1 Timothy 1:1-2
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While we don’t find everything about the church in 1 Timothy we do find some of the essential aspects of it. So welcome to 1 Timothy. We need this book because God speaks to us through his word, and we gladly submit. We need it because the church matters to God and should matter to us. And we need it because we need hope.
Galatians 2:1-14
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Though as a church we have moved to a different location our mission and our message has not changed. We see that message here in Galatians 2:1-14. Paul explains that there is only one gospel, and those who believe it should care for the poor and fellowship with all types of believers. Our acceptance of the gospel is intended to bring a new way of life, not just morally but socially. Our relationships should change as we dwell on the gospel of Christ. The proper response to God’s grace, is to show grace and welcome to others. There is only one gospel, and that one gospel creates one new people. Therefore, Know the gospel, display gospel compassion, and work in the gospel in your heart, so that your conduct reflects it.
2 Kings 23:31-25:30
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As we finish our study, I would like to consider these final chapters, while trying to also reflect on the book of Kings as a whole. I have tried to magnify one dominant theme in the study: We need a better king! Even the best of kings proved to fall short.Our King has come, living the life we could not live; dying the death we should have died; rising from the dead, defeating our ultimate enemies. And our King is coming again, and we will be with Him forever. Right now, we are in between the times. Let us not lose heart, as we wait for the day in which King Jesus returns to establish his eternal, shalom-filled kingdom. We need a better King, and praise God, we have One!
2 Kings 21:1-23:30
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Following the noble reign of Hezekiah, we read of the faithless reign of Manasseh. In the last chapter, we noted how Hezekiah led a reformation, despite having a wicked father (just as Josiah will do). Here we read how Manasseh led the nation into idolatry, despite having a faithful father. He apparently reigned with his father a few years, as well. So he had seen what a faithful leader looks like up close. Yet, he is as evil as they come. Let us consider his idolatry that we must avoid, and the obedience of Josiah that we need to pursue.