First Baptist Church, Mount Pleasant, Michigan

Devotional: Philemon 8-16

Today’s passage: Philemon 8-16

Helpful thoughts:

  • Though Paul had the prerogative to give a command, he wanted Philemon to respond in willful love.  He gave Philemon freedom to do the right thing.
  • Before his conversion, Onesimus was a detriment to Philemon in earthly ways.  As a new brother in Christ, Onesimus was now of great value in eternal ways.
    • Onesimus’ name means, “Useful.”  This was evidently a common name for slaves in that day.
  • The kind of slave Onesimus was is not the same as the slavery in our nation’s history.
    • The servant and the master were fully brothers in Christ.  Equal in the eyes of God and each other.

Questions to consider:

  1. How might the book of Philemon have been useful in eliminating the use of slavery as a social construct?  Not just based on race, but even also in an economic or social class kind of system which would have been the kind of slave Onesimus was?
  2. Why did Paul allow for Philemon to welcome Onesimus back by his own choice, in love?  What was Paul allowing Philemon to do which he was also asking Philemon to allow Onesimus to do?
  3. In what way have we been set free from our bondage to sin in Christ?  In what way should we see ourselves as slaves to Him and desire to be found, “useful?” (Romans 6:15-23)

Devotional: Philemon 4-7

Today’s passage: Philemon 4-7

Helpful thoughts:

  • Paul’s prayer concerning Philemon:
    • Thanks for the love and faith that is evidenced in Philemon’s life, toward Jesus, and toward the church.
    • A request, that Philemon’s life and the words he speaks (His faith/The Gospel message) would be effective, producing fruit.
  • These observations of fruit are evidence of Philemon’s conversion and place in the family of God.
  • Faithful, loving ministry and shared participation in the church brings joy and refreshing to everyone.
    • Many people want church to “work” by simply coming to services and leaving.
    • The fellowship of the believers produces fruit and joy when the believers are truly “fellowshipping” together.

Questions to consider:

  1. Paul knew a lot of people.  And this is the Bible, so I don’t think he was lying when he said he prayed for Philemon often.  How can Paul’s example give us encouragement to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ?  Not just the amount of prayer, but the content of our prayers?  What might happen as we are faithful to pray for fruitfulness in ministry for one another?
  2. How does this description of the life of a church differ from the way we sometimes think about church in our time and in our culture?  How are your relationships with the people of our church?  How close are we?  How can we grow?
  3. If Paul was writing this letter to you, how might he have described the fruits that have come through your faithful service?  What would you ask him to pray for you if you could?  Where in your life and relationships might future fruit come from?

Devotional: Philemon 1-3

Today’s passage: Philemon 1-3

Helpful thoughts:

  • Philemon was a member of the church in Colossae (The Colossians).  The church met together in his house.
    • Designated church buildings are unheard of until the third century.
  • Paul wrote this letter to Philemon, his family (Aphia and Archippus) and the rest of the church from his imprisonment in Rome.
    • In this letter, Paul did not immediately appeal to his authority as an apostle, but to the hardship which he was happy to endure for the cause of Christ.  What he was about to ask Philemon to do didn’t really compare.
    • In addressing this letter to the whole church, Philemon would have accountability to complete the task Paul is about to ask.
  • “Grace to you” appears in all of Paul’s letters.
    • God saves us by grace and our salvation brings us peace.

Questions to consider:

  1. Why is church membership important?  What has to be happening in the membership of the church to prove its very real purpose?  What kind of church life would convince people that membership was unnecessary or something you would desire to avoid?
  2. What would the lack of a building do to the church today?  Would it be the end of the church?  In what ways would it hurt?  In what ways might it be a blessing?  How could thinking through this help us get the best of both options?
  3. Why does it matter that Paul equates God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ?  What is the doctrinal significance?  Why does it matter that Jesus Christ is Lord?  Can you be a Christian if Jesus is not your Lord?

Devotional: 2 Kings 25:1-30

Today’s passage: 2 Kings 25:1-30

Helpful thoughts:

  • Because Judah rebelled again, unwilling to submit, Babylon finished them off entirely.  Instead of the lower class being left and elevated, only the poorest remained as servants.
  • Jeremiah had told Zedekiah he would see Nebuchadnezzar.  Ezekiel told Zedekiah he would never see Babylon.  Both prophecies were right. (Jeremiah 32:4, Ezekiel 12:13)
  • The sons of Zedekiah (Whom Nebuchadnezzar had made king) were killed to end that royal line, but not the sons of Jehoiachin. (Matthew 1:12)
    • Jehoiachin had been cursed that none of his line would ever sit on the throne (Jeremiah 22:30).  But, Jesus Christ is not Joseph’s biological son.

Questions to consider:

  1. After the events of verses 25-26 where are all of the Jewish people?  Who is left in Judah?  With all the events of this chapter, what has happened to Jerusalem?
  2. Who seems to be missing in this final chapter of the history of Judah?  Even though He is not mentioned, is He active?  What is God doing when we don’t feel like He is listening or intervening?  What has He promised?
  3. What was God’s promise to these exiles (Jeremiah 29:4-14)?  In what way would this passage be applicable to us today?  In what way are we “not home?”  What plans does God have for his people in the future?

Devotional: 2 Kings 24:1-20

Today’s passage: 2 Kings 24:1-20

Helpful thoughts:

  • In the midst of all this decline and invasion, the Word of God notes that these kings did evil in the sight of the Lord.  Man looks at the outward appearance.  The Lord looks on the heart.
  • In verse 12, the date is counted according to the king of Babylon, not any king of Judah.  This marks the transition to the rule of Babylon and the end of Judah.
  • The Babylonians left the lower class behind in the regions they conquered and elevated them to positions of power.  This was their method of obtaining their loyalty.
    • When Nebuchadnezzar changed Mattaniah’s name, he was demonstrating his authority over him.
    • Mattaniah/Zedkiah was Josiah’s son.  He also lived wickedly and not long after tried to rebel against Nebuchadnezzar as well.

Questions to consider:

  1. What does this continual weakening and continual “rebellion” look like from our perspective when we look at this period in the history of Judah?  Do they look strong?  Who are they truly rebelling against?
  2. How did the conquest of Babylon differ from that of Assyria (Chapter 17)?  What did these kings do with the people and the lands?  How did these different approaches shape the future of the region (Judea and Samaria), even to the time of Christ?
  3. In a normal defeat like this, the gods of the people would be shown to be inferior.  What is true of all these events?  How is God showing his sovereignty?  Why was Nebuchadnezzar “successful?”  Are other nations (or even our own) outside of God’s control today simply because they don’t believe or follow him?

Devotional: 2 Kings 23:1-37

Today’s passage: 2 Kings 23:1-37

Helpful thoughts:

  • The “Book of the Covenant” is the first five books of the Old Testament.  Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.
  • “From Geba to Beersheba” in verse 8 is representative of all Judah.  Josiah cleared out all pagan idolatry all over Judah.
    • Josiah’s cleansing went as far back as Solomon’s building of idolatrous structures and as far north as the altars which Jeroboam, the first king of Israel had built to prevent the people from going to worship in Jerusalem.  He even had the northern priests who were still practicing this false worship executed.
  • The Valley mentioned in verse 10 is what Jesus refers to when speaking of Gehenna, or the “hell of fire” (Matthew 5:22).  This valley came to be used as an illustration of eternal hell.
  • The northern nation of Israel was now an Assyrian province and referred to as “Samaria.”

Questions to consider:

  1. According to verse 25, what other king loved the Lord and loved his neighbors more than Josiah (Including David)?  What evidences of this truth are found in this chapter?
  2. Why is it important to remember that Josiah knew that God had already decided to judge Judah?  Was Josiah just doing these things to try to get God to change His mind?  Why is it only right for all of us to honor the Lord and love Him with our whole heart?
  3. What does the ending of this chapter remind us of the heart of man?  Why is this so sad?  What had God’s chosen people failed to be faithful to do?  Why must we remember that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)?

Devotional: 2 Kings 22:1-20

Today’s passage: 2 Kings 22:1-20

Helpful thoughts:

  • This chapter serves as a wake-up call if we haven’t experienced that already.  When Josiah ordered the restoration of the Temple, they found the Word of God…and read it.  And this was regarded as a monumental thing.
    • When the king heard the Bible being read, it was his first time.
    • The Word of God is precious!  We are beyond blessed to have such access to it.  Keep reading!
  • When Josiah heard the actual law, straight from God’s Word, he didn’t need any experts to tell him anything. He knew Israel and Judah had disobeyed.  God’s Word is to be understood as it is plainly written.
  • When Josiah wanted to here from God, God sent him back to the book (Verse 16).  He simply affirmed what He had already had written down.

Questions to consider:

  1. How had any or all of the religious leaders and those who desired to obey God learn about Him before they found this copy of the Word of God?  What can happen when we rely only on what is passed down by word of mouth?  What happens to traditions over time if they are not rooted in the Bible?
  2. How critical would this moment have been in the history of God’s people, including us?  Why do we still have God’s Word today?  How has God preserved His Word?
  3. What was God’s response to Josiah’s contrition?  What must we understand about ourselves before we will ever cry out to God for rescue?  What does God promise to do when we ask (1 John 1:9)?

Devotional: 2 Kings 21:1-26

Today’s passage: 2 Kings 21:1-26

Helpful thoughts:

  • Verses 1-9 should grieve us as it grieved God.  The weight of verses 8-9 is very heavy.
    • The son of the king who removed all pagan worship has brought all of it and more back.
    • The king in Jerusalem is offering his own sons as burnt offerings to false gods.
    • The Temple is now being used to worship numerous false gods.
    • King Manasseh has led his people astray to do more evil than the nations God used Israel to judge.
  • It is taught in Jewish history that the prophet Isaiah was one of those innocent people whose blood was shed.  Evidently, Manasseh had him put into a hollow log and sawed in half. (Hebrews 11:37)
  • The people of Judah who put Amon’s killers to death would most likely have desired to preserve the Davidic line in Jerusalem.

Questions to consider:

  1. With all of the wickedness we read about Manasseh in this passage, what does 2 Chronicles 33:10-20 teach us about the grace and mercy of God?
  2. What do verses 23-24 teach us about the sovereignty and the promises of God? (Matthew 1:10)
  3. Does God require the obedience of His people in order to accomplish His will?  Is the book of Revelation only going to happen if we do a good enough job?  Why is it right for us to obey and to love God with our whole hearts?

Devotional: 2 Kings 20:1-21

Today’s passage: 2 Kings 20:1-21

Helpful thoughts:

  • Verses 2 and 3 never say that Hezekiah asked God to allow him to live longer.  He may have simply been concerned about the consequences of his death, such as the aggressiveness of the Assyrians or the young age of his son.
    • His prayer could have been an appeal to God to continue to preserve Judah in his absence.
  • Hezekiah’s healing and the sign he requested may have been the action that set the ball rolling in Judah’s relationship with Babylon (2 Chronicles 32:31).
  • Hezekiah was a godly king, and yet a man who fell short of the glory of God.  His extra fifteen years may have been a blessing in many ways, and it also brought consequences.

Questions to consider:

  1. Was Judah safe because Hezekiah was alive?  Who was her Savior and Shield?
  2. What would Hezekiah have been like once he physically died and went to heaven?  If he desired to live longer, in what ways could that be a loving request?  In what ways is heaven better? (Philippians 1:21)
  3. If you’re reading this and you are a follower of Christ, you have a God-ordained reason to still be here.  What would God have you to be using your energies to do?  Who has he given you to love?  To serve?  To point to Christ?  How will you find true fulfilment in life?

Devotional: 2 Kings 19:1-37

Today’s passage: 2 Kings 19:1-37

Helpful thoughts:

  • By God’s grace, King Hezekiah’s thoughts were turned back to the Lord.  Sennacherib had picked a fight with God, the only right thing for Hezekiah to do was to cry out to the Lord and be faithful to His side along with the rest of God’s people.
  • The gods of all these other people groups did not defend them because they did not exist.  Hezekiah prayed this way in verses 15-19.  His faith was not in vain because his faith was in the God who is sovereign…and real.
  • People who do not believe in God or reject Him as their lord are also guilty of taking all of the blessings of His common grace for granted.  Unbelievers are not in some third category, independent of the spiritual warfare of this world.  They are in direct opposition to God and guilty before Him.  They need to hear the Gospel and be saved.
  • The sign which starts in verse 29 is directed to Hezekiah and Israel.
    • The Lord’s protection of Judah from Assyria was to be seen as a guarantee of the future kingdom.

Questions to consider:

  1. Why did Hezekiah pray for the protection of Judah?  What was the goal (Verse 19)?  What is the chief goal of God working in our lives still today?
  2. Why had Sennacherib won any of his previous battles (Verse 25)?  Did the gods of Assyria give him those victories?  Did he muster up the powerful strength himself?  To Whom did Sennacherib owe his successes?  Even in his opposition, who was in complete control of the king of Assyria (Verses 27-28)?
  3. After the death of so many troops, without a single fight, what should Sennacherib have realized?  What did he go home and do (Verse 37a)?  Why do you think he chose to worship Nisroch?  What would we have been hoping for?