Today’s Hebrew Testament chronological reading is in 1 Chronicles 19 through 21.
The Psalms/ Proverbs reading is in Proverbs 23.
The Greek Testament reading is in Luke 4.
ESSENTIAL STUDIES.
1 Chronicles 19 through 21, Secondary causes
Additional studies: 1 and 2 Chronicles Index
That leaves (1): that Biblical writers often dismissed secondary causes and attributed all things to God. This is especially true in matters concerning Satan, because God deliberately limited the revelation of him and his fallen kingdom in the Old Testament. Have you ever noticed before, how often the LORD or angels are mentioned in the Old Testament, but almost no mention can be found of Satan or demons? In fact, demonic possession seems to not exist in the Old Testament , while in the Gospels, Jesus regularly ran into Israelites who suffered from demonic oppression and/ or possession. In the New Testament, much mention is made of Satan and his work and the nature of the his fallen kingdom. God allowed revelation concerning Satan and his kingdom since the advent of Yeshua, because in Yeshua God provided for Satan’s defeat and for our authority and victory over that fallen kingdom, in Yeshua’s name. He did not reveal the problem, until He had also provided for the solution to that problem.
Proverbs 23, The rod of correction
Additional studies: Proverbs Index
The difference between the rod of correction and anger, then, is that the one wielding the rod of correction keeps a restraint on his emotion, being guided by good judgment in meting out judgment. The one wielding the rod of anger does so in an outburst of wrath which overflows restraint. A child listens to the rod of correction; it delivers his soul from hell; but the rod of anger will fail in accomplishing that mission.
Luke 4, The playbook revealed
Additional studies: Luke Index
First things first. The devil came to tempt Jesus when He was physically weak; he always comes at us when we are at our most vulnerable. But fasting, all through Scripture, brings one into a place of spiritual strength. Secondly, notice that the first and third temptation question the identity of Jesus. God had just told Him, at His baptism, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” The devil tries to cast doubt on what God said. “If you really are the Son of God, then thus and so.” This is the exact same playbook he used with Eve. “Did God really say?” … Third, the central temptation is the temptation to idolatry. This in fact, when you boil it all down, is the foundational temptation to all the temptations; the temptation to elevate something else above the place of God. All temptation is an appeal to disregard God’s Word and His authority as Creator and Ruler to give commands.
THREE-YEAR BIBLE.
The three-year plan is here.
Today’s reading is in Ezra 1.
Suggested study: Ezra 1, Bible for Beginners.
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