Revelation 4-7 The Wrath of the Lamb Begins

TMS 1John 5:13 Assurance of Salvation

1Jn 5:11 “And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

13 These things I have written to you

who believe in the name of the Son of God,

that you may know that you have eternal life,

and that you may continue

to believe in the name of the Son of God.

Observations: 5:13 Eternal life is given to those who believe in the name of the Son of God. John 1:12 equates believing in His name with receiving or welcoming Him into one's life. Forgiveness for sin is part of the package, given on the basis God's grace, to those who exercise faith in Christ's death for their sins. That forgiveness removes the barrier between us and God so we can have a relationship with Him. Nothing else that we can do provides the relationship. Maintaining and developing the relationship, and not forfeiting the benefits, are another story. We already have the assurance of the justification/forgiveness aspect of our salvation, according to the first half of verse 13. But John writes the epistle, and the second half of verse 13 (which some versions inappropriately omit) to enable us to maintain the benefits of the relationship by continuing to believe. As Jesus said in John 10:10, He came that we “might have life, and have it abundantly.” John wrote in 20:31 that by continuing to believe we will have life in (by means of) His name/power. To “have the Son” in 1John is to have an abiding relationship with Him (see Jn 15 and comments in 1Jn 5:13). Those who continue to believe will reap the benefits of the relationship, including glory/dominion in the Messianic Age. Those who don't continue to believe what God has revealed in Christ, don't lose their forgiveness, but will forfeit the blessings God intends to give those who are loyal and faithful.

Application: Belief in Christ starts the relationship and begets life; continuing to believe brings in the abundant life Christ wants to share with us.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for wanting a relationship with me, may I believe all that You have said, and act accordingly. Amen.

Revelation 4-7 John gets invited to come up to heaven to see and record what God has planned for the future. The judgments of Revelation are the wrath of the Lamb, who pays back injustice and unrighteousness. This section describes six of the “seven seal judgments” that will occur during the Great Tribulation. In the Pre-millennial view, the Tribulation is the seven year period following the Rapture of the Church and before the Messiah returns to set up His promised Millennial Kingdom (thus the return of Christ is Pre-millennial). The term “Pre-Tribulation” refers to the Rapture of the church occurring before this time of trouble (see comments on 1Thess 4). Like a telescope, contained within the “seventh seal judgment” are “seven trumpet judgments,” and contained in the “seventh trumpet” are “seven vial or bowel judgments.” The cumulative effect of these judgments totally alters earth and life on it as we know it. It is obvious that these judgments are yet future.

Revelation 4 Worthy is the Lord

4:1 After these things I looked and saw a door opened in heaven, and the first voice that I heard, like a trumpet speaking with me, was one saying, "Come up here, and I will show you the things which must happen after this." 2 Immediately I was in the Spirit. Behold, there was a throne set in heaven, and one sitting on the throne 3 that looked like a jasper stone and a sardius. There was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald to look at. 4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones. On the thrones were twenty-four elders sitting, dressed in white garments, with crowns of gold on their heads. 5 Out of the throne proceed lightnings, sounds, and thunders. There were seven lamps of fire burning before his throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. 6 Before the throne was something like a sea of glass, similar to crystal. In the midst of the throne, and around the throne were four living creatures full of eyes before and behind. 7 The first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face like a man, and the fourth was like a flying eagle.

8 The four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within. They have no rest day and night, saying, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come!"

9 Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to him who sits on the throne, to him who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives forever and ever, and throw their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 "Worthy are you, our Lord and God, the Holy one, to receive the glory, the honor, and the power, for you created all things, and because of your desire they existed, and were created!"

Observations: 4:1-8 After hearing the contents of the seven letters, John sees a door open in heaven and a voice calling him up there (some see this as an indication of the Rapture), to see the things which must happen according to the plan of God. Being transported in the Spirit to the presence of God like Ezekiel, he sees God on His throne, as did Ezekiel. This vision clearly links the two books, as Ezekiel is also about the establishment of the Messiah's Millennial Kingdom. Thus all that Ezekiel said should be in the back of the reader's mind as they consider Revelation. Daniel 7:9-14 has a somewhat similar vision which fits the next chapter better. The four “living/ruling” creatures are most likely angelic beings, reflective of the aspects of Christ in His roles as king (lion), servant (ox/calf), man, and God (eagle).

4:9-11 Whenever the four creatures gave glory to God, the elders also worshiped, both by their actions and words which acknowledged that all things were created by and for Him. We're not told the identity of the twenty-four elders in white garments with crowns on their heads. The crowns are golden victors' wreaths, which would designate them as rewarded overcomers, rather than angels (5:11 distinguishes them from angels as well). The next chapter (5:10) indicates that they are representative of those Christ has redeemed from all nations. The twelve apostles were promised thrones and rulership over the twelve tribes of Israel, so the additional twelve could be those who ruled over the Gentiles (rather than OT Patriarchs or prophets or priests), but most opinions are just that since we're not given more specifics.

Matthew 19:28 So Jesus said to them, "Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

The elders worship Him who lives (not just exists, but rules or exercises dominion) forever. Those who think that rewards don't matter because “we just give them back to Jesus” are deluded on multiple accounts.

Having a crown/glory is a means of honoring God. The giving of glory, honor, and thanks is different from the living creatures saying “Holy, Holy, Holy.” When they do, the elders cast (present tense) their crowns before His throne as an acknowledgment of His worthiness to receive glory and honor and power. For a ruler to put their crown under another's feet was to acknowledge not only the other's greater power, but that they ruled by the permission and pleasure of the greater power. Those who fail to overcome and be rewarded will not be able to honor God like this.

God doesn't want the area in front of His throne to be littered with pointy tipped crowns (stepping on them could be painful). Note that in order to fall down again, they have to get back up and put their crowns back on their head, and resume their duties of ruling, and carrying out God's will (which is why they have thrones in the first place).

The giving of rulership, authority, and power, means the person giving it, has it, thus when He rewards His faithful servants, God is displaying His hitherto unseen glory. Those who want God to receive the maximum amount of glory, will live so He can display it in rewarding them.

2Thessalonians 1:10 when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed. 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Application: God is worthy of our total worship and allegiance because He is the Creator and thus Owner of all. He is doubly worthy because He not only gave us life, He gave it back to us through His redemption of us, after we forfeited it through sin.

Prayer: God, You are holy, and worthy of all the honor I could ever give You; may I live to bring You glory. Amen.

Revelation 5 Title Deed to the Earth

5:1 I saw, in the right hand of him who sat on the throne, a book/scroll written inside and outside, sealed shut with seven seals. 2 I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the book, and to break its seals?" 3 No one in heaven above, or on the earth, or under the earth, was able to open the book, or to look in it. 4 And I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open the book, or to look in it. 5 One of the elders said to me, "Don’t weep. Behold, the Lion who is of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome; he who opens the book and its seven seals."

6 I saw in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, having seven horns, and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth. 7 Then he came, and he took it out of the right hand of him who sat on the throne. 8 Now when he had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

9 They sang a new song, saying, "You are worthy to take the book, and to open its seals: for you were killed, and redeemed us for God with your blood, out of every tribe, language, people, and nation, 10 and made us kings and priests to our God, and we will reign on earth."

11 I saw, and I heard something like a voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousands of ten thousands, and thousands of thousands; 12 saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb who has been killed to receive the power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing!" 13 I heard every created thing which is in heaven, on the earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them, saying, "To him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb be the blessing, the honor, the glory, and the dominion, forever and ever! Amen!" 14 The four living creatures said, "Amen!" The elders fell down and worshiped Him that lives forever.

Observations: 5:1-5 John sees the Father holding a scroll with seven seals on it. Roman law required that a “will” be authenticated by seven seals from seven witnesses. The scroll is the title deed to the earth which is inherited by Christ as a result of His obedience (Phil 2). He is worthy to open it because He is not only the legal inheritor of the promises made to David (2Sam 7; Ps 89 -Davidic Covenant) and Abraham (Gen 12), but also the faithful “overcomer” (verse 5). John was distraught perhaps because the purposes of God contained in the scroll would be thwarted if no one could open it. One of the elders encouraged John with the fact that the Lion of Judah, the Root of David, had overcome (was victorious) and therefore could open the scroll.

5:6-10 In the midst of the throne John sees the Lamb that was slain having seven horns (symbols of authority and rulership -cf Daniel's visions), and the sevenfold (abundant and omnipresent) Spirit of God. Jesus came and took the scroll and the four living creatures and the twenty-four praised Him. It's noteworthy that Jesus' reward is not given to Him, but He takes it, as a just recompense, which is highlighted in the chapter. The elders now have bowls of incense, (instead of the crowns which represented their ruling function, John sees them exercising their priestly function) representing the prayers/praises of the saints (holy believers), and harps to accompany their praise. (The less honorable ones had accordions.) They sang a new song, acknowledging the worthiness of Christ to open the scroll/will and execute its provisions. They cite the cause of His worthiness, His death, and highlight what it accomplished, the redemption of people from all nations, and the constitution of them as kings and priests (crowns and incense), to reign with the Messiah upon the earth. Note that this is a vision of the future which had not yet been implemented.

5:11-14 Then John sees and hears innumerable angels joining in with the elders and living creatures in praising the Lamb who was slain, for His worthiness. He is worthy to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing (did they miss anything?). Every created thing joins in the praise of God the Father on the throne, and the Lamb, ascribing blessing, honor, glory, and dominion/power to them. The elders fall down (again) and worship Him that lives (exercises dominion) forever (to the Age of Ages).

Application: Jesus was worthy to be blessed because of His victorious obedience to the Father's will. The same goes for us; we are worthy by virtue of our faithful behavior (Mt 10:38; Eph 4:1).

Prayer: Lord, I praise You for redeeming me; You are worthy of all I could possibly give You; please guide me in being worthy to share in Your kingdom. Amen.

Revelation 6 Six Seals of the Wrath of the Lamb

6:1 I saw that the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying, as with a voice of thunder, "Come and see!" 2 And behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it had a bow. A crown was given to him, and he came forth conquering, and to conquer.

3 When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, "Come!" 4 Another came forth, a red horse. To him who sat on it was given power to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another. There was given to him a great sword.

5 When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, "Come and see!" And behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a balance in his hand. 6 I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, "A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius! Don’t damage the oil and the wine!"

7 When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the fourth living creature saying, "Come and see!" 8 And behold, a pale horse, and he who sat on it, his name was Death. Hades followed with him. Authority over one fourth of the earth, to kill with the sword, with famine, with death, and by the wild animals of the earth was given to him.

9 When he opened the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been killed for the Word of God, and for the testimony of the Lamb which they had. 10 They cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, Master, the holy and true, until you judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" 11 A long white robe was given to each of them. They were told that they should rest yet for a while, until their fellow servants and their brothers, who would also be killed even as they were, should complete their course.

12 I saw when he opened the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake. The sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became as blood. 13 The stars of the sky fell to the earth, like a fig tree dropping its unripe figs when it is shaken by a great wind. 14 The sky was removed like a scroll when it is rolled up. Every mountain and island were moved out of their places. 15 The kings of the earth, the princes, the commanding officers, the rich, the strong, and every slave and free person, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains. 16 They told the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, 17 for the great day of his wrath has come; and who is able to stand?"

Observations: 6:1 John sees the Lamb undo the seals on the scroll. As each of the first four is opened, a judgment is unleashed upon the earth, commented upon by one of the four living (ruling?) creatures. The four horsemen of the Apocalypse come from this passage, and are an outpouring of the wrath of the Lamb (see verse 17). It should be obvious to any literary or literal interpreter that these have not yet occurred, as well as those who pay attention to the clues in the context (ie, how long until...?).

6:2 The first is a white horse, a symbol of power, as is the bow, and crown. White implies but doesn't guarantee righteousness. The rider is given authority/permission to conquer, but no more is said about him here. No arrows are mentioned, nor the effect on earth, possibly pointing to a peaceful conquest (cf. Dan 9:27; 1Thess 5:3).

6:3-4 The second is a red horse, whose rider was given a sword, and power to take peace from the earth, which resulted in people killing each other. Red usually symbolizes blood.

6:5-6 The third is a black horse, who has a balance scale, used in buying and selling (the word is also for a “yoke” to harness farm animals). Through destruction or manipulation of markets, famine conditions are reached. The prices of wheat and barley are about twenty times the normal price, consuming an entire day's wages. Oil and wine, consumed more by the rich, are not to be touched.

6:7-8 The fourth is a pale horse ridden by Death, followed by Hades (the grave) who killed a quarter of the earth's population with war, famine, death, and wild animals. There is no record of anything like this in history (see another clearly yet future terror in the sixth seal).

6:9-11 The fifth seal reveals what should be vengeance and justice, but instead it reveals under the altar (before the throne cf. Ezekiel) the martyrs who had been killed for their faithfulness to the work of God, and the Lamb. They ask how long it will be until they are avenged. Their holy and true Master gives each of them a white robe (glory? cf. 19:8 where it is put for the righteous acts of the saints), and they are told to “rest” for a while until their fellow saints should join them (cf Heb 11:39-40 comments about the future glorification of the NT saints). There will come a time when they are avenged, but it is still future.

6:12-17 The sixth seal is unprecedented apocalypse of Biblical proportions. It's a global earthquake that moves every mountain, and every island out of its original placement, and which turns the sun black and the moon blood-red. Bunches of stars fall out of the sky to strike the earth like figs shaken from a tree. The sky is rolled back like a scroll (wonder what's under it). Everyone on earth heads for the hills to hide in terror from the face of the God who judges and the wrath of the Lamb. It's payback time and the great day of Christ's wrath has come. Only those rightly related to him can stand.

Malachi 3:1...Behold, He is coming," Says the LORD of hosts. 2 " But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner's fire And like launderers' soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, And purge them as gold and silver, That they may offer to the LORD An offering in righteousness. 4 " Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem Will be pleasant to the LORD, As in the days of old, As in former years. 5 And I will come near you for judgment; I will be a swift witness Against sorcerers, Against adulterers, Against perjurers, Against those who exploit wage earners and widows and orphans, And against those who turn away an alien --- Because they do not fear Me," Says the LORD of hosts.

Application: God will avenge the injustices His servants experience at the proper time. While waiting, we can rest in confidence that His holiness demands justice.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thanks for dying for me, and enabling me to live so as to be spared from the wrath to come. Amen.

Revelation 7 144,000 and a Whole Lot More

7:1 After this, I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, so that no wind would blow on the earth, or on the sea, or on any tree. 2 I saw another angel ascend from the sunrise, having the seal of the living God. He cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was given to harm the earth and the sea, 3 saying, "Don’t harm the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, until we have sealed the bondservants of our God on their foreheads!" 4 I heard the number of those who were sealed, one hundred forty-four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of the children of Israel: 5 of the tribe of Judah were sealed twelve thousand, of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand, of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand, 6 of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand, of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand, of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand, 7 of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand, of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand, of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand, 8 of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand, of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand, of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.

9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude, which no man could number, out of every nation and of all tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands. 10 They cried with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation be to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" 11 All the angels were standing around the throne, the elders, and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before his throne, and worshiped God, 12 saying, "Amen! Blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might, be to our God forever and ever! Amen."

13 One of the elders answered, saying to me, "These who are arrayed in white robes, who are they, and from where did they come?" 14 I told him, "My lord, you know." He said to me, "These are those who came out of the great tribulation. They washed their robes, and made them white in the Lamb’s blood. 15 Therefore they are before the throne of God, they serve him day and night in his temple. He who sits on the throne will spread his tabernacle over them. 16 They will never be hungry, neither thirsty any more; neither will the sun beat on them, nor any heat; 17 for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne shepherds them, and leads them to springs of waters of life. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

Observations: 7:1-8 Four angels stand ready to unleash four winds upon the earth to destroy, but another angle ascending from the sunrise (where God's glory shines) has the seal of the living God to make secure the servants of God, first. He seals 144,000 Jewish believers, specified as coming equally from each of the twelve tribes. Sealing was done to identify and protect. No Gentiles are mentioned.

7:9-17 After the sealing of the 144,000 Jews, John sees an innumerable multitude of people from all nations standing before the throne to serve God and the Lamb. They have white robes (righteousness) and palm branches (cf Jn 12:13; Lev 23:40). The refrain of their praise is similar to that in chapter 5. They are those who came out of the Great Tribulation (of the preceding judgments -Mt 24:21; Jer 30:7; Dan 9:24) and washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb (note they are the active agents). They will no longer suffer, but the Lamb will shepherd them, and God will wipe away every tear (giving them joy instead).

Application: Those who suffer and serve, even to the point of tears and death, won't regret the sacrifices they have made for Christ.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thanks that You shepherd Your servants, and lead them to springs of living water, where lack is a forgotten memory. Amen.

Digging Deeper

God in a nutshell: God is the Creator and Sustainer of all, and worthy of all glory and honor.

Build-a-Jesus: Jesus is worthy to rule and receive all glory and honor with the Father because of His faithful obedience. In His rule He will pour out His wrath on the unjust and ungodly, yet still shepherd those who are loyal to Him.

Us in a nutshell: We have the responsibility to praise and worship God our entire lives, which isn't just singing songs, but dying for Him daily.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

Titus 1-3 The Truthful Do Good

TMS Psalm 119:9,11 The Key To Godliness

Ps 119:9,11 “9 How can a young man cleanse his way?

By taking heed according to Your word.

10 With my whole heart I have sought You;

Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!

11 Your word I have hidden in my heart,

That I might not sin against You.

Observations: 119:9,11 Those who embrace “worm theology” (oh I'm such a worthless sinner, praise God for saving me) and remain creepy crawly caterpillars rather than metamorphing into butterfly believers (Rm 12:1-2) should memorize all three of the these verses. Even though verse 10 is not included in the TMS, it is key to the victorious life of a godly believer. Paying attention to (obeying) God's word cleanses/purifies one's way (1Pt 1:22). Hiding God's word in your heart (through memorization) is parallel to the New Covenant blessing of having the Holy Spirit write the law in your heart where your value system and decision-making process reside. But not all those who seek to obey and memorize live in victory. That's because wholeheartedly seeking God (like Caleb did) keeps one from wandering off the path of light into darkness. See observations under Psalm 119 for context and additional help.

Application: Start by studying memorizing key passages of God's word (like the TMS or 7PASSAGES); think though implications for applications; and then do them (obey), wholeheartedly. When tempted to wander, get help/accountability and redouble your efforts.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know You require me to be holy as You are holy to experience Your blessings and glory now, and in the future; please guide me in saturating my life with your truth so I don't sin in following lies. Thanks. Amen.

Titus 1-3 This third Pastoral epistle covers many of the themes written in the two to Timothy, but with an emphasis on being sound-minded (having one's passions governed by objectives), so that believers can do good works, and gain glory when Christ returns. The consequence is receiving the blessed hope of the believer, sharing the glory of Christ in the Millennial Kingdom. Some see 2:11-14 as the chiastic center of the book, bracketed by instructions, bad behavior, and then good behavior; such an arrangement is plausible. The chart is one from the first survey course I did (where the titles spelled an acrostic outline of the book). One of these days I'll resurrect them and incorporate them into DTB. The emphasis on being godly, sound-minded, and doing good works should be obvious, as should the implementation in our lives.

Titus 1 Godly Elders and Evil Lazy-bellies

1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, with a view to the faith of God’s chosen ones/elect, and their experiential knowledge of the truth which leads to godliness (NIV), 2 based upon hope of eternal life, which God, who can’t lie, promised before time began; 3 but in his own time revealed his word in the message with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior; 4 to Titus, my true son according to a common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.

5 I left you in Crete for this reason, that you would set in order the things that were lacking, and appoint elders in every city, as I directed you;

6 if anyone is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, who are not accused of wild or unruly behavior. 7 For the overseer must be blameless, as God’s steward; not self-pleasing, not easily angered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for dishonest gain; 8 but given to hospitality, a lover of good, sound-minded, fair, holy, self-controlled; 9 holding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able to exhort in the sound teaching/doctrine, and to convict those who contradict him.

10 For there are also many unruly men, vain talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 whose mouths must be stopped; men who overthrow whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for dishonest gain’s sake. 12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, and idle gluttons." 13 This testimony is true. For this cause, reprove them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not paying attention to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn away from the truth. 15 To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving/unfaithful, nothing is pure; but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. 16 They profess that they know God, but by their works they deny him, being abominable, disobedient, and unfit for any good work.

Observations: 1:1-4 In an introduction similar to that which he wrote to Timothy (see comments there), Paul elaborates upon why he is an apostle. God commissioned him with a view to (a classical idiom for kata -RWP OLB) to bring about and further the faith of God's chosen group (by his proclamation to the Gentiles), and to teach the truth (1Tim 2:7; 2Tim 1:11) that leads to or is in accord with godliness. Godliness was a word used of pagan priests who knew and did what the gods required; it is parallel to OT righteousness, being careful to know and do all that God desires. Godliness only comes about when people embrace and experience the truth to the extent that it characterizes them. The difference between knowledge (gnosis), experiential knowledge (epignosis) and godliness can be illustrated with the following. I live in NYC and many people have never learned how to ride a bicycle. I'll ask in a class if there is anyone who doesn't know how to ride a bicycle. A few hands usually go up, and then I ask them where a person sits, where they put their hands, how to steer, how to make the bicycle move, and always get correct answers. They do know how to ride a bicycle, but they've never actually experienced it. That's the difference between the head knowledge many Christians have about their faith, and the experiential knowledge God requires for godliness. I have a friend who was really into riding his bike, to the extent that he'd shave his legs to “cut down on the wind drag” when he rode competitively. He had so much experiential knowledge and miles or riding, that he would be characterized as a biker (the shoes, spandex, gloves, and helmet didn't hurt the image either). As followers of Christ, we need to be so characterized by our application of truth, that we would be called godly. This kind of commitment to knowing and doing what pleases God is rare, because it needs a motivation that most people don't have, so as a result they are more motivated by what the world offers, than what God offers.

The godly motivation is in verse 2. Godliness according to Paul (and the Holy Spirit) is based upon the hope of eternal life. This is not hope of forgiveness/justification, for that is a present possession received by faith. One doesn't hope for what they already have. The hope is of dominion or rulership in the Age to come, the Messianic Age. “Eternal” was used of all classical authors of a fixed period of time, or an age. Only Plato used it of both a fixed and sometimes an indeterminate period (Kittle -TDNTT). See Survey of Rewards on Truthbase.net for the documentation. Most occurrences of aion in the NT are clearly referring to the Messianic Age. The idiom “forever and ever” is literally “to the Age(s) of the Ages.

This hope, or expectation of reward, is based upon the promises of God in the OT (e.g., Isaiah 40-66), as Paul proclaimed in the good news. All the “greats” of the faith were motivated by the expectation of reward: Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus, Paul, etc. See Hebrews 11, where all are being commended for believing that God rewards those who diligently seek Him. See Some Rewarding Verses for Contemplation for a short list, and the abovementioned Survey of Rewards for my class notes on the topic.

This dual purpose of Paul of developing faith and godliness so folks could be rewarded is entirely consistent with Christ's commission of him.

Acts 26:15 “So I said, 'Who are You, Lord?' And He said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. 17 I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, 18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.'”

1:5-9 Paul spells out the reason he left Titus in Crete, to set things in order in the churches, and appoint elders in every city. Apostolic sanction was necessary for the infant church, and then the Body would be able to recognize and acknowledge those believers whom the Holy Spirit had matured. In Acts 20:28 he tells the elders Timothy had appointed that the Holy Spirit had made them overseers and shepherds. See comments on 1Timothy 3 for more about the receptivity to the Holy Spirit required for both maturity and caring for God's flock. The rest of the chapter outlines characteristics of good guys, and the bad guys whom the elders were to confront and convict.

See the list under Digging Deeper for an elaboration of the Marks of Maturity/Godliness, which are applicable to all believers who base their lives on the hope of eternal life. Note that Paul tells him to appoint elders (1:5), and then talks about overseers/bishops (1:7). See Acts 20:17, 28 and 1Peter 5:1-2 for the same equation. As in 1Timothy 3 the home life is reflective of the spiritual life, and the children are reflective of the parents. The elder must have passed on not just the faith, but faithfulness to his offspring. Just like an overseer had to be blameless (unindictable), the children could not be open to the charge of being wild (literally “not savers”), nor unruly (“not submissive”). Through his example and instruction, the father must have taught his kids to not spend all they have, developing in them self-control of desires, and delayed gratification. The key to submission is highlighting and hindering rebellion, while not being a corrupt authority which incites rebellion. These should be the goals of all parents. See the Parenting Resources on Truthbase.net for help in raising the next generation of godly leaders.

The key characteristic mentioned for all the groups in chapter 2, and absent from the lazy gluttons in the end of this chapter, and something the grace of God should teach (2:12) is being sound-minded, sometimes translated self-controlled, which is better than the KJV sober (which leads some to conclude that the chief virtue of the Christian life is not getting drunk), but still is an inadequate translation. The Greek ideal of virtue or excellence (arete) was achieved by being sound-minded, having one's passions governed by objectives (the rational/spiritual realm), rather than passions, instincts and appetites (the irrational/physical realm). A sound-minded person doesn't do what they desire, they do what God desires, knowing that pleasing Him is in their greater self-interest.

1:10-16 In addition to characteristics that enabled them to develop a consensus on the Lord's will for His Body (communicated through the objective and subjective revelation of the Holy Spirit), elders needed to know and embody the truth so they could teach it and refute those who opposed it. There were (and still are) many who do the devil's work in opposing God's truth and will. Paul describes them as unruly (same word used in verse 6 of the unsubmitted), profitless (vain) talkers, and deceivers of others with Satan's lies, particularly those advocating circumcision and OT ritual keeping as a means of getting blessed (Judaizers). They must be confronted and silenced so they don't influence others for the sake of temporal gain, and overthrow others' faith in God's promises (cf 2Tim 2:18). Paul quotes one of the Cretan prophets (it's always good to have someone else say the things at which people will take offense), to highlight their lying, laziness, and non-spiritual self-indulgence. These false teachers must be reproved sharply (error brought to light) so they might be sound/healthy in the faith. This should clue you into the fact that these are believers. The solution is not to evangelise them, so they believe in Christ's substitutionary atonement (they already did that), but to educate them in the truth. Sometimes one has to blast before they can build. The deficiency is not a lack of being born again, but a lack of living the new life. Such a life would be characterized by truthfulness, and attention to the truth, rather than lying and following fables and the commands of men (who turn away from the truth, which implies they had and knew it). They profess to know God (pay attention to Him), but deny Him obedience by their works, doing their will rather than God's will, and as a result both their mind and conscience are defiled (unfit for service and blessing). Remember the conscience is what governs our sense of what is right and wrong; by habitually disobeying, one loses the ability to discern good and evil. They become unfit rather than equipped for the good works God created them in Christ to do (Eph 2:10). To those who are holy/pure, all things are pure (don't sweat the details of Jewish purification or foods), but to the defiled (stained) and unfaithful (the opposite of the faithful elder's children in verse 6), nothing is pure, but everything they touch or say is tainted, because it comes from an impure heart. In contrast to the elders who are lovers of what is good, these disobedient believers are unfit for doing anything good, much less teach others. Notice that these are people in the church, opposing the truth, spreading lies, indulging their desires, saying they know (pay attention to) God, but their lives invalidate that claim. Many teach (incorrectly) that these are unregenerate people in the church. Paul wouldn't have to warn against people who denied that Jesus died for their sins. The thing being denied is the lifestyle of pleasing God, which has much greater applicability to ancient and modern audiences. Remember the corrective is not to evangelise so they accept Christ, but to refute falsehood so they follow Christ in truth, and can be blessed.

Mt 15:8 “'These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. 9 And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.' "

Application: All believers should embody godliness, so they can do the good works for which God created them in Christ.

Prayer: God, thanks that You flesh out the truth in the lives of faithful believers; may I be a model of godliness; please show me whatever needs to change in my life so it will be characterized by Your desire. Amen.

Titus 2 The Sound-Minded Are Godly

2:1 But speak the things which fit sound doctrine,

2 that older men should be temperate, sensible/honorable, sound-minded, sound/healthy in faith, in love, and in patience/endurance:

3 and that older women likewise be reverent/godly in behavior, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good;

4 that they may train the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be sound-minded, chaste, workers at home, kind, being in subjection to their own husbands, that God’s word may not be blasphemed.

6 Likewise, exhort the younger men to be sound-minded;

7 in all things showing yourself an example of good works; in your teaching showing integrity, seriousness, incorruptibility, 8 and soundness of speech that can’t be condemned; that he who opposes you may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say about us.

9 Exhort servants to be in subjection to their own masters, and to be well-pleasing in all things; not contradicting; 10 not stealing, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God, our Savior, in all things.

11 For the grace of God that brings salvation to all men, 
has been revealed/manifested 
12 instructing/training us to the intent that,
denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, 
we would live sound-mindedly, righteously, and godly in this present age;

13 looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ; 
14 who gave himself for us,
 that he might redeem us from all iniquity, 
and purify for himself a people for his own possession, 
zealous for good works.

15 Speak these things and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no man despise you.

Observations: 2:1-6 In contrast to the bad guys who don't speak what is in accord with sound/healthy teaching/doctrine, which benefit the hearers, Timothy should speak those things which do. Paul describes four groups, and the common characteristic, is sound-mindedness (temporal passions governed by eternal objectives). It is the only item mentioned for young men (other than Titus' example), and is implicit in the requirement for the older women to be able to teach it to the younger women. Here women teach, but not to men. The behaviors specified are self-explanatory lifestyle choices, worth adopting wholeheartedly, so the word of God will be authenticated and upheld by their lives, rather than disparaged.

2:7-10 In all things Titus is to be an example of good works (again unlike the bad guys in the last chapter who follow their own desires). In his teaching, he must have integrity, both with regard to the text, and his own life, so what he said couldn't be discounted or refuted. He was to instruct slaves/employees to adorn the doctrine/teaching of God by their exemplary work ethic and performance.

2:11-12 The reason Paul should teach believers to have lives consistent with their belief is because the saving grace of God (KJV = which brings salvation/glorification) has been revealed (Lk 1:79; Titus 3:4) to all men/women (Jews/Greeks). The promise of Messianic grace should prompt believers to deny ungodly behavior and indulgence in temporal lusts and live sound-mindedly, righteously, and in a godly manner in this present age (here's the word for eternal – aion used for a temporal period of time, this age -Strong's # 165). The grace/glory that was brought to light through the Messianic heralds (from John to the apostles) and Christ Himself, should train (word used for disciplining children and athletes) us to go for the glory rather than the gory corruption of sin.

2:13-15 Those who live as God desires are motivated by the hope of the dominion/glory of the age (eternal life – 1:2). The KJV, NKJV, and NIV translators did a disservice to countless believers by translating the noun “glory” as an adjective (“glorious appearing”) rather than in accord with the grammar, and in harmony with the context, as “appearing of the glory” (ASV, NASB, ESV, etc.). Believers don't hope for Christ's eventual return (there is no uncertainty in that) but they do hope for the glory/grace of God/Jesus that will be given them (1Pt 1:13). Note the equation of God and Jesus.

1Peter 1:13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy." 17 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear...”

The motivation for doing good works is hope of reward: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (See Some Rewarding Verses for Contemplation). This is in keeping with God's plan in saving us (Eph 1). Jesus gave himself to justify us, so that that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify (sanctify) for Himself a people loyal to Him, who would be zealous for doing good works (see Survey of Good Works on Truthbase.net if you have any doubt what they are). Those who don't do good works are either not justified unbelievers, or believers behaving badly. The latter view is the only one consistent with justification by faith.

As he instructed Timothy, Paul tells Titus to not let anyone's disparaging of him discourage him from encouraging and reproving with all authority.

Application: Sanctified believers should be zealous for good works (know what they are and do them) motivated by the glory/grace God will give them, so they will not be tempted to go for the world's glory.

Prayer: Lord, help me value Your glory, so I will deny my desires and live for Yours, as a sound-minded and saved former sinner. Amen.

Titus 3 Saved to Serve

3:1 Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men. 3 For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

4 But when the kindness/goodness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared,

5 not by works of righteousness, which we did ourselves,

but according to his mercy,

he saved us,

through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,

6 whom he poured out on us richly, through Jesus Christ our Savior;

7 so that, being justified by his grace,

we might become heirs

according to the hope of eternal life/dominion of the Age.

8 This saying is faithful, and concerning these things I desire that you affirm confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to give attention to good works. These things are good and profitable to men;

9 but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 10 Avoid/reject a factious/divisive man after a first and second warning; 11 knowing that such a one is perverted/warped, and sinning, being self-condemned.

12 When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me to Nicopolis, for I have determined to winter there. 13 Send Zenas, the lawyer, and Apollos on their journey speedily, that nothing may be lacking for them. 14 Let our people also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they may not be unfruitful. 15 All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

Observations: 3:1-7 Paul instructs Titus to remind all believers to be in submission to ruling authorities, and be ready/prepared to engage in every good work. They are also not to speak evil of others, nor be contentious, but gentle and humble toward all, since they were once difficult to be around too. Before believing in Christ, they were foolish and disobedient, deceived, and enslaved to their lusts and pleasures, incapable of loving relationships with others. But that all changed when the goodness and love (literally “philanthropy”) was manifested. He saved them (Paul includes himself in this group of justified, forgiven, and born again believers), but not by their works (because they were worthless). He saved them in accordance with His mercy (Eph 2:4) by means of the washing/cleansing (only used in Eph 5:26) that is sourced in regeneration and the renewal that is sourced in the Holy Spirit. See more comments on this in the observations in the Topical Memory System post in Titus 3:5. Paul focuses on the work of the Holy Spirit, given richly at the time of our trust in Christ (conversion/justification), so that (hina + subjunctive verb = purpose statement) those who have been justified by His grace (forgiven, done deal, can't be undone by bad behavior because it wasn't done by good behavior), might (subjunctive/conditional mood) become heirs or inheritors, according to the hope/expectation of eternal life (dominion in the Messianic Age). This is in accord with God's purpose, but it's achievement is up to us (Eph 1; Rom 11), hence the importance of obedient good works.

3:8-11 Paul wants Titus to affirm this faithful saying so that those those who have believed in God might be careful to give attention to good works which God has planned for them. It would make no sense to Titus to be told to emphasize this if verse 7 isn't conditional. This is in accord with the OT theme of righteousness (careful to do what is right in His sight) being necessary for blessings in the Promised Land (a theme of the NT too -Mt 5-7). These things are good, and profitable in the future Kingdom (1Tim 4:8).

But unprofitable things are vain/worthless and should be avoided, especially disputes about the law. A person who insists on choosing their own way contrary to sound teaching and logic (hairetikos, from which we get the English “heretic”) should be rejected after two warnings (three strikes and you're out). Some people don't want to bring their thinking into alignment with the truth, and sometime the most loving thing to do is have nothing to do with them. Exposing them to more truth which they will continue to reject, just sets them up for more judgment. This is one of the reasons Jesus began speaking in parables after the leaders of the nation made it clear they didn't want to accept truth. It's also better stewardship of time and blood pressure. Paul makes some unflattering summations about the ones who reject the truth; they are warped or twisted out of the right way, sinning, and self-condemned (not a person to pal around with).

3:12-15 As usual, Paul adds some personal notes, when Titus gets relieved by Artemas or Tychicus, he should hasten to see Paul at Nicopolis. He should also send Zenos and Apollos (they would have been a good debating team) on their ministry journey with all they need materially. The material provision would come from the believers at Crete, who must learn (imperative) to give attention to good works that provide for the material needs of others so that they (the Cretans) wouldn't be unfruitful (in their faith, in light of the coming glory).

All who were with Paul said “Hi” and Titus should say “Hey” to all those who love (philos) Paul and his companions. Finally he wishes Titus and company the covenantal blessing of grace.

Application: God saved us irrespective of what we did, so we could become heirs of His glory based upon what we do; so do what He desires.

Prayer: God, thanks for forgiving me in Christ; and planning to bless me more in the future; may I walk worthy of Your glory, doing the good works for which You created me. Amen.

Digging Deeper

God in a nutshell: Saves people, not on the basis of works but to do good works, for which they gain glory. He pours out His Spirit upon them so they have the means to become godly and the grace to do the good works.

Build-a-Jesus: Jesus is God, and will appear in His glory to give glory to faithful, sound-minded believers.

Us in a nutshell: We are given truth so we can apply it, becoming godly in the process. Godly believers are on track for glory by harnessing their passions for God's purposes (being sound-minded). Those who don't do that are unfit for doing anything good, defiled, and disqualified from sharing in the glory of the eternal kingdom (bad choice).

Titus 3:4 contains two words that are manifestations of God, often translated “kindness and love” which while true of God, are not suited to the context, and lead the English reader astray from a beneficial application of the text.

Kindness (5544 χρηστοτης chrestotes) usually leads us to think of a sweet disposition that is nice to others.

Goodness would be a little better translation, but in Galatians 5:22, the “fruits” of the Spirit, elaborating on love, list kindness (#5544) and goodness (#19 αγαθωσυνη agathosune) next to each other, indicating that kindness is different enough from goodness to be listed separately,* as are longsuffering and self-control, etc. In the KJV the fruit #5544 chrestotes, is translated “gentleness,” which misses the real meaning even more than “kindness” does.

So how should we understand #5544 chrestotes?

5444 “usefulness” comes from #5543 “employed” (below). Neither is a demeanor word.

5543 “employed” is the root meaning of the base of “usefulness.” So what does being employed or useful have to do with “kindness”? There actually is a link, but it isn't that obvious in modern usage.

A person has to have something in order to share it with others (Eph 4:28). Romans 3:12 contrasts  #5544 chrestotes with “unprofitable” (#889 is the verb;  #888 is the adjective used of the unprofitable servant in Mt 25:30). Romans 3:12 is a quote of Psalm 14:1-3, describing the abominable practical atheist who doesn't seek after God, nor do anything that benefits anyone or anything other than their lusts. The rest of Romans 3 and Psalm 14:1-3 are pretty similar to the unprofitable behavior in Titus 3:3. Clearly when understood in context, chrestotes isn't about being kind vs unkind, but about being beneficial to or profiting others rather than indulging one's carnal desires.

Romans 11:22 contrasts God's goodness/kindness toward those who abide/continue in His beneficence

with His severity (which has the root idea of “cut” or sever) toward those who don't continue, and will be cut off like a tree, branch, or hand.

For reasons outlined above and below, I think we should resurrect a little used word: “beneficence,”  which is is a character trait that produces/causes benefit or something good for others. You're aware of “beneficial”, which leads most to think of benefit, or good for you, and that is closer in meaning. “Bene” is good. And “-fic” is a root meaning to “make, produce, or cause.”

Linked with “kindness/goodness/beneficence” in Titus 3:4 is “love” #5363 φιλανθρωπια philanthropia from which we get the English philanthropy. It is a combination of the word for philos (a word to define the bonds of affection in a family as in phil-adelphia=brotherly love), but instead of being confined to specific family members, it is expressed toward a large portion of humanity. It is used only one other time in the NT Scriptures:

Acts 28:2 And the barbarous people showed us no little philanthropia/kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

“Barbarous” is the Greek designation of an unmannerly non-Greek, ie, a barbarian (915 βαρβαρος barbaros). Here Luke portrays them as extending a concern for the well being of the shipwreck victims, something one would normally do for family members.

So both “beneficence” and “philanthropy” are the characteristics of God that He displayed in the salvation process of Titus 3:5-7, which should be reflected in the interactions of recipients of that grace toward others. Rather than being consumed and devouring with the “satisfactions” of their passions/lusts reflected in their taking pieces out of others, they should be benefiting others as specified in Titus 3:8-11, which would include the avoidance of unbeneficial/unprofitable behaviors in verse 9, and the commands that could be considered by cultural Christians to be “unloving” and “unkind” in verses 10-11.

Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men. 9 But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. 10 Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.

Models of Godliness - Elder Qualifications 

1 Timothy 4:7 train yourself to be godly 6:11 pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love... Titus 1:1 apostle for faith...and experiential knowledge of the truth which leads to godliness, 2 Peter 1:3  add to your faith...perseverance, godliness...not unfruitful...rich welcome


Titus 1:6  elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe & are not open to the charge of being wild & disobedient.
I Timothy 3:2-5 Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife... 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. 5 (If anyone doesn't know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?)

I. BLAMELESS (Above reproach, Unindictable)
A. Is there anything in his life that has not been dealt with in a biblical manner? Could you charge him with any uncorrected wrongdoing? Is there any way in which he is not a model of godliness?
B. If so, follow the principle of Matthew 18.
C. Can he limit his natural desires to do what God desires or what is best for others?
D. Is he a model of godliness, in the sense that he is characterized by consistent experiential knowledge (application) of truth?
E. Does his behavior indicate that his actions are based upon a strong hope or expectation of eternal rewards? (Titus 1:2)

II. HUSBAND-OF ONE WIFE (One woman man)
A. Are his attentions and delights focused solely on his wife?
B. Do his interactions with other women indicate that he is a one-woman man?
C. Does his relationship with his wife indicate that he would not drift towards an actual or fantasized affair?
D .Do the observable parts of his life provide evidence that he has control of his desires?
E. Does he limit his desires, for the benefit of his wife?

III. BELIEVING CHILDREN (Passing on the faith)
A. Has he passed on his faith to his children (and others)?
B. Is his relationship with Jesus such that it is attractive to others?
C. Is he free from hypocrisy so that he's the same at church and at home?

IV. BEHAVING CHILDREN (Passing on the lifestyle)
A. Has he passed on the sound-minded control of his emotions and desires to his children?
B. Do his children (disciples) demonstrate the ability to limit their desires for a higher objective (wild = not saving)?
C. Has he passed on the lifestyle of submission to authority? Or are his children rebellious?
D. Do his children obey him with God-fearing respect?
E. Do his children honor their parents?

V. MANAGING FAMILY WELL
A. Does his family exhibit the Biblical pattern for families (Eph 5-6; Col 3) Is it a model for others?
B. Does his wife respond to his leadership with respect and submission?
C. Is he disciplining and training his children to fear the Lord?
D. Would you want the church to be like his family life?
E. Does he take the initiative in solving family difficulties or does he let things smolder until things explode?
F. Is his home in such an order that it can be used as a base for ministry?

Titus 1:7 Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless--not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. I Timothy -3:3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.

VI. STEWARD/ENTRUSTED WITH GOD'S WORK
A. If you were God. would you hire him and entrust him with your property or business?   B. Why or why not?

VII. NOT OVERBEARING (Self-willed, Self-pleasing)
A. Does he insist on having his own way?
B. Does he patiently persuade or force his opinion on others?
C. Is he open to new ideas?
D. Does he nit-pick the little things under the guise of being right?
E. Does he make decisions based on what's right or what pleases him?./
F. Is he sensitive to what is in another's best interest as well as their feelings and preferences?

IX. NOT QUICK-TEMPERED
A. Can he endure injustice and ill-treatment?
B. Does he insist on being right?
C. Does he have to tell you what he thinks or can he control his anger?
D. In the face of sheer stupidity can he channel his outrage constructively?
E. Does irritation quickly flare up into anger?

X. NOT BESIDE WINE (Escapism)
A. Does he avoid or escape his responsibilities through procrastination?
B. Does he comfort himself or alter his experience or reality through alcohol, food, TV, travel, computer games or other forms of amusement?
C. Can he face and do the unpleasant?
D. Does he avoid and run away from failure or overcome and learn from it?

XI. NOT VIOLENT (Hasty in striking an opponent)
A. When wronged, does he lash out or seek to get even or get revenge?
B. Can he attack a position without attacking the person?
C. Has he freed himself from unrighteous anger, hate or hostility?
D. Can he disagree without being disagreeable?
E. Would you call him a peacemaker who can reconcile relationships?
F. Does he seek to understand another's position and the reasoning (or lack thereof) behind it before attacking the position?

XII. NOT PURSUING DISHONEST GAIN
A. Is he free from the love of money? Is he a workaholic?
B. Would he compromise a principle to add to his principal?
C. Does he live within a budget?
D. Does he tithe, recognizing God's ownership of all he has?
E. Will he compromise (not forsake) the truth so others will like him?
F. Does he base his estimate of himself and others on their income?
*G. Does he place his job ahead of his family or spiritual responsibilities, or does he neglect spiritual service for work?

Titus 1:8 Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined 
I Timothy 3:2 temperate self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach

XIII. HOSPITABLE (Lover of strangers)
A. Does he seek out strangers and visitors and make them feel welcome?
B. Can he develop a relationship with a stranger to the point where he can discern & help accomplish God's purposes for that person?
C. Does he use his home as a base for ministering to other's needs?
D. Is he growing in his circle of acquaintances and friendships?
Rom 12:13 Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality  Heb 13:2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained strangers without knowing it. 1Pt 4:9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.

XIV. LOVER OF GOOD
A. Is he attracted toward what is good?
B. What good works have you seen demonstrated in his life?
C. Does he have a disdain for what is not good?
2Tim 3:2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive. disobedient to their parents, ungrateful unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God--5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. 7 always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth.

XV. SOUND MINDED (Self-controlled)
A. Does he govern his life by principles and objectives or by natural drives, appetites, and lusts. (i.e., sex or security)?
B. Is it obvious that he limits what he could be doing in order to do what God wants?
C. Can he explain the thinking behind his actions or does he just go with the flow?
D. Does his mind control his feelings and actions or does he react and then rationalize?
E. Does he think before he acts, making decisions based on accurate information?
F. Does he have grasp of the big picture so that he knows when he has enough information to make a decision that pleases God?
Mk 5:15 When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind,- and they were afraid. (see also 2 Cor 5:13)  Ac 26:25 "I am not insane, most excellent Festus, ' Paul replied. "What I am saying is true and reasonable. Rm 12:3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you.- Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 2Tim 1 7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. Titus 2:2 each the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Titus 2:5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands so that no one will malign the word of God. 12 It teaches us to say "No " to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age,

XVI. JUST (Upright)
A. Has he taught himself to automatically know what is right and just and fair in the common circumstances of life (through steeping his values in Proverbs)?
B. Does he exhibit justice and fairness in dealing even with his opponents?
C. Does he operate according to God's standards and principles in all spheres of his life'?
D. Does he make decisions based on God's perspectives and values?

XVII. HOLY
A. Does he know or seek out what God wants or desires when faced with a decision?
B. Could you say that he does what Jesus would do in any given situation?
C. Would he be known as devout or pious?
D. Does he exhibit a concern for pleasing God?
E. Is he a model of personal holiness?
F. Do his speech and values indicate that he is in the world but not of the world?
G. Doss he care more about what God thinks than what others think?
Eph 4:22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
]Tim 2:10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed.
I Tim 2:81 want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.
Heb 7:26 Such a high priest meets our need-one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.

XVIII. DISCIPLINED (Power under control)
A. Does his will control his life so that he does what God wants even when his emotions and past experiences point in another direction?
B. Is there evidence that he can make or break a habit?
C. Does he consistently practice the disciplines of the Christian life: devotional time, Scripture memory, Bible study, and prayer?
D. Is self-control evident in his eating, exercise, and speech habits?
E. Can he inhibit or exhibit a desire at will?
F. Is it obvious that he is in training for the prize?
G. Is he controlling his life or are others or circumstances ruling it?
Ac 24:25 As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said 'that's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you. "
1Co 7:9 But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to bum.
1Co 9:25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. 7hey do it to get a crown that will not last,- but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Gal 5.-22 But the fruit of the Spirit is ..self-control.
2Pe 1:5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge, and to knowledge, self-control, and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness

I Timothy 3:2 ...able to teach…   Titus 1:9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. 10 For there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group. 11 They must be silenced, because they are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach--and that for the sake of dishonest gain.

XIX. ABLE TO TEACH

A. KNOWING THE WORD
1. Can he accurately represent what God has said?
2. Is he a diligent student of the Word of God?
3 . Is he on a path which over the course of a lifetime will lead to mastery of the Truth?
4. Is he mining fresh truth or recycling platitudes?
5. Does he know the whole counsel of God, or just ride hobbyhorses?
6. Does he emphasize what God emphasizes?

B. APPLYING THE WORD

1. IN EXAMPLE
a. Is his lifestyle such that he has credibility?
b. Does he practice what he preaches (model godliness)?
c. Is he an embodiment of sound doctrine? (hold firmly to the message)?

2. IN TEACHING
a. Is he able to limit his preferences and overcome obstacles to communicate so others understand?
b. Is his teaching geared to knowledge or obedience?

3. IN ENCOURAGING (calling alongside)
a. Does his teaching provide Biblical motivation for obedience?
b. Does he encourage others with the word (sound doctrine) or what they want to hear (pious platitudes)?
c. Does he encourage others in the Lord or build dependence on himself or other temporal props?

4. IN REPROVING
a. Does he love people enough to confront unbiblical thinking/actions even when he knows he won't be liked or
accepted (and may even be misunderstood and slandered)?
b. Is he more concerned about his reputation with God than with what others think of him?
c. Are his arguments based upon the Scriptures or his preferences?
d. Does he exhibit gentleness and long-suffering in his rebuking?
e. Does he bring things to light (reproof) before rebuke?
f. Does he allow time for repentance?
g. Does he follow up rebuke with encouragement if there's repentance or with initiating church discipline (Mt 18) if not?
h. Is his goal restoration or condemnation?

I Timothy 3:1 Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task.

XX. ASPIRE/DESIRE
A. Does he seek to be used by God in leading/serving others or does he act like he's doing God and others a favor?
B. Does he approach serving as worshipful service or a holy hobby?

I Timothy 3:6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.

XXI. MATURE/HUMBLE
A. Has he had time to develop mature fruit of the Spirit in his life?
B. Is he prone to conceit or does he have a proper view of himself'.?
C. Has he eagerly sought service in the shadows as well as in the spotlight?

I Timothy 3:7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.

XXII GOOD REPUTATION
A. Does he present the same picture at work or at home as he does at church?
B. Are his business practices above reproach?
C. Does his non-church life draw others to church and Christ?
D. Can he handle responsibility without it going to his head?
E. Would his boss fill out a recommendation form for him?

1Tim 3:8 Deacons. likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.

XXIII. RESPECTABLE
A. Is he worthy of respect due to his accomplishments and competence?
B. Has he done anything to undermine his respect?

XXIV. SINCERE (Not slanderers)
A. Does he keep his promises?

XXV. TEMPERATE
A. Can he restrain and control his appetites and desires?
B. See under "Escapism", "Sound-minded", and "Self-control".

XVI. NOT GREEDY FOR A QUICK BUCK
A. See under "Not Pursuing Dishonest Gain".

XXVII. KNOW THE TRUTH & APPLY THE TRUTH  A. See under "Able to Teach".

I Timothy 3. 1 0 They must first be tested, and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

XXVIII. TESTED
A. Has he demonstrated faithfulness in other "unofficial" tasks'?

XXIX. BLAMELESS See above #I.
ITim 3:11 Same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers, but temperate & trustworthy in everything.

XXX. WIFE WASHERS (Eph 5)
A. Has he been a stimulus to his wife's Christlikeness by both example and word?
B. Has he helped her grow in her obedience to the word and service?
C. Does his wife exhibit order and respectability'?
D. Is his wife known for her gracious edifying speech rather than indiscreet gossip or critical talk?
E. Can his wife be trusted with a secret or a responsibility?

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1. Are all believers models of godliness?  Is godliness automatic or do we have to do something to achieve it? How do you get it?
2. Why the emphasis on family? How does a woman reflect on her husband? What can you tell about a person from their spouse>
3. What is “spiritual leadership”? Is it important? Should all men strive to become elders?  Should all believers strive to become godly?
4. What can you do to increase your GQ (godliness quotient) and that of those around you? Are you a model of godliness?

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

Isaiah 1-5 Righteousness and Justice Required

Isaiah 1-5  Righteousness and Justice Required

Psalm 72:1-20 Blessing of a Righteous Ruler

Psalm 71:1 “(By Solomon) God, give the king Your justice; Your righteousness to the royal son. 2 He will judge Your people with righteousness, and Your poor with justice. 3 The mountains shall bring prosperity to the people. The hills bring the fruit of righteousness. 4 He will judge the poor of the people. He will save the children of the needy, and will break the oppressor in pieces. 5 They shall fear you while the sun endures; and as long as the moon, throughout all generations. 6 He will come down like rain on the mown grass, as showers that water the earth. 7 In his days, the righteous shall flourish, and abundance of peace, until the moon is no more. 8 He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, from the River to the ends of the earth. 9 Those who dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him. His enemies shall lick the dust. 10 The kings of Tarshish and of the islands will bring tribute. The kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts. 11 Yes, all kings shall fall down before him. All nations shall serve him. 12 For he will deliver the needy when he cries; the poor, who has no helper. 13 He will have pity on the poor and needy. He will save the souls of the needy. 14 He will redeem their soul from oppression and violence. Their blood will be precious in his sight. 15 They shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba. Men shall pray for him continually. They shall bless him all day long. 16 Abundance of grain shall be throughout the land. Its fruit sways like Lebanon. Let it flourish, thriving like the grass of the field. 17 His name endures forever. His name continues as long as the sun. Men shall be blessed by him. All nations will call him blessed.

18 Praise be to Yahweh God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. 19 Blessed be his glorious name forever! Let the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and amen. 20 This ends the prayers by David, the son of Jesse.

Observations: 71:1-4 David asks God to give Solomon (his son and the next king) His justice and righteous so the king can rule God's people righteously and justly.

71:5 When the people experience righteous rulership as God intended, they will fear God.

71:6-17 In describing the blessings that accompany a righteous ruler, and the honor that accrues to the ruler, David foreshadows the reign of a more distant descendent, the Messiah (2Sam 7). To a limited extent many of these elements could apply to Solomon, but they will be fully realized in the Messiah.

71:18-20 David ends his prayers with praise to God for His work in blessing His people.

Application: A righteous and just ruler results in peace and prosperity. Pray for your leaders.

Prayer: King of Kings, while we await Your perfect rule, may our imperfect leaders be guided by Your righteousness and justice, so we may have freedom to openly glorify You. Amen.

Proverbs 18:22-24 Friends and Family

Pr 18:22 “Whoever finds a wife finds good, and obtains favor of Yahweh. 23 The poor speaks entreaties, but the rich answer harshly. 24 A man of many companions may be ruined, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.“

Observations: 18:22-24 God blesses the blessable with what's best, when it's best. A wife from the Lord is a reflection of God's goodness and favor. (A wife from anywhere else is not so good.) God would only entrust a good wife to a good husband (and the other way around). So cultivation of one's goodness is a good objective. The poor/humble make requests, being sensitive to how it comes across, but the arrogant rich have no such concern (until they become poor). Someone with lots of friends and acquaintances often fails to develop the deeper relationships that can be relied upon in times of trouble. Usually when someone is in trouble their “friends” desert them, and they turn to their family. However, there are friends that are more loyal than family, usually found in the family of God.

Application: Seek to be the kind of person to whom God would entrust His choice friends.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being the God who shows favor to His people in giving them what is good; may I be a worthy recipient of Your favor, and a friend to all who seek You. Amen.

Isaiah 1-5 These keynote chapters describe both the imminent judgment of God's people for failure to live righteously and justly according to His word, and the future blessings God will bring upon the earth when a purified and holy Israel lives under the glorious rule of the Messiah. In them, God appeals to His people to reason and repent and reap His goodness, rather than pain. It's their choice (and your choice).

Isaiah 1 God Wants Righteousness, Not Ritual

1:1 The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

2 Hear, heavens, and listen, earth; for Yahweh has spoken: "I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. 3 The ox knows his owner, and the donkey his master’s crib; but Israel doesn’t know, my people don’t consider." 4 Ah sinful nation, a people loaded with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children who deal corruptly! They have forsaken Yahweh. They have despised the Holy one of Israel. They are estranged and backward. 5 Why should you be beaten more, that you revolt more and more? The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint...9 Unless Yahweh of Hosts had left to us a very small remnant, we would have been as Sodom; we would have been like Gomorrah.

10 Hear the word of Yahweh, you rulers of Sodom! Listen to the law of our God, you people of Gomorrah! 11 "What are the multitude of your sacrifices to me?," says Yahweh. "I have had enough of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed animals. I don’t delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of male goats. 12 When you come to appear before me, who has required this at your hand, to trample my courts? 13 Bring no more vain offerings. Incense is an abomination to me; new moons, Sabbaths, and convocations: I can’t bear with evil assemblies. 14 My soul hates your New Moons and your appointed feasts. They are a burden to me. I am weary of bearing them. 15 When you spread forth your hands, I will hide my eyes from you. Yes, when you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood.

16 Wash yourselves, make yourself clean. Put away the evil of your doings from before my eyes. Cease to do evil. 17 Learn to do well. Seek justice. Relieve the oppressed. Judge the fatherless. Plead for the widow." 18 "Come now, and let us reason together," says Yahweh: "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 19 If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; 20 but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of Yahweh has spoken it."

21 How the faithful city has become a prostitute! She was full of justice; righteousness lodged in her, but now murderers. 22 Your silver has become dross, your wine mixed with water. 23 Your princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves. Everyone loves bribes, and follows after rewards. They don’t judge the fatherless, neither does the cause of the widow come to them. 24 Therefore the Lord, Yahweh of Hosts, the Mighty one of Israel, says: "Ah, I will get relief from my adversaries, and avenge myself of my enemies; 25 and I will turn my hand on you, thoroughly purge away your dross, and will take away all your tin. 26 I will restore your judges as at the first, and your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you shall be called ‘The city of righteousness, a faithful town.’ 27 Zion shall be redeemed with justice, and her converts with righteousness. 28 But the destruction of transgressors and sinners shall be together, and those who forsake Yahweh shall be consumed. 29 For they shall be ashamed of the oaks which you have desired, and you shall be confounded for the gardens that you have chosen. 30 For you shall be as an oak whose leaf fades, and as a garden that has no water. 31 The strong will be like tinder, and his work like a spark. They will both burn together, and no one will quench them."

Observations: 1:1 Isaiah tells us that he saw these things, which implies he stepped outside the boundaries of normal existence to see what's happening in the future. God gives both prophetic revelation of what He is going to do, and sometimes lets His authenticated servants see the future real-time (like John sees the heavenly Jerusalem descending in the Book of Revelations). Isaiah ministered for about fifty years, during the reigns of four kings of the southern kingdom of Judah, beginning a couple of decades before the northern kingdom of Israel went into captivity.

1:2-9 Israel has rebelled against Yahweh, forsaking Him, and thus experiencing negative consequences. They are compared to Sodom and Gomorrah, ripe for judgment.

1:10-15 God hates their hypocritical ritualistic worship because their deeds are evil. He wants them out of His house, and He hides from their prayers. The reason He's unhappy is because of social injustice. People are greedily enriching themselves at the expense of others.

1:16-20 God calls for them to repent, clean up their act and learn to do what's right. Nothing about unmerited favor, although the chance to repent is great grace. He reasons with them about their sin in their “depraved” state. Hmmmm. He gives them the choice to obey and be blessed, or refuse and become refuse.

1:21-31 God then contrasts the present wickedness with the future righteousness which will be in Zion after He cleans house and disciplines them. Then they will be ashamed of their indulgence in sensual pagan worship.

Application: God hates hypocritical, unrighteous, ritualistic worship, especially when we are rebelliously failing to love our neighbor, and are committing injustice.

Prayer: God, don't let me ever deceive myself into thinking You're pleased with participating in ritual when I'm neglecting righteousness and justice. Thank You for Your gracious invitation to repent. Amen.

Isaiah 2 Walk In the Light

2:1 This is what Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2 It shall happen in the latter days, that the mountain of Yahweh’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it. 3 Many peoples shall go and say, "Come, let’s go up to the mountain of Yahweh, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths." For out of Zion the law shall go forth, and the word of Yahweh from Jerusalem. 4 He will judge between the nations, and will decide concerning many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. 5 House of Jacob, come, and let us walk in the light of Yahweh.

6 For you have forsaken your people, the house of Jacob, because they are filled from the east, with those who practice divination like the Philistines, and they clasp hands with the children of foreigners. 7 Their land is full of silver and gold, neither is there any end of their treasures. Their land also is full of horses, neither is there any end of their chariots. 8 Their land also is full of idols. They worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made. 9 Man is brought low, and mankind is humbled; therefore don’t forgive them.

10 Enter into the rock, and hide in the dust, from before the terror of Yahweh, and from the glory of his majesty. 11 The lofty looks of man will be brought low, the haughtiness of men will be bowed down, and Yahweh alone will be exalted in that day. 12 For there will be a day of Yahweh of Hosts for all that is proud and haughty, and for all that is lifted up; and it shall be brought low: 19...when he arises to shake the earth mightily. 20 In that day, men shall cast away their idols of silver, and their idols of gold, which have been made for themselves to worship, moles and bats; 22 Stop trusting in man, whose breath is in his nostrils; for of what account is he?

Observations: 2:1-5 In light of the fact that one day all nations will come to Jerusalem to learn the law of Yahweh and walk in it, believers should walk in the light of what He's already revealed. (It's not going to change.)

2:6-9 Isaiah prays that God won't forgive the house of Jacob for forsaking Him and following the prosperous pagans.

2:10-22 In the day that the Lord comes in His glory to judge, every proud person will be pancaked. It's stupid to trust in idols, like moles and bats, and similarly silly to trust in man.

Application: You don't have to wait for God to return to learn His law, you've got it in front of you now, so walk in the light that it gives.

Prayer: Lord of light, may my steps be guided by the light of Your word, throughout today, and tomorrow, and... Amen.

Isaiah 3 Pride Parade Payback

3:1 For, behold, the Lord, Yahweh of Hosts, takes away from Jerusalem and from Judah supply and support, the whole supply of bread, and the whole supply of water; 2 the mighty man, the man of war, the judge, the prophet, the diviner, the elder, 3 the captain of fifty, the honorable man, the counselor, the skilled craftsman, and the clever enchanter. 4 I will give boys to be their princes, and children shall rule over them. 5 The people will be oppressed, everyone by another, and everyone by his neighbor. The child will behave himself proudly against the old man, and the base against the honorable. 6 Indeed a man shall take hold of his brother in the house of his father, saying, "You have clothing, you be our ruler, and let this ruin be under your hand." 7 In that day he will cry out, saying, "I will not be a healer; for in my house is neither bread nor clothing. You shall not make me ruler of the people." 8 For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen; because their tongue and their doings are against Yahweh, to provoke the eyes of his glory.

9 The look of their faces testify against them. They parade their sin like Sodom. They don’t hide it. Woe to their soul! For they have brought disaster upon themselves. 10 Tell the righteous "Good!" For they shall eat the fruit of their deeds. 11 Woe to the wicked! Disaster is upon them; for the deeds of his hands will be paid back to him. 12 As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. My people, those who lead you cause you to err, and destroy the way of your paths. 13 Yahweh stands up to contend, and stands to judge the peoples. 14 Yahweh will enter into judgment with the elders of his people, and their leaders: "It is you who have eaten up the vineyard. The spoil of the poor is in your houses. 15 What do you mean that you crush my people, and grind the face of the poor?" says the Lord, Yahweh of Hosts.

16 Moreover Yahweh said, "Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with outstretched necks and flirting eyes, walking to trip as they go, jingling ornaments on their feet; 17 therefore the Lord brings sores on the crown of the head of the women of Zion, and Yahweh will make their scalps bald." 18 In that day the Lord will take away the beauty of their anklets, the headbands, the crescent necklaces, 19 the earrings, the bracelets, the veils, 20 the headdresses, the ankle chains, the sashes, the perfume bottles, the charms, 21 the signet rings, the nose rings, 22 the fine robes, the capes, the cloaks, the purses, 23 the hand mirrors, the fine linen garments, the tiaras, and the shawls. 24 It shall happen that instead of sweet spices, there shall be stink; instead of a belt, a rope; instead of well set hair, baldness; instead of a robe, a wearing of sackcloth; and branding instead of beauty. 25 Your men shall fall by the sword, and your mighty in the war. 26 Her gates shall lament and mourn; and she shall be desolate and sit on the ground.

Observations: 3:1-8 God will wipe out everything the nation depends upon, because their words and deeds don't demonstrate dependence upon Him.

3:9-15 The proud who parade their sin are particularly singled out for judgment, as are the leaders who lead people astray. When both religious and political leaders are ignorant of God's word and ways, disaster is inevitable.

3:16-26 The beautiful proud women will be abased; all their sweetness will stink, and they will lament and mourn the destruction of all they value and their men.

Application: God pays back sin, particularity that of the proud, by turning their world upside down. (Keep a low profile; better yet, repent.)

Prayer: God, may I be humbled by my sin and forsake it, so I can be among the righteous who will enjoy the fruit of their doings. Amen.

Isaiah 4 Future Glory Like Old Times

4:1 Seven women shall take hold of one man in that day, saying, "We will eat our own bread, and wear our own clothing: only let us be called by your name. Take away our reproach."

2 In that day, Yahweh’s branch will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the beauty and glory of the survivors of Israel. 3 It will happen, that he who is left in Zion, and he who remains in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even everyone who is written among the living in Jerusalem; 4 when the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from its midst, by the spirit of justice, and by the spirit of burning. 5 Yahweh will create over the whole habitation of Mount Zion, and over her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for over all the glory will be a canopy. 6 There will be a pavilion for a shade in the daytime from the heat, and for a refuge and for a shelter from storm and from rain.

Observations: 4:1 As a result of the men being destroyed in judgment (3:25), they will be in scarce supply and the reproach of childlessness common.

4:2-4 In a future day, when the Lord returns, the “Branch” or Messiah (Jeremiah 23:5; 33:15; Zechariah 3:8 6:12) will be glorious in His rule over the survivors of God's purifying judgment, who will be holy. However, the purifying process will be painful.

4:5-6 God will again manifest His glory over Mount Zion as He did over the Tabernacle.

Application: God will reign over a righteous people as purposed and promised. Those who don't purify themselves will experience pain.

Prayer: God, You want me to be holy, and I want to be holy; show me whatever I need to do to be a person who lives in the light of Your glory. Amen.

Isaiah 5 No Wine, But Woes

5:1 Let me sing for my well beloved a song of my beloved about his vineyard. My beloved had a vineyard on a very fruitful hill. 2 He dug it up, gathered out its stones, planted it with the choicest vine, built a tower in its midst, and also cut out a winepress therein. He looked for it to yield grapes, but it yielded stinkberries. 3 "Now, inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah, please judge between me and my vineyard. 4 What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? Why, when I looked for it to yield grapes, did it yield stinkberries? 5 Now I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard. I will take away its hedge, and it will be eaten up. I will break down its wall of it, and it will be trampled down. 6 I will lay it a wasteland. It won’t be pruned nor hoed, but it will grow briers and thorns. I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain on it." 7 For the vineyard of Yahweh of Hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for justice, but, behold, oppression; for righteousness, but, behold, a cry of distress.

8 Woe to those who join house to house, who lay field to field, until there is no room, and you are made to dwell alone in the midst of the land! 9 In my ears, Yahweh of Hosts says: "Surely many houses will be desolate, even great and beautiful, unoccupied. 10 For ten acres of vineyard shall yield one bath, and a homer of seed shall yield an ephah."

11 Woe to those who rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; who stay late into the night, until wine inflames them! 12 The harp, lyre, tambourine, and flute, with wine, are at their feasts; but they don’t respect the work of Yahweh, neither have they considered the operation of his hands. 13 Therefore my people go into captivity for lack of knowledge. Their honorable men are famished, and their multitudes are parched with thirst. 14 Therefore Sheol has enlarged its desire, and opened its mouth without measure; and their glory, their multitude, their pomp, and he who rejoices among them, descend into it. 15 So man is brought low, mankind is humbled, and the eyes of the arrogant ones are humbled; 16 but Yahweh of Hosts is exalted in justice, and God the Holy one is sanctified in righteousness. 17 Then the lambs will graze as in their pasture, and strangers will eat the ruins of the rich.

18 Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of falsehood, and wickedness as with cart rope; 19 Who say, "Let him make speed, let him hasten his work, that we may see it; and let the counsel of the Holy one of Israel draw near and come, that we may know it!"

20 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!

22 Woe to those who are mighty to drink wine, and champions at mixing strong drink; 23 who acquit the guilty for a bribe, but deny justice for the innocent! 24 Therefore as the tongue of fire devours the stubble, and as the dry grass sinks down in the flame, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust; because they have rejected the law of Yahweh of Hosts, and despised the word of the Holy one of Israel.

25 Therefore Yahweh’s anger burns against his people, and he has stretched out his hand against them, and has struck them. The mountains tremble, and their dead bodies are as refuse in the midst of the streets. For all this, his anger is not turned away, but his hand is still stretched out. 26 He will lift up a banner to the nations from far, and he will whistle for them from the end of the earth... 29...they shall roar, and seize their prey and carry it off, and there will be no one to deliver. 30 They will roar against them in that day like the roaring of the sea. If one looks to the land behold, darkness and distress. The light is darkened in its clouds.

Observations: 5:1-7 Israel is compared to a vineyard that fails to produce the intended product, righteousness and justice, and consequently, is turned into a wasteland.

5:8-22 God pronounces a series of seven woes against those who live for what's pleasing in their sight (temporal power, pleasure, and possessions) rather than for what is right in God's sight (righteousness and justice), and a concern for doing His word (fear of the Lord).

5:25-30 God's anger will consume those who reject His law and despise His word.

Application: If we don't fulfill the purpose for which God created us (bringing Him glory by our righteous and just living which He can bless) we will fail to have a purpose for living, and will face devastation.

Prayer: Lord, show me how to follow Your ways, so I bear You the fruit You desire. Amen.

Digging Deeper:

God in a nutshell: God demonstrates incredible patience and grace in calling His people to repent, when they have so rejected Him, that they proudly parade their sins. He raised up His people to demonstrate righteousness and justice, and will angrily bring them low until they are purified and yield the fruit He wants. He has planned to save a remnant for the future, who will do what's right and just after being purified by pain. The Messiah will reign from Jerusalem and all the earth will come to seek His ways and will.

Us in a nutshell: We are created to fulfill God's purpose of living righteously and justly in our dealings with others, so that God can bless us and He will be glorified. If we seek our desire rather than God's, and do our will rather than His, as revealed in His word, we will surely suffer. God graciously calls us to repentance and obedience, but if we reject Him, there will be no forgiveness and cleansing, only burning pain.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

Isaiah complete text

Isaiah 1

1:1 The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

2 Hear, heavens, and listen, earth; for Yahweh has spoken: "I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. 3 The ox knows his owner, and the donkey his master’s crib; but Israel doesn’t know, my people don’t consider." 4 Ah sinful nation, a people loaded with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children who deal corruptly! They have forsaken Yahweh. They have despised the Holy one of Israel. They are estranged and backward. 5 Why should you be beaten more, that you revolt more and more? The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. 6 From the sole of the foot even to the head there is no soundness in it: wounds, welts, and open sores. They haven’t been closed, neither bandaged, neither soothed with oil. 7 Your country is desolate. Your cities are burned with fire. Strangers devour your land in your presence, and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers. 8 The daughter of Zion is left like a shelter in a vineyard, like a hut in a field of melons, like a besieged city. 9 Unless Yahweh of Armies had left to us a very small remnant, we would have been as Sodom; we would have been like Gomorrah.

10 Hear the word of Yahweh, you rulers of Sodom! Listen to the law of our God, you people of Gomorrah! 11 "What are the multitude of your sacrifices to me?," says Yahweh. "I have had enough of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed animals. I don’t delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of male goats. 12 When you come to appear before me, who has required this at your hand, to trample my courts? 13 Bring no more vain offerings. Incense is an abomination to me; new moons, Sabbaths, and convocations: I can’t bear with evil assemblies. 14 My soul hates your New Moons and your appointed feasts. They are a burden to me. I am weary of bearing them. 15 When you spread forth your hands, I will hide my eyes from you. Yes, when you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood.

16 Wash yourselves, make yourself clean. Put away the evil of your doings from before my eyes. Cease to do evil. 17 Learn to do well. Seek justice. Relieve the oppressed. Judge the fatherless. Plead for the widow." 18 "Come now, and let us reason together," says Yahweh: "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 19 If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; 20 but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of Yahweh has spoken it."

21 How the faithful city has become a prostitute! She was full of justice; righteousness lodged in her, but now murderers. 22 Your silver has become dross, your wine mixed with water. 23 Your princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves. Everyone loves bribes, and follows after rewards. They don’t judge the fatherless, neither does the cause of the widow come to them. 24 Therefore the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, the Mighty one of Israel, says: "Ah, I will get relief from my adversaries, and avenge myself of my enemies; 25 and I will turn my hand on you, thoroughly purge away your dross, and will take away all your tin. 26 I will restore your judges as at the first, and your counsellors as at the beginning. Afterward you shall be called ‘The city of righteousness, a faithful town.’ 27 Zion shall be redeemed with justice, and her converts with righteousness. 28 But the destruction of transgressors and sinners shall be together, and those who forsake Yahweh shall be consumed. 29 For they shall be ashamed of the oaks which you have desired, and you shall be confounded for the gardens that you have chosen. 30 For you shall be as an oak whose leaf fades, and as a garden that has no water. 31 The strong will be like tinder, and his work like a spark. They will both burn together, and no one will quench them."

Isaiah 2

2:1 This is what Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2 It shall happen in the latter days, that the mountain of Yahweh’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it. 3 Many peoples shall go and say, "Come, let’s go up to the mountain of Yahweh, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths." For out of Zion the law shall go forth, and the word of Yahweh from Jerusalem. 4 He will judge between the nations, and will decide concerning many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. 5 House of Jacob, come, and let us walk in the light of Yahweh.

6 For you have forsaken your people, the house of Jacob, because they are filled from the east, with those who practice divination like the Philistines, and they clasp hands with the children of foreigners. 7 Their land is full of silver and gold, neither is there any end of their treasures. Their land also is full of horses, neither is there any end of their chariots. 8 Their land also is full of idols. They worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made. 9 Man is brought low, and mankind is humbled; therefore don’t forgive them.

10 Enter into the rock, and hide in the dust, from before the terror of Yahweh, and from the glory of his majesty. 11 The lofty looks of man will be brought low, the haughtiness of men will be bowed down, and Yahweh alone will be exalted in that day. 12 For there will be a day of Yahweh of Armies for all that is proud and haughty, and for all that is lifted up; and it shall be brought low: 13 For all the cedars of Lebanon, that are high and lifted up, for all the oaks of Bashan, 14 For all the high mountains, for all the hills that are lifted up, 15 For every lofty tower, for every fortified wall, 16 For all the ships of Tarshish, and for all pleasant imagery. 17 The loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be brought low; and Yahweh alone shall be exalted in that day. 18 The idols shall utterly pass away. 19 Men shall go into the caves of the rocks, and into the holes of the earth, from before the terror of Yahweh, and from the glory of his majesty, when he arises to shake the earth mightily. 20 In that day, men shall cast away their idols of silver, and their idols of gold, which have been made for themselves to worship, to the moles and to the bats; 21 To go into the caverns of the rocks, and into the clefts of the ragged rocks, from before the terror of Yahweh, and from the glory of his majesty, when he arises to shake the earth mightily. 22 Stop trusting in man, whose breath is in his nostrils; for of what account is he?

Isaiah 3

3:1 For, behold, the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, takes away from Jerusalem and from Judah supply and support, the whole supply of bread, and the whole supply of water; 2 the mighty man, the man of war, the judge, the prophet, the diviner, the elder, 3 the captain of fifty, the honourable man, the counsellor, the skilled craftsman, and the clever enchanter. 4 I will give boys to be their princes, and children shall rule over them. 5 The people will be oppressed, everyone by another, and everyone by his neighbour. The child will behave himself proudly against the old man, and the base against the honourable. 6 Indeed a man shall take hold of his brother in the house of his father, saying, "You have clothing, you be our ruler, and let this ruin be under your hand." 7 In that day he will cry out, saying, "I will not be a healer; for in my house is neither bread nor clothing. You shall not make me ruler of the people." 8 For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen; because their tongue and their doings are against Yahweh, to provoke the eyes of his glory.

9 The look of their faces testify against them. They parade their sin like Sodom. They don’t hide it. Woe to their soul! For they have brought disaster upon themselves. 10 Tell the righteous "Good!" For they shall eat the fruit of their deeds. 11 Woe to the wicked! Disaster is upon them; for the deeds of his hands will be paid back to him. 12 As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. My people, those who lead you cause you to err, and destroy the way of your paths. 13 Yahweh stands up to contend, and stands to judge the peoples. 14 Yahweh will enter into judgment with the elders of his people, and their leaders: "It is you who have eaten up the vineyard. The spoil of the poor is in your houses. 15 What do you mean that you crush my people, and grind the face of the poor?" says the Lord, Yahweh of Armies.

16 Moreover Yahweh said, "Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with outstretched necks and flirting eyes, walking to trip as they go, jingling ornaments on their feet; 17 therefore the Lord brings sores on the crown of the head of the women of Zion, and Yahweh will make their scalps bald." 18 In that day the Lord will take away the beauty of their anklets, the headbands, the crescent necklaces, 19 the earrings, the bracelets, the veils, 20 the headdresses, the ankle chains, the sashes, the perfume bottles, the charms, 21 the signet rings, the nose rings, 22 the fine robes, the capes, the cloaks, the purses, 23 the hand mirrors, the fine linen garments, the tiaras, and the shawls. 24 It shall happen that instead of sweet spices, there shall be rottenness; instead of a belt, a rope; instead of well set hair, baldness; instead of a robe, a wearing of sackcloth; and branding instead of beauty. 25 Your men shall fall by the sword, and your mighty in the war. 26 Her gates shall lament and mourn; and she shall be desolate and sit on the ground.

Isaiah 4

4:1 Seven women shall take hold of one man in that day, saying, "We will eat our own bread, and wear our own clothing: only let us be called by your name. Take away our reproach."

2 In that day, Yahweh’s branch will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the beauty and glory of the survivors of Israel. 3 It will happen, that he who is left in Zion, and he who remains in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even everyone who is written among the living in Jerusalem; 4 when the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from its midst, by the spirit of justice, and by the spirit of burning. 5 Yahweh will create over the whole habitation of Mount Zion, and over her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for over all the glory will be a canopy. 6 There will be a pavilion for a shade in the daytime from the heat, and for a refuge and for a shelter from storm and from rain.

Isaiah 5

5:1 Let me sing for my well beloved a song of my beloved about his vineyard. My beloved had a vineyard on a very fruitful hill. 2 He dug it up, gathered out its stones, planted it with the choicest vine, built a tower in its midst, and also cut out a winepress therein. He looked for it to yield grapes, but it yielded wild grapes. 3 "Now, inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah, please judge between me and my vineyard. 4 What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? Why, when I looked for it to yield grapes, did it yield wild grapes? 5 Now I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard. I will take away its hedge, and it will be eaten up. I will break down its wall of it, and it will be trampled down. 6 I will lay it a wasteland. It won’t be pruned nor hoed, but it will grow briers and thorns. I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain on it." 7 For the vineyard of Yahweh of Armies is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for justice, but, behold, oppression; for righteousness, but, behold, a cry of distress.

8 Woe to those who join house to house, who lay field to field, until there is no room, and you are made to dwell alone in the midst of the land! 9 In my ears, Yahweh of Armies says: "Surely many houses will be desolate, even great and beautiful, unoccupied. 10 For ten acres of vineyard shall yield one bath, and a homer of seed shall yield an ephah." 11 Woe to those who rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; who stay late into the night, until wine inflames them! 12 The harp, lyre, tambourine, and flute, with wine, are at their feasts; but they don’t respect the work of Yahweh, neither have they considered the operation of his hands. 13 Therefore my people go into captivity for lack of knowledge. Their honourable men are famished, and their multitudes are parched with thirst. 14 Therefore Sheol has enlarged its desire, and opened its mouth without measure; and their glory, their multitude, their pomp, and he who rejoices among them, descend into it. 15 So man is brought low, mankind is humbled, and the eyes of the arrogant ones are humbled; 16 but Yahweh of Armies is exalted in justice, and God the Holy one is sanctified in righteousness. 17 Then the lambs will graze as in their pasture, and strangers will eat the ruins of the rich.

18 Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of falsehood, and wickedness as with cart rope; 19 Who say, "Let him make speed, let him hasten his work, that we may see it; and let the counsel of the Holy one of Israel draw near and come, that we may know it!" 20 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! 22 Woe to those who are mighty to drink wine, and champions at mixing strong drink; 23 who acquit the guilty for a bribe, but deny justice for the innocent! 24 Therefore as the tongue of fire devours the stubble, and as the dry grass sinks down in the flame, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust; because they have rejected the law of Yahweh of Armies, and despised the word of the Holy one of Israel. 25 Therefore Yahweh’s anger burns against his people, and he has stretched out his hand against them, and has struck them. The mountains tremble, and their dead bodies are as refuse in the midst of the streets. For all this, his anger is not turned away, but his hand is still stretched out. 26 He will lift up a banner to the nations from far, and he will whistle for them from the end of the earth. Behold, they will come speedily and swiftly. 27 None shall be weary nor stumble among them; none shall slumber nor sleep; neither shall the belt of their waist be untied, nor the latchet of their shoes be broken: 28 whose arrows are sharp, and all their bows bent. Their horses’ hoofs will be like flint, and their wheels like a whirlwind. 29 Their roaring will be like a lioness. They will roar like young lions. Yes, they shall roar, and seize their prey and carry it off, and there will be no one to deliver. 30 They will roar against them in that day like the roaring of the sea. If one looks to the land behold, darkness and distress. The light is darkened in its clouds.