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Bible study exploring the week by week lectionary set readings, and finding a common message within them.

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July 3: The Holy Spirit Brings Restoration of God’s Order

June 30, 2022 by Ian Greig Leave a Comment

Two ducks framed by giant meadow daisies by the side of their pond
Two ducks stand to attention beside their pond

The Living Word study for July 3, 2022 — The Holy Spirit brings restoration of God’s order

Psalm 30

2 Kings 5:1-14 —Elisha’s testing word leads to Naaman’s healing

Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 — Jesus appoints 72 to go out to restore others

Galatians 6:1-6, 7-16 — Life in the Spirit means restoring others gently


• See also this week’s linked article How The Holy Spirit Restores God’s Order


Psalm 30

1 I will exalt You, Lord, for You lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me.

2 Lord my God, I called to You for help, and You healed me.

3 You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead; You spared me from going down to the pit.

4-5 Sing the praises of the Lord, you His faithful people; praise His holy name. For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favour lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

6-7 When I felt secure, I said, “I will never be shaken.”

Lord, when You favoured me, You made my royal mountain stand firm; but when You hid Your face, I was dismayed.

8-9 To You, Lord, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy: “What is gained if I am silenced, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise You? Will it proclaim Your faithfulness?

10 Hear, Lord, and be merciful to me; Lord, be my help.”

11-12 You turned my wailing into dancing; You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing Your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise You forever.

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2 Kings 5:1-14 — Elisha’s testing word leads to Naaman’s healing

The pathway to God’s blessing begins with our humble submission to Him

1 Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy.

“Naaman… of Aram” — a distinguished Syrian military commander of one of Israel’s greatest enemies, who has a disfiguring skin disease.

2-3 Now bands of raiders from Aram had gone out and had taken captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naaman’s wife. She said to her mistress, “If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.”

“Bands of raiders” — an insightful Israelite girl had been taken as a slave in one of the frequent border skirmishes.

“The prophet” — Elisha travelled around (from a base in Samaria) and the Israelite girl knew his reputation as a nabi, or prophet. 

4-6 Naaman went to his master and told him what the girl from Israel had said. “By all means, go,” the King of Aram replied. “I will send a letter to the King of Israel.” So Naaman left, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold and ten sets of clothing. The letter that he took to the King of Israel read: “With this letter I am sending my servant Naaman to you so that you may cure him of his leprosy.”

“Letter to the King of Israel” — the king assumes the prophet will be part of the royal court.

“Taking with him” — an extravagant gift.

7 As soon as the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his robes and said, “Am I God? Can I kill and bring back to life? Why does this fellow send someone to me to be cured of his leprosy? See how he is trying to pick a quarrel with me!”

“Why… send someone to me” — the unspiritual King Jehoram doesn’t consider Elisha but thinks he is being set up for failure, and another major battle.

8-9 When Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his robes, he sent him this message: “Why have you torn your robes? Have the man come to me and he will know that there is a prophet in Israel.” So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and stopped at the door of Elisha’s house.

10 Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.”

“Go, wash yourself seven times” — Naaman had come with a royal despatch and large gift, and was received by a messenger. This was a test to see if he would ‘trust and obey’.

11-12 But Naaman went away angry and said, “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them and be cleansed?” So he turned and went off in a rage.

“Wash… and be cleansed” — rivers in Damascus fed by Mount Hermon were clear-flowing, the Jordan was muddy. But the real issue, and his rage, was about submitting to the God of Israel.

13-14 Naaman’s servants went to him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!” So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.

“Seven times as the man of God has told him” — the number of completeness. A proud man turns to humility and puts his trust in God. Blessing followed.

• For further study, read Joshua 3:1-4:24.

Reflection

SUMMARY Naaman is a successful general of the army of Aram, a longstanding enemy of Israel. He needed healing which only God could bring. A captured Israelite maid servant to Naaman’s wife knew Elisha’s reputation as a man of God and suggested the officer should seek his help.

APPLICATION His lesson is our lesson – humility and submission to God is the path for His order to come into our lives. When Naaman carried out the simple instructions he had been given, he was restored.

QUESTION God blessed this pagan man who sought His help — what does that tell us about the scope of God’s mission — and ours?


Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 — Jesus appoints 72 to go out to restore others

They were instructed to pray for additional workers for mission in Judea

1 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where He was about to go.

“Seventy-two others” — unique to Luke, this account of 72 “other” disciples sent out recalls the 72 known nations of Genesis 10 (in the Greek translation); also Moses’ 70 elders plus ‘outsiders’ Eldad and Medad, Numbers 11:24-26, a reminder that the Good News is for ‘outsiders’.

2-4 He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road. 

“The harvest… the workers” — there is an urgency and call for extra workers like any ripe harvest.

“Do not take” — Jesus is telling them to be vulnerable and reliant on God, and to avoid the customary lengthygreetings en route.

5-7 “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you. Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house. 

“First say…” — if the household receives their blessing, that is a channel for God’s gifts. They are not imparted by ritual words without relationship.

“Someone who promotes peace” — lit. ‘son of peace’ and essential to the Good News being received. Religious coercion has no place in the kingdom of God.

8 “When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you.

“Eat what is offered” — e.g. by Gentiles; they were not to be sidetracked by religious purity laws.

9 “Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 

“Heal the sick and tell them” — Jesus’ message of the kingdom comes in signs and words.

“The kingdom of God” — not political or geographical but God’s order ‘ruling’ in the hearts and lives of Jesus’ followers. 

10-11 “But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet as a warning to you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God has come near.’

The kingdom… has come near” — an offer and also a warning: knowingly refusing the gift of God’s love and grace has consequences.

16 “Whoever listens to you listens to Me; whoever rejects you rejects Me; but whoever rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me.”

“Whoever rejects you” — Jesus (sent by God) commissioned these disciples to proclaim the kingdom of God; rejecting their message was rejecting God Himself.

17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in Your name.”

18-20 He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

“Authority to trample” — Jesus had given authority, i.e. the right to exercise power, over evil, expressed figuratively as snakes and scorpions. But this does not define them; their identity is in their heavenly destiny.

Reflection

SUMMARY Jesus is aware that there are many people in Judea ready to respond to the Good News of the kingdom. So He sends out 72, with similar instructions to the 12 sent out around Galilee: to be bringers of the peace of God’s kingdom order, including healing the sick.

APPLICATION  Jesus gives the 72 spiritual authority which is the right to exercise His power. Although the people who will welcome them may not be Jews, the message of peace with God in His grace and through Jesus, is for everyone. If we are disciples of Jesus, we can confer His peace and His blessing where we are received in His name.

QUESTION Should we seek to go in pairs to visit and tell people about Jesus and His kingdom? How do we know who will welcome us?


Galatians 6:1-6 — Life in the Spirit means restoring others gently

Burdens are meant to be shared, but each one is responsible for their own walk

1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.

“You who live by the Spirit” — pneumatikoi, “you who are spiritual” (ESV), simply those with more experience of walking with the Holy Spirit, 1 Cor. 2:15, 3:1, 14:37 and evidencing Gal. 5:22-23.

2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.

“Carry each other’s burdens” — like Jesus, who carried mankind’s sins Himself as well as the curse of the law, Gal. 1:4, 3:13, also Romans 15:1-13.

“The law of Christ” — essentially the “new commandment” to “love your neighbour as yourself”, Gal. 5:14.

3-5 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.

“Deceive themselves” — literally ‘hoodwinks’. Pride and self-deception is a common spiritual limitation.

“Carry their own load” — phortion, cargo, capacity. This is the call, the sphere of ministry, different for every believer and so not for comparison. Contrasted with barē, the too-heavy burden of v.2 that needs to be shared.

6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.

“Share all good things” — hints at financial as well as general support.

For further study, see 1 Cor. 9:11,14; 1 Tim. 5:17.

Reflection

SUMMARY In this example, believers are exhorted to be careful about their own spiritual walk, but also to be ready to share the burden of those who have found themselves in difficulties or just carrying too much.

APPLICATION Pride and self-deception feed off each other and are a common way that we are hoodwinked and lose sight of the good path. That’s when trustworthy and non-judgmental friends are needed to help us get back on track with the Lord.

QUESTION Worship services may not help us to “carry one another’s burdens“. What does?

PRAYER Lord, You want us to show the world around us Your life in us.
You want us to be examples of how the life of the Spirit empowers us to live by love, not self.
Help us to live full of You and bring Your transforming presence to church, community and beyond.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Filed Under: Pentecost to Advent, Year C

June 26: The Lord seeks out those who will live for Him

June 26, 2022 by Ian Greig Leave a Comment

Purple and white wisteria display in a Devon, UK, garden
Purple and white wisteria display in a Devon, UK, garden

This is The Living Word Bible study for groups and individuals, with verse by verse commentary, reflections and questions to consider.

It is paired with this linked article, which draws out the message, and a storytelling video (13 min) Who Has My Heart?

The Bible readings (Revised Common Lectionary) are:

2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 — Elisha’s devotion sees him succeed his master

Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20

Luke 9:51-62 — The kingdom of God demands our full commitment

Galatians 5:1, 13-25 — Not constrained by rules, led by the Spirit

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Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20

1-2 I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me. When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands, and I would not be comforted.

11-12 I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will rememberYour miracles of long ago. I will consider all Your works and meditate on all Your mighty deeds.

13-15 Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; You display Your power among the peoples. With your mighty arm you redeemed Your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.

16-18 The waters saw You, God, the waters saw You and writhed; the very depths were convulsed. The clouds poured down water, the heavens resounded with thunder; Your arrows flashed back and forth. Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind, Your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked.

19-20 Your path led through the sea, Your way through the mighty waters, though Your footprints were not seen. You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

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2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 — Elisha’s devotion sees him succeed his master

He witnesses Elijah being taken up to heaven in a miraculous way

1 When the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal.

“Gilgal” — the less well-known Ephraim hill country Gilgal north of Bethel.

2 Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; the LORD has sent me to Bethel.” 

But Elisha said, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.

6 Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; the LORD has sent me to the Jordan.” 

And he replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them walked on.

“Stay here” — urged to remain behind, three times in all Elisha pledged to stay with his master until his departure. 

7-8 Fifty men from the company of the prophets went and stood at a distance, facing the place where Elijah and Elisha had stopped at the Jordan. Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up and struck the water with it. The water divided to the right and to the left, and the two of them crossed over on dry ground.

“The water divided” — striking the water with the rolled-up cloak visually represented God’s power to the watching prophets.

• For comparison, the Red Sea before Moses, Exodus 14:15-31.

9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you, before I am taken from you?” 

“Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied.

“A double portion” — not an arrogant demand, Elisha seeks an inheritance like an older son, to succeed Elijah in the prophetic office.

• For further study, read Deut. 21:17, 1 Kings 19:16,19-21

10 “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours — otherwise, it will not.”

“A difficult thing”— the Lord’s assignment, not Elijah’s.

11 As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.

“Elijah…went up… in a whirlwind” — one of two people in the Bible (with Enoch, Gen. 5:24) to be taken to heaven without experiencing death.

“Chariot… and horses of fire” — fire in God’s appearance was a sign of His mighty power.

• For further study, Isaiah 66:15, also Exodus 3:2, 13:21, 2 Chron. 7:1.

12 Elisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his garment and tore it in two.

“Chariots and horsemen of Israel” — Elisha suddenly saw how Elijah, not the faithless king, was the Lord’s representative and strength of the nation.

13-14 Elisha then picked up Elijah’s cloak that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. He took the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and struck the water with it. “Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over.

“Picked up Elijah’s cloak” — and uses it to part the Jordan River and authenticate his call (hence our saying ‘mantle of authority’).

Reflection

SUMMARY  Elijah knows his ministry is drawing to a close and his devoted apprentice Elisha asks to inherit the prophetic anointing. He sees a vision of heavenly flaming horsemen and Elijah is swept up, dropping his cloak. Elisha then picks up his master’s mantle and invoking the Lord’s power strikes the Jordan’s water and sees it part in the same way as Elijah had done earlier.

APPLICATION Elisha had given up everything to become Elijah’s apprentice and had proved himself teachable and devoted to God. Those are still prime requirements for God to use us in His kingdom.

QUESTION  To be a disciple of God means to be an apprentice. How teachable are you?

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Luke 9:51-62 — The kingdom of God demands our full commitment

As Jesus resolutely prepares to enter Jerusalem He looks for followers of substance

51 As the time approached for Him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.

“Taken up” — other uses of this word group all refer to Christ’s ascension.

“Resolutely set out” — or ‘set His face’, a phrase used by the OT prophets proclaiming judgment against God’s people.

• For further study, see Isaiah 50:7, Jer. 21:10, Ezek. 6:2, 13:17, 20:46. 

52-53 And He sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for Him; but the people there did not welcome Him, because He was heading for Jerusalem.

“People… did not welcome” — historic hostility. After its earlier fall than Jerusalem, Samaria had been resettled and its people worshipped on Mount Gerizim. A Judean ruler destroyed their temple.

54-56 When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” But Jesus turned and rebuked them. Then He and His disciples went to another village.

“Call fire down… to destroy them” — the “sons of thunder”, Mark 3:17, recalled Elijah calling down fire from heaven against the enemies of God. But Jesus’ mission is not to compel people to follow Him (like a religion) but to bring the free offer of the gospel, Matt. 11:28.

• For further study on Elijah calling down fire: 1 Kings 18:38, 2 Kings 1:1-17.

• How Samaria later received the gospel: Acts 8:4-8, 14-17, 25, 9:31.

57 As they were walking along the road, a man said to Him, “I will follow You wherever you go.”

58 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.”

59 He said to another man, “Follow Me.” 

But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”

60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”

61 Still another said, “I will follow You, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.”

“I will follow” — there is a cost, and bereavement or family ties should not keep anyone from the commitment required. 

“Bury my father” — who had not just died: burials always followed without delay. A year later it was the custom to place the bones with other ancestors, hence “Let the dead (ancestors) bury (or receive) their own (recent) dead”. This could wait.

62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

“Looks back” — as concentration is needed to keep oxen and plough straight, service in the kingdom of God is intentional.

Reflection

SUMMARY Jesus knows that His entry into Jerusalem will amount to a judgment and bring conflict. He speaks to Hhis disciples and wider circle of followers about their resolve to follow His way and the personal cost.

APPLICATION Genuine faith believes, acts and continues. If we profess to believe in Jesus but backpedal over following Him, it raises the question of how real our faith is.

QUESTION Discuss what Jesus is saying about the place of family responsibilities.

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Galatians 5:1, 13-25 — Not constrained by rules, led by the Spirit

To walk by the Spirit is about choosing to live by heavenly freedom

1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

“It is for freedom” — the Galatian letter reminds Jewish believers that living by faith and fellowship is a radical step away from Judaism’s religious legalism.

13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

“Called to be free… but” — what will guide conduct if the law is not the guide? A far better guide than rules, the Holy Spirit internalises righteous values, v.16.

14-15 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

“The entire law is fulfilled” — the leading of the Holy Spirit which is having a generous spirit towards others, expresses the intention of “the Law and the Prophets”.

• Further study: Matt. 7:12, Mark 12:31, also Romans 13:8-10.

16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

“Desires of the flesh” — looks back to “bite and devour each other”. The religious way of trying to achieve status with God breeds a self-righteous attitude and criticism of others.

17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.

18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

“Flesh… and…Spirit…are in conflict with each other” — the flesh, or human nature, is controlling and self-centred, while the Holy Spirit is enabling and freeing, to the extent that we yield to Him. The remedy is not greater effort but recognising the conflict, and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us in His ways.

19-21 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

“Acts of the flesh” — even after we give our lives to Christ, the old selfish human nature continues to kick in.

22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

“Fruit of the Spirit” — grown in the human spirit by the Holy Spirit residing there, like a nine-lobed fruit of Christian character, all growing together in us.

24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

“Belong to Christ Jesus” — having made the personal choice to repent (turn from the old life), to believe and receive new life through new spiritual birth in making Jesus Lord of our life, Mark 1:15, John 3:3.

“Crucified the flesh” — ego put to death.

25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

“Live by the Spirit” — not by the rules of the law (or any religious rules). It is a new life, lived in a new way, John 3:5-6, and “keeping in step” is a picture of the Holy Spirit pacing us as our coach and mentor in life.

Reflection

SUMMARY  This passage talks about the law and how ultimately, this is about our relationships with one another. It also contrasts the compulsion of the flesh — human will and desire — with being led by the Spirit….

APPLICATION  The picture is of walking with the Spirit at the same pace, in the same direction and growing in the nine hallmarks of the Holy Spirit, which are about being loving, joyful, gentle and accommodating towards others.

QUESTION  Paul expects his hearers or readers to live by the Spirit. What does he mean and what is our expectation?

PRAYER   Lord, in my spirit I want to give You my full commitment,
but my flesh causes me to falter.
I ask for a deeper experience of Your Spirit and the life of the Spirit,
to help me keep in step with You wherever You lead me.
Amen.

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The Living Word for June 26, 2022, is a non-denominational Bible study which relies on the Bible explaining the Bible, uninfluenced by any church’s traditions or preferences, and following the Bible’s own sequence of progressive revelation. Read the whole passage first and let the Holy Spirit begin speaking to you through it, then go deeper with the verse by verse commentary and reflections. The week’s readings are as set by the Revised Common Lectionary, an inter-denominational resource shared by many different churches and chapels. The Bible version, widely used in contemporary churches, is the NIV © Biblica. Ref. TLW25C

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PRINT EDITION  There’s also a PDF print edition produced as a convenient Bible-sized folder which downloads from the link below. Permission given to copy for your own use, home group, or discipling use in the church generally.

TLW25C-June-26-final-BookletDownload

Filed Under: Pentecost to Advent, Year C

June 12: God Is Speaking!

June 11, 2022 by Ian Greig Leave a Comment

God's beautiful creativity — in the common or garden daisy
God’s beautiful creativity — in the common or garden daisy

The Living Word Bible Study (TLW23C) for Sunday, June 12 — based on the inter-denominational Revised Common Lectionary readings.

Theme: God is constantly speaking and guiding with a spiritual voice

Psalm 8 and Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31— The voice of Wisdom echoes creation in speaking for God

John 16:12-15 — The Spirit makes known to us the full truth of Jesus

Romans 5:1-5 — Hope is our assurance of God’s love and future glory

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Psalm 8 — The voice of Wisdom echoes creation in speaking for God

Humankind is crowned with honour and entrusted to look after His world

1 LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! You have set Your glory in the heavens.

“Lord, our Lord” — Yahweh ‘Adonay (traditionally Jehovah), the personal name of the covenant God of Israel and king of the earth.

“How majestic is Your name” — how majestic You are. Here “name” stands for the whole person of God, character and reputation.

2 Through the praise of children and infants You have established a stronghold against Your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.

“Praise of children” — later, Jesus taught how children with uncomplicated faith were a model of receiving God’s kingdom, Matt. 18:4. Israel, weak and helpless compared to the Gentile nations that surrounded them, became divinely empowered by their declarations of faithful praise.

3-4 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, what is mankind that You are mindful of them, human beings that You care for them? 

“The work of Your fingers” — the very sun, moon and stars that pagan nations worshipped were positioned by the Almighty who we praise.

5-8 You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honour. You made them rulers over the works of Your hands; You put everything under their feet: all flocks and herds, and the animals of the wild, the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.

“Made them rulers” — a commentary on Genesis 1:26-28.

“Crowned them with glory and honour” — God so values the part of His creation which is in His own image, He has set us to manage the rest as stewards.

9 LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!

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Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31

1 Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?

“Does not wisdom call out” — God’s voice of wisdom is personified as a woman who speaks out openly. As Proverbs opens we hear her at the city gate meeting place: “How long will you who are simple love your simple ways… [delighting] in mockery and [hating] knowledge?… Repent… Then I will make known to you my teachings.” Prov. 1:20-23.

2 At the highest point along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand;

“She takes her stand” —  the worthy “Wisdom”, is contrasted with the loud and seductive “Folly” , Prov. 9:13 NLT.

“At the highest point” —  vantage locations chosen by both women suggest ancient temples, like choosing between Yahweh and false deities.

• For further study of Wisdom and Folly read the whole of Proverbs 8:1-9:6 and 9:13-18.

3 beside the gate leading into the city, at the entrance, she cries aloud:

“Beside the gate” — the gate buildings of Near Eastern cities of this time had chambers for meetings; this was like standing on the steps of the town hall.

4 “To you, O people, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind.

“O people, I call out” — a public appeal for all to respond to her, like a prophet.

22-23 “The LORD brought me forth as the first of His works, before His deeds of old; I was formed long ages ago, at the very beginning, when the world came to be.

“I was formed… at the very beginning” — first, God acquired wisdom, to be craftsman-like in the Creation.

“The first of His works” — an expression of God’s nature, and a way of saying wisdom does not exist apart from God.

24-26 When there were no watery depths, I was given birth, when there were no springs overflowing with water; before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was given birth, before He made the world or its fields or any of the dust of the earth.

27 I was there when He set the heavens in place, when He marked out the horizon on the face of the deep…

“I was there” — involved with everything in the created order, Wisdom teaches us how the world works, and testifies to God’s greatness.

28-29 …when He established the clouds above and fixed securely the fountains of the deep, when He gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep His command, and when He marked out the foundations of the earth.

30-31 Then I was constantly at His side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in His presence, rejoicing in His whole world and delighting in mankind.

“Constantly at His side… day after day… always in His presence” — therefore completely reliable.

“Delighting in mankind” — humans, made in the image of God, represent the high point of God’s creation.

Reflection

SUMMARY  Out of many competing voices attracting our attention, who do we believe? The voice of Folly is more seductive, but Wisdom is known for reliability. Our best choice is joining the chorus of celestial lights and earthly flocks in praising their majestic Creator.

APPLICATION  This depicts how God is always giving us good counsel — if we are listening rather than going our independent way. It’s about choosing to hear His wisdom and remember His delight in us, the ones He trusts to look after His creation, despite Adam’s disastrous failure.

QUESTION  If we are crowned with honour (but not as much as angels),  how does that influence how we approach God?

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John 16:12-15 — The Spirit makes known to us the full truth of Jesus

He takes from Father and Son to disclose God’s kingdom purposes to believers 

12 “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear.

“More than you can now bear” — or process, without the enabling, empowering presence of the Spirit.

13 But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come.

“Spirit of Truth” — or Spirit of Reality, leading disciples into the full truth all about Jesus.

“What is yet to come” — (1) the consequences of His life, death, resurrection and exaltation, (2) the continuation of His ministry and (3) His future return. The first and most lasting effect was the four Gospel accounts, together with the rest of the NT.

14 He will glorify Me because it is from Me that He will receive what He will make known to you.

“Glorify Me” — the Holy Spirit promotes the glory of Christ and the Father, not Himself.

15 All that belongs to the Father is Mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from Me what He will make known to you.”

“Receive from Me… make known to You” — a difference of role, not rank. Father, Son and Spirit work in different ways, in perfect unity. All NT truth (and the theme of the OT) revealed by God finds its focus in Christ, and is disclosed to believers by the Holy Spirit.

Reflection

SUMMARY  Jesus teaches here about being sensitive and open to the Holy Spirit’s revelation and leading. It seems like the same thing from a different perspective — described in different language — to the voice of God’s wisdom, which we met in the OT section earlier.

APPLICATION  That’s why it is good to read Scripture in its own sequence — there is a ‘progressive revelation’ from the patriarchs and the law, through the prophets (looking ahead to change), Jesus showing how in Him the Old Covenant was realised, death and resurrection, the coming of the Holy Spirit, and the era of life in the Spirit. This helps us to avoid relying on human logic and intellect, where we need the revelation that only the Holy Spirit can bring.

QUESTION  In what sense is it right (or wrong) to ask God to show us what is to come?

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Romans 5:1-5 — Hope is our assurance of God’s love and future glory

Justified before God by believing in Jesus, we know we have peace with Him

1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…

“Therefore” — this refers back to Romans 1:18-4:25, the whole argument about the state of humankind, the folly of aspiring to righteousness through works or observance, and the grace whereby “righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe,” Romans 3:22.

2 …through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.

“Access” — the heavy partition curtain of the temple was torn apart in the earthquake, part of the spiritual battle surrounding the crucifixion, Matt. 27:51, Hebrews 10:19-22. Now believers have direct access at any time into the presence of God, welcomed by Jesus Himself.

“The hope of the glory of God” — meaning for those who have asked Jesus into their lives, the certainty. The word translated ‘hope’ is not optimism. It means something certain, not yet realised: a confident expectation. Jesus Himself secures the promise of our sharing in the glory of God, 1 Timothy 1:1.

• For further study, read Romans 8:29-30; John 17:22; 2 Cor. 3:18; Phil. 3:20-21; 1 John 3:1-2.

3-4 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

“Suffering produces… hope” —  not a morbid view of life, but joyful and triumphant despite the attacks and difficulties that come to all of us. God uses the experience of trusting Him in difficult circumstances to strengthen faith and character, reinforcing hope.

• For further study: compare the similar teaching of James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 1:6-7.

5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

“Shame” — in the OT, sometimes a negative verdict in God’s judgment. Believers need not fear this; the Holy Spirit witnesses, that God loves us, we belong to Him, and His love fills us and overflows through us to others.

Reflection

SUMMARY   The text doesn’t actually call it the voice of hope, but that is a fair description. It is something like the reassurance that “the joy of the Lord is your strength”, and how true that is, when life seems to have put us in the ditch. Hope is much more than brave optimism. It is the clear assurance that God’s order of things is much greater, His plan has not been derailed, and our confident expectation is that He will bring us through. Hope says that we will see the glory of God — dimly in this life, overwhelmingly in the next.

APPLICATION  Life in the Spirit brings all kinds of grace to reverse setbacks and press through to victory, but there will be things we have to endure. The Bible calls it suffering, and says it builds our faith and character. It doesn’t seem like that at the time, but those difficult times are the best times to hear ‘the voice of hope’ and feel close to God — who loves us, never lets us go and has a repertoire of ways of showing His love and encouragement when we need it.

QUESTION  What is your experience of  being able to trust God in a way you couldn’t explain? 

PRAYER  Lord, we are so grateful that You speak to us, with wisdom, guidance and the assurance of hope — and in many other ways.
We admit that our hearing and believing might need some more work.
Help us to get better at listening, and acting on your leading.
“Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening”, we say, as we echo the words of Samuel. Amen.

///////

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    • Explaining… Christmas: the call to worship
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    • Explaining… Revitalisation — God’s kingdom vs our control
    • Explaining… the ‘review and renew’ that God is doing
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    • Understanding… The danger in our complacency
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    • Understanding… Holiness and the Great Commandment
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    • Understanding… How we raise our expectation
    • Understanding… Revival
    • Understanding… Stepping out in faith
    • Understanding… the difference between reacting and responding to God
    • Understanding… The freedom that is ours in Christ
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    • Understanding… The invitation we must respond to
    • Understanding… The need to be ready for the Lord’s return
    • Understanding… The way agreement and conflict play out in the kingdom of God
    • Understanding the Good News – God’s grace
    • Inexpressible and glorious joy
    • The need to be reborn from above
    • Understanding the Trinity of God
    • First-century gnosticism

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Welcome to The Living Word

You get a lot more out of the Sunday service readings if they are already speaking to you. TLW is about reading and re-reading these Scriptures with some commentary to bring out what is hidden and make connections with cross references. This is different from liturgy because it is a Bible study, putting the Bible passages in sequence from OT, through the NT gospel era, and then through the lens of the post-resurrection, early church in the power of the Spirit. Enabling this progressive revelation points to a theme.  The translation used is the readable and widely-used 2011 edition of the New International Version (NIV) Bible. Commentary is drawn from a wide range of sources and is Bible-centric and theologically neutral. As we read and reflect and allow the Holy Spirit to help us hear God through His word during the week, we prepare ourselves to hear afresh and receive the Sunday sermon in church or chapel.

For convenience, use the ‘Subscribe’ box below to receive a short email with the Bible passage and notes for each weekday (and that’s all!).

Unsubscribing is just as easy.

A little about me and my vision for The Living Word

I live in the Marches, a green and beautiful expanse of hills between England and Wales where churches and chapels share duty to the Christian faithful in every valley, and churchgoing is still part of the community life. However, there are few Bibles to be seen in these buildings, and home-based groups for fellowship and Bible study are rare.

I want to encourage Sunday worshippers in churches and chapels to enjoy reading the Bible during the week, to get used to hearing God for themselves through His word, and to be  spiritually prepared for the message they will hear on Sunday from the lectionary readings they all share. It is no substitute for meeting and worshipping together (commanded), nor for Holy Spirit-inspired preaching. It supports both by encouraging the personal growth of church and chapel members of any denomination.

My background is not in churches that use the lectionary and I bring a breadth of tradition and understanding to the writing.  I have pastored a number of churches and been involved in a variety of other initiatives. As well as The Living Word I also post regularly on Follow The Way.

Revd Ian Greig BD (Hons), DPS

SEE ALSO other Living Word Publications

GLOW – God’s Love Over Weobley, encouraging prayer and spiritual fellowship. With a local flavour for this NW Herefordshire village.

Believe the Good News – finding the good news and encouragement all through the Bible

Fresh Bread Today — the freshest bake, with a bit of a tang, unpackaged and uncut. His word to live by, today.

 

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