August 26, 2013

From Mark Copeland... Becoming A Cheerful Giver (2 Corinthians 9:6-15)



                "THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS"

                   Becoming A Cheerful Giver (9:6-15)

INTRODUCTION

1. In the NT, Jesus and His apostles call us to a high standard of
 "giving"...
   a. The teaching of Jesus - Lk 6:30,34-36; 14:12-14
   b. The example of Paul - Ac 20:33-35; Ga 2:9-10
   c. The teaching of Paul - Ga 6:9-10; Ep 4:28; 1Ti 6:17-19

2. The NT is also filled with notable examples of liberal giving...
   a. Churches in Jerusalem, Antioch, Macedonia, etc.
   b. Individuals like Barnabas, Dorcas, etc.

3. Today, however, it is common for people to give "sparingly", and 
   even then, it is often "begrudgingly"...
   a. But Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive - Ac 20:35
   b. I.e., giving can be a joyful experience, even when one is poor
      himself - cf. 2Co 8:1-5

4. What is the secret to giving joyfully and willingly?  I.e., how can
   we truly become "cheerful givers"?
   a. In 2Co 9:6-15 Paul discusses the matter of giving to help 
      needy Christians
   b. In this passage, we find several principles and truths which, 
      when kept in mind, can help us become "cheerful givers".

[The first principle to remember is...]

I. GOD "LOVES" A CHEERFUL GIVER (2Co 9:7)

   A. SINCE THIS IS TRUE...
      1. A "cheerful giver" can rest assured that God will watch over
         him and provide for his own needs!
      2. Note how God cares for the one who gives to others...
         a. As David taught in Ps 41:1-3
         b. As the LORD spoke through Isaiah in Isa 58:6-11

   B. SINCE THIS IS TRUE...
      1. One who gives in service to God need not worry - Mt 6:30-33
      2. For "God loves a cheerful giver", and watches over those He 
         loves! - cf. Lk 12:6-7

[Understanding this principle should certainly encourage us to give 
more cheerfully!  Here is another principle to keep in mind...]

II. GOD PROVIDES SEED FOR THE SOWER (2Co 9:6,8-11a)

   A. VERSE 6 IS OFTEN MISUSED...
      1. By those who teach "the gospel of health and wealth"
      2. Who seek to motivate people to give (sow) more by saying this
         passage teaches they will receive (reap) more
      3. Implying that if you give more so you can have more for your
         own consumption!

   B. THE CONTEXT TEACHES OTHERWISE...
      1. What's the purpose of reaping "bountifully"?
         a. Look carefully at verse 8...
            1) To have all sufficiency (what you need), yes...
            2) But then to "have an abundance for EVERY GOOD WORK"!
            -- I.e., not to spend the abundance on one's self, but to
               help others!
         b. Now consider verse 9...
            1) This quotation is from Ps 112:9; yet note the context
               - Ps 112:5-9
            2) Paul uses this verse to further confirm that the
               abundance would be for every good work (not self-
               consumption)!
      2. And so in verses 10 and 11...
         a. Paul prays that God will supply and multiply the seed sown
            1) Supply the seed to SOW to begin with
            2) And multiply (REAP bountifully) the seed
         b. Why?
            1) To increase the fruits of their righteousness (to 
               increase their good works!)
            2) To be enriched in everything "FOR ALL LIBERALITY" (so
               they can give even more to others!)

   C. HERE IS THE POINT...
      1. We ought to be willing to give cheerfully...
         a. Because the more we give...
         b. ...the more God will enable us to give!
      2. Now bear in mind that giving is not limited to money
         a. It may be that God may empower us to give, not financially,
            but in other ways
         b. Such as with our talents, time, etc.
      3. But the point remains the same...
         a. The more we give ourselves to others in the service of God
         b. The more He will bless us to be even more useful!

[Indeed, the ability to give (because we have been materially blessed)
is a gift from God, one that should be used liberally (Ro 12:6-8).
Knowing that those who give liberally will be blessed to give even more
should help us become "cheerful givers"!

Here is something else that ought to encourage us...]

III. GIVING PRODUCES THANKSGIVING & GLORY TO GOD (2Co 9:11b-15)

   A. OFFERED BY THOSE WHOSE NEEDS ARE BEING MET...
      1. Not only thanking God, that their own needs were supplied
      2. But also glorifying God, because of His grace at work in the
         lives of the givers
         a. Note that "cheerful giving" is an indication the grace of
            God has been active in one's life
         b. This is point stressed by Paul repeatedly - cf. 2  Col 9:8,
            14; 8:1-2,6-7
      -- Thus the people we help will be moved to thank God and praise
         Him for His working in our lives!

   B. SHOULDN'T THIS HELP US TO GIVE MORE CHEERFULLY?
      1. For what disciple is there who does not want to give glory and
         thanksgiving to God?
      2. Like any good work, we can bring glory to God by our giving!
         - cf. Mt 5:16

[Another thing to remember to be a "cheerful giver" is that...]

IV. GIVING INCREASES AFFECTION (2Co 9:14)

   A. ESPECIALLY WHEN GIVING TO HELP YOUR BRETHREN...
      1. They understand that your giving is a sign of God's grace in
         you
      2. And this causes them to love you and long for you even more
      3. As a case in point, consider Paul and the Philippians - Php 1:
         3-8

   B. BUT IT CAN ALSO HAVE THE SAME AFFECT AMONG NON-CHRISTIANS...
      1. They see the truth of what you teach by your example
         a. We teach a gospel concerning One Who became poor, that we
            might become rich - cf. 2Co 8:9
         b. Who would believe such a story?  Perhaps those who have 
            seen it illustrated in the lives of His disciples, that's 
            who! - e.g. 2Co 8:1-2
      2. They may be more receptive to the gospel when they hear it, 
         even though they may first ridicule you - cf. 1Pe 2:12

[One last point I wish to glean from our text as to how we can become
"cheerful givers"...]

V. PURPOSEFUL GIVING LEADS TO CHEERFUL GIVING (2Co 9:7)

   A. PLANNING ONE'S GIVING IS KEY TO GIVING CHEERFULLY...
      1. They are less likely to give "grudgingly or of necessity"
         a. Because they have already set aside what they want to give
         b. They are not caught off guard when someone asks them to
            give
      2. This is how Paul instructed the Corinthians in their giving
         a. To lay by in store on the first day of the week - 1Co 16:
            1-4
         b. To prepare their gift beforehand, so when it was time to 
            give, the resources were ready - cf. 2Co 9:5
      3. An early Christian apologist, Aristides, wrote of how even
         slaves were able to give cheerfully through purposeful 
         planning:  "And if there is any that is a slave or a poor man,
         they fast two or three days and what they were going to set
         before themselves they send to them (Christians in prison),
         considering themselves to give good cheer even as they were
         called to give good cheer." (Apology 15)
      -- So plan your giving if you wish to give cheerfully!

   B. A PRACTICAL SUGGESTION FOR PLANNED GIVING...
      1. Plan your giving to help needy people the same way we plan our
         giving to provide for the collection for the saints
      2. As you prosper, set so much aside for "individual benevolence"
         a. E.g., start a separate account into which you put aside a
            certain amount each pay period
         c. E.g., or send that amount to some charitable organization
      -- However you plan your giving, it is much easier to give when
         you are PREPARED to give!

CONCLUSION

1. In our text, then, we find the key to "Becoming A Cheerful Giver";
   it involves keeping in mind that...
   a. God loves a cheerful giver
   b. God provides seed for the sower
   c. Giving provides thanksgiving and glory to God
   d. Giving increases affection between giver and recipient
   e. Giving becomes one of generosity when it is planned

2. I hope that I have challenged your thinking in regards to your own
   giving, and how we can become "cheerful givers"

3. To a great extent, what kind of givers we are depends upon what kind
   of recipients we are!
   a. For unless we receive the grace of God in our own lives, we will
      be unlikely to give gracefully to others
   b. With that thought in mind, please remember this warning:

   We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to
   receive the grace of God in vain. For He says: "In an acceptable
   time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped
   you." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of
   salvation.  (2Co 6:1-2)

Have we received the grace of God "in vain"?  Have you received the 
grace of God "at all"? - cf. Ac 22:16



Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

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From Jim McGuiggan... DREAMS? BAH HUMBUG!

DREAMS? BAH HUMBUG!

I remember this story that I heard as a kid. I’ll confess that was along time ago but I’m pretty sure I’ve got the main elements of it right.
So there are these two fellows who worked for the most prominent family in the country. They’re in prison, accused of some serious wrong though the facts of the case are a bit hazy. There’s a hint that one of them is guilty as charged and the other has been, if not an innocent bystander, maybe an unsuspecting helper in the crime. In any case, the story as I pieced it together suggests that the entire matter was still under review.
 It happened that there was another prisoner, a good-looking kid with a friendly sort of way, a kid who happened to be trusted by the main man to run things for him. This young guy was making his rounds one morning and there were the two accused looking as miserable as weightlifters with bulging hernias.
“What’s with all the miserable faces?” he asked them. Seems they both had dreams they thought were significant but they didn’t know what to make of them.
“Dreams,” scoffed he young guy, “Dreams—don’t give them another thought. I don’t know what they mean or how it is we have dreams but I can tell you from personal experience that they’re rubbish.
“You don’t say,” one of the miserable ones murmured.
“Yes, I do say,” said the good-looking prison-trusty. “Take me for example. Years ago I had a slew of dreams about how prominent I’d be; how everybody would be bowing and scraping in front of me and what happened? I end up here! That’s dreams for you. And I’ll tell you what else—I’m in here for a crime I didn’t commit. Yes, yes, I know, you’ve heard that everyone here is innocent but I really am. For a while I thought maybe the dreams would come true but day after day, week after week, month after month and year after year of disappointment kills dreams dead as a hammer. You want my advice?”
“Yes, give me your advice, based on your personal experience,” the other miserable one groaned.
“My advice is that you live without dreams. Settle for the world as it is. Be realistic and tough, grab what you can get of what you see, look out for number 1, take control of your life, be the commander of your soul, there’s nothing bigger than you—remember that!”
And they did.
And they all lived unhappily ever after!
I now remember where I heard that. It was in an old book.
“Genes” or “Geniuses”—something like that. The prison-trusty was called Joe, I think. Oh well, what difference does it make. Stories aren’t worth anything. They change nothing. What we need is power, power to get what we want and hang the rest..
Dreams? Bah humbug!
      Hmmm.

©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 Gary... Bible Reading and Study August 26




Bible Reading and Study
August 26


The World English Bible

Aug. 26
Psalms 1-6

Psa 1:1 Blessed is the man who doesn't walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers;
Psa 1:2 but his delight is in Yahweh's law. On his law he meditates day and night.
Psa 1:3 He will be like a tree planted by the streams of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also does not wither. Whatever he does shall prosper.
Psa 1:4 The wicked are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
Psa 1:5 Therefore the wicked shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
Psa 1:6 For Yahweh knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked shall perish.
Psa 2:1 Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot a vain thing?
Psa 2:2 The kings of the earth take a stand, and the rulers take counsel together, against Yahweh, and against his Anointed, saying,
Psa 2:3 "Let's break their bonds apart, and cast their cords from us."
Psa 2:4 He who sits in the heavens will laugh. The Lord will have them in derision.
Psa 2:5 Then he will speak to them in his anger, and terrify them in his wrath:
Psa 2:6 "Yet I have set my King on my holy hill of Zion."
Psa 2:7 I will tell of the decree. Yahweh said to me, "You are my son. Today I have become your father.
Psa 2:8 Ask of me, and I will give the nations for your inheritance, the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession.
Psa 2:9 You shall break them with a rod of iron. You shall dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."
Psa 2:10 Now therefore be wise, you kings. Be instructed, you judges of the earth.
Psa 2:11 Serve Yahweh with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
Psa 2:12 Give sincere homage, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all those who take refuge in him.
Psa 3:1 Yahweh, how my adversaries have increased! Many are those who rise up against me.
Psa 3:2 Many there are who say of my soul, "There is no help for him in God." Selah.
Psa 3:3 But you, Yahweh, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.
Psa 3:4 I cry to Yahweh with my voice, and he answers me out of his holy hill. Selah.
Psa 3:5 I laid myself down and slept. I awakened; for Yahweh sustains me.
Psa 3:6 I will not be afraid of tens of thousands of people who have set themselves against me on every side.
Psa 3:7 Arise, Yahweh! Save me, my God! For you have struck all of my enemies on the cheek bone. You have broken the teeth of the wicked.
Psa 3:8 Salvation belongs to Yahweh. Your blessing be on your people. Selah.
Psa 4:1 Answer me when I call, God of my righteousness. Give me relief from my distress. Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.
Psa 4:2 You sons of men, how long shall my glory be turned into dishonor? Will you love vanity, and seek after falsehood? Selah.
Psa 4:3 But know that Yahweh has set apart for himself him who is godly: Yahweh will hear when I call to him.
Psa 4:4 Stand in awe, and don't sin. Search your own heart on your bed, and be still. Selah.
Psa 4:5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness. Put your trust in Yahweh.
Psa 4:6 Many say, "Who will show us any good?" Yahweh, let the light of your face shine on us.
Psa 4:7 You have put gladness in my heart, more than when their grain and their new wine are increased.
Psa 4:8 In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep, for you, Yahweh alone, make me live in safety.
Psa 5:1 Give ear to my words, Yahweh. Consider my meditation.
Psa 5:2 Listen to the voice of my cry, my King and my God; for to you do I pray.
Psa 5:3 Yahweh, in the morning you shall hear my voice. In the morning I will lay my requests before you, and will watch expectantly.
Psa 5:4 For you are not a God who has pleasure in wickedness. Evil can't live with you.
Psa 5:5 The arrogant shall not stand in your sight. You hate all workers of iniquity.
Psa 5:6 You will destroy those who speak lies. Yahweh abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.
Psa 5:7 But as for me, in the abundance of your loving kindness I will come into your house. I will bow toward your holy temple in reverence of you.
Psa 5:8 Lead me, Yahweh, in your righteousness because of my enemies. Make your way straight before my face.
Psa 5:9 For there is no faithfulness in their mouth. Their heart is destruction. Their throat is an open tomb. They flatter with their tongue.
Psa 5:10 Hold them guilty, God. Let them fall by their own counsels; Thrust them out in the multitude of their transgressions, for they have rebelled against you.
Psa 5:11 But let all those who take refuge in you rejoice, Let them always shout for joy, because you defend them. Let them also who love your name be joyful in you.
Psa 5:12 For you will bless the righteous. Yahweh, you will surround him with favor as with a shield.
Psa 6:1 Yahweh, don't rebuke me in your anger, neither discipline me in your wrath.
Psa 6:2 Have mercy on me, Yahweh, for I am faint. Yahweh, heal me, for my bones are troubled.
Psa 6:3 My soul is also in great anguish. But you, Yahweh--how long?
Psa 6:4 Return, Yahweh. Deliver my soul, and save me for your loving kindness' sake.
Psa 6:5 For in death there is no memory of you. In Sheol, who shall give you thanks?
Psa 6:6 I am weary with my groaning. Every night I flood my bed. I drench my couch with my tears.
Psa 6:7 My eye wastes away because of grief. It grows old because of all my adversaries.
Psa 6:8 Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity, for Yahweh has heard the voice of my weeping.
Psa 6:9 Yahweh has heard my supplication. Yahweh accepts my prayer.

Psa 6:10 May all my enemies be ashamed and dismayed. They shall turn back, they shall be disgraced suddenly. 


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 1 1
Blessed is the man who doesn`t walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the way of
sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers;
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the wicked, and standeth not in the
way of sinners, and sitteth not in the seat of scorners;
O the happiness of that one, who Hath not walked in the counsel of the wicked.
And in the way of sinners hath not stood, And in the seat of scorners hath not sat;
Psalms 1 2
But his delight is in the law of Yahweh; On his law he meditates day and night.
But his delight is in Jehovah`s law, and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
But -- in the law of Jehovah [is] his delight, And in His law he doth meditate by
day and by night:
Psalms 1 3
He shall be like a tree planted by the streams of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also does not wither. Whatever he does shall prosper.
And he [is] as a tree planted by brooks of water, which giveth its fruit in its season, and
whose leaf fadeth not; and all that he doeth prospereth.
And he hath been as a tree, Planted by rivulets of water, That giveth its fruit in
its season, And its leaf doth not wither, And all that he doth he causeth to prosper.
Psalms 1 4
The wicked are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
The wicked are not so; but are as the chaff which the wind driveth away.
Not so the wicked: But -- as chaff that wind driveth away!
Psalms 1 5
Therefore the wicked shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the
righteous.
Therefore the wicked shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the
righteous.
Therefore the wicked rise not in judgment, Nor sinners in the company of the
righteous,
Psalms 1 6
For Yahweh knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the wicked shall perish. Psalm 2
For Jehovah knoweth the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked shall perish.
For Jehovah is knowing the way of the righteous, And the way of the wicked is lost!
Psalms 2 1
Why do the nations rage, And the peoples plot a vain thing?
Why are the nations in tumultuous agitation, and [why] do the peoples meditate a vain
thing?
Why have nations tumultuously assembled? And do peoples meditate vanity?
Psalms 2 2
The kings of the earth take a stand, And the rulers take counsel together, Against Yahweh,
and against his anointed, saying,
The kings of the earth set themselves, and the princes plot together, against Jehovah and
against his anointed:
Station themselves do kings of the earth, And princes have been united together,
Against Jehovah, and against His Messiah:
Psalms 2 3
"Let us break their bonds apart, And cast away their cords from us."
Let us break their bonds asunder, and cast away their cords from us!
`Let us draw off Their cords, And cast from us Their thick bands.`
Psalms 2 4
He who sits in the heavens will laugh. The Lord will have them in derision.
He that dwelleth in the heavens shall laugh, the Lord shall have them in derision.
He who is sitting in the heavens doth laugh, The Lord doth mock at them.
Psalms 2 5
Then he will speak to them in his anger, And terrify them in his wrath:
Then will he speak to them in his anger, and in his fierce displeasure will he terrify
Then doth He speak unto them in His anger, And in His wrath He doth trouble
them:
Psalms 2 6
"Yet I have set my king on my holy hill of Zion."
And *I* have anointed my king upon Zion, the hill of my holiness.
`And I -- I have anointed My King, Upon Zion -- My holy hill.`
Psalms 2 7
I will tell of the decree. Yahweh said to me, "You are my son. Today I have become your father.
I will declare the decree: Jehovah hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; *I* this day have
begotten thee.
I declare concerning a statute: Jehovah said unto me, `My Son Thou [art], I to-day
have brought thee forth.
Psalms 2 8
Ask of me, and I will give the nations for your inheritance, The uttermost parts of the earth for
your possession.
Ask of me, and I will give thee nations for an inheritance, and for thy possession the ends
of the earth:
Ask of Me and I give nations -- thy inheritance, And thy possession -- the ends of
earth.
Psalms 2 9
You shall break them with a rod of iron. You shall dash them in pieces like a potter`s vessel."
Thou shalt break them with a sceptre of iron, as a potter`s vessel thou shalt dash them in
pieces.
Thou dost rule them with a sceptre of iron, As a vessel of a potter Thou dost crush
them.`
Psalms 2 10
Now therefore be wise, you kings. Be instructed, you judges of the earth.
And now, O kings, be ye wise, be admonished, ye judges of the earth.
And now, O kings, act wisely, Be instructed, O judges of earth,
Psalms 2 11
Serve Yahweh with fear, And rejoice with trembling.
Serve Jehovah with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
Serve ye Jehovah with fear, And rejoice with trembling.
Psalms 2 12
Kiss the son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, For his wrath will soon be kindled.
Blessed are all those who take refuge in him. Psalm 3 A Psalm by David, when he fled from
Absalom, his son.
Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish in the way, though his anger burn but a
little. Blessed are all who have their trust in him.
Kiss the Chosen One, lest He be angry, And ye lose the way, When His anger
burneth but a little, O the happiness of all trusting in Him!
Psalms 3 1
Yahweh, how my adversaries have increased! Many are those who rise up against me.
{A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.} Jehovah, how many are they that
trouble me, many they that rise up against me!
A Psalm of David, in his fleeing from the face of Absalom his son. Jehovah, how
have my distresses multiplied! Many are rising up against me.
Psalms 3 2
Many there are who say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
Many say of my soul, There is no salvation for him in God. Selah.
Many are saying of my soul, `There is no salvation for him in God.` Selah.
Psalms 3 3
But you, Yahweh, are a shield around me, My glory, and the one who lifts up my head.
But thou, Jehovah, art a shield about me; my glory, and the lifter up of my head.
And Thou, O Jehovah, [art] a shield for me, My honour, and lifter up of my head.
Psalms 3 4
I cry to Yahweh with my voice, And he answers me out of his holy hill. Selah.
With my voice will I call to Jehovah, and he will answer me from the hill of his holiness.
Selah.
My voice [is] unto Jehovah: I call: And He answereth me from his holy hill, Selah.
Psalms 3 5
I laid myself down and slept. I awakened; for Yahweh sustains me.
I laid me down and slept; I awaked, for Jehovah sustaineth me.
I -- I have lain down, and I sleep, I have waked, for Jehovah sustaineth me.
Psalms 3 6
I will not be afraid of tens of thousands of people Who have set themselves against me on every
side.
I will not fear for myriads of the people that have set themselves against me round about.
I am not afraid of myriads of people, That round about they have set against me.
Psalms 3 7
Arise, Yahweh! Save me, my God! For you have struck all of my enemies on the cheek bone. You
have broken the teeth of the wicked.
Arise, Jehovah; save me, my God! For thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the
cheekbone, thou hast broken the teeth of the wicked.
Rise, O Jehovah! save me, my God. Because Thou hast smitten All mine enemies [on]
the cheek. The teeth of the wicked Thou hast broken.
Psalms 3 8
Salvation belongs to Yahweh. Your blessing be on your people. Selah. Psalm 4 For the Chief
Musician; on stringed instruments. A Psalm by David.
Salvation is of Jehovah; thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.
Of Jehovah [is] this salvation; On Thy people [is] Thy blessing! Selah.
Psalms 4 1
Answer me when I call, God of my righteousness. Give me relief from my distress. Have mercy
on me, and hear my prayer.
{To the chief Musician. On stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.} When I call, answer
me, O God of my righteousness: in pressure thou hast enlarged me; be gracious unto me,
and hear my prayer.
To the Overseer with Stringed Instruments. -- A Psalm of David. In my calling
answer Thou me, O God of my righteousness. In adversity Thou gavest enlargement
to me; Favour me, and hear my prayer.
Psalms 4 2
You sons of men, how long shall my glory be turned into dishonor? Will you love vanity, and
seek after falsehood? Selah.
Ye sons of men, till when is my glory [to be put] to shame? [How long] will ye love vanity,
will ye seek after a lie? Selah.
Sons of men! till when [is] my glory for shame? Ye love a vain thing, ye seek a lie.
Selah.
Psalms 4 3
But know that Yahweh has set apart for himself him who is godly: Yahweh will hear when I call
to him.
But know that Jehovah hath set apart the pious [man] for himself: Jehovah will hear when
I call unto him.
And know ye that Jehovah Hath separated a saintly one to Himself. Jehovah heareth
in my calling to Him.
Psalms 4 4
Stand in awe, and don`t sin. Search your own heart on your bed, and be still. Selah.
Be moved with anger, and sin not; meditate in your own hearts upon your bed, and be
still. Selah.
`Tremble ye, and do not sin;` Say ye [thus] in your heart on your bed, And be ye
silent. Selah.
Psalms 4 5
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness. Put your trust in Yahweh.
Offer sacrifices of righteousness, and confide in Jehovah.
Sacrifice ye sacrifices of righteousness, And trust ye unto Jehovah.
Psalms 4 6
Many say, "Who will show us any good?" Yahweh, let the light of your face shine on us.
Many say, Who shall cause us to see good? Lift up upon us the light of thy countenance, O
Jehovah.
Many are saying, `Who doth show us good?` Lift on us the light of Thy face, O
Jehovah,
Psalms 4 7
You have put gladness in my heart, More than when their grain and their new wine are
increased.
Thou hast put joy in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their new wine
was in abundance.
Thou hast given joy in my heart, From the time their corn and their wine Have
been multiplied.
Psalms 4 8
In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep, For you, Yahweh alone, make me live in safety.
Psalm 5 For the Chief Musician, with the flutes. A Psalm by David.
In peace will I both lay me down and sleep; for thou, Jehovah, alone makest me to dwell in
safety.
In peace together I lie down and sleep, For Thou, O Jehovah, alone, In confidence
dost cause me to dwell!
Psalms 5 1
Give ear to my words, Yahweh. Consider my meditation.
{To the chief Musician. Upon Nehiloth. A Psalm of David.} Give ear to my words, O
Jehovah; consider my meditation.
To the Overseer, `Concerning the Inheritances.` -- A Psalm of David. My sayings
hear, O Jehovah, Consider my meditation.
Psalms 5 2
Listen to the voice of my cry, my King, and my God; For to you do I pray.
Hearken unto the voice of my crying, my king and my God; for to thee will I pray.
Be attentive to the voice of my cry, My king and my God, For unto Thee I pray
habitually.
Psalms 5 3
Yahweh, in the morning shall you hear my voice. In the morning I will lay my requests before
you, and will watch expectantly.
Jehovah, in the morning shalt thou hear my voice; in the morning will I address myself to
thee, and will look up.
Jehovah, [at] morning Thou hearest my voice, [At] morning I set in array for Thee,
And I look out.
Psalms 5 4
For you are not a God who has pleasure in wickedness. Evil can`t live with you.
For thou art not a ·God that hath pleasure in wickedness; evil shall not sojourn with thee.
For not a God desiring wickedness [art] Thou, Evil inhabiteth Thee not.
Psalms 5 5
The arrogant shall not stand in your sight. You hate all workers of iniquity.
Insolent fools shall not stand before thine eyes; thou hatest all workers of iniquity.
The boastful station not themselves before Thine eyes: Thou hast hated all
working iniquity.
Psalms 5 6
You will destroy those who speak lies. Yahweh abhors the blood-thirsty and deceitful man.
Thou wilt destroy them that speak lies: Jehovah abhorreth a man of blood and deceit.
Thou destroyest those speaking lies, A man of blood and deceit Jehovah doth
abominate.
Psalms 5 7
But as for me, in the abundance of your lovingkindness I will come into your house: I will
bow toward your holy temple in reverence of you.
But as for me, in the greatness of thy loving-kindness will I enter thy house; I will bow
down toward the temple of thy holiness in thy fear.
And I, in the abundance of Thy kindness, I enter Thy house, I bow myself toward
Thy holy temple in Thy fear.
Psalms 5 8
Lead me, Yahweh, in your righteousness because of my enemies. Make your way straight before
my face.
Lead me, Jehovah, in thy righteousness, because of my foes; make thy way plain before me.
O Jehovah, lead me in Thy righteousness, Because of those observing me, Make
straight before me Thy way,
Psalms 5 9
For there is no faithfulness in their mouth. Their inward part is destruction. Their throat is
an open tomb. They flatter with their tongue.
For there is no certainty in their mouth; their inward part is perversion, their throat is
an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.
For there is no stability in their mouth. Their heart [is] mischiefs, An open grave
[is] their throat, Their tongue they make smooth.
Psalms 5 10
Hold them guilty, God. Let them fall by their own counsels; Thrust them out in the multitude of
their transgressions, For they have rebelled against you.
Bring guilt upon them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels: drive them out in the
multitude of their transgressions, for they have rebelled against thee.
Declare them guilty, O God, Let them fall from their own counsels, In the
abundance of their transgressions Drive them away, Because they have rebelled
against Thee.
Psalms 5 11
But let all those who take refuge in you rejoice, Let them always shout for joy, because you
defend them. Let them also who love your name be joyful in you.
And all that trust in thee shall rejoice: for ever shall they shout joyously, and thou wilt
protect them; and they that love thy name shall exult in thee.
And rejoice do all trusting in Thee, To the age they sing, and Thou coverest them
over, And those loving Thy name exult in Thee.
Psalms 5 12
For you will bless the righteous. Yahweh, you will surround him with favor as with a shield.
Psalm 6 For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments, upon the eight-stringed lyre. A Psalm
by David.
For thou, Jehovah, wilt bless the righteous [man]; with favour wilt thou surround him as
[with] a shield.
For Thou blessest the righteous, O Jehovah, As a buckler with favour dost compass
him!
Psalms 6 1
Yahweh, don`t rebuke me in your anger, Neither discipline me in your wrath.
{To the chief Musician. On stringed instruments, upon Sheminith. A Psalm of David.}
Jehovah, rebuke me not in thine anger, and chasten me not in thy hot displeasure.
To the Overseer with stringed instruments, on the octave. -- A Psalm of David. O
Jehovah, in Thine anger reprove me not, Nor in Thy fury chastise me.
Psalms 6 2
Have mercy on me, Yahweh, for I am faint. Yahweh, heal me, for my bones are troubled.
Be gracious unto me, Jehovah, for I am withered; Jehovah, heal me, for my bones tremble.
Favour me, O Jehovah, for I [am] weak, Heal me, O Jehovah, For troubled have been
my bones,
Psalms 6 3
My soul is also in great anguish. But you, Yahweh -- how long?
And my soul trembleth exceedingly: and thou, Jehovah, till how long?
And my soul hath been troubled greatly, And Thou, O Jehovah, till when?
Psalms 6 4
Return, Yahweh. Deliver my soul, And save me for your lovingkindness` sake.
Return, Jehovah, free my soul; save me for thy loving-kindness` sake.
Turn back, O Jehovah, draw out my soul, Save me for Thy kindness` sake.
Psalms 6 5
For in death there is no memory of you. In Sheol, who shall give you thanks?
For in death there is no remembrance of thee; in Sheol who shall give thanks unto thee?
For there is not in death Thy memorial, In Sheol, who doth give thanks to Thee?
Psalms 6 6
I am weary with my groaning; Every night I flood my bed; I drench my couch with my tears.
I am wearied with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I dissolve my couch
with my tears.
I have been weary with my sighing, I meditate through all the night [on] my bed,
With my tear my couch I waste.
Psalms 6 7
My eye wastes away because of grief; It grows old because of all my adversaries.
Mine eye wasteth away through grief; it hath grown old because of all mine oppressors.
Old from provocation is mine eye, It is old because of all mine adversaries,
Psalms 6 8
Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity, For Yahweh has heard the voice of my weeping.
Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for Jehovah hath heard the voice of my
weeping.
Turn from me all ye workers of iniquity, For Jehovah heard the voice of my
weeping,
Psalms 6 9
Yahweh has heard my supplication. Yahweh will receive my prayer.
Jehovah hath heard my supplication; Jehovah receiveth my prayer.
Jehovah hath heard my supplication, Jehovah my prayer receiveth.
Psalms 6 10
May all my enemies be ashamed and dismayed. They shall turn back, they shall be disgraced
suddenly. Psalm 7 A meditation by David, which he sang to Yahweh, concerning the words of
Cush, the Benjamite.
All mine enemies shall be ashamed and tremble exceedingly; they will turn, they will be
ashamed suddenly.
Ashamed and troubled greatly are all mine enemies, They turn back -- ashamed

[in] a moment!


Study Questions

How are the lives of the righteous (the blessed) and the 

wicked contrasted in the first psalm?

How does the second psalm point to Jesus?

Where is safety? 4:8

Who does the LORD abhor? 5:6


The World English Bible


Aug. 26
Romans 7

Rom 7:1 Or don't you know, brothers (for I speak to men who know the law), that the law has dominion over a man for as long as he lives?
Rom 7:2 For the woman that has a husband is bound by law to the husband while he lives, but if the husband dies, she is discharged from the law of the husband.
Rom 7:3 So then if, while the husband lives, she is joined to another man, she would be called an adulteress. But if the husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is no adulteress, though she is joined to another man.
Rom 7:4 Therefore, my brothers, you also were made dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you would be joined to another, to him who was raised from the dead, that we might bring forth fruit to God.
Rom 7:5 For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were through the law, worked in our members to bring forth fruit to death.
Rom 7:6 But now we have been discharged from the law, having died to that in which we were held; so that we serve in newness of the spirit, and not in oldness of the letter.
Rom 7:7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? May it never be! However, I wouldn't have known sin, except through the law. For I wouldn't have known coveting, unless the law had said, "You shall not covet."
Rom 7:8 But sin, finding occasion through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of coveting. For apart from the law, sin is dead.
Rom 7:9 I was alive apart from the law once, but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.
Rom 7:10 The commandment, which was for life, this I found to be for death;
Rom 7:11 for sin, finding occasion through the commandment, deceived me, and through it killed me.
Rom 7:12 Therefore the law indeed is holy, and the commandment holy, and righteous, and good.
Rom 7:13 Did then that which is good become death to me? May it never be! But sin, that it might be shown to be sin, by working death to me through that which is good; that through the commandment sin might become exceeding sinful.
Rom 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am fleshly, sold under sin.
Rom 7:15 For I don't know what I am doing. For I don't practice what I desire to do; but what I hate, that I do.
Rom 7:16 But if what I don't desire, that I do, I consent to the law that it is good.
Rom 7:17 So now it is no more I that do it, but sin which dwells in me.
Rom 7:18 For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwells no good thing. For desire is present with me, but I don't find it doing that which is good.
Rom 7:19 For the good which I desire, I don't do; but the evil which I don't desire, that I practice.
Rom 7:20 But if what I don't desire, that I do, it is no more I that do it, but sin which dwells in me.
Rom 7:21 I find then the law, that, to me, while I desire to do good, evil is present.
Rom 7:22 For I delight in God's law after the inward man,
Rom 7:23 but I see a different law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity under the law of sin which is in my members.
Rom 7:24 What a wretched man I am! Who will deliver me out of the body of this death?

Rom 7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! So then with the mind, I myself serve God's law, but with the flesh, the sin's law. 


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.

Romans


Romans 7 1
Or don`t you know, brothers (for I speak to men who know the law), that the law has dominion
over a man for as long as he lives?
Are ye ignorant, brethren, (for I speak to those knowing law,) that law rules over a man
as long as he lives?
Are ye ignorant, brethren -- for to those knowing law I speak -- that the law hath
lordship over the man as long as he liveth?
Romans 7 2
For the woman that has a husband is bound by law to the husband while he lives, but if the
husband dies, she is discharged from the law of the husband.
For the married woman is bound by law to her husband so long as he is alive; but if the
husband should die, she is clear from the law of the husband:
for the married woman to the living husband hath been bound by law, and if the
husband may die, she hath been free from the law of the husband;

Romans 7 3
So then if, while the husband lives, she is joined to another man, she would be called an
adulteress. But if the husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is no adulteress, though
she is joined to another man.
so then, the husband being alive, she shall be called an adulteress if she be to another
man; but if the husband should die, she is free from the law, so as not to be an adulteress,
though she be to another man.
so, then, the husband being alive, an adulteress she shall be called if she may
become another man`s; and if the husband may die, she is free from the law, so as
not to be an adulteress, having become another man`s.
Romans 7 4
Therefore, my brothers, you also were made dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you
would be joined to another, to him who was raised from the dead, that we might bring forth
fruit to God.
So that, my brethren, *ye* also have been made dead to the law by the body of the Christ,
to be to another, who has been raised up from among [the] dead, in order that we might
bear fruit to God.
So that, my brethren, ye also were made dead to the law through the body of the
Christ, for your becoming another`s, who out of the dead was raised up, that we
might bear fruit to God;
Romans 7 5
For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were through the law, worked in our
members to bring forth fruit to death.
For when we were in the flesh the passions of sins, which [were] by the law, wrought in
our members to bring forth fruit to death;
for when we were in the flesh, the passions of the sins, that [are] through the law,
were working in our members, to bear fruit to the death;
Romans 7 6
But now we have been discharged from the law, having died to that in which we were held; so
that we serve in newness of the spirit, and not in oldness of the letter.
but now we are clear from the law, having died in that in which we were held, so that we
should serve in newness of spirit, and not in oldness of letter.
and now we have ceased from the law, that being dead in which we were held, so
that we may serve in newness of spirit, and not in oldness of letter.

Romans 7 7
What will we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! However, I wouldn`t have known sin, except
through the law. For I wouldn`t have known coveting, unless the law had said, "You shall not
covet."
What shall we say then? [is] the law sin? Far be the thought. But I had not known sin,
unless by law: for I had not had conscience also of lust unless the law had said, Thou shalt
not lust;
What, then, shall we say? the law [is] sin? let it not be! but the sin I did not know
except through law, for also the covetousness I had not known if the law had not
said:
Romans 7 8
But sin, finding occasion through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of coveting. For
apart from the law, sin is dead.
but sin, getting a point of attack by the commandment, wrought in me every lust; for
without law sin [was] dead.
`Thou shalt not covet;` and the sin having received an opportunity, through the
command, did work in me all covetousness -- for apart from law sin is dead.
Romans 7 9
I was alive apart from the law once, but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.
But *I* was alive without law once; but the commandment having come, sin revived, but
*I* died.
And I was alive apart from law once, and the command having come, the sin
revived, and I died;
Romans 7 10
The commandment, which was to life, this I found to be to death;
And the commandment, which [was] for life, was found, [as] to me, itself [to be] unto
death:
and the command that [is] for life, this was found by me for death;
Romans 7 11
for sin, finding occasion through the commandment, deceived me, and through it killed me.
for sin, getting a point of attack by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew [me].
for the sin, having received an opportunity, through the command, did deceive
me, and through it did slay [me];

Romans 7 12
So that the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and righteous, and good.
So that the law indeed [is] holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.
so that the law, indeed, [is] holy, and the command holy, and righteous, and good.

Romans 7 13
Did then that which is good become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might be shown
to be sin, by working death to me through that which is good; that through the commandment
sin might become exceeding sinful.
Did then that which is good become death to me? Far be the thought. But sin, that it
might appear sin, working death to me by that which is good; in order that sin by the
commandment might become exceeding sinful.
That which is good then, to me hath it become death? let it not be! but the sin,
that it might appear sin, through the good, working death to me, that the sin
might become exceeding sinful through the command,
Romans 7 14
For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am fleshly, sold under sin.
For we know that the law is spiritual: but *I* am fleshly, sold under sin.
for we have known that the law is spiritual, and I am fleshly, sold by the sin;
Romans 7 15
For I don`t know what I am doing. For I don`t practice what I desire to do; but what I hate, that I
do.
For that which I do, I do not own: for not what I will, this I do; but what I hate, this I
practise.
for that which I work, I do not acknowledge; for not what I will, this I practise,
but what I hate, this I do.
Romans 7 16
But if what I don`t desire, that I do, I consent to the law that it is good.
But if what I do not will, this I practise, I consent to the law that [it is] right.
And if what I do not will, this I do, I consent to the law that [it is] good,
Romans 7 17
So now it is no more I that do it, but sin which dwells in me.
Now then [it is] no longer *I* [that] do it, but the sin that dwells in me.
and now it is no longer I that work it, but the sin dwelling in me,

Romans 7 18
For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwells no good thing. For desire is present with me,
but I don`t find it doing that which is good.
For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, good does not dwell: for to will is there with
me, but to do right [I find] not.
for I have known that there doth not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh, good: for to
will is present with me, and to work that which is right I do not find,

Romans 7 19
For the good which I desire, I don`t do; but the evil which I don`t desire, that I practice.
For I do not practise the good that I will; but the evil I do not will, that I do.
for the good that I will, I do not; but the evil that I do not will, this I practise.
Romans 7 20
But if what I don`t desire, that I do, it is no more I that do it, but sin which dwells in me.
But if what *I* do not will, this I practise, [it is] no longer *I* [that] do it, but the sin that
dwells in me.
And if what I do not will, this I do, it is no longer I that work it, but the sin that is
dwelling in me.
Romans 7 21
I find then the law, that, to me, while I desire to do good, evil is present.
I find then the law upon *me* who will to practise what is right, that with *me* evil is
there.
I find, then, the law, that when I desire to do what is right, with me the evil is
present,
Romans 7 22
For I delight in God`s law after the inward man,
For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man:
for I delight in the law of God according to the inward man,
Romans 7 23
but I see a different law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me
into captivity under the law of sin which is in my members.
but I see another law in my members, warring in opposition to the law of my mind, and
bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which exists in my members.
and I behold another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and
bringing me into captivity to the law of the sin that [is] in my members.
Romans 7 24
What a wretched man I am! Who will deliver me out of the body of this death?
O wretched man that I [am]! who shall deliver me out of this body of death?

A wretched man I [am]! who shall deliver me out of the body of this death?
Romans 7 25
I thank God through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So then I of myself with the mind, indeed serve the
law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.
I thank God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then *I* *myself* with the mind serve God`s
law; but with the flesh sin`s law.
I thank God -- through Jesus Christ our Lord; so then, I myself indeed with the
mind do serve the law of God, and with the flesh, the law of sin.

Study Questions

How should we serve? 7:6

The Law is _________? 7:12