Proverbs 24-25; Psalm 41; 1 Thessalonians 2
Proverbs 24-25
The book of Proverbs, being a collection of wisdom, imparts various truths that are not necessarily connected. Although they are unified by the themes of the fear of the Lord, wisdom, and success, each of these truths sheds light on different aspects of life. Reading them regularly, you will focus on different truths at different stages of life, depending on what is more relevant to you. While reading chapters 24 and 25, I noticed the following truths:
- “If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!” (Proverbs 24:10). It is important to grow in maturity and gain spiritual strength during prosperous times to have strength when difficulties arise.
- “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes” (Proverbs 24:16). The difference between the truly saved is that they will rise after falling.
- “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man” (Proverbs 24:33-34). Laziness always leads to ruin.
- “Do not bring hastily to court” (Proverbs 25:8). The danger of reacting emotionally to conflict situations. Always calm down first; only then, if the matter is truly worth it, make a complaint.
- “Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given” (Proverbs 25:11).
- “If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit” (Proverbs 25:16). Moderation and temperance in everything not only balance life but also preserve the ability to enjoy the good given by God indeed.
- “Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control” (Proverbs 25:28).
What truths described in these chapters resonate with your soul today? Please write in the comments.
Psalm 41
Another example of David describing his difficulties, in which parallels can be found with what happened to Christ. In his problems, David places his hope in God, telling his troubles in prayer. His enemies rise against him, and “Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me” (Psalm 41:10) – it is evident that there is a direct parallel with Jesus Christ, the greatest Son of David. These parallels show that the Son of God, becoming man, descended into the reality of human life, affected by sin and its consequences. Trust in God, expressed in the words “But you, Lord, will not forsake me; you will protect me and keep me in your presence forever” (Psalm 41:13), speaks of confidence in the final victory, both in the life of David and in the life of his greatest Descendant, Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 2
1 Thessalonians 2 is dedicated to describing the ministry of the Apostle Paul in Thessalonica. Although he was there briefly, his attitude became a great example of effective pastoral ministry. Although he and his team had just endured severe physical and moral persecution in Philippi, they “dare to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition” (1 Thessalonians 2:2). In these circumstances, the apostle and his companions behaved not as those requiring special attention, but as faithful servants of God:
- They did not flatter people (1 Thessalonians 2:4-6)
- They were caring and loving (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8)
- They preached while supporting themselves financially (1 Thessalonians 2:9)
- They provided an example of Christian life (1 Thessalonians 2:10)
- They earnestly encouraged believers to live lives worthy of God (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12)
This approach resulted in the believers in Thessalonica accepting the Word preached to them as the Word of God (1 Thessalonians 2:13).
From the pastor:
Submit a question for the program “The Bible Speaks” at the following link:
http://forms.gle/AgnZhpUp2iU1i7Jf6
Grace Songs App
Here you will find songs with chords and sheet music.
Link for Apple: Grace Songs on Apple
Link for Android: Grace Songs on Android
I would be glad if these resources would be helpful to you!
The book of Proverbs, being a collection of wisdom, imparts various truths that are not necessarily connected. Although they are unified by the themes of the fear of the Lord, wisdom, and success, each of these truths sheds light on different aspects of life. Reading them regularly, you will focus on different truths at different stages of life, depending on what is more relevant to you. While reading chapters 24 and 25, I noticed the following truths:
- “If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!” (Proverbs 24:10). It is important to grow in maturity and gain spiritual strength during prosperous times to have strength when difficulties arise.
- “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes” (Proverbs 24:16). The difference between the truly saved is that they will rise after falling.
- “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man” (Proverbs 24:33-34). Laziness always leads to ruin.
- “Do not bring hastily to court” (Proverbs 25:8). The danger of reacting emotionally to conflict situations. Always calm down first; only then, if the matter is truly worth it, make a complaint.
- “Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given” (Proverbs 25:11).
- “If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit” (Proverbs 25:16). Moderation and temperance in everything not only balance life but also preserve the ability to enjoy the good given by God indeed.
- “Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control” (Proverbs 25:28).
What truths described in these chapters resonate with your soul today? Please write in the comments.
Psalm 41
Another example of David describing his difficulties, in which parallels can be found with what happened to Christ. In his problems, David places his hope in God, telling his troubles in prayer. His enemies rise against him, and “Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me” (Psalm 41:10) – it is evident that there is a direct parallel with Jesus Christ, the greatest Son of David. These parallels show that the Son of God, becoming man, descended into the reality of human life, affected by sin and its consequences. Trust in God, expressed in the words “But you, Lord, will not forsake me; you will protect me and keep me in your presence forever” (Psalm 41:13), speaks of confidence in the final victory, both in the life of David and in the life of his greatest Descendant, Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 2
1 Thessalonians 2 is dedicated to describing the ministry of the Apostle Paul in Thessalonica. Although he was there briefly, his attitude became a great example of effective pastoral ministry. Although he and his team had just endured severe physical and moral persecution in Philippi, they “dare to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition” (1 Thessalonians 2:2). In these circumstances, the apostle and his companions behaved not as those requiring special attention, but as faithful servants of God:
- They did not flatter people (1 Thessalonians 2:4-6)
- They were caring and loving (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8)
- They preached while supporting themselves financially (1 Thessalonians 2:9)
- They provided an example of Christian life (1 Thessalonians 2:10)
- They earnestly encouraged believers to live lives worthy of God (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12)
This approach resulted in the believers in Thessalonica accepting the Word preached to them as the Word of God (1 Thessalonians 2:13).
From the pastor:
Submit a question for the program “The Bible Speaks” at the following link:
http://forms.gle/AgnZhpUp2iU1i7Jf6
Grace Songs App
Here you will find songs with chords and sheet music.
Link for Apple: Grace Songs on Apple
Link for Android: Grace Songs on Android
I would be glad if these resources would be helpful to you!
Posted in Reading Bible Together