Chuck Gianotti | Bible-Equip

16If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask and God will for him give life to those who commit sin not leading to death. There is a sin leading to death; I do not say that he should make request for this. 17All unrighteousness is...

Confidence in Prayer 1 John 5:14–15 (cont.)

14This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him. The promise of answered prayer cannot...

Why Does It Matter? 1 John 5:14–15

14This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him. Why does it matter whether we have an...

Eternal Life Assured 1 John 5:13

13These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. John speaks as clearly as possible, without ambiguity, flowery language, or big words. In today’s vernacular, he is saying, “Read my lips!”...

Assurance, Yes! 1 John 5:11–12 (cont.)

11And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. God has spoken in His Word to give assurance to people who believe. We have...

Assurance or Not? 1 John 5:11–12

11And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. 13These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God,...

Testimony of the Spirit 1 John 5:9–10

9If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater; for the testimony of God is this, that He has testified concerning His Son. 10The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a...

The Physical Jesus Christ 1 John 5:6–8

6This is the One who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and with the blood. It is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7For there are three that testify: 8the Spirit and the water and the blood; and...

Overcoming the World 1 John 5:4–5

4For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? Being born again, loving God, and loving others with the same...

Evidence of Faith 1 John 5:2–3

2By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments. 3For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. How do we know if we truly believe with the kind of faith that saves...

Loving All Christians 1 John 5:1

1Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him. The apostle John recognizes that, like today, his audience will include some who are genuine believers. Over fifty years have passed since the Lord...

Moving Past Fraudulent Love 1 John 4:20–21

20If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also....

The Initiative of Love 1 John 4:19

19We love, because He first loved us. God always takes the initiative, period. He started everything: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth . . .” (Gen. 1:1). And He continues to be the catalyst for all things happening. Like in a chess game, God...

Perfect Love & Eternal Security 1 John 4:17–18

17By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world. 18There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not...

Confessing and Abiding 1 John 4:15–16

15Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. Confessing and abiding exist...

On Good Authority 1 John 4:14

14We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. What would constitute sufficient proof that God sent Jesus to be the Savior? Scholars can verify with a high degree of historical certainty that an individual named Jesus, who...

Ultimate Reciprocity of Love 1 John 4:12–13

12No one has seen God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us. 13By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. Theology and relationship mix; truth informs behavior; God’s...

The Christian Command 1 John 4:10–11

10In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. To describe the apostle John’s exposition on the love of God as the greatest in all...

For the Love of God! 1 John 4:9

9By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. Every Christian has been saturated with John 3:16, which is John’s gospel counterpart to our verse today: “For God so loved the...

Ultimate Dividing Line 1 John 4:7–8

7Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. While the apostle Paul wrote the eloquent sonnet on love (1 Cor. 13), John wrote with simple...

Who’s on Your Playlist: 1 John 4:4–6

4You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. 5They are from the world; therefore they speak as from the world, and the world listens to them. 6We are from God; he who knows God listens to...

Christ-Centered Teaching (cont.) 1 John 4:2–3

2By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; 3and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and...

Christ-Centered Teaching 1 John 4:2

2By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God … We take John’s warning seriously; what we believe about God and Jesus Christ matters—and it matters a great deal. The contemporary movement to tamper...

Challenging Your Teachers 1 John 4:1

1Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. John’s heart as a loving shepherd shines through this letter. His motivation is not that of a theologian lecturing...

Spiritual Reality of the Spirit 1 John 3:24

24The one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. We know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us. The theme of abiding weaves through the truth of believing in Christ. Abiding in Him is not just a mental assent. Belief in our...

Lifetime To-Do List 1 John 3:23

23This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us. Scripture conveys various summary statements that give us our priorities as believers. Each is worthy of a place on our lifetime to-do list....

Gaining a Clear Conscience 1 John 3:19–22

19We will know by this that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart before Him 20in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things. 21Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; 22and...

Knowing Real Love 1 John 3:16–18

16We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? 18Little...

Appraising the Evidence 1 John 3:13–15

13Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you. 14We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death. 15Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal...

Love Shows 1 John 3:10–12

10By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother. 11For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one...

Faith Evidence 1 John 3:6–9

6No one who abides in Him sins; no one who sins has seen Him or knows Him. 7Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; 8the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned...

Faith Now, Sight Later 1 John 3:2b–6

2. . . We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. 3And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. 4Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness. 5You...

Full Manifestation of His Image 1 John 3:2

2Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. Truth be told, while we know we are children of God, we don’t always feel that we are....

Fellowship of Love 1 John 3:1

1See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. One of the most loved passages of Scripture flows from the words of the disciple...

Christ-Centered Motivation 1 John 2:28–29

28Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming. 29If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices righteousness is born of Him. John’s propensity to...

THE Promise 1 John 2:25–28a

25This is the promise which He Himself made to us: eternal life. 26These things I have written to you concerning those who are trying to deceive you. 27As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you;...

Keep the Gospel Simple 1 John 2:24-26

24As for you, let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25This is the promise which He Himself made to us: eternal life. 26These things I have written...

And That’s the Truth 1 John 2:21b–23 (cont.)

21. . . no lie is of the truth. 22Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. 23Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father; the one who confesses the Son has the Father also....

Jesus is “the” Christ 1 John 2:21b–23

21. . . no lie is of the truth. 22Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. 23Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father; the one who confesses the Son has the Father also....

Give Me That Old Time Truth 1 John 2:20–21

20But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all know. 21I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie is of the truth. The richness of John’s writings is in his appeal to the genuineness of the...

Antichristism 1 John 2:18–19

18Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour. 19They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have...

Where’s Your Love? 1 John 2:15–17

15Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the...

Fighting for Truth 1 John 2:13b-14b

13 I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one… 14 I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one. Finally, we turn again to the “young men,” those in the thick...

Maturing in Knowing 1 John 2:13a-14a

13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning . . . 14I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. John the apostle turns to the older, seasoned Christians, the “fathers,” and writes the...

Growing in Knowledge 1 John 2:12–13b

12 I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven you for His name sake . . . 13I have written to you, children, because you know the Father. Some things in Scripture bear repeating, with subtle but significant differences. The apostle...

Frontline Warriors 1 John 2:13b

13. . . I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. Many Christians fall in between being spiritual children and fully spiritually mature. These are the ones the apostle John calls “young men,” and to these, he now writes. In a sense,...

The Goal: Knowing God 1 John 2:13a

13I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning . . . We might naturally address the stages of Christian life and progress chronologically, but the apostle John moves from spiritual children to spiritual fathers, and will treat the...

Shoring Up the Foundation 1 John 2:12

12I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven you for His name’s sake. Whatever stage of the Christian life you are in right now, the apostle John has something specifically for you. While we should all live out our faith through genuine...

Enlightened Purpose 1 John 2:8b–11

8. . . the darkness is passing away and the true Light is already shining. 9The one who says he is in the Light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness until now. 10The one who loves his brother abides in the Light and there is no cause for stumbling in him....

The New Is the Old Is the Renewed 1 John 2:7–8a

7Beloved, I am not writing a new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning; the old commandment is the word which you have heard. 8On the other hand, I am writing a new commandment to you, which is true in Him and in you . . ....

First Comes Love, Then Comes . . . 1 John 2:5–6

. . . 5but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: 6the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked. Love for God and obedience to the Word weave together...

I Don’t Want to Be a Liar – 1 John 2:3–4

3By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him … Knowledge, according to the apostle John, is rooted in knowing God...

He Took What I Deserved – 1 John 2:1–2

1My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins . . . Jesus Christ the righteous . . . 2 is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world. God does not want us to sin—of...

If You Sin – 1 John 2:1 (cont.)

1My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous . . . What are the accusations against us, for which we need Jesus as our defender? With Job, the charge...

Jesus on Retainer – 1 John 2:1

1My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous . . . One of the most mind-blowing verses in all of Scripture is this one! Of course, all of Scripture is...

He is Faithful and Just – 1 John 1:9

9If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we walk in the light (vs. 7), if the truth is in us (vs. 8) and His Word abides in us, then we will confess our sins. This wonderful verse has...

The Sin Delusion – 1 John 1:8, 10

8If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us . . . 10If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us. If only we could at some point in this life arrive at the point of being sinless. Yet,...

Fellowship of the Light – 1 John 1:5–7

5This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. 6If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; 7but if we walk in the Light as...

The Great Motivator – 1 John 1:4

4These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete. What motivated John to write this letter? For that matter, what motivated the apostles to risk their lives and ultimately die in service of spreading the message about Jesus Christ? There was continual...

Better Than Touching Him – 1 John 1:1b–3

1. . . concerning the Word of Life— 2and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us— 3what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have...

We Saw, Heard, Touched Him! – 1 John 1:1

1What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life … The opening to this letter we call “1 John” carries all the indicators of a personal, eyewitness...

Amen – 2 Peter 3:18b

18. . . Amen. Peter finishes his letter with one of the most common words in the NT and in the Christian vocabulary. The term “amen” carries a sense of conclusion, affirmation, and agreement. The psalmist encourages us: Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from...

The Knowledge of Christ – 2 Peter 3:18

. . . 18but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. The second principle we need to define our spiritual progress is “to grow in the . . . knowledge of our Lord and Savior...

Grace Growth – 2 Peter 3:17–18

17You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, 18but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory,...

Fellowship of the Apostles – 2 Peter 3:15b–16

15. . . just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, 16as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the...

How Shall We Then Live? – 2 Peter 3:14–15a

14Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, 15and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation . . . In light of the coming cataclysmic judgment on the earth, believers might be tempted to...

Exquisite Anticipation – 2 Peter 3:13

13But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. Beyond vindication and judgment, our ultimate focus is on the “beyond”: the new heavens and a new earth. Scripture gives precious little information to...

On God’s Side of History – 2 Peter 3:11–12

11Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt...

The Big Bang? – 2 Peter 3:10

10But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. The universe as we know it will end in an apocalyptic firestorm. Our...

God Is Not Slow! – 2 Peter 3:9

9The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. The Lord is not slow! What a statement to make. That is the flat-out response to those claiming that the...

God Is on Time – 2 Peter 3:8

8But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The false teachers had a skewed understanding of God’s way of viewing time, and we believers must not allow them to cloud...

Make No Mistake, It’s Coming – 2 Peter 3:7

7But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. The Lord gives His word about this—there is a final judgment coming. It will differ from the judgment during Noah’s time, which was...

Specious Mocking – 2 Peter 3:4b–6

4 . . .“For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.” 5For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water,...

Past Results No Guarantee – 2 Peter 3:3–4

3Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, 4and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of...

Ministry of Reminding (cont.) – 2 Peter 3:1–2

1This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you in which I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, 2that you should remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken by your apostles....

Ministry of Reminding – 2 Peter 3:1–2

1This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you in which I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, 2that you should remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken by your apostles....

Sobering to the Max – 2 Peter 2:20–22

20For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. 21For it would be better for them not to...

Vacuous Promises of Freedom – 2 Peter 2:17–19

17These are springs without water and mists driven by a storm, for whom the black darkness has been reserved. 18For speaking out arrogant words of vanity they entice by fleshly desires, by sensuality, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error,...

The Donkey Still Speaks – 2 Peter 2:15b–16 (cont.)

. . . 15 [False prophets] forsaking the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 16but he received a rebuke for his own transgression, for a mute donkey, speaking with a voice of a...

From the Mouth of a Donkey – 2 Peter 2:15b–16

. . . 15 [False prophets] forsaking the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 16but he received a rebuke for his own transgression, for a mute donkey, speaking with a voice of a...

A Rod for the Donkey’s Back – 2 Peter 2:12–15a

12But these [false prophets], like unreasoning animals, born as creatures of instinct to be captured and killed, reviling where they have no knowledge, will in the destruction of those creatures also be destroyed, 13suffering wrong as the wages of doing wrong. They...

Promise Amidst Judgment (cont.) – 2 Peter 2:9–11

. . . 9then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment, 10and especially those who indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires and despise authority. Daring, self-willed, they do not...

Promise Amidst Judgment (cont.) – 2 Peter 2:6-8, 9

. . . 6and if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly lives thereafter; 7and if He rescued righteous Lot, oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men...

Promise Amidst Judgment – 2 Peter 2:4–5, 9

4For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment; 5and did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought a flood...

Stain of False Teaching (2) – 2 Peter 2:2–3

2Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; 3and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. False teachers give God’s truth a...

Motivations of False Teachers (1) – 2 Peter 2:2–3

2Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; 3and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. Typically, daily devotionals use...

Enormous Stakes – 2 Peter 2:1

1But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. Our commitment to the...

The Role of Apostolic Witness – 2 Peter 1:20–21

20But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, 21for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. Peter, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, anticipates...

Seeing Is Believing? – 2 Peter 1:19

19So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. Seeing is believing” is an often-repeated proverb. Disputes are often put to...

Believing Though Not Seeing – 2 Peter 1:17–18

17For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased”— 18and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the...

Eyewitness Account – 2 Peter 1:16

16For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. Christianity is based on eyewitness testimonies since none of us can go back and check out the events for...

Plans for Perpetuating Truth – 2 Peter 1:13–15

13I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder, 14knowing that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent, as also our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15And I will also be diligent that at any time...

Remember What You Know – 2 Peter 1:12

12Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you. Peter has conveyed truth in his letters that is not new. He is referring not only to what he had...

Abundant Living: He Chose Me! – 2 Peter 1:10–11

10Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; 11for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be...

Keys to Being Fruitful – 2 Peter 1:8–9

8For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins....

High Priority Living – 2 Peter 1:5–7 (cont.)

5Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 7and in your...

Exercising for Godliness – 2 Peter 1:5-7

5Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 7and in your...

Living a Magnificent Life – 2 Peter 1:4

4For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. By what? By the glory and excellence of our Lord, whose power has given...

Knowing Jesus – 2 Peter 1:2–3

2Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; 3seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. As he did...

A Just God Justifying – 2 Peter 1:1b

1 . . . to those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ . . . Peter’s audience presumably is the same as that of his first letter: believers scattered across the northeastern Mediterranean basin, in...

Same Faith as Ours – 2 Peter 1:1a

1Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours . . . This second letter of Peter’s sees a change in his personal ID from his first letter. In the other he was “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ.”...

Showering in God’s Grace – 1 Peter 5:12–14

12Through Silvanus, our faithful brother (for so I regard him), I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it! 13She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, and so does my son,...

A Promise Is a Promise – 1 Peter 5:10–11

10After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. 11To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen. Wow, what a promise! God will allow suffering,...

Alert! Alert! – Peter 5:8–9

8Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the...

How to Attain Exaltation – 1 Peter 5:6–7

6Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. We all want exaltation, from the most egotistical of us to the most abased. We relish in it, or we mourn...

God’s Fashion Statement – 1 Peter 5:5

5You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Addressing the men, Peter assumes the normal course of spiritual growth toward...

Modeling Leadership – 1 Peter 5:2–4

. . . 2shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to...

A Fellow Elder to the Elders – 1 Peter 5:1

1Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed . . . Even during times of persecution, godly leadership is necessary. Remember Peter is writing to...

No Interruptions – 1 Peter 4:17–19

17For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and...

Not Ashamed but Glorifying Him – 1 Peter 4:15–16

15Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; 16but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. While suffering for Christ’s name should be the means for us to...

Crazy Blessing – 1 Peter 4:14

14If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. The theme of unjust suffering runs through Peter’s letter (e.g., 1 Peter 2:19–20, 3:14–16) as well as the entire NT (e.g., Matt. 5:10–12, John 15:19–21)....

A Glad and Joyful Cost – 1 Peter 4:12–13

12Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; 13but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of...

Beyond the Normal – 1 Peter 4:10–11

10As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength...

My Enemy, My Friend – 1 Peter 4:8–9

8Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. 9Be hospitable to one another without complaint. What does taking control of our minds look like practically? Some think of monasticism as the ultimate example—living in...

Sound and Sober – 1 Peter 4:7

7The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. With patient and enduring anticipation of Christ’s return, we focus on the here and now, with four imperatives. After all, what we believe must translate into...

No Carrot on a Stick – 1 Peter 4:7a

7The end of all things is near . . . Make no mistake about it, the NT writers portray the end times as being near. Yet they wrote almost two millennia ago, and the Lord has not yet returned. What gives? We can’t deny that the end times are nearer today than they were...

Gospel-Focused Living – 1 Peter 4:6

6For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God. Some think this verse supports a second chance for unbelievers to hear the gospel...

Let the World Be Surprised – 1 Peter 4:4–5

4In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you; 5but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. Unbelievers look at Christians like we are nuts. They see their...

Enough Is Enough – 1 Peter 4:3

3For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. Peter is a realist, and although he has been a follower...

Higher Purpose in Suffering – 1 Peter 4:1–2

1Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. The...

Of Ark and Resurrection – 1 Peter 3:21–22

21Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and...

His Suffering for Our Benefit – 1 Peter 3:18–20

18For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; 19in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison, 20who once were...

The Better vs. the OK – 1 Peter 3:17

17For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. A skeptical Christian once said, “If I am going to suffer whether I do good or not, I might as well do whatever I want and enjoy it!” Another way...

Christ in the Center – 1 Peter 3:15a

. . . 15but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts . . . What does it mean to sanctify Christ as Lord in our hearts, in our minds? Let the Spirit teach us as we meditate on these Scriptures: [Do] not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of...

Of Sanctity or Shame – 1 Peter 3:13–16

13Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 14But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, 15but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being...

Peace-Seeking Missiles – 1 Peter 3:10–12

10For, “The one who desires life, to love and see good days, must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. 11He must turn away from evil and do good; He must seek peace and pursue it. 12For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and His...

Summary of Effective Fellowship – 1 Peter 3:8–9

8To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; 9not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. Backing up...

The Tough Job – 1 Peter 3:7

7You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered. Husbands have the more difficult job, in...

The Right Thing – 1 Peter 3:5–6

5For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands; 6just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened...

Oh, What A Beauty! – 1 Peter 3:3–4

3Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; 4but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. Debates...

Behavior Trumps Words – 1 Peter 3:1–2 (cont.)

1In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, 2as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior. What does a woman do when...

Submission with Caveats – 1 Peter 3:1–2

1In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, 2as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior. We now reprise the command to...

Confident Security – 1 Peter 2:25

25For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls. Remember, Peter is writing to persecuted, displaced believers who were going through tremendous trials. They were forced from their homes, and their...

A Fantastic Opportunity! – 1 Peter 2:24

… 24and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. Two great truths come to us in this passage: first, what Christ has done for us, and second, the model we are to...

Trust, Not Retaliate – 1 Peter 2:23

… 23and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously … Suffering is part of life in a fallen world; we all experience it in some form or another. So Scripture...

Suffering Like Christ – 1 Peter 2:21–22

21For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, 22who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth . . . Our lives have purpose. As believers, we don’t wander aimlessly,...

Does the Bible Endorse Slavery? – 1 Peter 2:18–20

18Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. 19For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly....

Silencing Our Detractors – 1 Peter 2:15–17

15For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. 16Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. 17Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king....

No Anti-Authoritarians Allowed – 1 Peter 2:13–14

13Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, 14or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. Submission in our world today is a negative term, a...

Cause for Glory – 1 Peter 2:11–12

11Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. 12Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they...

My Identity in Christ – 1 Peter 2:9–10

9But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10for you once were not a people, but now you are the people...

Stumbling Over the Stone – 1 Peter 2:8b-9

7… “The stone which the builders rejected, this became … a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense”; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed. Christ is the dividing line between life and death. He is the...

He is Precious to Me – 1 Peter 2:7–8

7This precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for those who disbelieve, “The stone which the builders rejected, this became the very cornerstone,” 8and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense”; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the...

Choice Focus – 1 Peter 2:6

6For this is contained in Scripture: “Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious cornerstone, And he who believes in Him will not be disappointed.” Driving home the imagery, Peter quotes Isaiah 28:16. God’s most choice, most precious work in the world is the...

An Image to Live By – 1 Peter 2:4–5

4And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, 5you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God...

Five Sins Giving Way to Milk – 1 Peter 2:1–3

1Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, 2like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, 3if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord. Persecution over...

The Unfading Word of God – 1 Peter 1:24–25

24For, “All flesh is like grass, And all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, And the flower falls off, 25But the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word which was preached to you. In case we missed it, Peter further emphasizes the...

Loving in Pain – 1 Peter 1:22–23

22Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, 23for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word...

Help from Eternity Past – 1 Peter 1:20–21

20For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you 21who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. In this immensely...

Ginormous Price of Salvation – 1 Peter 1:17–19

17If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; 18knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life...

Because He is Holy – 1 Peter 1:14–16

14As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, 15but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” The call to obedience...

Spiritual Behavioral Modification- 1 Peter 1:13

13Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Three applications we need to keep before us, three commands to sharpen our thinking, three encouragements...

Preaching What They Did Not Know – 1 Peter 1:12

12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look. True prophets did not...

Of Suffering and Glory – 1 Peter 1:10–11

10As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, 11seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories...

“Blind” Faith and Love – 1 Peter 1:8–9

. . . 8and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. Christianity is based on...

Preciousness of Our Faith to Him – 1 Peter 1:7 (cont.)

7. . . the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ . . . While our faith in one sense is precious to us, it is the object...

A Seeming Non-Sequitur – 1 Peter 1:6–7

6In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in...

Faith Grounded in Hope – 1 Peter 1:3b–5

3. . . [God] has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 4to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5who are protected by the power of God...

What God Has Done – 1 Peter 1:3

3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead … How can we possibly bless God, who owns everything (Ps. 50:10–11, 2 Cor....

The Trinity at Our Service – 1 Peter 1:1b–2

1… who are chosen 2according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure. Setting the theological foundation for his readers,...

A Few Words from Peter – 1 Peter 1:1a

1Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia . . . So begins the first of only two letters we have from the apostle Peter. Given that Christian history has revered him and the...

Helping One Another Not Sin – James 5:19–20

19My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, 20let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. Our faithful author of this letter, in keeping with his...

Stepped Up Prayer – James 5:17–18

17Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. 18Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit. Elijah had a reputation for...

Of Confession and Healing – James 5:15b–16

15. . . if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. 16Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. Whether James teaches us to seek healing for...

Do I Really Believe? – James 5:14–15

14Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; 15and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has...

Suffering and Cheerfulness – James 5:13

13Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises. We now pivot to a critical and often controversial passage on healing. Our verse today sets the tone and the context. Suffering and cheerfulness are set in contrast and...

Freedom of the Simple Truth – James 5:12

12But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment. This verse seems oddly out of place. Some suggest James is going into his wrap-up for...

Of Suffering, Blessing, and Joy – James 5:10–11

10As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of...

Eyes on the Ball – James 5:8–9

8You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. 9Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door. Impatience allows all kinds of sin to breed and...

Patiently Waiting for Him – James 5:7–8

7Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. 8You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near....

Unrelenting Rebuke to the Rich – James 5:6

6You have condemned and put to death the righteous man; he does not resist you. Death by being overworked and underpaid—that’s how many commentators understand this verse. This, as it were, is the ultimate power the rich have over the poor: complete control over their...

Do Not Neglect the Disadvantaged – James 5:4–5

4Behold, the pay of the laborers who mowed your fields, and which has been withheld by you, cries out against you; and the outcry of those who did the harvesting has reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. 5You have lived luxuriously on the earth and led a life of...

Warning: Wealth Can Rot – James 5:1–3

1Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you. 2Your riches have rotted and your garments have become moth-eaten. 3Your gold and your silver have rusted; and their rust will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like...

If It’s Right, Do It- James 4:17

17Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin. Living the God-honoring, Christlike life is not about passive morality, just avoiding doing what is wrong. It is also about actively doing what is right. James has begun this...

Boast Only in the Lord – James 4:16

16But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. Arrogance is bad, we all know that, as is some boasting. But not all boasting. The question is this: what are you boasting about? Arrogant boasting is bad—that’s undebatable! We would be arrogant...

Lord Willing, I Will . . . – James 4:13–15

13Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” 14Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then...

Do Not Judge – God Forbid! – James 4:12

12There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor? Numerous epithets are given to our Lord in the NT epistles, including Apostle and High Priest of our confession (Heb. 3:1), Author and...

Don’t Weaponize God’s Word – James 4:11

11Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it. One of the most common refrains among Christians...

Humble Entry to the Throne – James 4:8–10

8Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. 10Humble yourselves in the presence of the...

Resisting the Evil Alternative – James 4:7 (cont.)

7Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. The devil will flee when we resist him—that is a promise of the holy, inspired, inerrant Word of God. The truth is laid out here, as straightforward as God can make it. In today’s parlance, “Read my...

Submitting to the Good Gift Giver – James 4:7

7Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. At the core of our lives here on earth as created beings, we must choose our master. We are not as autonomous and independent as we would like to think. We will serve someone or something. James has...

Grace Continually Greater – James 4:6

6But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” The truth of God’s jealousy for us carries enormous implications. Since He desires us so greatly, He lavishes us with His unmerited favor. That means He...

God’s Jealousy – James 4:5

5Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us”? God is jealous for us. That may seem startling, since jealousy is usually considered a bad thing. How can God be jealous, when He is perfectly...

Adulteresses, Really? – James 4:4

4You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Camping up his prophetic charge, James now equates acting on the temptation to satisfy the...

A Study in Wrong Motivation – James 4:2–3

2You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. 3You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. The...

Source of Arguments – James 4:1

1What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? Behind every human conflict lies an inner war. This passage is not to be taken simply as literary hyperbole; James is not using over-exaggeration...

Keeping in Step with Wisdom – James 3:17–18

17But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. 18And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. Wouldn’t it be great to have the wisdom...

Fruit of Unwisdom – James 3:15–16

15This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. 16For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. Sometimes Christians ignore the biblical mandate to think wisely because they...

Case Study in Birthing Sin – James 3:14

14But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. Behavior that does not demonstrate “gentleness in wisdom” (James 3:13) is abundantly evident. James lists four examples here, familiar to all of us....

Christian Wisdom – James 3:13

13Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. James’ teaching up to now has been prophetic and authoritative, reminiscent of his divine half-brother, Jesus. Now, using words familiar to...

Of Relativism and Inauthenticity – James 3:9–12

9With it [the tongue] we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; 10from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. 11Does a fountain send out from the same...

The Untamable Tongue – James 3:7–8

7For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. 8But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. That James speaks with hyperbole is without question; we...

Tongue on Fire – James 3:5b–6

5. . . See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! 6And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. How...

When Small Is Big – James 3:3–5a

3Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. 4Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the...

All Have Sinned – James 3:2

2For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well. No one is perfect; we all know that. The apostle John wrote similarly: “If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves,...

Ambition to Teach – James 3:1

1Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment. The subject turns to tongue control, an obvious metaphor for how we speak to people. This follows after James’ dealing with faith and works, and it seems we are...

Faith Without Works Is Dead – James 2:25–26

25In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead. Finishing out his brief treatise on the...

Faith and Works Go Together – James 2:24

24You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. Now James brings it all together to make his point (but then he follows it up with one more OT illustration). Clearly, he is writing to people with an OT background and understanding. All along, God...

Faith and Works Together – James 2:22–23

22You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; 23and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,” and he was called the friend of God. The phrase...

Justifiable Righteousness – James 2:21 (cont.)

21Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? This statement is completely true, and the apostle Paul would agree with it, as James uses it in context. Let’s look briefly at Abraham’s justification. Paul takes us back...

Importance of Inspired Words – James 2:21

21Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? God is one (Deut. 6:4), completely unified in Himself and thus, by definition. He cannot contradict Himself, for that would be an inherent contradiction in reality. His...

More Than Believing in God – James 2:19–20

19You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. 20But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? As if the point had not already been adequately and convincingly made, James continues his...

Show Me Your Faith – James 2:18

18But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” James pits two men arguing their perspectives on the relationship between faith and works. He begins with “someone” assailing...

Integrity of Genuine Faith – James 2:17

17Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. “Dead faith.” Stark, poignant, terse, authoritatively spoken. An oxymoron, a contradiction of terms: faith that is dead. How can that be? Of course, a dead faith is no faith at all; it is not real...

Working Your Faith – James 2:15–16

15If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, 16and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? James just asserted that “works” are proof...

Saving Faith Is Not Stagnant – James 2:14

14What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? James cuts to a biting, almost acerbic tone; he has been building up toward it. He calls the very faith into question of anyone who “has no works.” This is a...

A Merciful Love – James 2:12–13

12So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. 13For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment. Keeping the law of love is not just a feeling, a spiritual warm glow. Nor is it just a theological...

No Link Insignificant – James 2:9–11

9But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. 11For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not commit...

The Law of the King – James 2:8

8If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. Does not James sound quite a bit like the Lord Jesus Christ? All three of the synoptic gospels (Matt. 19:19, Mark 12:31, Luke...

Disadvantages of Favoritism – James 2:6b–7

6. . . Is it not the rich who oppress you and personally drag you into court? 7Do they not blaspheme the fair name by which you have been called? Showing favoritism toward the rich and famous only puts us at a disadvantage. When we kowtow to them, we concede to them...

Fellowship of the True Wealth – James 2:5–6a

5Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Despite his terseness, James refers to his readers as “beloved brethren”...

The Unfaith of Favoritism – James 2:1–4

1My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. 2For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, 3and you pay...

Markers of Genuine Religion – James 1:26–27

26If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless. 27Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to...

Being a Liberated Doer – James 1:22–25

22But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. 23For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; 24for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has...

Humble Implantation – James 1:21

21Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. James brings the lofty principles of righteousness within reach for everyday life. Anger is just the first...

Anger, Not So Righteous – James 1:19–20

19This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; 20for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. When Moses descended from Mount Sinai and saw the people worshiping a golden calf statue, his...

No Lie, God is Good – James 1:16–18

16Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. 18In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth,...

Nip It in the Bud – James 1:14–15

14But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Temptation begins in the heart. Outside circumstances can influence us and Satan...

Don’t Blame God – James 1:13–14

13Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 14But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. New believers find help from our passage today;...

An Necessary Witness – James 1:12

12Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Endurance is a hallmark of genuineness. The Christian life is not a 100-yard dash but a lifelong...

Scribbles on a Brick – James 1:9–11

9But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; 10and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. 11For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and...

Doubtless Faith – James 1:6–8

6But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways....

Why? Good Question! – James 1:4–5

4And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 5But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. Patience, endurance, fortitude,...

Otherworldly Joy – James 1:2–3

2Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Right away James jumps into the present felt needs that are common to all Christians, dealing with the trials of life. Jesus had...

James, a Servant Like Paul – James 1:1 (cont.)

1James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. The book of James is often set in contrast to the writings of the apostle Paul, yet both refer to themselves as “a bond-servant” of God (Titus 1:1)...

James Who? – James 1:1

1James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. The book of James has elicited considerable debate throughout Christian history. Martin Luther considered it a “strawy epistle” because of its focus...

Remembering Acts – Acts 1–28

The following table can help recall the general flow of the book of Acts. I learned and adapted this from Prof. Ron Blue of Dallas Theological Seminary. He picked it up from someone else, whose name is long lost in my discarded or misplaced student notes. Yet the...

Keep the Story Going! – Summary of Acts

We have come through the inspired record of the early post-resurrection, post-ascension Christian movement. This has been a continuation of his first writing, the Gospel According to Luke. While the first volume details the life of Christ, this second covers the...

And the Story Continues On – Acts 28:28–31

28”Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will also listen.” 29When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves. 30And he stayed two full years in his own rented...

Some Believe, Some Reject – Acts 28:23–27

23When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from...

No Waste of Opportunity – Acts 28:20–22

20“For this reason, therefore, I requested to see you and to speak with you, for I am wearing this chain for the sake of the hope of Israel.” 21They said to him, “We have neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren come here and...

Christmas Meditation – Jesus

18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. 19And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to...

Christmas Meditation – Prince of Peace

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) At the birth of Jesus Christ the Messiah, the angels...

Christmas Meditation – Everlasting Father

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) Odd as it sounds, the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, as...

Christmas Meditation – A Mighty God

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) Many times in the Bible we see the mightiness of God,...

Christmas Meditation – Wonderful Counselor

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) NOTE: We are pausing the final week of e-meds on the...

His Testimony Begins – Acts 28:16–19

16When we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him. 17After three days Paul called together those who were the leading men of the Jews, and when they came together, he began saying to them, “Brethren, though I had done...

Finally, in Person – Acts 28:15b

15. . . and when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. Paul’s heart rejoiced, overflowing with thanksgiving when he saw the delegation of believers coming from Rome to meet him. It had been a long while since he wrote them of his plans to visit them, and now...

Promise Within Sight – Acts 28:11–15

11At the end of three months we set sail on an Alexandrian ship which had wintered at the island, and which had the Twin Brothers for its figurehead. 12After we put in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13From there we sailed around and arrived at Rhegium,...

Blessings and Guidance – Acts 28:7–10

7Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us courteously three days. 8And it happened that the father of Publius was lying in bed afflicted with recurrent fever and...

No Serpent Can Stop God – Acts 28:3–6

3But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened itself on his hand. 4When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they began saying to one another, “Undoubtedly this man is a...

Shared Blessings with “Enemies” – Acts 28:1–2

1When they had been brought safely through, then we found out that the island was called Malta. 2The natives showed us extraordinary kindness; for because of the rain that had set in and because of the cold, they kindled a fire and received us all. Safe, but wet and...

Our God Really Is an Awesome God – Acts 27:42–44

42The soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, so that none of them would swim away and escape; 43but the centurion, wanting to bring Paul safely through, kept them from their intention, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to...

When Things Go More Wrong – Acts 27:39–41

39When day came, they could not recognize the land; but they did observe a bay with a beach, and they resolved to drive the ship onto it if they could. 40And casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea while at the same time they were loosening the ropes of the...

Of Hope and Confidence – Acts 27:33–38

33Until the day was about to dawn, Paul was encouraging them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have been constantly watching and going without eating, having taken nothing. 34Therefore I encourage you to take some food, for this is...

From Worse to Worse – Acts 27:27–32

27But when the fourteenth night came, as we were being driven about in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors began to surmise that they were approaching some land. 28They took soundings and found it to be twenty fathoms; and a little farther on they took...

His Will, Our Courage – Acts 27:21–26

21When they had gone a long time without food, then Paul stood up in their midst and said, “Men, you ought to have followed my advice and not to have set sail from Crete and incurred this damage and loss. 22Yet now I urge you to keep up your courage, for there will be...

His Will, the Weather – Acts 27:14–20

14But before very long there rushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo; 15and when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along. 16Running under the shelter of a small island called Clauda,...

His Will, Unwise Decisions – Acts 27:6–13

6There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy, and he put us aboard it. 7When we had sailed slowly for a good many days, and with difficulty had arrived off Cnidus, since the wind did not permit us to go farther, we sailed under the shelter of...

His Will, the Details – Acts 27:1–5

1When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, they proceeded to deliver Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan cohort named Julius. 2And embarking in an Adramyttian ship, which was about to sail to the regions along the coast of Asia, we put...

His Guidance, Our Will – Acts 26:27–32

27”King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? I know that you do.” 28Agrippa replied to Paul, “In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian.” 29And Paul said, “I would wish to God, that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear...

So Close, Yet So Far – Acts 26:24–26

24While Paul was saying this in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you mad.” 25But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I utter words of sober truth. 26For the king knows...

Let the Light Shine – Acts 26:22–23

22”So, having obtained help from God, I stand to this day testifying both to small and great, stating nothing but what the Prophets and Moses said was going to take place; 23that the Christ was to suffer, and that by reason of His resurrection from the dead He would...

As Much as the Worst – Acts 26:19–21

19”So, King Agrippa, I did not prove disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20but kept declaring both to those of Damascus first, and also at Jerusalem and then throughout all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God,...

The Great Rescue – Acts 26:18

“‘. . . 18to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.’” As Paul continues his testimony before...

Staying on Mission – Acts 26:15b–17

15b”. . . I am Jesus whom you [Paul] are persecuting. 16But get up and stand on your feet; for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you a minister and a witness not only to the things which you have seen, but also to the things in which I will appear to...

Personal, Divine Intervention – Acts 26:12–15

12“While so engaged as I was journeying to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests, 13at midday, O King, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining all around me and those who were journeying with me. 14And when we had...

Hostile Toward Jesus – Acts 26:9–11

9“So then, I thought to myself that I had to do many things hostile to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10And this is just what I did in Jerusalem; not only did I lock up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests, but also when they...

Hope Rooted in the Law – Acts 26:6–8

6“And now I am standing trial for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers; 7the promise to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly serve God night and day. And for this hope, O King, I am being accused by Jews. 8Why is it considered...

What I Used to Be – Acts 26:4–5

4“So then, all Jews know my manner of life from my youth up, which from the beginning was spent among my own nation and at Jerusalem; 5since they have known about me for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that I lived as a Pharisee according to the strictest...

The Invitation to Testify – Acts 26:1–3

1Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and proceeded to make his defense: 2“In regard to all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, I consider myself fortunate, King Agrippa, that I am about to make my...

The Divine Setup – Acts 25:24–27

24Festus said, “King Agrippa, and all you gentlemen here present with us, you see this man about whom all the people of the Jews appealed to me, both at Jerusalem and here, loudly declaring that he ought not to live any longer. 25But I found that he had committed...

Divine Appointment to Testify – Acts 25:22–23

22Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I also would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” he said, “you shall hear him.” 23So, on the next day when Agrippa came together with Bernice amid great pomp, and entered the auditorium accompanied by the commanders and the...

An Astute Political Maneuver – Acts 25:20–21

20“Being at a loss how to investigate such matters, I asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there stand trial on these matters. 21But when Paul appealed to be held in custody for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him to be kept in custody until I send...

Follow the Evidence – Acts 25:16–20a

16“I answered them that it is not the custom of the Romans to hand over any man before the accused meets his accusers face to face and has an opportunity to make his defense against the charges. 17So after they had assembled here, I did not delay, but on the next day...

The Fingerprint in God’s Ink – Acts 25:13–15

13Now when several days had elapsed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and paid their respects to Festus. 14While they were spending many days there, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, “There is a man who was left as a prisoner by Felix; 15and...

Confident in God’s Promises – Acts 25:9–12

9But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, answered Paul and said, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me on these charges?” 10But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. I have done no wrong to the...

No Offense to Speak Of – Acts 25:6–8

6After he had spent not more than eight or ten days among them, he went down to Caesarea, and on the next day he took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought. 7After Paul arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing...

Divine Will and Government Action – Acts 25:1–5