In this issue
3 The Family: No Substitute This Christmas charles r. swindoll
6 My Advice This Christmas charles r. swindoll
Character Sketch
8 Jesus: Humble Saviour insight for living canada
About the Bible
10 Bible Basics: The Basis for Biblical Application steve johnson
Searching the Scriptures Study
14 The Integrity of Finishing Well
Insights is published by Insight for Living Canada, the Bible-teaching ministry of Charles (Chuck) R. Swindoll. Pastor Swindoll has devoted his life to the accurate, practical teaching and application of God’s Word. He is the founding pastor of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas, but Chuck’s listening audience extends far beyond a local church body. As a leading program in Christian broadcasting since 1979, Insight for Living airs around the world. Chuck’s leadership as president and now chancellor emeritus at Dallas Theological Seminary has helped prepare and equip a new generation of men and women for ministry. We hope this publication will instruct, inspire, and encourage you in your walk with Christ.
Copyright © 2024 Insight for Living Canada. All rights reserved. No portion of this monthly publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the publisher. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture passages are taken from the NLT. Unless otherwise noted, photography and illustration by Byeongtaek So. IFLC is an autonomous ministry and certified member of the Canadian Centre for Christian Charities. Printed in Canada.
We simply cannot find a substitute for the family. God planned it that way.
The Family: No Substitute This Christmas
by Charles R. Swindoll
Throw another log on the fire—Christmas is upon us! The story of Bethlehem’s Babe will be told again. We’ll sing carols, return to the manger, and watch the bewildered couple as they caress their firstborn. We’ll stand in awe of the young family for the umpteenth time...and we’ll realize it never grows old!
Why? Because we’ve all known what it felt like to shiver on the frozen branches of our world, rejected, wounded, and scared...because we can all remember when we finally flew into the warmth of His love...and because we all yearn for the joy that a family can bring into our lives.
We simply cannot find a substitute for the family. God planned it that way. Nothing on earth comes close to the benefits derived from relationships revolving around our roots. Nothing.
Sometimes those family memories are absolutely hilarious. I think back to an incident around the Swindoll supper table years ago.
Before supper began I suggested to Curt (who was six) that he should serve Charissa (she was four) before he served himself. Naturally, he wondered why, since the platter of chicken sat directly in front of him...and he was hungry as a lion. I explained it is polite for fellas to serve girls before they serve themselves. The rule sounded weird, but he was willing...as long as she didn’t take too long.
Well, you’d never believe what occurred. After prayer, he picked up the huge platter, held it for his sister, and asked which piece of chicken she wanted.
Being quite young, she had no idea which piece was which. So, very seriously, she replied, “I’d like the foot.”
He glanced in my direction, frowned as the hunger pains shot through his stomach, then looked back at her and said, “Uh...Charissa, Mother doesn’t cook the foot!”
To which she replied, “Where is it?”
With increased anxiety he answered (a bit louder), “I don’t know! The foot is somewhere else, not on this platter. Look, choose a piece. Hurry up.”
She studied the platter and said, “OK, just give me the hand.”
By now their mother and father were biting their lips to refrain from laughing out loud. We could have intervened, but we decided to let them work it out alone.
“A chicken doesn’t have a hand: it has a wing, Charissa.”
“I hate the wing, Curtis....Oh, go ahead and give me the head.”
By then I was headed for the bathroom. I couldn’t hold my laughter any longer. Curt was totally beside himself. His sister was totally frustrated, not being able to get the piece she wanted.
Realizing his irritation with her and the absence of a foot or hand or head, she finally said in an exasperated tone, “Oh, all right! I’ll take the belly button !”
That did it. He reached in, grabbed a piece, and said, “That’s the best I can do!” He gave
her the breast, which was about as close to the belly button as he could get.
Fun. Hearty laughs and silly remarks dull the edge of life’s razor-sharp demands. Families and fun go together like whipped cream on a hot fudge sundae.
Whether it’s the fun of dinnertime laughter, the security of a father’s strong arms, the comfort of a mother’s gentle embrace, or the companionship of a sibling’s listening ear, family provides us the opportunity for deep and meaningful encouragement. Pause a moment and meditate on Solomon’s psalm:
Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it....
Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward....
How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. (Psalm 127:1, 3, 5 NASB1995)
Is the Lord really building your home? Do you view the kids as His gifts? Are you genuinely happy with your full quiver? Is it pleasant for the family to be with you?
Face it, my friend. When we allow the tyranny of the urgent—especially at this time of year—to siphon our tank of energy and interest so that the family is left with nothing but the fumes of broken promises and empty dreams, we are labouring in vain!
It isn’t a question of “Am I building memories?” but “What kind?”
Why not start this Christmas season getting reacquainted with those folks who live under your roof, who eat at your table, who bear your name...and who make your family a living testament to the warmth and joy in the manger on that night 2,000 years ago. Remember, God planned it that way.
Adapted from Charles R. Swindoll, “The Family: No Substitute Will Do” in Come Before Winter and Share My Hope (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1985), 292–94.
My Advice This Christmas
by Charles R. Swindoll
If I may borrow from Charles Dickens’ famous opening line, Christmas can be “the best of times, and the worst of times.” We have them both, don’t we?
Who hasn’t cringed in early October as stores drag out the artificial Christmas trees and put them on display? Who doesn’t dread the extra traffic and the gaggle of people in the shopping malls when you have to go get something that has nothing to do with Christmas? Who hasn’t felt uneasy about the obligatory exchange of gifts with individuals you hardly know? Or sending Christmas cards to people you haven’t written to since the last Christmas card you sent them? And how about feeling the pressure to hang lights on your house in a neighbourhood where you’re the only house that doesn’t have lights hung? There’s something about those annual experiences and obligations that seem to make them “the worst of times.”
In spite of all the challenges, I prefer to view Christmas as “the best of times.” There’s no better time of the year to enjoy the colour that enhances about our streets. At no other time of the year do the faces of little children glow with such wonder. And there’s nothing like the music of Christmas! They’re playing our songs in grocery stores, elevators, shopping malls, and on every radio station: “Joy to the world! The Lord is come.” They’re talking about our Saviour. It’s our message on their lips. Have you noticed? Don’t miss that!
And I must add, what better time of the year is there to share with others your faith in Jesus Christ? At no other season is the unbeliever’s heart softer toward the message of Jesus. Be aware of that. Stay sensitive to that. Be ready to speak. It’s “the best of times” for it.
This is God’s annual reminder to us—luring us, pulling us, encouraging us, in effect: “Feel
the warmth in that light bulb? Smell that tree? See those gifts? Hear those songs? My Son came and died for you. I love you.” All these things familiar are reminders of things essential.
“I will always be ready to remind you of these things,” the Apostle Peter wrote, “even though you already know them” (2 Peter 1:12 NASB1995). Isn’t that great? Sometimes there are people who will say to me, “Well, you said that before, Chuck” or “You may have forgotten, but you’re repeating yourself.” I’ll think, Good! The best way to learn is by repetition, by saying it again, and by reviewing the truth over and over and over. The Apostle Peter continued: “I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder” (1:13, emphasis added). Peter was determined to remind them of what they already knew—in order to stir them to action. Paul, in writing to the Philippian Christians, confessed: “To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you” (Philippians 3:1).
a sign...and as a reminder...that the law of the Lord may be in your mouth” (Exodus 13:9). The sights, the sounds, the smells, the tastes—these seasonal traditions—reignited the passions of God’s people and reminded them of His love, His commands, and His grace.
Christmas can do the same for us this year. You string up the lights. You trim the tree. You buy gifts. You wrap the presents and place them under the tree. You attend a church service— including a Christmas Eve service. You know the songs by heart. It’s all familiar...it’s all routine. It’s just words, just lights, just a tree, just gifts, just songs—Wait a minute!
ALLOW THE TRADITIONS OF THE SEASON TO STIR YOU UP BY WAY OF REMINDER. ALLOW THE THINGS FAMILIAR TO POINT YOU TO THINGS ESSENTIAL.
Most of us who attend good, Bible-believing churches know more about Christ than most people will discover in a lifetime. We are neck-deep in the truth of God. Our problem? It isn’t knowing the truth; it is living it. If we stopped learning new things this very moment and simply drew from the reservoir of knowledge we already have, that would keep us busy for an awfully long time. But we need regular reminders of those truths to stir us up to action. In the Old Testament, the Lord used tangible objects and actions as memory-triggers—phylacteries on the forehead, special food at Passover, stones at a body of water, trumpets for the New Year, and sacrifices in the temple—to prompt His people to remember the essentials. “And it shall serve as
The holidays needn’t be a rote repetition from last year. Maybe it’s time to use these familiar traditions as reminders of essential truths.
Don’t forget that Jesus was born of a virgin—His very conception, a miracle! Remember how the angels lit the shepherds’ field with God’s glory that night, announcing the birth of a Saviour. A Saviour You and I needed a Saviour—One who would and could die for our sins.
My advice this Christmas? Allow the traditions of the season to stir you up by way of reminder. Allow the things familiar to point you to things essential.
Don’t miss them.
Taken from Charles R. Swindoll, “My Advice
This Christmas,” Insights (December 2008): 1–2.
Copyright © 2008 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.
Jesus: Humble Saviour
by Insight for Living Canada
We have no greater example of humility, selfless servanthood, and compassion than Jesus Christ. Through His death and Resurrection, He offers humanity the gift of new life to all who receive it by faith. But beyond this saving grace, Jesus also shows us how to live according to the Father’s will.
Name
The name Jesus comes from the Hebrew word meaning “Yahweh saves.” The English “Jesus” comes from the Latin transliteration of the Greek name “Iesous” (pronounced “ee-aySUS”), which is then pronounced with a soft “j.”
Outstanding Characteristics
Humility and selfless servanthood.
Summary
Jesus existed in eternity past as God the Son, the second Person of the godhead. In the eternal counsels of God, it was determined that the Son would leave heaven’s glory and come to earth in order to save humanity. A young virgin, Mary, was overshadowed by the Holy Spirit, and through a divine miracle, baby Jesus was conceived. He was named Jesus because He would save His people from their sins. He was raised by Mary and Joseph, a carpenter from
Nazareth, and lived a sinless life. At about the age of 30, He began His ministry as an itinerant preacher, declaring the Kingdom of God. He recruited 12 men to be His disciples, later known as the apostles. These men carried Jesus’ message throughout the world. Jesus’ earthly ministry ended when one of His disciples, Judas, betrayed Him and turned Him over to the religious authorities. They condemned Jesus illegally and had the Romans crucify Him between two thieves. Three days later, Jesus resurrected from the dead and appeared to many people. Forty days later Jesus returned to heaven, where He now directs the building of His church on earth and prepares for His return to earth at the end of the age.
Key Scripture
seeks to put other’s needs and interests first. We are to possess this attitude in every relationship.
3. Patience in Suffering
HIS PERFECT EXAMPLE OF HUMILITY, SELFLESS
SERVANTHOOD,
AND COMPASSION SHOWS US THE WAY WE ARE CALLED TO LIVE.
Jesus passed through suffering of every kind. He was not a stranger to sorrow. Peter writes, “For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:21). God is with us in our suffering and works to accomplish His good plans and purposes. We must patiently wait on the Lord for His grace to endure the suffering.
4. Victory over Temptation
Jesus experienced temptation.
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. (Philippians 2:5–8)
Lessons Learned
1. Humble Submission
Jesus obediently left heaven’s glory in order to save us. He chose to limit Himself and submit Himself to the will of God in everything. We, too, as Jesus’ representatives, must leave our comfort zones in order to take the message and deeds of salvation to those who need them. We too are to humbly submit our wills to doing the will of God in everything.
2. Selfless Servanthood
The attitude of servanthood does not give space to view oneself as better than others’ but rather
This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (Hebrews 4:15–16)
With the victorious life of Christ in us, we can draw on that life to live as “more than conquerors” and have victory over temptation (Romans 8:37 NIV).
5. Spirit-Filled Life
Everything Jesus did was by the power of the Holy Spirit. He faced Satan’s temptations in the wilderness victoriously, even though His strength was depleted. He healed the sick and endured His own death by the power of the Spirit. By living a Spirit-filled life, we can resist temptation, experience suffering and sickness, and endure our own death—all victoriously.
Jesus’ sinless life, sacrificial death, and Resurrection make it possible for us to experience new life as we place our faith in Him. His perfect example of humility, selfless servanthood, and compassion shows us the way we are called to live.
Bible Basics: The Basis for Biblical Application
by Steve Johnson
Pastor Chuck Swindoll uses a four-part method when studying Scripture that ensures a deeper and more holistic understanding of God’s Word. This same study method is used in our Searching the Scriptures Bible Studies, which accompany Pastor Chuck’s messages. The four key steps are: observation (what does the text say?), interpretation (what does it mean?), correlation (what other passages relate to it?), and application (how do I apply it?).
Many believers have never been taught how to correctly interpret and apply Scripture, leading to misinterpretation, misunderstanding, and misapplication. As a result, their spiritual growth is stunted because they are feeding on what God didn’t actually say or intend. Consequently, their applications are often misguided.
The Bible wasn’t originally written to you and me. In effect, we are reading someone else’s mail.
The diligence and thoroughness with which we ask and answer key questions about Scripture will determine whether we glean the objective meaning God intended. These questions help us answer, “What did it mean to the author and his recipients?” While Scripture has only one correct meaning, it offers multiple applications.
Once we have discovered the meaning God intended to convey through the author, we need to build a theological bridge from the author’s day to ours. We need to ask, “What are the theo-
logical truths we can glean from the author’s meaning? What are the biblical principles and fundamental truths about God, humanity, and the world?” These questions are the bridge to cross and the basis for application.
For example, in 1 Corinthians 8, Paul writes about meat offered to idols. In Paul’s day, the best meat was offered in idol worship and then sold in meat stores. Paul writes, “Well, we all know that an idol is not really a god and that there is only one God” (v. 4).
Imagine you take a new convert to a discount meat shop, hoping to buy a good-quality steak. However, this new believer comes from a background in pagan worship, where meat was offered to idols. In all good conscience and out of fear of falling back into the old ways, this believer is unable to buy and eat that meat. In this situation, what should you do?
Eating meat offered to idols isn’t an issue in our culture today, so how do we relate to it? The bridge between then and now—the original meaning and “What am I going to do about it?” question—is theology. Theology, in its broadest sense, encompasses biblical principles and fundamental truths about God, humanity, and the world. These timeless truths guide how we apply Scripture in our lives today.
Upon reflection on 1 Corinthians 8, we come to understand that the biblical principle
is to act in love and do what is best for our fellow believers. This passage also provides principles for other issues such as matters of tolerance, loving respect for other believers, and sensitivity to their backgrounds.
Today, believers have a wide range of beliefs and behaviours when it comes to amusements, habits, standards, and practices. I remember when I was younger, many believed guitars had no place in church worship, and going to movies was wrong—because you wouldn’t want to be there when Jesus returns! Sometimes seemingly harmless practices can trouble a believer who does not yet have a mature understanding of certain spiritual or moral matters.
our beliefs are incorrect and need to be adjusted. We may also discover behaviours we should start practicing or things we’ve been doing that need to stop. True application requires aligning our thoughts and actions with biblical truth.
In our 1 Corinthians 8 example, we could ask whether we engage in any activity in the presence of weaker Christians that might cause them to sin by following our example. We could also question our attitudes toward those whose convictions differ from ours—are they lovingly respectful or disdainful? We can also ask if we have the relationship and responsibility to lovingly instruct the weaker believer about matters of conscience rather than leave them alone.
THE GOAL OF BIBLE STUDY IS LIFE TRANSFORMATION THROUGH THE APPLICATION OF SCRIPTURE.
Once we have put the work in to understanding the meaning of the Scripture, we are then ready for the final question: “How do I apply it?” This is the reason for observing, interpreting, and correlating.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right” (2 Timothy 3:16). This relates to our beliefs and our behaviours. To get the answer to “How do I apply it?” we need to ask, “Is there a belief I should adopt or change?” and “Is there a behaviour or action I should begin or stop?”
To relate it to our own lives, we must understand our own needs and weaknesses (1 Timothy 4:16; Romans 12:3). We must be honest and ask God to “search our hearts” (Psalm 139:23–24). It’s easy to apply Scripture to others, but harder to explore our own areas of need. Our spouse, children, and friends can probably help. How do they think I need to apply this principle?
This is the basis for all biblical application. As we study Scripture, we may realize that some of
Two important aspects that are often overlooked in the process of gleaning the biblical principles for application are memorization and meditation. When we read and study a passage, it is like having a meal and chewing our food. But the food needs to go further than our mouths for us to experience the full benefit of eating. Memorization is like swallowing our food, and meditation is like digesting it so that it becomes a part of us.
All of us are capable of memorization—we do it all the time with everyday things. We remember streets, numbers, names, and passwords. We just need to do it with Scripture. Memorizing Scripture is a great way to allow God’s truth to soak in. Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”
Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 1:1–2 tell us to “meditate” on the word of God “day and night.” The process of spiritual growth involves “thinking biblically.” We must renew our minds to see our beliefs and behaviours from God’s perspective. When we meditate on something, we ruminate, reflect, think, and roll it around in our minds,
looking at it from different angles in such a way that our beliefs and behaviours are affected by it.
Finally, we need to actually practice the truth. This is the action step. This is where we change our thinking or behaviour based on God’s Word. Romans 12:2 says, “...let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”
The step of practicing truth requires the Holy Spirit’s power. Once we know what to think or do differently, we must consciously ask for God’s help and then step out in obedience, depending on the power of the Holy Spirit within us. That’s what it means to “let the Holy Spirit guide your
lives” (Galatians 5:16) and “be filled with the Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18).
The goal of Bible study is life transformation through the application of Scripture. We observe, interpret, and correlate passages so we can apply God’s truth and grow to be more like Christ. Let’s not stop at studying or hearing God’s Word—let’s put it into practice. Otherwise, we’re only fooling ourselves (James 1:22).
Steve Johnson is the executive director and pastor at Insight for Living Canada.
THE INTEGRITY OF FINISHING WELL
insight
for living ministries
The following mini-study is presented to familiarize you with Pastor Chuck’s method of Bible study and provide an opportunity to study the passage yourself.
PAUL spent his final days in the Mamertine Prison in Rome awaiting his execution. There, Paul wrote his final words in his second letter to Timothy. Paul expresses gratitude for his past accomplishments and anticipation of his future reward. He finished his life well. In this Searching the Scriptures Bible Study we’ll learn from his hopeful words in 2 Timothy 4 how we can also finish well.
Prepare Your Heart
All those who suffer can find hope in the Apostle Paul’s words in 2 Timothy. Pause to pray, inviting the Lord into your dungeon of disappointment to encourage you through Paul’s example. Turn to the Scriptures
Read 2 Timothy 4:1–18. Notice how Paul described his hardships and how he interlaced his deep hope in Christ. Write down your initial impressions of these final words from his pen.
Observation: Looking Back and Looking Forward
Observation involves examining the text by asking questions such as where, who, what, when, and how. We know where Paul was: in a Roman prison. And when: the end of life, perhaps around AD 67. We know to whom he was writing: his apprentice Timothy, the pastor of the church at Ephesus.
: O Next comes the “what.” According to 2 Timothy 4:2, after encouraging and advising Timothy in the first three chapters of
the letter, what exactly did Paul solemnly charge Timothy to do?
: O What reasons for his urgent charge did Paul list in 4:3–5? And what specific commands did Paul give?
Looking Back without Regret—2 Timothy 4:6–7
: O Paul wrote, “The time of my death is near” (2 Timothy 4:6). According to 2 Timothy 4:6-7, what metaphors did Paul use to describe his life, his struggles, and his accomplishments? Looking Forward with Anticipation—2 Timothy 4:8
: O Observe Paul’s hopeful anticipation in 2 Timothy 4:8 regarding his…
Confirmation of future reward:
Celebration of victory:
Encouragement for all believers: Expressing Real Needs and Honest Warnings—2 Timothy 4:9–18
: O In 2 Timothy 4:9–18, Paul wrote about real needs and honest warnings. Write down the lines in this passage in which you observe Paul expressing…
Loneliness
Abandonment by trusted friends
Physical needs
Hunger for God’s Word
What implicit warnings for Timothy did Paul weave through this passage?
Interpretation: The Treasures Hidden in Paul’s Metaphors
Use your interpretation skills to explore the meaning of Paul’s metaphors in 2 Timothy
4:6–8. Hidden in these metaphors are the secrets to finishing well!
Offering Our Lives to God
:I What did Paul mean when he stated that his life “has already been poured out as an offering to God” (2 Timothy 4:6)? Consider the temple practice of the priests pouring a “liquid offering” on the altar to accompany the main offering (Exodus 29:40–41; Leviticus 23:13). In what ways did Paul pour out his life to God?
:I Write down your explanation of what it means to give our lives as an offering (Romans 12:1–2)?
Fighting the Good Fight
:I Paul often used athletic metaphors to describe his spiritual self-discipline:
“I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:27)
What did Paul mean when he wrote, “I have fought the good fight” (2 Timothy 4:7)?
Finishing the Race
:I Paul wrote, “I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful” (2 Timothy 4:7). What “race” was Paul referring to, and how had he been faithful in running it? See how Paul had just commanded Timothy, “fulfill your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5 NASB). What was Paul’s ministry calling (Acts 9:15–16; 2 Timothy 1:10–11), and how did he fulfil it?
Correlation: The Prize That Awaits
In ancient times, athletes trained for years hoping to win a laurel crown that the king would place on their heads. Paul anticipated
receiving “the crown of righteousness” which His King will award “all who eagerly look forward to his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8). God promises to heap on us specific rewards— special recognition for work done in His name.
:C Paul taught how believers earn rewards in 1 Corinthians 3:11–15. What is the basis of receiving a reward?
:C When will we receive Christ’s rewards, according to 2 Corinthians 5:9–10?
:C Paul endured his suffering by keeping his eyes fixed on his eternal home and reward. Are you also eagerly looking forward to Christ’s appearing and the prize that awaits?
Application: On the Way to Finishing Well
:A Reflecting on the final days of Paul’s life, what principle stands out as a central truth that can help you finish your race well?
:A What obstacles in your current circumstances stand in the way of living by this principle?
:A What do you need from Christ to help you stay focused on your eternal prize?
A Final Prayer
Father, thank You for the accounts of Scriptures’ ordinary people who followed You faithfully. They are my models of faith. I seek Your help as, together, we write my story of faithful devotion in a wicked world. May I praise You with my life which I pour out daily as an offering to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Go to insightforliving.ca/finishing to download the full-length Searching the Scripture Bible Study and listen to Pastor Chuck’s message.
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