New christians

14 days of Bible reading notes for

Compiled by PETER JEFFERY from his book ‘Enjoying God Always’ (Published by EP)

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DAYDAY 1 1 THETHE ORIGIN ORIGIN OF SIN OF SIN GENESIS GENESIS 3 3 God created God created AdamAdam and Eve andand Eveplaced and placed them them in theinGarden the Garden of of Eden.Eden.

In thisIndelightful this delightful paradise paradise they had theyperfect had perfect freedom, freedom, with with only one onlyrestriction one restriction (2:17).(2:17).

We are Weimmediately are immediately reminded reminded of a of a truth truth repeated repeated over and overover and again over again in Scripture; in Scripture; if manif is man to live is to live a happy a happy and peaceful and peaceful life, he life, must he must live inlive harmony in harmony with God with God and inand obedience in obedience to God’s to God’s revealed revealed will. will.

There There is noisgreater no greater errorerror thanthan to believe to believe that that sin can sin can bringbring happiness. happiness.

It is aItdelusion is a delusion put input theinmind the mind of men of by men Satan.

by Satan.

AdamAdam and Eve and Eve believed believed Satan’s Satan’s lies and liesitand wasitnot waslong not before long before the sothe called so called pleasures pleasures of sinof turned sin turned sour on sour them. on them.

Firstly, Firstly, their nakedness their nakedness bothered bothered them them because because now their now hearts their hearts were were corrupt corrupt (v. 7).(v. 7).

Secondly, Secondly, in their in guilt their they guilt had theytohad hide to from hide from God (v.

God 8).(v. 8).

The consequence The consequence of their of sin their was sinimmediately was immediately evident. evident.

TheyThey were were spiritually spiritually dead,dead, and this andterrible this terrible fact isfact emphasized is emphasized whenwhen they are theybanished are banished from from the presence the presence of God of (v.

God 23). (v. 23).

Physical Physical deathdeath wouldwould followfollow in dueincourse, due course, but spiritual but spiritual deathdeath was immediate. was immediate.

To see Tohow see this howaffects this affects you, read you, Romans read Romans 5:12. 5:12.

WhatWhat AdamAdam did did has more has more influence influence on your on life yourtoday life today than anything than anything that isthat is happening happening now. now.

Your Your sinfulsinful naturenature is to be is to traced be traced back to back to Genesis Genesis 3. Only 3. Only the Lord the Lord Jesus Jesus ChristChrist can change can change that nature that nature and regain and regain for you foraccess you access to, and to,peace and peace with, with, God. God. ReadRead Romans Romans 5:1, 17-19.

5:1, 17-19.

If youIfdo you notdounderstand not understand Genesis Genesis 3, you3,will younever will never understand understand the gospel. the gospel.

It is because It is because these these eventsevents are true arethat truewe that needed we needed Jesus Jesus to come to come into the intoworld the world and provide and provide for usfor salvation. us salvation.

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DAYDAY 2 2

BORN BORN AGAIN AGAIN JOHN JOHN 3: 1-21 3: 1-21

BeingBeing born born againagain is the isinitial the initial step instep salvation. in salvation.

By hisBy teaching his teaching in John in John 3 Jesus 3 Jesus wantswants us to us know to know that we that need we need a newabeginning. new beginning.

Man Man had ahad beginning a beginning once once in Adam in Adam but that butwas thatruined was ruined by sin.by sin.

WhatWhat we need we need now isnow a new is astart new that startsin that cannot sin cannot spoil and spoilthis andisthis is exactly exactly what what the gospel the gospel offersoffers us. us.

The path The to path heaven to heaven beginsbegins whenwhen a person a person is born is born again.again.

Before Before this we this are weallare dead all dead in sin.inWe sin.are Weincapable are incapable of making of making a a spiritual spiritual response response to either to either God or God theorgospel. the gospel.

This explains This explains why why the sinner the sinner cannot cannot ‘see’ or ‘see’ ‘enter’ or ‘enter’ the kingdom the kingdom of God of (vv.

God3(vv. and3 and 5). He5).is He as incapable is as incapable of moving of moving towards towards heaven heaven as a corpse as a corpse is of is of climbing climbing out ofout its of grave. its grave.

A force A force from from outside outside is necessary. is necessary.

Being Being bornborn againagain is theiswork the work of the ofHoly the Holy Spirit Spirit in us,in us, stirring stirring us, raising us, raising us and us giving and giving us new us new life. It life. is It is regenerating regenerating life in life that in that which which is spiritually is spiritually dead. dead.

So farSo thefarsinner the sinner contributes contributes nothing nothing to what to what is happening is happening to to him. The him. work The work is entirely is entirely God’s,God’s, but itbut doesit not doesend notthere. end there.

FromFrom verse verse 10 onwards 10 onwards Jesus Jesus speaksspeaks of believing. of believing.

It is not It isthe notHoly the Holy SpiritSpirit who believes who believes for usfor —us it is—something it is something the sinner the sinner must must do. do.

And this Andhethis is able he is to able do to only doafter only he after hashebeen has been born born again.again.

We are Wetoare believe to believe in theinLord the Lord Jesus Jesus Christ.

Christ.

The facts The are factsthat are that God sent Godhis sent Son histoSon dietoondie theoncross the cross for sinners. for sinners.

Faith Faith is ouris our response response to thetogood the good news news of what of what Jesus Jesus has done. has done.

By this By this means, means, we are werescued are rescued from from the condemnation the condemnation and wrath and wrath of of God. God. Regeneration Regeneration precedes precedes faith.faith.

We believe We believe because because we we havehave beenbeen bornborn again. again.

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DAYDAY 3 3 BY GRACE ALONE

BY GRACE ALONE JOHN 3: 1-21 JOHN 3: 1-21 The recurring message of theofBible is thatissalvation is by grace The recurring message the Bible that salvation is by grace alone.alone.

If theIffirst three verses of today’s reading are true the first three verses of today’s reading are (and true (and they are) has tohas be to bybe grace.

HereHere we see theythen are) salvation then salvation by grace. wethe see the natural condition of all men and women — dead in natural condition of all men and women — dead in transgressions and sins.

Paul says in sininhesin he transgressions and When sins. When Paulwe saysare wedead are dead means we are unable to change our spiritual condition. means we are unable to change our spiritual condition.

We are helpless and hopeless, and if weifare Wespiritually are spiritually helpless and hopeless, and we are to betosaved God must do it because we cannot. be saved God must do it because we cannot.

Verses 4-18 tell what God has to save ThereThere are are Verses 4-18ustell us what Goddone has done to sinners. save sinners. threethree great great wordswords in verses 4-5 — love, mercy and grace — and in verses 4-5 — love, mercy and grace — and they all speak of an of activity of God. This is whyis Paul they all speak an activity of God. This why says Paulin says in verse verse 10 that a Christian is God’s workmanship.

The believer is is 10 that a Christian is God’s workmanship. The believer a product of an of activity of God. a product an activity of God. GraceGrace flows flows out ofout God’s love and isand notissome of God’s and lovemercy and mercy not some abstract idea. idea.

It is God It is God the unlovely, abstract It is working.

God working.

It is loving God loving the unlovely, pardoning the guilty and saving the lost.

It is the unique work work of of pardoning the guilty and saving the lost. It is the unique God.God. We do not deserve grace because our sin is our own fault.

We do not deserve grace because our sin is our own fault.

WhatWhat we deserve is hell,is but Christ we receive gracegrace and every we deserve hell,inbut in Christ we receive and every blessing and benefit that flows from it. blessing and benefit that flows from it.

It is amazing that people want want to believe in a salvation It is amazing that people to believe in a salvation accomplished by their own efforts when God freely offering us us accomplished by their own efforts when is God is freely offering grace.grace.

It is It spiritual blindness to want our own pathetic is spiritual blindness to want our own pathetic efforts whenwhen we can God’s perfect salvation. efforts we have can have God’s perfect salvation.

Contrast the last of theofchapter with the Contrast thefour last verses four verses the chapter withfirst thethree first three verses.

Paul is describing the same people but now verses.

Paul is describing the same people but they now are they are believers.

WhatWhat a difference!

The bridge between these these two two believers. a difference!

The bridge between extreme positions is theisgrace of God, and itand is the extreme positions the grace of God, it isonly the bridge. only bridge.

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DAYDAY 4 4 IN THE BATTLE IN THE BATTLE EPHESIANS 6 6 EPHESIANS The Christian life is life a battle — make no mistake aboutabout that. that.

The Christian is a battle — make no mistake The moment you became a Christian you made a deadly enemy The moment you became a Christian you made a deadly enemy who never stops trying to ruin your relationship with God. who never stops trying to ruin your relationship with God. YourYour enemy is theisdevil (vv. 11-12).

He isHe no is ordinary enemy; his his enemy the devil (vv. 11-12). no ordinary enemy; powerpower and influence are enormous and his agents span the and influence are enormous and his agents span the wholewhole world.world.

QuiteQuite rightly, you feel yourself you have no no rightly, youthat feelof that of yourself you have strength for the battle.

To know that the devil is against you can strength for the battle. To know that the devil is against you can be a frightening prospect.

WhatWhat are you do?toSurrender or or be a frightening prospect. aretoyou do? Surrender fight?fight?

God knows how weak you are and therefore he supplies God knows how weak youfeeling, are feeling, and therefore he supplies all theallstrength and power you need.

The strength of the Lord the strength and power you need. The strength of the Lord has already defeated Satan.Satan.

It is aItproven power, and itand is yours has already defeated is a proven power, it is yours in Christ (v.10). in Christ (v.10).

God God supplies a wonderful armour for the but but supplies a wonderful armour forbattle, the battle, you must put it on (v.

13). you must put it on (v. 13).

If youIfare constant defeatdefeat in your Christian life, itlife, is it is youexperiencing are experiencing constant in your Christian because you are putting on theonarmour of God. because younot aredaily not daily putting the armour of God. ‘Putting on’ involves discipline and obedience.

Daily BibleBible studystudy ‘Putting on’ involves discipline and obedience. Daily and prayer (vv. 18-20), regular fellowship with other Christians, and prayer (vv. 18-20), regular fellowship with other Christians, attendance at Sunday worship and mid-week prayer meetings — — attendance at Sunday worship and mid-week prayer meetings these these are allare part ‘putting on theonarmour’.

You need these these if all of part of ‘putting the armour’.

You need if you are to fight and defeat Satan. you are to fight and defeat Satan.

Particular emphasis is laid on prayer.

Prayer is is Particular emphasis is here laid here on prayer.

Prayer essential for spiritual growth and strength.

There is nois no essential for spiritual growth and strength. There substitute for it. substitute for it.

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REAL FAITH DAYDAY 5 5 REAL FAITH MATTHEW 25: 31-46 MATTHEW 25: 31-46 very serious sinconsequently and consequently Jesus Jesus took atook verya serious view view of sinofand no no in Scripture hell than heThis did. This one inone Scripture spokespoke moremore aboutabout hell than he did. is is very popular nowadays, among Christians, not anot verya popular topic topic nowadays, even even among Christians, in today’s reading putsmatter the matter before but inbut today’s reading Jesus Jesus puts the firmlyfirmly before us. us. is aofday of judgement set when all people will be put ThereThere is a day judgement set when all people will be put intoofone two groups — sheep or goats. are not into one twoofgroups — sheep or goats.

ThereThere are not numerous divisions, just(v. two (v.For 32).the Forsheep the sheep numerous divisions, just two 32). therethere will will be heaven 34)for andthe forgoats the goats will be(v. hell (v. 41). be heaven (v. 34)(v.and therethere will be hell 41).

The judgement the prelude to eternity.

Whatever The judgement is theisprelude to eternity.

Whatever happens be eternal (v. 46). happens thenthen will will be eternal (v. 46).

The three parables this chapter all dealing with people The three parables in thisinchapter are allare dealing with people who were not outwardly wicked butsome had some attachment who were not outwardly wicked but had attachment to to Christ.

Unfortunately, is a theoretical or attachment false attachment Christ.

Unfortunately, it is aittheoretical or false — lamps but oil, talents but no understanding the master, — lamps but no oil,notalents but no understanding of theofmaster, and this parable noservice real service forLord. the Lord. and in thisinparable no real for the To ignore the need of Christ’s people (vv. 42-43) is to ignore To ignore the need of Christ’s people (vv. 42-43) is to ignore and reveals a heart that does not know The parable him, him, and reveals a heart that does not know him. him.

The parable is is not teaching salvation by works but underlines thethat fact ifthat not teaching salvation by works but underlines the fact we if we saybelieve we believe will necessarily follow. say we then then good good worksworks will necessarily follow.

FaithFaith without notfaith. real faith.

Works without in Christ without worksworks is notisreal Works without faith faith in Christ is is butnot willsave. not save. demands his people good good but will WhatWhat God God demands from from his people is a is a proved the quality thewe lifelive. we live. savingsaving faith faith proved by thebyquality of theoflife Be sure the faith you have is real.

If itthere is, there Be sure that that the faith you have is real.

If it is, will will be actions to prove be actions to prove it it

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FOOLISH THINKING DAYDAY 6 6 FOOLISH THINKING LUKE 12: 13-21 LUKE 12: 13-21 addresses this parable to people who think life largely Jesus Jesus addresses this parable to people who think of lifeoflargely in terms of material possessions (v. 15). in terms of material possessions (v. 15).

The farmer the parable was hard-working but heawas The farmer in theinparable was hard-working but he was foola fool because he thought he could measure the amount because he thought he could measure life bylife thebyamount of of money he(v. had (v.This 19). This an appalling picture of people how people money he had 19). is an is appalling picture of how live today. is a picture of a thoroughly sensual who thinks live today.

It is aItpicture of a thoroughly sensual man man who thinks the greatest is todrink eat, drink and be merry.

Heno has no sense the greatest joy isjoy to eat, and be merry.

He has sense of of the value his and soulno and no thought of God. the value of hisofsoul thought of God. You dohave not have be to rich livethis. like People this. People all walks You do not to be to rich livetolike from from all walks lifeaslive as if there no God, no death, no judgement and no of lifeoflive if there is no is God, no death, no judgement and no to come.

The man who thinks is all about ‘getting worldworld to come.

The man who thinks life islife all about ‘getting on’ on’ and being successful is a The fool. Bible The Bible not condemn and being successful is a fool. does does not condemn success and wealth it does against trusting in such success and wealth but itbut does warnwarn against trusting in such things. flimsyflimsy things.

Eat, drink and be merry is a popular philosophy, butsaying the saying Eat, drink and be merry is a popular philosophy, but the notthere. end there.

It finishes ‘for tomorrow we The die’. The does does not end It finishes with, with, ‘for tomorrow we die’. richthought fool thought hemany had many to spend his money rich fool he had yearsyears to spend his money but but very night lifebe will be demanded God God said, said, ‘This‘This very night your your life will demanded from from you’ you’ —so and so it was! (v. 20)(v.—20) and it was!

We all make forfuture the future and there is nothing wrong We all make plansplans for the and there is nothing wrong with with Neither is it wrong get excited by success.

A man that. that.

Neither is it wrong to gettoexcited by success.

A man is notisanot a fool because is diligent and successful, but because he his lives his fool because he is he diligent and successful, but because he lives as if isthat is all counts. that counts. life aslife if that all that the greatest fool because he ignores ThatThat manman is theisgreatest fool because he ignores the the reality of God. reality of God.

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DAYDAY 7 7 TWO TWO BROTHERS BROTHERS LUKE LUKE 15: 11-32 15: 11-32 VerseVerse 11 reminds 11 reminds us of us a fact of awe factoften we often forget,forget, namely namely that the that the fatherfather in theinparable the parable had two hadsons. two sons.

We tend We to tend think to think only of only theof the prodigal prodigal and ignore and ignore the elder the elder son. son.

On the Onsurface the surface these these brothers brothers were were entirely entirely different. different.

One was One was hard-working, hard-working, industrious industrious and serious. and serious.

The other The other was lazy wasand lazy and selfish. selfish.

And true Andto true character, to character, whenwhen the opportunity the opportunity arises,arises, he he grabsgrabs what what he can heand canleaves and leaves home.home.

Yet Jesus Yet Jesus shows shows us inus the inparable the parable that that though though they they werewere different different in character in character and temperament, and temperament, at heart at heart they they werewere exactly exactly the same. the same.

Neither Neither boy understood boy understood the love the of love theofheart the heart and the andmind the mind of of their their father. father.

In verses In verses 28-3028-30 the elder the elder son isson as self-centred is as self-centred and and alien alien to thetospirit the spirit of hisoffather his father as theasyounger the younger brother brother in verse in verse 12. 12.

Man’sMan’s problem problem is notishis notcharacter his character or temperament or temperament but his but his nature. nature.

And in And terms in terms of eternal of eternal salvation salvation it is not it iswhat not what he does he does that counts, that counts, but what but what he is. he is.

It is atItthis is atpoint this point that the thatgospel the gospel irritates irritates people. people.

TheyThey like tolike to thinkthink they are theybetter are better than most than most folk and folkperhaps and perhaps in many in many ways ways they are. theyBut are.inBut theinsight the sight of God of all God areallsinners. are sinners.

Whether Whether drunken drunken sinnersinner or respectable or respectable sinner, sinner, all failalltofail meet to meet God’sGod’s requirements. requirements.

The elder The elder brother’s brother’s position position is more is more dangerous dangerous than the thanyounger the younger because because whilewhile one isone so obviously is so obviously wrongwrong the other the other is much is much slowerslower to seetohisseetrue hiscondition. true condition.

Both Both must must comecome to thetopoint the point of of seeingseeing themselves themselves in relation in relation to God to the GodFather the Father (v. 18). (v. 18).

The younger The younger boy did, boybut did,we butdowe not doknow not know what what happened happened to to the elder the elder son. We son.allWe need all need to come to come to ourtosenses our senses (v. 17)(v.and 17) and consider consider what what God requires.

God requires.

WhatWhat he wants he wants is thatiswe thatseewe see ourselves ourselves as sinners as sinners and repent and repent (vv. 18-20). (vv. 18-20).

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DAYDAY 8 8 THIS THIS IS YOUR IS YOUR GOD GOD ISAIAH ISAIAH 40 40 This remarkable This remarkable chapter chapter vibrates vibrates throughout throughout with the withgreatness, the greatness, glory glory and might and might of ourofGod. our God. It ought It ought to be to read be regularly read regularly by by everyevery believer, believer, particularly particularly at times at times whenwhen we need we need comfort comfort and and encouragement. encouragement.

Isaiah’s Isaiah’s remedy remedy at such at times such times is to ask is tous: ask‘Do us: ‘Do you not youknow? not know?

HaveHave you not youheard?’ not heard?’ (vv. 21, (vv.28).

21,Don’t 28). Don’t you you realize, realize, he says, he says, how great how great your your God is?

God is?

Here Here is a God is a who God iswho outside is outside the barrier the barrier of time, of time, who iswho notis not limited limited by thebycircumstances the circumstances of life,ofand life,who and stands who stands over and over and aboveabove all these all these things. things.

He acts Heasacts only as the onlymighty the mighty God can Godact. can act.

So often So often we are weovercome are overcome by such by things such things as despair, as despair, confusion, confusion, fear and fearself-pity. and self-pity.

The unfailing The unfailing answer answer to these to these is to realize is to realize afreshafresh the person the person and character and character of ourofGod. our God. Despair Despair (vv. 10-12). (vv. 10-12).

How How can we candespair we despair whenwhen the sovereign the sovereign Lord Lord is withis us? with us?

Confusion Confusion (vv. 13-14). (vv. 13-14).

We are Weoften are often confused, confused, but the butLord the Lord is is omniscient. omniscient.

He isHe never is never at a loss, at a never loss, never confused, confused, always always in in complete complete control. control.

Fear (vv.

Fear21-24). (vv. 21-24).

Fear of Fear theofworld the world situation situation and ofand theofpower the power of nations of nations can be can very be real, very but real,here but ithere is allit put is allinto putperspective. into perspective.

The Lord The Lord reigns. reigns.

Self-pity Self-pity (vv. 27-31). (vv. 27-31).

Self-pity Self-pity is such is asuch destructive a destructive force.force.

How How manymany timestimes have have you felt youlike feltmaking like making the complaint the complaint of verse of verse 27? You 27? think You think you are youforsaken are forsaken and disregarded and disregarded and you andhide you hide in self-pity. in self-pity.

ThereThere is no is need no need of this ofwhen this when you immerse you immerse yourself yourself in thein the worship worship and praise and praise of theofliving the living God.God.

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DAYDAY 9 9 A MESSIANIC A MESSIANIC PASSAGE PASSAGE ISAIAH ISAIAH 61 61 One One day inday theinsynagogue the synagogue at Nazareth at Nazareth Jesus Jesus read read from from IsaiahIsaiah 61 and 61when and when he had hefinished had finished he said, he said, ‘Today ‘Today this Scripture this Scripture is is fulfilled fulfilled in your in your hearing’ hearing’ (Luke(Luke 4:17-21).

4:17-21).

Today’s Today’s reading reading is oneisofone many of many messianic messianic passages passages in Isaiah in Isaiah that were that were looking looking forward forward to thetocoming the coming of Christ. of Christ.

FromFrom versesverses 1-3 we 1-3can wesee canthat see Jesus that Jesus camecame to change to change things. things.

The problem The problem with the withworld the world is thatis itthat is hostile it is hostile to God. to God. Sin rules, Sin rules, not not righteousness. righteousness.

Jesus Jesus deals deals with this withby this providing by providing for the forsinner the sinner garments garments of salvation of salvation and aand robe a robe of righteousness of righteousness (v. 10). (v. 10).

ThereThere was awas timea when time when we allwe walked all walked around around in theinrobe the robe of ourof our own self-righteousness. own self-righteousness.

We were We were proudproud of it — of it my— efforts, my efforts, my my goodness, goodness, my achievements. my achievements.

I wasIaswas good as good as anyone. as anyone.

Who Who couldcould tell me tellI me wasIawas sinner a sinner and not andgood not good enough enough for God? for God? The robe The robe of self-righteousness of self-righteousness fittedfitted well and wellwe andallwe loved all loved it, until it, until God God showed showed us theusperfect, the perfect, sinlesssinless puritypurity of Jesus; of Jesus; and then and then we we felt dirty. felt dirty.

The Bible The Bible callscalls this this ‘conviction ‘conviction of sin’ of and sin’ it and is not it isanot a pleasant pleasant experience. experience.

But then But then God God showed showed us hisusamazing his amazing gracegrace and deep and deep love. love.

He took He us took to us histowardrobe his wardrobe of sovereign of sovereign gracegrace and brought and brought out out this most this most beautiful beautiful garment. garment.

We saw Wethe sawprice the price tag —tag purchased — purchased by thebyblood the blood of Jesus. of Jesus.

Amazingly, Amazingly, it haditour hadname our name on it on already. it already.

The Holy The Holy SpiritSpirit fittedfitted it anditthere and there was no was need no need for alteration. for alteration.

The fit The was fitperfect. was perfect.

Do you Dowant you want this robe this robe of righteousness? of righteousness?

ReadRead Romans Romans 3:21-26.

3:21-26.

WhenWhen we come we come in repentance in repentance and faith and faith to Jesus, to Jesus, God God credits credits us us with the withrighteousness the righteousness of hisofSon. his Son. His righteousness His righteousness becomes becomes ours and oursthis andalone this alone makesmakes us acceptable us acceptable to God. to God.

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DAYDAY 10 10TESTS OF FAITH TESTS OF FAITH 1 JOHN 1 1 1 JOHN In theInfirst theepistle first epistle of John of John threethree matters matters constantly constantly recur:recur: WhatWhat do Christians do Christians believe? believe?

Do they Do love they one loveanother? one another?

WhatWhat kind of kind of lives do lives they do lead? they lead?

TheseThese questions questions are asked are asked as tests as of tests whether of whether we are wetruly are truly born born again.again.

If we Ifare, wewe are,will webelieve will believe what what the Bible the Bible says, says, we will welove will love one another, one another, and we andwill welive willalive life aabove life above criticism. criticism.

In this In this opening opening chapter, chapter, two out twoofout these of these threethree subjects subjects are introduced. are introduced.

ThereThere are two aregreat two great statements statements mademade

by John

by John in hisinwritings. his writings.

The first Theand firstmost and most familiar familiar is thatis God that isGod loveis. The love. other, The other, not sonot so lightis. light If we. Ifclaim we claim to to well known well known but equally but equally important, important, is Godis isGod belong belong to him, to him, we must we must reflectreflect his character. his character.

Sin must Sin must nevernever be be the chief the chief and directing and directing factorfactor in ourinlives. our lives.

We will Welive willlives live lives pleasing pleasing to God. to God. This This John John calls ‘walking calls ‘walking in theinlight’ the light’ (vv. 5-7). (vv. 5-7).

John John does does not teach not teach that we thatshall we shall be without be without sin, orsin, perfect, or perfect, in in this life thisbefore life before we arrive we arrive in heaven. in heaven.

Fellowship Fellowship does does not mean not mean sinlessness, sinlessness, since since it is while it is while we enjoy we enjoy fellowship fellowship with God with God that the that the bloodblood of Jesus of Jesus ChristChrist goes on goes cleansing on cleansing us. us.

If weIfwere we were without without sin, there sin, there would would be nobeneed no need for this for this continual continual purifying. purifying.

Moreover, Moreover, if we ifclaim we claim to be to without be without sin, we sin,deceive we deceive ourselves, ourselves, we lie, weand lie,worst and worst of all,ofwe all,make we make God God a liar.a Although liar. Although we are we are awareaware of theofpresence the presence of sin,ofwe sin,must we must nevernever be under be under its power its power and control. and control.

VerseVerse 9 sets9before sets before us theuspath the path of forgiveness of forgiveness and isand oneisofone theof the most most glorious glorious promises promises in theinBible. the Bible.

See that See you thatrest youupon rest upon it. it.

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DAYDAY 11 11GOD’S GOD’S TESTIMONY TESTIMONY 1 JOHN 1 JOHN 5 5 In today’s In today’s reading reading the word the word ‘testimony’ ‘testimony’ is used is used eighteight timestimes between between versesverses 6 and6 12. andThe 12. word The word stresses stresses a truth a truth John John wishes wishes to bring to bring before before us, namely, us, namely, that God that God has something has something to saytotosay us.to us.

The testimony The testimony is God’s is God’s and itand is greater it is greater than than any testimony any testimony of of man man (v. 9).(v. 9).

God’sGod’s testimony testimony is about is about his Son his Jesus Son Jesus Christ.

Christ.

He wants He wants us to us to thinkthink aboutabout JesusJesus and there and there can be can nobegreater no greater advice advice to anyone. to anyone.

ThereThere is no isbetter no better occupation occupation than than to think to think of theofcharacter the character and and person person of Jesus. of Jesus.

It is both It is both exhilarating exhilarating and humbling. and humbling.

It is also It is aalso rewarding a rewarding exercise exercise because, because, in Jesus, in Jesus, God God is offering is offering us a unique us a unique gift (vv. gift11-12). (vv. 11-12).

The infinite The infinite valuevalue of theofgift theisgift only is only appreciated appreciated whenwhen you realize you realize whatwhat it means it means not tonot have to have it. God it. God is holy is holy and we andare wesinful. are sinful.

ThereThere is a great is a great barrier barrier between between us built us built by our bysin. our sin.

This This sin will sinbar willusbar from us from an eternity an eternity in heaven in heaven and condemn and condemn us us to antoeternity an eternity in hell. in God’s hell. God’s gift ofgift eternal of eternal life inlife Jesus in Jesus dealsdeals with with this enormous this enormous problem. problem.

The The gift does gift does not merely not merely come come through through Jesus, Jesus, it is it inis in Jesus.

Jesus.

In other In other words, words, you cannot you cannot have have eternal eternal life unless life unless you have you have Jesus.Jesus.

We need We need to beto inbe Jesus in Jesus to have to have it, and it, to and beto inbe Jesus in Jesus means means to beto one bewith one with him. him.

It means It means to love to him, love him, trust trust him, him, and rely andon rely on him and him nothing and nothing else to else make to make you acceptable you acceptable to God. to God. It means It means you have you have gone gone to Jesus to Jesus in repentance in repentance and faith and faith for salvation. for salvation.

It It means means that you thatare youpart are of part him of and him he and is he part is of part you. of you.

HaveHave you believed you believed the testimony the testimony God God has given has given aboutabout his Son his Son (v. 10)? (v. 10)?

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THE LORD OUR SHEPHERD DAYDAY 12 12THE LORD OUR SHEPHERD PSALM PSALM 23 23 PsalmPsalm 23 is 23 probably is probably the most the most well-known well-known portion portion of Scripture. of Scripture.

Yet like Yetmany like many popular popular portions portions of God’s of God’s WordWord it suffers it suffers from from over over familiarity familiarity and isand often is often totally totally misunderstood. misunderstood.

David’s David’s experience experience of God of God in thisinpsalm this psalm is oneisthat one every that every true true Christian Christian wants. wants.

We all We desire all desire to know to know the Lord the Lord leading leading us, us, guiding guiding us, providing us, providing for usfor and us protecting and protecting us. Because us. Because of this, of this, we almost we almost instinctively instinctively makemake PsalmPsalm 23 a prayer.

23 a prayer.

But here But here DavidDavid is notispraying not praying for something for something he wants. he wants.

The psalm The psalm is a song is a song of of thanksgiving thanksgiving for what for what he already he already has. has.

Sadly Sadly for many for many Christians Christians the psalm the psalm is our is prayer our prayer but but it is it not is our not experience. our experience.

So how So how do we domake we make it our it our experience? experience?

If weIfcan wetruly can truly say that say the thatLord the Lord is ourisShepherd, our Shepherd, then then we ought we ought to beto able be to able saytoeverything say everything else in else Psalm in Psalm 23. Really, 23. Really, the whole the whole psalmpsalm is a commentary is a commentary on the onfirst the statement. first statement.

If I am If Iinam a saving in a saving relationship relationship with with Christ, Christ, if I am if Ithe amsheep the sheep of hisofpasture, his pasture, then then everything everything else in else theinpsalm the psalm should should followfollow on inevitably on inevitably — the — the Shepherd Shepherd will meet will meet my needs, my needs, he will herestore will restore my soul, my soul, and so and on,so on, right right up toup thetolast theand last greatest and greatest inevitability: inevitability: ‘I will‘Idwell will dwell in thein the househouse of theofLthe ORDLfor ORD ever.’ for ever.’

Our Our problem problem is that is that we get wetoo getpreoccupied too preoccupied withwith ourselves ourselves and and whatwhat we are we doing, are doing, and and not preoccupied not preoccupied enough enough withwith the Shepherd the Shepherd and and whatwhat he has he promised has promised to to do for dous. for us.

The message The message of Psalm of Psalm 23 is 23 thatis we thatare wetoare fixtoour fixeyes our upon eyes upon the the Lord.Lord.

The whole The whole psalmpsalm is about is about whatwhat God God does does for us, fornot us,what not what we dowefordohim. for him.

DavidDavid is notisone notof one those of those believers believers who is who always is always talking talking aboutabout whatwhat he has hedone has done for God. for God. Rather, Rather, he delights he delights in in the Lord the Lord and trusts and trusts him for himallfor hisallneeds. his needs.

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DAYDAY 13 13CONFESSION CONFESSION OF SIN OF SIN PSALM PSALM 51 51 To understand To understand this psalm this psalm you must you must first read first read 2 Samuel 2 Samuel 11- 1112. Psalm 12. Psalm 51 is 51 David’s is David’s prayer prayer of repentance of repentance to God. to God. In verses In verses 3-6 he 3-6 makes he makes his confession his confession of sinofand sinhe and gives he gives no no excuses; excuses; it is my it is transgression, my transgression, my sin. mySin sin.isSin ourispersonal our personal responsibility, responsibility, and even and even though though (as v. (as 5 correctly v. 5 correctly teaches teaches us) us) we are wesinners are sinners by nature, by nature, each each separate separate act ofact sinofis sin ourisown our own deliberate deliberate rebellion rebellion against against the law theoflaw God. of God. DavidDavid had very had very clearly clearly sinned sinned against against Uriah, Uriah, but here but he here acknowledges he acknowledges that that all sinallis sin against is against God God (v. 4).(v.

This 4). This is a very is a solemn very solemn thought. thought.

The poison The poison of sinoflies sininlies its in opposition its opposition to almighty to almighty God,God, and and whenwhen we sinweagainst sin against each each other,other, we are wesinning are sinning against against God.God. So David So David confesses confesses his personal his personal guilt (v. guilt 3),(v. his3),corrupt his corrupt nature nature (v. 5) (v. and5)his andrebellion his rebellion against against God God (v. 4).(v. 4).

Confession Confession is anisindispensable an indispensable condition condition of pardon of pardon but but God God forgives forgives not merely not merely because because we confess. we confess.

David’s David’s hopehope for pardon for pardon restsrests in the inmercy, the mercy, unfailing unfailing love love and and greatgreat compassion compassion of the ofLord the Lord (vv. (vv.

1-2).1-2).

Sin pollutes Sin pollutes and leaves and leaves an ugly an stain, ugly stain, so thesosinner the sinner must must be be washed washed and cleansed, and cleansed, and the andsin theblotted sin blotted out. Hyssop out. Hyssop (v. 7) (v. was7)awas a little shrub little shrub with which with which the blood the blood and water and water of purification of purification were were applied applied underunder the law theoflaw God. of God. So David So David is asking is asking God God to cleanse to cleanse him by him thebymeans the means he has heprovided. has provided.

God’sGod’s appointed appointed means means to to deal with deal our withsin ouris sin theisblood the blood of theofLord the Lord Jesus Jesus Christ.

Christ.

Remember Remember that Psalm that Psalm 51 is 51 theisprayer the prayer of a child of a child of God. of God. In other In other words, words, here is here theisrepentance the repentance of a converted of a converted man.man.

Repentance Repentance is necessary is necessary throughout throughout the Christian’s the Christian’s life when life when he is he aware is aware of sinofinsin hisinheart. his heart.

HaveHave you sinned you sinned against against the Lord? the Lord?

If so, Ifconfess so, confess it anditpray and pray for for pardon. pardon.

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DAYDAY 14 14GOD’S GOD’S WORKS WORKS PSALM PSALM 66 66 The psalmist The psalmist here is here obviously is obviously thrilled thrilled and excited and excited by hisbyGod. his God. God God is alive is alive to him to and himthe andwhole the whole psalmpsalm is fullisoffull passion, of passion, vigour vigour and reality. and reality.

In verses In verses 1-4 it1-4 seems it seems he can hehardly can hardly contain contain himself himself in wanting in wanting to praise to praise and adore and adore the Lord. the Lord.

Just to Just know to know facts facts aboutabout God God will never will never produce produce the exhilaration the exhilaration of these of these verses. verses.

HereHere is a man is a man whose whose eyes eyes are open. are open.

So many So many Christians Christians lose lose the thrill the thrill and excitement and excitement of the offaith the faith because because they they do not doseem not seem able able to see toand see appreciate and appreciate whatwhat the Lord the Lord is is doing. doing.

He invites He invites us to us consider to consider with him with what him what God God has done. has done.

Consider Consider his redeeming his redeeming work work (vv. 6-7). (vv. 6-7).

The reference The reference is to the is to the Red Sea Redand Seathe andpassage the passage out ofout slavery of slavery into the intopromised the promised land.land.

In other In other words, words, it speaks it speaks of a complete of a complete redemption. redemption.

God’sGod’s redeeming redeeming work work is always is always complete complete and he and saves he saves us forus for eternity. eternity.

That That is a great is a great reason reason to praise to praise the Lord. the Lord.

Consider Consider his preserving his preserving work work (vv. 8-9). (vv. 8-9).

EveryEvery Christian Christian knowsknows the truth the truth of verse of verse 9. Sin9.soSin easily so easily invades invades our lives our and livesdrags and drags us down us down that God that God couldcould quitequite justifiably justifiably decide decide to leave to leave us to us to it. Butit.he But does he does not. He not.loves He loves and preserves. and preserves.

We are Wesaved are saved by by gracegrace and kept and by kept grace. by grace.

No wonder No wonder the psalmist the psalmist encourages encourages us in us verse in verse 8 to praise 8 to praise the Lord. the Lord.

Consider Consider his refining his refining work work (vv. 10-12). (vv. 10-12).

SilverSilver is refined is refined in firein fire to burn to burn out the outimpurities. the impurities.

So God So God refines refines us in us trials in trials for the for the samesame reason, reason, therefore therefore do not dokick not and kickfight and fight whenwhen trials trials comecome but remember but remember that God that God chastises chastises thosethose whomwhom he loves. he loves.

The The purpose purpose of thisofisthis always is always our good our good — to— bring to bring us to us a place to a place of of abundance abundance (v. 12). (v. 12).

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As a new Christian you need to be reading the Bible every day.

Here are two books I have written to help you in this: ENJOYING GOD ALWAYS A year’s daily reading Bible notes PATHS OF LIFE Six months of Bible reading notes

peter@peterjeffery.org.uk designed & produced by printbridge.co.uk

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