Read the Bible in One Year!

Colossians Introduction All is not well in Colossae. A heresy is growing that promotes empty ritual, useless other-worldliness and false mysticism. In order to encourage the Colossians to hold to the truth, Paul refutes the heresy in a positive way—he shows them who Christ is. Christ as Lord of all gives complete salvation, and he is sufficient for every need. And if Christ is all and in all, then he ought to be in all we say, do, and think. So Paul encourages the Colossians to pursue a godly lifestyle befitting those whose "real life is in heaven with Christ" (3:3). Scripture November 30—Colossians 1-4: Fullness Christ Observation The letter to the church at Colossae is in many respects a companion letter to Ephesians, evidently written and dispatched at the same time. Yet the two letters are also different. Whereas Ephesians is general, Colossians is direct and specific. False teachers had invaded Colossae with the heresy that something more than Jesus Christ...

Happy in the Lord! Philippians Introduction Philippians is a letter of joy written by Paul from a Roman prison to a church he founded on his second missionary journey ( Acts 16 ). In spite of his circumstances, he encourages them in the midst of persecution to "always be full of joy in the Lord" (4:4). After all, Paul has much to be thankful for: their financial assistance, the hope of visiting them soon, their steadfast testimony for the gospel. Though that testimony is threatened by divisions, Paul is confident their unity will be restored as they imitate the humble servanthood of Christ. Scripture November 29—Philippians 1-4: Happily Humble in Christ Observation Perhaps no other local church enjoyed the intimacy of relationship to the apostle Paul as did the church at Philippi. As part of the first mission church founded in Europe, the believers at Philippi shared financially in Paul's ministry time and again (4:10). Paul writes a loving "thank-you ...

Simple, Childlike Faith Weekly Devotional November 28— Psalm 131 : Childlike Trust in the Lord Reflection As you've continued your walk through the Bible, you've encountered a treasure trove of truths from some of the epistles of Paul—1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians and Ephesians—truths that have surely brought praise to your lips for the One behind them all. In Psalm 131, David writes a short prayer that can put your thoughts into perspective as you pause to consider your Lord in worship today. Pray to God for Peace It is the world's most treasured and fragile commodity. Nations compete for it; individuals yearn for it; distinguished awards are given to those who advance its cause on earth. What is it? Look at Psalm 131. There you'll find a short, three-verse prayer that David prayed to God, perhaps at the end of a long struggle. In humble submission, David stands before his God—not with proud ambition or lofty thoughts of his own importance, but "as...

Believers are One with Christ! Ephesians Introduction The Ephesian Christians possessed a wealth of spiritual blessings but never recognized their own abundance. Their spiritual condition prompts Paul to write a letter in which he describes the believer's incredible wealth in Christ. The doctrinal truths of chapters 1-3 are followed by practical applications of those truths in chapter 4-6. Paul encourages the Ephesians to "live and act in a way worthy of those who have been chosen for such wonderful blessings as these" (4:1), and to prepare for spiritual battle by putting on "all of God's armor" (6:11). Scripture November 27—Ephesians 1-6: Riches in Christ Observation All who have trusted in Christ possess the priceless bounty of "every blessing in heaven because we belong to Christ" (1:3). Yet many continue to live like spiritual beggars. Paul writes this epistle to make Christians more aware of their heavenly wealth in Christ, and ...

Galatians Introduction After Paul's first missionary journey, the Jerusalem council (Acts 15) acknowledged that a person need not become a convert to Judaism in order to become a Christian. But Paul continues to struggle with those who would add the requirements of the Jewish law to the simple message of salvation. And the Galatians were prime offenders. Paul's letter warns them to stop following this false teaching, because justification is by faith. Freedom in Christ, he notes, means freedom to produce the fruits of righteousness through a Spirit-led lifestyle. Scripture November 26—Galatians 1-6: Freedom in Christ Observation Paul's epistle to the Galatians is an attempt to avert disaster. Having launched their Christian experience by faith, the Galatians now seem willing to leave their faith voyage and chart a new and misguided course based on works. Paul blends boldness with benevolence as he repudiates the bondage the Galatians have imposed on themselve...

Scripture November 25—2 Corinthians 10-13: The Gospel Minister Observation Paul's final words to the Corinthians are sprinkled with the personal pronoun "I" as he speaks about his distinguished ancestry and dedicated service. Paul draws repeatedly upon his authority as an apostle in order to deal effectively with the problems in Corinth. In strong terms he exhorts the rebellious to reform. As he concludes his epistle, Paul shares his hope that these exhortations will move the believers to right the wrongs so that his approaching visit can be a time of rejoicing and edification, not of rebuke and confrontation. Application On a leadership scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being an "assertive natural leader" and 1 being the proverbial "doormat" (one who allows himself to be walked over), how would you rate these people: Paul? Your pastor? Your father? Yourself? Jesus Christ during his earthly life? Paul shares some important insights about leadershi...

Scripture November 24—2 Corinthians 6-9: The Gospel: Its Motivation and Model Observation Being a partner in the gospel means, first and foremost, allowing the gospel to have its life-changing effect in you! As a fellow worker in the gospel ministry, Paul exhorts the Corinthians not to receive the grace of God in an empty, purposeless way. Fellowship with darkness, filthiness or the flesh and spirit, and insensitivity to the financial needs of others around you—all are inconsistent with the grace of God. Those truly motivated by the gospel will try to avoid being "teamed with those who do not love the Lord" (6:14), to live "in the wholesome fear of God" (7:1), and to give cheerfully, "for cheerful givers are the ones God prizes" (9:7). Application If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Here is a family or group project that is guaranteed to be a memorable experience for all involved. Sit down...

2 Corinthians Introduction Paul's problems with the believers in Corinth did not end with his first letter to that troubled congregation. The ministry and character of Paul himself were under attack, his motives impugned, and his authority challenged. Paul sends Titus, who returns with heartening news of repentance. Paul then writes this warm autobiographical letter reminding the church of his commitment, his conduct, and his credentials. His walk has been consistent with his talk—truly a model for Christians in any generation! Scripture November 23—2 Corinthians 1-5: The Gospel: Its Minister and Ministry Observation Progress often carries with it problems, and apparently even the apostle Paul was not immune! He begins his second letter to the church at Corinth by defending his character and conduct, his integrity and intentions during the time he ministered at Corinth. As to his character, he is blameless. Paul's ambition has only been to share the path of comfo...

A Depiction of the Resurrected Christ Scripture November 22—1 Corinthians 15-16: Doctrinal Disputes in the Church Observation The last chapters of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians deal with the church's misunderstanding of the resurrection—the central truth of Christianity. Paul first defends the resurrection as a historical fact confirmed by more than 500 eyewitnesses (15:6). Next, he defends the resurrection theologically, showing how God's plan of redemption is incomplete apart from a risen Savior. The resurrection provides hope for the believer's body as well, which will "be transformed into heavenly bodies that cannot perish but will live forever" (15:53) in the blink of an eye when Christ returns. Paul concludes his epistle with instructions about an offering he will collect for the struggling brethren in Jerusalem. Application Ponder this rather unusual question for a moment: "Do you feel more or less sinful than you did a year a...

Indwelling Holy Spirit Guide Us! Weekly Devotional November 21— Psalm 127 : Laboring in Vain Reflection Paul's insights into truth continue through Romans and 1 Corinthians, as he deals with public and private problems in the church. God is a God of order and holiness, and he expects the same of his children. That fact has been evident as you've read through his Word. The good news is that he is prepared to help you live as you should through his Holy Spirit living within you. In fact, unless you work in his power, your work is useless, as the psalmist reminds us in Psalm 127. Use your time in God's Word today to refresh your soul and worship your Savior. God's Home! "Anyone can build a house, but it takes God's help to build a home." That thought, prominently displayed on a Christian architect's desk, provides ample opportunity for him to witness about his Lord. He is echoing the thought of Psalm 127:1: "Unless the Lord builds a ho...

God of Order Not Confusion! Scripture November 20—1 Corinthians 11-14: Disorders in the Church Observation Up to this point Paul has dealt with problems of a personal nature: allegiance, marriage and morality. But now he addresses the public issues in Corinthian church: the veiling of women and the use (and abuse) of the Lord's Supper and spiritual gifts. Disorders in the worship service are serious business (11:30)! Paul then spends three chapters describing the nature and function of spiritual gifts. There are a variety of gifts all given by the same Spirit, who decides "which each one of us should have" (12:11); they are to be exercised in love (13:1-3); and they are to be used so that everyone "can get some good out of it" (14:5). Underlying all that Paul says is the divine prescription for public worship: "Be sure that everything is done properly in a good and orderly way" (14:40). Application Visualize the following scene in your min...

Liberty in the One and Only God! Scripture November 19—1 Corinthians 7-10: Debates in the Church Observation Chapters 1-6 deal with reports Paul received about disorderly conduct in the Corinthian church. Beginning with chapter 7 he moves on to offer replies to specific questions regarding marriage, meat offered to idols and making a living from the gospel ministry. Paul draws upon Old Testament passages, the teaching of Christ and his own apostolic authority to set forth principles for the proper use of Christian liberty. Then he warns the Corinthians about complaining against God as the Israelites did in the wilderness, encouraging them instead to "do everything for the glory of God" (10:31). Application Next time you are in your favorite supermarket, ask the butcher, "Where do you get your meat?" Now imagine if he told you, "It comes from a voodoo slaughterhouse!" Would that cause you to change supermarkets? Would you give up eating barbecu...

1 Corinthians Introduction Famous as a great commercial center, Corinth was also infamous for its immorality and paganism. But in spite of great obstacles, Paul planted a Christian church there on his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1-17). Though gifted and growing, the church was plagued with problems: moral and ethical, doctrinal and practical, corporate and private. Paul writes this letter to deal with some of the disorders, and to answer questions which the Christians at Corinth had raised. Scripture November 18—1 Corinthians 1-6: Divisions in the Church Observation While Paul is ministering in Ephesus, he receives disturbing news from the house of Chloe. The Corinthian church is experiencing problems so severe that its testimony is being undermined. In the first six chapters of his letter to the Corinthians. Paul addresses the major problems of division, immorality, and legal abuses. Then he exhorts the Corinthian believers to go on to maturity in the faith, ...

Live in Harmony with One Another! Scripture November 17—Romans 12-16: Righteousness of God Displayed Observation In closing chapters of his treatise, Paul concentrates on practical problems of everyday living that demand a demonstration of the righteousness God provides. Doctrine is dynamic, whether in matters of personal consecration, loving service to others, response to authority use of personal liberty, or unity in the body of Christ. Application You may be shocked to learn that the last election you voted in was "rigged" from the start. God knew the outcome from the very beginning! In fact, the idea of political leaders and civil authorities was his in the first place, "There is no government anywhere that God has not placed in power" (13:1). Most of us need to review what the Bible says about our responsibility toward the civil authorities he has placed over us. (And remember, the "popularity" of the leader is immaterial. Paul wrote thes...

The Promised Salvation! Scripture November 16—Romans 9-11: Righteous Plan of God Explained Observation Paul has been addressing his comments to a predominately Gentile audience. But now he anticipates an objection that could be raised by a Jewish reader: "If Abraham, the father of the Jews, was justified by faith in the coming Messiah, why have so few seen the light? Is God unfair to his chosen people? Why have most Jews rejected God's plan, if indeed what you have written is true?" Paul meets such an objection head-on. God has not fully rejected his people; the Jews have rejected him! God's treatment of Israel is not arbitrary but rests upon Israel's lack of faith. But the rejection of Israel is only partial (as demonstrated by the fact that Paul, a Jew, trusted Christ) and temporary. A day of restoration is near when "a Deliverer . . . shall turn the Jews from all ungodliness" (11:26). Application True or False: A sincere belief will get y...

Jesus Righteousness and Justice for Believers! Scripture November 15—Romans 6-8: Righteousness of God Applied Observation If the believer in Jesus is declared righteous by God and stands in God's grace, should he be concerned about the continued expressions of his old sinful lifestyle? Absolutely! The believer who has been identified with Jesus Christ in his death, burial and resurrection is set free from his bondage to sin. He is free to serve a new Master, to appropriate the power of the life-giving Spirit to enable him to live a life characterized by hope, holiness, and victory over circumstances. After completing today's reading, you should be able to answer the following questions: Shall we keep on sinning so that God can keep on showing us more and more kindness and forgiveness? (6:1) Under God's favor and mercy . . . [can we] go ahead and sin and not worry about it? (6:14-15) Are these laws of God evil? (7:7) Who will free me from my slavery to this deadly l...

Under God's Watchful Eye! Weekly Devotional November 14— Psalm 121 : The Supernatural Preserver Reflection The account of Paul's faithful witness has closed in Acts and you've launched your daily reading into the crucial New Testament epistles. The great doctrines of the faith are explained by Paul in Romans, giving you all you need to know and yet offering you an opportunity to plumb the bottomless depths of Christian truth. When you step back from your reading and think for a moment, you realize that God has everything covered. He knows precisely what's happening, and why. Let's think about that aspect of his character while reading Psalm 121. Ceaselessly Love! Food-conscious Americans have been made increasingly aware of the dangers of artificial preservatives. Even natural preservatives have their drawbacks. But did you know there exists a supernatural Preservative that is described in Psalm 121? If you haven't guessed already, the name of it ...

Scripture November 13—Romans 4-5: Righteousness of God Provided Observation Paul has so far set forth the need for salvation and the path to salvation. Now he illustrates his point from the lives of two Bible characters: Abraham and Adam. Justification in no way results from works of the law. That truth is seen in the life of Abraham, who "believed God, and that is why God canceled his sins and declared him 'not guilty' "(4:3). In contrast to Adam, whose disobedience introduced sin and death to all mankind, justification through Jesus Christ brings peace, restoration, and life to everyone who believes—Jew and Gentile alike. Application Can you think of some things you never had to learn from your parents (such as lying, stealing, selfishness)? Did you ever wonder why those "deadly virtues" came so naturally? It is difficult to overestimate the impact of Adam's first sin in the Garden of Eden. Because of that one act of willful rebellion: sin...

Unmerited Grace of God! Romans Introduction While the four Gospels recount the life of Jesus Christ, the book of Romans explores the significance of his sacrificial death. As such, it has been called "the gospel according to Paul." In a question and answer format, Romans is the most systematic presentation of doctrine in the Bible. But the Good News is more than a theology to be pondered; it is a life to be lived—a life of righteousness befitting one whom God declares " 'not guilty' of offending him if we trust in Jesus Christ" (3:24). Scripture November 12—Romans 1-3: Unrighteousness of Man Explored Observation In his letter to the Romans, Paul addresses a group of Christians whom he longs to see and for whom he has often prayed—though he has never met them face to face. In order to strengthen and comfort them. Paul outlines the basis of the gospel (ch. 1-11) and the resulting behavior that is possible because of the gospel (ch. 12-16). Under...

Paul Sharing the Good News while in Prison Scripture November 11—Acts 27-28: Imprisonment of Paul Observation Because of his imperial appeal, Paul now begins the lengthy trip to Rome to appear before Caesar. The trip is uneventful until the ship docks on the island of Crete. Paul's advice to stay there for the winter is ignored, and the ship pushes on for Phoenix (27:12). Caught in a storm and driven across the Mediterranean, the ship finally breaks up on the Island Malta. Miracle follows miracle, until at last Paul arrives in the city of Rome, where, under house arrest, he ministers for two years while awaiting his trial, "and no one tried to stop him" (28:31). Application "Aim at nothing and you will hit it every time." "If you aren't sure where you're going, any road will take you there." "Fail to determine where you are headed, and you will make the most important decision you will ever regret." Those three statements...