Day 347, 13th December Bible Commentary With Dr Oluwatoyin Ojo From the Book of James And 1st Timothy.
PRAY WIDE
Today’s study progress to the remaining chapters of the nuggets of James for the Christian lifestyle — I find that reading this book periodically is refreshing; it enables a further journey; like fuel, it fills up an empty tank.
James (5:13-18) and the Apostle Paul (1 Timothy 2:1-2) charge us to pray wide beyond;
the boundaries of our nation, the brand of our church, and our niche. In prayers our cope of influence is unlimited.
JAMES 4:1-17
LIFESTYLE NUGGETS:
Identifying the causes of wars and quarrelling among the believers as evil desires and covetousness (v.1-2)
• Identifies the causes of unanswered prayers as wrong motives.
• Submit to God being his friend or choose enmity with him by becoming friendly and satisfied by the world.
“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” (v.6; Hosea 3:1).
• Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. (v.10) • Do not slander or judge. Let God judge it is of Him to forgive or to destroy. (v.11-12).
v.13-16
YOU ARE A MIST — STOP BOASTING about tomorrow with interesting life
plans and business projections. “Instead you ought to say; if it is the Lord’s will, we
will live and do this or that.” v.15
NOTE: if you know what is good to do and you don’t in any situation, for anyone at all you have sinned (v.17)
JAMES 5:1-20
James used various expressions to inform the rich of the temporariness of all that is acquired.
And that the employer that does not pay wages is condemned before God (v.4-6)
Be patient, understand that life is in seasons – even your finances. (v.7)
Don’t grumble or position yourself as a judge — this act is a spiritual act that is deeper than you often think — behold the judge is standing at the door (v.9); the divine keep record of our speech and thoughts towards people, and different situations.
You could suffer but take it like the prophets who did — Job did too. But be assured the Lord’s compassion and mercy will come true (v.10-11)
YES OR NO — make your answers that simple to be free from sin. v.12
CAPITALIZE ON PRAYERS:
• When in trouble pray. When happy sing songs of praise.
• When sick — tell the elders as they anoint you with oil and pray in faith you will rise and be forgiven (v.14-15);
Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” v.16; This spiritual law of healing is in three steps; Confession, prayer and then healing. If the first isn't honestly fulfilled the next two steps cannot be attained.
Consider that, Elijah a fellow inhabitant of the earth through prayers controlled the seasons of life ( RAIN ). v.17-18
v.19-20 — Seek and restore a drifting/backsliding believer that way you have refused error, death and covered a multitude of sins (v.20)
Hoping against hope Paul left the prison after 2 years and wrote to his sons Timothy and Titus (One Year Chronological Bible pg. 1521)
1 TIMOTHY 1:1-20
Paul instructs Timothy to disallow heresy in the church. It could come through false doctrines, myths, or endless genealogies or the quest for knowledge of the law by which some have derailed.
Howbeit, the law is for criminals and sinners { see the full list of their acts v.9-10 it includes Rebels, Homosexuals (some would argue that this has become lawful especially in Europe but how does this conflict with God's) }.
PAUL’S REFLECTIONS ON HIS DAYS OF IGNORANCE AS A PERSECUTOR AND VIOLENT MAN — giving thanks for the grace that conquered his unbelief.
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am chief. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen". v.15-17
A FATHERLY ADVISE TO TIMOTHY on how to maintain fervency:
Reflect on your early days, the prophecies said concerning you.
Paul points at a certain type of shipwreck the most critical — being that of faith.
Citing examples of those who have let go of the anchor — Hymenaeus and Alexander (v.20)
1 TIMOTHY 2:1-15
PRAY WIDE; pray for all nations on earth —MANKIND— all governments and authorities. God delights in their salvation; that they may know him, Christ being the ransom.
ON CONDUCT FOR CHRISTIAN MEN AND WOMEN
“Let the men everywhere pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.” v.8
Women should:
• Present as modest and decent. Easy to be discerned as worshippers of God.
( v.9-10), armed with good works.
• Have a quiet Spirit (if you are harsh/forward ask God for a new Spirit); deferring to their
husbands. We must remember that women are easily deceived — Eve was
deceived by the serpent! [(v.11-14; Genesis 3:1-10). Nonetheless, women of faith will not be under the curse placed as a consequence (v.15; Genesis
3:16)].
NIGHT:
1Timothy 1:12
"I thank the Lord who has given me strength, and considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service." v.12 Give thanks for his compassion and mercy.
©️ 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Dr Oluwatoyin Emiola Ojo.
Warmth
Toyin
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