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May 23

Reading 1 - Joshua 9

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v.14 - This has to be one of the most important lessons for us to learn. Every decision we make, however trivial, needs to be made prayerfully, with our minds open to the answer that God gives, wherever that answer may appear, whether it is in our reading of His word (where we will certainly not find the answer unless we open it), or in the arrangement of the circumstances of our lives. It is important that we ensure that God's will is done in our lives and that he has the glory for the things that feel like our own successful decisions. Ex.28:30, Num.27:21, Jas.1:5.
Peter Cresswell
v.21,27 - These folk became servants - they had used deception to save their own skins, but now found themselves in a position of servitude. It is interesting that the princes did not seek to be freed from their oath, but carried it through, knowing that even though they had done it without consultation, an oath is an oath made before God and must be kept.
Peter Cresswell
v.3 The behaviour of the Gibeonites stands as a warning to us about our responses to the overtures that the world makes towards us. Israel had been told to utterly destroy those nations that were in the land [Deuteronomy 7:2]. Joshua was beguiled by the smooth words of the Gibeonites and so did not verify how he should respond by seeking counsel of God. Likewise we can accept the things that the world says to us in an uncritical way, without applying the Word of God to the situation.
Peter Forbes
Even though the Gibeonites had deceived the Israelites we will remember that on a later occasion Israel held to their promise by delivering them from their enemies (Joshua 10). Israel had sworn to their hurt and did not change (Psalm 15:4)
Peter Forbes
:24 Notice that the Gibeonites were not afraid of the military might of Israel. Their fear was a consequence of their realisation that Yahweh was fighting for them. Thus they were men of faith' They had faith in the power of the God of Israel. They believed that He would keep His word.
Peter Forbes

Reading 2 - Isaiah 13

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v. 2 - The word 'banner' (05251) is a popular word in this prophecy, more than half of its scripture usage being in Isaiah, 5:26, 11:10,12, 18:3, 30:17, 31:9[ensign], here [banner], 33:23 [sail], 49:22, 62:10[standard].
Peter Cresswell
v. 3 - The mighty acts of God are emphasised several times in the propehcy, in various statements, for example 23:11, 44:27,28, 45:4,5, 50:21-46, 51:20-24
Peter Cresswell
v. 5-16 Even before the Babylonians have become a power to be reckoned with - whilst the Assyrians are still in the ascendancy - Isaiah prophesies of the Medo Persians [Isaiah 13:17] overthrowing the Babylonians.
Peter Forbes
13:5 'a far country' is echoed (2 Kings 20:14) in the discussion between Hezekiah and Isaiah.
Peter Forbes
:19-20 That Babylon would never be inhabited is picked up by Jeremiah - to show that Isaiah's words are being fulfilled (Jeremiah 50:39 etc)
Peter Forbes

Reading 3 - 1Timothy 4 & 5

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4 v.5 - We have the concept of sanctification here. It is worth thinking about the ways in which we are encouraged to take steps to this end, even under the new covenant, in making our lives a sacrifice to God. Sanctification here is by the Word of God and prayer, so let us be sure not to neglect giving appropriate energy to both of these. Luke 4:4, 11:41, 1Cor.7:14, Tit.1:15.
Peter Cresswell

4 v.22 Both Timothy [1 Timothy 4:12] And Titus [Titus 2:15] Were exhorted to not allow others to despise them. They were both in authority through the appointment of the Apostle Paul, therefore their seeming youth or inappropriateness was not a valid basis for disregarding them.Thus they were to ensure that their position was not undermined by those who would prefer not to listen to them. As is often the case, when a person's argument cannot be gainsaid, the one opposing lowers himself to attacking the credentials of the person. This seems to have happened with both Timothy and Titus and had to be resisted if their work were to continue.

5 v.20 'Rebuke' is the correct way to deal with error. [Leviticus 19:17] However there is no point rebuking one who has no respect for the Word of God [Proverbs 9:8] We should heed the rebuke of 'the 'wise' [Ecclesiastes 7:5] This instruction from the Old Testament forms the basis for the warnings and exhortations in the New Testament. here 2 Timothy 4:2 Titus 1:13 2:15
Peter Forbes

Chapter 4 5 and 6 emphasise 'doctrine' 4:6, 13, 16 5:17 6:1. But it is not a mere adherence to a set of beliefs that is being spoken of. It is a way of life.

5:1 Devils in the Old testament were false Gods - Psalm 106:37 so here Paul is, using an Old Testament image, contrasting true doctrine with the worshipping of false gods. In the context of Ephesus where Timothy was it could easily be Diana.
Peter Forbes

4:3 That there were those who were 'forbidding to marry' may indicate a misunderstanding of Paul's counsel to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 7:8) - and if so an indication that the letters were seen by ecclesias other than the one to which they were sent.

5:18 'the labourer is worthy of his hire' quotes Jesus' words (Matthew 10:10) indicating that Matthew's gospel was available by the time that Paul wrote to Timothy.
Peter Forbes

ch.4 - EXERCISE
Sharon and I were out the other night, and as darkness was falling we were walking along the road opposite a gym. The lights were on in the gym and we could see all the people in there, many punching the air as they did aerobics, others on cycles, treadmills and other gym gear. They were all exercising - some to get fit, some to loose weight, some to get in shape and others, no doubt, to do all three!
We live in an age of fitness freaks.
We can learn important lessons from the people that go to gyms to get fit. They devote themselves to the task. They set goals. They make sacrifices of time and money to achieve their goals. They want to improve themselves. They expend energy in their efforts.
Paul says, "Train yourself to be godly. For physical exercise is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." So when we exercise ourselves to godliness let us be as devoted, self sacrificing and motivated as those in the gym looking for physical fitness. Let us improve ourselves, set goals and expend ourselves in our quest for godliness. May God bless you in your exercise this week
Robert Prins

ch 4 - BE AN EXAMPLE
Timothy was young, yet despite his youth he had been sent by Paul to Ephesus to support and lead the church that was there. When a young person has leadership, especially when there are older people present, they often lack the respect and authority they need as a leader. Paul's solution to this was that Timothy earn the respect and authority by his way of life. He says, "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of scripture, to preaching and teaching. Do not neglect your gift ... Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch you life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do you will save both yourself and your hearers."

No matter what our age or our position we would all do well to follow Paul's good advice. Let us make sure that our lives are an example to all the believers who see us. Set an example for them, read the Scripture and make it a matter of principle in all you do an say. In doing this we will save both ourselves and those who hear us.
Robert Prins