For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Eph. 4
How does Paul describe “a life worthy of the calling you have received?” I said yesterday that once you grasp some knowledge of the unfathomable love of Christ, you will be changed. In this chapter, Paul gives a description of that change. He contrasts the thoughts and attitudes of those who have been called to Christ and those who are “separated from the life of God” (Eph. 4:18). It is quite the contrast. It is a contrast that should be evident, not only in our individual lives, but as a body of believers as well. How we interact with each other is as important as how we handle ourselves.
One example of this that stood out to me is Paul’s admonition that those who used to steal should now work. He didn’t say that they should work so they could provide for themselves and not be a burden to others. While I’m sure that’s important, Paul said they should work, “that they may have something to share with those in need.” (Eph. 4:28). That’s part of the change in thinking that should come with our new nature in Christ. It is now no longer just about ourselves. If we serve Christ then, by extension, we also serve His whole body.
1 Kings 11-12
Solomon began well but finished poorly. Trace the causes and the results of his fall. Yet another little detail I have failed to pay attention to in the past. After God told Jeroboam He was giving him ten of the twelve tribes of Israel as his own, Solomon tried to kill Jeroboam. Interesting. That was the same reaction that Saul had after God anointed David to take over the throne. That is a sure sign to me that Solomon’s heart had turned from God.
You don’t choose to stand in such direct opposition to God when your heart is fully devoted to Him. Instead, you realize, as David did, that God is God. It’s not about living a sinless life – none of us can do that. It’s about how we respond to our sin and God’s correction. Saul and Solomon were both unwilling to let go of their pride. Ultimately, that is what set David apart. Like David, we need to humbly acknowledge our sin, accept whatever God decrees, and seek His forgiveness and mercy.
Ps. 65
In this psalm of praise, list the things for which David gives God praise. “When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave (or made atonement for) our transgressions.” (Ps. 65:3). Now there’s a prophetic statement! Many years after David penned those words in this Psalm, Paul wrote, in his letter to the Romans, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom. 5:8). That knowledge leads me to the same conclusion as the rest of David’s Psalm. Surely God is good!