Read Colossians 2:2-3 and 1 Timothy 3:16. What do these texts identify as a “mystery”? What does the fact that it is a “mystery” say to us about the limits of what we can know about it? Zophar the Naamathite says to Job, “Can you fathom the mysteries of God?” (Job 11:7, NIV). The word “mystery” means puzzling, obscure, … Continue reading –>
The two basic words for “steward” in the New Testament are epitropos, occurring three times, and oikonomos, occurring 10 times. Both these words describe positions that incorporate managerial responsibilities entrusted to the steward by the owner. In both the New and Old Testaments, stewards are defined by what they do. The New Testament specifically describes the steward in … Continue reading –>
The word “steward” itself is translated only a few times in the Old Testament. In most cases it comes from the phrase regarding the one who is “upon the house,” the idea of being in charge of the running of a house; that is, a “steward” (Gen. 43:19; Gen. 44:1, Gen. 44:4; 1 Kings 16:9). Stewards had responsibilities to … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Isa. 22:14-18; 1 Cor. 4:1-2; Col. 2:2-3; Eph. 6:13-17; 2 Cor. 5:10. Memory Text: “On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts” (1 Thess. 2:4, NIV). Adam and Eve’s first job involved stewardship. The garden and … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: A steward operates from the twin principles of duty and love. “Remember that duty has a twin sister, Love; these united can accomplish almost everything, but separated, neither is capable of good.” – Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 62. Duty is love in action. We need only to dwell on … Continue reading –>
The great controversy is real; two sides are battling for our souls. One is drawing us to Christ (John 6:44) and one to the world (1 John 2:16). The power of the Holy Spirit in our lives can and will draw us in the right direction if we will but submit to Him. “However, when He, the Spirit of … Continue reading –>
One of the most beautiful stories in the Bible is found in the story of Solomon’s request to God, to give him above all things “an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” (1 Kings 3:9, NKJV). What important … Continue reading –>
“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3, NKJV). It is no wonder that Christians often say that their faith is about a relationship with God. If knowing God is “eternal life,” then we can find that life through a relationship with … Continue reading –>
More than six billion Bibles have been distributed worldwide, but how many are viewed as the Word of the living God? How many are read with a sincere heart open to know truth? Proper Bible study directs our spiritual compass and enables us to navigate a world of falsehood and confusion. The Bible is a … Continue reading –>
Love of worldly possessions, even by those who don’t have much, can be a powerful chain that binds the soul to the world instead of to Christ. Even if we don’t have much in terms of earthly possessions, the passionate desire to attain material goods can become a terrible curse that will, if not brought … Continue reading –>
