Inspiration for Today's World
Proverbs 13:20 He who walks with the wise grows wise but a companion of fools suffers harm.
Commentary:
The key here is the definition of wisdom. See Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 11:2; Romans 1:21-23. Reflect on the fact that there is no finite or human elements that are used to describe wisdom. Wisdom is the knowledge of the Lord. Therefore, when we seek out friends, consider a person’s fear of God, their knowledge of the Word, and the humility of their walk with Christ.
Philippians 3:13-14 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Commentary:
The Apostle Paul shows us the attitude we should strive for in goal setting. Paul knew that after accepting Christ, he was reborn, stepping into a world without end. Yet he shows us that its not yet time to sit back and coast. The race is not over, it has just begun. Paul knew that there was much work to be done in God’s kingdom and, like a race, pressed on.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
Commentary:
In today’s society, working with one’s hands is analogous to a job with a measurable output, easily seen by others. Too often, we find that the goals are to find the fast dollar, the system, the wheeling and dealing quick way to financial gain. In Paul’s letter, there is no reference to position, wealth, function or visibility. The reference is focused on how others, not of our faith, view us in our pursuit of our goals. The real value of independence lies in the freedom to choose God’s path for our lives, a no strings attached life without the temptations of compromise.
Ecclesiastes 4:6 Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.
Commentary:
To set goals and pursue them in order to improve one’s life is not wrong. However, we are forewarned against seeking too much. The analogy of two handfuls versus one can be seen as setting our goals too aggressively, reaching beyond our potential, sacrificing peace and happiness for the acquisition of worldly things.
John 14:26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
Commentary:
God speaks to us through the Holy Spirit.
Hebrews 1:1 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.
Commentary:
In Christ’s lifetime, He spoke directly to many thousands of people. Today, we are blessed by God’s gift of Christ’s written words. However, Christ is not past tense. He is a living Savior who speaks to us by our understanding of His very nature and character. We hear God’s words more clearly when we understand the very nature of who Christ was and how He lived.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing the soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Commentary:
God speaks to us through His Holy Word. Notice its power. While we as humans fail at changing our friends, family, even ourselves. No person can enter the living world of Scriptures, spend time in its wisdom and leave without being changed.
Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Commentary:
It is only man’s folly to compare his intellect with the Lord’s. Review Romans 1:21-32 to see how failing to understand this point can lead to sin and eternal death.
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Commentary:
God’s word is an active guide for our worldly walk. Through the study and reflection of the Bible, we are to receive a light to guide our decisions and direction. Christianity without the Bible is like a cross-country drive without a map. While it’s possible to get where I am going without a map, I can get there quicker, with less aggravation and on a lot less gas if I use a map.
Hebrews 4:12-13 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Commentary:
Why should we spend time in God’s word? To sift ourselves of the imperfections of this world and move closer to the likeness of Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:18-19 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”
Commentary:
While it is God’s desire that none should perish (2 Peter 3:9), those that do not glorify God or give thanks to God are turned over by God to themselves (Romans 1:21-25). There will be times that we share the Gospel with clarity and hope only to find its message totally rejected. God only asks each of us to share the message of hope. The Gospel’s acceptance and the resulting life of accountability are between each person and God. Do not be surprised by rejection. The final authority and judgment belong God (Romans 8:28-30).
12 Corinthians 4:4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
Commentary:
The god of this age is Satan. Without the protection, we are subject to the power of evil (see Ephesians 6:10-18 for our protection against Satan).
Psalm 32:6 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.
Commentary:
Each of us sets out in life desiring personal growth and knowledge. While our results are tied to the sweat and effort each of us puts into the pursuit of learning, it is easy to forget that we have a living God, active in each of our lives. God tells us that He will be a source of instruction and counsel. As our lives unfold, we should seek comfort that our circumstances are all part of God’s plan for us. Each of us should also seek comfort in the fact that our God provides a continuous watchful eye.
Ephesians 4:31-32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Commentary:
Within this instruction, we are reminded of God’s forgiveness and directed to follow His example.