44).  There is an interesting parallel between this flight to Egypt and Israel’s history.  As an infant nation, Israel went to Egypt, just as Jesus did as a child.  God led Israel out (Hosea 11:1); God brought Jesus back.  Both events show God working to save his people.]

[When Herod realised that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.  – Matthew 2:16.  Herod, the king of Jews, killed all the boys under two years of age in an obsessive attempt to kill Jesus, the newborn King.  He stained his hands with blood, but he did not harm Jesus.  Herod was king by a human appointment; Jesus was King by a divine appointment.  No-one can thwart God’s plans.]

©

Of parents often helpful:

When Esau was forty years old, he married Judith daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and also Basemath daughter of Elon the Hittite. They were a source of grief to Isaac and Rebekah. – Genesis 26:34-35

Easu married pagan women, and this upset his parents greatly. Most parents can be a source of good advice, because they have a lifetime of insight into their children’s characters. You may not agree with everything your parents say, but at least talk with them and listen carefully. This will help avoid the hard feelings Esau experienced.

Always seek God’s:

“Then he blessed Joseph and said,

May the God before whom my fathers

Abraham and Isaac walked,

the God who has been my shepherd

all my life to this day,   – Genesis 48:15

Jacob spoke of God as his shepherd throughout his life. In his old age, he could clearly see his dependence upon God. This marks a total attitude change from that of his scheming and dishonest youth. To develop an attitude like Jacob’s, let God shepherd you as you trust in His provision and care. When you realise that every good thing comes from God, you can cease trying to grab them for yourself.

Be careful about negativism in:

“We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.”

That night all the people of the community raised their voices and wept aloud. All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, ‘If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this desert ‘ Why is the LORD bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?’ And they said to each other, “We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt.’ “ – Numbers 13:33-14:4

The negative opinion of ten men caused a great rebellion among the people. Because it is human nature to accept opinion as face, we must be especially careful when voicing our negative opinions. What we say may heavily influence the actions of those who trust us to give sound advice.

Don’t be too quick to reject it:

“Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes and said to the entire Israelite assembly, ‘The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them.’

But the whole assembly talked about stoning them. Then the glory of the LORD appeared at the Tent of Meeting to all the Israelites.” – Numbers 14:6-10

Two wise men, Joshua and Caleb, encouraged the people to act on God’s promise and move ahead into the land. The people rejected their advice and even talked of killing them. Don’t be too quick to reject advice you don’t like. Evaluate it carefully, comparing it to the teaching in God’s word. The advice may be God’s message.

Seek God’s even in minor issues:

“The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not enquire of the LORD. Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath.

Three days after they made the treaty with the Gibeonites, the Israelites heard that they were neighbours, living near them. So the Israelites set out and on the third day came to their cities; Gibeon, Kephirah, Beeroth and Kiriath Jearim.” – Joshua 9:14-17

When the leaders sampled these men’s provisions, they saw that the bread was dry and mouldy, the wineskins were cracked, and the clothes and sandals worn out. But they did not see through the deception. After the promise had been made and the treaty ratified, the facts came out – Israel’s leaders had been deceived. God had specifically instructed Israel to make no treaties with the inhabitants of Canaan (Exodus 23:32; 34:12; Numbers 33:55; Deuteronomy 7:2, 20:17, 18). As a strategist, Joshua knew enough to talk to God before leading his troops into battle. But the peace treaty seemed innocent enough, so Joshua and the leaders made this decision on their own. By failing to seek God’s guidance and rushing ahead with their own plans, they had to deal with angry people and an awkward alliance.

How to carefully evaluate it:

Then King Rehoboam consulted the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. ‘How would you advise me to answer these people?’ he asked. They replied, ‘If today you will be a servant to these people and serve them and give them a favourable answer, they will always be your servants.’

But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him. He asked them, ‘What is your advice? How should we answer these people who say to me, ‘Lighten the yoke your father put on us’?”

The young men who had grown up with him replied, “Tell these people who have said to you, ‘Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but make our yoke lighter’ – tell them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist. My father laid on you a heavy yoke; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions.’ “

Three days later Jeroboam and all the people returned to Rehoboam, as the king had said, “Come back to me in three days.” The king answered the people harshly. Rejecting the advice given him by the elders, he followed the advice of the young men and said, “My father made your yoke heavy; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions.” – 1 Kings 12:6-14

Rehoboam asked for advice, but he didn’t carefully evaluate what he was told. If he had, he would have realised that the advice offered by the elders was wiser than that of his peers. To evaluate advice, ask if it is realistic, workable, and consistent with biblical principles. Determine if the results of following the advice will be fair, make improvements, and give a positive solution or direction. Seek counsel from those more experienced and wiser. Advise is helpful only if it is consistent with God’s standards.

Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all the Israelites had gone there to make him king. When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard this (he was in Egypt, where he had fled from King Solomon), he returned from Egypt. So they sent for Jeroboam, and he and all Israel went to Rehoboam and said to him: “Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but now lighten the harsh labour and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.”

Rehoboam answered, “Come back to me in three days.” So the people went away.

Then King Rehoboam consulted the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How would you advise me to answer these people?” he asked.

They replied, “If you will be kind to these people and please them and give them a favourable answer, they will always be your servants.”

But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him. He asked them, “What is your advice? How should we answer these people who say to me, ‘Lighten the yoke your father put on us’?”

The young men who had grown up with him replied, “Tell the people who have said to you, ‘Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but make our yoke lighter’ – tell them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist. My father laid on you a heavy yoke; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions.’ “

Three days later Jeroboam and all the people returned to Rehoboam, as the king had said, “Come back to me in three days.” The king answered them harshly. Rejecting the advice of the elders, he followed the advice of the young men and said, “My father made your yoke heavy; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions.” So the king did not listen to the people, for this turn of events was from God, to fulfil the word that the LORD had spoken to Jeroboam son of Nebat through Ahijah the Shilonite. – – 2 Chronicles 10:1-15

Following bad advice can cause disaster. Rehoboam lost the chance to rule a peaceful, united kingdom because he rejected the advice of Solomon’s older counsellors, preferring the counsel of his peers. Rehoboam made two errors in seeking advice: (1) he did not give extra consideration to the suggestions of those who knew the situation better than he, and (2) he did not ask God for wisdom to discern which was the better option.

It is easy to follow the advice of our peers because they often feel as we do. But their view may be limited. It is important to listen carefully to those who have more experience than we do – they can see the bigger picture.

Don’t seek God’s advice if you’re going to ignore it:

Ahab king of Israel asked Jehoshaphat king of Judah, “Will you go with me against Ramoth Gilead?”

Jehoshaphat replied, “I am as you are, and my people as your people; we will join you in the war.” But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “First seek the counsel of the LORD.”

So the king of Israel brought together the prophets – four hundred men – and asked them, “Shall we go to war against Ramoth Gilead, or shall I refrain?”

“Go,” they answered, “for God will give it into the king’s hand.”

But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not a prophet of the LORD here whom we can enquire of?”

The king of Israel answered Jehoshaphat, “There is still one man through whom we can enquire of the LORD, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good about me, but always bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.”

“The king should not say that,” Jehoshaphat replied.

So the king of Israel called one of his officials and said, “Bring Micaiah son of Imlah at once.” – 2 Chronicles 18:3-8

Wicked Ahab asked Jehoshaphat to join forces with him in battle (18:2, 3). Before making that commitment, Jehoshaphat rightly sought God’s advice. However, when God gave his answer through the prophet Micaiah (18:16), Jehoshaphat ignored it (18:28). It does us no good to seek God’s advice if we ignore it when it is given. Real love for God is shown not by merely asking for direction, but by following that direction once it is given.

Test others advice against God’s word:

He did evil in the eyes of the LORD, as the house of Ahab had done, for after his father’s death they became his advisers, to his undoing. He also followed their counsel when he went with Joram son of Ahab king of Israel to war against Hazael king of Aram at Ramoth Gilead. The Arameans wounded Joram – 2 Chronicles 22:4-5

Although it is wise to seek advice, we must also carefully weigh the advice we receive. Ahaziah had advisers, but they were wicked and led him to ruin. When you seek advice, listen carefully and use God’s word to “test everything”. Hold on to the good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

Understand a person’s situation before giving it:

“Blessed is the man whom God corrects;

so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. – Job 5:17

Eliphaz was correct – it is a blessing to be disciplined by God when we do wrong. Eliphaz’s advice, however, did not apply to Job. As we know from the beginning of the book, Job’s suffering was not a result of some great sin. We sometimes give people excellent advice only to learn that it does not apply to them and is therefore not very helpful. All who offer counsel from God’s word should take care to thoroughly understand a person’s situation before giving advice.

Some need compassion more than advice:

Is tasteless food eaten without salt,

or is there flavour in the white of an egg?

I refuse to touch it;

such food makes me ill. – Job 6:6-7

Job said that Eliphaz’s advice was like eating the tasteless white of an egg. When people are going through severe trials, ill-advised counsel is distasteful. They may listen politely, but inside they are upset. Be slow to give advice to those who are hurting. They often need compassion more than they need advice.

Seek it from those with more wisdom & experience:

My son, keep your father’s commands

and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.

Bind them upon your heart for ever;

fasten them around your neck.

When you walk, they will guide you;

when you sleep, they will watch over you;

when you awake, they will speak to you.

For these commands are a lamp,

this teaching is a light,

and the corrections of discipline

are the way of life – Proverbs 6:20-23

It is natural and good for children, as they grow towards adulthood, to become increasingly independent of their parents. Young adults, however, should take care not to turn a deaf ear to their parents – to reject their advice just when it is needed most. If you are struggling with a decision or looking for insight, check with your parents or other older adults who know you well. Their extra years of experience may have given them the wisdom you seek.

The tongue of the righteous is choice silver,

but the heart of the wicked is of little value. – Proverbs 10:20

Words from a good person are valuable (“choice silver”). A lot of poor advice is worth less than a little good advice. It is easy to get opinions from people who tell us only what they think will please us, but such advice is not helpful. Instead we should look for those who will speak the truth, even when it hurts. Think about the people to whom you go for advice. What do you expect to hear from them?

Seeking it from everyone but God:

“Woe to the obstinate children,”

declares the LORD,

“to those who carry out plans that are not mine,

forming an alliance, but not by my Spirit,

heaping sin upon sin; – Isaiah 30:1

The obstinate children are the people of Judah (see 1:2), those who have rebelled against God. The negotiations for an alliance were underway, and Isaiah condemned their twisted plans. The people of Judah sought advice from everyone but God. When we are driven by fear, we tend to search everywhere for comfort, advice, and relief, hoping to find an easy way out of our troubles. Instead, we should consult God. Although he gives emergency help in a crisis, he prefers to be our Guide throughout our lives. By reading his word and actively seeking to do his will, we can maintain our bond with him who provides stability no matter what the crisis.

Love often means giving tough advice:

Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” – Mark 10:21

Jesus showed genuine love for this man, event hough he knew that the man might not follow him. Love is able to give tough advice; it does not hedge around the truth. Christ loved us enough to die for us, and he also loves us enough to talk straight to us. If his love were superficial, he would give us only his approval; but because his love is complete, he gives us life-changing challenges.

Of Gamaliel to Jewish council:

But if it is from God, you will not be able to stope these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” – Acts 5:39

Gamaliel presented some sound advice about reacting to religious movements. Unless disciples in these groups endorse obviously dangerous doctrines or practices, it is often wiser to be tolerant rather than repressive. Sometimes only time will tell if they are merely the work of humans or if God is trying to say something through them. The next time a group promotes differing religious ideas, consider Gamaliel’s advice, just in case you “find yourselves fighting against God”.