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April 8

Reading 1 - Numbers 26

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v.11 - The sons of Korah did not die. God still had a purpose with them or their descendants, therefore they were kept alive. Num16:5, Ex.6:24, 1Chron.6:22-28, also Psalm titles for Psalms 42,44-49.
Peter Cresswell
v.64 - This is a negative point, but where it is reported in Deut.4:3-4, we see the point the people were to get hold of. They were alive. It was those that had practised idolatry in the wilderness that had been destroyed. There is always life for those that follow and cleave unto the Lord.
Peter Cresswell

v. 2 - 64 This detailed numbering was to establish one point - that God keeps his word. None of those who had rebelled at the tie of the first arrival at the land were still alive. It is interesting that Yahweh used the inclination of the people with respect to the Moabitish women to bring about His will. The differences in the two numberings in Numbers and the positions of the tribes around the Tabernacle:


Peter Forbes

26:3 That Eleazar is mentioned with Moses is an incidental confirmation that Aaron is dead.
Peter Forbes
:62 The basis for the numbering of the Levites is different from the rest of the congregation. The Levites were numbered from 1 month old whereas the rest of the congregation was numbered from 20 years old. We will remember that whereas the congregation was numbered from 20 years old at the beginning of the wilderness journey the Levites were not numbered on that occasion. 1:17, 47.
Peter Forbes

Reading 2 - Proverbs 18

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v. 5 - This concept of having respects of persons is alien to the concept of the life in Christ. We are reminded of this on many occasions - Prov.24:23, 28:21, Lev. 19:15, Deut.1:16-17, 16:19, Job 13:7,8, 34:19, Matt.22:16.
Peter Cresswell
v.10 - This message prevails throughout scripture. We are all reminded constantly of the way that God is there to protect those that turn to Him and dwell with him - having a contrite and humble spirit - see also 2Sam.22:3,51, Psa.18:2, 61:3,4, 91:2, 144:2, Isa.26:4, 57:15
Peter Cresswell
v. 13 The counsel of the proverb is to listen to both sides of an issue before making a judgement. It is so easy to listen to one persons viewpoint and conclude that his cause is just only to learn that a more complete picture changes the complexion of the whole issue.
Peter Forbes
The whole of the chapter is devoted to the matter commented on in last year's comment on v13. The one in :1 who 'separateth himself' is the self righteous individual who withdraws from a situation because he feels it is so bad and yet still has to make his comments about the thing. Either one withdraws completely and has nothing to do with the matter or one remains and deals with the matter from a full understanding of the issues involved.
Peter Forbes
:19 If we understand the import of this proverb we would be far more careful in how we talk to others about things that we see in them that need to be changed!
Peter Forbes

Reading 3 - Philippians 1 & 2

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1 v. 9-11 continues the theme of righteous judgement that we had in Proverbs. We judge by our love for each other, using our knowledge so that we might approve things which are excellent - what a responsibility we take on when we become sons of God. v.11 tells us that this is to the glory and praise of God. Ps.92:12-14, Luke 13:6-9, John 15:8, Isa.60:21, 61:3,11.
Peter Cresswell

1 v. 1 In almost all of his letters Paul introduces himself as an 'apostle of Jesus Christ'. These are the only three epistles of Paul in which he does not introduce himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1Thessalonians 2Thessalonians Philemon The question of his apostleship was a major issue in the first century. The absence in Philippians might indicate his authority was not in question there. However with respect to Thessalonica it is a little puzzling as he warned them about letters which purported to come from him. Maybe, despite the warning, he knew that his authority was not in question. maybe the letters purporting to come from Paul were sent to Thessalonica as the writer of the fraudulent letters knew that that the Thessalonians would not question anything which came from Paul.

2 v.3 'strife and vain glory' highlights the major theme of the epistle to the Philippians. There was strife amongst some, at least of them. Look for references to unity throughout the whole of the letter to help you to appreciate the reason for the letter.
Peter Forbes

1:3-5 Paul prays to God to thank Him for the brethren and sisters at Philippi and for their fellowship. Even though Paul is not with them he feels their benefit.

1:6-8 He feels strongly for them. So strongly, in fact, that he is concerned for their eternal well being. This raises the question as to whether we love our brethren and sisters to such an extent. Our fellowship with our brethren and sisters is more than mere friendship. Our love for them should be such that we pray for their spiritual health and their eternal wellbeing.

2:1,2 An understanding of fellowship requires that we be like minded. On the contrary, if like mindedness is not present fellowship is absent. Not that we are to agree on all things. We are individuals. However like mindedness should be seen in our singleness of mind in our service to the Father. Our decisions should not be based on petty likes and dislikes. In all our thoughts and actions we should realise that we are trying to maintain the 'unity of the body' - that is the body of Christ, the whole ecclesia, not just our own meeting.
Peter Forbes

1:6 How often do we begin something never to finish it? Starting is easy. It is the continuing that is the hard part!

2:19 In saying that he 'trusted in the Lord' Paul is identifying himself with Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:5) - notice the other quotations of language from the time of Hezekiah.

Highly exalted
Isaiah 52:13
every knee bow …
Isaiah 45:23
sick unto death
2 Kings 20:1

Peter Forbes

ch 1 - THE GOSPEL NET

One of Paul's aims was to advance the gospel. As he traveled from place to place he taught as many people as he could the good news of Christ and the kingdom of God. Paul also encouraged others to join in with his preaching. People like Timothy, Mark, Barnabus, Silas, Titus and Luke all traveled around with Paul and helped him spread the gospel. There were also people in the places Paul visited who continued the work that he had started in their city. It is, after all, what we call the "Great Commission" to "go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation." What Paul ended up doing was to establish a huge spreading gospel net where the people convinced of the gospel would reach out and share it with others, who in turn do the same. We need to become part of that net to spread the word of God.

If we told two people the gospel message today, and tomorrow they told two people each, and each of them told two, within 10 days 1023 people will have heard the gospel message. We need people to preach and reach people for Christ. Paul says, "The important thing is that in every way ... Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice."

Let's go to it. Go, Tell the world!
Robert Prins
ch 2 - GET ON WITH EACH OTHER

One of the strong themes that comes out from this letter to the Philippians is that of unity. Reading between the lines we can see that the Philippians were a bit like us. There were personality clashes, selfishness and pride which caused little divisions within the church and prevented them working together as a team in unity as Christ intended. So Paul gave them some gentle pointers as to how to get on with each other, starting first with a plea from his heart to their (and our) conscience. "If you love Christ then give me joy by being united," is essentially what he says. Do we love Christ? Are we united with our brothers and sisters?

If we want to be united, which of course we do, then we must get our priorities right and concentrate on what is really important: being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. We must be selfless - not selfish, serving one another in humility and in love and taking care of each other. We need to stop complaining and grumbling because in doing that we spread discord and dissatisfaction.

Are there divisions where you are? Even small ones? It's up to us to do our part to get on with each other. "Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the Sons of God."
Robert Prins