Then I will not be ashamed when I look at all Your commandments. Psalm 119:6 NASB Not be ashamed – It’s worth reiterating the difference between our contemporary, psychological idea of “shame” and the ancient Hebrew idea. As we’ve discovered before: The primary meaning of this root is “to fall into disgrace, normally through failure, either…
“Please say that you are my sister so that it may go well for me because of you, and that I may live on account of you.” Genesis 12:13 NASB You are my sister – Justifying a paradigm usually means adjusting evidence to fit the assumptions. Scriptural defense of the doctrine of the Trinity is an…
For if you truly amend your ways and your deeds, if you truly practice justice between a man and his neighbor, if you do not oppress the alien, the orphan, or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place, nor walk after other gods to your own ruin, then I will let you dwell in this place, in the land…
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, Philippians 2:3-5 NASB Selfishness – Ah, it…
The LORD does not let the appetite of the righteous go unsatisfied, but what the wicked crave he thrusts aside. Proverbs 10:3 (Bruce Waltke translation) Appetite – What really moves you? What are the most important motivators in your life? What drives you to keep going? What inspires you to new heights? In Hebrew, all…
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 6:1 NASB No reward – The biblical idea of reward went through some development from Moses to Yeshua. Some of its development incorporated ideas from sources outside the Bible. But…
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, Philippians 2:3-5 NASB Selfishness – Ah, it…
One who gives a sum to charity in order to gain a share in the world to come or save a life his child is regarded as perfectly righteous. Babylonia Talmud, Pesahim 8a Gain – If you accept God’s forgiveness in order to get to heaven, is your choice righteous? Haven’t you really made that…
For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Colossians 1:9 NASB For this reason – Would you like others to pray that you might…
“And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.” John 17:3 NASB This – How do you define eternal life? Before you quickly say something like “being saved,” or “having a right relationship with God,” or “knowing Jesus as my Savior and Lord,”…
