Daily Reading Week 32
Sunday
John 2:1-12
DISCOVER
Based on the message this past weekend, we learned that we often do things based on our belief or ideas. How do you see this in your life personally? How do we see this in our current culture?
How do we see our beliefs transforming our lives?
There is no “reality” or situation in your life that God cannot change. What is that one situation that you’d love for God to change for His glory?
RESPOND
The miracle at the wedding in Cana is the first of seven "signs" that John uses to prove that Jesus is God. Wedding celebrations in that era were spread out over several days. Unlike today, when travel and communication are easy, it was difficult to predict when guests would show up. So, it was the host's responsibility to provide enough food and drink for all the guests who came. In what would have been a humiliating mistake, the wedding which Jesus attends has run out of wine. Jesus' mother, Mary, approaches Him with this problem, but doesn't give Jesus any instructions.
Jesus responds with a question much like saying, "why are you involving me in this?" Mary simply tells the nearby servants to follow Jesus' instructions. When they do so, six large stone jars of water have been transformed into wine. And not just any wine: the master of ceremonies indicates that it's better than what they had before.
Turning water into wine wasn't just a gift from Jesus to the married couple. It was to save them from extreme embarrassment. It was also done in a quiet, almost secretive way. As far as we know, no one except a few of the disciples, Jesus' mother Mary, and the servants even knew it happened. John's gospel is the only one which records this miracle.
Monday
1 John 5
DISCOVER
According to the first 5 verses, who is it that overcomes the world?
What distinction does John make between sin that leads to death and sin that does not lead to death?
What does it mean for you personally to overcome the world through faith in Jesus Christ?
RESPOND
1 John chapter 5 begins with an important idea. Everyone who puts their faith in Jesus Christ is "born of God." Those who truly love God also love their spiritual brothers and sisters. We show this love for others through obeying God's commands. Verse 4 adds that those born of God are "overcomers." John highlights the power of believers to conquer the sins and temptations of this world, through a relationship with God.
In addition this chapter focuses on Jesus as God's Son. He came by water and blood, likely a reference to His baptism and crucifixion. The Spirit also agrees with the testimony of Jesus as God's Son. Whoever believes has this testimony within them. This witness proves that, through Christ, we have everlasting life. Even as early as John wrote this letter, Christians were facing discouragement from false teachers over their salvation.
Lastly, this chapter focuses on the teaching that believers can have assurance of their salvation. 1 John 5:13 clearly states that John's purpose for this letter is "that you may know that you have eternal life." Five additional teachings are then given, followed by a brief command to stay away from idols. First, John speaks of confidence in prayer. Second, John emphasizes helping those struggling with sin. Third, John teaches those who know God are protected from the evil one. Fourth, John notes that those who don't belong to God are under this world's power. Fifth, John notes that Jesus came so we can have eternal life. As a result, we are to stay away from idols and worship only the true God, Jesus Christ.
Tuesday
2 John 1
DISCOVER
In the first 3 verses of this chapter, how does John describe his feelings towards the recipients of the letter?
In what ways can you guard against deception and false teachings in your own faith journey?
How can you show hospitality and love while also being cautious about who you welcome into your spiritual community?
RESPOND
2 John was written to encourage all Christians not to lose focus of Jesus Christ and to warn against persistent heresy. His key purpose is that his children (the children of God) may abide in the truth and the truth may abide in them. More than likely John is writing this letter to churches in the area with the anticipation of providing some hope and encouragement.
Verses 4-11 contain the body of the letter. John supports the commandment to “love one another.” He cautions them to watch for the deceivers and the antichrists that are abundant and active in the world spreading false teachings. John’s key thought is”“Walk in the truth.”
Those who do not follow the teachings of Jesus Christ are false teachers and stretch the truth into bad/incorrect doctrine. John was writing to protect his readers from the evil deception of those who refused to remain in the teaching of Christ, but were going beyond the truth of apostolic teaching (vs. 9). He makes it clear that these people are anti-Christ and do not know the Lord (vs. 7, 9). He also reminds his readers of their responsibility as Christians to love other Christians (vs. 5). Although, above all things he wants them to “walk in truth”. This truth is still consistent in our modern day. We must also "walk in truth" in this world of deception. The letter concludes with a personal note expressing John's desire to visit and speak face to face.
Wednesday
3 John 1
DISCOVER
What brings John great joy according to verse 4?
What lessons can you learn from the negative example of Diotrephes regarding leadership and community?
How can the commendation of Demetrius guide you in evaluating the character and reliability of others in your faith community?
RESPOND
3 John consists of only 15 total verses (14 in some translations). It is the second-shortest book in the Bible. Only 2 John has fewer verses. The book begins with an introduction from "the elder," traditionally the apostle John. He writes to Gaius, whom he loves "in truth." Truth is mentioned six times in this book. As John continues to write, he highlights the positive traits of Gaius.
He treats traveling Christian teachers well and they speak highly of him among the churches.
As John moves forward he speaks of the evil influence of Diotrephes, a prideful church leader who disregarded the authority of Gaius and John. John hoped to personally visit to speak against him and the ungodly actions Diotrephes had committed against God's people. John mentions a third individual named Demetrius. Believers are to imitate good, not evil. Demetrius has a good testimony from all people as well as "from the truth itself.”
In the end, John offers a short conclusion. John wants to meet "face to face"and offers a closing benediction of peace, saying those with him send greetings and to greet their common friends by name.
Thursday
Jude 1:1-16
DISCOVER
What was Jude's original intention for writing the letter, and why did he change his purpose?
Jude gives 3 examples from the Old Testament to remind us how serious God takes His judgment. How do these historical examples serve as a warning for the current situation in the church?
After reading Jude's warnings and exhortations, how are you challenged personally?
RESPOND
Jude 1 is an inspiring call to action for believers of all generations. It not only warns us about the deceptive allure of false teachings but also encourages us to uphold the truth of our faith. It is a heartfelt call to remember the foundations of our faith, lean on the Holy Spirit, and extend mercy to others. In the midst of this, Jude offers a stern warning to the early Christian community about the presence of false teachers. Jude emphasizes the need for vigilance and faithfulness, using historical examples and vivid descriptions to illustrate the severity of the situation.
The passage calls believers to uphold the true faith and recognize the inevitable judgment on those who pervert the grace of God. Amid the difficulties and struggles, Jude reminds us that God's ultimate purpose is to present us blameless before His glory, a promise that should ignite hope and perseverance in every believer's heart.
Friday
Jude 1:17-25
DISCOVER
In verse 19, what are the characteristics of the scoffers Jude previously mentioned, and how do they affect the community of believers?
In verses 22-23, what are the three different ways Jude advises believers to respond to those who are wavering or caught in sin?
How does the overall message of Jude 1:17-25 challenge you to live out your faith in your daily life and within your community?
RESPOND
Jude urges his readers to remember the warnings given by the apostles of Jesus Christ, who predicted that in the last times there would be scoffers who follow their own ungodly desires. These individuals cause divisions, are worldly, and lack the Spirit.
In addition, Jude encourages the believers to build themselves up in their most holy faith and to pray in the Holy Spirit. They are to keep themselves in God's love as they wait for the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ to bring them to eternal life. Jude advises them to show mercy to those who doubt, save others by snatching them from the fire, and to show mercy mixed with fear, hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.
As he concludes the letter, Jude does so with a doxology, praising God for His ability to keep the believers from stumbling and to present them before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy. He acknowledges God as the only God and Savior, giving glory, majesty, power, and authority through Jesus Christ, before all ages, now, and forevermore.
Saturday
Philemon
DISCOVER
What is Paul’s prayer for Philemon in verse 6, and what does he hope will be the result of this prayer?
How does the letter to Philemon challenge your understanding of forgiveness and reconciliation within the Christian community?
What can you learn from Paul’s appeal to Philemon about the importance of seeing others through the lens of their new identity in Christ?
RESPOND
The book of Philemon was written to Philemon as a plea to request forgiveness for his runaway servant Onesimus, who was a new believer in Jesus Christ. Paul begins by giving his greetings to Philemon and presents his appreciation and gratitude for Him as a brother and worker in Jesus Christ. It appears Paul begins by softening up Philemon, as to prepare him initially, before mentioning Onesimus his runaway slave. Philemon was apparently angry with his absent slave.
Paul makes an earnest appeal for Onesimus who had run away and traveled to Rome where he met Paul. While there, Onesimus surrendered his life to Christ. Philemon, under Roman law, could execute his slave for fleeing; however, Paul urges Philemon to accept his servant. He even goes one-step further and asks Philemon to not only accept his slave, but also to accept him as a brother in Christ and to overlook his faults and errors. “For perhaps he was for this reason separated from you for a while, that you would have him back forever, no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord”(15-16). Onesimus would carry this letter back and give it to Philemon. Onesimus is later mentioned at the end of the book of Colossians as a faithful and beloved brother.