Wrapping Up the Roman Year

Day 353
F. Book of Revelation ~ cont.
4. Vision of the church and her foes ~ cont.
b. The leopard (sea) and lamb (earth) beasts - Revelation 13:1-18
c. Doom to the foes of God with angel assistance - Revelation 14:1-20
5. Vision of the seven vials - Revelation 15:1-8; 16:1-21
6. Judgment and fall of Babylon
a. Babylon described - Revelation 17:1-18

Day 354

F. Book of Revelation ~ cont.
6. Judgment and fall of Babylon ~ cont.
b. Babylon destroyed - Revelation 18:1-24
c. Marriage supper of lamb - Revelation 19:1-10
7. The last vision
a. Doom of the enemy - Revelation 19:11-21
b. The millennium - Revelation 20:1-15

Day 355

F. Book of Revelation ~ cont.

7. The last vision ~ cont.
c. New heaven and new earth - Revelation 21:1-27
d. Last message of the Bible - Revelation 22:1-21
8. Death of John and Revelation completed

I was struggling to wrap up a years worth of reading through the Bible.  The Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ unto His servant John contains so much, and I feel wholly inadequate to comment further.  There are a variety of positions held regarding Revelation.  I have not read the articles referenced below (in their entirety), but thought I would share them for those who are interested in studying further.  A few of the comments I particularly liked:

Robert Clouse states that, “Regardless of the perspective on Revelation each holds, many students of prophecy are intolerant of those who cannot in good conscience agree with them.” Gregg states, “I once believed that there were two types of prophecy enthusiasts – those who shared my views on Revelation and those who had not yet heard them convincingly presented.” Perhaps you can identify with that statement. I know I can.  From the article found here.

The book is there for us to mine its benefits, not to bash each other over differences as to its meaning. While we must be cautious, we do have the liberty to seek to understand and to urge others to consider what we discover.  From the article found here.

One more from my google search can be found here.  These articles are just a few that I found.  This is in no way an endorsement for or against any position held by those authors and/or websites.  This is in NO way an exhaustive list of articles and/or books available on the subject.

I will leave you with these parting words:

Revelation 1:3  Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. 

Rev 22:18  For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 

Rev 22:19  And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. 

Rev 22:20  He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. 

Rev 22:21  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. 

I encourage everyone to take the time to read the Book of the Revelation (as well as the whole counsel of God contained in the Writ) and to study the issues/positions for themselves.  Be not afraid to question and ask, seek and ye shall find.  May Father richly bless each as they study HIS word, with understanding, growth, wisdom, knowledge, discernment and an ever and growing love for the One who is, was and always will be, the Lord Christ Jesus (Yeshua).

Day 352

F. Book of Revelation ~ cont.

3. Vision of seven angels with trumpets ~ cont.

b. First four trumpets - Revelation 8:7-13

c. Fifth and sixth trumpets - Revelation 9:1-21

d. Little book opened - Revelation 10:1-11

e. Temple measured - Revelation 11:1-19

4. Vision of the church and her foes

a. The woman, the child, the dragon - Revelation 12:1-17

Abaddon or Apollyon -

Abaddon - G3 - Ἀβαδδών - Abaddōn - ab-ad-dohn' -Of Hebrew origin [H11]; a destroying angel: - Abaddon.

• H11 - אבדּון - 'ăbaddôn - ab-ad-done' - Intensively from H6; abstractly a perishing; concretely Hades:  destruction.

Apollyon - G623 - Ἀπολλύων - Apolluōn - ap-ol-loo'-ohn - Active participle of G622; a destroyer (that is, Satan): - Apollyon

• G622 - ἀπόλλυμι - apollumi - ap-ol'-loo-mee - From G575 and the base of G3639; to destroy fully (reflexively to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively: - destroy, die, lose, mar, perish.

Apollyon reminds me of the passage in Pilgrims Progress when Christian fights against him.

If you have never read this classic try Christian Classics Ethereal Library or Classic Bookshelf.  I HIGHLY recommend this book, in addition the biography on John Bunyan is a must as well!  Outside of the Bible, I can think of no other book which is such a blessing.  A wonderful allegorical tale of encouragement for the pilgrim (us) as we journey to our Celestial Home.

Here is a link to Pilgrim's Progress as a pictorial.

Day 351

F. Book of Revelation ~ cont.

2. Vision of God

a. Throne - Revelation 4:1-11
b. Sealed book - Revelation 5:1-14
c. Six seals - Revelation 6:1-17
d. The multitude in heaven - Revelation 7:1-17
3. Vision of seven angels with trumpets
a. Seventh seal - Revelation 8:1-6

I underlined so many things in these passages, I am at a loss as to what to share.  The number seven is predominant in these chapters.

This verse struck me:

And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of the odors, which are the prayers of saints.  (Revelation 5:8)

There is the misconstrued idea that when someone dies, they go to heaven, laying upon a cloud, clothed in white, with wings, playing a harp.  While some of the items may be accurate, the picture, in its totality, is not.

Thought I would share Gill's commentary on the harps and vials.

having everyone of them harps; which were instruments of music, and with which the saints formerly used to praise God, Psa_33:2; and so may here intend the praises and thanksgivings of the saints, of everyone of them, greater or lesser, upon the present occasion; having their hearts in right tune, making melody with them to the Lord, and giving thanks unto him for all their blessings, temporal and spiritual, and particularly for the Lamb, and his worthiness to open the book, and unloose the seals:

and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints; this is said in allusion to the golden censers full of incense, which ascended upwards, and was of a sweet smell; the vessels on the shewbread table, in which incense was put, are by Josephus (h) called "golden vials", as here; his words are, upon the loaves were put two φιαλαι χρυσεαι, "golden vials", full of incense: the prayers of the saints are compared to "odours", or "incense", as the word may be rendered, and as they are called, Psa_141:2; partly because as incense goes upwards, so do they go up to God, and are received, regarded, and had in remembrance by him; and partly because as incense is of a sweet smell, so the prayers of the saints, put up in the name and faith of Christ, are very grateful and acceptable to God: the "golden vials" said to be "full" of them, may design the hearts of believers, in which they first are, and from whence they proceed; true prayer is that which is inwrought in the soul, and comes from the heart, even from a heart pure like gold, purified by faith in the blood of Christ, a true heart, that asks in faith, nothing wavering; such as are really saints, true believers in Christ, are praying souls; they are full of prayers for themselves and others; they pray always, and for all saints: this makes nothing for praying to angels and saints departed; for these prayers were their own, and not others; and besides, these four living creatures, and four and twenty elders, were not angels, for they are said to be redeemed by the blood of Christ, and are distinguished from angels in the following verses; nor the saints in heaven, but ministers and churches on earth, and who were to reign with Christ on earth, Rev_5:10; it may be observed, that the Jews sometimes represent prayer in such like figures as here;

"prayer (they say) ascends with those spices which are mentioned in Son_4:14; and at the time that prayer ascends it is perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, and of this the holy blessed God asks, "who is this that comes up", &c. (i) Son_3:6;''

and they say, prayer is greater than all offerings (k). See Rev_8:3.

I am glad that Father hears and keeps our prayers - what an intriguing thought that the prayers are like incense  ascending up to the throne.

Read Through the Bible

As this Roman year draws to a close, a new one waiting in the wings prepared to make its entrance, I want to take a few moments and encourage you to read through the Bible.

I have been blessed with a Titus woman in my life for the last 14 (or so) years who has encouraged me to dig into the Word.  About 11 years ago, we were fellowshipping with some saints and an older woman stood up and gave her testimony of having read through the Bible for the last 50 years (if not more).

My friend and I took this testimony to heart and began a journey of reading each year.  At first we started with a devotional we had and used their outline.  Sharing what we had 'discovered' with one another.  Oh my!  What a delight that has been to our souls!  Each year we express to one another of how wonderful it is to be in Father's Word and to 'see' new insights.  I am constantly amazed that when I read through the Bible there is always a new discovery, or a deeper understanding of a previously read passage.  Father is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him.

The last 5 years we have been reading chronologically using the Reese Bible.  There are numerous plans out there, either to read through certain books in a year, month, etc.  Outlines to read the entire Bible in 2 years, 1 year, etc.  Reading through in a year doesn't allow one to 'camp' out, it does however, give one a great overview of God's plan of redemption and fulfillment from Genesis to Revelation.  All of the plans are designed to get you into the WORD - this is vital to our sanctification.

I would encourage you to take the challenge of reading through in a year, if you miss days, do NOT get discouraged, jump back into reading.  The enemy knows that when we read HIS Word we are drawing closer to Him and will stop at nothing to dissuade or discourage.  Find someone else as a partner, if you have already been reading, find someone else to join you.

Personally I would encourage everyone to read through chronologically at least once in your lifetime.  :-)  Seeing how the Word of God unfolds in a historic context has been explosive to my growth and understanding of who, what, when, where, how and why.  For example:  The book of Job is nestled within the book Genesis, with Job dying shortly before Rebecca is given in marriage to Issac.

I think some of the links I am providing will email a daily portion to be read.  To get you started:

Another site - http://www.oneyearbibleonline.com/

One more: http://www.backtothebible.org/index.php/Bible-Reading-Guides.html

Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read... (Isaiah 34:16)

"I can think of no greater admonition for all people today than this one from the pen of Isaiah. Reading Scripture was both an Old Testament practice (Exod. 24:7; Deut. 17:19; 31:11; Josh. 8:34-35; 2 Kings 22:8 – 23:2; Jer. 36:15; Neh. 8:8) and a New Testament practice (Col. 4:16; 1 Thess. 5:27). It was performed by Jesus Himself (Luke 4:16-20). It was prescribed by the Apostle Paul (1 Tim. 4:13). Today, it is important for everyone to read his own Bible because Bible reading will bless the reader (Rev. 1:3). Bible reading leads us to know God’s plan of salvation (2 Tim. 3:15; James 1:18). Reading the Bible brings us to an understanding of God’s will for our life today (Eph. 3:4; 5:17). How one reads the Bible daily can vary. This article covers the method of reading the Bible in chronological order."

The paragraph above was taken from this website:  http://www.truthmagazine.com/?p=1502

May the Lord bless each of you as you seek to draw closer and more intimate with Him.  May the manifold blessings of our Father comfort and keep your heart as you seek to learn, read, meditate and keep HIS word.

Day 350

F. Book of Revelation
1. The seven churches - Revelation 1:1-20; 2:1-29; 3:1-22

I had to chuckle....started typing away and realized that this particular day only had one item, though several chapters.  Looks slightly sparse up there. :-D  Someone had mentioned a correlation between the seven churches and the seven gifts (Romans 12).  I have not had adequate time to really delve into a study on that, but thought it interesting.  Some have postured that the seven churches represent the Bride throughout history and that we are currently in a Laodicean age.

John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; (Revelation 1:4)

Seven = Completeness - Spiritual - Perfection

The word translated as seven is used 54x in 31 verses in the Book of the Revelation.

Some of the sevens:  churches ~ Spirits ~ golden candlesticks ~ stars ~ lamps ~ seals ~ horns ~ eyes ~ angels ~ trumpets ~ thunders ~ thousand (men slain) ~ heads ~ crowns ~ plagues ~ golden vials ~ mountains ~ kings.

Wow!  What a list!  Obviously many of the words were used more than once.  I wonder if golden candlesticks and lamps are the same Greek word?

candlestick - G3087 - luchnia - lookh-nee'-ah - From G3088; a lamp stand (literally or figuratively).

lamp - G2985 - lampas - lam-pas' - From G2989; a “lamp” or flambeau.

Flambeau?  What is a flambeau?  Ask and thou shalt receive.

1.

a flaming torch.

2.

a torch for use at night in illuminations, processions, etc.

3.

a large, decorated candlestick.

4.

an ornament having the form of a flaming torch.

Back to my original thought in the verse listing out the seven churches - each church had commendation and reproof.  I am very briefly summarizing:

1. Ephesus - works, labour, patience, abhor evil, tested the spirits, fainted not, hates the deeds of the Nicolaitanes vs left thy first love
2. Smyrna - works, tribulations, poverty, blasphemy from w/out, tribulation
3. Pergamos - works, holds fast the NAME, no faith deniers vs hold to Balaam doctrine, hold to Nicolaitanes doctrine
4. Thyatira - works, charity, service, faith, patience, works vs women teaching (Jezebel spirit), seducing, fornication, eat items sacrificed to idols
5. Sardis - works, name, few not defiled, vs works not perfect, repent, watch
6. Philadelphia - works, open door, little strength, kept His word,  not denied His name, kept the word of His patience
7. Laodicea - No commendation vs works are not hot or cold (lukewarm - spue), deceived with riches, increased with goods, unable to recognize they are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, naked.  The Lord rebukes those He loves and calls this church to repent.

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; to him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. (Revelation 2:7)

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; he that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. (Revelation 2:11)

He that had an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; to him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. (Revelation 2:17)

And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (Revelation 2:26-29)

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (Revelation 3:5-6)

Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (Revelation 3:12-13)

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (Revelation 3:21-22)

Attributes of those that overcome:  eat of the tree of life ~ no second death hurt ~ eat hidden manna ~ a new name written in a white stone ~ power over the nations ~ rule with iron ~ morning star ~ clothed in white raiment ~ not blotted out of the book of life ~ name confessed before Father and HIS angels ~ a pillar in the temple of God ~ name of God, name of city, new name written upon ~ sit with HIM in HIS throne.

I paused over the phrase, "I will confess his name before my Father."  That is an astounding thought.  I had never pondered the possibility of my name (or the new name given to me) as being confessed before the Sovereign God, by HIS son.  What a humbling thought.  Will HE find me faithful and overcoming?  I noticed that two of the churches had no rebuke.  One had no commendation.  When He returns what will He find upon this earth?

Day 349

XVIII The Writings of John - A.D. 67 - C 100 ~ cont.

C. Book of 1 John - A.D. 95 (R) C A.D. 41 (K) ~ cont.

2. Overcoming the world - 1 John 4:1-21; 5:1-21

D. Book of 2 John

1. Walk in truth - 2 John 1:1-6

2. Recognize deceivers - 2 John 1:7-13

E. Book of 3 John

1. Diotrephes rejects elders and asserts power - 3 John 1:1-10

2. Faithful Demetrius is encouraged - 3 John 1:1-14

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.  (1 John 4:1)

beloved - G27 - agapētos - ag-ap-ay-tos' - From G25; beloved.

believe - G4100 - pisteuō - pist-yoo'-o - From G4102; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), that is, credit; by implication to entrust (especially one’s spiritual well being to Christ).

try - G1381 - dokimazō - dok-im-ad'-zo - From G1384; to test (literally or figuratively); by implication to approve.

false prophets - G5578 - pseudoprophētēs - psyoo-dop-rof-ay'-tace - From G5571 and G4396; a spurious prophet, that is, pretended foreteller or religious impostor.

world - G2889 - kosmos - kos'-mos - Probably from the base of G2865; orderly arrangement, that is, decoration; by implication the world (in a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively [morally]).

This puts me in mind of the passage in Acts:  17:11  These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

One can not test or judge those who are speaking, teaching, etc. unless one is studying the Word, notice the Bereans were doing so daily.

For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.  (1 John 5:7)

I highlighted this passage to remind myself that the Word of God shows that there are 3 in 1.  I can not remember when or where I have heard some dispute the trinity, and while the position that the word trinity is not found in the Bible is accurate...this passage clearly illustrates that there is a triune God.  God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit.  Though I actually like Father, Word, Holy Ghost much better!

Day 348

(H) Book of 2 Timothy ~ cont.
3. Description of apostasy - 2 Timothy 3:1-13
4. Defense of a good soldier - 2 Timothy 3:14-17; 4:1-8
5. Closing instructions - 2 Timothy 4:9-22
(I) Martyrdom of Peter and Paul - A.D. June 29, 67-68

XVIII The Writings of John - A.D. 67 - C 100
A. Temple at Jerusalem destroyed by Titus (7th plundering) - A.D. 70
B. Gospel of John written - A.D. 95 (R) C A.D. 35 (K)
C. Book of 1 John - A.D. 95 (R) C A.D. 41 (K)
1. Love and obedience to the father
a. What to do with sin - 1 John 1:1-10
b. Obedience - 1 John 2:1-14
c. Worldliness and unbelief - 1 John 2:15-28
d. Love - 1 John 2:29; 3:1-24

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;  (2 Timothy 3:1-4)

perilous - G5467 - chalepos - khal-ep-os' - Perhaps from G5465 through the idea of reducing the strength; difficult, that is, dangerous, or (by implication) furious.

1. lovers of their own selves - G5367 -philautos - fil'-ow-tos - From G5384 and G846; fond of self, that is, selfish.
2. covetous - G5366 - philarguros - fil-ar'-goo-ros - From G5384 and G696; fond of silver (money), that is, avaricious.
3. boasters - G213 - alazōn - al-ad-zone' - From ἄλη alē (vagrancy); braggart.
4. proud - G5244 - huperēphanos - hoop-er-ay'-fan-os - From G5228 and G5316; appearing above others (conspicuous), that is, (figuratively) haughty.
5. blasphemers - G989 - blasphēmos - blas'-fay-mos - From a derivative of G984 and G5345; scurrilous, that is, calumnious (against man), or (specifically) impious (against God).
6. disobedient - G545 - apeithēs - ap-i-thace' - From G1 (as a negative particle) and G3982; unpersuadable, that is, contumacious.
7. parents - G1118 - goneus - gon-yooce' - From the base of G1096; a parent.
8. unthankful - G884 - acharistos - ach-ar'-is-tos - From G1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of G5483; thankless, that is, ungrateful.
9. unholy - G462 - anosios - an-os'-ee-os - From G1 (as a negative particle) and G3741; wicked.
10. w/out natural affection - G794 - astorgos - as'-tor-gos - From G1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of στέργω stergō (to cherish affectionately); hard hearted towards kindred.
11. trucebreakers - G786 - aspondos - as'-pon-dos - From G1 (as a negative particle) and a derivative of G4689; literally without libation (which usually accompanied a treaty), that is, (by implication) truceless.
12. false accusers - G1228 - diabolos - dee-ab'-ol-os - From G1225; a traducer; specifically Satan (compare [H7854]).
13. incontinent - G193 - akratēs - ak-rat'-ace - From G1 (as a negative particle) and G2904; powerless, that is, without self control.
14. fierce - G434 - anēmeros - an-ay'-mer-os -From G1 (as a negative particle) and ἥμερος hēmeros (lame); savage.
15. despisers of those that are good - G865 - aphilagathos - af-il-ag'-ath-os - From G1 (as a negative particle) and G5358; hostile to virtue.
16. traitors - G4273 - prodotēs - prod-ot'-ace - From G4272 (in the sense of giving forward into another’s [the enemy’s] hands); a surrender.
17. heady - G4312 - propetēs - prop-et-ace' - From a compound of G4253 and G4098; falling forward, that is, headlong (figuratively precipitate).
18. highminded - G5187 - tuphoō - toof-o'-o - From a derivative of G5188; to envelop with smoke, that is, (figuratively) to inflate with self conceit.
19. lovers of pleasures - G5369 - philēdonos - fil-ay'-don-os - From G5384 and G2237; fond of pleasure, that is, voluptuous.

lovers of God - G5377 - philotheos - fil-oth'-eh-os - From G5384 and G2316; fond of God, that is, pious.

I kept perilous and lovers of God out of the list for a reason.  The word perilous is not describing the types of people, but the times in which they live.  With the phrase 'lovers of God' it really was not a description so much as a comparison to the lovers of pleasures MORE than lovers of God.  They love pleasure more than they love God.

Nothing like a few extra words to find a definition for/about.  :-)  The one that initially caught my attention was the traducer, I went back to see if I had copy and pasted correctly.  NOTE:   Definitions which reference the Greek (or Hebrew) are taken from the Strong's concordance within the E-Sword program.  Other definitions are taken from dictionary.com.

avaricious–adjective - characterized by avarice; greedy; covetous.

scurrilous–adjective - grossly or obscenely abusive.

contumacious–adjective - stubbornly perverse or rebellious; willfully and obstinately disobedient.

traducer –verb (used with object)- to speak maliciously and falsely of; slander; defame: to traduce someone's character.


hard hearted towards kindred - this implies a lack of concern.  Maternal care comes to mind when I think of this and how in a siege against Israel the mother's were eating their young. Is this applicable in our day? Mothers hating the fruit of their womb, murdering their young that they might feast upon their lusts, enjoy the sinfulness of pleasure for a season without the responsibility of a baby?  Woe to that nation which allows such a travesty of injustice against the innocent.  Even the King in Israel rent his clothes when he learned of the treachery, how much more does the Bride (priests, peculiar people, saints, children of God) abhor that which is evil?

hostile to virtue - What is virtue?  (Quick, abbreviated definition) moral excellence; goodness; righteousness.  Reflecting that this is a definition of the phrase despisers of those that are good. My understanding, virtue: anything holy, morally upright, wholesome.  I see this in our generation.  I know, each generation observes the same wickedness and laments the depravity.

Ruminating upon that phrase: lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. This year in sharing my journey through the Bible has been a major delight and encouragement. I have grown so much in my faith, my deepening love for my Savior, my Redeemer. What 'pleasures' in my life am I so firmly attached to that they crowd out my love for God? I realize the list above is for the unregenerate, but it behooves us to examine ourselves and see what dross needs to be removed. :-)

The definition of traducer reminds me of this verse:

Rev 12:10  And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

Amen, even so come Lord Jesus.

Day 347

(E) Book of 2 Peter ~ cont.
3. God's promise to be fulfilled in apostate times - 2 Peter 3:1-18
(F) Book of Jude (Brother of Jesus)
1. History of apostasy - Jude 1:1-7
2. Apostate teachers described - Jude 1:8-19
3. Strength available - Jude 1:20-25
(G) Second Imprisonment (A.D. 67)
(H) Book of 2 Timothy
1. Greetings and charge to hold fast - 2 Timothy 1:1-18
2. Requirements of a good soldier - 2 Timothy 2:1-26

Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers,walking after their own lusts.  (2 Peter 3:3)

knowing - G1097 - A prolonged form of a primary verb; to “know” (absolutely), in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as shown at left, with others not thus clearly expressed.

first - G4412 - Neuter of G4413 as an adverb (with or without G3588); firstly (in time, place, order, or importance).

scoffers - G1703 - From G1702; a derider, that is, (by implication) a false teacher.  G1702 - From G1722 and G3815; to jeer at, that is, deride.

walking - G4198 - Middle voice from a derivative of the same as G3984; to traverse, that is, travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove [figuratively die], live, etc.).

lusts - G1939 - From G1937; a longing (especially for what is forbidden).

As I typed in the word scoffers and the definition it made me wonder, how oft is that word used in Scripture?  Well...the word 'scoffer' is only used 1x, the Greek word represented by 1703 is only used 1 other time:

Jud 1:18  How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.

Only those 2 entries for the 1703, but for 1702 (the root word) it is used 13x in 13 verses.  All of which are in Matthew, Mark and Luke and reference the 'mockings' that our Lord endured.  That gives it a slightly different twist as to how I view the word scoffer.  Those who mocked my Lord and Savior, that was once me!  Before He sovereignly chose me, willfully hating Him and all that HE is, desiring to tear down HIS kingdom, a mocker.  Thank You Lord for Your redemption!

These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. (Jude 1:19)

separate - G592 - From G575 and a compound of G1223 and G3724; to disjoin (by a boundary, figuratively a party).

sensual - G5591 - From G5590; sensitive that is, animate (in distinction on the one hand from G4152, which is the higher or renovated nature; and on the other from G5446, which is the lower or bestial nature).

Poole's commentary on 2 Peter 3:3:  Knowing this first; especially, as being very necessary to be known.  The apostle having in the former chapter cautioned these saints against the more close enemies of the gospel, seducers and false teachers, here he foretells them of more open enemies, profane scoffers.  In the last days; see 1 Corinthians 10:11; 2 Timothy 3:1. Scoffers; profane contemners of God, and deriders of his truth, Psalm 1:1; 119:51; Isaiah 28:14, 22.  Walking after their own lusts; such as are natural to them; lusts of ungodliness, Jude 18.

I double checked that word 'contemners' that is exactly how it is spelled in the commentary.  Dictionary.com -  contemn: verb - to treat or regard with disdain, scorn, or contempt.

Poole's commentary on Jude 1:18 - Told you;  whether in their preaching or writing.  Ungodly lusts; Greek, lusts of ungodliness; a Hebraism; the vilest lusts.

Jude 1:19 - These be they who separate themselves; viz. from the true doctrine and church of Christ, as being in love with their carnal liberties and loth to come under the yoke of Christ's discipline.  Sensual;  or carnal or animal, 1 Corinthians 2:14; such as are mere men, and have no higher principle in them than human nature, which, left to itself, and being destitute of the sanctifying Spirit, is generally overpowered by sense, and inclines to fleshly lusts.  Having not the Spirit; the Spirit of God, by which they should be led, and to which they so much pretend; having neither the light, nor grace, nor comfort of the Spirit.

Day 346

(D) Book of Hebrews ~ cont.
3. Walk and worship of the Christian - Hebrews 12:1-29; 13:1-25
(E) Book of 2 Peter
1. Characteristics of our faith - 2 Peter 1:1-21
2. Signs of the coming apostasy - 2 Peter 2:1-22

Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.  (Hebrews 12:4)

resisted - G478 - From G473 and G2525; to set down (troops) against, that is, withstand.

striving - G464 - From G473 and G75; to struggle against (figuratively), (“antagonize”).

sin - G266 - From G264; sin (properly abstract).

O how wicked this flesh is - wanting to have its way - have we yet striven to blood to resist the lure and enticement that the mortal body craves?  Nay.  Not one drop of blood has been shed either by wound or sweat.  Sometimes it is a terrible battle daily to deny this flesh its wants, wills and desires.


1Jn 2:16  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

O Lord, give us the ability to stand to Your command, to not be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.  Help us Lord to desire to spend time with you daily.  Help us to not give into the temptation, but to remember that You always give a way of escape.

And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou are rebuked of him: for whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.  (Hebrews 12:5-6)

forgotten - G1585 - Middle voice from G1537 and G2990; to be utterly oblivious of.

exhortation - G3874 - From G3870; imploration, hortation, solace.

despise - G3643 - From a compound of G3641 and ὤρα ōra (“care”); to have little regard for, that is, to disesteem.

chastening - G3809 - From G3811; tutorage, that is, education or training; by implication disciplinary correction.

faint - G1590 - From G1537 and G3089; to relax (literally or figuratively).

rebuked - G1651 - Of uncertain affinity; to confute, admonish.

loveth - G25 - Perhaps from ἄγαν agan (much; or compare [H5689]); to love (in a social or moral sense).

chasteneth - G3811 - From G3816; to train up a child, that is, educate, or (by implication) discipline (by punishment).

scourgeth - G3146 - From G3148; to flog (literally or figuratively).

receiveth - G3858 - From G3844 and G1209; to accept near, that is, admit or (by implication) delight in.

Scourgeth = flog.  That is quite a graphic word.  Flog - in my initial understanding, flail, reminds me of what they did to Christ Jesus.  Paul was also flogged.

Though we may endure the correction of Father, we take heart in this:

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.  (Hebrews 12:11)

Day 345

(D) Book of Hebrews ~ cont.
2. Way of faith better than way of law
a. New Covenant superior - Hebrews 8:6-13; 9:1-28; 10:1-18
b. True worship - Hebrews 10:19-25
c. Rejection of Christ is fatal - Hebrews 10:26-39
d. Superiority of faith - Hebrews 11:1-40

For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities I will remember no more.  (Hebrews 8:12)

Remember versus forget.  Hmmm.  Word search on forget - translated as such 54x in 51 verses.  Evenly divided between Hebrew and Greek with 4 of each.

H4519 - From H5382; causing to forget; Menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descendant from him, and its territory.

H5382 - A primitive root; to forget; figuratively, to neglect; causatively, to remit, remove.

H7911 - A primitive root; to mislay, that is, to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention.

H7913 - From H7911; oblivious: - forget.

G1585 - Middle voice from G1537 and G2990; to be utterly oblivious of: - forget.

G1950 - Middle voice from G1909 and G2990; to lose out of mind; by implication to neglect: - (be) forget (-ful of).

G2983 - A prolonged form of a primary verb, which is used only as an alternate in certain tenses; to take (in very many applications, literally and figuratively [probably objective or active, to get hold of; whereas G1209 is rather subjective or passive, to have offered to one; while G138 is more violent, to seize or remove]).

G3024 - From G2990; forgetfulness: - + forget.

This is the only verse I found (thus far) which would seem to indicate God forgetting:

Jer 23:39  Therefore, behold, I, even I, will utterly forget you, and I will forsake you, and the city that I gave you and your fathers, and cast you out of my presence:

Forget (5382) double reference to 5382 (which is to remove). This is not a forget, like oops, I ceased to remember something.  God can not forget - that would deny His very being.  The essence of His character is omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, HE is all, He can not forget.  He can choose to not remember, which is mentioned in the verse I used at the beginning.  When forgiving someone, we may remember the offense, but can make a conscious choice to not remember.

2Co 10:5  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Remember - Used 148x in 144 verses - that is a bit much for me to read through right now.  Think I will focus on the word used in the Hebrew passage above.  :-)  Interestingly when I searched the E-Sword dictionary, the word remember has 8 entries as well.  Two for the Hebrew and 6 for the Greek (another study for a future date).

G3415 - Middle voice of a derivative of G3306 or perhaps of the base of G3145 (through the idea of fixture in the mind or of mental grasp); to bear in mind, that is, recollect; by implication to reward or punish: - be mindful, remember, come (have) in remembrance. Compare G3403.

Father, help us to remember Your word, to mediate upon it and hide it within our hearts.  Help us Lord, to seek after knowing and internalizing Your Word that we may have an abundant flow of life giving words and wisdom to guide us as we trod this narrow path and to encourage our fellow travelers.


Isa 26:3  Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.