“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.: Ephesians 2:8-9 “By grace” indicates God’s generous mercy toward the undeserving. Christians have been saved by grace. The grace of God is the source…
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Romans 12:1 “Brothers” is a term not exclusive to men; it includes all siblings. An affectionate greeting (used 10 times in Romans) showing Paul’s…
“For, ‘All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of the Lord endures forever.’ And this is the Word that was preached to you.” 1 Peter 1:24-25 The term “flesh” simply means our unredeemed existence. Bodily life…
“…speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:19-20 Here “foolish talk” (from earlier in verse 4) is replaced by wholesome words of…
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10 “Fear of the Lord” is the central theme of the Book of Proverbs. The only appropriate way to approach the Lord is with fear, that is, reverence. The “fear of the Lord” is reverence for…
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 The term “burdens” specifically means “loads” that temptations and sin bring upon fellow Christians, but in principle could include all burdens. However, the Greek word for “burdens” refers to something beyond the normal capacity to carry, as opposed…
“A person finds joy in giving an apt reply – and how good is a timely word.” Proverbs 15:23 Words are powerful since they can either build up or destroy. Solomon devoted many of his proverbs to the consequences of speech. Just as foolish words can bring about a person’s own destruction, a wise word…
“I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:8 “Desire” is to find pleasure in one’s inmost being by hearing God’s Word and doing His will. What brings pleasure to God will also bring delight to His people. “Law” literally means “instruction” or “direction,” including God’s Commandments as…
“Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:11-12 “Your presence” is a phrase where David is acknowledging that to be denied access to the earthly tabernacle of God’s mercy is…
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 Do not fret is the theme of this psalm. When the wicked seem to prosper, the psalmist calls for patience, a renewed sense of dependence on the Lord, and a new sense of pleasure in knowing Him. Early…