September 27, 2013

From Mark Copeland... Blessings Involving The Son (Ephesians 1:7-12)


                     "THE EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS"

                  Blessings Involving The Son (1:7-12)

INTRODUCTION

1. We saw in the previous lesson that Paul starts his epistle to the 
   Ephesians with praising God for the spiritual riches (blessings) that
   we have in Christ - Ep 1:3

2. Throughout Ep 1:4-14 Paul lists some of these wonderful blessings
   that are ours, and in verses 4-6 we saw those blessings which 
   center around the Father, how that we who are in Christ are:
   a. "Chosen by God", to be holy and without blame before Him in love 
      (1:4)
   b. "Predestined by God", to receive the adoption as sons of God 
      (1:5-6a)
   c. "Accepted by God", that is, to be highly favored by Him (1:6b)

3. How is it that we who are sinners are so blessed by God?
   a. The answer is hinted at in verses 4-6 by the repeated reference
      to Christ:
      1) "chose us IN HIM"
      2) "adoption as sons BY JESUS CHRIST"
      3) "made us accepted IN THE BELOVED"
   b. Thus it is only in and through Jesus Christ that we can receive 
      these wonderful blessings! (remember 1:3)

4. This becomes even clearer as we now consider verses 7-12, as Paul 
   expands upon "Blessings Involving The Son"...
   a. Please note that the distinction being made between blessings 
      involving the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is a narrow one
   b. For truly each of the blessings described usually involve two or 
      more Persons in the Godhead
   c. But for memorization purposes it can be helpful to divide up the 
      blessings in the way we have done

[The first blessing we notice in this section is that through His 
Son...]

I. GOD HAS REDEEMED US (7a)

   A. DEFINING "REDEMPTION"...
      1. The Greek word is apolutrosis {ap-ol-oo'-tro-sis}
      2. It means "a releasing effected by payment of ransom"
      3. As Hendriksen defines it, "deliverance as a result of the
         payment of a ransom"
      4. Hendriksen goes on to suggest that this "redemption" implies:
         a. "emancipation...from the guilt, punishment, and power of
            sin" - cf. Jn 8:34; Ro 7:14; Ga 3:13
         b. "restoration to true liberty" - cf. Jn 8:36

   B. OUR REDEMPTION IS "THROUGH HIS (CHRIST'S) BLOOD"...
      1. The purchase price paid in order to redeem us was the blood of
         Jesus - cf. 1Pe 1:18-19
      2. By His death on the cross, Jesus has paid the price to deliver 
         us from the bondage of sin, for which He deserves our highest 
         praise! - cf. Re 5:9, 12

[We now see how God could carry out His choice to have a people who are 
holy and without blame, adopted as sons unto Him, when all He had to 
work with were "sinners".  Through the death of Jesus and the shedding 
of His blood, God was just to "redeem" or "deliver" sinners from the 
bondage of sin!

There is another way to express what God has done to make it possible
for us to be "holy and without blame before Him in love", and that is, 
through His Son...]

II. GOD HAS FORGIVEN US (7b-8)

   A. DEFINING "FORGIVENESS"...
      1. The Greek word is aphesis {af'-es-is}, and it's shades of 
         meaning include:
         a. "release from bondage or imprisonment"
         b. "forgiveness or pardon, of sins (letting them go as if they
            had never been committed), remission of the penalty"
      2. With the shedding of Jesus' blood, it is now possible to be 
         "forgiven", that is, "pardoned" so that we are no longer guilty
         of or imprisoned by sin

   B. WHAT HAS BEEN FORGIVEN ARE OUR "SINS" (TRESPASSES)...
      1. The Greek word here is paraptoma, {par-ap'-to-mah}
         a. Lit., it means "a side-slip (lapse or deviation)"
         b. Thus it refers to (unintentional) error or (willful) 
            transgression
      2. The very sort of things (faults, offenses, sins, trespasses) 
         that would keep us from being "holy and without blame"
      3. Through Jesus' blood, we can obtain "pardon" from such things,
         and be "holy and without blame"!

   C. THE BASIS FOR BOTH "REDEMPTION" AND "FORGIVENESS" IS GOD'S GRACE...
      1. "according to the riches of His grace" - 7c
      2. "which He made to abound toward us" - 8a
      3. As Paul told Titus, it is by God's mercy and grace we are
         justified - Tit 3:3-7
      4. This wonderful grace is manifested by God in all...
         a. "wisdom" - from the Greek word sophia, {sof-ee'-ah}
            1) Defined by Hendriksen as "that ability to apply knowledge
               to the best advantage, enabling a person to use the most 
               effective means for the attainment of the highest goal"
            2) In God's case, His wisdom is often beyond the capability
               of man to find out on his own - cf. Ro 11:33
         b. "prudence" - from the Greek word phronesis {fron'-ay-sis}
            1) Meaning "mental action or activity, i.e. intellectual or 
               moral insight: prudence, wisdom."
            2) With much thought God has chosen to show His grace toward
               us!

[According to His wisdom, prudence, and grace, God has provided 
"redemption" and "forgiveness" through the blood of His dear Son!

But there is more!  While God's wisdom is often beyond the ability of 
man to find out on his own, through His Son...]

III. GOD HAS REVEALED HIS WILL TO US (9-10)

   A. "HE HAS MADE KNOWN TO THE MYSTERY OF HIS WILL"...
      1. As explained by Paul later in this epistle (cf. Ep 3:3-5),
         this "mystery"...
         a. Was not made known to mankind in other ages - 3:5a
         b. But has now been revealed by the Spirit to the apostles and 
            prophets - 3:5b; Ro 16:25-27
      2. Making known the "mystery of His will" is due to "His good 
         pleasure which He purposed in Himself"
         a. It pleased God in planning to reveal His will to us
         b. Just as it please God in predetermining to adopt us as sons 
            through Jesus Christ - 1:5

   B. THE "WILL OF GOD" THAT IS NOW REVEALED PERTAINS TO WHAT GOD HAD
      PLANNED TO ACCOMPLISH IN JESUS CHRIST...
      1. God's "plan" was to be carried out "in the dispensation of the
         fullness of the times"
         a. I.e., in the period of time when everything is right and 
            ready - cf. Ga 4:4-5
         b. Hendriksen suggests that the reference is to the entire New 
            Testament era...
            1) Particularly to the period which began with Christ's 
               resurrection and coronation
            2) But not ending until the Lord, upon His glorious return, 
               pronounces and executes judgment (New Testament 
               Commentary, Exposition of Ephesians, pp. 85-86)
      2. God's "plan" was to "gather together in one all things in 
         Christ..."
         a. B. W. Johnson comments:  "He might gather in one all things
            in Christ. That the scattered families and tribes of men, 
            both Jews and Gentiles, should all be gathered and united 
            under one head, Christ. Nay, not only men, but angels..."
         b. Paul elaborates upon this thought in Ep 2:16, and in 
            Col 1:19-22
            1) By the death of Christ, Jew and Gentile can become one 
               body
            2) By the blood of the cross, God is able to reconcile all 
               things to Himself
            3) The ultimate consequence of this "reconciliation" is that
               we might be presented "holy, and blameless, and 
               irreproachable in His sight" - Col 1:22; cf. Ep 1:4

[Finally, we also learn that through the Son....]

IV. GOD HAS GIVEN US AN INHERITANCE (11-12)

   A. "OBTAINED AN INHERITANCE" OR "MADE A HERITAGE"?
      1. Some translations and scholars understand that verse 11
         should read "we were made a heritage", speaking of God's 
         inheritance, with an appeal to:
         a. Ep 1:14b - where Paul speaks of "the redemption of the 
            purchased possession"
         b. Ep 1:18c - where Paul speaks of "His inheritance"
      2. Reasons for accepting the rendering found in the KJV and NKJV 
         are offered by Hendriksen:
         a. The immediate context speaks of "our inheritance" - Ep 
            1:14a
         b. In the NT "the inheritance" is ever said to be "ours" or 
            "intended for us" - Ac 20:32; Ga 3:18; Col 3:24; He 9:15; 
            1Pe 1:4 (including Ep 1:18c, where "His inheritance" 
            can mean that which God is giving to us)
         c. Ep 1:5 speaks of "adoption as sons", and in Ro 8:15-17 
            Paul connects the idea of adoption with that of being heirs
         d. In an epistle with many similarities to Ephesians, Paul 
            certainly speaks of how we are "heirs" - Col 1:12

   B. THIS INHERITANCE IS PART OF GOD'S "PREDESTINATION"...
      1. Just as God "predetermined" that those in Christ would receive 
         "adoption as sons" (Ep 1:5), so He "predetermined" that His 
         "sons" would receive an "inheritance"!
      2. This is in accordance with God's grand "purpose", who has the 
         power to "work all things according to the counsel of His will"

   C. THE FINAL RESULT IN RECEIVING THIS INHERITANCE...
      1. "that we...should be to the praise of His glory" 
         a. That "those in Christ" (and what God has made them) will be 
            a reason to give God glory
         b. As Paul wrote the Thessalonians:  "that the name of our Lord
            Jesus Christ may be glorified in you..." - 2Th 1:12
      2. Some understand that Paul is now beginning to distinguish 
         between those like himself (Jewish believers) and those like 
         his readers (Gentile believers), for a reason that will become 
         clear later (cf. Ep 2:11-22)
         a. For Paul speaks of "we who first trusted" in verse 12...
         b. ...and then says "you also trusted" in verse 13
      3. Even if so, one cannot make too much of this distinction...
         a. Because all that is said in verses 3-11 (where "we" is 
            found) applies to Gentile believers
         b. And all that is said in verses 13-14 (where "you" is 
            found) applies to Jewish believers also

CONCLUSION

1. In Christ, then, we have every reason to praise God, knowing that...
   a. God has redeemed us (7a)
   b. God has forgiven us (7b-8)
   c. God has revealed His Will to us (9-10)
   d. God has given us an inheritance (11-12)

2. But there is even more!  And in the next lesson we shall examine what
   that is, as we consider "Blessings Involving The Holy Spirit"

For the time being, have you experienced that wonderful redemption, the
forgiveness of sins, through the blood of Jesus?  The apostle Peter
tells how we can in Ac 2:36-41...
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Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Jim McGuiggan... Matthew 6.19 and treasure in heaven

Matthew 6.19 and treasure in heaven

 A reader wondered about Matthew 6:19-20. "Lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven." Does this suggest we are to serve in order to gain reward? I’m sure that’s not the Master’s point here. In fact the whole section (19-24) looks in the opposite direction and calls for a radical self-giving to God. Christ said we can’t serve God and money (the Semitic "mammon"—money or possessions). We can’t have our eye on two things. In saying we "can’t" serve God and possessions Christ is choosing his words carefully. It isn’t only that God won’t let us; it’s that in light of the relationship we would want with God it isn’t possible. Discipleship as imaged by the Son is a full self-surrender to God and leaving it to him to give us what he sees fit. It isn’t for us to work to supply our own needs as if God did not provide them. Those who trust themselves to God in trust have done with worry (6:25-34). The person who worries (in a distrustful sense—for not all "worry" is worry) and makes it is/her life’s aim to supply their own needs against every eventuality is trusting in the wrong things. They trust in themselves as the provider and they trust in the things they gain and in doing this they lose their way. Not only do they make the wrong things ultimate (clothes, food, possessions—6:25-32) since they are not ultimates, they lose sight of God in the process (6:33).
I'm sure that Jesus here is calling his followers to a way of thinking and acting that puts earthly possessions and success in their place. Such things do have their God-given place but they must always be viewed as serving the higher aspects of our entire existence. How we relate to God should shape how we relate to riches or success here in this phase of living and I'm sure that's what Jesus is saying about securing the future in light of heaven.
Wealth (or any other instrument of power) is given to us as stewards. We are not to lay up treasure for "ourselves" here on earth; we're to so use it that we will gain heaven's approval (be sure to see Luke 16:9-13). So the last thing on Jesus’ mind in this section is teaching about degrees of reward for services rendered and when he speaks of "treasure in heaven" he means "heavenly treasure," that is real or "true riches" (compare Luke 16:11) as over against mere passing possessions.
Discussion about what "heaven" entails will wait for another time; but the notion that rewards (in the sense of some kind of "possessions"—maybe status or some other benefit) rather than relationship are the central thrust of life with God (here or hereafter) is way off the mark. Life doesn’t consist of what you possess (Luke 12:15) but what you are; and this is true whether you live on earth or in heaven.
But the idea that we will serve God and not find ourselves rewarded (blessed) as a result of our service is nonsense. Of course we’ll be rewarded. Imagine thinking that a lovely marriage can come to its pinnacle of intimacy and honor and our not being richly blessed as the result of it? We know that serving God is rewarding and that in its completeness it is richly rewarding. We’re told that ahead of time and we can expect it to be fulfilled. But to say that is not to say that we should serve God so that we will be rewarded. When we think that way a distortion enters. Then we become hirelings, then we labor for an employer.
Finally, some people talk of "disinterested" service or worship of God. By this they mean service without thought of reward, service that is not given with the aim to gain reward. If that’s what we mean, it’s legitimate speech. But we shouldn’t pretend that we don’t think we will be rewarded—Christ says we will be! And since God is generous and gracious we know we experience blessing as a result of serving him. We might as well pretend that we don’t expect a loving and honorable friendship to have no reward. We know that such relationships result in our blessing. If God called us to willingly serve him and assured us that the better we served him the more he would torment us and that he would finally toss us in an eternal rubbish pit—if he assured us of that we wouldn’t serve him. Of course it’s a nonsense scenario but I just want to make the point that talk of "disinterested" service can be nonsense talk.
Let me summarise what I think on this one aspect of this text. The entire section calls for a way of seeing life that has as its driving centre the righteousness of the kingdom of heaven (kingdom of God)—6:33. This means we are not to hoard our wealth as if it could bring security for the future or as if we were not stewards of our wealth. It also means that we will be securing the future in the best possible way. Anything committed to heaven's (God's) keeping is secure and no theif or rust can devour it. When the time comes we'll find our treasure intact and we'll discover that is perfectly matches our heart's longings.
©2004 Jim McGuiggan. All materials are free to be copied and used as long as money is not being made.
Many thanks to brother Ed Healy, for allowing me to post from his website, the abiding word.com.

From Ben Fronczek.... Nurture Your Relationship With God







Nurture Your Relationship With God

Cornelius Acts 10 (Part 2)
He was A Roman Warrior, a leader of men, a man raised in a pagan world believing in many gods. His swore his allegiance to them as well as to a man who claimed to be a divine leader, the Caesar of all Rome. But something happened along the way. He was now a mature centurion, in a nice home, in the capitol city of Caesarea, probably there to oversee a squadron of men that was responsible for the security of the Roman governor, Marcelous who now ruled over all Palestine and Judea.
Somehow and somewhere he learned about our Lord and apparently fell in love with Him. I don’t know if it happened before he moved to Caesarea, or after, but we do know that by the time Luke wrote Acts chapter 10, Cornelius and his whole family apparently turned their backs on those pagan gods and were described as being ‘devoted to the Lord’.
In the last lesson I mentioned the fact that I thought that Cornelius was worth taking a closer look at.    I believe that the Lord had his story preserved in scripture because there are some things we can learn from this man. Last week look at how one’s love for God can literally change one’s life, how it can empower us to do things we never thought that we’d ever do on our own. And I talked a little bit about how I believe it changed him. Cornelius seemingly not only put racial prejudice aside. As I mentioned last week, this man who was trained to kill, and conquer, and protect the concerns of the Roman Empire in the name of it’s so called deified Caesar, and in the name of the Roman Gods was now acting more like a Christian than a Roman soldier.
In Chapter 10, verse 2, it says that Cornelius was a “devout” man. The word in Greek means that he acted with piety or with holy awe and reverence. It also indicates that this awe demonstrated itself in activity. This tells me that Cornelius’ faith was not just confined to just words or feeling in his heart, it was seen in his actions and life style.
In other words, Cornelius was not like those Paul described in Titus 1:16, “They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.” Cornelius understood the teaching found in James 2:20, that “faith without deeds are useless.”
So what deeds did Cornelius perform that showed his faith and reverence?
Well, it wasn’t attending a worship service. You see, Cornelius was not invited to attend Jewish worship services because he was an uncircumcised Gentile (Acts 11:3). An uncircumcised man could not enter a synagogue or the Temple in Jerusalem. He was simply not welcome.
Nevertheless, even though he was denied the opportunity to worship in the synagogue and Temple, Cornelius worshipped in all the ways he knew he was able. The Jews may now have allowed him to worship with them but they could not be prevented from praising God in his heart and praying. And so, we read that he did so “regularly or as many translate it, “continually.”  In the context we see that he was praying in the middle of the day.. which was a Jewish custom in itself.
For a believer in God, praying should be as natural as breathing. Yet, if the truth be told, not many of us have a prayer life like Cornelius. Some Christians don’t pray outside the worship service. Many Christians make an effort to ’offer thanks’ or ’ask the blessing’ at meal times and during times of trouble. And still fewer yet are those who might actually pray at the start of day and before going to bed. But, how many of us fulfill the command in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, where Paul said, “Pray without ceasing”?   Cornelius did!
All too often some Christian don’t feel like they have a close relationship with God. They do not feel the presence of God in their lives. When you ask these people about their prayer life, if they are honest, most will admit that they know that they should pray more but just don’t.
How can we expect God to be near to us if we are far from Him and don’t talk to Him?
In James 4:8 it promises us that if we “draw near to God… He will draw near to us.”
Prayer is the most intimate way in which we can draw near to our God. I do not know of a better and swifter way to be close to God and tap into His love and His power and His joy and His peace than through close and intimate prayer. Not only speaking to God, but also listening to Him.
As I said it last week and I’ll say it again, I don’t think that Christianity is all about being religious, or just about going to church and singing songs, and eating the communion bread and following a bunch of do’ and don’t. Rather I truly believe it’s more about drawing closer to our Lord, and building and nurturing a real relationship with Him. And real prayer, talking to God can help us do that.
And Prayer – is – worship! God is worthy of our praise. God is worthy of our thanksgiving. In Hebrews 13:15 it says, “Let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His Name.”
Prayer provides an opportunity to express our needs and have them met. In Hebrews 4:14-16 it says, “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses,… Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.”   You see, He wants to have a relationship with us as well. But we put up walls. Just like we do with our spouse. We get so focused on ourselves and what we are concerned about, we don’t let anyone in.
Philippians 4:6-7, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
But such a devoted life as Cornelius’ not only entail believing and feeling good about God, nurturing a relationship with Him in prayer. This kind of love and devotion could not help but overflow onto other things which are important to God, including helping His people.  
I recently came across a poem that made me think of how this should apply to my life:
Live the Way You Pray
I knelt to pray when day was done,    And prayed: “Oh, Lord, bless everyone;
Lift from each saddened heart the pain  -  And let the sick be well again.”
And then I awoke another day  -   And carelessly went on my way.
The whole day long I did not try   -   To wipe a tear from any eye;
I did not try to share the load   -    Of any brother on the road;
I did not even go to see   -   The sick man just next door to me.
Yet once again when day was done,    I prayed: “O, Lord, bless everyone.”
But as I prayed, into my ear    -    There came a voice that whispered clear,
“Pause, hypocrite, before you pray;    Whom have you tried to bless today?
“God’s sweetest blessings always go  -   By hands that serve him here below.”
And then I hid my face and cried,   ”Forgive me, God, for I have lied;
Let me but live another day,    And I will live the way I pray.” 
We find that Cornelius was one who ’lived the way he prayed’; for, the Scripture says that he “gave generously to those in need.” He not only gave to help those around him in need, we also can read between the lines when it says that, ‘he was respected and well spoken of by all the Jews.’   His religion and devotion to God was more than just lip service.
If there was ever an Age in which we need more deeds of kindness, it would be today. Paul told the brethren in Ephesus (Acts 20:35) that Jesus taught that “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Jesus taught that true happiness comes, not when you concentrate on yourself and on what you might personally acquire or obtain, but when you meet the needs and help others. That’s when and where you find a blessed happiness.
We are also taught that being generous and sharing or giving to others who are in need,  brings glory to our Lord and God. Jesus taught, in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in Heaven.”
In John 15:8, Jesus is quoted saying  “By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.”
All too often, many in the church seem to think that when Jesus told us to bear fruit He was talking about evangelizing and making more Christians. I personally believe that there was more to that teaching than that. I believe the fruit that we should be bearing as a Christians are the acts of Loving kindness that we actually we saw Jesus, the early disciples, and what Cornelius was doing.
Those acts of love in turn glorify or Lord and Father in Heaven. That’s the kind of fruit that Father wants to see. The angel told Cornelius that those acts of love came up as a memorial offering before the Father. And those alms and kind deeds were definitely noticed.
The question can be asked, What kind of reputation do you have. Would they give a report about you as the Jews gave about Cornelius?
There’s a old saying that goes like this, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” The saying appears to have started in the medical profession, emphasizing that caring for patients is just as important to them as a medical professional’s book knowledge. And I think the same is true for us who know the way to heaven and want to share it with others. A lot of people don’t care about what you know, and they won’t until we show how much we care.
Our acts of love open eyes and open hearts.
Sometimes people won’t thank you for your gifts, your help, and sometimes sacrifices.
But Don’t think that your good deeds go unnoticed by God. God took note of everything that this man was doing. Hebrews 6:10, the wrote,  “God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His Name.”
1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.”
My encouragement today: Continue to nurture your relationship with God. Talk to Him. Listen to Him. If you have to set specific time aside to do it.  He wants to have the relationship with you. He wants to bless you with His peace.
And I think the closer you get to Him the more you will find yourself helping those around you. His love will flow through you like water through a sponge.

From Gary... Bible Reading and Study September 27



Bible Reading and Study    
September 27



The World English Bible


Sept. 27
Psalms 109-111

Psa 109:1 God of my praise, don't remain silent,
Psa 109:2 for they have opened the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of deceit against me. They have spoken to me with a lying tongue.
Psa 109:3 They have also surrounded me with words of hatred, and fought against me without a cause.
Psa 109:4 In return for my love, they are my adversaries; but I am in prayer.
Psa 109:5 They have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love.
Psa 109:6 Set a wicked man over him. Let an adversary stand at his right hand.
Psa 109:7 When he is judged, let him come forth guilty. Let his prayer be turned into sin.
Psa 109:8 Let his days be few. Let another take his office.
Psa 109:9 Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow.
Psa 109:10 Let his children be wandering beggars. Let them be sought from their ruins.
Psa 109:11 Let the creditor seize all that he has. Let strangers plunder the fruit of his labor.
Psa 109:12 Let there be none to extend kindness to him, neither let there be any to have pity on his fatherless children.
Psa 109:13 Let his posterity be cut off. In the generation following let their name be blotted out.
Psa 109:14 Let the iniquity of his fathers be remembered by Yahweh. Don't let the sin of his mother be blotted out.
Psa 109:15 Let them be before Yahweh continually, that he may cut off the memory of them from the earth;
Psa 109:16 because he didn't remember to show kindness, but persecuted the poor and needy man, the broken in heart, to kill them.
Psa 109:17 Yes, he loved cursing, and it came to him. He didn't delight in blessing, and it was far from him.
Psa 109:18 He clothed himself also with cursing as with his garment. It came into his inward parts like water, like oil into his bones.
Psa 109:19 Let it be to him as the clothing with which he covers himself, for the belt that is always around him.
Psa 109:20 This is the reward of my adversaries from Yahweh, of those who speak evil against my soul.
Psa 109:21 But deal with me, Yahweh the Lord, for your name's sake, because your loving kindness is good, deliver me;
Psa 109:22 for I am poor and needy. My heart is wounded within me.
Psa 109:23 I fade away like an evening shadow. I am shaken off like a locust.
Psa 109:24 My knees are weak through fasting. My body is thin and lacks fat.
Psa 109:25 I have also become a reproach to them. When they see me, they shake their head.
Psa 109:26 Help me, Yahweh, my God. Save me according to your loving kindness;
Psa 109:27 that they may know that this is your hand; that you, Yahweh, have done it.
Psa 109:28 They may curse, but you bless. When they arise, they will be shamed, but your servant shall rejoice.
Psa 109:29 Let my adversaries be clothed with dishonor. Let them cover themselves with their own shame as with a robe.
Psa 109:30 I will give great thanks to Yahweh with my mouth. Yes, I will praise him among the multitude.
Psa 109:31 For he will stand at the right hand of the needy, to save him from those who judge his soul.

Psa 110:1 Yahweh says to my Lord, "Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool for your feet."
Psa 110:2 Yahweh will send forth the rod of your strength out of Zion. Rule in the midst of your enemies.
Psa 110:3 Your people offer themselves willingly in the day of your power, in holy array. Out of the womb of the morning, you have the dew of your youth.
Psa 110:4 Yahweh has sworn, and will not change his mind: "You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek."
Psa 110:5 The Lord is at your right hand. He will crush kings in the day of his wrath.
Psa 110:6 He will judge among the nations. He will heap up dead bodies. He will crush the ruler of the whole earth.
Psa 110:7 He will drink of the brook in the way; therefore he will lift up his head.

Psa 111:1 Praise Yah! I will give thanks to Yahweh with my whole heart, in the council of the upright, and in the congregation.
Psa 111:2 Yahweh's works are great, pondered by all those who delight in them.
Psa 111:3 His work is honor and majesty. His righteousness endures forever.
Psa 111:4 He has caused his wonderful works to be remembered. Yahweh is gracious and merciful.
Psa 111:5 He has given food to those who fear him. He always remembers his covenant.
Psa 111:6 He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations.
Psa 111:7 The works of his hands are truth and justice. All his precepts are sure.
Psa 111:8 They are established forever and ever. They are done in truth and uprightness.
Psa 111:9 He has sent redemption to his people. He has ordained his covenant forever. His name is holy and awesome!
Psa 111:10 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. All those who do his work have a good understanding. His praise endures forever! 
 
The Composite Bible
The World English Bible
Darby's Translation
Young's Literal Translation

The Composite Bible is a effort to understand the Bible by considering it from different perspectives and different levels of literalcy. First, read the World English Bible (the least literal-black text) for comprehension of the text. Next, read both the World English Bible with the Darby Translation (more literal-blue text)to make comparisons and lastly, read all three versions (Young's is the most literal translation- red text) at one time to obtain an overview of the text. Doing this will make you think about what the Scriptures are actually saying and avoid reading in a superficial manner.
Psalms
 
Psalms 109 1
God of my praise, don`t remain silent,
{To the chief Musician. Of David. A Psalm.} O God of my praise, be not silent:
To the Overseer. -- A Psalm of David. O God of my praise, be not silent,
Psalms 109 2
For they have opened the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of deceit against me. They
have spoken to me with a lying tongue.
For the mouth of the wicked [man] and the mouth of deceit are opened against me: they
have spoken against me with a lying tongue,
For the mouth of wickedness, and the mouth of deceit, Against me they have
opened, They have spoken with me -- A tongue of falsehood, and words of hatred!
Psalms 109 3
They have also surrounded me with words of hatred, And fought against me without a cause.
And with words of hatred have they encompassed me; and they fight against me without
a cause.
They have compassed me about, And they fight me without cause.
Psalms 109 4
In return for my love, they are my adversaries; But I am in prayer.
For my love they are mine adversaries; but I [give myself unto] prayer.
For my love they oppose me, and I -- prayer!
Psalms 109 5
They have rewarded me evil for good, And hatred for my love.
And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love.
And they set against me evil for good, And hatred for my love.
Psalms 109 6
Set a wicked man over him. Let an adversary stand at his right hand.
Set a wicked [man] over him, and let [the] adversary stand at his right hand;
Appoint Thou over him the wicked, And an adversary standeth at his right hand.
Psalms 109 7
When he is judged, let him come forth guilty. Let his prayer be turned into sin.
When he shall be judged, let him go out guilty, and let his prayer become sin;
In his being judged, he goeth forth wicked, And his prayer is for sin.
Psalms 109 8
Let his days be few. Let another take his office.
Let his days be few, let another take his office;
His days are few, his oversight another taketh,
Psalms 109 9
Let his children be fatherless, And his wife a widow.
Let his sons be fatherless, and his wife a widow;
His sons are fatherless, and his wife a widow.
Psalms 109 10
Let his children be wandering beggars. Let them be sought from their ruins.
Let his sons be vagabonds and beg, and let them seek [their bread] far from their desolate
places;
And wander continually do his sons, Yea, they have begged, And have sought out of
their dry places.
Psalms 109 11
Let the creditor seize all that he has. Let strangers plunder the fruit of his labor.
Let the usurer cast the net over all that he hath, and let strangers despoil his labour;
An exactor layeth a snare for all that he hath, And strangers spoil his labour.
Psalms 109 12
Let there be none to extend kindness to him, Neither let there be any to have pity on his
fatherless children.
Let there be none to extend kindness unto him, neither let there be any to favour his
fatherless children;
He hath none to extend kindness, Nor is there one showing favour to his orphans.
Psalms 109 13
Let his posterity be cut off. In the generation following let their name be blotted out.
Let his posterity be cut off; in the generation following let their name be blotted out:
His posterity is for cutting off, In another generation is their name blotted out.
Psalms 109 14
Let the iniquity of his fathers be remembered by Yahweh. Don`t let the sin of his mother be
blotted out.
Let the iniquity of his fathers be remembered with Jehovah, and let not the sin of his
mother be blotted out;
The iniquity of his fathers Is remembered unto Jehovah, And the sin of his mother
is not blotted out.
Psalms 109 15
Let them be before Yahweh continually, That he may cut off the memory of them from the earth;
Let them be before Jehovah continually, that he may cut off the memory of them from the
earth:
They are before Jehovah continually, And He cutteth off from earth their
memorial.
Psalms 109 16
Because he didn`t remember to show kindness, But persecuted the poor and needy man, The
broken in heart, to kill them.
Because he remembered not to shew kindness, but persecuted the afflicted and needy
man, and the broken in heart, to slay him.
Because that he hath not remembered to do kindness, And pursueth the poor man
and needy, And the smitten of heart -- to slay,
Psalms 109 17
Yes, he loved cursing, and it came to him. He didn`t delight in blessing, and it was far from
And he loved cursing; so let it come unto him. And he delighted not in blessing; and let
it be far from him.
And he loveth reviling, and it meeteth him, And he hath not delighted in
blessing, And it is far from him.
Psalms 109 18
He clothed himself also with cursing as with his garment. It came into his inward parts like
water, Like oil into his bones.
And he clothed himself with cursing like his vestment; so let it come into his bowels like
water, and like oil into his bones;
And he putteth on reviling as his robe, And it cometh in as water into his midst,
And as oil into his bones.
Psalms 109 19
Let it be to him as the clothing with which he covers himself, For the belt that is always
around him.
Let it be unto him as a garment with which he covereth himself, and for a girdle
wherewith he is constantly girded.
It is to him as apparel -- he covereth himself, And for a continual girdle he
girdeth it on.
Psalms 109 20
This is the reward of my adversaries from Yahweh, Of those who speak evil against my soul.
Let this be the reward of mine adversaries from Jehovah, and of them that speak evil
against my soul.
This [is] the wage of mine accusers from Jehovah, And of those speaking evil
against my soul.
Psalms 109 21
But deal with me, Yahweh the Lord, for your name`s sake, Because your lovingkindness is good, deliver me;
But do *thou* for me, Jehovah, Lord, for thy name`s sake; because thy loving-kindness is
good, deliver me:
And Thou, O Jehovah Lord, Deal with me for Thy name`s sake, Because Thy
kindness [is] good, deliver me.
Psalms 109 22
For I am poor and needy. My heart is wounded within me.
For I am afflicted and needy, and my heart is wounded within me.
For I [am] poor and needy, And my heart hath been pierced in my midst.
Psalms 109 23
I fade away like an evening shadow. I am shaken off as the locust.
I am gone like a shadow when it lengtheneth; I am tossed about like the locust;
As a shadow when it is stretched out I have gone, I have been driven away as a
locust.
Psalms 109 24
My knees are weak through fasting. My body is thin and lacks fat.
My knees are failing through fasting, and my flesh hath lost its fatness;
My knees have been feeble from fasting, And my flesh hath failed of fatness.
Psalms 109 25
I have also become a reproach to them. When they see me, they shake their head.
And I am become a reproach unto them; [when] they look upon me they shake their heads.
And I -- I have been a reproach to them, They see me, they shake their head.
Psalms 109 26
Help me, Yahweh, my God. Save me according to your lovingkindness;
Help me, Jehovah my God; save me according to thy loving-kindness:
Help me, O Jehovah my God, Save me, according to Thy kindness.
Psalms 109 27
That they may know that this is your hand; That you, Yahweh, have done it.
That they may know that this is thy hand; that *thou*, Jehovah, hast done it.
And they know that this [is] Thy hand, Thou, O Jehovah, Thou hast done it.
Psalms 109 28
They may curse, but you bless. When they arise, they will be put to shame, But your servant
shall rejoice.
Let *them* curse, but bless *thou*; when they rise up, let them be ashamed, and let thy
servant rejoice.
They revile, and Thou dost bless, They have risen, and are ashamed, And Thy
servant doth rejoice.
Psalms 109 29
Let my adversaries be clothed with dishonor. Let them cover themselves with their own shame as with a robe.
Let mine adversaries be clothed with confusion, and let them cover themselves with
their shame as with a mantle.
Mine accusers put on blushing, and are covered, As an upper robe [is] their shame.
Psalms 109 30
I will give great thanks to Yahweh with my mouth. Yes, I will praise him among the multitude.
I will greatly celebrate Jehovah with my mouth; yea, I will praise him among the
multitude.
I thank Jehovah greatly with my mouth, And in the midst of many I praise Him,
Psalms 109 31
For he will stand at the right hand of the needy, To save him from those who judge his soul.
Psalm 110 A Psalm by David.
For he standeth at the right hand of the needy, to save him from those that judge his soul.
For He standeth at the right hand of the needy, To save from those judging his
soul.
Psalms 110 1
Yahweh says to my Lord, "Sit at my right hand, Until I make your enemies your footstool for your feet."
{Psalm of David.} Jehovah said unto my Lord, Sit at my right hand, until I put thine
enemies [as] footstool of thy feet.
A Psalm of David. The affirmation of Jehovah to my Lord: `Sit at My right hand, Till
I make thine enemies thy footstool.`
Psalms 110 2
Yahweh will send forth the rod of your strength out of Zion. Rule in the midst of your enemies.
Jehovah shall send the sceptre of thy might out of Zion: rule in the midst of thine
The rod of thy strength doth Jehovah send from Zion, Rule in the midst of thine
enemies.
Psalms 110 3
Your people offer themselves willingly in the day of your power, In holy array. Out of the womb of the morning, you have the dew of your youth.
Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in holy splendour: from the womb of
the morning [shall come] to thee the dew of thy youth.
Thy people [are] free-will gifts in the day of Thy strength, in the honours of
holiness, From the womb, from the morning, Thou hast the dew of thy youth.
Psalms 110 4
Yahweh has sworn, and will not change his mind: "You are a priest forever in the order of
Melchizedek."
Jehovah hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art priest for ever after the order of
Melchisedek.
Jehovah hath sworn, and doth not repent, `Thou [art] a priest to the age,
According to the order of Melchizedek.`
Psalms 110 5
The Lord is at your right hand. He will crush kings in the day of his wrath.
The Lord at thy right hand will smite through kings in the day of his anger.
The Lord on thy right hand smote kings In the day of His anger.
Psalms 110 6
He will judge among the nations. He will heap up dead bodies. He will crush the ruler of the
whole earth.
He shall judge among the nations; he shall fill [all places] with dead bodies; he shall smite
through the head over a great country.
He doth judge among the nations, He hath completed the carcases, Hath smitten
the head over the mighty earth.
Psalms 110 7
He will drink of the brook in the way; Therefore will he lift up his head. Psalm 111
He shall drink of the brook in the way; therefore shall he lift up the head.
From a brook in the way he drinketh, Therefore he doth lift up the head!
Psalms 111 1
Praise Yah! I will give thanks to Yahweh with my whole heart, In the council of the upright,
and in the congregation.
Hallelujah! I will celebrate Jehovah with [my] whole heart, in the council of the upright,
and in the assembly.
Praise ye Jah! I thank Jehovah with the whole heart, In the secret meeting of the
upright, And of the company.
Psalms 111 2
The works of Yahweh are great, Pondered by all those who delight in them.
Great are the works of Jehovah; sought out of all that delight in them.
Great [are] the works of Jehovah, Sought out by all desiring them.
Psalms 111 3
His work is honor and majesty. His righteousness endures forever.
His work is majesty and splendour, and his righteousness abideth for ever.
Honourable and majestic is His work, And His righteousness is standing for ever.
Psalms 111 4
He has caused his wonderful works to be remembered. Yahweh is gracious and merciful.
He hath made his wonders to be remembered: Jehovah is gracious and merciful.
A memorial He hath made of His wonders, Gracious and merciful [is] Jehovah.
Psalms 111 5
He has given food to those who fear him. He always remembers his covenant.
He hath given meat unto them that fear him; he is ever mindful of his covenant.
Prey He hath given to those fearing Him, He remembereth to the age His covenant.
Psalms 111 6
He has shown his people the power of his works, In giving them the heritage of the nations.
He hath shewn his people the power of his works, to give them the heritage of the
The power of His works He hath declared to His people, To give to them the
inheritance of nations.
Psalms 111 7
The works of his hands are truth and justice. All his precepts are sure.
The works of his hands are truth and judgment; all his precepts are faithful:
The works of His hands [are] true and just, Stedfast [are] all His appointments.
Psalms 111 8
They are established forever and ever. They are done in truth and uprightness.
Maintained for ever and ever, done in truth and uprightness.
They are sustained for ever to the age. They are made in truth and uprightness.
Psalms 111 9
He has sent redemption to his people. He has ordained his covenant forever. His name is holy and awesome!
He sent deliverance unto his people; he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and
terrible is his name.
Redemption He hath sent to His people, He hath appointed to the age His covenant,
Holy and fearful [is] His name.
Psalms 111 10
The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. All those who do his work have a good
understanding. His praise endures forever! Psalm 112
The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all they that
do [his precepts]: his praise abideth for ever.
The beginning of wisdom [is] fear of Jehovah, Good understanding have all doing
them, His praise [is] standing for ever!


Study Questions
Why is David against the wicked? 109:1-5
 

Who is a priest after the order of Melchizedek? 110:1-4
 

Whose name is reverend? 111:1-9


The World English Bible


Sept. 27
2 Corinthians 7

2Co 7:1 Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
2Co 7:2 Open your hearts to us. We wronged no one. We corrupted no one. We took advantage of no one.
2Co 7:3 I say this not to condemn you, for I have said before, that you are in our hearts to die together and live together.
2Co 7:4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you. Great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I overflow with joy in all our affliction.
2Co 7:5 For even when we had come into Macedonia, our flesh had no relief, but we were afflicted on every side. Fightings were outside. Fear was inside.
2Co 7:6 Nevertheless, he who comforts the lowly, God, comforted us by the coming of Titus;
2Co 7:7 and not by his coming only, but also by the comfort with which he was comforted in you, while he told us of your longing, your mourning, and your zeal for me; so that I rejoiced still more.
2Co 7:8 For though I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it, though I did regret it. For I see that my letter made you sorry, though just for a while.
2Co 7:9 I now rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that you were made sorry to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly way, that you might suffer loss by us in nothing.
2Co 7:10 For godly sorrow works repentance to salvation, which brings no regret. But the sorrow of the world works death.
2Co 7:11 For behold, this same thing, that you were made sorry in a godly way, what earnest care it worked in you. Yes, what defense, indignation, fear, longing, zeal, and vengeance! In everything you demonstrated yourselves to be pure in the matter.
2Co 7:12 So although I wrote to you, I wrote not for his cause that did the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered the wrong, but that your earnest care for us might be revealed in you in the sight of God.
2Co 7:13 Therefore we have been comforted. In our comfort we rejoiced the more exceedingly for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all.
2Co 7:14 For if in anything I have boasted to him on your behalf, I was not disappointed. But as we spoke all things to you in truth, so our glorying also which I made before Titus was found to be truth.
2Co 7:15 His affection is more abundantly toward you, while he remembers all of your obedience, how with fear and trembling you received him.
2Co 7:16 I rejoice that in everything I am of good courage concerning you. 
 
The Composite Bible
The World English Bible
Darby's Translation
Young's Literal Translation

The Composite Bible is a effort to understand the Bible by considering it from different perspectives and different levels of literalcy. First, read the World English Bible (the least literal-black text) for comprehension of the text. Next, read both the World English Bible with the Darby Translation (more literal-blue text)to make comparisons and lastly, read all three versions (Young's is the most literal translation- red text) at one time to obtain an overview of the text. Doing this will make you think about what the Scriptures are actually saying and avoid reading in a superficial manner.
2 Corinthians



2 Corinthians 7 1
Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us purify ourselves from every pollution of
flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in God`s fear.
Having, then, these promises, beloved, may we cleanse ourselves from every
pollution of flesh and spirit, perfecting sanctification in the fear of God;
2 Corinthians 7 2
Open your hearts to us. We wronged no one. We corrupted no one. We took advantage of no one.
Receive us: we have injured no one, we have ruined no one, we have made gain of no one.
receive us; no one did we wrong; no one did we waste; no one did we defraud;
2 Corinthians 7 3
I say this not to condemn you, for I have said before, that you are in our hearts to die together and live together.
I do not speak for condemnation, for I have already said that ye are in our hearts, to die
together, and live together.
not to condemn you do I say [it], for I have said before that in our hearts ye are to
die with and to live with;
2 Corinthians 7 4
Great is my boldness of speech toward you. Great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I overflow with joy in all our affliction.
Great [is] my boldness towards you, great my exulting in respect of you; I am filled with
encouragement; I overabound in joy under all our affliction.
great [is] my freedom of speech unto you, great my glory on your behalf; I have
been filled with the comfort, I overabound with the joy on all our tribulation,
2 Corinthians 7 5
For even when we had come into Macedonia, our flesh had no relief, but we were afflicted on every side. Fightings were outside. Fear was inside.
For indeed, when we came into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but [we were] afflicted
in every way; without combats, within fears.
for also we, having come to Macedonia, no relaxation hath our flesh had, but on
every side we are in tribulation, without [are] fightings, within -- fears;
2 Corinthians 7 6
Nevertheless, he who comforts the lowly, God, comforted us by the coming of Titus;
But he who encourages those that are [brought] low, [even] God, encouraged us by the
coming of Titus;
but He who is comforting the cast-down -- God -- He did comfort us in the presence
of Titus;
2 Corinthians 7 7
and not by his coming only, but also by the comfort with which he was comforted in you, while he told us your longing, your mourning, and your zeal for me; so that I rejoiced still more.
and not by his coming only, but also through the encouragement with which he was
encouraged as to you; relating to us your ardent desire, your mourning, your zeal for me;
so that I the more rejoiced.
and not only in his presence, but also in the comfort with which he was comforted
over you, declaring to us your longing desire, your lamentation, your zeal for me,
so that the more I did rejoice,
2 Corinthians 7 8
For though I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it, though I did regret it. For I see that my letter made you sorry, though just for a while.
For if also I grieved you in the letter, I do not regret [it], if even I have regretted it; for I
see that that letter, if even [it were] only for a time, grieved you.
because even if I made you sorry in the letter, I do not repent -- if even I did
repent -- for I perceive that the letter, even if for an hour, did make you sorry.
2 Corinthians 7 9
I now rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that you were made sorry to repentance. For you were made sorry in a Godly way, that you might suffer loss by us in nothing.
Now I rejoice, not that ye have been grieved, but that ye have been grieved to
repentance; for ye have been grieved according to God, that in nothing ye might be
I now do rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye were made sorry to
reformation, for ye were made sorry toward God, that in nothing ye might receive
damage from us;
2 Corinthians 7 10
For Godly sorrow works repentance to salvation, which brings no regret. But the sorrow of the world works death.
For grief according to God works repentance to salvation, never to be regretted; but the
grief of the world works death.
for the sorrow toward God reformation to salvation not to be repented of doth
work, and the sorrow of the world doth work death,
2 Corinthians 7 11
For behold, this same thing, that you were made sorry in a godly way, what earnest care it
worked in you. Yes, what defense, indignation, fear, longing, zeal, and vengeance! In everything you demonstrated yourselves to be pure in the matter.
For, behold, this same thing, your being grieved according to God, how much diligence
it wrought in *you*, but [what] excusing [of yourselves], but [what] indignation, but
[what] fear, but [what] ardent desire, but [what] zeal, but [what] vengeance: in every way
ye have proved yourselves to be pure in the matter.
for, lo, this same thing -- your being made sorry toward God -- how much
diligence it doth work in you! but defence, but displeasure, but fear, but longing
desire, but zeal, but revenge; in every thing ye did approve yourselves to be pure
in the matter.
2 Corinthians 7 12
So although I wrote to you, I wrote not for his cause that did the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered the wrong, but that your earnest care for us might be revealed in you in the sight of God.
So then, if also I wrote to you, [it was] not for the sake of him that injured, nor for the
sake of him that was injured, but for the sake of our diligent zeal for you being
manifested to you before God.
If, then, I also wrote to you -- not for his cause who did wrong, nor for his cause
who did suffer wrong, but for our diligence in your behalf being manifested unto
you before God --
2 Corinthians 7 13
Therefore we have been comforted. In our comfort we rejoiced the more exceedingly for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all.
For this reason we have been encouraged. And we the rather rejoiced in our
encouragement more abundantly by reason of the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been
refreshed by you all.
because of this we have been comforted in your comfort, and more abundantly the
more did we rejoice in the joy of Titus, that his spirit hath been refreshed from
you all;
2 Corinthians 7 14
For if in anything I have boasted to him on your behalf, I was not put to shame. But as we spoke all things to you in truth, so our glorying also which I made before Titus was found to be truth.
Because if I boasted to him anything about you, I have not been put to shame; but as we
have spoken to you all things in truth, so also our boasting to Titus has been [the] truth;
because if anything to him in your behalf I have boasted, I was not put to shame;
but as all things in truth we did speak to you, so also our boasting before Titus
became truth,
2 Corinthians 7 15
His affection is more abundantly toward you, while he remembers all of your obedience, how with fear and trembling you received him.
and his affections are more abundantly towards you, calling to mind the obedience of you
all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.
and his tender affection is more abundantly toward you, remembering the
obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye did receive him;
2 Corinthians 7 16
I rejoice that in everything I am of good courage concerning you.
I rejoice that in everything I am confident as to you.
I rejoice, therefore, that in everything I have courage in you.
 Study Questions
The temple of God is in southern Greece, true or false? 7:16