Category: Sermon Notes

Hope (18–25). We are not frustrated by the suffering we experience or see in our world because we have hope. When Jesus returns, we will enter into glorious liberty! The Spirit is the beginning of the harvest and assures us that the best is yet to come.

Romans 8:22-25 deepens the discussion on suffering, hope, and redemption, focusing on the groaning of creation and the believers’ anticipation of future glory. This passage is rich with themes of: 

• endurance
• faith
• eschatological hope
  • The understanding of death, the Judgement, and final destiny of the soul.

The Message

Groaning of Creation (Verse 22)

‭‭Romans 8:22 NIV‬‬ We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 

The World’s Brokenness

• Practical Insight: Just like we observe in nature—natural disasters, environmental degradation, and the extinction of species—there’s a sense that things are not as they should be. Paul likens this to “groaning,” as if creation itself is longing for a change or a return to its original, unmarred state.

• Everyday Application: This perspective encourages us to recognize and engage with the world’s suffering, not as passive observers but as active participants seeking restoration, whether through environmental stewardship, social justice, or other means of caring for creation.

Cross-reference: Isaiah 65:17 – “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind.”

• Insight: Paul uses the metaphor of creation groaning as in childbirth to describe the present state of the world. This imagery captures both the pain and the anticipation of new life, reflecting the tension between the current reality of suffering and the future hope of redemption. Creation’s groan is not just a sign of suffering but also a longing for transformation.

Believers’ Groaning and Hope (Verses 23-24)

‭‭Romans 8:23-24 NIV‬‬ Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. [24] For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 

Our Inner Longing for Change

• Practical Insight:We, too, feel a deep-seated desire for things to be different, not just externally in the world, but also internally within ourselves. Whether it’s physical ailments, emotional wounds, or relational fractures, there’s an inward groaning for healing, wholeness, and redemption.

• Everyday Application: This insight invites us to be honest about our own areas of brokenness and to seek healing and transformation, not in isolation, but within the context of community and faith, recognizing that this process is part of a larger story of redemption.

Cross-references:

• 2 Corinthians 5:2 – “For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling.”
• ‭‭1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV‬‬ Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
• ‭‭Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV‬‬ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, [25] not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

• Insight: Not only does creation groan, but believers also groan inwardly as they await their adoption as sons, the redemption of their bodies. This groaning signifies a deep spiritual longing for the fulfillment of God’s promises. The hope of resurrection and the completion of our adoption as God’s children are central to the Christian faith, a hope that is certain yet unseen.

Hope and Patience (Verse 25)

‭‭Romans 8:25 NIV‬‬ But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

The Role of Hope

• Practical Insight: Hope, in this passage, is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation based on God’s promises. It’s the assurance that despite the current reality of suffering and longing, there is a future where all things are made new and restored.
• Everyday Application: Cultivating hope means actively reminding ourselves of God’s promises and allowing them to shape our perspective and response to life’s challenges. It involves patience and perseverance, trusting that God is at work even when we don’t see immediate results.

Cross-reference: Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

• Insight: The nature of Christian hope is that it is for something not yet seen. True hope requires patience, the ability to wait with expectation for God’s promises to be fulfilled. This patience is not passive but is an active, faith-filled waiting that shapes how believers live in the present.

Patience in the Process

• Practical Insight: The passage suggests that waiting is an integral part of the Christian experience. This waiting isn’t passive but is characterized by patience and active anticipation of what God will do.
• Everyday Application:Practicing patience involves embracing the present moment with all its imperfections, engaging in acts of love and service even when they seem small or insignificant, and trusting that these efforts contribute to the larger narrative of God’s redemptive work.

Theological and Practical Implications

• Eschatological Perspective: Romans 8:22-25 provides a vital eschatological perspective, reminding believers that the present age is marked by suffering and groaning but is moving towards a glorious completion in God’s redemptive plan.
• Spiritual Longing: The passage validates the believers’ experience of longing and groaning for the completion of redemption as a natural response to the already-not-yet tension of God’s kingdom.
• Active Hope: The hope described in this passage is not passive but actively influences how believers engage with the world, endure suffering, and anticipate the future.
• Communal and Cosmic Redemption: The interconnectedness of creation’s groaning with the believers’ anticipation of redemption underscores the comprehensive scope of God’s salvation plan, which includes both the natural world and humanity.

In summary, Romans 8:22-25 eloquently speaks to the tension between current suffering and future glory, encouraging believers to embrace a hope that is both assured by faith and yet unseen, fostering patience and endurance as they await the full realization of their adoption as children of God and the redemption of creation. 

Liberty (12–17). We enter God’s family by the new birth, not by adoption (John 3); but adoption gives us an adult standing in His family. He deals with us as mature sons and daughters and not as “little children.” We can talk (“Abba, Father” [v. 15]), walk, and use our inheritance right now. We are free, but we are still debtors to the Lord (v. 12). 

Romans 8:12-17continues with themes of life through the Spirit, focusing on the believer’s transformation and adoption as children of God.

Obligation to Live According to the Spirit (Verses 12-13)

Romans 8:12‭-‬13 NIV Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

• Commentary: Paul emphasizes the believer’s responsibility to live not according to the flesh but by the Spirit. This living by the Spirit involves a moral and spiritual transformation, where the deeds of the body (sinful actions and desires) are put to death. This call to spiritual vitality is foundational to Christian living, highlighting a dynamic, ongoing process of sanctification empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Cross-reference:

• Galatians 5:24 – “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”

Note: This reinforces the notion that believers, through their union with Christ, have decisively broken with the sinful nature and are called to live in the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Adoption as Children of God (Verses 14-15)

Romans 8:14‭-‬15 NIV For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

• Commentary: This passage highlights the profound relational change for believers—they are adopted as God’s children. The Spirit leads believers into a deep, intimate relationship with God, where they can address Him as “Abba, Father,” a term of endearment signifying closeness and confidence. This adoption into God’s family is a central aspect of the believer’s new identity in Christ, emphasizing not just a legal status but an experiential reality of God’s fatherly love and care.

Cross-reference:

• Galatians 4:6-7 – “Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’ So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.”

Note: Echoes the theme of adoption and the intimate relationship with God as Father, emphasizing the transformation from slaves to sons and heirs, underlining the believer’s new identity and inheritance in Christ.

Inheritance and Suffering with Christ (Verses 16-17)

Romans 8:16‭-‬17 NIV The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

• Commentary: This section further develops the idea of believers’ new identity as God’s children, stressing the Spirit’s role in affirming this identity. It introduces the concept of inheritance, indicating that believers, as God’s children, are heirs to God’s promises, including eternal life and glory. However, this inheritance is also linked with suffering, suggesting that enduring suffering for Christ’s sake is part of the journey toward glorification.

Cross-reference:

• 2 Timothy 2:12 – “If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us.”

2 Timothy 2:11‭-‬13 NIV Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.

Note: Highlights the connection between suffering/endurance and future glorification with Christ, reflecting the notion that sharing in Christ’s sufferings is integral to sharing in his glory, as mentioned in Romans 8:17.

These themes in Romans 8:12-17—living by the Spirit, adoption as God’s children, and the intertwined experience of suffering and future glory—paint a comprehensive picture of the Christian life as one of transformation, relational intimacy with God, and hope amidst trials. 

Life (1–11). When God saved you, He gave you a new life, not a new law; as you yield to that life, you obey His law. Keep your mind centered on the things of the Lord (Col. 3:1–4) and seek to please God in all things. Let the Spirit live His life in you.

• ‭‭Colossians 3:1-4 NIV‬‬ Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [2] Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. [3] For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. [4] When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

• ‭‭Ephesians 1:13-14 NIV‬‬ And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, [14] who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

Romans 8:1-11 is a profound passage in the New Testament that delves into the themes of life in the Spirit versus life in the flesh. This passage can be broken down into several key themes for commentary:

No Condemnation in Christ (Verse 1-2)

‭‭Romans 8:1-2 NIV‬‬  Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, [2] because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

Paul begins with a powerful declaration of the gospel’s promise:

• Those who are in Christ Jesus are freed from condemnation.
• The “law of the Spirit of life” refers to the new way of living empowered by the Holy Spirit, contrasting with the “law of sin and death,” which represents the Old Testament Law that, because of human weakness, could not save.
• This sets the foundation for understanding Christian identity as inherently connected to the life-giving Spirit of God.

• John 3:17 – “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

Fulfillment of the Law Through Christ (Verse 3-4)

‭‭Romans 8:3-4 NIV‬‬ For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, [4] in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

• The law was powerless to save humanity due to the weakness of human flesh. However, God, sending His Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, condemned sin in the flesh.
• This act fulfilled the righteous requirement of the law, so that those who walk according to the Spirit are not living according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
• This highlights the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice, not just to forgive sin but to enable a life that fulfills God’s righteous decrees.

• Matthew 5:17 – “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”

Life in the Flesh Versus Life in the Spirit (Verse 5-8)

‭‭Romans 8:5-8 NIV‬‬ Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. [6] The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. [7] The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. [8] Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

• Paul contrasts two ways of life: one governed by the sinful nature (“the flesh”) and one governed by the Spirit.
• This distinction is not just about behavior but about the fundamental orientation of one’s life.
• To “set the mind on the flesh” is death, but to “set the mind on the Spirit” is life and peace.
• This emphasizes the transformative and guiding role of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life.

• Galatians 5:16-17 – “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 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.”

The Spirit of God Living in Believers (Verse 9-11)

‭‭Romans 8:9-11 NIV‬‬  You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. [10] But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. [11] And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

• This section underscores the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as the defining characteristic of being a Christian.
• The Spirit dwelling in believers means they belong to Christ and possess a new nature defined by life and peace.
• Furthermore, the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead will also give life to mortal bodies, pointing to the future resurrection and the ultimate hope of believers.

• 1 Corinthians 3:16 – “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?”

Application

Romans 8:1-11 calls believers to recognize their new identity in Christ, free from condemnation and empowered to live a life led by the Spirit.

• It challenges Christians to shift their focus from the flesh to the Spirit, ensuring their lives are marked by the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
• This passage offers profound hope, emphasizing the transformative power of the gospel and the promise of eternal life.

Wisdom questions to ask:

• What are my motives (13–18)? 
• Is there bitterness in your heart or envy? 
• Are you speaking from God’s wisdom or the wisdom of the world? 
• Are you a peacemaker or a troublemaker? 

If your heart is right before God (Heb. 4:12), He will use your words to produce the right kind of fruit. 

• James 1:5 NIV If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

James 3:13‭-‬18 NIV

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.

• James 1:22 NIV Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
• James 1:19‭-‬20 NIV My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 

17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit,impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

• Galatians 5:22‭-‬23 NIV 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.

• Matthew 5:9 NIV Blessed are the peacemakers,  for they will be called children of God.

Focus Scripture

Verse Psalm 119:38 Confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared.

• Elaboration: The psalmist seeks affirmation of God’s promise, suggesting that such assurance will deepen reverence for God.
• Cross-reference: 2 Peter 1:4 – “Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature.”

The symbolic meaning of “He” “sounds like “Hay” in Psalm 119 touches on themes of divine revelation, the breath of life, human humility before God, the desire for divine grace, and the transformative power of engaging with God’s law. It underscores the section’s focus on seeking understanding, guidance, and the ability to live in accordance with God’s commandments.

The Message:

Peter 1:3-9

Introduction:

2 Peter, aimed at bolstering believers’ faith amidst challenges and reminding them of the divine power and promises granted through faith in Christ. 

Scripture Text: 2 Peter 1:3-9

Verse 3: “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”

• Cross-Reference:Ephesians 1:3 – “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”

NOTE: This passage emphasizes that through the divine power of God, believers are equipped with all necessary resources for living a life that reflects godliness, rooted in the knowledge of Christ.

Verse 4: “Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”

• Cross-Reference:Ephesians 4:24 – “and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

NOTE:  This promise of participation in the divine nature underlines the transformative impact of the Gospel.This is the same as a son being “like” his father in behavior, but he is not the father…

Verse 5: “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;”

• Cross-Reference:James 2:22 – “You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.”

NOTE: Peter urges believers to diligently cultivate a series of virtues, starting with faith and building upon it with goodness and knowledge, emphasizing the active effort required in spiritual growth.

Verse 6:”and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;”

• Cross-Reference:Galatians 5:22-23 – “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.”

NOTE: This continuation of virtue development includes self-control, perseverance, and godliness, each building on the other, illustrating the holistic nature of spiritual maturity.

Verse 7: “and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.”

• Cross-Reference:1 Thessalonians 4:9 – “Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.”

NOTE: The pinnacle of these virtues is love, demonstrating that true godliness manifests in genuine affection for others, underscoring the central role of love in the Christian life. This is called “Continuous Improvement or Growth”.

Verse 8:”For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

• Cross-Reference:John 15:5 – “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

NOTE: The presence and growth of these virtues ensure that a believer’s life will be fruitful and meaningful, highlighting the practical outcome of deepening one’s understanding and relationship with Christ.

Verse 9:”But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.”

• Cross-Reference:Hebrews 6:4-6 – “It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance.”

NOTE: The absence of these virtues leads to spiritual myopia, causing one to forget the fundamental transformation that has occurred through Christ’s cleansing. This serves as a warning against complacency.

Key Takeaways:

• Divine Provision for Godliness: God’s divine power has granted us all we need for life and godliness, showcasing the importance of knowledge of Him and reliance on His promises.
• The Path of Spiritual Growth: Peter outlines a progression of virtues that believers are encouraged to develop, emphasizing the interconnectedness of faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love.
• The Importance of Increasing Virtue: Growing in these qualities ensures our effectiveness and productivity in our spiritual journey, deeply connected to our relationship with Jesus Christ.
• The Danger of Spiritual Stagnation: Lack of these virtues leads to spiritual shortsightedness and a dangerous forgetfulness of the fundamental transformation we’ve experienced through faith in Christ.
• Call to Diligent Growth: Believers are encouraged to actively pursue spiritual maturity, reflecting on the divine nature through the cultivation of these virtues, supported by the promises and strength found in Christ.

Aleph, as the first letter, can symbolize the primacy of God and the beginning of wisdom. It’s often associated with the teaching that understanding and wisdom begin with a knowledge and respect for God and His precepts, statutes, and decrees.

Beth literally means “house” in Hebrew. Symbolically, it can represent the idea of a dwelling place or a foundation. In the context of Psalm 119, this could symbolize the dwelling place of God’s Word in the believer’s heart, indicating that one’s life should be built upon and inhabited by the teachings and commandments of God.

Daleth literally means “door” in Hebrew. This can symbolize an entryway or pathway, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for the entry into understanding and the pathway to deeper knowledge and relationship with God through His Word.

Focus Scripture:

Psalm 119:31 “I cling to your testimonies; Oh Lord, do not put me to shame.”

• Reflection: Expressing a firm adherence to God’s testimonies, the psalmist seeks assurance that this commitment will not lead to shame. This reflects a trust in God’s word as a source of honor and dignity.

• Cross-reference:Romans 10:11 – “As Scripture says, ‘Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.’

The Message

Romans 10:5-13

In the Old TestamentMoses writes this about the righteousness that is by the law: “The person who does these things will live by them.” 

‭‭Romans‬ ‭10:5‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Moses writes this about the righteousness that is by the law: “The person who does these things will live by them.” 

Paul begins by referencing the righteousness that is based on the law, quoting

• ‭‭Leviticus‬ ‭18:5‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Keep my decrees and laws, for the person who obeys them will live by them. I am the Lord.
  • He explains that those who live by the laws toachieve righteousness.
  • This sets up a contrast with the righteousness obtained through faith.

Romans 10:6-8: But the righteousness that is by faith says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down) [7] “or ‘Who will descend into the deep?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). [8] But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: 

These verses quote from

• Deuteronomy 30:12-14, where Paul uses the scripture to describe the righteousness that comes from faith. He emphasizes that this righteousness does not require impossible feats, like ascending to heaven or descending into the abyss, to bring Christ down or up. Instead, it is near and accessible, centered on the word of faith that Paul and other apostles are preaching.

Romans 10:9-10: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 

• Paul outlines the simplicity and accessibility of the Christian message of salvation. If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
• For Paul, the heart’s belief leads to righteousness, and the mouth’s confession leads to salvation.
• This indicates a personal and internal acceptance of Christ’s lordship and resurrection, resulting in a rightrelationship with God and assurance of salvation.

Note: The core message Romans 10:5-10ity is:

• The distinction between trying to achieve righteousness through one’s own effort by adhering to law (which is impossible to do perfectly) and receiving righteousness through faith in Christ.ion.
• Paul emphasizes that salvation is Jesus Christ,e to all who believe in internal regardless of their ability to follow religious laws perfectly.
• This passage is central to Christian doctrine, highlighting the importance of faith in Jesus as the pathway to righteousness and salvation.

Romans 10:11: “For the Scripture says, ‘Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.'”

• This verse quotes Isaiah 28:16, reinforcing the message that belief in Jesus Christ leads to salvation without disappointment or shame. It highlights the reliability and trustworthiness of God’s promise of salvation to those who have faith.

Romans 10:12: “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.”

• Here, Paul emphasizes the inclusivity of the gospel message. The distinction between Jew and Greek (or Gentile) is irrelevant when it comes to salvation. God’s lordship and the offer of salvation extend to all people, regardless of their ethnic or cultural background.
• The “riches” mentioned here refer to the blessings and benefits of salvation, including righteousness, peace, and eternal life.

Romans 10:13: “For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'”

• This verse quotes Joel 2:32, further underscoring the universal offer of salvation.
• To “call on the name of the Lord” means to appeal to God for salvation, recognizing Jesus as Lord and Savior. This promise asserts that anyone who turns to God in faith will receive salvation.

• These verses collectively highlight a central theme of Paul’s theology: the universality of the gospel.
• Salvation is not limited by ethnic, cultural, or social boundaries but is available to all who believe in Jesus Christ.
• This passage is crucial for understanding the inclusive nature of Christian salvation, affirming that faith in Christ is the sole requirement for being saved, thus eliminating any grounds for boasting in one’s heritage or adherence to the law.

Psalms‬ ‭119:23‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees.

Daniel‬ ‭6:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. 

Salvation reveals God’s greatness (15–23). Ask God to open your spiritual eyes to see the greatness of His power. Jesus is alive and has conquered every enemy! You may draw on His power to meet every need in life.

The two prayers in Ephesians complement each other. Ephesians 1:15–23 focuses on knowing what God has done for you in Christ, while 3:14–21 emphasizes experiencing His blessings. The first is for enlightenment; the second is for enablement. For other prison prayers of Paul, see Philippians 1:9–11 and Colossians 1:9–12. You may use these prayers for yourself and know that you are praying in the will of God.

The Message

Ephesians 1:15‭-‬23 NIV  15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people,

This Reason

• Ephesians 1:13‭-‬14 NIV And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.

• 1 Corinthians 2:9‭-‬10 NIV However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him— these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,

19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,

21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

• Philippians 2:8‭-‬11 NIV And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

Psalms‬ ‭119:12‭-‬16‬ ‭Blessed are You, Lord; Teach me Your statutes. [13] With my lips I have told of All the ordinances of Your mouth. [14] I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches. [15] I will meditate on Your precepts And regard Your ways. [16] I shall delight in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.

Background of Deuteronomy 6:1-8

Deuteronomy 6:1-8 is part of a series of discourses delivered by Moses to the Israelites in the plains of Moab, shortly before their entry into the Promised Land. These discourses are meant to remind and instruct the Israelites about the laws and commandments they are to follow as God’s chosen people. Deuteronomy, meaning “second law,” reiterates and expounds upon the laws given at Sinai.

This particular section, known as the Shema (from the first word in verse 4, “Hear”), is central to Jewish faith and daily prayer. It emphasizes the importance of loving and obeying God wholeheartedly and teaching these commandments diligently to future generations.

Verse by Verse Analysis of Deuteronomy 6:1-8

Verse 1:               

• Text: “Now this is the commandment—the statutes and the judgments—which the Lord your God has commanded to teach you, that you might do them in the land where you are going over to possess it.”
• Reflection: This verse sets the stage for the instructions to follow. It emphasizes that the statutes and judgments are commanded by God and are essential for life in the Promised Land.
• Cross-reference:
  • Exodus 20:2 – “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.”

Verse 2:               

• Text: “so that you and your son and your grandson might fear the Lord your God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments which I command you, all the days of your life, and that your days may be prolonged.”
• Reflection: The verse links obedience to God with the concept of fearing (revering) Him. It underscores that the commandments are not just for one generation but are to be kept through generations, implying a continuity of faith and obedience.
• Cross-reference: Proverbs 3:1-2 – “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.”

Verse 3:               

• Text: “O Israel, you should listen and be careful to do it, that it may be well with you, and that you may multiply greatly, just as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has promised you, in a land flowing with milk and honey.”
• Reflection: This verse emphasizes the benefits of obedience — well-being and prosperity in the Promised Land. The “land flowing with milk and honey” symbolizes abundance and fulfillment of God’s promises.
• Cross-reference:
  • Leviticus 26:3-5 – “If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments and do them, then…you shall eat your bread to the full and dwell in your land securely.”

Verse 4:               

• Text: “Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one!”
• Reflection: Known as the Shema, this verse is a foundational declaration of the Jewish faith, affirming the monotheistic belief in one God. It serves as a call to attention for the significant commandment that follows.
• Cross-reference: Mark 12:29 – Jesus answered, “The foremost is, ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord;”

Verse 5:               

• Text: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”
• Reflection: This verse commands a total, all-encompassing love for God. It is not just about external obedience but involves the whole being — heart, soul, and strength.
• Cross-reference: Matthew 22:37 – Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’”

Verse 6:               

• Text: “These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart.”
• Reflection: The commandments are to be internalized, deeply rooted in the heart. This internalization is key to genuine obedience and relationship with God.
• Cross-reference:
  • Proverbs 7:3 – “Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.”

Verse 7:               

• Text: “You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.”
• Reflection: This verse underscores the importance of educating children in God’s laws. The instruction is to be a constant part of daily life, indicating that teaching about God should permeate every aspect of living.
• Cross-reference:
  • Ephesians 6:4 – “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

Verse 8:               

• Text: “You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead.”
• Reflection: The verse uses metaphorical language to express the need for God’s commandments to be ever-present in daily actions (sign on the hand) and thoughts (frontals on the forehead). It emphasizes the integration of God’s law into all facets of life.
• Cross-reference:
  • Exodus 13:9 – “And it shall serve as a sign to you on your hand, and as a reminder on your forehead, that the law of the Lord may be in your mouth; for with a strong hand the Lord has brought you out of Egypt.”

Key Takeaways from Deuteronomy 6:1-8:

• These verses form the core of Jewish religious instruction, emphasizing the importance of loving and obeying God wholeheartedly.
• The passage connects obedience with the well-being and prosperity of the Israelites in the Promised Land.
• The Shema (v. 4) serves as a central declaration of faith in one God.
• The instructions highlight the necessity of internalizing God’s commandments and diligently teaching them to future generations, ensuring the continuity of faith and adherence to God’s laws.

Note: This coming week’s Bible Study will be on Psalms 119: 1-8

Aleph, as the first letter, can symbolize the primacy of God and the beginning of wisdom. It’s often associated with the teaching that understanding and wisdom begin with a knowledge and respect for God and His commandments.

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119:1‭-‬2‬ ‭NAS Blessed are those whose way is blameless, Who walk in the Law of the Lord. [2] Blessed are those who comply with His testimonies, And seek Him with all their heart.

James says:

The Word of God (21–27).

• The Word gives us spiritual birth (v. 18; 1 Pet. 1:22–23).
• It is like seed planted in the heart that produces spiritual fruit (v. 21).
• It is a mirror that helps us examine ourselves (vv. 23–25) and cleanse our lives.
• We must do the Word of God, not just read it or study it; the blessing is in the doing.

“He is already halfway to failure who considers the truth and does not do it. Truth is given, not to be contemplated, but to be done.” F. W. Robertson

James 1:22‭-‬25 NIV

22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

Keeps us blameless

• Psalms 119:11 NIV I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Guides our decisions

• Psalms 119:105 NIV Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Leads to Success

• Joshua 1:7‭-‬8 NIV “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

Reveals ourselves to us

• Hebrews 4:12 NIV For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Counsels / Guides  us back on track

• John 14:26 NIV But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

• Joshua 1:8 NIV Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

The hope before you (1–12). These people were going to heaven! They had heard the Word and trusted the Savior, and they had given evidence of their faith by their love for God and God’s people. God qualified them (v. 12); they did not save themselves.

The Message

Colossians 1:9‭-‬14 NIV

9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,

• John 14:26 NIV But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

• Romans 12:1‭-‬2 NIV Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,

• Ephesians 4:1‭-‬3 NIV As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

• Galatians 5:22‭-‬23 NIV 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.

11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.

• 1 Thessalonians 5:16‭-‬18 NIV Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.