2 Chronicles 2:17 - 3:17

 

SOLOMON BUILDS THE TEMPLE

Keywords 3:1a

Then Solomon began to build the temple of the LORD in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah,

 

1. The location of the temple (3:1-2)

 Near the beginning of the fourth year of his reign, Solomon began to build the

temple. The location of the temple was Mount Moriah. This was where Abraham

had built an altar to sacrifice his son, Isaac. The Lord provided a ram for the

sacrifice instead. Years later, David offered a sacrifice on Mount Moriah to halt

God’s judgment upon his people. It was also the location where our Lord Jesus

was crucified for the sins of the world. It was a place of atonement. What an

awesome and holy place!

 

2. No expense was spared (2:17-18 and 3:3-17)

 A tremendous amount of labor was required to build the temple and a huge

amount of fine gold and precious stones were used to decorate the inside.

Twenty-three tons of gold were used in the Most Holy Place alone. Solomon

spared no expense in the construction of the temple. All of this is a fitting

response to the wonderful grace and mercy that we have received from God. His

grace and mercy stretch from one end of the world to the other like the wings of

the cherubim in the temple.

 

Prayer Lord Jesus, we offer everything to you.

One Word The Lord is worthy of our best

2 Chronicles 2:1-16

A TEMPLE THAT REFLECTS GOD’S GLORY

Keywords 2:6a

But who is able to build a temple for him, since the heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain him?

1. A temple that is worthy (1-10)

 The time had come to build the temple of the LORD. Solomon gave the orders

and sent a letter to King Hiram requesting lumber and workers. Solomon’s

philosophy in building the temple was that the temple should reflect the glory of

God. Our God is greater than all others, so his temple should be the greatest as

well. The reality is, though, that no temple could possibly contain his exceedingly

great glory. Today, the redeemed in Christ are the temple of God. Do our lives

reflect his glory? Is our temple a place of obedient and faithful sacrifices to the

Lord?

 

2. A wise king and a skillful worker (11-16)

 King Hiram praised God for raising a wise and discerning king to build the

temple and he accepted Solomon’s request for lumber and workers. Huram-Abi, a

man of great skill, would be sent to implement the designs. Today, our Lord Jesus

Christ is building his temple with the help of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit works like a

skilled craftsman to shape and fashion the Church of Christ. His work is precious

and beautiful. Praise God!

 

Prayer Father, may your name be exalted.

One Word The temple must reveal God’s glory

2 Chronicles 1:1-17

 

SOLOMON ASKS FOR WISDOM

Keywords 1:10

"Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?"

 

1. Solomon seeks the Lord (1-6)

 Solomon was not a self-made man. There is no such thing! God was with him

and God made him exceedingly great. This happens today when we surrender our

lives to Christ. Solomon gathered all the leaders of Israel at Gibeon to inquire of

the Lord. They offered 1,000 burnt offerings, representing their complete devotion

to the Lord. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.

 

2. Solomon’s prayer (7-17)

 God appeared to Solomon that night and prompted him to ask for whatever he

wanted from God. What would you ask for if you were him? Solomon asked for

wisdom and knowledge to lead God’s people. His request demonstrated a heart

for God’s people and God was very pleased to answer his prayer. God is honored

when we seek his kingdom and his righteousness first. He will hear and answer

our prayers if we pray for wisdom to love others, to serve those in need, and to

preach the gospel to the whole world.

 

Prayer Father, grant us wisdom to live for Christ and advance your kingdom.

One Word God answers our prayers for wisdom

1 Chronicles 29:10-30

 

YOURS, LORD, IS THE KINGDOM

Keywords 29:11

Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.

 

1. David’s prayer of praise (10-20)

 David led the whole assembly in a prayer that humbly praised God. His prayer

praised God for who he is and what he had done. David ascribed greatness,

power, glory, and majesty to the LORD God. All things, including the kingdom,

were the LORD’s who was Israel’s true ruler. David recognized that their offerings

to God had come from God in the first place. He prayed that the willingness of his

people to give to God may remain forever. What we offer comes from the hand of

God. May we also have God-honoring desires and thoughts in our hearts forever.

 

2. The LORD exalted Solomon (21-30)

 The next day, a huge offering was made to the LORD. They celebrated with

great joy. Then Solomon was again acknowledged as king. All pledged their

submission to Solomon. The LORD exalted Solomon before Israel. David lived out

his last days in blessing and honor. God had graciously raised a king for the next

generation.

 

Prayer Father, yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.

We praise you.

One Word Praise the LORD as he deserves

1 Chronicles 29:1-9

WHO IS WILLING TO CONSECRATE THEMSELVES TO THE LORD?

Keywords 29:9

The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the LORD. David the king also rejoiced greatly.

 

1. David gives over and above (1-4)

 King David understood that the temple was not for man but for the LORD God

himself. David had already provided large amounts of precious metals and stones

for the construction of the temple. But David believed God was worthy of much

more. In his devotion to the temple, David joyfully gave his personal treasures for

the work on the temple. His personal offering was substantial. David challenged

the leaders to also give to this work. Consecration to the LORD was practically

expressed through giving.

 

2. The leaders also give willingly (5-9)

 The leaders who had gathered were inspired by the king’s giving. They, too,

willingly gave toward the work of the temple of God. Their combined giving

surpassed the king’s and was collected in the temple treasury. The people rejoiced

at the free and wholehearted attitude of the leaders to contribute generously from

their personal wealth to the temple. Will you also consecrate yourself by freely and

willingly giving to the LORD?

 

Prayer Lord, thank you for giving me everything through Jesus. Help me to freely

give back to you.

One Word Give freely and willingly to the LORD

1 Chronicles 28:11-21

GOD’S DETAILED PLAN FOR THE TEMPLE

Keywords 28:19

"All this," David said, "I have in writing from the hand of the LORD upon me, and he gave me understanding in all the details of the plan."

 

1. David gave the plans to Solomon (11-19)

 The LORD himself inspired David with a very detailed plan for the temple. The

portico, the buildings, the rooms, the place of atonement, the temple courts,

etc. were all designed by God. God helped David understand all the details, and

then David shared these plans with Solomon. Moreover, David gave instructions

regarding the priests and Levites as well as the amount of precious metals used

in all the instruments for worship. These details helped the Israelites to understand

that God can only be approached by God’s way. The temple points to Jesus

Christ, the only way to God.

 

2. The LORD God is with you (20-21)

 The temple was the most important public works project ever undertaken in

Israel’s history. It represented their identity as God-worshiping people chosen by

him. Solomon was young and inexperienced. But David encouraged him to be

strong and courageous. God would help him. The people were ready to follow

Solomon’s leadership. God not only gives us work to do; he is with us to carry it to

completion. God never fails.

 

Prayer Father, you are holy. Thank you for Jesus through whom we can know and

worship you.

One Word Jesus our temple

1 Chronicles 28:1-10

WHOLEHEARTED DEVOTION AND A WILLING MIND

Keywords 28:9

"And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever."

1. David’s charge for all Israel (1-8)

 King David assembled all the leaders and stewards mentioned in chapter 27.

Solomon needed their full support to build the temple and maintain stability in

the kingdom. They were reminded that the LORD did not allow David to build

the temple. They were also reminded that God established David as king and

Solomon his successor. God had done all this. In response, they were to follow all

of the LORD’s commands, for their sake and their descendants.

 

2. David’s charge to Solomon (9-10)

 God gave Solomon the unique task of building the temple. But David’s charge

to Solomon is universally applicable. He encouraged Solomon to wholeheartedly

and willingly serve God. The LORD knows all our desires and inmost thoughts.

Those who seek God will have a relationship with him, but those who forsake God

will be rejected.

 

Prayer LORD God, give me a pure heart, mind, and motive so that I may serve

you and please you.

One Word Willingness and devotion to God

1 Chronicles 27:1-34

 

LEADERS AND STEWARDS OF THE KINGDOM

Keywords 27:23b

because the LORD had promised to make Israel as numerous as the stars in the sky.

 

1. The army divisions (1-15)

 After listing the responsibilities of the Levites (ch 23-26) and thus emphasizing

that the kingdom’s focus was on the worship of God, the author turns his attention

to military and political leadership. God had abundantly blessed Israel with

numerous people, land, and resources. Israel no longer had an ad hoc army but a

standing one. Twelve divisions, each with 24,000 men and led by David’s bravest,

most trustworthy and capable military men, took turns protecting the nation.

 

2. Tribal leaders, stewards, counselors (16-34)

 God also raised leaders for the tribes of Israel. As God promised Abraham, God

made Israel as numerous as the stars in the sky. He multiplied the twelve sons of

Jacob into a nation. King David needed these tribal leaders to help govern this

large kingdom. God had materially blessed King David, and he needed faithful

stewards for his property. King David also had counselors and a steward who

took care of his sons. God, who kept his promise to Abraham, also raised a king,

leaders, and stewards to care for his people.

 

Prayer Father, thank you for those who protect us and govern us. Help them to

fear you and to faithfully and wisely carry out their responsibilities.

One Word Pray for governing authorities

1 Chronicles 26:1-32

 

GOD RAISED CAPABLE LEVITES TO SERVE

Keywords 26:12

These divisions of the gatekeepers, through their chief men, had duties for ministering in the temple of the LORD, just as their relatives had.

 

1. Capable gatekeepers (1-19)

 Levites had many different responsibilities related to ministering at the temple.

Some were gatekeepers for the temple. Meshelemiah, Obed-Edom, and their

sons were all capable men who were appointed to serve as gatekeepers. Hosah

and his sons were also called to be gatekeepers. Lots were cast to determine who

was responsible for a specific gate. Young and old alike served side-by-side every

day.

 

2. Able treasurers, officials, and judges (20-32)

 Still other Levites served as treasurers, officials, and judges. Ladan and his

descendants were responsible for the temple treasuries. Shubael, Shelomith,

and their relatives took charge of the treasuries for the things dedicated by King

David, Samuel, Saul, Abner, Joab, and others. Still, other Levites ministered to the

Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh who all lived west of the

Jordan. God had set aside the Levites for his work. When God calls his people for

specific work, he also enables them to carry it out.

 

Prayer Father, thank you for giving me good work to do for you and the ability to

do it. Help me to humbly and diligently carry out your work.

One Word God enables us to do his work

Galatians 6:1-18

LET US DO GOOD TO ALL PEOPLE

Keywords 6:10a

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people,

 

1. Doing good to all (1-10)

 Paul gave instructions to the Galatian Christians as to how they could do good to

others, and thus fulfill the law of Christ—to love one another. If a brother or sister

sins, they should be restored gently. But they should take care not to fall into

temptation themselves. Believers should carry each other's burdens. Believers

shouldn’t think too highly of themselves but instead test their own actions. Only

then can they take pride in themselves. This means we should openly share the

work that God has done in our lives. These rules apply equally to us today.

 

2. Only boast in the cross of Christ (11-18)

 Paul gave one last jab at the Judaizers. What counts is not circumcision. That is

nothing. The Judaizers knew that. They were just looking for ways to boast that

they had followers. But Paul only boasted in the cross of Jesus Christ. Through the

cross of Christ, Paul (and all believers) were crucified to sin and to the law. They

were united with Jesus Christ into a new, resurrected life. What matters is the new

creation we become through Jesus!

 

Prayer Lord, thank you for making me a new creation. Help me to do good to

your people.

One Word Do good to all people

Galatians 5:16-26

KEEP IN STEP WITH THE SPIRIT

Keywords 5:25

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

 

1. Live by the Spirit (16-21)

 Paul urged the Galatian Christians to live by the Spirit. One can either live by the

Spirit or by one’s sinful nature. What does it mean to live by the Spirit? It is not

giving in to the sinful nature. The two cannot coexist. They are in confl ict with

each other. It is also not being under the law. When we live by the Spirit, we are

free of the law and our sinful nature. Those who live by their sinful nature and

indulge in things like sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, hatred, discord,

jealousy, etc., cannot and will not inherit the kingdom of God.

 

2. The fruit of the Spirit (22-26)

 The fruit of the Spirit is very different from the fruit of our sinful desires. The fruit

of the Spirit includes joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and

self-control. These are all qualities modeled by our Lord Jesus Christ. We know

how we can live by the Spirit—be more like Jesus! There is no law against any of

these things. When we belong to Jesus, our sinful natures have been crucifi ed,

and we live by the Spirit.

 

Prayer Lord, thank you for granting the Holy Spirit to us. Help us to live by the

Spirit.

One Word Live by the Spirit

Galatians 5:1-15

 

CHRIST HAS SET US FREE

Keywords 5:1a

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.

 

1. Faith and love are all that count (1-6)

 Christ has set us free from the law. But some Galatians were persuaded by the

false teachers that they also had to be circumcised. Paul argued against this.

Those who bought this argument were submitting themselves to the whole law.

And the law cannot save. They had thrown Christ away as of no value at all.

Righteousness does not come from circumcision or not being circumcised. It

comes only through faith in Jesus Christ. Faith, expressing itself in love for God

and for others, is all that we need.

 

2. You are free, but don’t indulge your sinful nature (7-15)

 The false teachers (Judaizers) had tripped up many Galatians in their race of

faith. But Paul was sure that God would remind them of the truth of the gospel

and steer them clear of false teachings. And he condemned those who had led

the Galatian Christians astray in no uncertain terms (12). They were free because

of Christ. But they shouldn’t use their freedom to indulge in their sinful nature.

Christ made them free to love and serve God and others.

 

Prayer Lord, thank you that Christ made us free. Help me to love you and others

as Christ wants from us.

One Word I am free because of Christ

Galatians 4:21-31

WE ARE CHILDREN OF THE FREE WOMAN

Keywords 4:31

Therefore, brothers, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.

 

1. Two covenants: pick one! (21-26)

 It seemed that Abraham and Sarah could never have children. So, Sarah gave

her maidservant Hagar to Abraham, and they had a son, Ishmael. He was born of

the flesh. Later, God promised Abraham a son by Sarah. That was Isaac. He was

born by the promise of God. Paul compared Hagar and Sarah to the covenants

of law and grace. The covenant of law leaves us as slaves to sin and death.

The covenant of grace makes us truly free. As Christians, we are under God’s

covenant of grace, and we are free from sin!

 

2. Like Isaac, we are children of promise (27-31)

 Paul quoted Isaiah to tell the Galatian Christians that though they were small in

number, they would flourish if they held to the gospel. He reminded them that they

were children of the promise. As Ishmael persecuted Isaac, so they were being

persecuted by the false teachers. They should get rid of them! They were made

to be free by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

 

Prayer Lord, thank you for setting us free by the gospel of Jesus.

One Word Set free by the gospel of Jesus Christ

Galatians 4:8-20

PAUL’S CONCERN FOR THE GALATIANS

Keywords 4:19

My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,

 

1. Do not be enslaved by them again (8-11)

 The Galatian Christians had allowed Judaizers to influence them into believing

that they must add Jewish practices to their faith in order to be saved. So, they

had to eat certain foods or celebrate certain festivals. Those “weak and miserable

forces” were destroying the Galatians’ faith. Paul preached a pure gospel. Faith is

all that is needed for salvation! Had Paul wasted his effort on them?

 

2. Become like me (12-20)

 Paul pleaded with the Galatian Christians to become like him. That is, to come

back to the pure gospel as he himself had taught them. The first time Paul visited

them, he was ill. The Galatians welcomed him and took care of him. In return, Paul

taught the gospel to them. This made it all the more perplexing to Paul that they

had turned cool to him after meeting false teachers. Paul saw their zealousness,

but they were zealous for the wrong thing. Paul was in pain for them as if in the

pains of childbirth. He was praying for Christ to be formed in them.

 

Prayer Lord, help me to watch out for false teachers. Make me zealous for the

pure and unadulterated gospel of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

One Word Become like Paul

Galatians 4:1-7

WE ARE NOT A SLAVE, BUT GOD’S CHILD!

Keywords 4:7

So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.

 

1. We were all slaves once (1-3)

 An underage heir of a large estate is no different from a slave of that estate. Even

though an owner’s child will someday be the owner, one is under the constant

watchful eye of one’s parents and told what to do, how to dress, when to eat,

and when to sleep. The same applies spiritually. Once we were under the spiritual

forces of the world. We were controlled by our sinful nature. Just as a child can’t

escape the control of their parents, we couldn’t escape being controlled by our

sinful nature.

 

2. Not a slave nor a child, but an heir! (4-7)

 At just the right time, God sent His son in order to redeem us, who were under

the law. What was the result of this change? We went from being like a young child

or a slave to being adopted as God’s children with the full rights of an heir. God

also sent His Spirit into our hearts, and, by it, we cry “Abba, Father.” It is only by

His grace that we are made to be heirs of God’s kingdom.

 

Prayer Lord, thank you so much for adopting me as your child. Thank you for

making me an heir of your kingdom.

One Word I am adopted as God’s child

Galatians 3:15-29

CHILDREN OF GOD THROUGH FAITH

Keywords 3:26

You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus,

 

1. The Promise versus the Law (15-22)

 Paul illustrated our covenant with God by using a human example. A last will and

testament cannot be added to or changed once it is put into effect. The original

document must stand. In the same way, God’s covenant (promise), given to

Abraham was not altered with the addition of the law. So, what was the purpose

of the law? It was to point out our need for the Seed—Christ Jesus. The law does

not give righteousness. It is only through faith in Jesus Christ that we are made

righteous by God.

 

2. Belonging to Christ, we are heirs (23-29)

 The law existed from the time it came to Moses until the time of Christ. The law

kept us prisoners. But the law had the good effect of leading us to Christ. At that

point, he freed us from the law. When faith in Christ came, we became children

of God who made us all united in Christ Jesus. Everyone who believes in Jesus

Christ are children of God.

 

Prayer Lord, we are your children because of Christ Jesus. Help us to know the

freedom we have received in the gospel.

One Word We are all children of God through Christ

Galatians 3:1-14

 

CHRIST JESUS REDEEMED US

Keywords 3:14

He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

 

1. Consider Abraham (1-9)

 Paul rebuked the Galatians for foolishly turning away from the gospel and being

swayed by the legalistic Judaizers who believed salvation came through the law.

Paul struck down all the arguments of these false teachers by just asking a few

questions. He reminded them of Abraham, their ancestor. Abraham was credited

with righteousness because of his faith, not because of anything he did. We are

saved by faith in Jesus. When we have faith, we are blessed along with Abraham.

 

2. Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law (10-14)

 Those who rely on the law for their salvation are under a curse. It is impossible

to obtain salvation through obedience to the law. Salvation comes only through

Christ Jesus, who became a curse for us when he was hung on the cross and

died for our sins. By becoming a curse, he became our redeemer. He redeemed

us from the curse of having to abide by the law (impossible to do!) and brought us

to the blessing and promise of the Spirit.

 

Prayer Lord, thank you for Jesus who became our redeemer when he was

crucifi ed for our sins.

One Word Christ Jesus redeemed us by faith

Galatians 2:11-21

I HAVE BEEN CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST

Keywords 2:20

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

 

1. Paul opposed Peter (11-16)

 Peter had gone to Antioch to meet with the Gentile believers there. He ate and

had fellowship with Gentiles there. But when members of the circumcision party

came, Peter distanced himself from the Gentiles. Paul rebuked Peter for this

hypocrisy. In Christ, there is no division between Jew and Gentile or between

circumcised and uncircumcised. We are all saved by faith in Jesus alone. Peter’s

hypocritical actions went against the very teaching of the gospel of Jesus. So Paul

rebuked him publicly.

 

2. Christ lives in me (17-21)

 Paul spoke here of the unification believers have with Christ. Paul recognized that

he died with Christ so that Christ could live in him. While his body was alive, he

lived by faith in the Son of God. God gave the law, but it is not the law that saves

us. It is by God’s grace that we are saved through faith in Jesus Christ, who gave

himself for us.

 

Prayer Lord, only through the gospel of Jesus Christ are we saved. Thank you,

Lord Jesus, for dying for us on the cross.

One Word Christ lives in me

Galatians 2:1-10

ENTRUSTED WITH THE TASK OF PREACHING

Keywords 2:7

On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as Peter had been to the Jews.

 

1. So the truth of the gospel might remain with you (1-5)

 Paul’s next trip to Jerusalem, many years later, was made as a result of a

revelation from God. He went with Barnabas and Titus, a Gentile believer who

would become useful to Paul. There he met James, Peter and John and set out

before them the gospel he was preaching. The leaders accepted Paul’s ministry

and did not even compel Titus to be circumcised. The gospel Paul preached

everywhere, from beginning to end, was the gospel of salvation by faith in Jesus

Christ.

 

2. Same gospel; different mission fields (6-10)

 Although Paul respected the Jerusalem leaders, what was more important to him

was that they respected the gospel. These men saw God’s work in Paul’s ministry

and accepted him with the right hand of fellowship. The gospel Paul preached

to the Gentiles was the same gospel preached to the Jews—same gospel, but

taught in a different mission field. Paul would go to the Gentiles. Peter and the

others would preach to the Jews.

 

Prayer Lord, it matters not who preaches the gospel; just let it be preached

everywhere.

One Word Preach the gospel everywhere

Galatians 1:11-24

RECEIVED BY REVELATION FROM CHRIST

Keywords 1:12

I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

 

1. The gospel was not man made (11-17)

 Paul’s ministry was under attack. False teachers were saying Paul wasn’t

teaching a true gospel. Paul pointed out that the gospel he preached was not man

made (not made up) but was revealed to him through a revelation from the Risen

Jesus. Paul lent credence to his story by reminding them of his past. He was a

persecutor of the church of God. He was a zealous Pharisee, living exclusively by

their tenants. But God had set him apart that he might know the truth of God and

preach it to the Gentiles.

 

2. From persecutor to preacher (18-24)

 After Paul’s call by the Risen Jesus, he went to Arabia and then to Damascus.

Three years later, he went to Jerusalem and met Peter and James. The two leaders

of the church recognized his ministry and praised God because of it. Then Paul

went to Syria and Cilicia. The Risen Jesus had recreated Paul from a persecutor of

God to a gospel preacher. This caused the churches of Judea to praise God.

 

Prayer Lord, the revelation of Jesus changes us from persecutors to gospel

servants. Thank you for revealing the gospel to us; help us to preach it to

others.

One Word Preach the gospel of God

Galatians 1:1-10

THE ONLY AND TRUE GOSPEL

Keywords 1:4

who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,

 

1. Sent by God and by Jesus Christ (1-5)

 Paul was writing to a church in which his ministry and teachings were attacked.

Paul initiated his letter by reminding his readers who he was. He was an apostle.

An apostle is one who was personally chosen by Jesus to take his message to

others. And Paul said that he was not chosen by men, but by Jesus Christ and

God the Father. Paul would proclaim the gospel to the Galatians by the authority

of Jesus Christ and God the Father. The message Paul brought was one of grace

and peace, which we received because Jesus gave himself for our sins.

 

2. There is only one gospel (6-10)

 Paul wasted no time in getting to the point. He was astonished that the Galatians

were abandoning the gospel for another one. There is only one gospel. Anything

other than the one true gospel cannot save. Paul said that anyone preaching any

gospel other than the one true gospel, the gospel of Jesus Christ, is condemned.

Why was Paul so adamant? The gospel is a life or death matter.

 

Prayer Lord, thank you for Jesus who died on the cross to save us from our sins.

Help us to hold to this gospel alone.

One Word Only one gospel

Luke 20:45-21:4

JESUS PRAISES A WIDOW’S DEVOTION

Keywords 21:4

All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.

 

1. Beware of the teachers of the law (20:45-47)

 The disciples may have been secretly envious of the flowing robes, respect,

and position the religious leaders flaunted. But Jesus wanted his disciples to see

beyond appearances to the motives of the heart. The religious leaders’ devotion to

God was rooted in a desire for honour and praise. They devoured widow’s houses

through their religious traditions (Mk. 7:11-13). Jesus says: “Beware!” Their lives

were a warning for his disciples. Such people would be punished most severely.

 

2. This widow put in more than the others (21:1-4)

 Jesus turned his attention to the place where gifts for the temple were placed.

He saw the rich putting in their gifts, but it was the two very small coins of a

destitute widow that caught his admiration. He wanted his disciples to see and

notice this woman’s act of faith and devotion. In contrast with the religious leaders

whose acts were done before people’s eyes, this woman put her trust and hope in

God, whose heart goes out to widows and the poor.

 

Prayer Father, I am easily distracted by what people think or say. Help me seek

your praise and admiration by trusting in your grace and devoting myself

to you.

One Word Jesus sees our acts of faith

Luke 20:27-44

HE IS THE GOD OF THE LIVING

Keywords 20:38

He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.

 

1. They are children of the resurrection (27-40)

 Sadducees only followed the fi ve books of Moses and denied the resurrection.

In this way, they justifi ed their hedonistic lifestyle. Using Moses’ teaching and a

morbid, exaggerated story, they “proved” that resurrection as they understood it

was not feasible. Jesus corrected them; the age to come is not like this age. Those

considered worthy of resurrection will not marry but be brothers and sisters—

children of God. They will never die but be like the angels. Even Moses taught this:

God is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Present tense. They are alive in

God—God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. To him, all are alive.

 

2. David called the Messiah his Lord (41-44)

 No one dared to ask any more questions, so, finally, Jesus could ask one.

Because his people had a poor understanding of the Scriptures, they believed the

Messiah was merely a human descendent of David and had diffi culty accepting

Jesus. By asking questions, Jesus revealed that even David called the Messiah

Lord; Jesus is more than another human leader or teacher. He is the Messiah, the

Lord, our King and Master.

 

Prayer Father, thank you for adopting me into your family through Jesus and

giving a living hope and eternal inheritance. Help me honor Jesus as Lord.

One Word Our God is the living God

Luke 20:20-26

GIVE TO GOD WHAT IS GOD’S

Keywords 20:25

"Caesar's," they replied. He said to them, "Then give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."

 

1. Jesus saw through their duplicity (20-23)

 Direct confrontation had failed to subdue Jesus, so the religious leaders sent

spies. Their flattery in verse 21 is true: Jesus teaches what is right and the way of

truth because Jesus is the truth. His teaching was always trustworthy because he

was motivated by love and righteousness. But Jesus was not impressed by their

words. He saw through their duplicity and their crooked motive. Jesus sees our

heart and motive, too.

 

2. Give to Caesar and to God (24-26)

 Their question regarding taxes was loaded. Nobody likes paying taxes, then or

now, especially taxes that support injustice and idolatry like they did in the Roman

Empire. Using an illustration with a coin, Jesus taught them giving back to Caesar

what is Caesar’s is morally right. Rome’s authority was given by God to manage

the nation in economic and civil matters (Ro 13:1). But as the coin bore Caesar’s

image, all people bear God’s image. Their issue was not a tax problem but a

desire to get, not give, even to God. Our lives belong to God, and Jesus teaches

us to give to God what is God’s.

 

Prayer Father, thank you for Jesus, in whom you have redeemed me. Help me

give back to you what is yours: my heart, my possessions—even my life.

One Word Give to God what is God’s

Luke 20:1-19

THE REJECTED STONE IS THE CORNERSTONE

Keywords 20:17

Jesus looked directly at them and asked, "Then what is the meaning of that which is written: " 'The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone'? "

 

1. “Who gave you this authority?” (1-8)

 By clearing the temple and restoring it to its proper use, Jesus challenged the

authority of the religious leaders. They asked him, “Who gave you this authority?”

Jesus brought up the issue of John’s baptism, which they rejected. Yet, all the

people clearly knew that John was sent by God. They could not answer out of

fear of people. Jesus’ authority is not from people but from God.

 

2. “I will send my son, whom I love” (9-19)

 Turning to the people, Jesus gave the parable of the tenants. They claimed

ownership of the vineyard, rejected the landowner, and abused his servants.

Patiently, the owner sent his beloved son, but they murdered him. He had no

recourse but to have them killed and give the vineyard to others. In the same way,

the religious leaders rejected Jesus and would be judged. God made Jesus the

cornerstone: salvation for those who believe but judgment on all who reject him.

 

Prayer Father, you are so patient and kind. Help me humbly receive Jesus, the

cornerstone of salvation today.

One Word Jesus is the Cornerstone

Luke 19:41-48

JESUS WEPT OVER JERUSALEM

Keywords 19:41

As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it

 

1. You did not recognize God’s coming (41-44)

 Turning his attention to the city, Jesus wept over it. The Pharisees’ rejection of

Jesus as King was representative of the whole city. He had come to bring peace!

But they did not recognize him. As a result, the entire city would be destroyed.

This happened in 70 A.D. when Rome destroyed Jerusalem, leaving no stone

unturned. Failing to see and welcome Jesus as King has grave consequences not

only personally, but also societally. Jesus’ heart is fi lled with tears for the suffering

of the unbelieving world.

 

2. “My house will be a house of prayer” (45-48)

 But Jesus was not powerless. He took action. Coming to the temple, he cleared

out all the money changers—evidence of the priests’ greed—and restored the

temple as a place to study God’s word. Every day, he came to the temple and

taught the people while the religious leaders plotted his death. We follow Jesus’

example when we engage in prayer for the lost world and teach his words to all

people.

 

Prayer Father, Jesus’ tears were also for me and my people. Open our eyes to

recognize Jesus our King. Help us pray for our world and study Jesus’

words daily.

One Word Jesus brings peace

Luke 19:28-40

BLESSED IS THE KING

Keywords 19:38

"Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"

 

1. “The Lord needs it” (28-35)

 Just as the nobleman in the previous parable was made king (19:15), so Jesus

intentionally entered Jerusalem as King. He needed a donkey’s colt (Zech. 9:9)

and sent two disciples to go and get it. He did not send them with any money,

only his word, “The Lord needs it.” They found his word was enough and brought

the colt to Jesus. He revealed to them his omniscience and authority as Lord.

Putting Jesus on the colt, they worked together to bring the King into Jerusalem.

 

2. “The stones will cry out” (36-40)

 Seeing Jerusalem below them and recalling all the miracles they had witnessed,

the disciples were filled with joy to welcome Jesus as their Lord and King. They

began praising God in loud voices: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name

of the Lord!” Jesus riding on a donkey’s colt revealed his character as King: He is

humble, and he comes to bring peace. The Pharisees rejected Jesus as king. They

wanted to silence the disciples. Jesus declared that even stones would cry out to

recognize God’s King entering God’s City.

 

Prayer Father, thank you for sending Jesus as my humble king of peace. Help me

welcome him today.

One Word Welcome Jesus as King

Luke 19:11-27

WELL DONE, MY GOOD SERVANT!

Keywords 19:17

“ 'Well done, my good servant!' his master replied. 'Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.' ”

 

1. Put this money to work until I return (11-15)

 Nearing Jerusalem, many, perhaps even his disciples, speculated the kingdom

of God was imminent. Jesus’ parable of a man of noble birth revealed that there

would be delay. The man, hated by his own subjects, went to a distant country to

be crowned. Before leaving, he called ten of his servants and entrusted them each

with his own property, commanding them: “Put this money to work until I come

back.” This exactly depicts the moment Jesus gave the world mission command

before he ascended to heaven. Until Jesus returns again at the end of the ages,

the apostles are chosen to put this money to work.

 

2. Good servants and a wicked servant (16-27)

 We can imagine how difficult it was to remain faithful to the master’s trust amidst

subjects who hated him. But when he returned, crowned in glory and majesty as

king, he lavishly rewarded those who proved trustworthy in small things. Wicked

servants who made excuses were stripped of their trust and all who rejected the

king were killed. So will it be when Jesus returns.

 

Prayer Father, thank you for those who faithfully shared your gospel until now.

Help me trust you and be trustworthy with what you have given today.

One Word Be faithful in small matters

Luke 19:1-10

THE SON OF MAN CAME TO SEEK AND TO SAVE THE LOST

Keywords 19:10

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."

 

1. “Zacchaeus, come down immediately” (1-6)

 As Jesus passed through Jericho, Luke draws our attention to Zacchaeus.

Although short, he had power, abusing his oppressed people to become a rich,

chief tax collector. Wanting to see Jesus, he estimated Jesus’ course, ran ahead,

and climbed a sycamore-fi g tree, scuffing up his nice clothes. This was more than

casual interest; his soul longed for something only Jesus had. Jesus stopped

and called to him: “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your

house today.” Jesus’ words knocked on the door of Zacchaeus’ heart (Rev 3:20).

Zacchaeus gladly welcomed him.

 

2. “Salvation has come to this house” (7-10)

 The crowds were offended by Jesus’ choice of friends. Zacchaeus voluntarily

decided to give away half his possessions and pay restitution to those he

had taken advantage of. This was his repentance, moved by Jesus’ love and

acceptance. Jesus declared: “Salvation has come to this house.” Was it because

of Zacchaeus’ charity? No. He shared the faith of his father Abraham: faith to obey

God. Jesus came to seek and to save the lost.

 

Prayer Father, thank you for Jesus who seeks and saves me. Help me share his

heart for the lost.

One Word Jesus is knocking at your heart’s door