1 Kings 13-14; 2 Chronicles 12; Psalm 47; Titus 2
The history of the kings of Israel and Judah is a sad illustration of how quickly the human heart can become corrupt. Solomon enjoyed numerous blessings that God poured out on Israel because of David, but he no longer valued a personal relationship with God. His son Rehoboam went further: "He did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the Lord." (2 Chronicles 12:14). As a result, the entire nation fell into rebellion against God: "Judah did evil in the eyes of the Lord. By the sins they committed they stirred up his jealous anger more than those who were before they had done." (1 Kings 14:22). This led to God's punishment. Rehoboam's partial humility before God helped preserve Jerusalem from destruction (2 Chronicles 12:12).
Jeroboam, the king of the northern kingdom of Israel, went even further in his apostasy from God. Even when God's word was revealed to him, accompanied by several signs, it did not lead to a broken heart.
Psalm 47
Psalm 47 is one of the Psalms focusing on exalting God. This is a message that needs to be constantly reminded of people. God must be praised, admired, and sung about because:
- He is the king over all the earth.
- He gave the inheritance to the children of Abraham, which in its final form was expressed in the coming of the Messiah and the salvation accomplished by Him.
Titus 2
Continuing with the instructions necessary for Titus to strengthen the churches in Crete, Paul emphasizes several important truths:
- Different categories of Christians in the church need guidance with slightly different emphases. Elders, older women, young women, and young men have slightly different spiritual challenges and needs, which must be considered in pastoral care.
- The Gospel of grace is alive and active. It possesses a teaching power: "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age" (Titus 2:11-12).
Paul also emphasizes that these instructions aim to create people eager to do good works, reflecting God's character and glorifying Him in every aspect of their lives. This is the essence of living out the Gospel, showing how grace transforms lives and communities.
Jeroboam, the king of the northern kingdom of Israel, went even further in his apostasy from God. Even when God's word was revealed to him, accompanied by several signs, it did not lead to a broken heart.
Psalm 47
Psalm 47 is one of the Psalms focusing on exalting God. This is a message that needs to be constantly reminded of people. God must be praised, admired, and sung about because:
- He is the king over all the earth.
- He gave the inheritance to the children of Abraham, which in its final form was expressed in the coming of the Messiah and the salvation accomplished by Him.
Titus 2
Continuing with the instructions necessary for Titus to strengthen the churches in Crete, Paul emphasizes several important truths:
- Different categories of Christians in the church need guidance with slightly different emphases. Elders, older women, young women, and young men have slightly different spiritual challenges and needs, which must be considered in pastoral care.
- The Gospel of grace is alive and active. It possesses a teaching power: "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age" (Titus 2:11-12).
Paul also emphasizes that these instructions aim to create people eager to do good works, reflecting God's character and glorifying Him in every aspect of their lives. This is the essence of living out the Gospel, showing how grace transforms lives and communities.
Posted in Reading Bible Together