Many see the Word of God. . .few observe!

​How do you read and study the Bible? Where does it rest in you heart and mind? Do you trust the word?

2 Timothy 3:14–17 (ESV)
14 But as for you, zcontinue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom1 you learned it 15 and how afrom childhood you have been acquainted with bthe sacred writings, cwhich are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 dAll Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that ethe man of God2 may be complete, fequipped gfor every good work.

Peter also states the origin of Scripture. 2 Peter 1:20–21 (ESV)
20 knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. 21 For kno prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God las they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

I would like to introduce you to two of my favorite writers. Below you will have comments directly from two commentaries that I read often.

    III.      An Exhortation for the Present (3:14–17)

Since these satanic seducers are going to continue, what should the Christian do? Continue to be faithful to the Word of God. The only answer to Satan’s lies is God’s truth. If every local church would get back to the Word of God, and if every pastor and Sunday School teacher would teach the Word of God, Satan’s disciples would be defeated.
Timothy’s relationship to the Bible is outlined in these verses. It began when he was a child and learned the OT Scriptures from his mother and grandmother. They did not merely teach him the facts of the Bible; they gave him assurance and spiritual understanding. Timothy knew for himself the truth of the Word; he did not depend on others to defend the Word for him. This Word imparted faith to him (Rom. 10:17), and this faith in Christ brought salvation.

Wiersbe, W. W. (1992). Wiersbe’s expository outlines on the New Testament (p. 649). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

(3:16, 17) After exhorting Timothy to hold fast to the sacred scriptures he was taught, and those were the Old Testament scriptures, Paul now proceeds to describe them. “All” is pas (πας), which when used with a singular substantive without the article, means “every,” not “all.” “Scripture” here is graphē (γραφη), “a writing, thing written,” used of the writings of the O.T. prophets (Matt. 26:56), and of the O.T. scriptures in general (Matt. 26:54). The expression pasa graphē (πασα γραφη) (“every scripture”) speaks, not of the O.T. scriptures as a whole, but of each separate passage considered as a unit. The first thing Paul says about the O.T. scriptures which Timothy was taught, is that every part of them is inspired of God. The verb of being is often left out, as it is here, and the reader or translator must supply it. “Inspired of God” is theopneustos (θεοπνευστος), made up of theos (θεος), “God,” and pneustos (πνευστος), from pnein (πνειν), “to breathe.” The compound word means “God-breathed.” The statement therefore is, “Every scripture is God-breathed.” The context in which Paul is writing is limited to the O.T. scriptures. One could translate, “Every scripture is God-breathed.” The context limits these writings to the O.T. writings. Thus, does Paul declare the divine inspiration of the O.T. The N.T. had not yet been completed, and Paul does not refer here to its divine inspiration. His classic passage on this subject is I Cor. 2:9–16 which includes the inspiration of the N.T. “Doctrine” is didaskalia (διδασκαλια), “teaching,” that is, “teaching material.” “Reproof” is elegmos (ἐλεγμος), “conviction.” The verbal form elegchō (ἐλεγχω) means “to rebuke another with such effectual wielding of the victorious arms of the truth, as to bring him, if not always to a confession, yet at least to a conviction of his sin” (Trench). “Correction” is epanorthōsis (ἐπανορθωσις), “restoration to an upright or right state, correction or improvement” of life or character. Vincent translates, “setting right.” “Instruction” is paideia (παιδεια), “the whole training and education of children which relates to the cultivation of mind and morals, and employs for this purpose, now commands and admonitions, now reproof and punishment; whatever in adults also cultivates the soul, especially by correcting mistakes and curbing passions, hence, instruction which aims at the increase of virtue; in biblical usage, chastisement, chastening” (Thayer). In the LXX, the word means primarily either “correction” or “discipline.” It is used in the N.T. especially of God’s chastisement by means of sorrow and evil. We must be careful to note that the word does not have a punitive connotation. “Perfect” is artios (ἀρτιος), “complete, fitted,” having reference to special aptitude for given uses. It speaks of “a mutual, symmetrical adjustment of all that goes to make a man: a harmonious combination of different qualities and powers” (Vincent). “Throughly furnished” is exartizō (ἐξαρτιζω), “to complete, finish.” It has the same root as artios (ἀρτιος), the word for “perfect.” The prefixed preposition ex (ἐξ) means “out,” and makes the compound verb mean, “fitted out.”

    Translation. Every scripture is God-breathed, and is profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, for training with respect to righteousness, in order that the man of God may be complete, fitted out for every good work.

Wuest, K. S. (1997). Wuest’s word studies from the Greek New Testament: for the English reader (Vol. 8, pp. 150–151). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

Let the Word of God change your mind, heart and soul. It is trustworthy and full of truth.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
_________________________
k  2 Tim. 3:16
l  1 Pet. 1:11; [2 Sam. 23:2; Luke 1:70; Acts 1:16; 3:18]
  The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (2 Pe 1:20–21). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

z  [1 Tim. 4:6]
1  The Greek for whom is plural
a  [Eph. 6:4]; See ch. 1:5
b  [John 5:39]
c  Ps. 119:99
d  Rom. 15:4; 2 Pet. 1:20, 21
e  See 1 Tim. 6:11
2  That is, a messenger of God (the phrase echoes a common Old Testament expression)
f  [Luke 6:40]
g  See ch. 2:21
  The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (2 Ti 3:14–17). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved.
Bible Nuggets are written for pastors, youth leaders and missionaries who desire to go deeper still in God’s Word. 
Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.

Many see the Word of God. . .few observe!

​What is more beneficial than fine gold? What tastes sweeter than honey? Consider the rules of personal conduct given to us by the Lord.  His precepts have greater value than the most precious commodity in the world. Review of his law can renew your soul and bring it back to its original function.

Psalm 19:9 (ESV)
9  the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.

Yes, God's rules have great value in every day life. But it has a deeper affect on the position of your heart, mind and soul. It can revive and refresh your soul when all seems lost. Respect for God's law has come under attack in this century. His word has been seen as useless, flawed and a collection of fairy tales.

The Expositor’s Bible Commentary
7–11 The revelation of God’s law is clearer than the revelation in nature. Nature “declares,” “proclaims,” “pours forth,” and “displays” the revelation of God’s majesty, wisdom, and power. However, the revelation of the law is greater. It is greater because it is given by the covenant God, whose name is Yahweh (“LORD,” vv. 7, 8, 9), whereas nature reveals the glory of the Creator-God (El, v. 1; see the appendix to Ps 22: Yahweh Is El). It is also greater because of the comprehensive nature of the revelation. This is brought out by the choice of the synonyms for God’s revelation: “law,” “statutes” (v. 7); “precepts,” “commands” (v. 8); and “fear,” “ordinances” (v. 9; see appendix below). The synonyms are not to be studied in abstraction but give a comprehensive emphasis that all of the words of the Lord are beneficial. Although the benefits of natural revelation are with us on a daily basis (day, night, heat [vv. 2, 6]), how much greater are the comprehensive benefits of God’s revelation in the law! The list of four benefits (vv. 7–8) is given to encourage the godly to embrace the law of God as an expression of his wisdom. The rewards (v. 11) of responsiveness to the revelation of God are compared to gold (v. 10; cf. Prov 3:13–18; 8:19) and to honey (cf. Prov 16:24).
The benefits are set forth propositionally (vv. 7–9). First, God’s word “revives”(cf. v. 7). Its restorative quality gives healing to the whole person by assuring forgiveness and cleansing and by giving life to the godly. It unleashes the promises of God by his gracious redemptive acts (80:3, 7, 19). Second, God’s word is the source of “wisdom” to all who are ready to receive it (v. 7; cf. 119:130; Prov 21:11). Both the inexperienced (“the simple,” v. 7; cf. Prov 1:4) and the wise develop as they begin with “the fear of the LORD” (v. 9; cf. Deut 4:10; Prov 1:7) and embrace the will of God in all aspects of life (cf. Prov 1:2–6). Third, God’s word gives “joy” (v. 8a). The heartfelt joy is equivalent to inner peace and tranquility, as one loves God with all his heart, i.e., with his innermost being. Fourth, God’s word gives “light to the eyes” (v. 8b). The internal joy radiates through the eyes. It expresses the joy of being alive and of receiving God’s blessings (cf. 13:3). Thus Yahweh has made the sun for light in creation and has given his word for light in redemption.

Do you feel his joy today? If not, consider His law to help restore your soul.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
________________________
VanGemeren, W. A. (1991). Psalms. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs (Vol. 5, pp. 181–182). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.
4  Or just decrees
x  Ps. 119:142, 151, 160
  The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Ps 19:9). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved.

Bible Nuggets are written for pastors, youth leaders and missionaries who desire to go deeper still in God’s Word. 
Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.

Many see the Word of God. . .few perceive!

Proverbs 7:18 (NIV)
18 Come, let’s drink deeply of love till morning; let’s enjoy ourselves with love!m

Love has been twisted and distorted around the world today. That which God designed and gave as a gift in the sacred boundaries of marriage has become warped beyond recognition. But the truth is that Greek has four words for love. Storge, philia, eros and agape are all part of the love described in the Bible. Today we focus on the word for love called Eros.

Eros
Definition:  Love and passionate desire, romance and sexual desire of couples.
Characteristics:

1. It is a highly emotional love, the most fragile of all loves.
2. It carries a strong desire to always be together. Separation is never seriously considered.
3. It is the most jealous of all the loves.
4. It gives equal value to falling in love and being in love.
5. It occurs periodically throughout our life.
6. It must be supported by outside forces because it will not last.

Dangers:

1. It can become an immediate hatred when it feels betrayed.
2. It would rather be unhappy with someone than apart from them.
3. When it is taken for granted it becomes outraged.

(The previous notes are from C.S. Lewis’ book The Four Loves)

C.S. Lewis wrote his book The four loves after the death of his beloved wife. His sensitive description and inter-locking dependence that each of the words has on one another is fascinating. Hollywood has attempted to distill all love into the mold of Eros. Yet it is the most volatile of all loves.
​

• EROS Ἔρως
• I.    Eros is passionate love or desire and also the Greek god of love (frequently but not always the son or companion of →Aphrodite, other candidate mothers including Eileithyia, Iris and Nyx). As so often in Greek (and Roman) religion, in this case as well, the deity and his domain coincide terminologically (‘Person-Bereichdenken’), because the Greeks drew no sharp distinction between the passionate desire and the deity who brought it about. In the Bible, Eros does not occur as a deity or demon, but in the two passages where eros is mentioned (Prov 7:18 and 30:16 LXX), itsdangerous and insatiable character is emphasized.

 
The Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament, is where we find the use of the word Eros. It is describing the direct proposition from a prostitute to a man on a journey. The adulteress has a disarming reassurance about being perfectly safe in their escapade. It would take someone like Joseph to resist such an appeal. His wisdom and integrity surfaced and he rejected the appeal of Potipher’s wife in Genesis 39.

We hope this short treatment on Eros will prompt you to read The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
_________________________
 
m  See Ge 39:7
  The New International Version. (2011). (Pr 7:18). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
 
LXX Septuagint
Van der Horst, P. W. (1999). Eros. In K. van der Toorn & B. Becking (Eds.), Dictionary of deities and demons in the Bible (2nd extensively rev. ed., p. 304). Leiden; Boston; Köln; Grand Rapids, MI; Cambridge: Brill; Eerdmans.

​Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved.
Bible Nuggets are written for pastors, youth leaders and missionaries who desire to go deeper still in God’s Word. 

Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.

Many see the Word of God. . . very few comprehend!

​Romans 12:10 (NIV)
10 Be devoted to one another in love.x Honor one another above yourselves.y

•   The New International Version. (2011). (Ro 12:10). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

How are we to love one another? Take a close look at the Greek Word for Love in this particular verse.

Philia
Definition:  To love, have affection for or to have a friendship
Characteristics:

1. It is more than mere companionship and comradeship.
2. It is the least natural of all the loves. We can live without friendship.
3. Friends live side by side while absorbed in a common interest.
4. It magnifies an activity or attitude already present in the people's lives.
5. It is the most spiritual love but it is also susceptible to the greatest spiritual corruption.
6. It is the least jealous of all loves.

Dangers:

1. It can become a sect, gang or mutual admiration society.
2. It can magnify the worst qualities of man.
3. It is considered worthless by some because they don't experience it.

(The previous notes are from C.S. Lewis’ book The Four Loves)


Exegetical Guide | Romans 12:10
Word by Word
The English-Greek Reverse Interlinear New Testament New International Version (2011)
Romans 12:10
 
τῇ φιλαδελφίᾳ εἰς ἀλλήλους φιλόστοργοι, τῇ τιμῇ ἀλλήλους προηγούμενοι,  | NIV2011 NT RI
 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. | NIV
 
φιλαδελφίᾳ philadelphia Be devoted to one another in love Honor one another above yourselves
φιλαδελφία philadelphia brotherly love
  
 
noun, dative, singular, feminine
Sense: brotherly love – the affection naturally befitting the relationship between siblings; especially as the affection of those who are now siblings in God’s family.
ESL
BDAG love of brother/sister
LSJ brotherly love; love of the brethren
φιλόστοργοι philostorgoi Be devoted to one another in love Honor one another above yourselves
φιλόστοργος philostorgos loving dearly; being devoted
  
 adjective, nominative, plural, masculine
Sense: familially loving – loving in a way characteristic of the relationship between husband and wife, mother and child, father and son, etc.
ESL
BDAG loving dearly
LSJ loving tenderly, affectionate; affection
 
Page .  Exported from Logos Bible Software, 3:03 PM June 14, 2016.

Do we dearly love one another in the Church? Do we honor one another above ourselves? Are we devoted to those who fail in life and come alongside them during that failure? Or do you celebrate that failure with a cynical comment?
Those who are Godly should gently and humbly restore such a person.

Find another who needs your philia love.

Cathy and Danny Sartin

Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved.
Bible Nuggets are written for pastors, youth leaders and missionaries who desire to go deeper still in God’s Word. 
Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.

Many see the Word of God. . .few observe!

Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
23 Above all else, guardf your heart, for everything you do flows from it.g

This scripture has been a key verse in my mind for many years. It speaks of the tenderness of a person's heart and the need to pay attention to it.

It is just like my young grandsons, they do not fully understand the danger that a road presents. They need help recognizing a clear boundary that will protect them from passing cars. The heart of a child is carefree and full of wonder. They don’t comprehend the danger!

Our hearts are the same. Life is hard and can leave deep scars on our soul and hearts if we don’t pay attention to it. So, pay attention to your heart as you would a five year old child.

I want to focus on the reason why you should pay attention to the heart and keep it tender. It is the source of life! The Hebrew word towtsa’ah means entry/exit point or the source of life.

• 8444 תֹּוצָאֹות [towtsaʾah, totsaʾah /to·tsaw·aw/] n f. From 3318; TWOT 893e; GK 9362; 23 occurrences; AV translates as “goings out” 11 times, “outgoings” seven times, “going forth” twice, “issues” twice, and “borders” once. 1 outgoing, border, a going out, extremity, end, source, escape. 1A outgoing, extremity (of border). 1B source (of life). 1C escape (from death). (1)

A tender heart is the place where God breathes life into us. A calloused and hard heart is slow to recognize the truth of God. Our heart is the place where something begins. It is where it springs into being. It is conceived as a source.

Make sure your heart is fresh and tender. Then the Word of God can easily soak in and guide your soul.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com

_______________________________________
f  See 2 Ki 10:31
g  Pr 10:11; Lk 6:45
  The New International Version. (2011). (Pr 4:23). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

(1) Strong, J. (1995). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.
 Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved.
Bible Nuggets are written for pastors, youth leaders and missionaries who desire to go deeper still in God’s Word. 
Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.

Many see the Word of God. . .few observe!

Guidance from God the Father is called the law! But it is also called His testimony, His precept, His commandment, His judgements that come from fear of the Lord. Certainly God's law is perfect and can restore your soul. He can make wise the simple. Most importantly the commandments of God have an affect on the heart of leaders.
 
Psalm 19:8 (NIV)
8 The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.1

• 7. The law is described by six names, epithets, and effects. It is a rule, God’s testimony for the truth, His special and      general prescription of duty, fear (as its cause) and judicial decision. It is distinct and certain, reliable, right, pure, holy, and true. Hence it revives those depressed by doubts, makes wise the unskilled (2 Ti 3:15), rejoices the lover of truth, strengthens the desponding (Ps 13:4; 34:6), provides permanent principles of conduct, and by God’s grace brings a rich reward.
• 12. The clearer our view of the law, the more manifest are our sins. Still for its full effect we need divine grace to show us our faults, acquit us, restrain us from the practice, and free us from the power, of sin. Thus only can our conduct be blameless, and our words and thoughts acceptable to God.2

In the dark days of the end times confusion seems so prominent. People have become lovers of themselves! There is no natural affection. Division, strife, danger seem to lurk everywhere. How are we to respond in these violent times? What is missing?

Consider the Word of God today and the light it is shining on your personal path. His comfort will give joy in the midst of these violent times.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
Deeper Still Missions
__________________________

2 Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 1, pp. 352–353). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
 
1 The New International Version. (2011). (Ps 19:8). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved.
Bible Nuggets are written for pastors, youth leaders and missionaries who desire to go deeper still in God’s Word. 
Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.

What's for dinner?

​Many see the Word of God. . .few observe!

​Paul has given a charge to Timothy that is essential for every leader in the Kingdom of God. We have talked about the reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. What do you give to those who you mentor?
        2 Timothy 2:2 (NIV) 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to
        reliable  people who will also be qualified to teach others.1
Kenneth Wuest states the following:

• (2:1, 2) “Thou” is the translation of su (συ), the pronoun of the second person. It is used for emphasis here, and as Expositors remarks, “marks the apostle’s anxiety for the future conduct of Timothy in the Church.” “Therefore” is oun (ὁυν). “It is resumptive of all the considerations and appeals for loyalty in chapter one” (Expositors). “Son” is teknon (τεκνον), “child,” used even of adults as a most endearing term of affection. “Be strong,” is endunamoō (ἐνδυναμοω), “to be strengthened inwardly.” “Of me” is not, “concerning me,” but par’ emou (παρ ἐμου), “from me personally.” The preposition para (παρα) speaks of personal presence. “Among” is dia (δια), speaking of accompanying circumstances. The witnesses here could refer to those who were present at Timothy’s baptism or ordination, or at any public occasion where the members of the local church were present. “Commit” is paratithēmi (παρατιθημι), “to deposit as a trust.” “Faithful” is pistos (πιστος), not “faithful” in the sense of “believing” but in the sense of “trustworthy.” “Able” is hikanos (ἱκανος), “sufficient.” Expositors’ note here is most helpful. “St. Paul is here contemplating an apostolic succession in respect of teaching rather than of administration. It is natural that in the circumstances of the primitive Church, the building up of converts in the Faith should have occupied a larger place in the Christian consciousness than the functions of an official ministry; but the historical continuity of the ministry of order is of course involved in the direction here. St. Paul would have been surprised if any other conclusion had been drawn from his words. In any case, the Providence of God sees further than do His servants.”
• Translation. As for you, therefore, my child, be clothed with inward strength by the grace which is in Christ Jesus; and the things which you heard from me personally in the presence of many witnesses, these things commit as a trust to trustworthy men who are of such a character as to be adequate to teach others also.2 

Are you passing on your best studies, illustrations, thoughts and teaching to those who follow you? Imagine a plate of food that you placing in front of your disciples. Does it contain the best you have? Are you holding back on certain items so unreliable men can not steal and misuse that information? Is your disciple fully equipped to pass it on?

Cathy and Danny Sartin
Deeper Still Missions
____________________________
2 Wuest, K. S. (1997). Wuest’s word studies from the Greek New Testament: for the English reader (2 Ti 1:18–2:1). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.
 1 The New International Version. (2011). (2 Ti 2:2). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved.
Bible Nuggets are written for pastors, youth leaders and missionaries who desire to go deeper still in God’s Word. 
Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.

Many see the Word of God. . .few observe!

​Daniel and his friends lived in a very difficult time. They were taken and enslaved by the Babylonian ruler Nebuchadnezzar. Despite their circumstances they showed an openness for every kind of learning.

Daniel 1:4 (NIV)
4 young men without any physical defect, handsome,h showing aptitude for every kind of learning,i well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the languagej and literature of the Babylonians.b

• Intelligence was of the utmost importance to Nebuchadnezzar. “Showing aptitude” is a translation of the Hebrew word maśkîlîm (root=śākal, “to be prudent”), which means in this verbal form “having insight” or “comprehension.”27 Here it speaks of the ability to learn or comprehend information. “For every kind of learning” is literally “in all wisdom (bĕkol-ḥokmâ)” and would include secular as well as religious instruction. “Well informed” literally reads “knowers of [yōdĕʿê] knowledge [daʿat].” Rather than “well informed,” the idea probably is that these young men had the ability to acquire (“know”) knowledge because they were intelligent. “Quick to understand” is literally “understanders of (mĕbînê) knowledge (maddāʿ).”28
• Miller, S. R. (1994). Daniel (Vol. 18, p. 61). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

I wonder if I would have been open to this pagan teaching or not? Sometimes I think I would fight for God's truth instead. Is my faith based on what I do for Him or what He does through me? That is a profound question for today.
________________________
h  See Ge 39:6
i  ver 17
j  See Ezr 4:7
b  Or Chaldeans
  The New International Version. (2011). (Da 1:4). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved.
Bible Nuggets are written for pastors, youth leaders and missionaries who desire to go deeper still in God’s Word. 
Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.

​

Many see the Word of God . . . few understand the depth!

At the end of Peter's life he writes two letters that include a number of warnings. Last March (2015) our Bible Nugget focused on the word "twist" and the torture rack used in Roman prisons. Today we want to focus on two other words, ignorant and unstable.

2 Peter 3:16 says, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.
The people who ultimately distort the Word of God are listed as ignorant and unstable people.

• 276 ἀμαθής (amathēs), ές (es): adj.; ≡ Str 261—LN 27.24 uneducated, hence, implied as ignorant or stupid (2Pe 3:16+)Swanson, J. (1997). Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Greek (New Testament) (electronic ed.). Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
• 31.79 ἀστήρικτος, ον: pertaining to the tendency to change and waver in one’s views and attitudes—‘unstable.’ δελεάζοντες ψυχὰς ἀστηρίκτους ‘leading astray unstable persons’ 2 Pe 2:14.Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: based on semantic domains (electronic ed. of the 2nd edition., Vol. 1, p. 375). New York: United Bible Societies.
• John MacArthur states, 3:16 untaught and unstable distort. In Peter’s day (as today), there was a proliferation of foolish and hurtful perverting of apostolic teaching about the future (cf. vv. 3, 4; 2Th 2:1–5; 3:6–12). the rest of the Scriptures. This is one of the most clear-cut statements in the Bible to affirm that the writings of Paul are Scripture. Peter’s testimony is that Paul wrote Scripture, but the false teachers distorted it. The NT apostles were aware that they spoke and wrote the Word of God (1Th 2:13) as surely as did the OT prophets. Peter realized that the NT writers brought the divine truth that completed the Bible (1Pe 1:10–12). to their own destruction. The fact that distorting Paul’s writings leads to eternal damnation proves that Paul’s writings were inspired of God. MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (2 Pe 3:16). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

When I studied this scripture lately I began to realize the number of people in our world who believe they are educated and firm in their beliefs but who change their mind with the wind. They change positions on principles as often as they change shirts. They remind me of a small reptile that changes color instantly when they are introduced to a new environment. They blend in with the surroundings.

Study the Word of God well so that you are educated and clear about the message that comes from God. Unfortunately our world is full of people saying one thing and doing another. They want to twist the Word out of its natural position so it will give the message they value so much.

​
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (2 Pe 3:16). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved.
Bible Nuggets are written for pastors, youth leaders and missionaries who desire to go deeper still in God’s Word. 
Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.

Many see the Word of God. . .few observe!

​In the book of Numbers (22:20-22) God calls Balaam to go with these wicked men but only say what I tell you to say. The next morning Balaam gets up and saddles his donkey to do what God has said. Then verse 22 says that God was very angry with him. What happened overnight? What did Balaam do to make God so mad?
 
Peter helps us see the answer to those questions in his letter at the end of his life. Balaam loved the wages of wickedness. He wanted the money he was promised for going with them. He loved, Agapao, the wages that he would get. The motives of his heart were wrong and God became angry.
 
2 Peter 2:15 (NIV)
15 They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Bezer, who loved the wages of wickedness.
 
The Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Greek (New Testament states the following about Balaam’s love:
 
26 ἀγαπάω (agapaō): vb.; ≡ DBLHebr 170; Str 25; TDNT 1.21--1. LN 25.43 love, (Jn 13:34–35); 2. LN 25.44 show love, demonstrate love (1Jn 3:17); 3. LN 25.104 take pleasure in, to love based on its regarded value (Jn 12:43)[1]
 
Balaam loved money in the way that he should have loved God. He respected God but the motives of his heart were not pure.
 
What are the motives of your heart when you serve God? Many are called by God to accomplish tasks specified by Him. But the motives of your heart will be closely watched by the Lord.
 
Cathy and Danny Sartin
Deeper Still Missions


vb. verb
DBLHebr Swanson, A Dictionary of Biblical Languages With Semantic Domains: Hebrew (Old Testament)
Str Strong’s Lexicon
TDNT Kittel, Theological Dictionary of the New Testament
LN Louw-Nida Greek-English Lexicon
LN Louw-Nida Greek-English Lexicon
LN Louw-Nida Greek-English Lexicon
[1] Swanson, J. (1997). Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Greek (New Testament). Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc.Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved.
Bible Nuggets are written for pastors, youth leaders and missionaries who desire to go deeper still in God’s Word. 
Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.