8 Epiphany

8 Epiphany - Sunday

Proverbs 9:1-12,       Wisdom’s invitation
2 Corinthians 9:6b-15,   Glorifying God
Mark 10:46-52,    Blind Bartimaeus healed

Divine Wisdom (the wisdom of God, by which the world was created, as distinct from false, worldly wisdom; Proverbs 9:10, 1 Corinthians 1:18-24; 2:4-8) is portrayed as the hostess of a feast in a great palace. She invites all who lack wisdom to come and partake of her bounties. Scoffers are arrogant, self-assured people who feel they already know everything they need to know and have no need of religion. Scoffers thus will not appreciate correction; those who try to correct one who is evil may be injured for their efforts. While a scoffer will hate you for correcting him, one who is truly wise will appreciate and thank you for correction. A wise person is thus able to learn still more. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight” (Proverbs 9:10), because only God is able to extend your life. Those who are wise receive the benefit themselves; scoffers will bear the penalty of their own scoffing.

Paul was collecting money to help the poor Christians in the Church at Jerusalem who were suffering persecution. Paul compared giving to agriculture. The harvest will be in proportion to generosity or stinginess in sowing the seed. The amount of the gift is up to each giver to give willingly, not reluctantly or by coercion, because God loves those who give willingly. God is able to provide for us abundantly, so that we will be able to accomplish every good deed. God himself is our example, who distributes his blessings to all and provides for the poor and his generosity is eternal (Psalm 112:9). God will provide our resources for righteous deeds of generosity as he provides the sower with seed and bread for food. God will supply and bless our generosity, so that through us many will give thanks to God. Such generosity not only provides for the physical needs of believers but also overflows to the praise and glory of God.

By their generosity, the givers will demonstrate their obedience to the Gospel of Christ to the glory of God, and the recipients will long for and pray for the givers, because of unlimited grace of God within them. Thanks be to God, not just for his provision for our physical needs but most of all for his inexpressible gift of salvation (from eternal condemnation) in Christ.

Jesus was determinedly going to Jerusalem, where he knew that he would be crucified. As they were leaving Jericho, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus (“son of Timaeus”) was sitting by the road and when he heard that Jesus of Nazareth was passing, he called out, saying “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me” (Mark 10:47)! Many told him to be quiet, but he kept calling, and Jesus stopped and asked Bartimaeus to come to him. Bartimaeus jumped up and came to Jesus, who asked what Bartimaeus wanted Jesus to do for him. Bartimaeus asked Jesus to heal his blindness, and Jesus dismissed him, saying that his faith had made him well. Bartimaeus’ vision was immediately restored, and he followed Jesus.

This world has been created by God according to divine wisdom. God wants to give us divine wisdom so that we can live as he intended in this world and have eternal life in the paradise of his kingdom in heaven. That is why he has given us his Word, the Bible, and Jesus Christ, who is the fulfillment and embodiment of God’s Word in human flesh (John 1:1-3, 14). Jesus’ words are the word of God (John 14:24). The Bible and Jesus are the wisdom of God in word and example. Jesus Christ has been “built into” Creation; he is not an “afterthought.”

The meaning and purpose of life in this world is to seek and come to a personal knowledge and relationship with God (Acts 17:26-27). God has always intended, from the beginning of Creation, to create an eternal kingdom of his people who will willingly trust and obey him. He has given us free will to choose whether or not to obey his word, and he knew that we would have to learn to trust and obey him by trial and error. We all have sinned (disobeyed God; Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8-10), and the penalty for disobedience is eternal death (Romans 6:23). Jesus is God’s only provision for our forgiveness and salvation from eternal death (Acts 4:12; John 14:6), to be received by grace (unmerited favor; free gift) through faith (obedient trust; Ephesians 2:8-9). None of us deserve God’s forgiveness and salvation; we can’t earn it, and we cannot take it by force or deception. We can only receive it by obedient trust in Jesus Christ (see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right).

God’s plan of salvation in Jesus Christ seems like foolishness to those who consider themselves “wise” by worldly standards (1 Corinthians 1:18). God wants us to have divine wisdom, and he offers it freely to all who are willing to receive it, but scoffers and the wicked will not accept correction from God’s Word. They refuse to learn from it and so it does them no good. Those who are truly wise will accept correction and will learn true, divine wisdom. There is a Day of Judgment coming when all who have ever lived will be accountable to God for what they have done in this life, and the standard of judgment is Jesus Christ, the Word of God, the wisdom and power of God, and fullness of God in human flesh (1 Corinthians 1:24; Colossians 2:8-9).

Paul was “discipling” the Corinthian Christians. He was teaching them to follow the teaching and example of Jesus Christ, fulfilling the “Great Commission” (Matthew 28:19-20) which Jesus gave to his disciples, to be carried out after they had been “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8; Luke 24:47-49; Acts 1:4-5, 8). Christians are to be channels of God’s grace to a lost and dying world. As we live according to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, God will be glorified.

The Lord will supply the guidance and the physical and spiritual resources to accomplish his mission of forgiveness and salvation by the gift of his indwelling Holy Spirit, which Jesus gives to his disciples who trust and obey him (John 14:15-17). The indwelling Holy Spirit within us is the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Jesus, who opens our minds to understand the Scriptures (Luke 24:45); The Spirit is the wisdom and power of God within us. The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).

Jesus was on his way to the Cross to fulfill God’s plan of salvation for our sake. On the way a blind man called out for healing, acknowledging Jesus as the “Son of David,” the Messiah (Christ), God’s anointed eternal king and heir to the throne of David. Jesus heard him and called him, and the blind man immediately jumped up and came to Jesus. Jesus asked the man what he wanted Jesus to do for him, and the man asked that his sight be restored. Jesus declared that the man’s faith had healed him. The man’s vision was instantly restored, and he followed Jesus.

Jesus healed physical blindness, but his mission was to offer spiritual healing. The physical healing was to reveal that he could heal spiritual blindness, which is more important. The blind man called out to Jesus in faith, and he did what Jesus commanded; he didn’t use his blindness as an excuse not to come to Jesus. He recognized and acknowledged his blindness. The man was physically blind, but not spiritually blind; he had recognized Jesus as the Messiah, and trusted that Jesus could heal his blindness. The man used the healing Jesus had given him to follow Jesus.

God wants to give us his divine wisdom. If we are in spiritual blindness, and hear the Gospel of Jesus, if we call out in faith, acknowledging him as Lord, and acknowledging our spiritual blindness he will heal us. He will open our spiritual eyes to see the divine wisdom of God. As we follow him in obedient trust, we will have personal fellowship with the Lord, and the divine wisdom of God within us, through the “anointing” of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

*See: The Cost of Discipleship, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Collier Books, Macmillan Publishing Co., NY 1963 ISBN 0-02-083850-6

8 Epiphany - Monday

Proverbs 10:1-12,      Rewards of righteousness

2 Timothy 1:15-2:13,        Exhortation to endurance

John 12:27-36a        Jesus’ public ministry concluded

These maxims contrast a series of virtues with corresponding vices and teach the consequences of actions. Children who learn and show wisdom delight their parents but those who don’t are a disappointment. Any short-term gain from wickedness is made worthless by the ultimate consequences “but righteousness delivers from death” (Proverbs 10:2b). The Lord provides for the righteous, but will not permit the wicked to find satisfaction. People will be rewarded according to what they do. The righteous will be blessed and the wicked will be punished (but not necessarily in this world). Those who are wise are those who obey God’s word; those who disobey God’s word are fools who will come to ruin. “He who walks in integrity, walks securely, but he who perverts his way will be found out” (Proverbs 10:9). He who tolerates unrighteousness (“winks his eye”; Proverbs 10:10) causes trouble, but those who reprove unrighteousness make peace. Righteous people say things that promote life, but the wicked use their voices to destroy. “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses” (Proverbs 10:12).

The apostle Paul was writing to Timothy, a young Christian whom Paul had discipled and who had become Paul’s missionary co-worker. Paul had asked Timothy to stay in Ephesus in the Roman province of Asia (in Asia Minor; present-day western Turkey) to deal with false teachers and to uphold and strengthen the apostolic teachings. Paul felt that the Christians in Asia had turned away from loyal support of Paul, although Onesiphorus family had remained loyal. Onesiphorus was not ashamed of Paul’s imprisonment, and sought Paul out when he was in Rome and gave Paul encouragement. He was also a faithful worker in the church at Ephesus. Paul believed that Onesiphorus would receive mercy of the Day of Judgment because of his righteous service.

Paul urged Timothy to be strong in the grace (unmerited favor of God) which is only in Christ Jesus. Paul urged him to continue the process of Christian discipleship: The Apostolic Gospel which Paul proclaimed and had taught Timothy, Timothy was to teach to faithful people who would faithfully and accurately teach to others (who would then continue the process). Paul told Timothy to accept Timothy’s share of suffering for the Gospel, as a good “soldier” of Christ. As a military soldier’s first responsibility is to his service and his superior officer, a Christian “soldier” must not allow civilian pursuits to interfere with his mission for Christ. As an athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules, neither can a Christian receive an eternal reward unless he obeys Jesus’ teachings. As the farmer should have the right to be fed first from his crops, it is the faithful Christian disciple who receives the first portion of his eternal inheritance now, and is sustained and nourished God’s word and his Holy Spirit.

Timothy must remember to focus on Jesus Christ, the descendant of David (the Messiah; Christ; the eternal heir to the throne of David) risen from the dead, the essence of the Apostolic Gospel. Paul was in chains and in prison for that Gospel, but worldly people cannot restrict and hinder God’s word. Paul was willing to endure whatever suffering came, for the sake of fellow Christians and to share the salvation (from eternal condemnation) and eternal glory which is in Jesus. If we have died (to our selves and the things and ways of this present world) we will live (eternally) with Jesus. If we endure suffering (for the Gospel) we will share in Jesus’ eternal reign. But if we deny him, he will deny us. If we are faithless, he will remain faithful, because faithfulness is his character.

Jesus had come to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover, knowing that he would be crucified. Some Gentiles came to his disciples asking to see Jesus, and the disciples brought them to him.

Jesus said that his soul was troubled. His humanity wanted to ask God to save him from the “hour” of his death on the Cross, but his divinity knew that his death on the Cross was the essential mission he had come to accomplish. So Jesus’ prayer was that God’s name would be glorified through Jesus, and received the assurance by an audible voice from heaven, that God had glorified his name and would glorify it again in Jesus. Some of the members of the crowd around Jesus thought they had heard the sound of thunder. Jesus declared that the sound had been for the benefit of the people, rather than for Jesus personally.

Jesus declared that the world would be judged “now,” and Satan, the present ruler of the world would be defeated “now,” in Jesus’ “hour” of death on the Cross. Jesus said that when he was “lifted up” (on the Cross) he would draw all people to him. People in the crowd said that the Scriptures said that Christ would remain forever, so how could Jesus say the “Son of man” must be lifted up from the earth. They asked who Jesus meant by the Son of man. Jesus replied that the light (Jesus; the embodiment of the light of God’s truth and righteousness; John 1:1-5, 14; John 8:12) would only be with them a short while, and that people should walk spiritually in the light while they had the opportunity, so that they would not be overcome by darkness (sin and spiritual blindness). Jesus urged them to believe in the “light” while they had the opportunity, so that they might become “sons of light.”

God’s word is divine wisdom (in contrast to what the world falsely calls “wisdom” (see 1 Corinthians 1:17-25; 2:2-8). God’s word is eternally true. It contains great promises, but also ominous warnings. This portion from Proverbs is intended to teach God’s people to know right from wrong, and to warn that there are eternal consequences for our actions and we will individually be held accountable for what we have done in this lifetime. The short-term gains from disobedience of God’s word (“sin”) will result in long-term loss (see Hebrews 11:25).

Paul taught Christians, by word and example, to be disciples of Jesus Christ, to live according to God’s word, the Bible, and to hold on to the Apostolic Gospel, taught by the Apostles and recorded in the New Testament. He discipled believers and taught them to make disciples of Jesus Christ who would trust and obey Jesus’ teachings, in fulfillment of the “Great Commission” (Matthew 28:19-20). Disciples are “soldiers” serving Jesus; they’re “farmers” sowing the seeds of the Gospel and bringing it to harvest; they’re “athletes,” training their spirits in God’s word and God’s ways, disciplining themselves in avoiding things which would impair their performance. Paul was following Jesus’ example.

Jesus is our example which we are to follow. He didn’t want to suffer and die on the Cross for himself, but he did it for the love and glory of God, his Father, and for us, so that we would not have to die eternally for our sin (disobedience of God’s word).

The world was judged and Satan was defeated at the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. We are all under condemnation to eternal death because we have all sinned and fall short of God’s righteousness (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1: 8-10). Jesus is God’s only provision for our forgiveness and salvation from eternal death (Acts 4:12; John 14:6; see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right). Each of us must receive forgiveness and salvation through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus, or we will die eternally for our sin.

Jesus warns us that we should live now according to the light of God’s truth and righteousness revealed in Jesus Christ, or we will be overcome by darkness (sin and eternal death).

The same false teachings which were present in the first-century Church and are refuted in the New Testament are present in nominal “Churches” today. One of the two basic heresies, then and now, is “legalism,” the “Circumcision party” (faction) or salvation by “works-righteousness” (doing “good deeds”). The other is what is called “Cheap Grace,”* which teaches salvation by grace (unmerited favor) without the requirement of discipleship and obedient trust in Jesus’ teachings. These two heresies represent opposite extremes.

Sadly, many “Church members” want God to do their will, instead of seeking to know and do God’s will, and they’re finding “Churches” that allow and enable them. I read in a newspaper that a woman thought she’d have to start her own church to get the range of programs and benefits she thought she was entitled to. Are Christians living lives that glorify the Lord?

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

8 Epiphany - Tuesday

Proverbs 15:16-33, Wisdom to live by

2 Timothy 2:14-26, Shepherd and flock

John 12:36b-50 Jesus concludes his ministry

The fear of the Lord is better than material wealth. A meager meal with love is better than the richest banquet where there is hatred. A hot temper stirs up anger, but one who is slow to anger promotes peace. The way of the lazy is full of obstructions, but the way of the righteous does not cause stumbling. One who acts wisely honors his parent; one who acts foolishly dishonors them. Folly seems pleasant to those without sense, but a wise person chooses righteousness. Plans go wrong without wise counsel. “To make an apt answer is a joy to a (person) and a word in season, how good it is” (Proverbs 15:23). The person who follows (divine) wisdom finds life and avoids eternal death (Proverbs 15:24). The Lord destroys the house of the proud but prospers the house of the poor and humble. “The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord but the words of the pure (righteous) are pleasing to him” (Proverbs 15:26). Unjust gain brings trouble, but those who refuse bribes will live. The righteous think before they speak; the wicked blurt out what they think without reflection. “The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous” Proverbs 15:29).One who heeds admonition is wise and gains understanding. “The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom” (Proverbs 15:33a).

Paul urged Timothy to remind his congregation that faith requires discipline and endurance, and to tell them not to quibble over words (faulty interpretation of scripture), which is not helpful but destructive to hearers. Timothy is urged to be worthy of God’s approval in rightly handling the word of truth (God’s word; the Gospel) like a skilled craftsman. Godless chatter (false Doctrine) should be avoided because it leads to more and more ungodliness, and is destructive, like gangrene, unless avoided or removed. As an example, Paul mentions two members of the Ephesian congregation who were spreading the false doctrine that the resurrection had already occurred. Such false doctrines damage the faith of some. Instead one must hold onto God’s firm foundation (God’s word and the apostolic Gospel of Jesus Christ). Two solid principles are that the Lord knows those who belong to him, and that those who belong to the Lord depart from iniquity (wickedness; sin). Christians are be purified from iniquity so that they can be consecrated to God’s service, ready for any good work. So believers must shun youthful passions (self indulgence; lusts of the flesh), and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace so that they can “call upon God with a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22). One must not get involved in “stupid, senseless controversies” (2 Timothy 2:23) which cause quarrels. “The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to every one, and apt teacher, forbearing, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth, and they may escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will” (2 Timothy 2:24-26).

Jesus had come to Jerusalem knowing that he would soon be crucified. He had told his disciples that the time for him to be glorified had come. He had told the crowds to believe in him while they had the opportunity. (John 12:20-36a). Having said this, he withdrew and no longer appeared in public. Although Jesus had done many miracles demonstrating who he was, many did not believe. (This was in fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah 53:1 and 6:10.) Many did believe, even among the authorities, but did not confess their belief because they did not want to be expelled from the synagogue. They cared more for the approval of men than the approval of God.

In Jesus’ final public statement before his arrest and crucifixion, Jesus said that those who believe in Jesus believe in God who sent Jesus. Those who know Jesus know God. Jesus is the light (righteousness, understanding, spiritual sight, hope and joy) of the world; those who believe in him will not remain in the darkness of sin, ignorance, spiritual blindness, hopelessness and despair. Jesus came not to condemn us but to save us. Those who don’t keep Jesus’ commands reject the salvation that Jesus came to bring. Those who reject Jesus’ words reject God’s word and God’s only plan of our salvation, because all that Jesus has said and done has been in complete obedience to God’s will and command.

This world is in a spiritual battle between the forces of good and the forces of evil. Satan and evil have been defeated at the Cross of Jesus Christ, but not yet captured and restrained. The people of this world still have a choice whether to serve good or evil.

God has given us his Word, the Bible, and Jesus Christ, the embodiment and example of his Word in human flesh (John 1:1-5, 14) to teach us to know right and distinguish it from wrong. God’s word contains great promises but also ominous warnings. The teacher in Proverbs is giving examples of right and wrong, and teaching that there are consequences for the actions we choose. Those who are truly wise, not by the world’s standards, but by God’s standards (1 Corinthians 1:17-24; 2:4-8) are those who are humble to the Lord, who are willing to hear and accept admonition from God’s word and obey.

Paul was making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey Jesus’ teachings, in obedience to Jesus’ “Great Commission” (Matthew 28:18-20). Timothy is an example of Paul’s discipling, and Paul was teaching Timothy to carry on the process of making disciples (2 Timothy 2:2). Timothy was now a “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) disciple of Jesus Christ, and was carrying on the mission of making disciples. Discipleship is not optional; a Christian is by definition a disciple of Jesus Christ (Acts 11:26c)

Already in the first century, the Apostolic Gospel, which had been transmitted by Jesus to his Apostles (the eleven remaining original disciples and Paul) and is recorded in the New Testament, was being challenged and attacked by false teachers and false doctrines.

Timothy was urged to tell his congregation that saving faith in Jesus requires discipline and endurance. Christians must read the Bible for themselves so that they know and obey God’s word. Otherwise they will be led astray by false teachers and false doctrines. There are many false teachers and false doctrines in the world and within the “Church” today.

Not everyone who claims to be a “Christian” is saved (from eternal condemnation); Jesus warns that just calling him our “Lord” won’t save us. If he is truly our Lord, we will be doing what Jesus teaches (Matthew 7:21-27). Paul told Timothy that the Lord knows who belong to him, and that those who truly belong to Jesus don’t continue in sin. People who claim to be Christians but do not obey Jesus’ teachings and continue to disobey God’s word are false.

Jesus knows who belongs to him because he gives them the gift of his indwelling Holy Spirit, and through his Holy Spirit we have personal fellowship with our Lord. When we are “born-again” his Spirit continues to disciple us to spiritual maturity. Only Jesus “baptizes” with the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 1:32-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16). It is possible to know with certainty for oneself whether or not one has received the indwelling Holy Spirit (Acts 19:2).

The Holy Spirit within us guides us and enables us to resist sin and purifies us so that we can be consecrated to God’s service. Christian disciples must practice self-denial, in order to accomplish God’s purpose. Spiritual teachers who teach worldly ease, indulgence and tolerance will ultimately cause their students’ eternal destruction. Paul warned Timothy that the time would come when people would not tolerate sound teaching, but would obtain teachers who would tell them what they liked and wanted to hear (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

Jesus is our ultimate example and spiritual teacher. Jesus taught by word and example. He came into this world to die on the Cross as a sacrifice for our forgiveness and salvation. He wasn’t seeking his own ease and comfort or worldly status. Jesus did many great miracles revealing who he was, but many didn’t acknowledge and believe in him because they were unwilling to part with their worldly status and possessions. They didn’t want to give up their self-will and self-indulgence.

In his final public statement, Jesus declared that each of us must make a choice, whether to walk in the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, or to live in spiritual darkness and wickedness.

Jesus urges each of us to learn to walk in his light while we still have the time and opportunity. All of us have sinned (disobeyed God’s word; Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8-10) and the penalty for sin is eternal death (Romans 6:23). Jesus is God’s only provision for our forgiveness and salvation from eternal death (Acts 4:12; John 14:6; see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right).

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

8 Epiphany - Wednesday

Proverbs 17:1-20, Maxims concerning conduct

2 Timothy 3:1-17, Last Days

John 13:1-20, Jesus washes his disciples’ feet

A crust of bread in peace is better than a feast in strife. A slave who deals wisely will be given promotion over a son who acts shamefully, and will share in the inheritance. The Lord refines hearts like the smith refines precious metal. Evildoers listen to evil talk. He who disrespects the poor insults his maker. “He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished” (Proverbs 17:5b). Grandchildren are the reward of the aged, and fathers are the delight of sons. Fine speech does not enhance a fool, nor are lies becoming to a prince. A bribe seems like a good-luck charm to the giver; he has good fortune no matter what he does. Love forgives; those who recall offenses alienate friends.

A wise man learns more from a rebuke than a fool learns from a hundred blows. Rebellion provokes repression. A fool is more dangerous to others than a bear robbed of her cubs. One who returns evil for good can expect evil. Once quarreling begins, it is hard to end. Justifying the wicked and condemning the righteous are equally abominable to the Lord. Why should a fool pay for an education if he has no intellect? “A friend loves at all times; a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17). A rash pledge can have disastrous consequences. One who indulges in transgression is going to have trouble. Those who act arrogantly can expect to be hated (Proverbs 17:19). Crooks don’t prosper, and liars get into trouble. A stupid or foolish child is no joy to his parents. A cheerful attitude is good medicine, but a grouch is depressing. It is wickedness to accept a bribe to pervert justice. A wise man has wise goals, but a fool chases impossible dreams. “Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent” (Proverbs 17:28).

In the last days (these days; the interval between Christ’s ascension and his return on the Day of Judgment) there will be times of stress. People “will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, inhuman, implacable, profligates, fierce, haters of good, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding the form of religion, but denying the power of it.” (2 Timothy 3:2-5). Christians should not fellowship with such people. The wicked will include “those who make their way into households and capture [the] weak, [who are] burdened with sin and swayed by various impulses, who will listen to anybody and can never arrive at a knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 3:6-7). There will be people who oppose the truth (God’s word; the Gospel), “who are of corrupt mind and counterfeit faith” (2 Timothy 3:8), who oppose Christ as the Egyptian Sorcerers opposed Moses (Exodus 7:11), but they won’t prevail against God’s word any more than the Egyptians did.

Paul is an example of teaching, conduct, commitment, faith patience, love, and steadfastness in persecution and suffering like those that befell him at Antioch (Acts 13:44-52), Iconium and Lystra (Acts 14:1-20). Paul was confident that the Lord had and would continue to deliver him from all his persecutions and sufferings. Paul warned his disciple, Timothy, that all who live according to Jesus’ teachings will be persecuted and evil people and imposters will become more and more wicked, deceiving and being deceived. But the disciple is urged to hold on to the Gospel he has learned and believed, certain of the scriptural and apostolic authority of his teacher, and a personal knowledge of the Bible, which is able to instruct us “for salvation through faith in Christ” (2 Timothy 3:15b) “All scripture is inspired by God and profitable (beneficial) for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man [or woman] of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Before the feast of Passover, when Jesus knew he would be crucified, Jesus knew he would have to leave his disciples, whom he loved, to return to his Father in heaven, but he continued to love them until the end. During the dinner when Judas Iscariot had already decided to follow Satan’s temptation to betray Jesus, Jesus knew that he had come from God and was going to God, and that God had given authority over all things to Jesus. He laid aside his clothing, girded himself with a towel, and took a basin and began to wash the disciple’s feet and dry them with the towel. When he came to Peter, Peter protested that he didn’t want Jesus to have to wash his feet, but Jesus told him that if Jesus didn’t wash Peter’s feet, Peter would have no part in Jesus. Then Peter said that in that case, he wanted Jesus to wash his entire body, but Jesus replied that one who has bathed doesn’t need to wash, except for his feet, “for you are clean all over, but not all of you” (John 13:10), because Jesus knew who would betray him.

When Jesus finished washing their feet he redressed and asked them if they understood what he had done. Jesus said that the disciples rightly considered him their teacher and lord. They also ought to humbly serve one another as Jesus had served them. Jesus said that the student was not greater than the teacher, nor is the messenger greater than the one who sent him. “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them” (John 13:17). Jesus revealed that he knew his disciples, and wasn’t speaking to all of them. The betrayer was the fulfillment of prophecy of Psalm 41:9, that one who had eaten Christ’s bread would lift his heel against Christ. Jesus was telling his disciples these things in advance, so that when they took place his disciples would believe in Jesus (as the Christ (Messiah) in fulfillment of God’s word). Jesus declared that anyone who receives a disciple of Jesus receives Jesus, and anyone who receives Jesus receives God the Father who sent him.

The present world has been created by God in accordance with his divine wisdom, which is true wisdom, not what the world falsely calls “wisdom” (1 Corinthians 1:17-24; 2:4-8). God’s purpose for this creation has always been to create an eternal kingdom of his people who willingly trust and obey him. This lifetime is our opportunity to seek and come to personal knowledge and fellowship with God (Acts 17:26-27), which is possible only through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus Christ. There is a Day of Judgment coming when everyone who has ever lived will be accountable to God for what they have done in this life, and the standard of judgment will be God’s Word, the Bible, and Jesus Christ, the fulfillment and embodiment of God’s Word in human flesh (John 1:1-5; 14).

God’s word has been given to teach us to differentiate between what is right and wrong in God’s judgment. In order for us to have the good, abundant life God wants and intends for us, we must live according to his Word, which is fulfilled in Jesus’ teaching and example. In Proverbs, the teacher warns that our choices of right or wrong have eternal consequences.

Paul taught that in the interval between Jesus’ ascension into heaven (Acts 1:9-11) and his triumphant return on the Day of Judgment (Matthew 25:31-46), that worldly people would become more and more wicked. The teacher of Proverbs declared that justifying (approving) the wicked and condemning the righteous are equally abominable to the Lord. Aren’t we seeing that taking place in our society today, particularly in America? Haven’t many become lovers of self, lovers of money and possessions, proud and arrogant, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God? Aren’t many holding the form of religion while denying the power of it (not acknowledging and respecting the power of God and not experiencing his power in their lives through the gift of the Holy Spirit)? Aren’t there many false teachers and false doctrines in the world and in the nominal “Church?” Aren’t there many nominal “Christians” who don’t know the Bible and don’t have any solid knowledge of and commitment to the Apostolic Gospel [as received by the Apostles (Luke 6:13; including Paul: for example, 1 Corinthians 1:1) from Jesus Christ and transmitted faithfully and accurately to believers], so that they are susceptible to be blown two and fro by every “wind” of false doctrine (see James 1:6-8). Aren’t there many who oppose the truth of God’s word, the Gospel of Christ? Aren’t there many of “counterfeit faith”?

Paul is the prototype and example of the modern, “post-resurrection,” (after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension) “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) disciple and apostle of Jesus Christ, like we all can and should be. Paul was making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus teaches, in fulfillment of Jesus’ Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Notice that Jesus gave the Great Commission to his disciples, telling them to wait until they had received the enabling gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit before carrying it out (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5, 8).

Timothy is the example of Paul’s discipling of believers. Paul faithfully and accurately transmitted to Timothy the scriptural Apostolic Gospel. Timothy had a personal knowledge of the scriptures and of the apostolic authority of his discipler. Paul’s apostleship was confirmed by Paul’s testimony and the power and word of God.

Paul (formerly called Saul) was following the example and teaching of Jesus Christ which he had received by personal revelation by the Holy Spirit of Christ (Acts 9:1-20) which was confirmed by Paul’s knowledge of the Scriptures. In increasingly wicked times, we need to hold fast to the Bible and to the Apostolic Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Jesus taught his disciples by word and example. He is the example of God’s word applied in daily life. Jesus loved his disciples (even the one who betrayed him). He was sad to be leaving them physically, but he knew, trusted and obeyed God’s will, and had the certainty that his physical separation was necessary for their salvation and eternal life, and that his ascension made possible their fellowship with Jesus and God the Father through their “anointing” with the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 14:15-21; 16:5-10). Jesus told his disciples that it was not sufficient to know God’s word of truth unless we apply in our daily life. Jesus told his disciples that those who received Jesus’ disciples would receive Jesus and those who received Jesus received God (through the “anointing” of the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit). It takes “born-again” Christian disciples to make “born-again” Christian disciples.

8 Epiphany - Thursday

Proverbs 21:30-22:6, Life and conduct

2 Timothy 4:1-8, Fight the good fight

John 3:21-30, John’s further testimony

“No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel, can avail against the Lord. The horse is made ready for battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord (Proverbs 21:30-31 RSV). A good reputation is better than wealth. The rich and poor both have the same Lord and creator. A wise man takes shelter from danger while a fool goes ahead, and suffers the consequences. The reward for serving the Lord is riches, honor and life. The way of the perverse will be difficult and unpleasant; one who cares for himself will avoid that path. “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).

Paul taught Timothy to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. He exhorted Timothy to proclaim the Gospel, in season and out of season; to convince, rebuke, and exhort; to be patient and unfailing in teaching. “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own liking, and will turn away from listening to the truth and will wander into myths” (2 Timothy 4:3-4). He taught Timothy by word and example to be unshakable by circumstances but instead to endure suffering, to be an evangelist and fulfill his ministry.

Paul is an example of a faithful disciple and apostle (one who is sent with a message; a missionary) and evangelist who had “fought the good fight …finished the race [and] …kept the faith.” He and all faithful disciples who have loved Jesus’ manifestation and Jesus’ return will receive the reward of righteousness in the Day of Judgment.

Those who do what is righteous (in God’s judgment) come to the light of his righteousness, and their righteousness will be clearly seen.

Jesus and his disciples were in Judea (southern Israel) baptizing. John was also baptizing at Aenon near Salim (between Samaria and Galilee, north of Judea). John had baptized Jesus and had testified that Jesus was the Son of God (the Messiah) who would baptize with the Holy Spirit (John 1:32-34). John’s disciples got into a discussion with a Jew over Jewish purifying rituals, and the disciples went to John and told him that Jesus was baptizing and that all the people were going to Jesus. John told them “No one can receive anything except what is given him from heaven” (John 3:27). John had told his disciples that he wasn’t the Christ, but the messenger sent ahead to announce him. Jesus is the bridegroom to whom the bride (Israel; God’s people) belongs. John was like the “Best Man;” the groomsman. He hears the bridegroom and rejoices in his coming. When the bride and bridegroom are united the groomsman's role has been accomplished, and the bridegroom begins his role.

The ministry of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the Lord’s ministry; not ours! He has won the victory at the Cross and we can share in that victory. We are called to be his disciples, to grow spiritually and to seek and wait to be “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) by the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5, 8), and then to be his apostles to this lost and dying world. If we will seek the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit the Lord will help us to fulfill our ministry.

Paul was discipling Timothy. Timothy had been “born-again” (2 Timothy 1:6-7). He was now repeating the process of making disciples (2 Timothy 2:2). Paul urged him to proclaim the gospel, whether it was popular or not; whether his hearers enjoyed hearing it or not. Paul prophesied that the time would come when people would not be willing to hear the true, full Apostolic Gospel, but would instead seek and find preachers who would tell them what they wanted to hear. Is that not the situation now in many “Churches” today?

Paul and Timothy are examples of Christian disciples and apostles who have loved Jesus’ first advent (coming), and are earnestly seeking and working for Christ’s return. They’re examples of Christians who will have no reason to be ashamed when Christ returns. They will come to the light of Christ’s righteousness, and their righteousness will be evident and acknowledged before the Lord.

John, the Baptizer, is an example of discipleship and apostleship, too. He was seeking, working for, and announcing the coming of Christ (Messiah). He was obedient to and led and empowered by the Holy Spirit. He waited in the wilderness for God’s signal to begin his preaching. He faithfully proclaimed the message he had been given, with out regard to popular opinion. His message offended the religious leaders of his day. He called them a brood (family; offspring) of snakes! He criticized the Roman civil leader, Herod Antipas, for living in a sinful, illegal marriage to his brother’s wife (Luke 3:19-20), and was imprisoned and later beheaded for his criticism. Mathew 14:1-12).

John fulfilled the role the Lord called and directed him to do. He wasn’t competing with the Gospel or the Lord. He didn’t exalt his own ministry. He didn’t try to build his own following; instead he pointed his disciples toward Jesus Christ (John 1:35-39).

John is the forerunner and example of what Christians are to be. John was looking for the Christ, and God revealed Christ to him (John 1:30-34). We are called to look for the coming of Christ within us by the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, who will manifest himself to us (John 14:21) by faith (obedient trust) in Jesus Christ. Then we are to work for and announce Christ’s triumphant return on the Day of Judgment, and faithfully proclaim the full Apostolic Gospel, regardless of its popularity with our hearers.

8 Epiphany - Friday

Proverbs 23:19-21, 29-24:2, Warning against drunkenness

2 Timothy 4:9-22, Proclaiming the word fully,

John 13:31-38, Peter’s denial predicted

This passage from Proverbs is a warning against drunkenness and gluttony, and against following the ways of this world. Instead of pursuing the pleasures and things of this world, we are urged to follow God’s way. Those who drink to excess will have emotional and social troubles and physical injury. A drink may look appealing, and may taste good, but later it has the effect of a poisonous snake. Drunkenness affects the vision and balance like snakebite. Too much alcohol will cause hallucinations and delusions. One may suffer serious injury without realizing it. Don’t envy evil men or desire their company. Their minds devise violence and their lips speak mischief.

Paul was at the end of his career, imprisoned and facing martyrdom in Rome (2 Timothy 4:6). He had been abandoned by Demas who had earlier been his companion and co-worker but who had been drawn away from his ministry by his love of the secular world. Other co-workers were away on missions. Paul asked Timothy to bring Mark with him to help Paul. Paul asked Timothy to bring a cloak, books, and most importantly, parchments Paul had left with Carpus at Troas (and needed for letter-writing). Paul warned Timothy to beware of Alexander, the coppersmith, who had strongly opposed the apostolic gospel preached by Paul (and had been excommunicated; 1 Timothy 1:19-20). At Paul’s first trial no one had defended him, but Paul prayed for their forgiveness. Paul rejoiced that the Lord had been faithful in presence and in providing strength to proclaim the Gospel fully to many Gentiles. Paul’s first trial led to his release, so Paul felt figuratively and perhaps literally rescued from the Lion’s mouth. Paul testified to the Lord’s faithfulness and power to deliver the apostle from every evil and to preserve him for eternal life in the kingdom of God. Paul praised the Lord and asked Timothy to greet Paul’s friends in the Ephesian congregation in behalf of Paul and his co-workers.

At the Passover feast on the night of Jesus’ betrayal, when Judas Iscariot, the betrayer, had left, Jesus told his disciples that now was the time for the “Son of man” (Jesus) to be glorified, so that God would be glorified in Jesus. Jesus told his disciples (little children) that he would only be with them a little longer. They would seek Jesus but he was going where they could not (yet) follow. Jesus gave them a “new” commandment; that they love one another as Jesus had loved them. By the love they have for one another they will be recognized as disciples of Jesus.

Peter asked where Jesus was going, and Jesus replied that Peter could not follow now where Jesus was going, but would do so later. Peter asked Jesus why Peter couldn’t follow Jesus now; Peter declared that he was ready now to die for Jesus. Jesus replied that Peter would deny Jesus three times that very night “before the cock crowed”

Life in this world is about more than seeking physical satisfaction; it’s more than food and drink and having a good time. Drunkenness and gluttony are examples of the consequences of excessive love of worldly things and pleasures. God’s intention for this creation is to produce a kingdom of his people who will trust and obey him. This life is our opportunity to seek and come to a personal relationship with God (Acts 17:26-27). All of us have sinned (disobeyed God’s word; Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8-10). Jesus Christ is God’s only provision for our forgiveness from sin and our salvation from eternal death (Acts 4:12; John 14:6; see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right); eternal death is the penalty for sin (Romans 6:23). The world calls us to “eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die;” God calls us to come to Jesus in obedient trust and find true, eternal life, now and forever.

Paul is the prototype and example of a modern, “post-resurrection” “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) Christian, as we all can be. Paul hadn’t met Jesus during Jesus’ physical lifetime. Paul was “religious.” He thought he was doing God’s will by persecuting and killing Christians. Then he, known then as Saul, was confronted on the Damascus Road by the risen, ascended and glorified Jesus Christ (Acts 9:1-9). Paul didn’t “kick against the goads” (“prods;” i.e. he didn’t resist the Lord’s attempt to correct him; Acts 9:5c NKJV). Instead, Paul accepted the Lord’s correction, acknowledged the Lord’s sovereignty over Paul, addressing Jesus as his Lord (Acts 9:5a), and he trusted and obeyed Jesus. Jesus told him to go into Damascus and await the Lord’s guidance, and that is what Paul did (Acts 9:5b-6). As a result of his submission, trust and obedience, Paul’s physical (and spiritual) sight was restored, and he was “born-again” by the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Acts 9:17b-18).

Since his conversion he had been an evangelist of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He founded churches and led believers to become disciples of Jesus Christ, teaching them to obey all that Jesus taught, in obedience to Jesus’ “Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), which Jesus gave to his “born-again” disciples (Acts 24:49; Acts 1:4-5, 8).

Timothy is an example of a believer that Paul led to discipleship and spiritual “anointing’ and “re-birth” (2 Timothy 1:6-7), through Timothy’s obedient trust in Jesus Christ Paul had taught Timothy by word and example that a Christian disciple must be willing to suffer for the Gospel, because worldly people and institutions will oppose the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A Christian cannot proclaim the Gospel without encountering opposition. Paul’s own example demonstrates that truth, and shows that through the indwelling Holy Spirit a faithful disciple can accomplish great things for the Lord’s eternal kingdom, despite persecution and even imprisonment.

Some of those who had come to profess faith in Jesus Christ through Paul’s preaching and had worked with Paul for a time, like Demas, had allowed love for the secular world to draw them away from the ministry of the Gospel. Others like Alexander had opposed and contradicted the Apostolic Gospel (the Gospel received from Jesus by his original apostles, minus Judas the betrayer, and including Paul, God’s intended replacement of Judas), which Paul taught, and which is recorded in the New Testament.

Paul was able to rejoice even in his imprisonment that the presence of Jesus Christ was with him to encourage, comfort and strengthen Paul to faithfully and accurately proclaim the Gospel through Jesus’ Holy Spirit within Paul. Paul trusted and obeyed the Lord. Paul had learned through experience in the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit, that the Lord is faithful and able to protect and save Paul in the midst of adversity. Whatever the outcome, including physical death, Paul knew he was secure in Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Paul knew and taught that the Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).

Judas was one of the Twelve original disciples and apostles of Jesus Christ, but he let the love of money and the things of this world draw him away from obedient trust in Jesus. He betrayed his Lord for a few pieces of silver; he chose money instead of Jesus. Judas is the example of what happens to those who reject the love, forgiveness, and salvation which Jesus offers.

Peter, another of the Twelve, declared his willingness to obey and follow Jesus, but in the stress of Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion, Peter denied knowing Jesus. But Jesus forgave and restored Peter, and he received the indwelling Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost (Acts Chapter 2:1-24), and immediately began proclaiming Jesus Christ with boldness he had lacked before (Acts 2:14-36). Peter is the example of why we need to seek the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit before we can be effective apostles in this world.

The Lord will forgive our weakness and shortcomings, and provide guidance, strength and empowerment, as long as we are trying to trust and obey him. Peter had struck the high priest’s slave with a sword and cut off the slave’s ear at Jesus’ arrest (John 18:10), and he had followed the soldiers who had arrested Jesus to the courtyard of the house of Annas, the father-in-law of the high priest (John 18:12-14). Both acts demonstrate that he was not a coward, but that he wasn’t able in his own physical being to accomplish God’s will apart from the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Now is the time to accept the love, forgiveness and salvation Jesus offers (2 Corinthians 6:2). Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

8 Epiphany - Saturday

Proverbs 25:15-28, Moral instruction

Philippians 1:1-11, The Philippian congregation

John 18:1-14 Jesus’ betrayal and arrest

Patience can persuade one in authority. Soft words can hurt. Too much of a good thing can make you sick. Visiting your neighbor too often will make him tired of you. False witness against a neighbor is as bad as physical violence. Trust in an unfaithful person will make you miserable. Singing songs to someone who is sad is inappropriate and unhelpful. “If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for you will heap coals upon his head, and the Lord will reward you”(Proverbs 25:21-22). A slanderous tongue will provoke anger. Living with a contentious spouse is unpleasant. Good news refreshes the soul. A righteous person who compromises his values under pressure from a wicked person is polluted and looses his usefulness. Too many compliments spoil the effect. A person without self-control is, like an unprotected city, vulnerable to all sorts of bad things.

Paul was writing to the Church at Philippi, (the capital of Macedonia, a Roman province north of Greece). Paul said that he continually gave thanks to God for the Philippian congregation’s partnership with Paul in the Gospel. Paul was sure that the Lord would bring to completion, on the Day of Judgment, at Christ’s return, what the Lord had begun in them. Paul’s joy in them was justified because they shared in the grace (unmerited favor; free gift) of God, because they had been Paul’s partners in Paul’s imprisonment, and his defense and confirmation of the truth of the Gospel. The Philippians were very dear to Paul’s heart and he longed for them with the love of Christ. Paul prayed that the Philippians would grow in Christian love, knowledge and discernment so that they might choose what is best and would be found pure and blameless on the Day of the Lord (the Day of Judgment; the Day of Christ’s Second Coming), that they might be “filled with the fruits of righteousness which come through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God (Philippians 1:11).

After the Passover feast on the night of Jesus’ betrayal, Jesus prayed for his disciples, and then he and his disciples went across the Kidron valley to a garden called Gethsemane. Judas knew the place because Jesus took his disciples there often. Judas got a band of Roman soldiers and guards of the temple police from the Jewish chief priests and Pharisees (the ruling legalistic faction of the Jewish religious authorities). They took lanterns and clubs and went to Gethsemane to arrest Jesus. Jesus knew all that was going to take place. As they approached, Jesus came forward, and asked who they were seeking. They said they were looking for Jesus of Nazareth. When Jesus replied, “I am he,” the group drew back and fell to the ground. Jesus asked them again who they sought, and they gave the same reply. Jesus answered that he had acknowledged that he was Jesus of Nazareth, and if it was he they wanted they should let his disciples go, fulfilling scripture that none of his followers would be lost but Judas, the betrayer (John 17:12; compare 6:39; 10:28). Simon Peter had a sword and drew it and cut off the ear of the high priest’s slave, Malchus. Jesus told Peter to sheath his sword, and told him that resistance was contrary to God’s will and purpose. The group of soldiers seized and bound Jesus, and took him first to Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. Caiaphas was the one who had prophesied that it was beneficial that one person should die for the people.

The Proverbs were intended to teach divine wisdom, as distinct from what the world falsely calls wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:17:25; 2:2-8). Worldly wisdom teaches retaliation against one’s enemy, but the Lord teaches us to repay evil with kindness and good. We should not seek the world’s approval, but instead do what is pleasing in God’s judgment. Jesus is the example and embodiment of the power and wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24) and the Word of God (John 1:1-5, 14) in human flesh.

Paul could rejoice in God’s love and grace despite his imprisonment for the Gospel. Although he had done nothing deserving imprisonment he trusted in the Lord to vindicate him in the Day of Judgment. He was confident that the Lord would fulfill God’s purpose in Paul’s life and in all who are believers as partners in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul was making disciples of Jesus Christ at Philippi, in obedience to Christ’s command (Matthew 28:19-20) and by the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Paul prayed for the spiritual growth of the Philippian Christians, that they would grow in love, knowledge and discernment, so that they would choose what is God’s will and pleasing to the Lord, instead of seeking worldly approval.

Jesus accepted God’s will and purpose for his life and his death on the Cross as a sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins (disobedience to God’s word). He wasn’t hiding from his enemies; he was where he knew they could be sure to find him. They intentionally came to him at night away from public scrutiny, as a large group of armed soldiers and temple police. Jesus came forward to them, knowing that he would be crucified by them. When Jesus asked them whom they sought, he acknowledged that he was Jesus of Nazareth. It was a soft answer, but carried the creative force of God’s word. His enemies drew back and fell to the ground.

Jesus could have simply walked away at that point (compare Luke 4:29-30), but Jesus asked them a second time who they sought, again identified himself, and asked them to release his disciples. Peter drew his sword and attempted to resist, but Jesus told him that resistance was contrary to God’s will. Jesus was crucified because it was God’s will and purpose, from the beginning of Creation (John 1:1-5; 14; see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right), and Jesus was completely submitted to obedient trust in God’s will.

Jesus teaches his disciples by word and example how to be obedient servants of God. Jesus taught discipleship in the days of his physical life on earth, and he disciples believers today by his Holy Spirit as he discipled Paul by his Holy Spirit. Paul went on to lead others to discipleship and to teach them to lead others to discipleship.

Jesus’ obedience unto death on the Cross made it possible for his disciples to be forgiven and restored to fellowship with God and to eternal life. Jesus’ physical death and resurrection to eternal life made it possible for him to be with his disciples individually and personally through the gift of his indwelling Holy Spirit, which only he gives (John 1:32-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey him (John 14:15-17; 16:7).

It was the gift of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost which transformed and empowered Peter to become an effective disciple and apostle (messenger of the Gospel; Acts 2:1-36), whereas before, although he meant well, he often responded in a worldly way in opposition to God’s will. It was the gift of the Holy Spirit which transformed Saul of Tarsus, a persecutor of Christians, into Paul, the apostle and missionary to the Gentiles (Acts 9:1-20). Paul is the prototype and example of all “post-resurrection” (of Jesus), “born-again” (John 3:3; 5-8) Christian disciples, such as ourselves, who came to faith (obedient trust) in Jesus after Jesus’ physical lifetime. The Church at Philippi was the first Christian congregation founded in Europe by Paul. All non-Jewish Christians are the fruit of Paul’s evangelism to the Gentiles. The Lord accomplished his purpose in and through Paul, and used the circumstance of Paul’s imprisonment to accomplish God’s purpose.