1 Samuel 18-3.3.22
Scripture
1 Samuel 18
Observation
In this passage, you see David doing whatever Saul asks of him and he does it successfully. Even though Saul tries to kill David multiple times, David continues to still serve Saul well. When Saul says how he will give him his daughter if he wins these battles, David still stays humble and doesn’t respond from a place of I’ve earned this or I deserve this. He is a humble and obedient leader.
Understanding
As I read this passage, I see an example of how all of us should carry ourselves. I love how David doesn’t lead from a place of what’s in it for me or what he feels he deserves. Even when Saul treats him badly, he continues to serve well. David sets such a great example of how we are to serve. We need to be willing to come and serve regardless of how we feel or how we are treated or what’s in it for us. If we want God to use us successfully, we need to be willing to serve with the right heart. Jesus tells us in Matthew 16:24-25 NIV:
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.
It’s time we deny ourselves, deny our desire for approval, for reward, for credit, for position, and come with a heart like David to serve well.
Life Application
If you want to learn to serve well, it starts first with laying down your right. Wake up every day and lay your rights down at Jesus feet. Try asking Him what His plans are, how it looks for you to lead well this week, to serve well, to love well. Who does Jesus want you to serve this week?
-Justin Eaves
Romans 16-3.2.22
Scripture
Romans 16:19-20-
Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
Observation-What does it say?
The Apostle Paul is writing encouragement and admonishment to the church about the importance of standing firm in the Truth. They must not allow evil to infiltrate the church, but rather they must cling to what is good. Divisions can occur if they are not wise about what is good and not innocent about what it evil.
Understanding-What does it mean?
We are constantly in a spiritual battle (Eph. 6:12) and that’s why we always need to have our spiritual armor on. (Please see Ephesians 6:10-18 about the armor of God).
However, we can rejoice and have hope that we won’t be in the battle for long.
“When Satan seems to prevail, and we are ready to give up all as lost, then will the God of peace interpose in our behalf. Hold out therefore, faith and patience, yet a little while. If the grace of Christ be with us, who can prevail against us?” (christianity.com-Matthew Henry commentary on Romans 16)
Life Application
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” -Matthew 10:16 NIV
There are a few reasons why we go through trials and tribulations in this life. Some are due to the consequences of our unwise choices/sin. Consequences are necessary as a result of loving discipline from our Heavenly Father. Sometimes we suffer as a result of another person’s sins. While another is a test of faith that produces endurance and character (James 1:3) just like Abraham and Jesus experienced. However, sometimes we go through storms for the pure reason that Satan freely roams this earth, lying, stealing, killing, destroying, deceiving and looking for those whom he can devour (1 Peter 5:8 ). He especially loves to target those adopted into God’s family. That’s why we need to be alert and sober. Paul understood the importance of encouraging the church to be wise in what is good, and also innocent (aka steering clear of) what is evil. Let’s take his advice church! Be encouraged that Jesus has overcome the world and it has been prophesied in God’s Word that He has already defeated Satan, so we have nothing to fear! Soon, death, mourning, crying, and pain will cease. (Revelation 21:4)
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33 NIV
Dear Lord, thank You that You have already defeated the enemy, starting with Your death on the cross and resurrection from the dead and ending with his ultimate defeat. I pray that whenever we feel discouraged about the battle, that we remember You have already won the war. Your grace is with us (Romans 16:20) and that is something we can rejoice about! Thank You Jesus! In Your name we pray, Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi
Romans 14-3.1.22
Scripture
Romans 14:19 - Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
Observation
In Romans chapter 14, the church was quarreling over their opinions on issues like food, drink, and the observation of religious days. They each believed they were doing the right thing, but they were letting issues that aren’t fundamental to the Kingdom of God divide them. Paul tells them that the unity of the church is more important than resolving issues of opinion or exercising personal freedoms. In verse 16 he says, “If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died.”
Understanding
Joni Ragsdale showed me a great example of this concept this week. When a question was posed to a group of people, she said (paraphrased), I (have a certain right), but to avoid division, I have no problem giving up that right. Wow – that stopped me in my tracks. She was willing to give up her rights for the sake of others.
The ESV Reformation Study Bible says, “The strong are urged to weigh the importance of exercising their freedom against two considerations: (a) the use of their freedom may bring
division and disrepute on the church; (b) God’s kingdom (and therefore our freedom) is not a matter of food and drink, but of the blessings of grace.”
Life Application
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
Paul says (vs. 22), ““So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God (these things – things that are not essential to the Gospel).” In other words, mind your business!
God, please forgive me. In these current times of great division, I have been guilty of judging others about things that are not integral to God’s work based on my personal opinions. Let’s not let the division in our society divide us in the church. Let’s stop listening to FOX or CNN and listen to the BIBLE!
-Debbie Dunn