Today’s reading: Deut 23:1–25:19, 2 Cor 6:1–13, Ps 39:1–13

Today’s theme: Tools to overcome

Today we learn that we should keep our word, take responsibility for what we do and share the Gospel now with the required urgency. We are also given a list of tools to help us overcome by the Apostle Paul in our reading from the New Testament.

Deuteronomy 23:1–25:19

Keep your word

You shall be careful to do what has passed your lips, for you have voluntarily vowed to the LORD your God what you have promised with your mouth. Deuteronomy 23:23 (ESV)

We should be people of our word, this is why Jesus said we should just be clear in saying yes and no in Matthew 5:37.

The sin of human trafficking

“If a man is found stealing one of his brothers of the people of Israel, and if he treats him as a slave or sells him, then that thief shall die. So you shall purge the evil from your midst. Deuteronomy 24:7 (ESV)

This was a law to protect Israelite society from tyranny. The principle can be applied to all nations. It is a sin before God to steal people and sell them into slavery as was done in the 19th century slave trade and the modern day sex slave trade.

Take responsibility

“Fathers shall not be put to death because of their children, nor shall children be put to death because of their fathers. Each one shall be put to death for his own sin. Deuteronomy 24:16 (ESV)

God requires each of us to take personal responsibility for our own sin. We cannot say it’s all my dad’s fault etc. (Our culture encourages us to blame everyone else but ourselves).

2 Corinthians 6:1–13

The urgency of the Gospel

For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV)

There must be an urgency in sharing the Gospel. We need to let people know that salvation is offered to them today and that tomorrow has no guarantees for any of us. Death could come at any time without us expecting it.

The tools to overcome

as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything. 2 Corinthians 6:10 (ESV)

This is the end of Paul’s list of great struggles and the mirrored list of how to overcome those struggles. This list includes purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love, truthful speech and the power of God. We can take encouragement as we go through difficulties that God will give us these same tools to overcome them.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

Desiring God on 2 Corinthians 6