December 1
2
Corinthians 11:1-13:13
Acts
20:7-12
Paul
exposes his heart and his weaknesses more in this section than anywhere
else. And it shows us how overwhelmed he
is by the welfare of the church at
December 2
Acts
There
is a kind of melancholy in this section, maybe because I know the eventual
outcome, but mostly just because it has that kind of atmosphere. Paul is set like a flint toward
December 3
Acts
The
false apostles and Judaizers must have been very
effective because the crowd in
Luke’s
account has excellent details, much action, and all the ingredients for an
exciting film. It even seems a bit
humorous at times the way Paul subtly mentions his citizenship right at the
time he was about to be whipped. His
speech is so clear and open. It serves
as a lesson to all Gospel preachers, teachers, and testifiers. I should use these last few words to comment
on the obvious sovereignty of God throughout this “pathway to
December 4
Acts
24:1-26:31
The
thought that keeps recurring to me regarding this reading is the sovereign hand
of God. On the surface the reading is a
tragedy that provides some entertainment to the reader, like any book, play or
film about a tragic series of events.
But we must not allow ourselves to be held down by such
superficiality. The fact is, Paul was shown by the Lord that he would testify to the
Caesar. I don’t think he knew how this
would come about and I doubt he anticipated such long confinement, but we know
much about what he was able to write and do during much of his
imprisonment. During his travels he
evangelized the world of the day; during his imprisonment he evangelized the
world of the ages. What a lesson to all
of us – and I think, especially to me this morning. We must resist 2nd-guessing
God. We must only devote ourselves for
His consumption, and leave the scope and future implications of our efforts to
the ever-vigilant Father in Heaven.
December 5
Acts
27:1-44
Luke
provides interesting details to us of Paul’s journey to
December 6
Acts
28:1-31
Ephesians
1:1-2:22
Paul’s
amazing journey ends with imprisonment in
December 7
Ephesians
3:1-5:14
Paul
says he is a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
The context shows clearly he is referring to his physical incarceration,
but his wording shows that he sees it all in a spiritual context, and he wants
the Ephesians to see it that way also.
And so he wants them to not despair for his suffering, but be honored
and encouraged by it. Paul gives
considerable space to encouraging his readers by emphasizing their equality in
Christ with the Jews and the great need for unity and love. He then turns the corner from encouraging to
exhorting. He makes it clear that
learning and living in the truth of Christ displays itself in very practical do’s and don’ts. He
speaks of working hard, giving generously, doing good,
and being kind and forgiving. He also
speaks of avoiding dark behavior and he gets specific: sexual immorality,
bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, lying, stealing, impurity, and
greed. Paul tells us to let our light
shine and learn what is pleasing to the Lord.
December 8
Ephesians
5:15-6:23
Colossians
1:1-23
Paul
continues to talk of “living in the light” and later in Colossians
December 9
Colossians
1:24-4:18
It
seems that Paul has written this letter in the same sitting (or close to) as
the letter to
But
there are some things that distinguish this letter from Ephesians. There is more focus on guiding away from
legalism, and so there is a strong leading away from burdensome rules into
freedom in Christ. Ephesians had a
stronger focus on spirituality while Colossians is stronger on practical
living, and yet they all boil down to the same thing. They begin with the riches and glory of
Christ and eventually exhort us to get rid of everything that would be harmful
to a Christ-filled life. We are to avoid
sexual sin and embrace mercy and kindness.
And we are to share in the sufferings of Christ.
December 10
Philemon
1:1-25
Philippians
1:1-2:11
Philemon
is clearly a very heartwarming writing.
To me, there is also a certain humor to it. Maybe it is because of my experience as a
purchaser, but I see the sales strategies that have been used by many (as well
as by me). Paul deeply wants the best
for Onesimus and Philemon. He deeply wants the best for the cause of
Christ. And he leaves no stone unturned
in this brief letter. It is definitely a
model script for salesmen everywhere.
Philippians
is a writing that has had a special place in my heart for as long as I can
remember. It is the one writing that has
helped (more than any other) to strengthen me when I have become weak. This portion of Philippians leads quickly into
a theme of unity and service and sacrifice.
But prior to that, the introduction speaks of our citizenship in Heaven
and how it should affect our thinking.
And of course, the highlight is the Kenosis, our model for Christian
living.
December 11
Philippians
2:12-4:23
This
will always be the Jewel of the Epistles for me. Of course, the lead-in from yesterday is
perfect: the Kenosis – the God Who
emptied Himself to save those He had created in His image, even though they had
fallen from His presence through sin.
Paul compares all of this with the alternative of legalism which,
religiously speaking is about one’s only option. Paul lets us know that legalistically, he was
the best there was, but his righteousness was nothing but rubbish in
comparison. His life story had become
the amazing abandonment of his zealous and promising career as a Pharisee and
his total surrender to the quest to know Christ and share in His resurrection
power as well as in His suffering. And
then Paul launches from this into a practical exhortation to unity and living
for the benefit of others. He even
specifically mentions a conflict between 2 women, whom he names. To me, this section is a quiet, but glorious
masterpiece, worthy of its inspiration.
December 12
James
1:1-3:18
James
is a very unique and exclusive writer. I
can see the influence of Solomon’s writings and of Paul’s writings, but mostly
I see the influence of the Sermon on the Mount.
James speaks much about faith but his emphasis is on the inevitable
results of faith – the proof of saving faith is charitable works. Of course, we know there are many who
demonstrate great charity, and yet do not have saving faith; but the point it,
saving faith always results in caring for others – always. James opens and closes with words about
getting and using wisdom, and between, he writes about practical working out of
wisdom. Whether it is controlling the
tongue, caring for others, treating rich and poor with the same respect, or
being merciful; it is all a demonstration of wisdom. Many say that Christianity is not a religion,
but a relationship. James seems to say
that Christianity is a religion OF relationship. He seems to say a genuine relationship will
inevitably produce “true religion.”
James tells me there is a religion out there that is true. It is not a bad religion – it’s a good
religion because it is a religion that flows out of relationship, rather than the reverse.
December 13
James
4:1-5:20
1 Timothy 1:1-2:15
Today’s
reading turns a rather sharp corner from yesterday – from peace, gentleness,
mercy, goodness, etc., to quarrels, fights, evil desires, jealousy, greed, and
selfishness. And all of this leads right
back to exhorting us to humility, repentance, and drawing close to God. James then moves back to relationship with
one another and he refers once again to how the tongue is used. We must avoid speaking evil against others.
James
then writes about making plans in the context of self-lordship versus the
lordship of Jesus. We must not make
plans without surrendering them to the Lord’s will. James writes about patience, even referring
to Job as an example. From there, he
shows how prayer should be applied in our relationships. His writing is intensely practical and
transitions quite smoothly into 1 Timothy which is
next in the reading. Paul is also very
practical as he teaches Timothy.
December 14
1 Timothy 3:1-6:10
The
intensely practical Paul continues guiding Timothy with solemn requirements for
elders and deacons. We should be humbled
and sobered by these, but also take note that the church is not managed by a
philosophy of “cheap grace.” There are
tough requirements (but fair). God is in
control but He works through people in tangible ways. The
Paul
gives such clear but sweeping advice and warnings. It is wonderful that it is shared with us,
but far more wonderful is Paul’s primary focus.
There it is nestled right in the midst of the advice, driving – feeding
all the practical words. 1 Timothy
December 15
1 Timothy 6:11-21
Titus
1:1-3:15
2
Timothy 1:1-18
Titus
is very much like 1 Timothy except a little bit
abbreviated and perhaps a little less intimate.
Paul, however, did have a close bond with Titus – just not as close as
Timothy. It seems as if Paul is writing
this letter in a little more hurry and on the heels of his writing of 1
Timothy, because it is so similar, but more brief. Titus was assigned to the church (or
churches) on the
December 16
2
Timothy 2:1-4:18
The
first emotion (and there are many) is to wish that I could stand with Paul so
he would not feel so alone. But of
course he drew strength from the Lord and preached the Good News as he had done
faithfully since his conversion. You
just have to know that this event was a marvelous oasis for Paul in a desert of
loneliness. We know that Paul was never
in despair but clearly he was dealing with melancholy and heartbreak from the
failed relationships of those who forsook him.
But he was always driven with a singleness of mind in perpetuating the
spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. So
in his final writing, he teaches, exhorts, and even charges Timothy to first of
all, “Get it right,” and secondly, “Teach others.” The mustard seed must grow. First it dies, then it sprouts, then it
spreads, and then it dominates. And the
Gospel must be taught to one, who will teach one hundred, who will teach ten
thousand, who will teach the world, who will teach the ages to come, and then
the Lord will reveal His glory.
December 17
2
Timothy 4:19-22
Hebrews
1:1-4:13
It
seems from this close of 2 Timothy that Paul did have visitors, but I suspect
there were difficult restrictions. And
we know they did not go with Paul to court.
I think it is fair to read a lonely tone into his writing.
Hebrews
begins with powerful and impassioned and even repetitive teaching by an
Israelite to Israelites. It is actually
a well-thought-out, inspired plea. In
the first couple of chapters all doubt is removed regarding the deity and the
humanity of Jesus. His sovereignty is
beautifully displayed and we must bow as the mystery of His incarnation exposes
the narrow limits of our understanding.
The clarity of the teaching of the Trinity in these first few chapters
cannot erase the awesome mystery of the Godhead and the eternal/internal
covenant. No wonder John, in his first
epistle, centered his entire apostolic observation around
the simple, yet breathtaking declaration that “God is love.” This reality is not for mastery. It is for embracing.
December 18
Hebrews
4:14-7:28
The
last sentence of yesterday’s reading should be read with the first of today’s
reading. The Word of God exposes us; the
Law of God busts us. And we must stand
before God and explain all. That is why
we need and we have a Great High Priest in heaven – Jesus. The message of this section is found in those
3 words, “that is why.” And the purpose
of the message is assurance. Ironically,
one of the most unsettling passages in the Bible to many Christians is right
here in 6:4-6. These verses, unlike the
rest around it do not seem to guide one to assurance, because we have all
failed Christ; not just once, but many times.
But the immediate context and the context of the rest of the Bible
should cause one to read this passage in a new way and realize that it actually
promotes assurance in all who are walking by faith in the finished work of
Christ. He is a High Priest Who knows what you are going through and He forgives seventy
times seven, and pleads to the Father on your behalf. I love that!
December 19
Hebrews
8:1-10:39
Chapter
8 also starts with a “tie-in” to the previous writing. But verse one is also a key verse for the
writing of Hebrews as a whole. It also
operates very well as a key verse in the whole Gospel. It even begins with the rich and unmistakable
introduction: Here is the main point…
And
the main point is that our High Priest is at God’s right hand as our Advocate –
our Sacrifice. All of this is expanded
as the Old Covenant is compared to the New Covenant. We see why the first was insufficient and the
latter is superior. The writer moves
from there into the very lives (the daily difficulties) of his readers. He shows how all that he has written should
give strength and encouragement to endure the persecution. He does this by exhorting sternly and by
pointing to the Second Coming of Christ.
This writer is careful to speak soberly to those who might consider
turning away from Christ. We must band
together and stay strong in Him.
December 20
Hebrews
11:1-12:29
I
sometimes wonder if it would be good to write the contrast of the antithesis of
Hebrews 11. In other words, instead of
defining what faith is, define what faith is not. It is not used without a choice – it is not
irresistible – it is not based on imagination – it is not wishful thinking – it
does not always bring prosperity – it does not always bring suffering. Faith incurs the pleasure of God when it has
grown enough to change a man from a religious dabbler into an unstoppable gate-stormer on the City of
v This section begins with a
question: What is faith?
v It ends with an answer by
giving us the Object of our faith: Our God is a consuming fire.
v Between the question and the
answer are the examples: the might, the deliverance, the wondrous salvation,
and the gracious forgiveness of Jesus.
The
beginning, the ending, and the body of this section – all says, “By faith, I
believe: Only God can save me from His wrath.”
Thank you, Jesus!
December 21
Hebrews
13:1-25
1
Peter 1:1-2:3
I
love the way this last chapter opens with the exhortation to Christian love and
charity and then attaches the words, “Give honor to marriage…” This attention to the institution of marriage
is nestled right in between attention to the sorrow and suffering of others,
and the avoiding of the love of money.
This is so perfect and clear and must be absorbed by every young couple
who is engaged to be married. The quest
for financial success and the quest for marital success, or more appropriately
– the quest for fulfillment from these, will only bring satisfaction and joy if
that quest begins with a foundation of caring for the eternal and temporal
welfare of others. If your marriage and
career are the foundation for personal fulfillment then ultimate satisfaction
will always elude you. Relationships
must be built on the foundation of Christ and His Word, simply because He is
always the same – yesterday, today, and forever.
December 22
1
Peter 2:4-5:11
Peter
is a little bit repetitious with a few points because they are so needed by his
immediate readers. Come to think of it,
his readers today could use them also.
He repeats warnings about suffering for Christ, holy living, and visible
unity and charity. He makes strong
reminders of the fact that Christians are observed by non-Christians and what
is observed should be so pure and kind and righteous that it would put to shame
any feelings of animosity. He reminds
his readers that there will be persecution, but they must be sure the
persecution is not for anything they have done wrong, but rather it should be
unjust persecution for Christ’s sake.
There will be suffering but it must be suffering that is shared with Christ. Peter brings this all out practically and
specifically by referring to the common relationships of life such as citizens
and their public officials, workers and employers, and husbands and wives. All of these must be such that the world
knows that we are living for God, not for self.
Be surrendered to God.
December 23
1
Peter 5:12-14
2
Peter 1:1-3:18
Some
things never change; and Peter’s warnings about, and descriptions of false
teachers almost make me think he had cable television and access to channels
that often show false teachers, proclaiming faith
in faith rather than faith in
God. They use all the same
tactics that Peter mentions here and one has to believe they are of the same
evil spirit. They even twist the
writings of Paul to mean things that Paul did not intend and they do this to
their own destruction.
Peter’s
reference here to Paul’s writing is very significant because he clearly
references certain letters of Paul as inspired Scripture. This obviously puts the New Testament on the same
Spirit-inspired level as the Old Testament and reinforces to us that we today
hold in our hands and hopefully in our hearts the marvelous Word of God. How humbled we should be and how diligent we
should be in hiding this Word in our hearts to guard our lives from sin.
December 24
1
John 1:1-4:6
When
I compare the size of this page with the text I just read, the phrase
“truth-overload” comes to mind. Of
course, we can never “overload” on the truth, but this text draws a very big
“Wow!” from me. Probably the best way to
summarize this is with 2 exhortations that John expands on.
The
interesting thing about John is that he writes in black and white. He seems to have no tolerance for turning
clear truth into a gray fog. He uses
words like “liar” and “false prophet” and “antichrist” to speak of those who
say one thing about God and yet live in opposition to God’s commandments and
God’s people. John simply has no
tolerance for people who speak about God while living like the devil. His epistle is about living – about living
the truth – about living in love for Jesus and Christians. He wants us to know (like James) that
Christianity is action – that true faith is not dead faith – that true love is
obedient love. He minces no words and in
the very first verse he makes it clear why this is.
December 25
1
John 4:7-5:21
2
John 1:1-13
3
John 1:1-15
These
last two chapters of 1 John are rich and very practical, and the foundation of
them is love. There is a way to tell if
someone is a Christian. And while
professing Christ is important, professing is not possessing. John speaks much about what a person must
believe to be a Christian, but there is only one thing in this reading that he
gives as a means for “showing” one is a Christian – love for Christian brothers
and sisters. And John does not mince
words. He makes it clear: If you say you
are a Christian but you hate a Christian, then you are a liar. Today we would hesitate to use a word like
“liar.” It seems too harsh for our
delicate egos. But John is not intending
harshness; he is intending truth. And
anything that is not truth is a lie.
In
John’s last two letters he seems to deal with specific problems and it is
interesting that the problems are sort of opposite. One letter deals with insuring false teachers
are not supported at all, and the other deals with insuring truth teachers are
well supported.
December 26
Jude
1:1-25
Revelation
1:1-2:29
Jude
is so urgent in his brief letter and no wonder.
It is believed that his letter addressed the same people and concerns as
2 Peter. And we can see that it
addresses some of the same concerns addressed by Jesus to some of the 7
churches of
December 27
Revelation
3:1-6:17
Of
course, the answer to the question at the end of this section has already been
answered clearly within the section. Who
will be able to survive? Answer: all
whose robes are washed in the blood of the Lamb.
One
cannot help but notice the tremendous emphasis on works in the letter to the
churches. We understand theology well
enough to know that we are saved by grace through faith – not works. And yet we know such faith inevitably
produces fruit/works that please God. So
while faith is imparted by the Teacher, the test administered to prove the
“lesson was learned” is the test of works.
Faith is the method – works the proof.
I don’t think one can simply dismiss the sternly sober tone of the
Lord’s words to the churches by simply referring to the rewards that are given
or withheld in Heaven. We must not
insult the Speaker by suggesting that His clear words mean something different
than the obvious.
December 28
Revelation
7:1-10:11
There
is clearly much symbolism, but we should tread lightly in de-literalizing
arbitrarily. Our first inclination
should be toward a literal acceptance unless context with common sense clearly
leads us otherwise. We also tend to
learn more as time passes simply because of technological changes that we
discover could be applied to various references. The Trumpet Judgments are unimaginably
terrifying but the message of the love of God should not be missed when
witnessing the justice of God. The
justice of God is an inevitable component of the love of God. The latter without the former is incomplete
and could not therefore be true.
Whether
it is the destruction in “thirds” or the scorpions who make their victims want
to die or the millions held in the army reserves of God’s judgment, we are
pointed to the 7th Trumpet which is given to fulfill God’s
mysterious plan.
December 29
Revelation
11:1-14:20
Many
denominations have offered many different scenarios for interpreting these
chapters, and they cannot all be correct.
This is both sad and sobering, because I of course subscribe to one of
those scenarios. I have found problems
with all of the interpretations I have looked at, but I feel the one with the
least problems and the most validation from previous and current events is the Pre-Millennial,
Pre-Tribulation view. One of the
problems in interpretation is that the events of this section are not
chronological. In fact, much of the
history of “God’s mysterious plan” is revealed when this 7th Trumpet
is blown. We see the Dragon, the woman,
the child, Michael, the fall of Satan, the beast, the Mark, the preserved of
God. And the final harvest to eternal
life or eternal damnation. I would just
reiterate what I mentioned yesterday – that the love of God shines brightly
over all of this as it is presented to the world that God so loved that He gave
His Son!
December 30
Revelation
15:1-18:24
It
is surreal that this section begins with what is called the Song of the
Lamb. By “surreal” I just mean that in a
sense we can hear this song being sung continually in the background as the
Bowl Judgments are poured out and the world discovers the holiness and justice
of the One Lord God Almighty.
One
of the recurring things in this section that I noted was the anger that people
feel toward God when His judgment is being poured out. This means that they believe in God, because
how else could they blame Him. But even
after knowing that the terrible judgments are from Him, they do not repent, but
instead curse God and become even angrier.
This is amazing to me, because from a practical sense it makes no sense
at all. I suppose I should not be so
shocked because of the times in my life when I committed sins, ignoring God (or
trying to) and it made no sense at all.
Praise God for His grace.
December 31
Revelation
19:1-22:21
It
began with “God created” and ended with the “grace of the Lord Jesus.” And since many verses show us that Jesus was
(is) the Creator Who was with God and Who was God,
then we know that all of time and space begins and ends by the Lord Jesus. The focus is the Lord Jesus. The focus is the salvation of God. The focus is God on the cross. From before the world began, the focus is
grace.
Father
in heaven, my life is not a life of triumph, except as you work in me. You continually take my weakness and show
your strength. My immediate destruction
should have happened long ago, but you have taken the battles and the losses of
this life and turned them all into breathtaking privileges. You, Lord have used for instruction what was
meant for destruction and lifted Your child by Your
grace and Your Spirit. May it all be for
Your glory, my Savior.
Thank You, Father; thank You, Jesus; thank You, Holy
Spirit. Lord Jesus, may I
minister to You in this world, always focusing on
those in need of Your Gospel message. So
be it! Come Lord Jesus!
Ó 2004 C. E. Briggs