From Bible study notes on 1 Thessalonians 3:1-10, THE BENEFITS OF GOSPEL AFFLICTION Paul was writing this letter to a group of Christians who were suffering for their faith. He had the privilege of seeing them receive the message of the Gospel in an exemplary way; but now that they were suffering for the Gospel, … More Benefits God brings through suffering
Paul’s closing line in Colossians is “I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.” Sam Storms on Colossians 4:18 ….But why call on them to “remember” his “chains”? Certainly he’s not asking for pity. The last thing he wanted was for them to shift their focus from … More Grace be “with” you
Philippians 2: 23-24….. I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also. Alec Motyer says, “Paul’s doctrine taught him that a sovereign God ruled all things: whether freedom or imprisonment, comfort or discomfort, … More Paul’s trust was in the sovereignty of God.
John Piper on Philippians 2:17-18: Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me. Paul loved this church. He loved all the churches. And he died every … More Poured Out
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, … More Piper: A Hurricane of Confidence
The Father of the Bride Exposes the Master of Deceit (2 Cor. 11:1-15) A paraphrase by Bob Deffinbaugh at Bible.org Reluctantly, I am going to attempt to commend myself, following the same approach as those who oppose me when they commend themselves. I know this is foolishness, and I regret having to do it, but … More The Father of the Bride Exposes the Master of Deceit
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully [4] will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that … More The connection between KNOWING God and giving cheerfully…
John Piper comments: [1 Corinthians 7] Verse 19 says literally, “Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God (is everything).” That was about the most offensive thing Paul could say to a Jew: Circumcision is nothing. And if we understand its broad cultural application, it offends all of us. But … More Piper: Paul is a very unfashionable thinker
Today, April 1, we start our reading of 1 Corinthians. In Chapter 1, verse 17, Paul says, “For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.” John Piper’s sermon titled, “Christ Did Not Send … More Paul: Christ Did Not Send Me to Baptize
Romans 8 is such a beautiful, wonderful passage of promise and hope. It was hard to know what part to highlight on our read-through-the-Bible plan. Here are John Piper’s comments: Verse 35 says that there will be tribulation and distress and persecution and sword. Verse 36 says that Christians are being killed all day long, … More John Piper on Romans 8: The Solid Logic of Heaven
