“…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 “Being confident” indicates that Paul had become convinced some time in the past that God would complete His good work among the Philippians. The description “in you” is…
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 These two verses form a doxology (or praise)…
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Matthew 24:35 Though the delay of Christ’s second coming might lead some to conclude that He will not appear, His promised return will indeed come to pass. Then, everything else will fail. In contrast, Jesus’ Word will stand forever since the words…
“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” Jeremiah 17:9-10 The Lord explains to Jeremiah and His people the severity and magnitude of their sin…
“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 faith God has distributed to each of you.” Romans 12:3 This verse is part of a set of instructions that…
“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7 “Sparrows sold for two pennies” is a reference of the very poor purchasing sparrows for food,…
“For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.” Psalm 149:4 “His people” refers to the redeemed who have been made God’s people by His grace. The Hebrew word for grace is related to the term meaning “loyal love”. “His people” are those who demonstrate in their lives the characteristics…
“All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.” Psalm 119:160 In Psalm 119, eight words repeatedly describe God’s Word. Since each term describes God’s Word, Hebrew poetry uses them in parallel lines, complementing one another in meaning. God’s promises give life because of God’s trustworthy nature. The term “Law” means instruction or…
“This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it—the Lord is his name: ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’” Jeremiah 33:2-3 Jeremiah appealed to God’s power in creation as the basis for…
“I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me.” Psalm 120:1 “Distress” – later in verses 5-7, the Psalmist appears to have traveled extensively under the threat of war. “He answers me” is a general statement of God’s rescue in the Psalms. The tongue is a powerful tool of peace or war….