Of the Line of David

God unfolded His great rescue mission through promises.  He made an unconditional promise to Abraham, promising him Land (the Holy Land), Seed (the promised Savior), and Blessing (for his descendants and for the entire world).  God foretold that this seed promise, which began in Genesis 3:15 with the prophecy of “the seed of the woman” would finally come to bear in the tribe of Judah.  King David receives more information as God’s chosen line through which He would bring the Messiah.  God made more unconditional promises to David – that HE would build David’s house.  He promised that one from His line would reign forever.  God showed his faithfulness to this promise when he brought Jesus through the Davidic line both by his birth parent (Mary) and his adoptive Father (Joseph) both of whom were in the line of David.  Jesus fulfilled the first coming promises made to David, and there can be no mistake that He will also fulfill the promise of the Messiah’s coming, literal reign upon the earth.

Everything that you Need!

Peter opens his second letter by writing:

²Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; ³seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 2 Peter 1:2-3 NASB

God’s divine power is the ability that is uniquely his as the God of the universe.

He exercised this power to grant us something…

 “granted” here translates the Greek word doreomai which means “to give or to bestow.”  It is here in the perfect tense – meaning it was given in the past with ongoing effects into the present – this gift is already in your possession.

What is given? – “Everything that is needed for life and godliness…” 

That is correct- you have everything needed to live an abundant life.  This provision is through the knowledge of Jesus Christ.  The word “knowledge” here translates the Greek word “epignosis” which is intimate, full, integrated knowledge…like the way you know your best friend or closest family member.  God has given you all that you need to live for Him in His perfect personal provision for you in Jesus Christ.

A Christmas Gift

Peace is an Umpire

Paul gives believers important advice in Colossians 3:15, writing:

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts…

“Let” here does not mean that this is optional – this is what the Holy Spirit wants for every believer.  Peace translates the Greek word: irene.  In the Bible, peace does not mean a simple absence of conflict, but a wholeness – a fullness –a total lack of want or need.  The total sufficiency of God is to “rule” in our hearts – which is our whole mental, emotional and volitional inner self – is what is in view here.

The word “rule” here translates the Greek “ βραβεύω “ which means to rule as a judge, or even as an umpire calls a game.  As we go through our time on this planet we will do best by submitting our thoughts, our feelings and our will totally to the absolute sufficiency of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

The Only Way

In John 14:6 Jesus makes a statement, saying:

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Each of the three essence claims is preceded by the definite article – the word “the”

In Greek, as in English, the definite article denotes specificity, and In cases such as this – exclusivity.

Jesus is making the specific and exclusive claim to be the only way, the only truth, and the only life.

Notice:
      Jesus Doesn’t show the way…He IS the way

      Jesus Doesn’t know the Truth…He IS the truth

      Jesus Doesn’t have the life…He IS the life

This verse closes with Jesus’ claim to be the only access point to God the Father.  Jesus is not just a good teacher to heed and obey…

He is the Savior, Whom we can know personally through faith in His sacrifice for us.