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Coffee House Chapel #3
- Thread starter Dan Todd
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Monday, February 23, 2004
The Soldier's Armor--The Shield of Faith
Ephesians 6:16
Lydia Baxter inked the stanza---humm it along or sing it as you scroll down and think about the words
Take the name of Jesus ever
As a shield from every snare
If temptations round you gather
Breath that Holy name in prayer
Precious name, O how sweet
Hope of Earth and joy of Heav'n
Looking at v.16 at the phrase, "above all"---it almost gives the impression "most importantly"---but Paul is here saying that along with truth and righteousness and the gospel of peace--we're going to need the following items, also!! Just won't be completly equipped without them!
Verse 16 speaks of the "shield of faith"
In the Roman age--there were two different types of shields that were carried into battle by the soldiers. First, there may have simply been the usual small, round hand held shield---rather "Mobile" that the individual would carry as he engaged in hand to hand battle. You've seen pictures of those shields---fit on the forearm of one arm---held with one hand while the other was free to swing the sword!
But there was another type shield called a "Thureos." This shield was 2 1/2 feet wide and 4 1/2 feet high and would cover the soldier's entire body! The usual tactic for the advancing soldiers was to stand shoulder to shoulder forming a "phalanx" which would creat a wall if impentrable iron marching---sorta like a tank on feet!!
This verse speaks of "Faith" What is Paul talking about when he says we need to be equipped with the shield of faith???
The faith he is speaking of here is a total reliance and dependability upon the person who is saving you----the Lord Jesus Christ!!! You see, the soldiers behind those physical shields were depending totally upon the Roman Empire---those of us behind spiritual shields have placed our dependance upon the Kingdom of God!!! Amen??
Look at what the shield protects us from!! Notice verse 16---with the shield of faith---our whole totality and dependance thrown on the Lord Jesus Christ---we "shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."
Oftentimes---the enemy archers would wrap pieces of cloth around their arrows and dip them in tar and light them on fire--before projecting them toward the advancing troops----the fiery "darts" could wreck havoc on the advancers who are not rightly prepared for assault!
Oftentimes before advanceing into battle--the soldiers would take these shields we are speaking of and "saturate" them(the shields) in bathes of water(if the shield's were made of leather) As the defenders would launch their fiery darts---the darts were quickly "extinquished" by the shields saturated in water!!---we can do the same thing too! Before "advancing" into the day---we can saturate ourselves in "the water of the word"
There's nothin' the devil would like to do better than to launch an all out frontal attack on us with the fiery darts of hell---today, friend---you and I as advancing soldiers in the Army of the Living God need to saturate ourselves in the "water of the word"----throwing ourselves down in total dependency opon the Lord Jesus by faith--resting on Him to bring about victory!
The Soldier's Armor--The Shield of Faith
Ephesians 6:16
Lydia Baxter inked the stanza---humm it along or sing it as you scroll down and think about the words
Take the name of Jesus ever
As a shield from every snare
If temptations round you gather
Breath that Holy name in prayer
Precious name, O how sweet
Hope of Earth and joy of Heav'n
Looking at v.16 at the phrase, "above all"---it almost gives the impression "most importantly"---but Paul is here saying that along with truth and righteousness and the gospel of peace--we're going to need the following items, also!! Just won't be completly equipped without them!
Verse 16 speaks of the "shield of faith"
In the Roman age--there were two different types of shields that were carried into battle by the soldiers. First, there may have simply been the usual small, round hand held shield---rather "Mobile" that the individual would carry as he engaged in hand to hand battle. You've seen pictures of those shields---fit on the forearm of one arm---held with one hand while the other was free to swing the sword!
But there was another type shield called a "Thureos." This shield was 2 1/2 feet wide and 4 1/2 feet high and would cover the soldier's entire body! The usual tactic for the advancing soldiers was to stand shoulder to shoulder forming a "phalanx" which would creat a wall if impentrable iron marching---sorta like a tank on feet!!
This verse speaks of "Faith" What is Paul talking about when he says we need to be equipped with the shield of faith???
The faith he is speaking of here is a total reliance and dependability upon the person who is saving you----the Lord Jesus Christ!!! You see, the soldiers behind those physical shields were depending totally upon the Roman Empire---those of us behind spiritual shields have placed our dependance upon the Kingdom of God!!! Amen??
Look at what the shield protects us from!! Notice verse 16---with the shield of faith---our whole totality and dependance thrown on the Lord Jesus Christ---we "shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."
Oftentimes---the enemy archers would wrap pieces of cloth around their arrows and dip them in tar and light them on fire--before projecting them toward the advancing troops----the fiery "darts" could wreck havoc on the advancers who are not rightly prepared for assault!
Oftentimes before advanceing into battle--the soldiers would take these shields we are speaking of and "saturate" them(the shields) in bathes of water(if the shield's were made of leather) As the defenders would launch their fiery darts---the darts were quickly "extinquished" by the shields saturated in water!!---we can do the same thing too! Before "advancing" into the day---we can saturate ourselves in "the water of the word"
There's nothin' the devil would like to do better than to launch an all out frontal attack on us with the fiery darts of hell---today, friend---you and I as advancing soldiers in the Army of the Living God need to saturate ourselves in the "water of the word"----throwing ourselves down in total dependency opon the Lord Jesus by faith--resting on Him to bring about victory!
February 24
Romans 11:1, “I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid.”
Beginning with Abraham, God made very specific promises to Israel, and these promises are to be taken literally. The Jews throughout the Old Testament times understood that those promises would be literally fulfilled.
Sadly, when their Messiah came, they were not looking for a Messiah to pay for their sins, they were looking for a Messiah to rescue them from Roman oppression. Spiritual blindness and bitter jealousy prevented them from recognizing Jesus as John 1:11 tells us, “He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” When Jesus was being tried by Pilate, Pilate mockingly asked the Jewish crowd, “Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar” (John 19:15).
When Paul addressed his letter to the Romans, most Jews were confused about their true destiny in regard to their Messiah. The Jews reasoning was, because they were God’s chosen people, in was unthinkable that they would not recognize their Messiah, much less reject Him and put Him to death. Even if they were disobedient, rebellious, and spiritually blind, they most certainly would recognize and embrace their long-awaited Deliverer! Most assuredly the religious leaders would recognize Messiah when He arrived, even if the common man did not!
After His encounter with Zacchaeus, Jesus prophesied that he would be rejected in the parable of the nobleman - Luke 19:11-14, “And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.”
After the healing of the lame man in the gate of the temple, Peter reminded the Jews of their tragic rejection of Messiah, Acts 3:14-15, “But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.”
“Because Israel ‘stumbled over the stumbling stone,’ Jesus Christ - and would not believe Him (Rom. 9:32-33), and because Israel did not know ‘about God’s righteousness and [sought] to establish their own’ (Rom. 10:3), and because God had continually ‘All day long .... stretched forth [His] hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people’ (Rom. 10:21) who rejected Him, would not God be fully justified in forever rejecting them?” (MacArthur)
Such wickedness more than deserved/deserves God’s immediate and permanent condemnation. Paul makes two things abundantly clear about this rejection of Messiah by Israel: it was not a surprise to God, and it is an integral part of His eternal plan of salvation/redemption. Paul also makes it clear that, despite it being a part of God’s plan, God still holds Israel accountable for her rejection of Messiah.
Now can I logically understand both ends of that equation? I cannot! It is another example of the seemingly irreconcilable association of God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility. I do not understand it, but I believe it, because God’s Word teaches it!
Both Scripture and history teach us that Israel rejected their Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. Scripture also makes certain that God consequently set His ancient and beloved people aside.
Where does this leave us? Is this setting aside permanent? Our text (Rom 11:1) says No, and Rom. 11:25 tells us that it is temporary, “until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.” Over the last few devotionals we have looked at many Scriptures that verify that God’s promises to Israel through the patriarchs were unconditional and eternal. “Paul knew that neither Jew nor Gentile would place his trust in a God who did not keep His promises. And God’s unqualified promises to Israel included the assurance that He would never completely forsake her. Because God’s Word is grounded in His divine integrity and faithfulness, even His chosen people’s rejection and crucifixion of His Son could not revoke the ultimate fulfillment of His promises to them. It is that glorious truth that Paul explains and clarifies in Romans 11.” (MacArthur)
Adapted from “Romans” by MacArthur.
In Christ,
Dan Todd
Romans 11:1, “I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid.”
Beginning with Abraham, God made very specific promises to Israel, and these promises are to be taken literally. The Jews throughout the Old Testament times understood that those promises would be literally fulfilled.
Sadly, when their Messiah came, they were not looking for a Messiah to pay for their sins, they were looking for a Messiah to rescue them from Roman oppression. Spiritual blindness and bitter jealousy prevented them from recognizing Jesus as John 1:11 tells us, “He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” When Jesus was being tried by Pilate, Pilate mockingly asked the Jewish crowd, “Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar” (John 19:15).
When Paul addressed his letter to the Romans, most Jews were confused about their true destiny in regard to their Messiah. The Jews reasoning was, because they were God’s chosen people, in was unthinkable that they would not recognize their Messiah, much less reject Him and put Him to death. Even if they were disobedient, rebellious, and spiritually blind, they most certainly would recognize and embrace their long-awaited Deliverer! Most assuredly the religious leaders would recognize Messiah when He arrived, even if the common man did not!
After His encounter with Zacchaeus, Jesus prophesied that he would be rejected in the parable of the nobleman - Luke 19:11-14, “And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.”
After the healing of the lame man in the gate of the temple, Peter reminded the Jews of their tragic rejection of Messiah, Acts 3:14-15, “But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.”
“Because Israel ‘stumbled over the stumbling stone,’ Jesus Christ - and would not believe Him (Rom. 9:32-33), and because Israel did not know ‘about God’s righteousness and [sought] to establish their own’ (Rom. 10:3), and because God had continually ‘All day long .... stretched forth [His] hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people’ (Rom. 10:21) who rejected Him, would not God be fully justified in forever rejecting them?” (MacArthur)
Such wickedness more than deserved/deserves God’s immediate and permanent condemnation. Paul makes two things abundantly clear about this rejection of Messiah by Israel: it was not a surprise to God, and it is an integral part of His eternal plan of salvation/redemption. Paul also makes it clear that, despite it being a part of God’s plan, God still holds Israel accountable for her rejection of Messiah.
Now can I logically understand both ends of that equation? I cannot! It is another example of the seemingly irreconcilable association of God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility. I do not understand it, but I believe it, because God’s Word teaches it!
Both Scripture and history teach us that Israel rejected their Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. Scripture also makes certain that God consequently set His ancient and beloved people aside.
Where does this leave us? Is this setting aside permanent? Our text (Rom 11:1) says No, and Rom. 11:25 tells us that it is temporary, “until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.” Over the last few devotionals we have looked at many Scriptures that verify that God’s promises to Israel through the patriarchs were unconditional and eternal. “Paul knew that neither Jew nor Gentile would place his trust in a God who did not keep His promises. And God’s unqualified promises to Israel included the assurance that He would never completely forsake her. Because God’s Word is grounded in His divine integrity and faithfulness, even His chosen people’s rejection and crucifixion of His Son could not revoke the ultimate fulfillment of His promises to them. It is that glorious truth that Paul explains and clarifies in Romans 11.” (MacArthur)
Adapted from “Romans” by MacArthur.
In Christ,
Dan Todd
Wednesday, Feburary 25, 2004
The Armor of God--The Helmet of Salvation
Epesians 6:17
Our last study focused on the Shield of Faith! Physically, this shield covered the entire body of the soldier and protected him from the "fiery darts" of the enemy. The enemy would take arrows and wrap pieces of cloth around the tips, dip the tips in pitch, light the arrows on fire and launch them toward the advanceing troops! It would find its mark and make a mess! You may say it was a early version of Napalm bombs!!
To counter the tactic---the advancing troops would take their shields, often made of tough leather and saturate them in baths of water---thus giving the shield the ability to "quench" the fiery darts!
The Bible says we are to take our "shield of faith" with us! This faith Paul is speaking of---where does it come from??? Well, the Bible says again that "Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God." Ephesians depicts the word of God by water--we are "washed by the water of the word" Faith comes when the soldier of God begins to saturate themselves with the word of God.
Today we talk a little about the helmet of salvation! Verse 17 says we are to take "the helmet of salvation." In the physical world, the combat helmet protected the head and skull of the warrior/soldier. It was often fashioned from thick leather with bits of metal, rock, and bone woven in. Sometimes it was fashioned from metal that was beaten and shaped to fit the particular head in question. It was to be worn by the foot soldier into the battlefield.
Now, physically the helmet protects the head and skull. We need to apply the concept to the spiritual world. How do we do that?? Here's how!
God gives us this helmet to protect primarily--our minds!! The mind houses our ability to rationalize and to think and to reason and to make decisions. No other species was created with that ability.
This helmet is used to protect our thoughts from Satanic influences, interferences, and interjections. You see, the devil would love to "put a thought" in our heads!! Why?? Because the THOUGHT is the FATHER OF THE DEED!! Satan is a brilliant stradigist!! He wants to hit us where it will hurt---in a place vulnerable to thought! 2Corinthians 4:4 says, "The god of this world hath blinded the MINDS of them which believe not."
Lets look at a few verses which describe actually--two different types of MINDS we can have----
1. THE MIND OF A REPROBATE
Romans 1:28
This mind is closely related to the corrupt mind as in 1Timothy 6:5 and 2Timothy 3:8
2. THE MIND OF CHRIST
Philippians 4:7
Philippians 2:5
2Timothy 1:7
2Peter 3:1
Do you know what this helmet of salvation speaks of?? It speaks of Jesus! Jesus is God's salvation! We are to "Put" Jesus into our minds! "Have this mind in you which was also in Christ Jesus!" Saturate our minds---let our minds be "engulfed" with Jesus today! What do you think He's thinkin' right now???
When you walk out your door toward work today---go ahead and slip Jesus' helmet on!!
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on thse things."--Philippians 4:8
The Armor of God--The Helmet of Salvation
Epesians 6:17
Our last study focused on the Shield of Faith! Physically, this shield covered the entire body of the soldier and protected him from the "fiery darts" of the enemy. The enemy would take arrows and wrap pieces of cloth around the tips, dip the tips in pitch, light the arrows on fire and launch them toward the advanceing troops! It would find its mark and make a mess! You may say it was a early version of Napalm bombs!!
To counter the tactic---the advancing troops would take their shields, often made of tough leather and saturate them in baths of water---thus giving the shield the ability to "quench" the fiery darts!
The Bible says we are to take our "shield of faith" with us! This faith Paul is speaking of---where does it come from??? Well, the Bible says again that "Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God." Ephesians depicts the word of God by water--we are "washed by the water of the word" Faith comes when the soldier of God begins to saturate themselves with the word of God.
Today we talk a little about the helmet of salvation! Verse 17 says we are to take "the helmet of salvation." In the physical world, the combat helmet protected the head and skull of the warrior/soldier. It was often fashioned from thick leather with bits of metal, rock, and bone woven in. Sometimes it was fashioned from metal that was beaten and shaped to fit the particular head in question. It was to be worn by the foot soldier into the battlefield.
Now, physically the helmet protects the head and skull. We need to apply the concept to the spiritual world. How do we do that?? Here's how!
God gives us this helmet to protect primarily--our minds!! The mind houses our ability to rationalize and to think and to reason and to make decisions. No other species was created with that ability.
This helmet is used to protect our thoughts from Satanic influences, interferences, and interjections. You see, the devil would love to "put a thought" in our heads!! Why?? Because the THOUGHT is the FATHER OF THE DEED!! Satan is a brilliant stradigist!! He wants to hit us where it will hurt---in a place vulnerable to thought! 2Corinthians 4:4 says, "The god of this world hath blinded the MINDS of them which believe not."
Lets look at a few verses which describe actually--two different types of MINDS we can have----
1. THE MIND OF A REPROBATE
Romans 1:28
This mind is closely related to the corrupt mind as in 1Timothy 6:5 and 2Timothy 3:8
2. THE MIND OF CHRIST
Philippians 4:7
Philippians 2:5
2Timothy 1:7
2Peter 3:1
Do you know what this helmet of salvation speaks of?? It speaks of Jesus! Jesus is God's salvation! We are to "Put" Jesus into our minds! "Have this mind in you which was also in Christ Jesus!" Saturate our minds---let our minds be "engulfed" with Jesus today! What do you think He's thinkin' right now???
When you walk out your door toward work today---go ahead and slip Jesus' helmet on!!
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on thse things."--Philippians 4:8
February 26
Romans 11:1, “I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid.”
Paul enjoys asking rhetorical questions (questions that do not require an answer - our text is such a question)! By the time Paul wrote Romans, he must have dealt with the confusion and misunderstanding regarding Israel’s standing with God, many times. “Cast” (reject) is from the Greek word apotheo - which means to thrust away from oneself. “Paul is not asking whether or not God has refused to receive His people to Himself, but whether or not he has trust away from Himself the people He long ago received as His own.” (MacArthur)
The apostle answers his own question, stating firmly the obvious, “No, No, a thousand times, NO! (Todd’s paraphrase) The Greek word is me genoito , the strongest negative in the Greek language. Jesus is recorded as having used this word once in Luke 20:16. Other than that use, Paul is the only New Testament writer to use the phrase, and he does so fourteen times, ten of which are in Romans. In our text, he uses is to repudiate an anticipated misunderstanding by his readers!
Just what causes Paul to use this strongest of negatives? It is to state clearly and concisely the total inconceivability that God would default on His unconditional promises to Israel.
Even though Israel was disobedient and obstinate (Rom. 10:21), Scripture is filled with God’s promises never to forsake His chosen people.
1 Sam. 12:22, “For the Lord will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the Lord to make you his people.”
Psalm 89:31-37, “If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments; Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes. Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail. My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips. Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David. His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me. It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.”
Psalm 94:14, “For the Lord will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.”
Psalm 106:44-45, “Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry: And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.”
There are two salient points that MacArthur makes regarding this text, “It is God’s faithfulness to Israel that guarantees her ultimate redemption and restoration,” and “God’s grace always surpasses His people’s sin.”
The writer of Psalm 105 thanks and praises God for His unalterable and permanent covenant relationship with Israel. Psalm 105:8-10, “He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations. Which covenant he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac; And confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant.”
Nehemiah records the sentiment of Israel after returning to the promised land from the Babylonian captivity. Neh. 9:26-27, 31, “Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations. Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies. Nevertheless for thy great mercies' sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God.”
Although Israel deserved (as do we ) God’s damnation, God’s integrity would/will not allow it. Neh 9:32 states, “our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, [dost] ... keep... covenant and mercy.”
Jeremiah states, “Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the Lord; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make him afraid. For I am with thee, saith the Lord, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished. Hear the word of the Lord, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock..” (Jeremiah 30:10-11; 31:10)
Paul was confident (as we can be) that God would never completely cast Israel aside, because God had promised never to do so. In light of that truth, Paul affirms that God’s present setting aside of Israel is only partial, Rom. 11:1-10. Paul does this by pointing to himself as a believing Jew (ver 1b), by pointing to the believing remnant whom God has always preserved in Israel, (ver 2-7a), and by pointing to God’s revelation about unbelieving Israelites whose hearts are hardened to His grace, (ver 7b-10).
Made God bless us with understanding as we continue with this study.
Adapted from “Romans” by MacArthur.
In Christ,
Dan Todd
Romans 11:1, “I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid.”
Paul enjoys asking rhetorical questions (questions that do not require an answer - our text is such a question)! By the time Paul wrote Romans, he must have dealt with the confusion and misunderstanding regarding Israel’s standing with God, many times. “Cast” (reject) is from the Greek word apotheo - which means to thrust away from oneself. “Paul is not asking whether or not God has refused to receive His people to Himself, but whether or not he has trust away from Himself the people He long ago received as His own.” (MacArthur)
The apostle answers his own question, stating firmly the obvious, “No, No, a thousand times, NO! (Todd’s paraphrase) The Greek word is me genoito , the strongest negative in the Greek language. Jesus is recorded as having used this word once in Luke 20:16. Other than that use, Paul is the only New Testament writer to use the phrase, and he does so fourteen times, ten of which are in Romans. In our text, he uses is to repudiate an anticipated misunderstanding by his readers!
Just what causes Paul to use this strongest of negatives? It is to state clearly and concisely the total inconceivability that God would default on His unconditional promises to Israel.
Even though Israel was disobedient and obstinate (Rom. 10:21), Scripture is filled with God’s promises never to forsake His chosen people.
1 Sam. 12:22, “For the Lord will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the Lord to make you his people.”
Psalm 89:31-37, “If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments; Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes. Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail. My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips. Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David. His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me. It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.”
Psalm 94:14, “For the Lord will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.”
Psalm 106:44-45, “Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry: And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.”
There are two salient points that MacArthur makes regarding this text, “It is God’s faithfulness to Israel that guarantees her ultimate redemption and restoration,” and “God’s grace always surpasses His people’s sin.”
The writer of Psalm 105 thanks and praises God for His unalterable and permanent covenant relationship with Israel. Psalm 105:8-10, “He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations. Which covenant he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac; And confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant.”
Nehemiah records the sentiment of Israel after returning to the promised land from the Babylonian captivity. Neh. 9:26-27, 31, “Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations. Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies. Nevertheless for thy great mercies' sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God.”
Although Israel deserved (as do we ) God’s damnation, God’s integrity would/will not allow it. Neh 9:32 states, “our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, [dost] ... keep... covenant and mercy.”
Jeremiah states, “Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the Lord; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make him afraid. For I am with thee, saith the Lord, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished. Hear the word of the Lord, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock..” (Jeremiah 30:10-11; 31:10)
Paul was confident (as we can be) that God would never completely cast Israel aside, because God had promised never to do so. In light of that truth, Paul affirms that God’s present setting aside of Israel is only partial, Rom. 11:1-10. Paul does this by pointing to himself as a believing Jew (ver 1b), by pointing to the believing remnant whom God has always preserved in Israel, (ver 2-7a), and by pointing to God’s revelation about unbelieving Israelites whose hearts are hardened to His grace, (ver 7b-10).
Made God bless us with understanding as we continue with this study.
Adapted from “Romans” by MacArthur.
In Christ,
Dan Todd
Friday, February 27, 2004
"The Armor of God--The Sword of the Spirit"
Ephesians 6:17
We've been looking at these pieces of armor and how that so far along these become known to us as our "defensive" weapons we use to protect ourselves against basically the "wiles" and "fiery darts" of the devil! The word "wiles" gives us the idea that one of the devil's manuvering tactics is in deception and deceit. Lies that appear so real---we receive them as the truth! The word "fiery darts" gives us the idea that a all out frontal attack in broad daylight will take place against us. Get ready! Its coming! Be on the alert! Test everything!
Lets look a minute at verse 17 and learn about the only "offensive" weapon that is on the list---and later on we'll even see that our only "offensive" weapon can be used, too as a defensive weapon!
The Sword of the Spirit which is the word of God!!
This sword---notice again---undoubtably----Paul's listeners---when they heard him speak and read this epistles among themselves---knew exactly what he was referring to in the physical realm---they had to take it and apply it in the spirit realm just like you and I are to do!
The word "sword" here comes from the Greek word, "Machaira"---probably where we get our word, Machette. It varied in length anywhere from 6 to 18 inches and was commonly carried in scabards by the Roman foot soldier.
Matthew 26:47--this sword was carried by the soldiers as they came to arrest Jesus in the Garden.
Peter "drew" his Machaira and wacked off the ear of the servant in Matt. 26:51
In Acts 12:2, Harod's executioners used a Machaira to behead the Apostle James.
Now, in the physical realm--when Paul talked about these swords---the listeners knew and could identify---probably all of them had one for themselves and if they didn't---they probably knew where they could get their hands on one real quick!!
In the spiritual realm, friend---in the spiritual realm(I don't want anybody to think I'm a fanatic here in the physical realm!!) but in the spiritual realm---the Apostle Paul is telling us---in a modern David Crowe translation---"You gotta have a sword! You are a soldier in God's army---you have to arm yourselves spiritually!!" There's preachers on the board here where you read who--in the physical realm will tell you "I pack heat!!"---meaning, "I am a registered handgun owner!"----well, just a word here interjected----we, as Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are in a whole lot more danger---in the spiritual realm than we are in the physical realm. You see! I've lived 45 years---and never not one single day of those 45 years have I ever been assaulted physically----I have never in my 45 years of living been in danger physcially from some sort of wicked assault!!! Now, that might change today, I don't know! But I believe its possible for me to live the rest of my life---and physically never be challenged with confronted assault from any person!!----BUT----I can promise you---before the day is over----there'll be "dust flyin'" on some battlefield I'll walk onto in the spiritual realm!! You and I had better be ready!!
Now, back to the Sword!
Notice the phrase, "of the Spirit"---this phrase is a Greek rendering that points to origon or where and who the sword belongs to! Read the whole phrase together "The sword of the Spirit which is the word of God"----the word we use as an offensive weapon against our spiritual foe belongs to the Spirit of God!!! The Bible you hold in your hand belongs to the Spirit of God! Its His weapon! He's letting us use it!!
A soldier in the Army will be ordered to take his weapon assigned to him and disassemble it and assemble it back---in the pitch dark of the night!! He is to become "Best friends" with his weapon---his "M-1 Garuand!" His "M-14!" His "M-16!"---he knows it backwards and forwards! It protects his life! It is his friend!!
Same with the Sword of the Spirit which is the word of God!! You're gonna need it today! You're gonna need a "word" from the Word to make it through! You can let your weapon be a "light unto your path" today---to illuminate and expose!
We'll look next time at how it is used defensively and then offensively!! But the sword of the Spirit is the word of God!
"The Armor of God--The Sword of the Spirit"
Ephesians 6:17
We've been looking at these pieces of armor and how that so far along these become known to us as our "defensive" weapons we use to protect ourselves against basically the "wiles" and "fiery darts" of the devil! The word "wiles" gives us the idea that one of the devil's manuvering tactics is in deception and deceit. Lies that appear so real---we receive them as the truth! The word "fiery darts" gives us the idea that a all out frontal attack in broad daylight will take place against us. Get ready! Its coming! Be on the alert! Test everything!
Lets look a minute at verse 17 and learn about the only "offensive" weapon that is on the list---and later on we'll even see that our only "offensive" weapon can be used, too as a defensive weapon!
The Sword of the Spirit which is the word of God!!
This sword---notice again---undoubtably----Paul's listeners---when they heard him speak and read this epistles among themselves---knew exactly what he was referring to in the physical realm---they had to take it and apply it in the spirit realm just like you and I are to do!
The word "sword" here comes from the Greek word, "Machaira"---probably where we get our word, Machette. It varied in length anywhere from 6 to 18 inches and was commonly carried in scabards by the Roman foot soldier.
Matthew 26:47--this sword was carried by the soldiers as they came to arrest Jesus in the Garden.
Peter "drew" his Machaira and wacked off the ear of the servant in Matt. 26:51
In Acts 12:2, Harod's executioners used a Machaira to behead the Apostle James.
Now, in the physical realm--when Paul talked about these swords---the listeners knew and could identify---probably all of them had one for themselves and if they didn't---they probably knew where they could get their hands on one real quick!!
In the spiritual realm, friend---in the spiritual realm(I don't want anybody to think I'm a fanatic here in the physical realm!!) but in the spiritual realm---the Apostle Paul is telling us---in a modern David Crowe translation---"You gotta have a sword! You are a soldier in God's army---you have to arm yourselves spiritually!!" There's preachers on the board here where you read who--in the physical realm will tell you "I pack heat!!"---meaning, "I am a registered handgun owner!"----well, just a word here interjected----we, as Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are in a whole lot more danger---in the spiritual realm than we are in the physical realm. You see! I've lived 45 years---and never not one single day of those 45 years have I ever been assaulted physically----I have never in my 45 years of living been in danger physcially from some sort of wicked assault!!! Now, that might change today, I don't know! But I believe its possible for me to live the rest of my life---and physically never be challenged with confronted assault from any person!!----BUT----I can promise you---before the day is over----there'll be "dust flyin'" on some battlefield I'll walk onto in the spiritual realm!! You and I had better be ready!!
Now, back to the Sword!
Notice the phrase, "of the Spirit"---this phrase is a Greek rendering that points to origon or where and who the sword belongs to! Read the whole phrase together "The sword of the Spirit which is the word of God"----the word we use as an offensive weapon against our spiritual foe belongs to the Spirit of God!!! The Bible you hold in your hand belongs to the Spirit of God! Its His weapon! He's letting us use it!!
A soldier in the Army will be ordered to take his weapon assigned to him and disassemble it and assemble it back---in the pitch dark of the night!! He is to become "Best friends" with his weapon---his "M-1 Garuand!" His "M-14!" His "M-16!"---he knows it backwards and forwards! It protects his life! It is his friend!!
Same with the Sword of the Spirit which is the word of God!! You're gonna need it today! You're gonna need a "word" from the Word to make it through! You can let your weapon be a "light unto your path" today---to illuminate and expose!
We'll look next time at how it is used defensively and then offensively!! But the sword of the Spirit is the word of God!
February 28
Romans 11:1, “I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.”
For the past few devotions we looked at the first phrase of our text which asks the question, has God forsaken His ancient people of Israel. There is no way Paul could have been more dogmatic than with the answer “God forbid!” May it never be! To substantiate his answer to his rhetoric question, Paul gives us three proofs:
1. The truth about the writer, verse 1b.
2. The truth about the remnant, verses 2-7a.
3. The truth about the revelation, verses 7b-10.
Today, we look at the first proof that God had not rejected His chosen people, and that proof is Paul himself. Not only was Paul a believer in Jesus Christ, he was also an apostle, and a servant of Jesus Christ, (Romans 1:1, “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God.”), but he was also an Israelite!
On the Day of Pentecost (the birthday of the church), all who were saved and added to the church were Jews. In fact, for several years, almost all who were saved were Jews. That is the reason Paul (Saul) had once fiercely persecuted the church.
Acts 8:1-3, “And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.”
Acts 9:1-2, “And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.”
Before his conversion, it is hard to imagine a more fanatical Christ-hating and Christian-hating Jew in Israel. Paul’s argument is, “if such a Christ-rejecting Jew as himself could be brought to saving faith, the gospel had power to save any Jew.” (MacArthur)
Paul’s conversion makes it obvious that God has not rejected all of Israel. Paul was living proof that “just as God’s promises to Israel do not include all individual Jews, so His judgment and temporary rejection of Israel do not include all individual Jews.” (MacArthur)
Would you devote and risk your entire life (from the point of your conversion) to preach a gospel from which you were excluded? Neither would Paul, and neither did he!
Paul gives us his pedigree! He was not a proselyte to Judaism, he was a Jew by birth, a genuine Israelite, a descendent of Abraham. In 2 Corinthians 11:13, Paul speaks of “false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.” These were no doubt Judaizers trying to saddle Gentile believers with the trappings of the law. Paul asked the Corinthians in verse 22, “Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I.”
Paul not only was a descendent of Abraham, but he was a member of the tribe of Benjamin. Charles Hodge says that Benjamin was one of the most favored tribes of Israel, especially after the exile, because Benjamin with Judah were the chief representatives of the theocractical people!
Another of Paul’s personal testimonies is found in Philippians 3:4-6, “Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.” (It is also likely that Paul was named after first King of Israel, Saul!)
Both of the distinctions Paul mentions in our text (along with the others from other passages we’ve looked at) were only earthly distinctions. What mattered to Paul, and what should matter to us is found in Philippians 3:7-8, “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.”
Adapted from “Romans” by MacArthur.
In Christ,
Dan Todd
Romans 11:1, “I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.”
For the past few devotions we looked at the first phrase of our text which asks the question, has God forsaken His ancient people of Israel. There is no way Paul could have been more dogmatic than with the answer “God forbid!” May it never be! To substantiate his answer to his rhetoric question, Paul gives us three proofs:
1. The truth about the writer, verse 1b.
2. The truth about the remnant, verses 2-7a.
3. The truth about the revelation, verses 7b-10.
Today, we look at the first proof that God had not rejected His chosen people, and that proof is Paul himself. Not only was Paul a believer in Jesus Christ, he was also an apostle, and a servant of Jesus Christ, (Romans 1:1, “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God.”), but he was also an Israelite!
On the Day of Pentecost (the birthday of the church), all who were saved and added to the church were Jews. In fact, for several years, almost all who were saved were Jews. That is the reason Paul (Saul) had once fiercely persecuted the church.
Acts 8:1-3, “And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.”
Acts 9:1-2, “And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.”
Before his conversion, it is hard to imagine a more fanatical Christ-hating and Christian-hating Jew in Israel. Paul’s argument is, “if such a Christ-rejecting Jew as himself could be brought to saving faith, the gospel had power to save any Jew.” (MacArthur)
Paul’s conversion makes it obvious that God has not rejected all of Israel. Paul was living proof that “just as God’s promises to Israel do not include all individual Jews, so His judgment and temporary rejection of Israel do not include all individual Jews.” (MacArthur)
Would you devote and risk your entire life (from the point of your conversion) to preach a gospel from which you were excluded? Neither would Paul, and neither did he!
Paul gives us his pedigree! He was not a proselyte to Judaism, he was a Jew by birth, a genuine Israelite, a descendent of Abraham. In 2 Corinthians 11:13, Paul speaks of “false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.” These were no doubt Judaizers trying to saddle Gentile believers with the trappings of the law. Paul asked the Corinthians in verse 22, “Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I.”
Paul not only was a descendent of Abraham, but he was a member of the tribe of Benjamin. Charles Hodge says that Benjamin was one of the most favored tribes of Israel, especially after the exile, because Benjamin with Judah were the chief representatives of the theocractical people!
Another of Paul’s personal testimonies is found in Philippians 3:4-6, “Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.” (It is also likely that Paul was named after first King of Israel, Saul!)
Both of the distinctions Paul mentions in our text (along with the others from other passages we’ve looked at) were only earthly distinctions. What mattered to Paul, and what should matter to us is found in Philippians 3:7-8, “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.”
Adapted from “Romans” by MacArthur.
In Christ,
Dan Todd
Sunday, February 29, 2004
The Armor of God---The Sword of the Spirit
Ephesians 6:17
We look at this last piece of equipment supplied in the spiritual realm by God to us!! This equipment(review them from the Bible list) belongs to Jesus! Jesus' truth! Jesus' righteousness! Jesus' peace! Jesus' faith! Jesus' salvation! AND at the same time---not only do they belong to Jesus---they are Jesus! Jesus is God's truth! Jesus is God's righteousness! Jesus is God's peace! Jesus is God's faith! Jesus is God's salvation!
We look last of all at the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God!! The word from the Word! Scripture! Infallable, inerrant, inspired Scripture!
We are to take the weapon of the word and use it in our defense! Jesus used the "word from the Word" as a defensive weapon! Where? In the wilderness while being bombarded by the devil. You remember reading??? Satan posted a series of questions---"If thou be the Son of God . . . bread!" "If thou be the Son of God . . . lest thou dash thy foot . . ." "If thou be the Son of God . . . kingdom will be yours!"
Jesus used the word from the Word--defensively against the devil! He took a portion of the word that spoke to the situation and used it.
Did you know we can do the same thing Jesus did in His wilderness temptations?? We can, when we are bombarded with temptation----find a portion of scripture that speaks to the situation---and use it in our defense. We overcome the world, and the wolf with the word from the Word!!
These words are written by a Scottish pastor named Thomas Guthrie:
"The Bible is an armory of heavenly weapons, a labortory of infallable medicines, a mine of exhaustless wealth. It is a guidebook for every road, a chart for every sea, a medicine for every malady, and a balm for every woiund. Rob us of our Bible and our sky has lost its sun."
The late great Corrie Ten Boom said that during her early incarceration---she fell sick and was miraculously allowed to see the doctor in the local town where she was being held. She was examined, the doctor excused himself from the room and the nurse came in---when the nurse came in she instructed Corrie---"Quickly! Give me a list of the things you need before you are to go back!" Corrie replies, "Vitamines, sewing needle and thread, etc. and a Bible! I must have a Bible!"
The nurse replies---"I can get you all on your list! But you understand that if I'm caught giving you a Bible---it would mean I loose my job."---to which Corrie responds---"M'am! I will loose my life if I don't have a Bible!"
Our sword of the Spirit! The word from the Word! In offense! In defense! "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path!" and "I will hide its words in my heart that I might not sin against thee."
The Armor of God---The Sword of the Spirit
Ephesians 6:17
We look at this last piece of equipment supplied in the spiritual realm by God to us!! This equipment(review them from the Bible list) belongs to Jesus! Jesus' truth! Jesus' righteousness! Jesus' peace! Jesus' faith! Jesus' salvation! AND at the same time---not only do they belong to Jesus---they are Jesus! Jesus is God's truth! Jesus is God's righteousness! Jesus is God's peace! Jesus is God's faith! Jesus is God's salvation!
We look last of all at the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God!! The word from the Word! Scripture! Infallable, inerrant, inspired Scripture!
We are to take the weapon of the word and use it in our defense! Jesus used the "word from the Word" as a defensive weapon! Where? In the wilderness while being bombarded by the devil. You remember reading??? Satan posted a series of questions---"If thou be the Son of God . . . bread!" "If thou be the Son of God . . . lest thou dash thy foot . . ." "If thou be the Son of God . . . kingdom will be yours!"
Jesus used the word from the Word--defensively against the devil! He took a portion of the word that spoke to the situation and used it.
Did you know we can do the same thing Jesus did in His wilderness temptations?? We can, when we are bombarded with temptation----find a portion of scripture that speaks to the situation---and use it in our defense. We overcome the world, and the wolf with the word from the Word!!
These words are written by a Scottish pastor named Thomas Guthrie:
"The Bible is an armory of heavenly weapons, a labortory of infallable medicines, a mine of exhaustless wealth. It is a guidebook for every road, a chart for every sea, a medicine for every malady, and a balm for every woiund. Rob us of our Bible and our sky has lost its sun."
The late great Corrie Ten Boom said that during her early incarceration---she fell sick and was miraculously allowed to see the doctor in the local town where she was being held. She was examined, the doctor excused himself from the room and the nurse came in---when the nurse came in she instructed Corrie---"Quickly! Give me a list of the things you need before you are to go back!" Corrie replies, "Vitamines, sewing needle and thread, etc. and a Bible! I must have a Bible!"
The nurse replies---"I can get you all on your list! But you understand that if I'm caught giving you a Bible---it would mean I loose my job."---to which Corrie responds---"M'am! I will loose my life if I don't have a Bible!"
Our sword of the Spirit! The word from the Word! In offense! In defense! "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path!" and "I will hide its words in my heart that I might not sin against thee."