“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 This verse is not a definition of “faith”, but more of a description of what faith does. “Confidence” is a Greek term that describes something substantive, meaning essence or reality. Faith treats things hoped for as…
“I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.” Psalm 119:60 The promise of this verse is the whole counsel of God’s Word and Law along with the certainty of His action. Here the Psalmist is undergoing mental anguish as he contemplates the fate of the ones who had forsaken God’s Law. For those…
“Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.” Psalm 112:5 Psalm 111 and 112 are both acrostic, or alphabetical where each line begins with a sequential letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The phrase “generous and lend freely” is simply meant to describe a broad behavior pattern,…
“Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14 Children must trust and receive the care of others, and only in that same way does the kingdom of God come to us. Jesus welcomes children and makes it…
But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:15-16 The word “you” is plural here, which means Peter is a representative of the entire assembly of apostles. Christ is not just asking Peter. Jesus’ point in pressing…
“I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on Your laws.” Psalm 119:30 “I have chosen” indicates that the Psalmist chooses God’s way because God shows Himself to be trustworthy and gracious. “Faithfulness” means “to be steady, faithful, true,” from which our term “Amen” comes. This is an attribute of God…
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 “Do not fear” is a phrase God spoke often to His servants of old (for example Abraham, Isaac, and…
“I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws.” Psalm 119:7 It is difficult to date this Psalm as no author is given. However, the Law’s central role in the author’s life and the opposition he faced fit well with the sixth or fifth century BC, so King David could…
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” Romans 1:16 “Not ashamed of the gospel” implies that the Gospel is foolishness to the world, which may ridicule or persecute Christians, but Paul (and…
“If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.” John 15:10 Jesus’ obedience to God the Father is a central theme of the Gospel of John. Christ loves believers unconditionally. As believers obey Christ’s Word and abide in His love,…