Unknowing Teachers 1 Timothy 1:7

False teachers known as Judaizers had infiltrated the church located in Ephesus. Paul the apostle commissioned his young protege' “Timothy” to oversee the church located there and to “charge some that they teach no other doctrine”. The Judaizers were promoting “fables and endless genealogies” which only produced “questions” rather than leading people to love God and love one another. Paul said they had “swerved” and “have turned aside unto vain jangling;” or empty words. In chapter one and verse seven of his letter to Timothy, Paul describes how these heretical people are “unknowing teachers” where we read:

Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.

The verse begins, “Desiring to be teachers of the law;” Paul began with the word, “Desiring” which means “to wish, to will, have in mind, intend to be resolved or determined and to purpose” “to be teachers of the law” or “interpreter of the law among the Jews”. They determined to be instructors of the Mosaic law, and were passionate about becoming known as “doctors” of the law of God.

The verse goes on to say, “understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.” Though these men had a “desire” to be instructors and interpreters of the law of Moses, Paul wrote, “understanding” which means “to perceive with the mind, to think upon, heed, ponder, and consider” “neither what they say” or “nothing about what they teach, exhort, advise, command or direct” “nor whereof” or “about, concerning, on account of, because of, around or near” “they affirm” which means “support strongly or assert confidently”. In other words, not only do these false teachers not know what they are talking about, but they promote what they don't know with such strong conviction that it is as though they do.

As we meditate upon Paul's words, perhaps we have known people who seem to know much, but know very little. Perhaps they have spoken what they don't know with strong conviction, and they enjoy their position as “teacher” or “leader” because they desire to be known as one. One thing we will find for certain in Paul's letter to Timothy is that he doesn't mince words when referring to heretical teaching. This was one of the primary reasons Paul wrote to young Timothy, and it is greatly beneficial to us as we imagine ourselves being Paul's student as well. Let us “desire” to be teachers, but be teachers who have “understanding” that when we share with others, we are well informed and able to give good instruction to all who are in need.

Next time Paul tells how “the law is good”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Vain Jangling 1 Timothy 1:6

Paul the apostle instructed Timothy to serve as an overseer in the church located in Ephesus. Timothy was to “charge some that they teach no other doctrine”, “neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies”. Judaizers who were false teachers who brought in these heresies were infiltrating the church in Ephesus, and their “stories” and “lineages” only “ministered questions” rather than promoting “love out of a pure heart, a good conscience and faith unfeigned” which was the “end of the commandment” or “law”. In chapter one and verse six of his letter, Paul shares with Timothy how some people have “turned aside unto” something he calls “vain jangling” where we read:

From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;

The verse begins, “From which some having swerved have turned aside...” Rather than being involved in practices which promote “love, good conscience, and unfeigned faith”, Paul wrote, “From which some” which refers to “certain ones” “having swerved” or “deviated from and missed the mark” “have turned aside” which literally means “twisted away or turned away” and is likened unto a person who twists their bone out of its socket. We can almost hear the passion in which Paul wrote this description.

The verse continues, “...unto vain jangling;” Paul added, “unto” or “into, towards, for or among” “vain jangling” which means “vain or empty talking”. Rather than having profitable words which build up the church members, these “empty talkers” only babble and speak of things of which they are ignorant.

It has been said, “The best way to say nothing is, don't say it”, and these false teachers would have been well advised to know this. Some people have thought that a “pulpit is nothing more than the extension of a man's ego”, and when it came to these heretical teachers, Paul believed it to be true. As we think about what Paul wrote, let us be sure of two things: First, that we have not “swerved and turned aside” from the faith in Jesus Christ which promotes “love, good conscience and faith unfeigned”, and secondly, that we never be as those who are involved in empty and vain babbling.

Next time Paul shares about people who “desire to be teachers of the law”, but don't know the law, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Charity, Good Conscience and Faith Unfeigned 1 Timothy 1:5

As Paul the apostle continued to instruct young Timothy, his “son in the faith”, he gave him the commission to “charge some that they teach no other doctrine” and “neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies”. Doing so would only lead to “questions, rather than” building others up in the faith. In chapter one and verse six of his letter, Paul tells Timothy “the end of the commandment is charity”, “a good conscience” and “faith unfeigned” where we read:

Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart,

and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:

The verse begins, “Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart,” Paul began this verse with, “Now the end” or “the limit at which a thing ceases to be, the finish, the last in succession or close” “of the commandment” which refers to an “announcement or proclaiming of a message or law” “is charity” which is the Greek word “agape” and means “affection, good will, love, benevolence, brotherly love and unconditional love”. Those who were promoting “fables and endless genealogies” were known as “Judaizers”, and they were only causing disturbances or “questions” among the church at Ephesus with their stories and lineages when the original intent of the “commandment” or “law” of God was to promote love toward God and others. Jesus said in the gospel of Matthew in chapter twenty-two and verses thirty-seven through forty,

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

Paul went on to add, “out of a pure heart” or springing out “clean, free from corrupt desire, free from sin and guilt, free from every admixture of what is false, sincere genuine, blameless, innocent, unstained with the guilt of anything”. This attitude is far from the “heart” of the “Judaizers” who were using the law to promote the bondage of legalism to relate to God and others.

The verse continues, “and of a good conscience,” The second trait given by Paul was, “and of a good” or “useful, pleasant, agreeable, joyful, happy, excellent, distinguished, upright and honorable” “conscience” which is a reference to “the soul as distinguishing between what is morally good and bad”. Not only was the “commandment” to bring a person to love God and others, but it would also keep them with a “happy, joyful, upright and morally good soul”. There is no comparison to a clear“conscience”, and we are never happier than when we are free from guilt and shame.

Finally the verse says, “and of faith unfeigned:” Finally Paul adds, “and of faith” which is the “conviction of the truth of anything and belief particularly relating to the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ” and with “a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God”. Paul said this “faith” should be “unfeigned” which means “sincere and undisguised”. “Faith” should not be “hypocritical, dead, and unfruitful faith, but faith which works by love”.

As we meditate upon these words of Paul, let us ask ourselves whether our ways promote love toward God and others. Let's also examine whether we have a “good conscience” which is free from guilt and shame, and let's look at our “faith”. Is it “unfeigned”, sincere and undisguised? May the Lord shine the light of His love upon us, direct us where needed, and remove any ways about us that do not represent Him as Paul has said lest we be known as those who lead others astray.

Next time Paul shares about “vain jangling”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Fables and Endless Genealogies 1 Timothy 1:4

As Paul the apostle shared with Timothy his “son in the faith”, he reminded him of his commission to oversee the church in Ephesus where he “might charge some that they teach no other doctrine”. False teachers crept into the church located in Ephesus, and Timothy was to make a stand against them. In chapter one and verse four of his letter to Timothy, Paul gives specific ways these heretical teachers are attempting to deviate from the gospel of Jesus Christ where we read:

Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions,

rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

The verse begins, “Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions,” Paul began with this directive, “Neither give heed to” which means “not to bring near or attend” “to fables” which were “stories, narratives, fiction and inventions of falsehood”. These “fables” were ones like Paul referred to in his letter to the Colossians in chapter two and verses eighteen through twenty three and were concerning “legends about the origin and propagation of angels”. Paul goes on to add, “and endless genealogies” which were “that which can not be passed through and boundless records of descent or lineage”. The idea was to show the relationship between a person and the “patriarchs” of the Jews which would show a level of importance or ranking for the individual examined. Paul said these “fables and endless genealogies” are those “which minister questions” or “to reach forth, offer show, afford and supply seeking, inquiry, debate and matters of controversy”.

The verse goes on to say, “rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.” The problem with these “fables and endless genealogies” is they stirred up strife “rather” or “more, to a greater degree, sooner, more willingly and more readily” “than godly edifying” which is “whatever can in any respect be likened unto God or resemble him in any way that builds a person up” “which is in faith” or “conviction of the truth of anything and belief.” The words “so do” are in italics which means they were added by the translators, however the implication to carry out this directive is easily inferred. Paul knew as long as people were conversing back and forth concerning “fictional stories” and “records of descent or lineage” they would be decimating one another rather than edifying in the faith.

As we think through these words of Paul to Timothy, we can sense “pride” as the prevalent characteristic within the people who promoted these stories and genealogies. Those who were “in the know” such as the false teaching Gnostics of that day would pay attention to their vast understanding of these “fables”, and those who could trace heritage and lineage would demonstrate how a person was either valuable or invaluable based upon their genealogy. This behavior only generated “questions” rather than edification which is essential in the church. While we ponder these ideas, let us examine our own lives and consider whether we are ones who “edify” others or “tear them down”. Do we lay burdens upon people which only “minister questions” rather than seeking to encourage them in their walk with Jesus Christ? May the Lord Jesus help us to be as those who build up others in the faith, and never be as those who decimate their relationship with God.

Next time Paul shares about a “pure heart”, a “good conscience” and “faith unfeigned”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Teach No Other Doctrine 1 Timothy 1:3

Paul the apostle began his letter to Timothy his “son in the faith” with an introduction of his title – “apostle”, his declaration - “and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope” and his blessing - “grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.” In chapter one and verse three of this letter, Paul begins his instruction to Timothy by reminding him of his duty to “charge some that they teach no other doctrine” where we read:

As I besought you to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia,

that you might charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

The verse begins, “As I besought you to abide still at Ephesus,...” Paul employed the words, “As I besought” which is “parakaleo” in the Greek language and means to “call to one's side, be called for, summoned, admonished, exhorted, begged, entreated, encouraged and instructed” “you to abide still” or “to remain with, to continue with one, to hold fast or tarry” “at Ephesus” which means “permitted” and was “a maritime city of Asia Minor, capital of Ionia and under the Romans, of proconsular Asia, situated on the Icarian Sea between Smyrna and Miletus”. We find “Ephesus” was first mentioned in the book of Acts in chapter eighteen and verse nineteen where Paul “entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.”

The verse goes on to say, “when I went into Macedonia” Paul mentioned the timing of his summoning to Timothy - “when I went” which means “to transfer or continue on” “into Macedonia” whose name means “extended land” and was “a country bounded on the south by Thessaly and Epirus, on the east by Thrace and the Aegean Sea, on the west by Illyria, and on the North by Dardania and Moesia”. “Macedonia” was first mentioned in the Bible in Acts chapter sixteen and verse nine where Paul had a vision and “There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.” Paul did as the man in his vision instructed, and he shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with the people who were located there.

The verse continues, “that you might charge some that they teach no other doctrine,” After reminding Timothy of the calling and timing of his overseeing of the church in Ephesus, Paul gave the specific instruction for Timothy to carry out there - “that you might charge” or “to transmit a message along from one to another, declare, announce, command and order” “some” which means “certain or certain ones” “that they teach” or “instruct or give instruction to” “no other doctrine” which refers to “a different or deviating school of thought, philosophy or belief”. Though Paul the apostle brought the gospel of Jesus Christ to the church in Ephesus, there were among the church members those who taught “other doctrines” which did not correspond to the grace of God. Timothy's commission was to superintend over the church in Ephesus and command these false teachers to not to teach these heretical doctrines.

As we meditate upon Paul's instruction to Timothy, let us imagine that we are the one given the task of keeping false doctrines out of our church. How do we think this would be received? What if we were younger in age like Timothy than those who were promoting these false teachings? In order to understand the Bible more clearly, we must ask the Holy Spirit of God to teach us His ways, and as we imagine ourselves in the positions such as Timothy and Paul, we will not only understand the scriptures but will also be able to apply them to our lives. Let us first consider there are “other doctrines” than the gospel of Jesus Christ which are promoted in the church, and secondly, there are times we will be in “charge” of bringing those heresies not only to light but also to halt them so others will keep away from them. May the Lord help us not only to know the difference between true and false doctrines, but also be bold enough to stopped them when we can.

Next time Paul shares about “fables and endless genealogies”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Timothy - 1 Timothy 1:2

Our study through the book of First Timothy began with an introduction to Paul the apostle or “called out and anointed one” “of Jesus Christ”. Paul knew he was an “apostle” by the Lord Jesus Christ's command, and he declared “Jesus is our hope” or “expectation of good and eternal salvation”. In chapter one and verse two of this letter, we are introduced to “Timothy” who is the initially intended recipient of these words where we read:

Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace,

from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

The verse begins, “Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith:” “Timothy” whose name in the Greek language is “Timotheous” means “honoring god”. Paul called him, “my own son” or “true, genuine, sincere and non-spurious offspring, descendant, and child” “in the faith” which means “conviction of the truth of anything and belief in particular toward God and His Son Jesus Christ”. Paul met Timothy in a city called Lystra on his first missionary journey. Some believe Paul may have stayed in Timothy's home as he knew Timothy's mother and grandmother “Eunice” and “Lois”, and it was it this time when Timothy is thought to have received the Lord Jesus as his Savior. Timothy accompanied Paul on his second missionary journey while he was yet a teenager, and he was later charged with discovering the welfare of the church located in Thessalonica. The bond between Paul and Timothy was such that Paul later wrote to the Philippians, “For I have no man likeminded” as he referred to young Timothy.

The verse continues, “Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.” As is customary with letters written by Paul the apostle, he adds “Grace” which means “that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness and unmerited favor” “mercy” or “kindness or good will towards the miserable and the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them” and “peace” which is “tranquility, harmony and concord” to his greeting. “Grace and Peace” are usual greetings within Paul's letters, but in the ones directed to Timothy, Titus and Philemon he adds “mercy” which basically is “not getting what is deserved”. Paul recognizes from whom these blessings come, “from God” who is “God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit” who is known as “our Father” or “those who through Christ have been exalted to a specially close and intimate relationship with God, and who no longer dread him as a stern judge of sinners, but revere him as their reconciled and loving Father” “and Jesus Christ” whose name and title means “Jehovah is Salvation the anointed one of God” “our Lord” or “person to whom we belong, and He who has the power of deciding”. In other words, Jesus Christ is our master and lord, and He is the one who governs over us.

As we meditate upon this greeting from Paul, it will be helpful for us to imagine that we are “Timothy” to whom he is writing. The Holy Spirit of God was the inspiration for this letter written by Paul, and it is He who passed this teaching down through the years that we might learn from it as well. We do well to know and receive the blessings of “Grace, mercy and peace” from the Lord Jesus, and it is best if we position ourselves to be “like-minded” with Paul as we “sit as his feet” and learn. Ultimately, God our Father and Jesus Christ His Son desire for us to know what Paul is going to present to young Timothy, and after we know these things, may the Lord bless us with the desire and passion to act upon them.

Next time Paul begins his instruction to Timothy and makes reference to Timothy's location, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Paul's Introduction 1 Timothy 1:1

As we embark upon a study of another book in the Bible, let us turn our attention to the book named “First Timothy”. “First Timothy” is one of two books within the Bible which bear the name of a young man whom Paul the apostle had the privilege of leading to Jesus Christ. “Timothy” whose name means “honoring god” had a Greek father and a Jewish mother, and became as a “son in the faith” to Paul. We shall learn more concerning him as we proceed through this book. For now, let us imagine that we are charged with the upbringing of a young man in the faith who will need guidance, instruction, exhortation and encouragement to be a “faithful minister” to the church located in Ephesus. Paul the apostle knew Timothy would need his assistance as he served within the church, and in chapter one and verse one he introduces himself and the reason he functions as he does. We read:

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Savior,

and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;

The verse begins, “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Savior,” “Paul” or “Paulus” in the Greek means “small or little” and was the name by which this great apostle was known after his conversion to Christianity. “Paul”, who was formally known as “Saul” or “Saulos” which was “Paul's” Hebrew name means “desired”, was “breathing out threatenings and slaughter” toward anyone who followed after Jesus Christ, and his desire was to totally eliminate anyone from having faith in Jesus. However, in chapter nine of the book of “The Acts of the Apostles” we see the events that led to “Saul” becoming a Christian himself, and later became “an apostle” or “a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders” “of Jesus” which means “Jehovah is Salvation” “Christ” which is “the anointed Son of God”. Paul had not called himself to be “an apostle of Jesus Christ” but it was “by the commandment” or “injunction, mandate and command” “of God” or “the Godhead” “our Savior” which means “deliverer and preserver”. In Paul's letters to the churches he often employed the title of “apostle” when he would write in authority concerning doctrine and church direction as he brought forth or answered certain questions or concerns. It is as with the authority of a spiritual father to his spiritual son in which Paul writes to Timothy.

The verse continues, “and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;” Paul goes on to add, “and the Lord” which means “he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master” “Jesus” or “Jehovah is salvation” “Christ” which we have learned is “the anointed Son of God”. It may seem a bit repetitious for Paul to refer to Jesus with His title again, however Paul knew that Jesus “which is our hope” or “expectation of good and our joyful confident expectation of eternal salvation” was indeed the only hope for eternal life with God. Jesus became Paul's personal hope for eternal salvation, and he knew all who put their faith in Jesus Christ will know of the hope of which he referred.

As we think through this letter from Paul, it will be helpful for us to think in terms of three levels of application of the things in which he writes. First, we may think of ourselves as his “children or students – his proteges” who sit at his feet to learn as Timothy did. Secondly, we should think in terms of others who are alongside us and are learning from this great teacher themselves. These are our colleagues and contemporaries who are journeying through the Christian faith at the same level we are. Finally, we should have those within our lives to whom we become as “spiritual fathers or mothers” and are their exhorters and encouragers as Paul will be to us. As a side note, this pattern was exhibited by Paul, Barnabas and Timothy who fulfilled these roles. Jesus Christ is our hope, and He is the one who calls us into ministry. As He uses Paul the apostle to instruct young Timothy, may we glean from the teachings in this book that our Lord Jesus Christ through His Holy Spirit has inspired.

Next time we will continue our study in the book of First Timothy and discover to whom Paul is writing and the blessings he shares toward him, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

You Will Perform the Truth Promised Micah 7:20

Micah the prophet wrote his words during a difficult time in Jerusalem and Samaria. Like the ten tribes of Israel who were conquered by the Assyrians because of their rebellion against the LORD, Judah and Benjamin their sister tribes were following in their footsteps. Micah told his people they would suffer capture and be exiled because of their apostasy, and though they were to be carried away from their homeland, the LORD would restore a remnant of them to their country again. He asked, “who is a God like unto you?” and he declared that the LORD “pardons iniquity”, “passes by transgression”, and doesn't “retain his anger for ever because he delights in mercy”. He added that the LORD would “turn again” to them and have “compassion” upon them in addition to subduing their “iniquities” and would “cast all their sins into the depths of the sea”. As Micah completed his prophesy in chapter seven and verse twenty, he declares one final characteristic of the LORD as he wrote, “You will perform the truth” and “mercy” where we read:

You will perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham,

which you have sworn unto our fathers from the days of old.

The verse begins, “You will perform the truth to Jacob,...” As a final declaration to solidify the LORD's promises to the people of Israel, Micah wrote, “You will perform” which means “put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate, constitute, give, bestow, provide, entrust, grant, permit, issue, publish, utter and assign” “the truth” or “firmness, faithfulness, sureness, reliability, stability and continuance” “to Jacob” which means “heel holder or supplanter”. Though the people of Jacob had rebelled against the LORD and they would pay a price for their insolence, still the LORD was going to bestow upon them reliability and continuance as a nation before Him.

The verse continues, “...and the mercy to Abraham,” Micah continued his final words by adding, “and the mercy” which means “goodness, kindness and faithfulness” “to Abraham” or “father or chief of the multitude” which is a direct reference to the nation of Israel. The LORD promised Abraham in the book of Genesis in chapter twenty-two and verse eighteen:

And in your seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because you have obeyed my voice.

and the LORD was going to be faithful in keeping His promise to Abraham's descendants.

Finally the verse says, “which you have sworn unto our fathers from the days of old.” Micah's final words to the people of Jerusalem and Samaria are, “which you have sworn” or “adjured or taken an oath” “unto our fathers” which refers to their “ancestors or heads and founders of a household, group, family, or clan” “from the days of old” which refers to a “time or time period of antiquity, in front of or that which was before”. The LORD promised in days past that He would not only “perform the truth to Jacob” but that He would also extend “mercy to Abraham”, and Micah's declaration was that He was going to keep that which He promised.

As we come to a close to the book of Micah and the prophecies which are in it, we would do well to consider once again the rebellion that was occurring throughout Jerusalem and Samaria. No one could be trusted, and everyone worked everything according to their own selfishness and advantage. They forsook the LORD and His ways, and they rather worshipped other gods such as money, pleasure, power and intellect. Micah pronounced judgment was coming for their pernicious ways, and though a price was to be paid for their rebellion, the LORD would restore a remnant of them to whom He would be merciful and forgiving. Micah has given us an example of the way the LORD Jesus is to all who will come to Him in faith. Though they have rebelled against His ways and turned to their own selfishness and advantage, He will willingly receive all who turn to Him, repent of their ways and begin to follow Him in all they do. The LORD Jesus will indeed “perform the truth” and have “mercy” upon all who devote their lives to Him, and this was Jesus' reason for dying on the cross and being raised to life again. May we and all who read these words come to know Jesus as their personal LORD and Savior who is more that ready to “perform the truth” and have “mercy” upon everyone who will yield their lives to Him.

Next time we will begin a study in the book of First Timothy, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

All Their Sins Into the Depths Micah 7:19

After declaring how the nations surrounding Israel would be dumbfounded and confused because of the “marvelous things” the LORD would do for them, Micah the prophet asked, “Who is a God like unto you, that pardons iniquity, and passes by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage?” Micah also stated, “he retains not his anger for ever” and the reason, “because he delights in mercy”. In chapter seven and verse nineteen of his prophesy, Micah continued to describe the way the LORD will manage Israel which includes casting “all their sins into the depths of the sea” where we read:

He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities;

and you will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

The verse begins, “He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities;” Micah had written almost seven chapters of prophecies concerning Jerusalem and Samaria and their pending judgment from the LORD. Their sin had distanced them from Almighty God, and because of their insolence, they were to be conquered and go into exile with the Babylonians. However, when the LORD promised to restore a remnant of them, Micah declared, “He will turn again” which means “return, come back or restore”, and “he will have compassion” which means “love, have mercy and tender affection” “upon us, he will subdue” or “subject, force, keep under, and bring into bondage” “our iniquities” which refers to their “perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity”. Not only would the LORD “pardon” their iniquities, pass by their “transgression”, not retain “his anger for ever” “because he delights in mercy”, but He would have “compassion” on them and “bring into bondage” their “iniquities” as well.

The verse continues, “and you will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” As though all those blessings are insufficient, Micah declared, “and you will cast” which means “throw, hurl and fling” “all their sins” or “conditions, guilt and punishments for sins” “into the depths” or “deep and most deep part” “of the sea” which refers to “the mighty seas such as the Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, Dead Sea and the Sea of Galilee”. The idea is that their “sins” were to be put so far away from them that they would never be found again.

As we think through these words of Micah, let us imagine the compassionate LORD returning to His people Israel, subduing their “iniquities”, and like a great shipmaster ridding his vessel of it refuse, hurling their “sins into the depths of the sea”. For Micah and those who could hear his prophesy, this must have be a joyful thought. Micah had written of the horrible conditions and circumstances in which he lived. Sin surrounded him, and even those within a person's household could not be trusted, and yet, the LORD was to have “compassion”, “subdue their iniquities” and “cast their sins into the depths of the sea”. If we associate ourselves to this wonderfully restored remnant of Israel, can we not imagine that this loving and compassionate LORD would do the same for us as well? Imagine the LORD Jesus gathering all the sinful and wrong things we have done in our lives in one huge package, wheeling it in His hand like a ball, and hurling it into the depths of the sea! Oh what joy! Oh what rapture! Oh what compassion our LORD Jesus has extended to all who will simply believe in, trust in, rely upon and cling to Him! May the LORD help us realize that He is indeed a compassionate, forgiving and merciful Savior who desires to “bring into bondage” all our sins and iniquities, and “cast” them so far away from us that we never see them again.

Next time Micah we finish the book of Micah and see how the LORD will perform His truth, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Who is a God Like You Micah 7:18

As Micah the prophet began to finish his prophesy concerning Jerusalem and Samaria, he wrote of the restoration of a remnant of people within Israel. The LORD was going to bless them and do so many “marvelous things” for them that the nations around them would be “confounded at all their might”, “lay their hand upon their mouth” and “their ears shall be deaf”. These nations would be like slithering “serpents” and trembling “worms of the earth” moving “out of their holes”. In other words, these nations “shall be afraid of the LORD God” and would “fear” Israel as well. In chapter seven and verse eighteen of his prophesy, Micah reacts to his own words by asking, “Who is a God like You?” where we read:

Who is a God like unto you, that pardons iniquity, and passes by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retains not his anger for ever, because he delights in mercy.

The verse begins, “Who is a God like unto you, that pardons iniquity, and passes by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage?” In a spontaneous reaction to the words he has just written, Micah asked, “Who is a God” or “God-like one or mighty one in power and strength” “like unto you that pardons” or “lifts, bears, carries, takes, assists, aids or exalts” “iniquity” which means “perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or consequences for wrong”. Micah added, “and passes by” or “crosses, marches over, traverses and sweeps by” “the transgression” or “rebellion” “of the remnant” which refers to the “remainder, residue or what is left” “of his heritage” or “possession, portion, inheritance and property”. This remnant, who would be restored to their land as a nation once again, were also guilty of “rebellion” and “perversity”, and yet the LORD God “pardons” and “passes by” their insolence as though they were without it.

The verse goes on to say, “he retains not his anger for ever, because he delights in mercy.” As though“pardon” and “passes by” were not enough, Micah described more of the LORD's characteristics as he wrote, “he retains” or “strengthens, prevails, hardens, becomes strong, courageous, firm, grows firm, becomes resolute or becomes sore” “not his anger” which refers to the “snarling of the nose, nostrils or face” “for ever” or until “perpetuity or the continuing future”. In other words, though the LORD with an angry face comes against “iniquity” and “transgressions”, He does not linger and hold a grudge “because he delights” which means “takes pleasure in, desires and is pleased” “in mercy” which is “goodness, kindness and faithfulness”. When “iniquity” and “transgression” were found within this remnant of Israel, the LORD saw it as an opportunity to extend His “mercy” and goodness to them once again.

As we meditate upon Micah's words, perhaps there are at least two perspectives we should examine. The first is to consider these wonderful characteristics of the LORD. Are we guilty ones who read these words not abundantly grateful that the LORD is known to “pardon iniquity” and “passes by transgression”? Are we not ecstatic that He does not “retain His anger for ever because he delights in mercy”? We love knowing that although we have violated the LORD's commandments, He is more than delighted to extend “mercy” upon us because it is His very nature to do so. The second perspective to consider is, “Are we like unto the LORD?” Do we “pardon” and “pass by” others' “iniquities” and “transgressions” especially when they are perpetrated against us? Do we “retain” our “anger for ever” and hold grudges for years against those who have wronged us? If our lives were to be examined, would people declare that we “delight in mercy”? Jesus Christ exemplified the characteristic of “mercy” when He prayed on the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do”, and we are challenged to be as He is. May the LORD stir our hearts and minds as we consider the LORD's ways and desire to be as He is.

Next time Micah writes more about the LORD's loving characteristics, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Nations Like Serpents and Worms Micah 7:17

The people within Jerusalem and Samaria were warned by Micah the prophet that judgment was to come upon them for their pernicious ways. Though they had a form of godliness, they lived in total opposition to it. No one could be trusted, and even their family members were suspect to take advantage of one another. Micah called upon the LORD as he knew there was no other source who would not only hear him, but also be his salvation. The LORD promised to show a remnant of people who would return to the land of Israel after being exiled to Babylon “marvelous things”, and because of these wonders the nations surrounding them would be astonished and dumbfounded. In chapter seven and verse seventeen of Micah's prophesy, Micah compares these nations to “serpents” and “worms” where we read:

They shall lick the dust like a serpent, they shall move out of their holes like worms of the earth: they shall be afraid of the LORD our God, and shall fear because of you.

The verse begins, “They shall lick the dust like a serpent, they shall move out of their holes like worms of the earth:” As Micah continued to describe the reaction of the nations to the way the LORD would bless Israel, he wrote, “They shall lick” or “lick up” “the dust” which means “dry earth, powder, ashes, earth, ground, mortar, rubbish and debris” “like a serpent” or “snake”. If we use our imaginations we can picture these subservient nations crawling on their bellies in humility before the people of Israel in reaction to God's “marvelous things”. Micah adds, “they shall move” which literally means “tremble, quake, rage and quiver” “out of their holes” or “close places, boarders and rims” “like worms” which refers to “creeping and crawling worms” “of the earth” or “land, country and territory”. The idea is they will be so fearful and afraid that they will hesitantly crawl out of their holes in which they live.

The verse goes on to say, “they shall be afraid of the LORD our God, and shall fear because of you.” Micah adds to his description of these nations by writing, “they shall be afraid” or “fear, tremble, revere, dread and be in awe” “of the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah” “our God” which in Hebrew is “elohiym” and means “rulers, judges and divine ones”. Micah goes on to say, “and shall fear” or “be afraid, awed, respect and reverence” “because of you” or “because of what has happened to you”. In other words, when the surrounding nations see the LORD's blessing, restoration and rebuilding of the nation of Israel, they shall be filled with fear and awe from the “marvelous” workings of the Almighty God.

As we ponder Micah's words concerning the fear of these other nations, perhaps the LORD will have us examine our own lives to determine if we have such an impact upon those who surround us. Do we have “marvelous things” from the LORD occurring in our daily routines of which people are in “awe”? Does the manner in which we handle trials and difficulties differ so much from others that when we endure them others are “afraid of the LORD”? Maybe we should use this time of meditation to ask the LORD to work “marvelously” within our lives so others not only fear and reverence Him, but also desire to know His Son Jesus Christ as their Savior. Lest we become like “serpents” and “worms” who tremble as they see the production of the LORD in others, may God Almighty work in us so greatly that many will come to know Him through what they see.

Next time Micah writes about wonderful characteristics of the LORD, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.