Year 3 Day 77
Pray (ACts) Read - Philippians 1 Message - Scott Woodburn I've never spent time in prison and I certainly hope that will remain the case but I suspect my attitude wouldn't be desperately joyous if I was doing time at her majesty's pleasure. Paul on the other hand knew all about hardship and as he writes to the Philippians he was imprisoned in Rome. What was his attitude? Thankfulness. As Paul thought about the Philippians from his jail cell he thanked God (v3). He prayed for them with joy because from the first day he met them they partnered with him in the Gospel (v5). The Philippian church had been founded with the conversion of Lydia and her family (Acts 16) and it was a place where Paul and Silas had been imprisoned. Yet Paul's thoughts were not drawn to his numerous times in chains but instead he was certain that Christ would finish the work that He had started in Philippi (v7). Even in chains Paul was thinking about the sanctification of the people of God. The Apostle loved the men and women of the Philippian church, indeed he yearned for them with the affection of Christ (v8). His fellow Christians caused great joy to abound in his heart and he prays that their own love would abound all the more (v9), that they would grow in knowledge and discernment and that the fruit of righteousness would fill their lives (v11). Paul desired that these men and women would be wise, mature and growing Christians as they waited for the day of Christ. I can't imagine being so thankful in prison and yet Paul saw that what had happened to him had advanced the Gospel (v12). Those guarding Paul and many others had come to hear the Gospel from the lips of Paul himself (v13) and on the outside, the church had been emboldened by Paul's example to preach the Word fearlessly (v14). Some preached the good news for the wrong reasons but this didn't concern Paul (v15-17). He was thankful that for good motives or bad Christ was proclaimed (v18). Brothers and sisters, God is sovereign even over our hardships. There is no question that the Apostle Paul was an extraordinary man. Even as he sat in a jail cell he contemplated life and death. If he was to go on living then he would do it all for Christ either in a jail cell or at liberty (v21). But if he were to die then he understood it would be to his tremendous gain. Death would mean Paul would awake in heaven and be with Christ which is far better than anything we have here on earth (v23). So Paul's attitude was entirely thankful and Christ-centred. So much so that he urged the Philippians to live a life worthy of the Gospel (v27). This is a familiar call in Paul's letters. The Gospel transforms and although we are not saved by works, we should expect to see the fruit of righteousness in our lives. Paul wanted to hear about Philippian unity as they contended for the Gospel (v27). His brothers and sisters were not to be afraid by anyone who opposed them (v28). The enemy of the church will know destruction whilst the child of God will know salvation (v28). But the Christian will also know what it is to suffer for the sake of Christ (v29). Life isn't going to be easy, in this world we will know conflict (v30) but thanks be to God for Christ has overcome this world. I find this chapter incredibly humbling. I often cry "poor me!" and consider my own troubles to be far greater than they are. May the Lord forgive me. Paul was rooted in the Gospel and focused on Christ enabling him to cry "for me to live is Christ, to die is gain" Brothers and sisters, regardless of our circumstances may the One who began a good work in us move it a little bit further to completion. May He grow us up in the faith and in Christian maturity. Regardless of our chains or our liberty, the Lord speaks and says "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." (v2) Pray (acTS) Sing WSC Q74 What is required in the eighth commandment? The eighth commandment requireth the lawful procuring and furthering the wealth and outward estate of ourselves and others.
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Year 3 Day 76
Pray (ACts) Read - Ezekiel 7 Message - Alan Burke This chapter is a bleak prophecy of the coming judgment of the Lord that indeed came upon His people. In the beginning as the word of the LORD came to Ezekiel he is to declare “The End! The end has come…”(2). It’s not nearly the end, it is the end, there was certainty about what was to come upon them as a people. For there is a day that Ezekiel proclaimed, verse 7 "The time has come, the day is near”, verse 10 “The day is here! It has come!”, verse 12 “The time has come, the day has arrived”, v19 “the day of the Lord’s wrath”. The day is near, the day is here, the day has arrived, the day of the Lord’s wrath! The prophets of the Old Testament often spoke of the day of the Lord, a day of visitation, the great day of God; almighty, the day that the Lord would come to judge, to vindicate His name. At times it speaks of salvation for His people but at others it speaks of judgement. Here in Ezekiel it means judgment, the day of the Lord is coming. For the message of God through Ezekiel his prophet is not ‘repent the end is near’, for there is no call to repentance in this passage, rather the message of God is that ‘the end has come’. For these people, their time was up, God’s verdict was in and it was so that these people, who were supposed to be His people, would indeed ‘Know that the Lord is God’, not by His grace, His compassion, His forbearance, His love but in His wrath that he would pour out on them because of their sin, for the wages of sin is death! There is another day coming, the day of the Lord God Almighty (Rev 16:14), it will be a day of judgement for all. God has put eternity into the hear of man (Ecc 3:11), we all know that there is a day coming whether we want to accept the reality of it, or bury our heads in the sand thinking that we will live forever. There is only one way that we can be ready and that is in and through the Lord Jesus Christ. It is not by our works that we are saved, not by our efforts or endeavours, we don’t come before the Lord trying to tip the balance of the scales that we suppose he has, for the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord, we escape the judgment due to us though him. For as we repent and believe we escape the judgement of God for it pleased God to lay our sin upon Jesus Christ for us and he faced the judgement that we deserve. For those of you who know and love the Lord Jesus know that your hope is secure, you have nothing to fear because of Christ Jesus, although the day of the Lord Almighty approaches in and through Christ Jesus although you are a sinner by nature are made a saint. But for those who do not know the saviour then the terrifying reality is that they will face the judgement of a holy God, so that just like those in Ezekiel’s day (v4, 27) they will know that He is the Lord. Pray (acTS) Sing WSC Q73 Which is the eighth commandment? The eighth commandment is, Thou shalt not steal. (Exod. 20:15) Year 3 Day 74
Pray (ACts) Read - Ephesians 5v22-6v24 Message - Scott Woodburn The late Abraham Kuyper once said "there is not a single square inch of our human existence where Christ, who is sovereign over all, does not declare 'mine!'" Kuyper's point was that no part of our life is off limits to Jesus. Paul believed that too. To wives and husbands Paul commanded that wives were to submit to their husbands just as the church submitted to Jesus. Paul taught that marriage displayed something of the relationship between Jesus and His Bride the church (v32). A wedding day is not just for dressing up and eating good food, every marriage gives us a little glimpse of the Gospel. Therefore wives are to willingly submit to their husbands just as Christian wives willingly submit to Jesus (v24). This sounds incredibly old fashioned but increasingly radical in 2022. The age in which we live says that men and women are the same in every way. Men can even declare themselves to be women and vice versa. We have even witnessed men who claim to be women competing in female sports and dominating. We are told this is good, progressive and we must submit to the new normal. Paul disagrees. The Gospel transforms our relationships. Therefore men and women are both made in the image of God and are equal in His sight. However the Lord has made men and women distinct from one another and each gender is to take on different roles and responsibilities. So in Christian marriages wives are to submit to their husbands as head of the home and husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church (v25). Husbands are not to be dictators or tyrants. Gentlemen it is to your shame if you have ever raised your hand to your wife. It is sin to treat her like property or to mock her to your friends. Husbands be the leader that God expects and love your wives as Jesus loved His Bride. In similar fashion Gospel transformation means that children are to obey their parents (6v1-2) and fathers are to raise their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (v4). The faith is to be passed down around the kitchen table and on the daily commute to school. Then when we leave the home and go to our work, the Gospel still rings. Slaves were expected to obey their masters. Christ was to be front and foremost in a slave's mind (v6) and the slave was to work as if he were doing everything for the Lord (v7-8). On the other side of the coin, masters were to stop threatening their slaves and to remember that God loved slave and master without partiality (v9). Likewise today if we sweep the streets or run the country, as Christians we are work as if for the Lord rather than man. The Gospel has even changed our clothing. We are to put on the whole armour of God so that we might stand against the devil and his schemes (v11). The Christian battles daily against "the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." (v12) We often forget this reality but we would do well to remember that the world isn't neutral. The enemy has been defeated but he and his minions remain active in this world. You might think the biggest problem in your church is Vera but there are darker and unseen realities in play. How can we be prepared for the battle? By putting on the belt of truth which is the Word of God (v14). We wage war truthfully refusing to resort to slander or lies. The breastplate of righteousness guards our hearts as we know that we have been declared righteous by God Himself. Our shoes are the readiness given by the Gospel of peace - we stand securely on the Gospel always ready to proclaim it in this world. The shield of faith protects us from the attacks of the enemy (v16). Faith is a receiving and resting in Christ as He is offered in the Gospel. So as we rest in Christ we are able to withstand the devil's fiery darts. The helmet of salvation protects our head (v17) reminding us that we have peace of mind as we rest in the Gospel - we will not be forsaken, we will be saved. Finally our weapons are not those of the world. We wield the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God and we pray at all times in the Holy Spirit (v18). The enemy is fierce but we do not fight fire with fire. Instead we take up the Word and pray without ceasing to defeat the schemes of the enemy. Brothers and sisters, in one short letter Paul has shown us the glorious scale of the Gospel of Christ reminding us that the Gospel doesn't just inform, it transforms. May the Lord continue His great work in us, may He transform us daily and may He help and enable us to stand in this dark and evil age. Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible. (v23-24) Amen! Pray (acTS) Sing WSC Q72 What is forbidden in the seventh commandment? The seventh commandment forbiddeth all unchaste thoughts, words, and actions. Year 3 Day 73
Pray (ACts) Read - Ezekiel 6:11-14 Message - Alan Burke Ezekiel is to communicate this message to the Lord’s people in exile, this is what the Sovereign Lord says, he is to clap his hands, stomp his feet, and cry “Alas”. The imagery is of lamentation and judgement. Ezekiel is clap his hands loudly, stomp his feet and cry in the bitterness of what is coming. Those who were in exile in Babylon, likely thought that they were secure from the judgment of God, what ever may befall on Jerusalem itself or of the land of Isreal surly they would escape. The judgement of God was not only on Jerusalem but the mountains, both symbolically of the Jewish people as a whole. The judgment of God would be and was inescapable. The exiles in Babylon would face the judgement of God too, sword, famine and plague for those in Jerusalem but for the jewish people as a whole. For them as for us the only means of escape from the judgement of God, from his wrath is in His mercy. It is the Lord that chooses to spare some, he makes their rescue possible, the exiles may have believed that distance would have kept them save but hope in the things of this world, in man, in wealth, whether near or far. The judgement of God was coming. Look to the closing words of what the Lord said to Ezekiel; “then they will know I am the Lord”. This refrain is used throughout the declaration of the judgment of God that is coming on them. It is used in verse 7; “they will know I am the LORD”, in verse 10; “they will know I am the LORD”, in verse 13, “they will know I am the LORD and then finally in verse 14; “they will know I am the LORD”. Used each time to make the point that the people would know the God of Isreal was the one true God. If they would not know him by his gracious provision to them, in the offer of blessing, to make them his people, they would know him by the cures that he brought upon them for their disobediences they would him in Judgement. We know that the vision of Ezekiel was true. The word of the Lord that came to him was indeed carried out upon the people. There were those whom the Lord spared, and in time the Lord God brought His people back to their land. When they came back, they did not turn to idolatry again for indeed they did remember and know that they had grieved the Lord. They did not go after the false gods of the nations as before, instead they embraced the Lord as their God, they no longer tolerated idolatry in their midst, their was no longer high places where false gods of the nations were worshiped although their repentance was not as thorough as it should have been. The only way anyone can escape from the judgement of God and the wrath due for sin is in His mercy. God has made our rescue possible and that is in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ who was made sin for us. There on the cross Jesus took the punishment that we deserve, He is the only hope of all people, this world will fail us, our family our friends, our health or wealth we will leave behind but Christ Jesus will not. In Him we know the grace of God as we repent and believe and through Him we escape the judgement that we deserve. For us what we should know is that God calls those who are His people to be faithful, He calls us as the church and as individuals to be faithful to His word. We should be aware when we do not then the Lord will bring judgement upon us, what have we to offer this world when we compromise on everything for the sake of an easy life, Nothing! Instead we are to cling to the word of God, making it the foundation of who we are and what we do as a people, it should be our rule and guide. Pray (acTS) Sing WSC Q71 What is required in the seventh commandment? The seventh commandment requireth the preservation of our own and our neighbour’ s chastity, in heart, speech, and behavior. (1 Cor. 7:2–3,5,34,36, Col. 4:6, 1 Pet. 3:2) ear 3 Day 72
Pray (ACts) Read - Ephesians 5 Message - Scott Woodburn In Ephesians the Apostle Paul eloquently outlines the glory of the Gospel stressing that the good news was transformative. Christians are to live in a manner worthy of the great Gospel of Jesus Christ. What does this walk look like? We are to be imitators of God (v1). This isn't to say that we will share in His attributes. Some false teachers claim that we are "little gods". We reject such teaching. When Paul urges us to imitate God we are to consider Christ. Jesus has made God known and if we want to know what God is like then we are to consider Jesus (v2). Therefore there is no room for sexual immorality, impurity or covetousness in the Christian life. Indeed none of this should even be named among Christians (v3). We live in a day and age of supposed sexual freedom. The world believes that sexual intercourse is just a bit of fun and anything goes. Paul exhorts us to not even talk about sexual immorality. Impurity is not the subject of empty conversation and Christians should be on guard against all kinds of covetousness. Instead of conversation filled with sinful subjects, we are to be thankful in our speech (v4). This is a solemn warning, Paul is sure that anyone who practices sexual immorality, impurity or covetousness has no place or inheritance in the kingdom of God (v5). As we watch our speech we are also to be mindful that not everyone within the visible church is saved. There are those who will seek to flatter and deceive with empty words (v6). They will try to assure you that their sinful practices are nothing to be concerned about and if possible they will seek to involve you in their deeds. Paul counsels that we are to have nothing to do with such people. We are not to partner with them in their evil works (v7). Christians have believed the Gospel and the Gospel has brought transformation to the child of God. We were once in darkness but Christ has brought us into His marvellous light (v8). Therefore we are to walk as children of light. We practice that which is good and right and true (v9) and as we attend to the ordinary means of grace (the word, prayer, the sacraments) we are strive to discern what is pleasing to the Lord (v10). Here is the necessity of knowing God's Word and meditating on the law of God - the Word shows us what pleases Almighty God. We refuse to take part in sinful works, instead we bring such deeds into the light. The light exposes the darkness and makes it visible. As wicked deeds are made visible in the light of Christ's word, we see just how ugly they are. Sin is repugnant and when the Spirit convicts of us of sin, He causes sleepers to wake and rise from their spiritual death (v11-14). Knowing all of this we should be careful and wise about our Christian walk (v15). This world is not neutral and those around us don't always have our best interests at heart. Therefore we are to wise about how we spend our time (v16). An hour on YouTube is of no benefit compared to hour in the Word. Equally spending time getting drunk with wine only leads you and others astray (v18). Drinking wine is not sin but getting drunk is always sin. Therefore instead of being drunk with beer and spirits, we are to be filled with the Spirit. What does this mean? The Spirit always points to Christ. Always. To be filled with the Spirit is to filled with wonder, joy and awe at Christ and all His works. As the Spirit fills our souls with the things of God we are led to address one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (v19). The church after the Ascension sang Psalms to one another. Never listen to those who tell you that Psalm singing is boring and dusty. The church have always sung Psalms as did Christ. In addition to Psalms the church sang hymns and other spiritual songs to one another. They didn't argue about organs or praise bands - they were filled with wonder at Christ and sang His praise when they got together. Finally, the Christian walk is to be an endlessly thankful one (v20). We must never lose sight of what Jesus has done and it must always be a source for thanksgiving to God. Equally the Christian walk is one walked in the local church. As we live and worship with other Christians we are to submit to one another our of reverence for Christ (v21). Therefore we do not abuse fellow Christians or domineer over them or treat them with contempt. We love and honour each other and put other's needs above our own. Brothers and sisters, these verses are challenging and hard but please take heart. The mighty Spirit works in our hearts and we have been blessed by the ordinary means of grace. The Lord is making us more and more like Christ. Stay alert in this harlot world and be imitators of God. Pray (acTS) Sing WSC Q70 What is the seventh commandment? The seventh commandment is, Thou shalt not commit adultery. Year 3 Day 71
Pray (ACts) Read - Ezekiel 6:1-10 Message - Alan Burke We warn our children of the consequences for their actions because we care, there are times that we see and know the outcome and it will not be for their good. Before God’s people came into the promised land, the idols, the altars, the false gods of the Canaanites were to be destroyed. In As the passage begins Ezekiel the ‘Son of Man’ is to face the mountains and prophecy against them. What took place on the mountains, on the high places of v3 that is the issue. For there in the mountains, in the high places, the hills, ravines and valleys, scattered among them were remnants of the Canaanites false gods, their idols and no doubt more that were added to it by the so called people of God. These were no longer foreign things, these were their things, they had taken possession of them instead of destroying them. This was the reason that the Lord God was bringing his judgment upon them, if they would not follow him, if they were living in such rebellion, if they had heard his word and ignored it the they would know the Lord in his judgement against them. The judgment and the result of it is here described in graphic terms to say the least. The high places, the alters would be demolished but not only that the Lord would slay the people in front of their idols, dead bodies would lie there and their bones would be scattered. Jerusalem the civic and religious centre of the people of God, it would face the judgement of God but not only Jerusalem needed to be purified but the entire land, for the whole land was polluted by idolatry. The Lord is rejecting them because they had rejected him. The Lord had warned his people of the covenant curses that would fall upon them, there would be blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. They were warned how the Lord would destroy their high places in Leviticus (26:30), this is what the Lord said he would do and all of it would mean that they would know that he is the indeed the Lord. The Lord yes was going to bring judgement upon his people and indeed did bring judgement upon them yet in the there was a ray hope in it all. Jerusalem and the mountains would be purged because of the idolatry of the people, but the Lord would spare some. Some of them would escape the sword, those who would be captured or escape would remember the Lord their God. This is a picture of the peoples repentance, the repentance of the remnant, those who were spared the sword who would be scattered, they would finally seem themselves as the Lord had seen them. They would loathe themselves for what they had done. The Lord in his judgement was disciplining his people, so that they would indeed understand how egregious their sin was, how much they had grieved the Lord. Again as we come to this, we see that the Lord does not does not take the sin of his people lightly. As believers here today, we are as we are reminded in the book of Romans to count ourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus (Rom 6:11). We are to put death the things of the flesh, what ever is earthly in us (Col 3:5). We live in a world that minimises sin, but we should loathe it, we should desire to stand against sin, instead of what seems to be the narrative that sin doesn’t really matter. Sin deserves the wrath of God, what ever way we try to sugarcoat it, sin is egregious, it is something that we should loathe. We warn our children of the consequences and God warns His people. What we are to do with that sin is to repent of it, to turn from it, not to hold on to it, Jesus calls us to repent and believe. Repentance in the life of the believer is on going, it is to be daily, every day as we repent of that sin in our lives, as we do so we can be assured that the Lord will not treat us as our sin deserves. Pray (acTS) Sing WSC Q69 What is forbidden in the sixth commandment? The sixth commandment forbiddeth the taking away of our own life, or the life of our neighbour unjustly, or whatsoever tendeth thereunto. (Acts 16:28, Gen. 9:6) |
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