1 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 13-14; Titus 3
David and his relationship with God became the standard for all subsequent kings. For David's sake, God did not fully remove His blessings from the kings of Judah, even when they strayed from the Lord (1 Kings 15:4).
2 Chronicles provides a more detailed account of Asa's reign, which was characterized by his efforts to please God: "Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God" (2 Chronicles 14:2). He also directed the entire nation to serve God: "He commanded Judah to seek the Lord, the God of their ancestors, and to obey his laws and commands" (2 Chronicles 14:4). Trust in the Lord was the foundation of Asa's life and kingdom. He knew whom to turn to in times of trouble: "Then Asa called to the Lord his God and said, 'Lord, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, Lord, our God, for we rely on you, and in your name, we have come against this vast army. Lord, you are our God; do not let mortals prevail against you" (2 Chronicles 14:11). Because of this trust, the Lord intervened on Asa's behalf and protected him and his people.
Titus 3
Titus 3 provides a concise and profound description of the transformation of a soul through salvation. Before salvation, people are characterized by disobedience to God and slavery to various passions, leading to malice, envy, and hatred. However, God's saving grace makes a person entirely different: "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:5).
Rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit enable Christians to be devoted to good works, which we must diligently pursue (Titus 3:8), rather than becoming entangled in arguments, disputes, and religious controversies (Titus 3:9).
Paul emphasizes the importance of these teachings in transforming lives and encourages believers to avoid distractions that do not contribute to their spiritual growth or the church's unity. He also highlights the importance of maintaining good works as a testimony to the world and a reflection of God's grace in our lives.
2 Chronicles provides a more detailed account of Asa's reign, which was characterized by his efforts to please God: "Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God" (2 Chronicles 14:2). He also directed the entire nation to serve God: "He commanded Judah to seek the Lord, the God of their ancestors, and to obey his laws and commands" (2 Chronicles 14:4). Trust in the Lord was the foundation of Asa's life and kingdom. He knew whom to turn to in times of trouble: "Then Asa called to the Lord his God and said, 'Lord, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, Lord, our God, for we rely on you, and in your name, we have come against this vast army. Lord, you are our God; do not let mortals prevail against you" (2 Chronicles 14:11). Because of this trust, the Lord intervened on Asa's behalf and protected him and his people.
Titus 3
Titus 3 provides a concise and profound description of the transformation of a soul through salvation. Before salvation, people are characterized by disobedience to God and slavery to various passions, leading to malice, envy, and hatred. However, God's saving grace makes a person entirely different: "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:5).
Rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit enable Christians to be devoted to good works, which we must diligently pursue (Titus 3:8), rather than becoming entangled in arguments, disputes, and religious controversies (Titus 3:9).
Paul emphasizes the importance of these teachings in transforming lives and encourages believers to avoid distractions that do not contribute to their spiritual growth or the church's unity. He also highlights the importance of maintaining good works as a testimony to the world and a reflection of God's grace in our lives.
Posted in Reading Bible Together