1 Timothy 1:1-11

THE GOAL OF THIS COMMAND IS LOVE

Keywords 1:5

The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

 

1. Command people not to teach false doctrine (1-5)

Paul’s relationship with Timothy was based on his authority as an apostle by the command of God and Christ, but also on love, like the love of a father to his son. Paul’s direction was clear: command certain people not to teach false doctrines or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote controversies rather than advance God’s work. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith. With these three things, Timothy’s command in love will protect God’s church from false doctrines.

 

2. The law is good if one uses it properly (6-11)

Those who don’t have a pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith resort to meaningless talk. They take advantage of the law for their own purposes, claiming to be teachers. The law has a good purpose when it is used properly. It exposes what is contrary to the sound doctrine that conforms to the gospel. This convicts sinners to turn to Jesus.

 

Prayer Father, help me to have a pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith as I serve you today.

One Word Command in love

 

2 Chronicles 20:14-37

THE BATTLE IS GOD’S

Keywords 20:15b

Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's.

 

1. Do not be afraid (14-19)

Then the Spirit of the Lord spoke through Jahaziel, “Don’t be discouraged because of this vast army. The battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow march down against them. You need not fight. Stand firm and see the deliverance of the Lord.” Jehoshaphat with the people bowed down in worship before the Lord. Some Levites praised the Lord with a loud voice, a shout of victory before fighting.

 

2. They sang to the Lord in the battle (20-37)

When Judah marched against the enemies, Jehoshaphat encouraged all to have faith in the Lord. He appointed men to sing to the Lord in front of the army. Then the Lord confused them. The enemies began to fight each other until all were destroyed. No one escaped. The men of Judah gathered the plunder for four days and returned joyfully to Jerusalem. The fear of God came on all the surrounding nations. God gave Judah rest on every side.

 

Prayer Lord, the battles belong to you. Help me to stand firm trusting in you wholeheartedly.

One Word See the deliverance of the Lord!

2 Chronicles 20:1-13

JEHOSHAPHAT BEGGED FOR HELP FROM THE LORD

Keywords 20:12

O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you."

 

1. A vast army against Jehoshaphat (1-2)

Later on, the Moabites and Ammonites with some of the Meunites declared war against Judah. Word reached Jehoshaphat, “a vast army is already in Hazezon- Tamar,” a day’s travel time! It was God’s punishment against Jehoshaphat’s sin to make an alliance with Ahab (19:2) What should he do?

 

2. Jehoshaphat fasted and prayed (3-13)

Alarmed, yet Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord through fasting with all the people: men, women and children. Jehoshaphat stood up and prayed praising the Lord as the Ruler over all the kingdoms. He remembered the history of God’s giving the land to the descendants of Abraham forever. He prayed believing God’s promises that he would hear and save when they pray in time of calamities before the temple. Now he admitted his powerlessness and helplessness not knowing what to do. But his eyes were fixed on the Lord for his salvation.

 

Prayer Lord, calamities come always. Help me to use the disastrous moments to come to you and totally trust in you.

One Word Fix your eyes on the Lord in time of calamity

2 Chronicles 19:1-11

JEHOSHAPHAT

Keywords 19:9

He gave them these orders: "You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the LORD.

 

1. Should you help the wicked? (1-3)

Jehoshaphat barely escaped the sword of Aram and returned safely only by God’s grace. But God rebuked him for his unholy alliance through the prophet Jehu, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord? Because of this, the wrath of the Lord is on you.” But God recognized some good in him such as destroying the Asherah poles. God’s rebuke was out of his love.

 

2. Jehoshaphat appointed judges (4-11)

Jehoshaphat repented and sought God. He appointed some of the Levites, priests, and heads of Israelite families to administer the law of the Lord and to settle disputes. He gave them strict orders to serve the people faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the Lord, for they were not judging for mere mortals but for the Lord. They should warn the people not to sin against the Lord.

 

Prayer Lord, let me not help the wicked or God haters. Let me repent and live for God’s glory.

One Word Administer justice before the Lord!

2 Chronicles 18:12-34

MICAIAH AND AHAB

Keywords 18:13

But Micaiah said, "As surely as the LORD lives, I can tell him only what my God says."

 

1. Micaiah the truthful prophet (12-27)

The messenger advised Micaiah to agree with others who predicted success for the king. But he answered, “I can tell only what my God says.” He fearlessly told the solemn truth about the king’s death. He also explained very well about the deceiving spirits released to convince the king. But the king would not listen to him. He rather followed Zedekiah with an order, “Put Micaiah into prison until I return.” But Micaiah knew he would not return. He asked all people to mark God’s word that would come true.

 

2. Ahab’s death (28-34)

Ahab then went to war. But he disguised himself to escape God’s prophecy. Arameans wanted to kill only Ahab. So they let Jehoshaphat go when he cried out, because God allowed him to escape. But someone drew a bow and shot at random piercing Ahab that led him to die. Ahab could not escape God’s word with his own smartness.

 

Prayer Lord, your words are absolutely and accurately fulfilled. Let me listen to your word and repent and live. Let me speak only what God says.

One Word Listen to God’s word and live!

2 Chronicles 18:1-11

JEHOSHAPHAT AND AHAB

Keywords 18:4

But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, "First seek the counsel of the LORD."

  

1. Seek first the counsel of the Lord (1-6)

Jehoshaphat had great wealth and honour by seeking God first. But he allied himself with Ahab king of Israel by giving his son to Ahab’s daughter with no prayer. It looked good for national security. But this caused his sons’ ruin and Judah’s idol worship. When Ahab urged Jehoshaphat to go to war against Ramoth Gilead, Jehoshaphat had to pray first but he did not. Instead, he just went to war because of his in-law relationship. Later he asked, “First seek the counsel of the Lord.” Then 400 prophets altogether said, “Go and God will give it into the king’s hand.” But Jehoshaphat was still unconvinced and asked another prophet to be fully convinced.

 

2. Micaiah and Zedekiah (7-11)

Ahab had a bad habit to listen to only those who spoke to him favourably. He hated Micaiah for he always prophesied against him. While Micaiah was called, Zedekiah flattered the king with iron horns declaring, “This is what the Lord says, ‘With these you will gore the Arameans until they are destroyed.’”

 

Prayer Lord, help me to inquire of the Lord always not just occasionally.

One Word First and always inquire of the Lord!

2 Chronicles 17:1-19

JEHOSHAPHAT BECAME MORE POWERFUL

Keywords 17:6

His heart was devoted to the ways of the LORD; furthermore, he removed the high places and the Asherah poles from Judah.

 

1. Jehoshaphat sought God (1-9)

When Jehoshaphat followed David’s ways, God was with him. He did not consult the Baals but sought God and followed his commands. His heart was devoted to God’s ways. He removed the high places and cut down the Asherah poles. He sent many Bible teachers to teach God’s words around all the towns of Judah. So the Lord established his kingdom under his control and he became wealthy with great honour.

 

2. Jehoshaphat became more powerful (10-19)

When the king feared God and his people had the word of God, the fear of the Lord fell on all the kingdoms. So they did not go up against Jehoshaphat. Some Philistines and some Arabs brought gifts and silver and innumerous rams and goats as tribute. So Jehoshaphat became more and more powerful with many store cities. He had experienced fighting men around him in Jerusalem and in many stored cities too.

 

Prayer Lord, raise God-fearing leaders and many bible teachers to teach the word to all people. Help me to seek you with all my heart and teach your word to all those around me.

One Word Devote your heart to God