Moving On to Spiritual Maturity
Today’s Passage – Hebrews 5 – 9 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)
(Second Milers also read – Psalms 91 – 95; Proverbs 19)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Isaiah 40:31
Read the “1219 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.” – (Hebrews 6:1-2)
The foundation of a house is very important. In fact, it is the most important part of the house because if it is not strong, the rest of the structure will not be able to stand for very long. However, if we are going to have a complete house we must build on top of the foundation. So, in order to have a house, we have to build beyond the foundation.
Kindergarten and grammar school are also foundational in the process of education, but if a student is going to learn all that he needs to know in life, he will have to enter into middle school, then high school, and possibly even higher education. Now this does not mean that we will never re-visit the things that we learn in grammar school, for those truths are the building blocks for everything else that we are going to learn in life. A knowledge of basic mathematics is necessary in order to do algebra, geometry, calculus, and accounting. Similarly, the basics of grammar and word building are necessary in order to effectively and intelligently communicate on an adult level.
A small child who is only about two-and-a-half years-old likes to play with pretty simple toys. He can even content himself with spoons and spatulas, and pots and pans. However, he won’t enjoy these things for very long as he will want to move on to bigger and better things. His world will enlarge. He will move beyond the confines of the house, and begin to explore the back yard, and eventually he will enter into the world, exploring and learning about all that is out there. He will not stay a toddler forever.
The passage above from Hebrews 6 teaches us this same principle, but the application regards our spiritual life. Too many Christians never grow up beyond the foundational truths of salvation. Now don’t misunderstand me, I love thinking about my salvation, and I re-visit those foundational truths often, but I also moved on beyond those foundational principles. At the end of chapter five, Paul rebukes some of his readers for their lack of growth:
“For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” – (Hebrews 5:12-14)
Don’t stay a baby Christian. Grow up. Take those foundational principles of Christianity and incorporate them into a deeper walk with God. The only way that you will be able to do this is to be daily in the Word of God, and weekly in the services at your church where the Bible is preached and taught. Resolve that in the new year you will read through your Bible and that you will be more faithful in your church attendance. Don’t miss any opportunity that comes your way that will help you grow up in the Lord.
You will also need to put to use (exercise – v. 14) what God shows you. Take advantage of chances to participate and serve in the ministry. By serving, you are exercising and putting into practice what you learned in the classroom.
There is no excuse for not growing, especially if you are part of a church that is flooding its members with opportunities to serve and grow. Get involved. Grow up in the Lord. Move on to bigger and better things spiritually.
“18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18)
PS – I need to warn you about one more thing. If you do decide to grow up and move on in your spiritual walk, you will be leaving behind some of your friends that will not choose to take that journey with you. That’s OK, though. You will find many more friends that will share your vision as you move further down the road. Don’t let anything or anybody hold you back from the journey of faith that God wants to bring you on.
PSS – Let me encourage you older folks – never stop growing and learning in every area of life, not just spiritually. Whatever you do, do well and do it with all your might. Keep learning and growing in your field; keep learning and growing in the things that you enjoy doing.
When I began my spiritual journey many years ago, I “hungered and thirsted” after anything that I could that would bring me closer to spiritual maturity. I was reading voraciously and attending any services and studies that I could. I was growing very quickly. I would love to be able to say that my rate of growth remained the same throughout the decades that I have been a believer, but it has not. I often need revival and reminders such as this post that will encourage me to move on in my relationship with the Lord.
Questions to Reflect Upon
- Where in your spiritual life are you still relying on ‘milk’ instead of ‘strong meat’?
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What one step could you take this week to grow in grace and knowledge of Christ?
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Who in your life is further along in spiritual maturity that you could learn from?
Posted in Thoughts from Hebrews by Phil Erickson with 4 comments.
Christ is Better: An Introduction to the Book of Hebrews
Today’s Passage – Philemon – Hebrews 4 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)
(Second Milers also read – Psalms 86 – 90; Proverbs 18)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Proverbs 27:15
Read the “1218 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Read a previous post from this passage – “Paul – A Peacemaker, Problem Solver, and Picture of Christ.”
“1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; 4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. … 8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. 9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. 10 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:” (Hebrews 1:1-4, 8-10)
The readers to The Epistle to the Hebrews are apparent in the name. Hebrews is written to Hebrews. People who had been brought up in Judaism and converted to Christianity needed to be reinforced in order to keep them encouraged and to prevent them from the temptation of turning their backs on Christ and going back to the traditions that they were raised in. Imagine the man that grew up in a Jewish home: everyone he knows has believed the same way for his or her entire life; his family in many cases has disowned him, his friends have now left him, and his business associates will no longer trade with him. This type of sacrifice is something that we cannot completely understand in the culture that we live in today. He begins to wonder, is this sacrifice really worth it? Is this Christian religion truly the religion that Abraham and Moses and David looked to? Is Jesus really the Messiah? The Letter to the Hebrews reassures the Jewish believer that he is exactly where he needs to be.
It also gives the Jew who is not yet a Christian something to think about. Christianity had caused quite a stir in the first century. There were many Jews who were giving closet consideration to the doctrines of Christ. This Letter would answer many of their questions and would give some the faith that they needed to yield to their true Messiah.
Many (including me) attribute this letter to Paul, but the letter was actually written anonymously. Though the human author is unknown, the divine Author makes His supremacy clear. The Letter to the Hebrews can be divided into three key sections:
1 The Person of Christ is Better (1:1 – 2:4)
2 The Principles of Christianity are Better (2:5 – 10:39)
3 The Practices of Christians are Better (11:1 – 13:25)
You might ask – better than what? – Better than the shadow that they had in Judaism. Christ was the substance – the Old Testament worship system was filled with shadows and types that were mere pictures of the reality. The Old Testament Temple was merely a type of the true temple in Heaven. The sacrificial system pictured and pointed to the true sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary.
Key Words and Phrases in Hebrews
- Better – 13 times (Hebrews 1:4; 6:9; 7:7, 19, 22; 8:6; 9:23; 10:34; 11:16, 35, 40; 12:24)
- Perfect, Perfection, Perfected – 12 times (Hebrews 2:10; 5:9; 6:1; 7:11; 7:19; 9:9; 9:11; 10:1; 10:14; 11:40; 12:23; 13:1)
- Let us – 12 times (Hebrews 4:1, 11, 14, 16; 6:1; 10:22, 23, 24; 12:1; 12:28; 13:13; 13:15)
Note – The Law said, “Thou shalt”, or “Thou shalt not”; the New Covenant says, “Let us.”
- heavenly – 6 times (Hebrews 3:1; 6:4; 8:5; 9:23; 11:16; 12:22)
- eternal (5 times – Hebrews 5:9; 6:2; 9:12, 14, 15) and for ever (9 times – Hebrews 1:8; 5:6; 6:20; 7:17; 7:21; 10:12; 10:14; 13:8; 13:21)
The Deity of Christ
Beyond these repeated themes, Hebrews wastes no time establishing Christ’s full deity. We would be remiss in this brief introductory discussion of Hebrews if we did not point out that this book clearly teaches the deity of Christ. Right out of the gate, in the first chapter there are several references that point to the fact that Jesus is God. For instance, it clearly establishes Christ as both the Creator (“made the worlds – v. 2) and Sustainer (upholding all things by the word of his power” – v. 3) of the universe. The Son is even referred to as “God” by the Father in verse 9. The writer also declares that Christ is the “express image” of God (χαρακτήρ – charaktēr – v. 3), meaning that everything that God is was expressed in the Person of Jesus Christ.
Christ and Christianity are better than all that Judaism could offer, because the “Author and Finisher” (Hebrews 12:2) of the Christian Faith is God incarnate; God in human flesh. As we study Hebrews, let’s remember that following Christ isn’t just ‘different’—it’s eternally better. What area of your life needs the reminder that Jesus is superior today?
What does “better” mean to you in your walk with Christ?
Posted in Devotions by Phil Erickson with 2 comments.
Christmas Decorations
Today’s Passage – 2 Timothy 3 – Titus 3; (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)
(Second Milers also read – Psalms 81 – 85; Proverbs 17)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – 1 John 3:1
Read previous posts from this passage – “Sometimes You Have To Stand Alone,“ and “Perilous Times.“
Read the “1217 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
“6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. 7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. 9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; 10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.“ (Titus 2:6-10)
Notice in verse 7 the phrase, “shewing thyself a pattern,” and then also, “shewing incorruptness, gravity, sincerity.” Notice also in verse 10 the word, “adorn.” The Greek word that is translated “adorn” here in Titus 2:10 is the word “kosmeo,” which means to arrange in order, or to decorate or ornament. Sometimes kosmeo is translated into the word “garnish”:
“And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;” (Rev 21:19)
The precious stones referenced in Rev 21:19 are ornaments and serve to make Heaven more beautiful. In fancy restaurants they will garnish the plates of food, which makes the presentation of the food more appealing.
We understand what it means to adorn, garnish, or decorate. This is the time of year that we talk a lot about decorations and ornaments. My wife Cindy loves to drive around and look at the Christmas light displays with all the beautiful decorations that brighten up our lives during this wonderful season of the year.
More than any other time of the year, Christmas is the time for decorations. We decorate our homes with lights. We buy Christmas trees and decorate them with ornaments. We adorn our presents with colorful wrapping paper, ribbons, and bows. At the church, we have beautiful poinsettia plants, and a Christmas tree with lights and bows. There are wreaths on our front door. These are all ornaments or decorations. They are designed to reflect in a visible, outward way, the spirit of the Christmas holiday.
Our text today in Titus 2 tells us that there are ways that we can “adorn” in a visible way the doctrine of the Saviour that we have received on the inside. We can make God and the Christian faith look good to those around us. Adorning or garnishing or decorating the doctrine of God is the best kind of decoration that we can display, not only at Christmas, but also throughout the year.
By adorning the doctrine of God we glorify the Lord, which is our primary job while here on this earth:
“Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.” – (Psalm 22:23)
“O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.” – (Psalm 34:3)
By adorning the doctrine of God, we will also be more effective as His ambassador to this world:
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” – (2 Cor 5:17-21)
How can you adorn the doctrine of God? How can you make your faith in God look good to this world?
- Stay faithful to God – the world can see if you are faithful or not. Put God first in your life. Don’t let anything take the place of God in your list of priorities. Your job cannot come before God. Your hobbies cannot come before God. Your relationships with anyone else, including your family, cannot come before your relationship with God.
- Live separately from the world – when the Christian participates in the ungodly practices of this world, he does the exact opposite of adorning the doctrines of God. He detracts from glorifying God and will be ineffective as God’s ambassador.
- Speak the truth in love – look for opportunities to tell people about the wonderful grace of God.
- Look for ways to love and bless people.
This Christmas season, which of these four ways will you focus on to adorn the doctrine of God?
There is a lot of ugliness in our world, even at Christmastime. The Christian has been given the wonderful privilege and awesome responsibility of countering the darkness and brightening up the world he lives in by “putting on Christ” (Romans 13:14) and adorning the doctrine of God. Magnify the Lord; make Him look good, big, and beautiful to the people around you.
Posted in Devotions by Phil Erickson with 1 comment.
Healthy Christian Growth
Today’s Passage – 1 Timothy 4 – 2 Timothy 2 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)
(Second Milers also read – Psalms 76 – 80; Proverbs 16)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Psalm 121
Read the “1216 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
Read a previous post from this morning’s reading passage – “Where Would Our Church Be Without the Young People“
“And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” – (2 Timothy 2:2)
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” – (2 Timothy 2:15)
“But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.” – (2 Timothy 2:23)
There are many factors involved in the spiritual development of a Christian, but I think 2 Timothy 2 shows us three keys to Christian growth:
- A Christian must be steadfast in his faithfulness (v. 2). Paul entrusted truth to “faithful men” who weren’t yet fully mature but were dependable and teachable. When we refer to this verse, we often use it to teach that the church must be concerned about teaching the doctrines of the faith and training the disciples of the Lord. We would certainly not dispute that those are two very important functions of the local church. However, I would like to draw attention to the fact that the teaching and the training can only be done with faithful men (and women). When I first trusted Christ as my Saviour many years ago, I did not need anybody to beg me to come to church and get involved in the things of the Lord. I had a desire on the inside to grow and serve. I certainly was not perfect by any means, but I was faithful. Faithfulness isn’t perfection – it’s availability and reliability. I just needed somebody to show me the way and give me something to do. We often blame the church for not teaching and training as it should, but I believe that if there is a hungry soul out there in the pew, God will supply someone to train them. The bottom line to this point is that if you are going to grow in the Lord, you must stay faithful and thirsty for the things of God. Faithfulness involves more than just showing up – it’s enduring and remaining loyal even when it costs something, as Paul illustrated with the soldier (vs. 3–4), the athlete (v. 5), and the farmer (v. 6).
- A Christian must be studious (v. 15). Studying requires much work, and it must be done on purpose. If spiritual growth is going to take place in the life of believers, they must diligently apply themselves to being students of the Bible. Obviously, this will include faithfully attending all the services and Bible studies in the local church, but it also means that personal reading, meditation, and study be done daily. With all the resources available today (Logos, Blue Letter Bible, E-sword, etc.), there is really no excuse for not digging in deeply in your Bible study.
- A Christian must not get sidetracked. On the surface this may not seem too important, but I have seen more Christians go down the tubes because of this than anything else. Lack of study will cause a slow and steady decline in growth but getting sidetracked will bring about a swift demise. What do I mean by getting sidetracked? Well, it could mean getting distracted by something in the world, but it also often happens because the believer starts pursuing one issue of the faith. They become a one-issue Christian, and by doing so they lose balance, and balance is important to Christian growth. Paul said that he declared “all the counsel of God.” People who lose balance tend to major on minor issues and thereby lose sight of the bigger picture. They can become argumentative in their support of their pet issue. Be careful that you don’t get sidetracked. Instead of majoring on minors, pursue the full counsel of God (Acts 20:27), keeping Christ and the gospel central while growing in the whole range of biblical truth. In v. 14 and in vs. 24–26, Paul also warns against quarreling about words and calls us to be kind, patient teachers who correct opponents gently.
It ought to be the goal of every Christian to continue to grow spiritually until the Lord takes him or her home to Heaven. Ask yourself today: Am I faithful in gathering with God’s people and staying thirsty for Him? Am I diligently studying His Word daily? Am I keeping my focus on the whole counsel of God without being derailed by lesser things? Commit these three keys to the Lord in prayer and watch Him produce steady growth and fruitfulness in your life.
Posted in Thoughts from 2 Timothy by Phil Erickson with 3 comments.
More Than Just Preaching
Today’s Passages – 2 Thessalonians 1 – 1 Timothy 3 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)
(Second Milers also read – Psalms 71 – 75; Proverbs 15)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Psalm 119:105
Read the “1215 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;” (1 Timothy 1:12)
I have always been very fond of this verse. Paul knew that he had been given an awesome privilege when God called him into the ministry, and I am very conscious of the fact that my calling is just as special and important as Paul’s. I notice also from this verse that Paul didn’t say that God called him because of his qualifications except for the one thing that God found in him, which was faithfulness. God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called and He often calls those He finds faithful.
Paul’s words remind us that ministry isn’t earned by merit but received as a gift—and with it comes great responsibility. So, what does it really mean to be “in the ministry”? What does a minister do? Is it just standing in a pulpit delivering a sermon on Sunday morning? My friend, it is so much more than that. Let me share with you some thoughts regarding what the ministry entails:
- The Ministry Is About People– People have all kinds of problems and needs. A true minister of God does not use people as to fulfill his desires or goals; rather a minister recognizes that he is called of God to serve the people and to give them what they need spiritually so they can have the very best of God’s blessings upon their life. A minister does not try to be God to the people but rather tries to bring the people closer to God.
“For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
“And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.” (2 Cor 12:15)
- The Ministry is About Prayer– Many of us in ministry must confess that prayer is the area we most need to grow in. According to Acts 6, the apostles felt that their primary duties were “to give [themselves] continually unto prayer, and the ministry of the word.” That would be a pretty good starting point for preachers today. We need to pray for our people, our churches, our communities, and our country.
“And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.” (Mark 1:35)
- The Ministry Is About Perspiration– There is work to be done. The Bible says that the office of a Bishop is a good “work.” Many full-time servants of God are lazy. They get up late, eat too much, and go home early. It will take a lot of work to be effective as a minister. There is soulwinning, visitation, hospital visits, administrative work, counseling, cleaning, planning, building, etc. Preachers ought to be up early and on the job before the world gets up. Satan never stops working to advance his agenda.
“7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; 8 Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: 9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. 10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.” (2 Thess 3:7–10)
- The Ministry Is About Preparation– The pastor should spend hours in the study, preparing to feed the flock that God has entrusted them with. His people deserve fresh bread from Heaven that came directly out of time spent with God in study and in prayer. Sometimes, it is easy to get lazy in preparation. We can quickly throw some “fast food” together to serve our people but God expects more out of His ministers. Work, pray, and study so that God’s people will be fed gourmet meals from the pulpit each week.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Tim 2:15)
I hope that you can see now that the ministry consists of so much more than is visible on the surface. What a privilege it is to serve such an awesome, wonderful, omnipotent, and merciful God. What has God called you to do? If you have been called to a ministry, it is because He found you to be faithful; but are you still faithfully fulfilling what God has called you to do? Let’s commit today to renew our faithfulness in whatever ministry God has entrusted to us, asking Him for the grace to abound more and more.
Posted in Thoughts from 1 Timothy by Phil Erickson with 4 comments.
Study to be Quiet
Today’s Passage – 1 Thessalonians 1 – 5; (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)
(Second Milers also read –Psalms 66 – 70; Proverbs 14)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Ephesians 4:32
Read other posts from this passage – “What’s Right With It,” and “What’s Your Reputation Like?“
“9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. 10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; 11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; 12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.” (1 Thessalonians 4:9-12)
For more information regarding the historical context of the Thessalonian Letters, click here.
Many of us are drawn to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and its glorious promise of the rapture. But the verses just before it (4:9-12) give us something equally vital: clear, everyday instructions for how we should live while we wait.
- Increase in Brotherly Love (vs. 9 – 10)
The first thought that I want to pull from this passage comes from the phrase “more and more” found in verse ten. We see this phrase also in verse one where Paul encourages them to “abound more and more” in their walk (behavior or lifestyle) and in pleasing the Lord generally. Here in verse ten, Paul is admonishing them to increase in their love for each other.
“34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:34-35)
Notice that the Lord said that this is how the world will know that we are truly believers. Paul commends the Thessalonians here for the love that they already had for other believers, not only within the city of Thessalonica but also throughout all of Macedonia, which included Philippi and Berea also.
- Living Quiet, Honest, and Diligent Lives (vv. 11-12)
The second thing that we see from these verses is Paul admonishing these believers to live honest, quiet, and simple lives, and to be hard working. The verb translated “study” (φιλοτιμεῖσθαι from φιλοτιμέομαι – philotimeomai), implies ambitious effort—making something your honorable goal. Paul is telling them that needed to work at this; to try hard to do it.
The phrase “to be quiet” (ἡσυχάζειν from ἡσυχάζω – hēsychazō) means to cease or to rest, or to “hold your peace.” It is interesting the entire phrase “study to be quiet” could mean “work at resting” or “work at not working,” which is certainly strange, but what Paul is saying here is that they should work at being quiet.
Paul is urging them to make it their ambition to live quietly, to mind their own affairs, and to work diligently with their own hands. In an age of constant social media noise, outrage cycles, and performative busyness, striving to be quiet means curating our words, avoiding unnecessary controversy, and focusing on our own responsibilities.
- Why It Matters While We Wait
The idea of this whole passage is that these Thessalonians believers were to be a testimony to the world around them through their hard working, quiet, and honest lives. And Paul promises that besides being a good testimony to their neighbors, they will also be self-sufficient. They would “have lack of nothing.”
The Greeks were not typically fond of manual labor and hard work was often done by slaves. Paul set an example by working as a tentmaker to support himself. He will address this problem again in his second letter to them, where he rebukes some for not working at all:
“6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. 7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; 8 Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: 9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. 10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.” (2 Thessalonians 3:6-12)
Paul’s stronger words in his second letter show how seriously he took this issue—and how relevant his counsel remains for us today. It is important, however to also point out that some people today face the opposite temptation—not idleness, but workaholism or hustle culture. Paul’s balance reminds us that faithful work honors God without becoming an idol.
- Questions to reflect upon:
- Where am I tempted to be anything but “quiet” in my speech or online presence?
- How can I grow “more and more” in practical love toward fellow believers this week?
- Am I modeling diligent work in a way that commends the gospel to outsiders?
Revised 12/14/25
Posted in Devotions by Phil Erickson with 3 comments.
Keep Looking Up
Today’s Passage – Colossians 1 – 4; (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click hereto view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)
(Second Milers also read – Psalms 61 – 65; Proverbs 13)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Matthew 6:33
Read the 1213 Evening and Morning devotion from the late Charles Spurgeon.
“1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4)
The background information for Colossians and Philemon both involve the church at Colosse. Philemon was a member of the church there and even opened up his home as a meeting place for the church. The two letters are very different in their purpose. Colossians is written to a church and is both doctrinal as well as practical. Philemon is very personal, written primarily to encourage reconciliation between Onesimus, who was a runaway servant from Colosse who was gloriously saved in Rome, and Philemon. Both of these letters deal with the same geographical area and the same people.
It is apparent from the text (Colossians 1:4; 1:9; 2:1) that Paul had never been to the city of Colosse, which is strange because it is not too far from Ephesus (about 100 or so miles) where Paul spent 3 years. (Acts 20:31) Interestingly the name Colosse appears only once in the entire Bible. (Colossians 1:2) Even more interesting is that the nearby city of Laodicea is named five times in this letter.
Colosse was located in Asia Minor in an area known as Phrygia. It is about 100 or so miles east of Ephesus, and about 100 or so miles north of the Mediterranean Sea. It was 10 miles from Laodicea, and 13 miles from Hierapolis, which are both mentioned in the letter. Both of these cities were to receive this letter to the church at Colosse and also share a letter back to Colosse that was written to Laodicea. (Colossians 4:16)
At one time Colosse was an important city with a large population. It was located in an area that connected the markets of the Far East with the markets of Europe. It was known for a particular kind of purple wool called colossinus that was in demand around the world. As time went on, however, Laodicea became the prominent city and Colosse eventually faded off the scene. Only ruins are left today of both cities. It is probable that both cities were eventually destroyed by a series of earthquakes.
Thoughts from the Passage
- The Letter is Focused on Believers
First of all, we see that this is written to believers: “if ye then be risen with Christ.” Positionally, Christians are seen as crucified with Christ (“for ye are dead” – v. 3) and have also identified with Him in His resurrection:
- Believers Need to Be Focused on Heaven
- A Heavenly Focused Believer Conforms to the Will of God
Notice in the remaining verses that believers are to “mortify” (Νεκρώσατε from νεκρόω – nekroō, meaning to make dead or deprive of power) some things (vs. 5 – 7).
1 fornication
2 uncleanness – mortal impurity
3 inordinate affection – translated vile affection in Romans 1:26, homosexuality
4 evil concupiscence – lust
5 covetousness, which is idolatry:
They are also to “put off” (ἀπόθεσθε from ἀποτίθημι – apotithēmi, meaning to lay aside or cast off) some things (vs. 8 – 11). The things that we are to remove are things that are inconsistent with who we are in Christ and what we will be in Heaven. Paul is merely stating that if you will not see these characteristics and sinful actions in Heaven, you should strive to get rid of them now. You can do these things because when you were saved, “9b … you have put off the old man with his deeds. “10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:” (Colossians 3:9b – 10)
1 anger
2 wrath
3 malice – depravity, maliciousness, wickedness
4 blasphemy
5 filthy communication – vile conversation
6 lying
We are not only supposed to get rid of some things, we are also to replace them with some heavenly things. Vs. 12 – 17 tell us that we are to “put on” (Ἐνδύσασθε from ἐνδύω – endyō, which has the idea of putting on clothing or wearing something) some things.
1 bowels of mercies – mercy, compassion
2 kindness
3 humbleness of mind
4 meekness
5. longsuffering
6. forbearing one another
7 forgiving one another
8 charity
9 let peace rule (v. 15)
10 let the Word dwell in you (v. 16)
11 sing the songs of God (v. 16)
12 do all in the name of Christ (v. 17)
Supporting Verses:
“17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
“1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2)
Posted in Devotions by Phil Erickson with 4 comments.
The Mind of Christ
Today’s Passage – Philippians 1 – 4 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)
(Second Milers also read –Psalms 56 – 60; Proverbs 12)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Psalm 61:1 – 3
Read the “1212 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
Read previous posts from today’s passage – “Follow You?” & “Striving Together“
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” (Philippians 2:5)
“For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:16)
I just want to jot down a quick thought from the Scriptures this morning that I hope will be a blessing to you. Jesus is God. As God, He is equal with the Father in everything. Jesus is omniscient, meaning that there is nothing that He does not know. There is nothing that escapes His mind, unless He chooses to not remember it. Here in our text, the Bible is not referring to omniscience, but rather it is referring to Christ’s attitude. He had the mind of a servant; not the knowledge of a servant, but the humility of a servant. As God, He could have demanded that all of humanity bow the knee to Him. He also could have demanded that every creature in the universe should serve His every desire. But that is not what He did, is it?
It is funny how little, sinful man who is by nature a lowly servant, and has no right to boast at all, is always trying to magnify himself; trying to make himself look better in the eyes of other men. Yet Jesus, who deserves all of the glory, humbled Himself, even unto death. Why, because He loves us. If He demonstrated His love through a form of humility, ought not we do the same thing. We are so full of ourselves. God tells us here that we should have the same mind, the same humble attitude that Christ demonstrated when He came to this earth to be born of a woman, to live a selfless life of service to men, and finally to die a horrible death on the cross in order to atone for your sins and mine.
“And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:44-45)
“Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” (John 13:13-17)
Posted in Thoughts from Philippians by Phil Erickson with 4 comments.
Grow Up
Today’s Passages – Ephesians 4 – 6 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)
(Second Milers also read – Psalms 51 – 55; Proverbs 11)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Psalm 55:17
Read the “1211 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” (Ephesians 4:13-15)
“And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:1)
“For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.” (Hebrews 5:12)
One of the many problems with the modern concept of Christianity in our world today, is that it is producing very immature Christians. At one time the churches of America understood that they had a responsibility to teach and preach sound Bible doctrine. Unfortunately, in most of our churches the Bible has been replaced with entertainment and in some cases the Word of God has been almost removed altogether. If you were to travel back in time to the first half of the 20th century you would see that mostly all Bible believing churches had multiple opportunities for the people to come to the House of God in order to learn Truth. Gradually, as the years passed, sermon lengths became shorter and whole services were eliminated. It is rare to find an evangelical church with Sunday School for adults or evening services on Sunday, or Bible studies / Prayer Meetings during the week. It is no wonder that our country is rapidly deteriorating when God’s people are feeding sparsely on Jello and Tapioca, instead of meat. It is also not surprising that Christians are dropping like flies into all kinds of immorality when they are not taking in enough spiritual nourishment to strengthen them against the wiles of the Devil.
This lack of Bible can also be seen in our homes. There used to be such a thing as “a family altar” and family devotions. There was a time when it would not be uncommon for Christian fathers and mothers to read the Bible with their children. It was not at all unusual for a mom to insist that her children get up out of bed a little earlier so that they could spend some time in the Word of God before they faced the day. Now, we are too busy finding out what all our friends are doing on Facebook, or perhaps we are engrossed in the latest immoral sitcom on television. Shame on us. We are producing a bunch of weak, baby Christians who could not possibly be strong enough to carry the torch to the next generation.
In our passage today we see that God gave us all that we need in order to grow and mature in the faith. Notice vs. 11 – 12:
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” (Ephesians 4:11-12)
God gave us pastors and teachers but unfortunately they are too busy trying to please a carnal group of people instead preaching the Word of God. I heard recently of a pastor of a church (that was once a fundamental Baptist church) who went to a football game on a Sunday morning instead of going to his pulpit. He got his wife to fill in for him. Shame on that pastor, and shame on that church for not firing him.
We need to get back to the basics, back to the Bible. We need to get rid of all of the technology that is supposed to be helping us so much, get rid of the social media, the filth on television, the mindless video games and internet surfing, and get back to “study[ing] to show [ourselves] approved unto God, [workmen] that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” And our churches need to get back to filling their services with sound doctrine, and lots of it. We are losing the battle. Few are getting saved today because our lights are too dim and our salt has lost its savor. We need to wake up and go back to what worked before we completely lose this generation.
Posted in Thoughts from Ephesians by Phil Erickson with 3 comments.
Saved to Good Works – Not By Good Works
Today’s Passages – Ephesians 1 – 3; (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)
(Second Milers also read – Psalms 46 – 50; Proverbs 10)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Isaiah 40:31
Read the “1210 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” – (Ephesians 2:8-10)
These verses in Ephesians are perhaps among the most familiar in the Bible. We often use vs. 8 – 9 to convince people that salvation is not through our good works but solely though the grace of God, which is available only through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace has been defined as unmerited favor, or more simply put, it is receiving something that we do not deserve. What a wonderful truth it is to know that our salvation is not dependent upon our good works, which are totally insufficient and fall miserably short of the mark. As the verse teaches, salvation comes solely through the free gift of God’s grace. Jesus paid the total price for our sins when He died on the cross and now makes salvation available to anyone who will simply receive Him by faith.
However, just because works are not acceptable as payment for our sins, it doesn’t mean that we should not “work” for the Lord after we are saved. Verse 10, which is not quoted nearly as often as vs. 8 & 9, teaches very plainly that God has ordained that we should work for Him after salvation. God has a specific plan for each one of His children. He has something for all of us to do. Our job is to determine what God’s will is for our lives and then do it. There are lots of opportunities for service within a local church.
Are you working for the Lord doing His ordained tasks? If not, you need to get busy:)
Posted in Thoughts from Ephesians by Phil Erickson with 2 comments.