October 25 – The Last Words of Paul

October 25
Jeremiah 48:1-49:22
2 Timothy 4:1-22
Psalm 95:1-96:13
Proverbs 26:9-12

Jeremiah 48:1 – This chapter may seem to be irrelevant to 21st century Americans. But what if we swapped out Moab for America, and the names of the cities for cities we knew. What if we read “Against America thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Woe unto New York! for it is spoiled: Chicago is confounded and taken: Dallas is confounded and dismayed.” We’d sit up and take notice! That’s what it felt like for the people this was written to. Because they trusted in their works and treasures. Good thing we don’t trust in our accomplishments and our money! Oh wait….

Jeremiah 49:1 – From EnduringWord:

Through Jeremiah, God spoke of the fact that the Ammonites occupied land that was apportioned for the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh. In the name of their god Milcom they lived in that land, acting as if Israel’s inheritance was invalid.

i. In God’s estimation that land belonged to Israel, not Ammon. “Although the northern tribes had been carried away by Tiglath-Pileser III, their land still belonged to them and was to be inherited by their sons.” (Feinberg)

ii. “The Ammonites, it appears, took advantage of the depressed state of Israel, and invaded their territories in the tribe of Gad, hoping to make them their own for ever. But the prophet intimates that God will preserve the descendants of Israel, and will bring them back to their forfeited inheritances.” (Clarke)

2 Timothy 4:1-2 – These are the last words of Paul. His urgent charge to his favorite son, Timothy. His message was simple, “Preach the Word!” From Lancaster Baptist Church, a song based on this text:

2 Timothy 4:7 – This verse is carved on the tombstone of Billy Sunday:

Author’s Photograph

2 Timothy 4:9 – Here we read some of the most touching words in the Bible. Paul who sent Christians to their death, is being sent to his death for being a Christian. He’s lonely and begging Timothy to come to him. Demas, his friend and co-laborer (Colossians 4:14, Philemon 1:24) has abandoned him and left the faith (2 Timothy 4:10). Titus is in the faith, but on assignment.

2 Timothy 4:11 – Mark, who disappointed Paul by abandoning him (Acts 15:38), who caused the split between Paul and his mentor Barnabas (Acts 15:39), is now reunited with Paul in spirit.

2 Timothy 4:13 – Paul is in physical distress, or he wouldn’t ask for a coat (2 Timothy 4:21). But more importantly he wants his books and parchments. He was nigh unto death but was still reading and learning.

2 Timothy 4:16-17 – Paul has given up all grudges, and had his faith and hope fully in the LORD.

Psalm 95:1 – Enjoy this song based on this Psalm from Northland

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8smzmybf3MY

Psalm 96:5 – Why is the LORD of the Bible greater than the god of any other religion. Because He is the Creator of all. That’s why the battle for Genesis is so important!

Proverbs 26:11 – Solomon is disgusted by the fool – pray that your children don’t grow up to be fools.

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