Wrong ones worse than none:

‘ Judah said to his brothers, “What will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood?  Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood.”  His brothers agreed.   –  Genesis 37.26-27

The brothers were worried about bearing the guilt of Joseph’s death. Judah suggested an option that was not right but would leave them guiltless of murder.  Sometimes we jump at a solution because it is the lesser of two evils, but it is still not the right action to take.  When someone proposes a seemingly workable solution, first ask, “Is it right?”

Explanation of:

Esther 3.10-12

Officials in the ancient world used signet rings as personal signatures.  The ring’s surface had a raised imprint made of metal, wood, or bone; Xerxes’ was probably made of silver or gold.  Each individual had his own imprint.  Letters were sealed by pressing the ring into soft wax, and official documents were certified by using the royal signet.  By giving Haman his signet ring, Xerxes gave him his personal signature and with it the authority to do whatever he wished.  Little did the king realise that his own ring would sign the death warrant for his queen, Esther.

EXTRA:

(Esther 3.9   Haman must have hoped to acquire this tremendous sum of money by plundering the homes and businesses of the Jews who would be killed through his decree.)

whale’s heart.

(Esther 4.11-5.2   Esther risked her life by coming before the king.  Her courageous act gives us a model to follow in approaching a difficult or dangerous task.  Like Esther, we can: (1) Calculate the cost.  Esther realised her life was at stake.  (2) Set priorities.  She believed that the safety of the Jewish race was more important than her life.  (3) Prepare.  She gathered support and fasted.  (4) Determine a course of action and move ahead boldly.  She didn’t think too long about it, allowing the interlude to lessen her commitment to what she had to do.  – –  Do you have to face a hostile audience, confront a friend on a delicate subject, or talk to your family about changes to be made?  Rather than dreading difficult situations or putting them off, take action with confidence by following Esther’s inspiring example.)

Don’t be stingy with those who work for you:

Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain – Deuteronomy 25.4

What is the point of this Old Testament regulation? Oxen were often used to tread out the grain on a threshing floor.  The animal was attached by poles to a large milestone.  As it walked around the milestone, its hooves trampled the grain, separating the kernels from the chaff.  At the same time, the milestone ground the grain into floor.  To muzzle the ox would prevent it from eating while it was working.  Paul used this illustration in the New Testament to argue that people productive in Christian work should not be denied its benefits – they should receive financial support (2 Corinthians 9.10; 1 Timothy 5.17, 18).  The fact that a person is in Christian ministry doesn’t mean he or she should be unfairly paid.  There is also a broader application.  Don’t be stingy with those who work for you.

EXTRA:

A melancholy list of Edgar Allan Poe s debts – from his bankruptcy petition of 1842 macguffin.

(When men have a dispute, they are to take it to court and the judges will decide the case, acquitting the innocent and condemning the guilty. If the guilty man deserves to be beaten, the judge shall make him lie down and have him flogged in his presence with the number of lashes his crime deserves, but he must not give him more than forty lashes.  If he is flogged more than that, your brother will be degraded in your eyes – Deuteronomy 25.1-3.  At first glance these verses appear irrelevant today.  But a closer look reveals some important principles about discipline.  Are you responsible for the discipline of a child, a student, or an employee?  Three important points will help you carry out your responsibility: (1) let the punishment follow quickly after the offence; (2) let the degree of punishment reflect the seriousness of the offence; and (3) don’t overdo the punishment.  Discipline that is swift, just, and restrained makes its point while preserving the dignity of the offender.)

Is that your Macguffin?

It’s time to express yours:

The LORD said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites: ‘Anyone who brings a fellowship offering to the LORD is to bring part of it as his sacrifice to the LORD. With his own hands he is to bring the offering made to the LORD by fire; he is to bring the fat, together with the breast, and wave the breast before the LORD as a wave offering. –  Leviticus 7.28-30

God told the people of Israel to bring their fellowship offerings personally, with their own hands. They were to take time and effort to express thanks to God.  You are the only person who can express thanks to God and to others.  Do you leave it to others to express thanks for what people have done?  Do you rely on the one leading the prayer to thank God for you?  Take time yourself to express thanks both to God and to others who have helped and blessed you.

(The LORD said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites: ‘Do not eat any of the fat of cattle, sheep or goats. The fat of an animal found dead or torn by wild animals may be used for any other purpose, but you must not eat it.  Anyone who eats the fat of an animal from which an offering by fire may be made to the LORD must be cut off from his people.  And wherever you live, you must not eat the blood of any bird or animal.  If anyone eats blood, that person must be cut off from his people.’ “  – Leviticus 2.22-27. The fat portions were regarded as the best portions; therefore, it was appropriate to dedicate them only to God.  Because blood was the river of life, and life was God’s gift and his alone, blood had to be returned to God and not used by people).

(The priest shall burn the fat on the altar, but the breast belongs to Aaron and his sons. You are to give the right thigh of your fellowship offerings to the priest as a contribution.  The son of Aaron who offers the blood and the fat of the fellowship offering shall have the right thigh as his share.  From the fellowship offerings of the Israelites, I have taken the breast that is waved and the thigh that is presented and have given them to Aaron the priest and his sons as their regular share from the Israelites.’ “ This is the portion of the offerings made to the LORD by fire that were allotted to Aaron and his sons on the day they were presented to serve the LORD as priests.  On the day they were anointed, the LORD commanded that the Israelites give this to them as their regular share for the generations to come.  – Leviticus 7.31-36. The offering that was waved before the altar was called the wave offering.  The part of the offering the priests waved was theirs to keep.  The waving motion towards and way from the altar symbolised the offering of the sacrifice to God and his returning it to the priests.  These offerings helped to care for the priests, who cared for God’s house.  The New Testament teaches that ministers should be paid by the people they serve (1 Corinthians 9.10).  We should give generously to those who minister to us).

Developing an attitude of:

The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, “If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost  – also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic.  But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!” – Numbers 11.4-6

Dissatisfaction comes when our attention shifts from what we have to what we don’t have. The people of Israel didn’t seem to notice what God was doing for them  – setting them free, making them a nation, giving them a new land  – because they were so wrapped up in what God wasn’t doing for them.  They could think of nothing but the delicious Egyptian food they had left behind.  Somehow they forgot that the brutal whip of Egyptian slavery was the cost of eating that food.  Before we judge the Israelites too harshly, it’s helpful to think about what occupies our attention most of the time.  Are we grateful for what God has given us, or are we always thinking about what we would like to have?  We should not allow our unfulfilled desires to cause us to forget God’s gift of life, food, health, work, and friends.

(The rabble refers to a mixed crowd of Egyptians and others who had followed Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 12.38)).

(Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the LORD, and when he heard them his anger was aroused. Then fire from the LORD burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp.. . But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!”  The manna was like coriander seed and looked like resin.  The people went around gathering it, and then ground it in a hand mill or crushed it in a mortar.  They cooked it in a pot or made it into cakes.  And it tasted like something made with olive oil.  When the dew settled on the camp at night, the manna also came down.  Moses heard the people of every family wailing, each at the entrance to his tent.  The LORD became exceedingly angry, and Moses was troubled.  He asked the LORD, “Why have you brought this trouble on your servant?  What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me?  Did I conceive all these people?  Did I give them birth?  Why do you tell me to carry them in my arms, as a nurse carries an infant, to the land you promised on oath to their forefathers?  Where can I get meat for all these people?  They keep wailing to me, ‘Give us meat to eat!’  I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me.  If this is how you are going to treat me, put me to death right now  – if I have found favour in your eyes  – do not let me face my own ruin.”  The LORD said to Moses: “Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people.  Make them come to the Tent of Meeting, that they may stand there with you.  – Numbers 11.1, 6-15. The Israelites complained, and then Moses complained.  But God responded positively to Moses and negatively to the rest of the people.  Why?  The people complained to one another, and nothing was accomplished.  Moses took his complaint to God, who could solve any problem.  Many of us are good at complaining to each other.  We need to learn to take our problems to the One who can do something about them).

(Every morning the Israelites drew back their tent doors and witnessed a miracle. Covering the ground was white, fluffy manna  – food from heaven.  But soon that wasn’t enough.  Fleeing it was their right to have more, they forgot what they already had.  They didn’t ask God to fill their need; instead they demanded meat, and they stopped trusting God to care for them.  “If only we had meat to eat!” they complained to Moses as they reminisced about the good food they had in Egypt.  God gave them what they asked for, but they paid dearly for it when a plague struck the camp (see 11.18-20, 31-34).  When you ask God for something, he may grant your request.  But if you approach him with a sinful attitude, getting what you want may prove costly).

Then the officers who were over the units of the army – the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds  – went to Moses and said to him, “Your servants have counted the soldiers under our command, and not one is missing.  So we have brought as an offering to the LORD the gold articles each of us acquired  – armlets, bracelets, signet rings, ear-rings and necklaces  – to make atonement for ourselves before the LORD.  – Numbers 31.48-50

After carefully account for all their men, the officers discovered that not one soldier had been lost in battle. At once they thanked God.  After going through tough times, we should be quick to thank God for delivering us and protecting us from severe loss.

(The LORD said to Moses, “You and Eleazar the priest and the family heads of the community are to count all the people and animals that were captured. Divide the spoils between the soldiers who took part in the battle and the rest of the community.  From the soldiers who fought in the battle, set apart as tribute for the LORD one out of every five hundred, whether persons, cattle, donkeys, sheep or goats.  Take this tribute from their half share and give it to Eleazar the priest as the LORD’s part.  From the Israelites half, select one out of every fifty, whether persons, cattle, donkeys, sheep, goats or other animals.  Give them to the Levites, who are responsible for the care of the LORD’s tabernacle.”  – Numbers 31.25-30. Moses told the Israelites to give a portion of the war spoils to God.  Another portion was to go to the people who remained behind.  Similarly, the money we earn is not ours alone.  Everything we possess comes directly or indirectly from God and ultimately belongs to him.  We should return a portion to him (a “tribute”) and also share a portion with those in need).

(The Reubenites and Gadites, who had very large herds and flocks, saw that the lands of Jazer and Gilead were suitable for livestock.  – Numbers 32.1ff.  Three tribes (Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh) wanted to live east of the Jordan River (referred to as the Transjordan area) on land they had already conquered.  Moses immediately assumed they had selfish motives and were trying to avoid helping the others fight for the land across the river.  But Moses jumped to the wrong conclusion.  In dealing with people, we must find out all the facts before making up our minds.  We shouldn’t automatically assume that their motives are wrong, even if their plans sound suspicious).

Should be continuous part of life:

He appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, to make petition, to give thanks, and to praise the LORD, the God of Israel – 1 Chronicles 16.4

Certain Levites were appointed to give continual praise and thanks to God. Praise and thanksgiving should be a regular part of our routine, not reserved only for celebrations.  Praise God continually, and you will find that you won’t take his blessings for granted.

(As the ark of the covenant of the LORD was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David dancing and celebrating, she despised him in her heart.  – 1 Chronicles 15.29. David was willing to look foolish in the eyes of some people in order to express his thankfulness to God fully and honestly.  In contrast, Michal was so disgusted by his “undignified” actions that she could not rejoice in the ark’s return to Jerusalem.  Worship had so deteriorated under her father Saul’s reign that it had become stilted and ritualistic.  Michal could accept David as a military conqueror and as a king, but she could not accept his free and spontaneous expression of praise to God.  Some devoted people may look foolish to us in their heartfelt expressions of worship, but we must accept them.  In the same way, we should not be afraid to worship God with whatever expressions seem appropriate).

It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp.  – Psalms 92.1-2

When things are going well, we focus on our blessings and express our gratitude to God for them. But thanks should be on our lips every day.  We can never say thank you enough to parents, friends, leaders, and especially to God.  When thanksgiving becomes an integral part of your life, you will find that your attitude towards life will change.  You will become more positive, gracious, loving, and humble.

(For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways  – Psalms 91.11. One of the functions of angels is to watch over believers (Hebrews 1:14).  There are examples of guardian angels in Scripture (1 Kings 19.5; Daniel 6.22; Matthew 18.10; Luke 16.22; Acts 12.7), although there is no indication that one angel is assigned to each believer.  Angels can also be God’s messengers (Matthew 2.13; Acts 27.23, 24).  Angels are not visible, except on special occasions (Numbers 22.31; Luke 2.9).  Verses 11 and 12 were quoted by Satan when he tempted Jesus (Matthew 4.6; Luke 4.10, 11).  It is comforting to know that God watches over us even in times of great stress and fear).

(The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. – Psalms 92.12, 13. Palm trees are known for their long life.  To flourish like palm trees means to stand tall and to live long.  The cedars of Lebanon grew to 120 feet in height and up to 30 feet in circumference; thus, they were solid, strong, and immovable.  The psalmist saw believers as upright, strong, and unmoved by the winds of circumstance.  Those who place their faith firmly in God can have this strength and vitality).

Elements of:

That day David first committed to Asaph and his associates this psalm of thanks to the LORD:

Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.  Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.  Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.  Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced, O descendants of Israel his servant, O sons of Jacob, his chosen ones.

He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth. He remembers his covenant for ever, the word he commanded, for a thousand generations, the covenant he made with Abraham, the oath he swore to Isaac.  He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, to Israel as an everlasting covenant: “To you I will give the land of Canaan as the portion you will inherit.”

When they were but few in number, few indeed, and strangers in it, they wandered from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another. He allowed no man to oppress them; for their sake he rebuked kings: “Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.”

Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvellous deeds among all peoples.  For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods.  For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens.  Splendour and majesty are before him; strength and joy in his dwelling-place.  Ascribe to the LORD, O families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength, ascribe to the LORD the glory due to his name.  Bring an offering and come before him; worship the LORD in the splendour of his holiness.  Tremble before him, all the earth!  The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved.  Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!”  Let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them!  Then the trees of the forest will sing, they will sing for joy before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures for ever. Cry out, “Save us, O God our Saviour; gather us and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, that we may glory in your praise.”  Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.

Then all the people said “Amen” and “Praise the LORD.” – 1 Chronicles 16.7-36

Four elements of true thanksgiving are found in this song (psalm): (1) remembering what God has done, (2) telling others about it, (3) showing God’s glory to others, and (4) offering gifts of self, time, and resources.  If you are truly thankful, your life will show it.

(Several parts of this psalm are parallel to songs in the book of Psalms: 16:8-22 with Psalms 105.1-15; 16.23-33 with Psalms 96; 16.34-36 with Psalms 106.1, 47, 48).

(This covenant was given to Abraham (Genesis 15.18-21), and then passed on to Isaac (Genesis 26.24, 25) and Jacob (Genesis 28.13-15). God promised to give the land of Canaan (present-day Israel) to their descendants.  He also promised that the Messiah would come from their line).

(The basis of praise is declaring God’s character and attributes in the presence of others. When we recognise and affirm his goodness we are holding up his perfect moral nature for all to see.  Praise benefits us because it takes our minds off our problems and needs and focuses on God’s power, mercy, majesty, and love).

(Genuine praise also involves ascribing glory to God. Remember this in your worship  – give God all the glory).

(David left Asaph and his associates before the ark of the covenant of the LORD to minister there regularly, according to each day’s requirements  – 1 Chronicles 16.37. Asaph and his fellow Levites ministered in the temple, doing each day whatever was needed.  To carry out God’s work is not merely to engage in religious exercises.  It includes other necessary tasks.  Even if you don’t have the opportunity to teach or preach, God can use you in the ministry.  What needs to be done?  Cleaning, serving, singing, planning, administering?  Look for ways to minister each day).

In all areas of life:

I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; before the “gods” I will sing your praise. I will bow down towards your holy temple and will praise your name  for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.  When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stout-hearted.  – Psalms 138.1-3

Thanksgiving should be an integral part of our praise to God. This theme is woven throughout the psalms.  As we praise and thank God for material and spiritual blessings, we should also thank him for answered prayer.  Remember when you asked God for protection, strength, comfort, patience, love, or other special needs, and he supplied them?  Beware of taking God’s provision and answered prayer for granted.

(“Before the gods” may mean in the presence of subordinate heavenly beings (angels), or, more likely, it may be a statement ridiculing the kings or gods of the pagan nations. God is the highest in the whole earth).

(O Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, happy is he who repays you for what you have done to us – he who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks.  – Psalms 137:8, 9. God destroyed Babylon and its offspring for their proud assault against God and his kingdom.  The Medes and Persians destroyed Babylon in 539 B.C.  Many of those who were oppressed lived to see the victory.  The phrase about the infants is harsh because the psalmist is crying out for judgment: “Treat the Babylonians the way they treated us”).

(The LORD will fulfil his purpose, for me; your love, O LORD, endures for ever – do not abandon the works of your hands.  – Psalms 138.8. Every person dreams and makes plans for the future.  Then they work hard to see those dreams and plans come true.  But to make the most of life, we must include God’s plan in our plans.  He alone knows what is best for us; he alone can fulfil his purpose for us.  As you make plans and dream dreams, talk with God about them).

Demonstrated by the leper:

He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him – and he was a Samaritan. – Luke 17.16

Jesus healed all ten lepers, but only one returned to thank him. It is possible to receive God’s great gifts with an ungrateful spirit  – nine of the ten men did so.  Only the thankful man, however, learned that his faith had played a role in his healing; and only grateful Christians grow in understanding God’s grace.  God does not demand that we thank him, but he is pleased when we do so.  And he uses our responsiveness to teach us more about himself.

(Not only was this man a leper, he was also a Samaritan – a race despised by the Jews as idolatrous half-breeds (see the note on 10.33).  Once again Luke is pointing out that God’s grace is for everybody).

Thank those who have helped you:

Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk.  Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.  When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognised him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.  – Acts 3.7-10

In his excitement, the formerly crippled man began to jump and walk around. He also praised God!  And then others were also awed by God’s power.  Don’t forget to thank people who help you, but also remember to praise God for his care and protection.

(Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”  – Acts 3.6. “In the name of Jesus Christ” means “by the authority of Jesus Christ”.  The apostles were doing this healing through the Holy Spirit’s power, not their own).

(While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade.  – Acts 3.11 Solomon’s Colonnade was a covered porch or entrance with columns).

(Peter had an audience, and he capitalised on the opportunity to share Jesus Christ. He clearly presented his message by telling (1) who Jesus is, (2) how the Jews had rejected him, (3) why their rejection was fatal, and (4) what they needed to do to change the situation.  Peter told the crowd that they still had a choice: God still offered them the opportunity to believe and receive Jesus as their Messiah and as their Lord.  Displays of God’s mercy and grace, such as the healing of this crippled man, often create teachable moments.  Pray to have courage like Peter to see these opportunities and to use them to speak up for Christ).

About the spiritual gifts of others:

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.  If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.  – Romans 12.6-8

Look at this list of gifts and imagine the kinds of people who would have each gift. Prophets are often bold and articulate.  Servers are faithful and loyal.  Teachers are clear thinkers.  Encouragers know how to motivate others.  Givers are generous and trusting.  Leaders are good organisers and managers.  Those who show mercy are caring people who are happy to give their time to others.  It would be difficult for one person to embody all these gifts.  An assertive prophet would not usually make a good counsellor, and a generous giver might fail as a leader.  When you identify your own gifts (and this list is far from complete), ask how you can use them to build up God’s family.  At the same time, realise that your gifts can’t do the work of the church all alone.  Be thankful for people whose gifts are completely different from yours.  Let your strengths balance their weaknesses, and be grateful that their abilities make up for your deficiencies.  Together you can build Christ’s church.

(God gifs us gifts so we can build up his church. To use them effectively, we must (1) realise that all gifts and abilities come from God; (2) understand that not everyone has the same gifts; (3) know who we are and what we do best; (4) dedicate our gifts to God’s service and not to our personal success; (5) be willing to utilise our gifts wholeheartedly, not holding back anything from God’s service).

(God’s gifts differ in nature, power, and effectiveness according to his wisdom and graciousness, not according to our faith. The “measure of faith” (12.3) or the “proportion to his faith” means that God will give spiritual power necessary and appropriate to carry out each responsibility.  We cannot, by our own effort or willpower, drum up more faith and thus be more effective teachers or servants.  These are God’s gifts to his church, and he gives faith and power as he wills.  Our role is to be faithful and to seek ways to serve others with what Christ has given us).

(Prophesying in Scripture is not always predicting the future.  Often it means preaching God’s messages (1 Corinthians 14.1-3)).

(Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  – Romans 12.9. Most of us have learned how to pretend to love others  – how to speak kindly, avoid hurting their feelings, and appear to take an interest in them.  We may even be skilled in pretending to feel moved with compassion when we hear of others’ needs, or to become indignant when we learn of injustice.  But God calls us to real and sincere love that goes far beyond pretence and politeness.  Sincere love requires concentration and effort.  It means helping others become better people.  It demands our time, money, and personal involvement.  No individual has the capacity to express love to a whole community, but the body of Christ in your town does.  Look for people who need your love, and look for ways you and your fellow believers can love your community for Christ).

Proper response to salvation:

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God  – not by works, so that no-one can boast.  – Ephesians 2.8-9

When someone gives you a gift, do you say, “That’s very nice – -now how much do I owe you?”? No, the appropriate response to a gift is “Thank you”.  Yet how often Christians, even after they have been given the gift of salvation, feel obligated to try to work their way to God.  Because our salvation and even our faith are gifts, we should respond with gratitude, praise, and joy.

(And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus  – Ephesians 2.6. Because of Christ’s resurrection, we know that our bodies will also be raised from the dead (1 Corinthians 15.2-23) and that we have been given the power to live as Christians now (1.19).  These ideas are combined in Paul’s image of sitting with Christ in “the heavenly realms” (see the note on 1.3).  Our eternal life with Christ is certain because we are united in his powerful victory).

Should move us to action:

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God  – not by works, so that no-one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.  – Ephesians 2.8-10

We become Christians through God’s unmerited grace, not as the result of any effort, ability, intelligent choice, or act of service on our part. However, out of gratitude for this free gift, we will seek to help and serve others with kindness, love, and gentleness, and not merely to please ourselves.  While no action or work we do can help us obtain salvation, God’s intention is that our salvation will result in acts of service.  We are not saved merely for our own benefit but to serve Christ and build up the church (4.12).

(We are God’s workmanship (work of art, masterpiece). Our salvation is something only God can do.  It is his powerful, creative work in us.  If God considers us his work of art, we dare not treat ourselves or others with disrespect or as inferior work).

(Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (that done in the body by the hand of men) – remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.  But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.  – Ephesians 2.11-13. Pious Jews (“the circumcision”) considered all non-Jews (the “uncircumcised”) ceremonially unclean.  They thought of themselves as pure and clean because of their national heritage and religious ceremonies.  Paul pointed out that Jews and Gentiles alike were unclean before God and needed to be cleansed by Christ.  In order to realise how great a gift salvation is, we need to remember our former natural, unclean condition.  Have you ever felt separate, excluded, hopeless?  These verses are for you.  No-one is alienated from Christ’s love or from the body of believers).

For God’s available strength:

…always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. – Ephesians 5.20

When you feel down, you may find it difficult to give thanks. Take heart  – in all things God works for our good if we love him and are called according to his purpose (Romans 8.28).  Thank God, not for your problems, but for the strength he is building in you through the difficult experiences of your life.  You can be sure that God’s perfect love will see you through.

(Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. – Ephesians 5.18. Paul contrasts getting drunk with wine, which produces a temporary “high”, to being filled with the Spirit, which produces lasting joy.  Getting drunk with wine is associated with the old way of life and its selfish desires.  In Christ, we have a better joy, higher and longer lasting, to cure our depression, monotony, or tension.  We should not be concerned with how much of the Holy Spirit we have, but how much of us the Holy Spirit has.  Submit yourself daily to his leading and draw constantly on his power).

(Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.  – Ephesians 5.21, 22. Submitting to another person is an often misunderstood concept.  It does not mean becoming a doormat.  Christ  – at whose name “every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth” (Philippians 2.10)  – submitted his will to the Father, and we honour Christ by following his example.  When we submit to God, we become more willing to obey his command to submit to others, that is, to subordinate our rights to theirs.  In a marriage relationship, both husband and wife are called to submit.  For the wife, this means willingly following her husband’s leadership in Christ.  For the husband, it means putting aside his own interests in order to care for his wife.  Submission is rarely a problem in homes where both partners have a strong relationship with Christ and where each is concerned for the happiness of the other).

For those who bring you joy:

How can we thank God enough for you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.  – 1 Thessalonians 3.9-10

It brings great joy to a Christian to see another person come to faith in Christ and mature in that faith. Paul experienced this joy countless times.  He thanks God for those who had come to know Christ and for their strong faith.  He also prayed for their continued growth.  If there are new Christians who have brought you joy, thank God for them and support them as they continue to grow in the faith.

(Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.  – 1 Thessalonians 3.7, 8. During persecution or pressure, believers should encourage one another.  Christians who stand firm in the Lord encourage both ministers and teachers (who can see the benefit of their work in those who remain faithful), and also those who are new in their faith (who can learn from the steadfastness of the mature)).

(Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you.  – 1 Thessalonians 3.11. Paul wanted to return to Thessalonica.  We have no record that he was able to do so; but when he was travelling through Asia on his third journey, he was joined by Aristarchus and Secundus, who were from Thessalonica (Acts 20.4, 5)).

Express it to church leaders:

Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.  Live in peace with each other.  – 1 Thessalonians 5.12-13

How can you show respect to and hold in the “highest regard” your pastor and other church leaders? Express your appreciation, tell them how you have been helped by their leadership and teaching, and thank them for their ministry in your life.  If you say nothing, how will they know where you stand?  Remember, they need and deserve your support and love.

(“Those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord” probably refers to elders and deacons in the church).

(For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.  Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.  – 1 Thessalonians 5.9-11. As you near the end of a long race, your legs ache, your throat burns, and your whole body cries out for you to stop.  This is when friends and fans are most valuable.  Their encouragement helps you push through the pain to the finish line.  In the same way, Christians are to encourage one another.  A word of encouragement offered at the right moment can be the difference between finishing well and collapsing along the way.  Look around you.  Be sensitive to others’ need for encouragement, and offer supportive words or actions).

(And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.  – 1 Thessalonians 5.14. Don’t loaf around with the idle; warn them.  Don’t yell at the timid and weak; encourage and help them.  At times it’s difficult to distinguish between idleness and timidity.  Two people may be doing nothing  – one out of laziness and the other out of shyness or fear of doing something wrong.  The key to ministry is sensitivity: sensing the condition of each person and offering the appropriate remedy for each situation.  You can’t help effectively until you know the problem.  You can’t apply the medicine until you know where the wound is).

How to give thanks in everything:

…give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5.18

Paul was not teaching that we should thank God for everything that happens to us, but in everything.  Evil does not come from God, so we should not thank him for it.  But when evil strikes, we can still be thankful for God’s presence and for the good that he will accomplish through the distress.

(Our joy, prayers, and thankfulness should not fluctuate with our circumstances or feelings. Obeying these three commands  – be joyful, pray continually, and give thanks  – often goes against our natural inclinations.  When we make a conscious decision to do what God says, however, we will begin to see people in a new perspective.  When we do God’s will, we will find it easier to be joyful and thankful).

(..pray continually – 1 Thessalonians 5.17. We cannot spend all our time on our knees, but it is possible to have a prayerful attitude at all times.  This attitude is built upon acknowledging our dependence on God, realising his presence within us, and determining to obey him fully.  Then we will find it natural to pray frequent, spontaneous, short prayers.  A prayerful attitude is not a substitute for regular times of prayer but should be an outgrowth of those times).

(Do not put out the Spirit’s fire  – 1 Thessalonians 5.19. By warning us not to “put out the Spirit’s fire”, Paul means that we should not ignore or toss aside the gifts the Holy Spirit gives.  Here, he mentions prophecy (5.20); in 1 Corinthians 14.39, he mentions tongues.  Sometimes spiritual gifts are controversial, and they may cause division in a church.  Rather than trying to solve the problems, some Christians prefer to smother the gifts.  This impoverishes the church.  We should not stifle the Holy Spirit’s work in anyone’s life but encourage the full expression of these gifts to benefit the whole body of Christ).

Half-truths show a lack of trust in God:

Abraham replied, “I said to myself, ‘There is surely no fear of God in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife.’ Besides, she really is my sister, the daughter of my father though not of my mother; and she became my wife. – Genesis 20.11-12

Because Abraham mistakenly assume that Abimelech was a wicked man, he made a quick decision to tell a half-truth. Abraham thought it would be more effective to deceive Abimelech than to trust God to work in the king’s life.  Don’t assume that God will not work in a situation that has potential problems.  You may not completely understand the situation, and God may intervene when you least expect it.

Difficult to continue trusting when nothing seems to happen:

The God remembered Rachel; he listened to her and opened her womb. She became pregnant and gave birth to a son and said, “God has taken away my disgrace.”  She named him Joseph, and said, “May the LORD add to me another son.”  – Genesis 30.22-24

Eventually God answered Rachel’s prayers and gave her a child of her own. In the meantime, however, she had given her maidservant to Jacob.  Trusting God when nothing seems to happen is difficult.  But it is harder still to live with the consequences of taking matters into your own hands.  Resist the temptation to think God has forgotten you.  Have patience and courage to wait for God to act.

When facing new situations:

“I am God, the God of your father,” he said. “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there.  I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again.  And Joseph’s own hand will close your eyes.” – Genesis 46.3-4

God told Jacob to leave his home and travel to a strange and faraway land. But God reassured him by promising to go with him and take care of him.  When new situations or surroundings frighten you, recognise that experiencing fear is normal.  To be paralysed by fear, however ,is an indication that you question God’s ability to take care of you.

Difficult when one is strong, attractive, or talented:

“I look for your deliverance, O LORD. Genesis 49.18

In the middle of his prophecy to Dan, Jacob exclaimed, “I look for your deliverance, O LORD.” He was emphasising to Dan that he would be a strong leader only if his trust was in God, not in his natural strength or ability.  Those who are strong, attractive, or talented often find it easier to trust in themselves than in God who gave them their gifts.  Remember to thank God for what you are and have so your trust does not become misplaced.

Joseph proved himself trustworthy and Takes time to build it up:

My father made me swear an oath and said, “I am about to die; bury me in the tomb I dug for myself in the land of Canaan.” Now let me go up and bury my father; then I will return.’ “ – Genesis 50.5

Joseph had provided himself trustworthy as Pharaoh’s adviser. Because of his good record, Pharaoh had little doubt that he would return to Egypt as promised after burying his father in Canaan.  Privileges and freedom often result when we have demonstrated our trustworthiness.  Since trust must be built gradually over time, take every opportunity to prove your reliability even in minor matters.

In God’s promises:

Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” Genesis 50.24

Joseph was ready to die. He had no doubts that God would keep his promise and one day bring the Israelites back to their homeland.  What a tremendous example!  The secret of that kind of faith is a lifetime of trusting God.  Your faith is like a muscle – it grows with exercise, gaining strength over time.  After a lifetime of exercising trust, your faith can be as strong as Joseph’s.  Then at your death, you can be confident that God will fulfil all his promises to you and to all those faithful to him who may live after you.

Trust God for the way out of your problems:

Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay you.” So the woman took the baby and nursed him. – Exodus 2.9

Moses’ mother was reunited with her baby! God used her courageous act of saving and hiding her baby to being his plan to rescue his people from Egypt.  God doesn’t need much from us to accomplish his plan for our lives.  Focusing on our human predicament may paralyse us because the situation may appear humanly impossible.  But concentrating on God and his power will help us see the way out.  Right now you may feel unable to see through your troubles.  Focus instead on God, and trust him for the way out.  That is all he needs to begin his work in you.

Trusting God the first time:

As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the LORD.  They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt?  – Exodus 14.10-11

Trapped against the sea, the Israelites faced the Egyptian army sweeping in for the kill. The Israelites thought they were doomed.  After watching God’s powerful hand deliver them from Egypt, their only response was fear, whining, and despair.  Where was their trust in God?  Israel had to learn from repeated experience that God was able to provide for them.  God has preserved these examples in the Bible so that we can learn to trust him the first time.  By focusing on God’s faithfulness in the past we can face crises with confidence rather than with fear and complaining.

Trusting God spares us much grief:

They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die?  What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt?  Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians’?  It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!” – Exodus 14.11-12

This is the first instance of grumbling and complaining by the Israelites. Their lack of faith in God is startling.  Yet how often do we find ourselves doing the same thing – complaining over inconveniences or discomforts?  The Israelites were about to learn some tough lessons.  Had they trusted God, they would have been spared much grief.

Lack of trust leads to stress:

In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron.  – Exodus 16.2

It happened again. As the Israelites encountered danger, shortages, and inconvenience, they complained bitterly and longed to be back in Egypt.  But as always, God provided for their needs.  Difficult circumstances often lead to stress, and complaining is a natural response.  The Israelites didn’t really want to be back in Egypt; they just wanted life to get a little easier.  In the pressure of the moment, they could not focus on the cause of their stress (in this case, lack of trust in God); they could only think about the quickest way of escape.  When pressure comes your way, resist the temptation to make a quick escape.  Instead, focus on God’s power and wisdom to help you deal with the cause of your stress.

Essential to marriage:

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘If a man’s wife goes astray and is unfaithful to him, by sleeping with another man, and this is hidden from her husband and her impurity is undetected (since there is no witness against her and she has not been caught in the act), and if feelings of jealousy come over her husband and he suspects his wife and she is impure – or if he is jealous and suspects her even though she is not impure – then he is to take his wife to the priest. He must also take an offering of the tenth of an ephah of barley flour on her behalf.  He must not pour oil on it or put incense on it, because it is a grain offering for jealousy, a reminder offering to draw attention to guilt. 

“ ‘The priest shall bring her and make her stand before the LORD. Then he shall take some holy water in a clay jar and put some dust from the tabernacle floor into the water.  After the priest has made the woman stand before the LORD, he shall loosen her hair and place in her hands the reminder offering, the grain offering for jealousy, while he himself holds the bitter water that brings a curse.  Then the priest shall put the woman under oath and say to her, “If no other man has slept with you and you have not gone astray and become impure while married to your husband, may this bitter water that brings a curse not harm you.  But if you have gone astray while married to your husband and you have defiled yourself by sleeping with a man other than your husband” – here the priest is to put the woman under this curse of the oath – “may the LORD cause your people to curse and denounce you when he causes your thigh to waste away and your abdomen to swell.  May this water that brings a curse enter your body so that your abdomen swells and our thigh wastes away.” 

“ ‘Then the woman is to say, “Amen. So be it.”

“ ‘The priest is to write these curses on a scroll and then wash them off into the bitter water. He shall make the woman drink the bitter water that brings a curse, and this water will enter her and cause bitter suffering.  The priest is to take from her hands the grain offering for jealousy, wave it before the LORD and bring it to the altar.  The priest is then to take a handful of the grain offering as a memorial offering and burn it on the altar; after that, he is to make the woman the water.  If she has defiled herself and been unfaithful to her husband, then when she is made to drink the water that brings a curse, it will go into her and cause bitter suffering; her abdomen will swell and her thigh waste away, and she will become accursed among her people.  If, however, the woman has not defiled herself and is free from impurity, she will be cleared of guilt and will be able to have children.

“ ‘This, then, is the law of jealousy when a woman goes astray and defiles herself while married to her husband, or when feelings of jealousy come over a man because he suspects his wife. The priest is to make her stand before the LORD and is to apply this entire law to her.  The husband will be innocent of any wrongdoing, but the woman will bear the consequences of her sin.’ “ – Numbers 5.11-31

This test for adultery served to remove a jealous husband’s suspicion. Trust between husband and wife had to be completely eroded for a man to bring his wife to the priest for this type of test.  Today priests and pastors help restore marriages by counselling couples who have lost faith in each other.  Whether justified or not, suspicion must be removed for a marriage to survive and trust to be restored.

Don’t trust God with only small problems:

For forty years – one year for each of the forty days you explored the land – you will suffer for your sins and know what it is like to have me against you.’  – Numbers 14.34

God’s judgment came in the form the people feared most. The people were afraid of dying in the desert, so God punished them by making them wander in the desert until they died.  Now they wished they had the problem of facing the giants and the fortified cities of the promised land.  Failing to trust God often brings even greater problems than those we originally faced.  When we run from God, we inevitably run into problems.

Broken by unkept promises:

Moses said to the heads of the tribes of Israel: “This is what the LORD commands: When a man makes a vow to the LORD or takes an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said. – Numbers 30.1-2

Moses reminded the people that their promises to God and others must be kept. In ancient times, people did not sign written contracts.  A person’s word was as binding as a signature.  To make a vow even more binding, an offering was given along with it.  No-one was forced by law to make a vow; but once made, vows had to be fulfilled.  Breaking a vow meant a broken trust and a broken relationship.  Trust is still the basis of our relationships with God and others.  A broken promise today is just as harmful as it was in Moses’ day.

Naomi’s trust in God brought great blessings:

He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.”  – Ruth 4.15

God brought great blessings out of Naomi’s tragedy, even greater than “seven sons”, or an abundance of heirs. Throughout her tough times, Naomi continued to trust God.  And God, in his time, blessed her greatly.  Even in our sorrow and calamity, God can bring great blessings.  Be like Naomi, and don’t turn you back on God when tragedy strikes.  Instead of asking “How can God allow this to happen to me?” trust him.  He will be with you in the hard times.

Trusting God when resources slipping away:

“What have you done?” asked Samuel.

Saul replied, “When I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Michmash, I thought, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the LORD’s favor.’ So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering.” – 1 Samuel 13.11-12

It is difficult to trust God when you feel your resources slipping away. When Saul felt that time was running out, he became impatient with God’s timing.  In thinking that the ritual was all he needed, he substituted the ritual for faith in God.

When faced with a difficult decision, don’t allow impatience to drive you to disobey God. When you know what God wants, follow his plan regardless of the consequences.  God often uses delays to test our obedience and patience.

Wipes out fear:

Jonathan said to his young armour-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows. Perhaps the LORD will act on our behalf.  Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” – 1 Samuel 14.6

Jonathan and his armour-bearer weren’t much of a force to attack the huge Philistine army. But while everyone else was afraid, they trusted God, knowing that the size of the enemy army would not restrict God’s ability to help them.  God honoured the faith and brave action of these two men with a tremendous victory.

Have you ever felt surrounded by the “enemy” or faced overwhelming odds? God is never intimidated by the size of the enemy or the complexity of a problem.  With him, there are always enough resources to resist the pressures and win the battle.  If God has called you to action, then bravely commit what resources you have to God, and rely upon him to lead you to victory.

Can you trust in God no matter what?

In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil.  – Job 1.1

As we read the book of Job, we have information that the characters of the story do not. Job, the main character of the book, lost all he had through no fault of his own.  As he struggled to understand why all this was happening to him, it became clear that he was not meant to know the reasons.  He would have to face life with the answers and explanations held back.  [like ‘Vatican library’, you can’t know everything.]  Only then would his faith fully develop.

We must experience life as Job did – one day at a time and without complete answers to all of life’s questions. Will we, like Job, trust God no matter what?  Or will we give in to the temptation to say that God doesn’t really care?

God won’t forsake those who trust him:

Those who know your name will trust in you,

for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.  – Psalm 9.10

God will never forsake those who seek him. To forsake someone is to abandon that person.  God’s promise does not mean that if we trust in him we will escape loss or suffering; it means that God himself will never leave us no matter what we face.

Real trust brings consistency of character:

Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion,

which cannot be shaken but endures for ever.  – Psalms 125.1

Have you ever known people who were drawn to every hew fad or idea? Such people are inconsistent and therefore unreliable.  The secret of consistency is to trust in God, because he never changes.  He cannot be shaken by the changes in our world, and he endures for ever.  The fads and ideas of our world, and our world itself, will not.

How lustful thoughts break trust in marriage:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. – Matthew 5.27-28

The Old Testament law said that it is wrong for a person to have sex with someone other than his or her spouse (Exodus 20.14). But Jesus said that the desire to have sex with someone other than your spouse is mental adultery and thus sin.  Jesus emphasized that if the act is wrong, then so is the intention.  To be faithful to your spouse with your body but not your mind is to break the trust so vital to a strong marriage.  Jesus is not condemning natural interest in the opposite sex or even healthy sexual desire, but the deliberate and repeated filing of one’s mind with fantasies that would be evil if acted out.

With childlike faith:

When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. – Mark 10.14

Adults are not as trusting as little children. To feel secure, all children need is a loving look and gentle touch from someone who cares.  Complete intellectual understanding is not one of their requirements.  They believe us if they trust us.  Jesus said that people should believe in him with this kind of childlike faith.  We should not have to understand all the mysteries of the universe; it should be enough to know that God loves us and provides forgiveness for our sin.  This doesn’t mean that we should be childish or immature, but we should trust God with a child’s simplicity and receptivity.

How worry affects our trust in God:

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. – Matthew 6.34

Planning for tomorrow is time well spent; worrying about tomorrow is time wasted. Sometimes it’s difficult to tell the difference.  Careful planning is thinking ahead about goals, steps, and schedules, and trusting in God’s guidance.  When done well, planning can help alleviate worry.  Worriers, by contrast, are consumed by fear and find it difficult to trust God.  They let their plans interfere with their relationship with God.  Don’t let worries about tomorrow affect your relationship with God today.

Children learn it from parents:

But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.  – Matthew 18.6

Children are trusting by nature. They trust adults, and through that trust their capacity to trust God grows.  God holds parents and other adults who influence young children accountable for how they affect these little ones’ ability to trust.  Jesus warned that anyone who turns little children away from faith will receive severe punishment.

Helps with fear:

Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him ad said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” 

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!  Then the wind died down and it was completely cam.

He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”  – Mark 4.38-40

The disciples panicked because the storm threatened to destroy them all, and Jesus seemed unaware and unconcerned. Theirs was a physical storm, but storms come in other forms.  Think about the storms in your life – the situations that cause you great anxiety.  Whatever your difficulty, you have two options: You can worry and assume that Jesus no longer cares, or you can resist fear, putting your trust in him.  When you feel like panicking, confess your need for God and then trust him to care for you.

A part of faith:

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.  Growing in faith is a constant process of daily renewing our trust in Jesus.

Acting upon:

Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus travelled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him.  They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” 

When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. – Luke 17.11-14

People who had leprosy were required to try to stay away from other people and to announce their presence if they had to come near.  Sometimes leprosy went into remission.  If a leper thought his leprosy had gone away, he was supposed to present himself to a priest who could declare him clean (Leviticus 14).  Jesus sent the ten lepers to the priest before they were healed – and they went!  They responded in faith, and Jesus healed them on the way.  Is your trust in God so strong that you act on what he says even before you see evidence that will work?

How we trust in God:

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.  – John 3.18

People often try to protect themselves from their fears by putting their faith in something they do or have: good deeds, skill or intelligence, money or possessions. But only God can save us from the one thing that we really need to fear – eternal condemnation.  We believe in God by recognising the sufficiency of our own efforts to find salvation and by asking him to do his work in us.  When Jesus talks about unbelievers, he means those who reject or ignore him completely, not those who have momentary doubts.

But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.  There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.  God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.  He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished – he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded.  On what principle?  On that of observing the law?  No, but on that of faith.  For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too?  Yes, of Gentiles too  – Romans 3.21-29

After all this bad news about our sinfulness and God’s condemnation, Paul gives the wonderful news. There is a way to be declared not guilty – by trusting Jesus Christ to take away our sins.  Trusting means putting our confidence in Christ to forgive our sins, to make us right with God, and to empower us to live the way he taught us.  God’s solution is available to all of us regardless of our background or past behavior.

But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation – if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel.  This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. – Colossians 1.22-23

The way to be free from sin is to trust Jesus Christ to take it away. We must remain “established and firm” in the truth of the gospel, putting our confidence in Jesus alone to forgive our sins, to make us right with God, and to empower us to live the way he desires.  When a judge in a court of law declares the defendant not guilty, the person has been acquitted of all the accusations or charges.  Legally, it is as if he or she had never been accused.  When God forgives our sins, our record is wiped clean.  From his perspective, it is as though we had never sinned.  God’s solution is available to you.  No matter what you have done or what you have been like God’s forgiveness is for you.

Lack of trust keeps us from receiving God’s best for us:

As has just been said:

“Today, if you hear his voice,

do not harden your hearts

as you did in the rebellion.”

Who were they who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt?  And with whom was he angry for forty years?  Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the desert?  And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed?  So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief.  –  Hebrews 3.15-19

The Israelites failed to enter the promised land because they did not believe in God’s protection, and they did not believe that God would help them conquer the giants in the land (see Numbers 14; 15).  So God sent them into the desert to wander for 40 years.  This was an unhappy alternative to the wonderful gift he had planned for them.  Lack of trust in God always prevents us from receiving his best.

Danger of trusting in your efforts:

Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith.  Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said,

“So I declared on oath in my anger,

They shall never enter my rest.’ “

And yet his work has been finished since the creation of the world. – Hebrews 4.1-3

Some of the Jewish Christians who received this letter may have been on the verge of turning back from their promised rest in Christ, just as the people in Moses’ day had turned back from the promised land. In both cases, the difficulties of the present moment overshadowed the reality of God’s promise, and the people doubted that God would fulfil his promises.  When we trust our own efforts instead of Christ’s power, we too are in danger of turning back.  Our own efforts are never adequate; only Christ can see us through.

(That is ugly).

God rescues us in his timing, not ours:

During that long period, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God.  God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob.  So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them. – Exodus 2.23-25

God’s rescue doesn’t always come the moment we want it. God had promised to bring the Hebrew slaves out of Egypt (Genesis 15.16, 46.3, 4).  The people had waited a long time for that promise to be kept, but God rescued them when he knew the right time had come.  God knows the best time to act.  When you feel that God has forgotten you in your troubles, remember that God has a time schedule we can’t see.

(Some shepherds came along and drove them away, but Moses got up and came to their rescue and watered their flock. – Exodus 2.17 How did Moses handle these shepherds so easily?  As an Egyptian prince, Moses would have been well trained in the Egyptian military, the most advanced army in the world.  Even a large group of shepherds would have been no match for the sophisticated fighting techniques of this trained warrior.)

(‘ When the girls returned to Reuel their father, he asked them, “Why have you returned so early today?” – Exodus 2.18 Reuel is also called Jethro in 3:1.)

(Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the desert and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. – Exodus 3.1 What a contrast between Moses’ life as an Egyptian prince and his life as a Midianite shepherd! As a prince he had everything done for him; he was the famous son of an Egyptian princess.  As a shepherd he had to do everything for himself; he was holding the very job he had been taught to despise (Genesis 43.32; 46.32-34), and he lived as an unknown foreigner.  What a humbling experience this must have been for Moses! But God was preparing him for leadership.  Living the life of a shepherd and nomad, Moses learned about the ways of the people he would be leading and also about life in the desert.  Moses couldn’t appreciate this lesson, but God was getting him ready to free Israel from Pharaoh’s grasp.)

[MOSES FLEES TO MIDIAN After murdering an Egyptian, Moses escaped into Midian.  There he married Zipporah and became a shepherd.  Mediterranean Sea, Samaria, Jerusalem, Goshen, Egypt, Nile River, Sinai, Mount Sinai, Midian.]

Do what is right at the right time:

Early the next morning they went up towards the high hill country. “We have sinned,” they said, “We will go up to the place the LORD promised.”

But Moses said, “Why are you disobeying the LORD’s command? This will not succeed!  Do not go up, because the LORD is not with you.  You will be defeated by your enemies, for the Amalekites and Canaanites will face you there.  Because you have turned away from the LORD, he will not be with you and you will fall by the sword.”

Nevertheless, in their presumption they went up toward the high hill country, though neither Moses nor the ark of the LORD’s covenant moved from the camp. – Numbers 14.40-44

When the Israelites realised their foolish mistake, they were suddenly ready to return to God. But God didn’t confuse their admission of guilt with true repentance because he knew their hearts. Sure enough, they soon went their own way again. Sometimes right actions or good intentions come too late.  We must not only do what is right, but also do it at the right time.  God wants complete and instant obedience.

(I, the LORD, have spoken, and I will surely do these things to this whole wicked community, which has banded together against me. They will meet their end in this desert; here they will die. – Numbers 14.35 Was this judgment – wandering 40 years in the desert – too harsh?  Not compared to the instant death that God first threatened (14.12).  Instead, God allowed the people to live.  God had brought his people to the edge of the promised land, just as he said he would.  He was ready to give them the rich land, but the people didn’t want it (14.1, 2).  By this time, God had put up with a lot.  At least ten times the people had refused to trust and obey him (14.22).  The whole nation (except for Joshua, Caleb, Moses, and Aaron) showed contempt for and distrust of God.  But God’s punishment was not permanent.  In 40 years, a new generation would have a chance to enter Canaan (Joshua 1-3).)

(…and you present to the LORD offerings made by fire, from the herd or the flock, as an aroma pleasing to the LORD – whether burnt offerings or sacrifices, for special vows or freewill offerings or festival offerings – Numbers 15.3 “An aroma pleasing to the LORD” means that God would be pleased with their sacrifices.)

Waiting for God’s:

How long will the enemy mock you, O God? Will the foe revile your name for ever?   Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand?   Take it from the folds of your garment and destroy them!

But you, O God, are my king from of old; you bring salvation upon the earth.   It was you who split open the sea by your power;  you broke the heads of the monster in the waters.  It was you who crushed the heads of Leviathan and gave him as food to the creatures of the desert.  It was you who opened up springs and streams; you dried up the every-flowing rivers.  The day is yours, and yours also the night;  you established the sun and moon.  It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth; you made both summer and winter.

Remember how the enemy has mocked you, O LORD, how foolish people have reviled your name. – Psalms 74.10-18

From our perspective, God sometimes seems slow to intervene on our behalf. But what might appear slow to us is good timing from God’s perspective.  It’s easy to become impatient while waiting for God to act, but we must never give up on him.  When God is silent and you are in deep anguish, follow the method in the psalm.  Review the great acts of God throughout biblical history, then review what he has done for you.  This will remind you that God is at work, not only in history, but in your life today.

(74.13, 14   “The monster in the waters” recalls the Lord’s words to Egypt (Ezekiel 32.2ff).  “Leviathan” refers to the Canaanite seven-headed serpent, Lotan.  In their legends, Baal defeated these creatures.  This psalm praised God for doing in reality what the Canaanite gods could only do in legends.

You say, “I choose the appointed time; it is I who judge uprightly. – Psalms 75.2

God will act when he is ready. Children have difficulty grasping the concept of time.  “It’s not time yet” is not a reason they easily understand because they only comprehend the present.  As limited human beings, we can’t understand God’s perspective about time.  We want everything now, unaware that God’s timing is better.  When God is ready, he will do what needs to be done, not what we would like him to do.  We may be as impatient as children, but we must not doubt the wisdom of God’s timing.  Wait for God to reveal his plan.  Don’t take matters into your own hands.

(‘ In the hand of the LORD is a cup full of foaming wine mixed with spices; he pours it out, and all the wicked of the earth drink it down to its very dregs.  – Psalms 75.8  The cup of wine represents God’s [Wall’s] judgment.  The judgment of God [Wall] is coming against the wicked.  God [Wall] will pour out his fury on his enemies, and they will be forced to drink.  Drinking the cup of God’s judgment is a picture used frequently in Scripture (Isaiah 51.17, 22; Jeremiah 25.15; 49.12; Habakkuk 2.16; Revelations 14.10; 16.19; 18.6).  It gives the impression of taking a dose of one’s own medicine.  To drink it down to the dregs means to be punished completely).

(‘ In Judah God is known; his name is great in Israel.  –  Psalms 76.1ff  This psalms praises God [Wall] for his awesome [H.R.] power.  It was most likely written to celebrate the defeat of Sennacherib’s army after he invaded Judah (see 2 Kings 18.13-19, 37).)

Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.

Then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.” – John 11.5-7

Jesus loves this family and often stayed with them. He knew their pain but did not respond immediately.  His delay had a specific purpose.  God’s timing, especially his delays, may make us think he is not answering or is not answering the way we want.  But he will meet all our needs according to his perfect schedule and purpose (Philippians 4.19).  Patiently await his timing.

(When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” – John 11.4 Any trial a believer faces can ultimately bring glory to God because God can bring good out of any bad situation (Genesis 50.20; Romans 8.28).  When trouble comes, do you grumble, complain, and blame God, or do you see your problems as opportunities to honour him?)

(Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? A man who walks by day will not stumble, for he sees this world’s light.  It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light. – John 11:9, 10. Day symbolises the knowledge of God’s will, and night, the absence of this knowledge.  When we move ahead in darkness, we will be likely to stumble.)

[JESUS RAISES LAZARUS Jesus had been preaching in the villages beyond the Jordan, probably in Perea, when he received the news of Lazarus’ sickness.  Jesus did not leave immediately, but waited two days before returning to Judea.  He knew Lazarus would be dead when he arrived in Bethany, but he was going to do a great miracle.  Mediterranean Sea, Galilee, Sea of Galilee, Jordan River, Perea, Samaria, Jerusalem, Dead Sea, Bethany,  Judea, Idumea.]

On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift with my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. – Acts 1.4

The Trinity is a description of the unique relationship of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  If Jesus had stayed on earth, his physical presence would have limited the spread of the gospel, because physically he could be in only one place at a time.  After Christ was taken up into heaven, he would be spiritually present everywhere through the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit was sent so that God would be with and within his followers after Christ returned to heaven.  The Spirit would comfort them, guide them to know his truth, remind them of Jesus’ words, give them the right words to say, and fill them with power (see John 14-16).

(After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. – Acts 1.3   Jesus explained that with his coming, the kingdom of God was inaugurated.  When he returned to heaven, God’s kingdom would remain in the hearts of all believers through the presence of the Holy Spirit.  But the kingdom of God will not be fully realised until Jesus Christ comes again to judge all people and remove all evil from the world.  Before that time, believers are to work to spread God’s kingdom across the world.  The book of Acts records how this work was begun.  What the early church stated, we must continue.)

(For John baptised with water, but in a few days you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.” – John 1.5 At Pentecost 2.1-4) the Holy Spirit was made available to all who believed in Jesus.  We receive the Holy Spirit (are baptised by him) when we receive Jesus Christ.  The baptism of the Holy Spirit must be understood in the light of his total work in Christians.   –  (1) The Spirit marks the beginning of the Christian experience.  We cannot belong to Christ without his Spirit (Romans 8.9); we cannot be united to Christ without his Spirit (1 Corinthians 6.17); we cannot be adopted as his children without his Spirit (Romans 8.14-17; Galatians 4.6, 7); we cannot be in the body of Christ except by baptism by the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12.13).  –  (2) The Spirit is the power of our new lives.  He begins a lifelong process of change as we become more like Christ (Galatians 3:3; Philippians 1:6).  When we receive Christ by faith, we begin an immediate personal relationship with God.  The Holy Spirit works in us to help us become like Christ.  –  (3) The Spirit unites the Christian community in Christ (Ephesians 2.19-22).  The Holy Spirit can be experienced by all, and he works through all (1 Corinthians 12.11; Ephesians 4.4). )

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. – 1 Peter 3.8-9

Peter developed the qualities of compassion and humility the hard way. In his early days with Christ, these attitudes did not come naturally to his impulsive, strong-willed personality (see Mark 8.31-33; John 13.6-9 for examples of Peter’s blustering).  But the Holy Spirit changed Peter, moulding his strong personality to God’s use, and teaching him tenderness and humility.

(3.8   Peter lists five key elements that should characterise any group of believers: (1) harmony – pursuing the same goals; (2) sympathy – being responsive to others’ needs; (3) love – seeing and treating each other as brothers and sisters; (4) compassion – being affectionately sensitive and caring; and (5) humility – being willing to encourage one another and rejoice in each other’s successes.  These five qualities go a long way towards helping believers serve God effectively.)

(3.9 In our fallen world, it is often deemed acceptable by some to tear people down verbally or to get back at them if we feel hurt.  Peter, remembering Jesus’ teaching to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39), encourages his readers to pay back wrongs by praying for the offenders.  In God’s kingdom, revenge is unacceptable behaviour, as is insulting a person, no matter how indirectly it is done.  Rise above getting back at those who hurt you.  Instead of reacting angrily to these people, pray for them.

(Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. – 1 Peter 3.7   When Peter calls women the “weaker” partners, he does not imply moral or intellectual inferiority, but he is recognising women’s physical limitations.  Women in his day, if unprotected by men, were vulnerable to attack, abuse, and financial disaster.  Women’s lives may be easier today, but women are still vulnerable to criminal attack and family abuse.  And in spite of increased opportunities in the workplace, most women still earn considerably less than most men, and the vast majority of the nations’ poor are single mothers and their children.  A man who honours his wife as a member of the weaker sex will protect, respect, help, and stay with her.  He will not expect her to work full-time outside the home and full-time at home; he will lighten her load wherever he can.  He will be sensitive to her needs, and he will relate to her with courtesy, consideration, insight, and tact.)

(3.10 For more about controlling your tongue, see the notes in James 3:2-18.)

(He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. – 1 Peter 3.11  Too often we see peace as merely the absence of conflict, and we think of peacemaking as a passive role.  But an effective peacemaker actively pursues peace.  He or she builds good relationships, knowing that peace is a by-product of commitment.  The peacemaker, anticipates problems and deals with them before they occur.  When conflicts arise, he or she brings them into the open and deals with them before they grow unmanageable.  Making peace can be harder work than waging war, but it results not in death but in life and happiness.)

Mixing right desires with wrong timing:

After David was settled in his place, he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a palace of cedar, while the ark of the covenant of the LORD is under a tent.” – 1 Chronicles 17.1

David felt disturbed that the ark, the symbol of God’s [Wall’s] presence, sat in a tent while he lived in the beautiful palace.  David’s desire was right, but his timing was wrong.  God [Wall] told David not to build a temple (17.3, 4), and David was willing to abide by God’s timing.  If you live in comparative luxury while God’s work, house, or ministers go lacking, perhaps God wants to change the situation.  Like David, take action to correct the imbalance, but be willing to move according to God’s timing.

(David left Zadok the priest and his fellow priests before the tabernacle of the LORD at the high place in Gibeon – 1 Chronicles 16.39  David brought the ark to Jerusalem although the tabernacle was still at Gibeon.  His plan was to reunite the tabernacle and ark in a new temple at Jerusalem that would then become Israel’s only worship centre.  The temple, however, was not built until Solomon’s time.  In the meantime, Israel had two worship centres and two high priests (15.11), one at Gibeon and one at Jerusalem.)

(That night the word of God came to Nathan, saying: “Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the LORD says: You are not the one to build me a house to dwell in. I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought Israel up out of Egypt to this day.  I have moved from one tent site to another, from one dwelling-place to another.  Wherever I have moved with all the Israelites, did I ever say to any of their leaders whom I commanded to shepherd my people, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?” ‘  Now then, tell my servant David, ‘This is what the LORD Almighty says: I took you from the pasture and from following the flock, to be ruler over my people Israel.  I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you.  Now I will make your name like the names of the greatest men of the earth.  And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed.  Wicked people will not oppress them any more, as they did at the beginning and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel.  I will also subdue all your enemies.  “ ‘I declare to you that the LORD will build a house for you: When your days are over and you go to be with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom.  He is the one who will build a house for me, and I will establish his throne for ever.  I will be his father, and he will be my son.  I will never take my love away from him, as I took it away from your predecessor.  I will set him over my house and my kingdom for ever; his throne will be established for ever.’ “ – 1 Chronicles 17.3-14  God did not want a warrior to build his temple (28.3; 1 Kings 5.3), and David had shed much blood in unifying the nation.  So the honour of building the temple would go to David’s son Solomon.  David would pass on to Solomon a peaceful and united kingdom, ready to begin work on a beautiful temple.)

(17.10 God [Wall] promised to subdue David’s enemies.  Chapters 18-20 tell how God [Wall] kept that promise.)

(17.12-14 Why, after this eternal promise, were the Israelites eventually taken from the promised land into captivity?  The promise to David had two parts.  The first part was conditional: as long as David’s descendants followed God’s [Wall’s] laws and honoured him, they would continually be on the throne of Israel.  The second part was unconditional: a son of David would occupy his throne for ever.  This was Jesus the Messiah.  The first part of the promise was based on the faithful obedience of David’s descendants.  The second part would come true regardless of the way his descendants acted.)

Recognizing God’s timing in your life, Elizabeth’s PROFILE 1785

Jesus trusted God’s timing:

Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph: the son of Heli – Luke 3.23

Imagine the Saviour of the world working in a rural carpenter’s shop until he was 30 years old! It seems incredible that Jesus would have been content to remain in Nazareth, all that time, but he patiently trusted the Father’s timing for his life and ministry (Numbers 4.3).  Joseph was 30 years old when he began serving the king of Egypt (Genesis 41.46), and David was 30 years old when he began to reign over Judah (2 Samuel 5.4).  Age 30, then, was a good time to begin an important task in the Jewish culture.  Like Jesus, we need to resist the temptation to jump ahead before receiving the Spirit’s direction.  Are you waiting and wondering what your next step should be?  Don’t jump ahead – trust God’s timing.

(3.23 Heli may have been Joseph’s father-in-law.  If that were the case, this would be Mary’s genealogy that Luke may have received personally from her.  It is fitting that Luke would show Mary’s genealogy because of the prominence he gives women in his Gospel.)

Matthew’s genealogy goes back to Abraham and shows that Jesus was related to all Jews (Matthew 1). Luke’s generation goes back to Adam, showing that Jesus is related to all human beings.  This is consistent with Luke’s picture of Jesus as the Saviour of the whole world.

(When all the people were being baptised, Jesus was baptised too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove.  And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” – Luke 3.21, 22 Luke emphasises Jesus’ human nature.  Jesus was born to humble parents, a birth unannounced except to shepherds and foreigners.  This baptism recorded here was the first public declaration of Jesus’ ministry.  Instead of going to Jerusalem and identifying with the established religious leaders, Jesus went to a river and identified himself with those who were repenting of sin.  When Jesus, at age 12, visited the temple, he understood his mission (2.49).  Eighteen years later, at his baptism, he began carrying it out.  And as Jesus prayed, God spoke and confirmed his decision to act.  God was breaking into human history through Jesus the Christ.)

(3.21, 22 If baptism was a sign of repentance from sin, why did Jesus ask to be baptised?  Several explanations are often given: (1) Jesus’ baptism was one step in fulfilling his earthly mission of identifying with our humanity and sin; (2) by endorsing the rite of baptism, Jesus was giving us an example to follow; (3) Jesus was announcing the beginning of his public ministry; (4) Jesus was being baptised for the sins of the nation.  The Holy Spirit’s appearance in the form of a dove showed that God’s plan for salvation was centred in Jesus.  Jesus was the perfect human who didn’t need baptism for repentance, but he was baptised anyway on our behalf.)

(3.21, 22 This is one of several places in Scripture where all the members of the Trinity are mentioned – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  In the traditional words of the church, the one God exists in three persons but one substance, co-eternal and co-equal.  No amount of explanation can adequately portray the power and intricacy of this unique relationship.  There are no perfect analogies in nature because there is no other relationship like the Trinity.)

Jesus came at the right time:

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. – Romans 5.6

We were weak and helpless because we could do nothing on our own to save ourselves. Someone had to come and rescue us.  Not only did Christ come at a good time in history; he came at exactly the right time – according to God’s own schedule.  God controls all history, and he controlled the timing, methods, and results of Jesus’ death.

(5.5, 6 All three members of the Trinity are involved in salvation.  The Father loved us so much that he sent his Son to bridge the gap between us (John 3.16).  The Father and the Son send the Holy Spirit to fill our lives with love and to enable us to live by his power (Acts 1.8).  With all this loving care, how can we do less than serve him completely! )

(Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  – Romans 5.3, 4  For first-century Christians, suffering was the rule rather than the exception.  Paul tells us that in the future we will become, but until then we must overcome.  This means we will experience difficulties that help us grow.  We rejoice in suffering not because we like pain or deny its tragedy, but because we know God is using life’s difficulties and Satan’s attacks to build our character.  The problems that we run into will develop our perseverance – which in turn will strengthen our character, deepen our trust in God, and give us greater confidence about the future.  You probably find your patience tested in some way every day.  Thank God for those opportunities to grow, and deal with them in his strength (see also James 1.2-4; 1 Peter 1.6, 7).)

(But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5.8 While we were still sinners – these are amazing words.  God sent Jesus Christ to die for us, not because we were good enough, but because he loved us.  Whenever you feel uncertain about God’s love for you, remember that he loved you even before you turned to him.  If God loved you when you were a rebel, he can surely strengthen you, now that you love him in return.)

(Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation – Romans 5.11 God is holy, and he will not be associated with sin.  All people are sinful and so they are separated from God.  In addition, all sin deserves punishment.  Instead of punishing us with the death we deserve, however, Christ took our sins upon himself and took our punishment by dying on the cross.  Now we can “rejoice in God”.  Through faith in Christ’s work, we become close to God (reconciled) rather than being enemies and outcasts.)

(Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned – Romans 5.12   How can we be declared guilty for something Adam did thousands of years ago?  many feel it isn’t right for God to judge us because of Adam’s sin.  Yet each of us confirms our solidarity with Adam by our own sins each day.  We are made of the same stuff and are prone to rebel, and we are judged for the sins we commit.  Because we are sinners, it isn’t fairness we need – it’s mercy.)

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.)

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).