Evidently, among the brethren James addressed were ungodly wealthy people (cf. 1:9-11; 2:6; 4:13-17; 5:1-6). Some of the wealthy were oppressing the poor, and brethren were being tested by such wrong-doing. James explains the proper response to oppression and suffering which agrees with his previous exhortation of acceptable behavior while undergoing trials (cf. 1:2-7, 12). …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: James 5:7-11Pondering Scripture
Having made his arguments about the betterment of the New Covenant in contrast with the Old, the Hebrew writer introduces the last section of his letter which focuses on exhortation and admonition motivated by what he established thus far. All that Christ accomplished in His redemptive work should give us boldness to approach God. Unlike …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Hebrews 10:19-25The apostle Paul consistently displayed his depth of care for those he had begotten in the faith. He continued this theme in his epistle to Philemon, showing love for both he, and his slave, Onesimus. His approach of gentle request (v. 8-9), as opposed to stern command, continued as he appealed to Philemon to receive …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Philemon 17-25Paul begins his letter to Titus with a needed explanation. The defense of his apostleship is seen in various places throughout scripture. “As…one born out of due time” (1 Corinthians 15:8) his apostleship was questioned by some. However, Titus was aware of the legitimacy of his office, for Paul described him as “a true son …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Titus 1:1-4The apostle Paul did not have a life void of trouble. His responsibilities as an apostle of Christ, and preacher of Christ, included persecution and hardship. As he wrote earlier, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (3:12). This did not weaken Paul to the point of spiritual …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:17-18Although Paul planned to come to Timothy shortly he wrote him a letter in case of a delay. He did not think it appropriate to risk putting off his instruction for Timothy as a young preacher, and the people he would be teaching. Paul’s instruction concerned conduct in the house of God/church of the living …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:14-16After he told the brethren to “stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle” the apostle Paul offered a prayer on their behalf. The prayer was for “our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father” to comfort the Thessalonians and establish them in their good …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17After he described his conduct while ministering to the Thessalonians (cf. 2:1-12), Paul thanked God for the Thessalonians’ reaction to the gospel message. The apostles often had to stress the origin of their message due to their audience’s admiration for men-pleasers using “flattering words” (2:5). The Thessalonians did not receive the apostle’s message “as the …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20Upon his description of the Colossians’ state in Christ, the apostle Paul gives practical application. The Christian is to repent from his past sinful actions, or “put to death” and “put off” such actions. The apostle gives two reasons for eradicating these sins in their lives. 1) “The wrath of God is coming upon the …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Colossians 3:5-11Those in the world dwell on things that are ungodly. They have an appetite for immoral, and disorderly things, and they “set their mind on earthly things” (cf. 3:19). In contrast, Paul, by inspiration, commands that the Christian meditate on things that are of virtue, and worthy of praise. Our thoughts should not be filled …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Philippians 4:8-9