EPHESIANS 6:10–20 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes (Ephesians 6:10). While many modern people will readily admit that they believe in God, far fewer will admit to believing in the devil. It is true, of course, that for most people, the “God” they … Continue reading “THE BATTLE WITH SATAN”
THE BATTLE WITH THE FLESH
GALATIANS 5 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish (Galatians 5:17 nkjv). The fierce struggle between the flesh and the spirit in the Bible is not to be understood as some … Continue reading “THE BATTLE WITH THE FLESH”
THE BATTLE WITH THE WORLD
ROMANS 12 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will (Romans 12:2). The Christian has three principal enemies: the world, the flesh, and the devil. … Continue reading “THE BATTLE WITH THE WORLD”
RIGHTEOUS LIVING
MATTHEW 6:25–33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33). The book of Romans tells us that Jesus came to provide us with righteousness. Today, however, most Christians avoid the term righteous. They want to be “spiritual,” but they don’t say they … Continue reading “RIGHTEOUS LIVING”
JUDGMENT IS COMING
2 PETER 3 First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come … saying, “Where is this ‘coming’ He promised?” (2 Peter 3:3–4). It may seem strange at first glance, but some interpreters in the Puritan and Presbyterian traditions have argued that 2 Peter 3 has reference first of all … Continue reading “JUDGMENT IS COMING”
FALSE TEACHERS AND APOSTATES
JUDE For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord (Jude 4). The short epistle of Jude is quite similar to the second … Continue reading “FALSE TEACHERS AND APOSTATES”
CONFIDENCE IN THE WORD
2 PETER 1–2 And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts (2 Peter 1:19). There are some differences in style and … Continue reading “CONFIDENCE IN THE WORD”
SUFFERING AND RESURRECTION
HEBREWS 11:32–12:13 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2). Suffering is not supposed to be pleasant. If it were pleasant, it … Continue reading “SUFFERING AND RESURRECTION”
SUFFERING AND GRIEF
JOHN 11:17–44 Jesus wept (John 11:35). Most people know that the shortest verse in the English Bible is “Jesus wept.” What was the occasion for Jesus’ tears? It was the death of His friend Lazarus. Jesus wept as He stood before Lazarus’ tomb. Given Jesus’ understanding of life after death, of the glories of the … Continue reading “SUFFERING AND GRIEF”
DYING IN CHRIST
1 CORINTHIANS 15:35–58 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:56–57). Death is the curse visited upon the human race for the sin of Adam, but in Christ, death is swallowed … Continue reading “DYING IN CHRIST”