Tag: Proverbs 12:1
Words that sink into ears!
Scripture reading for July 10th: Luke 9, Psalm 136, Proverbs 12
Luke 9: 43-48 “And all were astonished at the majesty of God. But while they were all marveling at everything He was doing, Jesus said to His disciples, “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.” But they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, so that they might not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying. An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by His side and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in My Name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him Who sent Me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.””
Jesus spoke plain truth to His disciples because He loved them and wanted the best for them. With all the miracles that Jesus was doing, the disciples were arguing among themselves about who might be the greatest of Jesus’ followers. Jesus began His rebuke by telling them to let His Word sink into their ears! Words can be heard but not allowed to sink in! The primary message was that Jesus was going to the cross. Events were coming that would test their faith! Second, Jesus knew their reasonings and used a child to illustrate His point. A child has simple trust in those older. The disciples must abide in Jesus and His Word must sink into their hearts producing saving faith. Greatness comes to the humble and dependent.
Psalm 136:23-24 “It is He Who remembered us in our low estate, for His steadfast love endures forever; and rescued us from our foes, for His steadfast love endures forever; . . “
Prayer: Father God, thank You for remembering us in our low estate and speaking life-giving instruction to Your followers. Thank You for going to the cross for us and bearing the suffering of our evil in Your Son’s body. I receive the grace coming from Your sacrifice and ask You to speak Truth to me if I need correction. Thank You for Your steadfast love flowing eternally to all Your people!
Proverbs 12:1 “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.”
Test yourselves!
Scripture reading for August 15th: 2nd Corinthians 13
Key Scriptures for over-comers: 2nd Corinthians 13:2-5 “I already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent: On my return I will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others, since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. For to be sure, He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in Him, yet by God’s power we will live with Him to serve you. Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you–unless, of course, you fail the test.”
Pastor Paul was concerned about those in the church that were still living in sin. He had warned the church that this was dangerous and repeated the warning that these people should be dealt with. He would come in Christ’s authority and power to deal with these people if necessary. But a better way was for them to do a healthy self-examination. Each member must test themselves to see whether they were truly in the faith through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit. When we have Christ in us, we have the power to repent and live free from sin.
Observations for over-comers: Regular self-examinations concerning Christ in us is a healthy form of discipline. “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.” (Proverbs 12:1)