The Old Pattern of Worship9 Now in the first covenant there were specific rules for worship including a sanctuary on earth to worship in. 2 When you entered the tabernacle you would first come into the holy chamber where you would find the lampstand[a] and the bread of his presence on the fellowship table.[b] 3 Then as you pass through the next curtain[c] you would enter the innermost chamber called, the holiest sanctuary of all.[d] 4 It contained the golden altar of incense and the ark of covenant mercy, which was a wooden box covered entirely with gold. And placed inside the ark of covenant mercy was the golden jar with mystery-manna inside,[e] Aaron’s resurrection rod, which had sprouted, and the stone tablets engraved with the covenant laws. 5 On top of the lid of the ark were two cherubim, angels of splendor, with outstretched wings overshadowing the throne of mercy.[f] But now is not the time to discuss further the significant details of these things. 6 So with this prescribed pattern of worship the priests would routinely go in and out of the first chamber to perform their religious duties. 7 And the high priest was permitted to enter into the Holiest Sanctuary of All only once a year and he could never enter without first offering sacrificial blood for both his own sins and for the sins of the people. 8 Now the Holy Spirit uses the symbols of this pattern of worship to reveal that the perfect way of holiness[g] had not yet been unveiled. For as long as the tabernacle stood 9 it was an illustration[h] that pointed to our present time of fulfillment, demonstrating that offerings and animal sacrifices had failed to perfectly cleanse the conscience of the worshiper. 10 For this old pattern of worship was a matter of external rules and rituals concerning food and drink and ceremonial washings which was imposed upon us until the appointed time of heart-restoration had arrived.[i] The Heavenly Pattern of Worship11 But now the Anointed One has become the King-Priest of every wonderful thing that has come.[j] For he serves in a greater, more perfect heavenly tabernacle[k] not made by men. 12 And he has entered once and forever into the Holiest Sanctuary of All, not with the blood of animal sacrifices, but the sacred blood of his own sacrifice. And he alone has made our salvation[l] secure forever! 13 Under the old covenant the blood of bulls, goats, and the ashes of a heifer were sprinkled on those who were defiled and effectively cleansed them outwardly from their ceremonial impurities. 14 Yet how much more will the sacred blood of the Messiah thoroughly cleanse our consciences! For by the power of the eternal Spirit he has offered himself to God as the perfect[m] Sacrifice that now frees[n] us from our dead works[o] to worship and serve the living God. 15 So Jesus is the One who has enacted a new covenant with a new relationship with God so that those who accept the invitation[p] will receive the eternal inheritance he has promised to his heirs. For he died to release us from the guilt of the violations committed under the first covenant. 16–17 Now a person’s last will and testament can only take effect after one has been proven to have died; otherwise the will cannot be in force while the person who made it is still alive. 18 So this is why not even the first covenant was inaugurated without the blood of animals. 19 For Moses ratified the covenant after he gave the people all the commandments of the law. He took the blood of calves and goats, with water, scarlet wool, and a hyssop branch, and sprinkled both the people and the book of the covenant,[q] 20 saying, “This is the blood of the covenant that God commands you to keep.”[r] 21 And later Moses also sprinkled the tabernacle with blood and every utensil and item used in their service of worship. 22 Actually, nearly everything under the law was purified with blood, since forgiveness only comes through an outpouring of blood. 23 And so it was necessary for all the earthly symbols[s] of the heavenly realities to be purified with these animal sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves required a superior sacrifice than these. 24 For the Messiah did not enter into the earthly tabernacle made by men, which was but an echo of the true sanctuary, but he entered into heaven itself to appear before the face[t] of God in our place. 25 Under the old system year after year the high priest entered the most holy sanctuary with blood that was not his own. But the Messiah did not need to repeatedly offer himself year after year, 26 for that would mean he must suffer repeatedly ever since the fall of the world.[u] But now he has appeared at the fulfillment of the ages to abolish[v] sin once and for all by the sacrifice of himself! 27 Every human being is appointed to die once, and then to face God’s judgment.[w] 28 But when we die we will be face-to-face with Christ, the One who experienced death once for all to bear the sins of many![x] And now to those who eagerly await him, he will appear a second time; not to deal with sin, but to bring us the fullness of salvation.[y]
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Living in the Grace of God4 Since Christ, though innocent, suffered in his flesh for you,[a] now you also must be a prepared soldier,[b] having the same mind-set,[c] for whoever has died in his body is done with sin.[d] 2 So live the rest of your earthly life no longer concerned with human desires but consumed with what brings pleasure to God. 3 For you have already spent enough time doing what unbelievers[e] love to do—living in debauchery, sensuality, partying, drunkenness, wild drinking parties,[f] and the worship of demons.[g] 4 They marvel that you no longer rush to join them in the excesses of their corrupt lifestyles, and so they vilify you. 5 But one day they will have to give an account to the one who is destined to judge the living and the dead. 6 This is the reason the gospel was preached to the martyrs before they gave their lives.[h] Even though they were judged by human standards, now they live in spirit by God’s standards. Prayer, Love, and Gifts of Grace7 Since we are approaching the end of all things, be intentional, purposeful,[i] and self-controlled so that you can be given to prayer. 8 Above all, constantly echo[j] God’s intense love for one another, for love will be a canopy over a multitude of sins.[k] 9 Be compassionate to foreigners[l] without complaining. 10 Every believer has received grace gifts, so use them to serve one another as faithful stewards of the many-colored tapestry of God’s grace. 11 For example, if you have a speaking gift, speak as though God were speaking his words through you.[m] If you have the gift of serving, do it passionately with the strength God gives you,[n] so that in everything God alone will be glorified through Jesus Christ. For to him belong the power and the glory forever throughout all ages! Amen.[o] Suffering and Glory12 Beloved friends, if life gets extremely difficult, with many tests,[p] don’t be bewildered as though something strange were overwhelming you.[q] 13 Instead, continue to rejoice, for you, in a measure, have shared in the sufferings of the Anointed One so that you can share in the revelation of his glory and celebrate with even greater gladness![r] 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are greatly blessed,[s] because the Spirit of glory and power,[t] who is the Spirit of God, rests upon you.[u] 15 Let none of you merit suffering as a murderer, or thief, or criminal, or as one who meddles in the affairs of others. 16 If you suffer for being a Christian, don’t consider it a disgrace but a privilege. Glorify God because you carry the Anointed One’s name.[v] 17 For the time is ripe for judgment to begin in God’s own household. And if it starts with us, what will be the fate of those who refuse to obey the gospel of God? 18 And: If the righteous are barely saved,[w] what will become of the wicked and godless?[x] 19 So then, those who suffer for following God’s will should enfold their lives into the Creator, who will never fail them, and continue to always do what is right.[y] The Transforming Power of the Gospel 12 Beloved friends, what should be our proper response to God’s marvelous mercies? I encourage you to surrender yourselves to God to be his sacred, living sacrifices. And live in holiness, experiencing all that delights his heart. For this becomes your genuine expression of worship. 2 Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you,[a] but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes. Your Proper Role in the Body of Christ 3 God has given me grace to speak a warning about pride. I would ask each of you to be emptied of self-promotion and not create a false image of your importance. Instead, honestly assess your worth by using your God-given faith as the standard of measurement, and then you will see your true value with an appropriate self-esteem. 4 In the human body there are many parts and organs, each with a unique function. 5 And so it is in the body of Christ. For though we are many, we’ve all been mingled into one body in Christ. This means that we are all vitally joined to one another, with each contributing to the others. 6 God’s marvelous grace imparts to each one of us varying gifts and ministries that are uniquely ours. So if God has given you the grace-gift of prophecy, you must activate your gift by using the proportion of faith you have to prophesy. 7 If your grace-gift is serving, then thrive in serving others well. If you have the grace-gift of teaching, then be actively teaching and training others. 8 If you have the grace-gift of encouragement,[b] then use it often to encourage others. If you have the grace-gift of giving to meet the needs of others, then may you prosper in your generosity without any fanfare. If you have the gift of leadership, be passionate about your leadership. And if you have the gift of showing compassion,[c] then flourish in your cheerful[d] display of compassion. Transformed Relationships9 Let the inner movement of your heart always be to love one another, and never play the role of an actor wearing a mask. Despise evil and embrace everything that is good and virtuous. 10 Be devoted to tenderly loving your fellow believers as members of one family. Try to outdo yourselves in respect and honor of one another. 11 Be enthusiastic to serve the Lord, keeping your passion toward him boiling hot! Radiate with the glow of the Holy Spirit and let him fill you with excitement as you serve him. 12 Let this hope burst forth within you, releasing a continual joy. Don’t give up in a time of trouble,[e] but commune with God at all times. 13 Take a constant interest in the needs of God’s beloved people and respond by helping them. And eagerly welcome people as guests into your home. 14 Speak blessing, not cursing, over those who reject and persecute you. 15 Celebrate with those who celebrate, and weep with those who grieve. 16 Live happily together in a spirit of harmony, and be as mindful of another’s worth as you are your own. Don’t live with a lofty mind-set, thinking you are too important to serve others, but be willing to do menial tasks and identify with those who are humble minded.[f] Don’t be smug or even think for a moment that you know it all. 17 Never hold a grudge or try to get even, but plan your life around the noblest way to benefit others. 18 Do your best to live as everybody’s friend.[g] 19 Beloved, don’t be obsessed with taking revenge, but leave that to God’s righteous justice.[h] For the Scriptures say: “If you don’t take justice in your own hands, I will release justice for you,” says the Lord.[i] 20 And: If your enemy is hungry, buy him lunch! Win him over with kindness.[j] For your surprising generosity will awaken his conscience, and God will reward you with favor.[k] 21 Never let evil defeat you, but defeat evil with good.[l] Jesus, Lord over the Sabbath
One Saturday, on the day of rest,[a] Jesus and his disciples were walking through a field of wheat. The disciples were hungry, so they plucked off some heads of grain and rubbed them in their hands[b] to eat. 2 But when some of the Pharisees saw what was happening, they said to him, “Look! Your disciples shouldn’t be harvesting grain on the Sabbath!” 3 Jesus responded, “Haven’t you ever read what King David and his men did when they were hungry? 4 They entered the house of God[c] and ate the sacred bread of God’s presence,[d] violating the law by eating bread that only the priests were allowed to eat. 5 “And haven’t you read in the Torah that the priests violated the rules of the Sabbath by carrying out their duties in the temple on a Saturday, and yet they are without blame? 6 But I say to you, there is one here who is even greater than the temple. 7 If only you could learn the meaning of the words ‘I want compassion more than a sacrifice,’[e] you wouldn’t be condemning my innocent disciples. 8 For the Son of Man exercises his lordship over the Sabbath.”[f] 9 Then Jesus left them and went into the synagogue where 10 he encountered a man who had an atrophied, paralyzed hand.[g] The fault-finding Pharisees asked Jesus, “Is it permissible to perform a work of healing on the Sabbath, when no one is supposed to work?” They only asked him this question because they hoped to accuse him of breaking the Jewish laws.[h] 11 He answered them, “If any of you had a lamb that fell into a ditch on the Sabbath, wouldn’t you reach out your hand and lift it out? 12 Isn’t a man much more valuable than a lamb? So of course, it’s always proper to do miracles,[i] even on the Sabbath.” 13 Then he turned to the man and said, “Hold out your hand!” And as he stretched it out, it was restored, exactly like the other. 14 Immediately the Pharisees went out and started to scheme about how they would do away with him. 15 Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he left by another way. Massive crowds followed him from there, and he healed all who were sick. 16 However, he sternly warned them not to tell others or disclose his real identity, 17 in order to fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah:[j] 18 Take a careful look at my servant,[k] my chosen one. I love him dearly and I find all my delight in him.[l] I will breathe my Spirit upon him and he will decree justice[m] to the nations. 19 He will not quarrel or be found yelling in public. 20 He won’t brush aside the bruised and broken. He will be gentle with the weak and feeble,[n] until his victory releases justice. 21 And the fame of his name will birth hope among the people.[o] The Bridegroom-King I have gathered from your heart, my equal, my bride, I have gathered from my garden all my sacred spices—even my myrrh. I have tasted and enjoyed my wine within you. I have tasted with pleasure my pure milk, my honeycomb, which you yield to me. I delight in gathering my sacred spice, all the fruits of my life I have gathered from within you, my paradise garden. Come, all my friends-- feast upon my bride, all you revelers of my palace. Feast on her, my lovers! Drink and drink, and drink again, until you can take no more. Drink the wine of her love. Take all you desire, you priests. My life within her will become your feast.[a] The Shulamite Bride 2 After this I let my devotion slumber, but my heart for him stayed awake. I had a dream. I dreamed of my beloved-- he was coming to me in the darkness of night. The melody of the man I love awakened me. I heard his knock at my heart’s door as he pleaded with me: The Bridegroom-King Arise, my love. Open your heart, my darling, deeper still to me. Will you receive me this dark night? There is no one else but you, my friend, my equal. I need you this night to arise and come be with me. You are my pure, loyal dove, a perfect partner for me. My flawless one, will you arise? For my heaviness and tears are more than I can bear. I have spent myself for you throughout the dark night.[b] The Sleeping Bride 3 I have already laid aside my own garments for you. How could I take them up again since I’ve yielded my righteousness to yours?[c] You have cleansed my life and taken me so far. Isn’t that enough? 4 My beloved reached into me to unlock my heart. The core of my very being trembled at his touch. How my soul melted when he spoke to me! 5 My spirit arose to open for more of his touch. As I surrendered to him, I began to sense his fragrance-- the fragrance of his suffering love! It was the sense of myrrh flowing all through me! 6 I opened my soul to my beloved, but suddenly he was gone! And my heart was torn out in longing for him. I sought his presence, his fragrance, but could not find him anywhere. I called out for him, yet he did not answer me. I will arise and search for him until I find him. 7 As I walked throughout the city in search of him, the overseers stopped me as they made their rounds. They beat me and bruised me until I could take no more. They wounded me deeply and removed their covering from me. 8 Nevertheless, make me this promise, you brides-to-be: if you find my beloved one, please tell him I endured all travails for him. I’ve been pierced through by love,[d] and I will not be turned aside! Jerusalem Maidens, Brides-to-Be 9 What love is this? How could you continue to care so deeply for him? Isn’t there another who could steal away your heart? We see now your beauty, more beautiful than all the others. What makes your beloved better than any other? What is it about him that makes you ask us to promise you this? The Shulamite Bride10 He alone is my beloved. He shines in dazzling splendor yet is still so approachable-- without equal as he stands above all others, outstanding among ten thousand![e] 11 The way he leads me is divine. His leadership—so pure and dignified as he wears his crown of gold. Upon this crown are letters of black written on a background of glory.[f] 12 He sees everything with pure understanding. How beautiful his insights—without distortion. His eyes rest upon the fullness of the river of revelation, flowing so clean and pure. 13 Looking at his gentle face I see such fullness of emotion. Like a lovely garden where fragrant spices grow--[g] what a man! No one speaks words so anointed as this one--[h] words that both pierce and heal, words like lilies dripping with myrrh. 14 See how his hands hold unlimited power! But he never uses it in anger, for he is always holy, displaying his glory. His innermost place is a work of art-- so beautiful and bright. How magnificent and noble is this one-- covered in majesty! 15 He’s steadfast in all he does. His ways are the ways of righteousness, based on truth and holiness. None can rival him, but all will be amazed by him.[i] 16 Most sweet are his kisses, even his whispers of love. He is delightful in every way and perfect from every viewpoint. If you ask me why I love him so, O brides-to-be, it’s because there is none like him to me. Everything about him fills me with holy desire! And now he is my beloved—my friend forever. The Bridegroom-King Listen, my dearest darling, you are so beautiful—you are beauty itself to me! Your eyes glisten with love, like gentle doves behind your veil. What devotion I see each time I gaze upon you. You are like a sacrifice ready to be offered.[a] 2 When I look at you, I see how you have taken my fruit and tasted my word. Your life has become clean and pure, like a lamb washed and newly shorn. You now show grace and balance with truth on display. 3 Your lips are as lovely as Rahab’s scarlet ribbon,[b] speaking mercy, speaking grace. The words of your mouth are as refreshing as an oasis. What pleasure you bring to me! I see your blushing cheeks opened like the halves of a pomegranate,[c] showing through your veil of tender meekness. 4 When I look at you, I see your inner strength, so stately and strong. You are as secure as David’s fortress. Your virtues and grace cause a thousand famous soldiers to surrender to your beauty. 5 Your pure faith and love rest over your heart as you nurture those who are yet infants. The Shulamite 6 I’ve made up my mind. Until the darkness disappears and the dawn has fully come, in spite of shadows and fears, I will go to the mountaintop with you-- the mountain of suffering love[d] and the hill of burning incense. Yes, I will be your bride.[e] The Bridegroom-King 7 Every part of you is so beautiful, my darling. Perfect is your beauty, without flaw within. 8 Now you are ready, my bride, to come with me as we climb the highest peaks together. Come with me through the archway of trust.[f] We will look down[g] from the crest of the glistening mounts and from the summit of our sublime sanctuary. Together we will wage war in the lion’s den and the leopard’s lair as they watch nightly for their prey. 9 For you reach into my heart. With one flash of your eyes I am undone by your love, my beloved, my equal, my bride. You leave me breathless-- I am overcome by merely a glance from your worshiping eyes, for you have stolen my heart.[h] I am held hostage by your love and by the graces of righteousness shining upon you.[i] 10 How satisfying to me, my equal, my bride. Your love is my finest wine—intoxicating and thrilling. And your sweet, perfumed praises—so exotic, so pleasing. 11 Your loving words are like the honeycomb to me; your tongue releases milk and honey, for I find the Promised Land flowing within you.[j] The fragrance of your worshiping love surrounds you with scented robes of white.[k] 12 My darling bride, my private paradise, fastened to my heart. A secret spring are you that no one else can have-- my bubbling fountain hidden from public view. What a perfect partner to me now that I have you. 13–14 Your inward life is now sprouting, bringing forth fruit. What a beautiful paradise unfolds within you.[l] When I’m near you, I smell aromas of the finest spice, for many clusters of my exquisite fruit now grow within your inner garden. Here are the nine: pomegranates of passion,[m] henna from heaven,[n] spikenard so sweet,[o] saffron shining,[p] fragrant calamus from the cross,[q] sacred cinnamon,[r] branches of scented woods,[s] myrrh, like tears from a tree,[t] and aloe as eagles ascending.[u] 15 Your life flows into mine, pure as a garden spring. A well of living water springs up from within you, like a mountain brook flowing into my heart![v] The Shulamite Bride 4:16–5:1 Then may your awakening breath blow upon my life until I am fully yours. Breathe upon me with your Spirit wind. Stir up the sweet spice of your life within me. Spare nothing as you make me your fruitful garden. Hold nothing back until I release your fragrance. Come walk with me as you walked with Adam in your paradise garden.[w] Come taste the fruits of your life in me. The Bridegroom-King I have come to you, my darling bride, for you are my paradise garden! The Shulamite Bride Come walk with me until I am fully yours. Come taste the fruits of your life in me. Giving with Pure Motives
“Examine your motives to make sure you’re not showing off when you do your good deeds, only to be admired by others; otherwise, you will lose the reward of your heavenly Father. 2 So when you give to the poor, don’t announce it and make a show of it just to be seen by people,[a] like the hypocrites[b] in the streets and in the marketplace.[c] They’ve already received their reward! 3 But when you demonstrate generosity, do it with pure motives and without drawing attention to yourself.[d] 4 Give secretly and your Father, who sees all you do, will reward you openly.”[e] Prayer 5 “Whenever you pray, be sincere and not like the pretenders who love the attention they receive while praying before others in the meetings and on street corners. Believe me, they’ve already received in full their reward. 6 But whenever you pray, go into your innermost chamber and be alone with Father God,[f] praying to him in secret. And your Father, who sees all you do, will reward you openly. 7 When you pray, there is no need to repeat empty phrases, praying like those who don’t know God,[g] for they expect God to hear them because of their many words. 8 There is no need to imitate them, since your Father already knows what you need before you ask him. 9 Pray like this: ‘Our Father, dwelling in the heavenly realms, may the glory of your name be the center on which our lives turn.[h] 10 Manifest your kingdom realm,[i] and cause your every purpose to be fulfilled on earth, just as it is fulfilled in heaven. 11 We acknowledge you as our Provider of all we need each day.[j] 12 Forgive us the wrongs we have done[k] as we ourselves release forgiveness to those who have wronged us. 13 Rescue us every time we face tribulation[l] and set us free from evil.[m] For you are the King who rules with power and glory forever. Amen.’[n] 14 “And when you pray, make sure you forgive the faults of others so that your Father in heaven will also forgive you. 15 But if you withhold forgiveness from others, your Father withholds forgiveness from you.” Fasting 16 “When you fast, don’t look like those who pretend to be spiritual. They want everyone to know they’re fasting, so they appear in public looking miserable, gloomy, and disheveled.[o] Believe me, they’ve already received their reward in full. 17–18 When you fast, don’t let it be obvious, but instead, wash your face[p] and groom yourself and realize that your Father in the secret place is the one who is watching all that you do in secret and will continue to reward you openly.” Treasures in Heaven19 “Don’t keep hoarding for yourselves earthly treasures that can be stolen by thieves. Material wealth eventually rusts, decays, and loses its value.[q] 20 Instead, stockpile heavenly treasures[r] for yourselves that cannot be stolen and will never rust, decay, or lose their value. 21 For your heart will always pursue what you value as your treasure.[s] 22 “The eyes of your spirit allow revelation-light[t] to enter into your being. If your heart is unclouded, the light floods in! 23 But if your eyes are focused on money,[u] the light cannot penetrate and darkness takes its place.[v] How profound will be the darkness within you[w] if the light of truth cannot enter! 24 “How could you worship two gods at the same time? You will have to hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t worship the true God while enslaved to the god of money!”[x] Don’t Worry 25 “This is why I tell you to never be worried about your life, for all that you need will be provided, such as food, water, clothing—everything your body needs. Isn’t there more to your life than a meal? Isn’t your body more than clothing? 26 “Look at all the birds—do you think they worry about their existence? They don’t plant or reap or store up food, yet your heavenly Father provides them each with food. Aren’t you much more valuable to your Father than they? 27 So, which one of you by worrying could add anything to your life?[y] 28 “And why would you worry about your clothing? Look at all the beautiful flowers of the field. They don’t work or toil, 29 and yet not even Solomon in all his splendor was robed in beauty more than one of these! 30 So if God has clothed the meadow with hay, which is here for such a short time and then dried up and burned, won’t he provide for you the clothes you need—even though you live with such little faith? 31 “So then, forsake your worries! Why would you say, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ 32 For that is what the unbelievers chase after. Doesn’t your heavenly Father already know the things your bodies require?[z] 33 “So above all, constantly chase after the realm of God’s kingdom[aa] and the righteousness that proceeds from him. Then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly.[ab] 34 Refuse to worry about tomorrow, but deal with each challenge that comes your way, one day at a time.[ac] Tomorrow will take care of itself.” Godly Character of Jesus’ Servants My dear brothers and sisters, it’s obvious that our ministry among you has proven to be fruitful.[a] 2 And though we had already suffered greatly in Philippi, where we were shamefully mistreated,[b] we were emboldened by faith in our God to fearlessly preach his wonderful gospel to you in spite of incredible opposition. 3 Our coming alongside you to encourage you was not out of some delusion, or impure motive, or an intention to mislead you, 4 but we have been approved by God to be those who preach the gospel. So our motivation to preach is not pleasing people but pleasing God, who thoroughly examines our hearts. 5 God is our witness that when we came to encourage you, we never once used cunning compliments as a pretext for greed, 6 nor did we crave the praises of men, whether you or others.[c] 7 Even though we could have imposed upon you our demands as apostles of Christ,[d] instead we showed you kindness and were gentle among you.[e] We cared for you in the same way a nursing mother cares for her own children. 8 With a mother’s love and affectionate attachment to you, we were very happy to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our lives—because you had become so dear to us.[f] 9 Beloved brothers and sisters, surely you remember how hard we labored among you. We worked night and day so that we would not become a burden to you while we preached the wonderful gospel of God. 10 With God as our witness you saw how we lived among you—in holiness, in godly relationships,[g] and without fault. 11 And you know how affectionately we treated each one of you, like a loving father cares for his own children. 12 We comforted and encouraged you and challenged you to adopt a lifestyle worthy of God, who invites you into his kingdom and glory.[h] The Faithfulness of the Thessalonians 13 This is why we continually thank God for your lives, because you received our message wholeheartedly. You embraced it not as the fabrication of men but as the word of God. And the word continues to be an energizing force in you who believe. 14 My dear brothers and sisters, the same thing happened to you as happened to God’s churches in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. For you received the same kind of mistreatment from your fellow countrymen as they did from theirs, the Jews 15 who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets and ran us out of town. They are offending God and hostile to everyone else 16 by hindering us from speaking to the unbelievers[i] so that they might be saved. By so doing they are constantly filling up to the brim the measure of their guilt,[j] and punishment[k] has come upon them at last![l] Paul’s Concern for the Thessalonians 17 Beloved friends, we may have been torn away[m] from you physically for a season, but never in our hearts. For we have had intense longings and have endeavored to come and see in your faces the reflection of this great love.[n] 18 We miss you badly, and I personally wanted to come to you, trying again and again, but our adversary,[o] Satan, blocked our way. 19 For what will be our confident hope, our exhilarating joy, or our wonderful trophy[p] that we will boast in before our Lord Jesus at his appearing?[q] It is you! 20 Yes, you are our glorious pride and joy![r] The Glorious King 24 David’s poetic praise to God[a] 1 God claims the world as his. Everything and everyone belongs to him! 2 He’s the one who pushed back oceans to let the dry ground appear, planting firm foundations for the earth. 3 Who, then, ascends into the presence of the Lord?[b] And who has the privilege of entering into God’s Holy Place? 4 Those who are clean—whose works and ways are pure, whose hearts are true and sealed by the truth, those who never deceive, whose words are sure. 5 They will receive the Lord’s blessing and righteousness given by the Savior-God. 6 They will stand before God, for they seek the pleasure of God’s face,[c] the God of Jacob. Pause in his presence 7 So wake up, you living gateways! Lift up your heads, you ageless doors of destiny! Welcome the King of Glory, for he is about to come through you. 8 You ask, “Who is this Glory-King?” The Lord, armed and ready for battle, the Mighty One, invincible in every way! 9 So wake up, you living gateways, and rejoice![d] Fling wide, you ageless doors of destiny! Here he comes; the King of Glory is ready to come in. 10 You ask, “Who is this King of Glory?” He is the Lord of Victory, armed and ready for battle, the Mighty One, the invincible commander of heaven’s hosts! Yes, he is the King of Glory! Pause in his presence The Living Expression 1 We saw him with our very own eyes.[a] We gazed upon him[b] and heard him speak.[c] Our hands actually touched him,[d] the one who was from the beginning, the Living Expression of God.[e] 2 This Life-Giver was made visible and we have seen him. We testify to this truth: the eternal Life-Giver lived face-to-face with the Father and has now dawned upon us. 3 So we proclaim to you what we have seen and heard about this Life-Giver so that we may share and enjoy this life together. For truly our fellowship[f] is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus, the Anointed One.[g] 4 We are writing these things to you because we want to release to you our fullness of joy.[h] God Is Light 5 This is the life-giving message[i] we heard him share and it’s still ringing in our ears. We now repeat his words to you: God is pure light. You will never find even a trace of darkness in him.[j] 6 If we claim that we share life with him,[k] but keep walking in the realm of darkness, we’re fooling ourselves and not living the truth. 7 But if we keep living in the pure light that surrounds him,[l] we share unbroken fellowship with one another,[m] and the blood of Jesus, his Son, continually cleanses us from all sin. Purified from Sin 8 If we boast that we have no sin, we’re only fooling ourselves and are strangers to the truth. 9 But if we freely admit our sins when his light uncovers them,[n] he will be faithful to forgive us every time. God is just to forgive us our sins because of Christ, and he will continue to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.[o] 10 If we claim that we’re not guilty of sin when God uncovers it with his light,[p] we make him a liar and his word is not in us. Truth Worth Fighting ForFrom Judah,[a] a loving servant[b] of Jesus, the Anointed One, and brother of James.[c] I’m writing to the chosen ones who are wrapped in the love of Father God—kept and guarded for[d] Jesus, the Messiah. 2 May God’s mercy, peace, and love[e] cascade over you![f]
3 Dearly loved friend, I was fully intending to write to you about our amazing salvation we all participate in, but felt the need instead to challenge you to vigorously defend and contend for[g] the beliefs that we cherish.[h] For God, through the apostles, has once for all entrusted these truths to his holy believers. Warning against False Teachers4 There have been some who have sneaked in among you unnoticed.[i] They are depraved people whose judgment was prophesied in Scripture[j] a long time ago. They have perverted the message of God’s grace into a license to commit immorality[k] and turn against[l] our only absolute Master,[m] our Lord Jesus Christ. 5 I need to remind you, even though you are familiar with it all, that the Lord Jesus[n] saved his people out of Egypt but subsequently destroyed those who were guilty of unbelief. 6 In the same way, there were heavenly messengers in rebellion who went outside their rightful domain of authority[o] and abandoned their appointed realms.[p] God bound them in everlasting chains and is keeping them in the dark abyss of the netherworld until the judgment of the great day. 7 In a similar way, the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and nearby towns[q] gave themselves to sexual immorality and the unnatural desire of different flesh.[r] Now they all serve as examples of those who experience the punishment of eternal fire.[s] The Fate of Apostates8 In the same way, these sensual “dreamers” corrupt and pollute the natural realm, while on the other hand they reject the spiritual realms of governmental power and repeatedly scoff at heavenly glories.[t] 9 Even the archangel Michael,[u] when he was disputing with the devil over the body of Moses,[v] dared not insult or slander him, but simply said, “The Lord Yahweh[w] rebuke you!”[x] 10 These people insult anything they don’t understand. They behave like irrational beasts by doing whatever they feel like doing.[y] Because they live by their animal instincts, they corrupt themselves and bring about their own destruction. 11 How terrible it is for them![z] For they have followed in the steps of Cain.[aa] They have abandoned[ab] themselves to Balaam’s error because of their greedy pursuit of financial gain.[ac] And since they have rebelled like Korah rebelled, they will experience the same fate of Korah and likewise perish.[ad] 12 These false teachers are like dangerous hidden reefs at your love feasts,[ae] lying in wait to shipwreck the immature. They feast among you without reverence,[af] having no shepherd but themselves.[ag] They are clouds with no rain,[ah] swept along by the winds.[ai] Like fruitless late-autumn trees[aj]—twice dead,[ak] barren, and plucked up by the roots! 13 They are wild waves of the sea, flinging out the foam of their shame and disgrace.[al] They are misleading like wandering stars,[am] for whom the complete darkness of eternal gloom has been reserved.[an] Enoch’s Prophecy14 Enoch, the seventh direct descendant from Adam,[ao] prophesied of their doom[ap] when he said, “Look! Here comes the Lord Yahweh[aq] with his countless myriads of holy ones. 15 He comes to execute judgment against them all and to convict each one of them for their ungodly deeds and for all the terrible words that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.”[ar] 16 These people are always complaining and never satisfied—finding fault with everyone. They follow their own evil desires and their mouths speak scandalous things. They enjoy using seductive flattery to manipulate others.[as] A Call to Remain Faithful17 But you, my delightfully loved friends, remember the prophecies of the apostles of our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One. 18 They taught you, “In the last days[at] there will always be mockers, motivated by their own ungodly desires.”[au] 19 These people cause divisions and are followers of their own natural instincts, devoid of the life of the Spirit. 20 But you, my delightfully loved friends, constantly and progressively build yourselves up on the foundation of your most holy faith[av] by praying every moment in the Spirit.[aw] 21 Fasten your hearts to the love of God and receive the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who gives us eternal life.[ax] 22 Keep being compassionate to those who still have doubts,[ay] 23 and snatch others out of the fire to save them. Be merciful over and over to them, but always couple your mercy with the fear of God. Be extremely careful to keep yourselves free from the pollutions of the flesh.[az] 24 Now, to the one with enough power to prevent you from stumbling into sin[ba] and bring you faultless before his glorious presence to stand before him with ecstatic delight, 25 to the only God our Savior, through our Lord Jesus Christ, be endless glory and majesty, great power and authority—from before he created time, now, and throughout all the ages of eternity. Amen![bb Song of Songs 3 The Passion Translation (TPT) Night after night I’m tossing and turning on my bed of travail.
Why did I let him go from me? How my heart now aches for him, but he is nowhere to be found! 2 So I must rise in search of him, looking throughout the city,[a] seeking until I find him. Even if I have to roam through every street, nothing will keep me from my search. Where is he—my soul’s true love? He is nowhere to be found. 3 Then I encountered the overseers as they encircled the city. So I asked them, “Have you found him-- my heart’s true love?” 4 Just as I moved past them, I encountered him. I found the one I adore! I caught him and fastened myself to him, refusing to be feeble in my heart again. Now I’ll bring him back to the temple within where I was given new birth-- into my innermost parts, the place of my conceiving. The Bridegroom-King 5 Promise me, O Jerusalem maidens, by the gentle gazelles and delicate deer, that you’ll not disturb my love until she is ready to arise. The Voice of the Lord 6 Who is this one ascending from the wilderness in the pillar of the glory cloud? He is fragrant with the anointing oils of myrrh and frankincense—[b] more fragrant than all the spices of the merchant. 7 Look! It is the king’s marriage carriage. The love seat surrounded by sixty champions, the mightiest of Israel’s host, are like pillars of protection. 8 They are angelic warriors standing ready with swords to defend the king and his fiancée from every terror of the night. 9 The king made this mercy seat for himself out of the finest wood that will not decay. 10 Pillars of smoke, like silver mist-- a canopy of golden glory dwells above it. The place where they sit together is sprinkled with crimson. Love and mercy cover this carriage, blanketing his tabernacle throne. The king himself has made it for those who will become his bride. 11 Rise up, Zion maidens, brides-to-be! Come and feast your eyes on this king as he passes in procession on his way to his wedding. This is the day filled with overwhelming joy-- the day of his great gladness. Transformation
50 Now, I tell you this, my brothers and sisters, flesh and blood are not able to inherit God’s kingdom realm, and neither will that which is decaying be able to inherit what is incorruptible. 51 Listen, and I will tell you a divine mystery: not all of us will die, but we will all be transformed. 52 It will happen in an instant[am]—in the twinkling of his eye. For when the last trumpet is sounded, the dead will come back to life. We will be indestructible and we will be transformed. 53 For we will discard our mortal “clothes” and slip into a body that is imperishable. What is mortal now will be exchanged for immortality. 54 And when that which is mortal puts on immortality, and what now decays is exchanged for what will never decay, then the Scripture will be fulfilled that says: Death is swallowed up by a triumphant victory![an] 55 So death, tell me, where is your victory? Tell me death, where is your sting?[ao] 56 It is sin that gives death its sting and the law that gives sin its power.[ap] 57 But we thank God[aq] for giving us the victory as conquerors through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One.[ar] 58 So now, beloved ones,[as] stand firm and secure. Live your lives with an unshakable confidence. We know that we prosper and excel in every season by serving the Lord,[at] because we are assured that our union with the Lord makes our labor productive with fruit that endures.[au] I am truly his rose, the very theme of his song.[a] I’m overshadowed by his love, growing in the valley! The Shepherd-King 2 Yes, you are my darling companion. You stand out from all the rest. For though the curse of sin surrounds you,[b] still you remain as pure as a lily,[c] even more than all others. The Shulamite 3 My beloved is to me the most fragrant apple tree-- he stands above the sons of men.[d] Sitting under his grace-shadow, I blossom in his shade, enjoying the sweet taste of his pleasant, delicious fruit, resting with delight where his glory never fades. 4 Suddenly, he transported me into his house of wine-- he looked upon me with his unrelenting love divine.[e] 5 Revive me with your raisin cakes.[f] Refresh me again with your apples.[g] Help me and hold me, for I am lovesick![h] I am longing for more-- yet how could I take more? 6 His left hand[i] cradles my head while his right hand holds me close.[j] I am at rest in this love. The Shepherd-King 7 Promise me, brides-to-be, by the gentle gazelles[k] and delicate deer, that you’ll not disturb my love until she is ready to arise. The Shulamite 8 Listen! I hear my lover’s voice. I know it’s him coming to me-- leaping with joy over mountains, skipping in love over the hills that separate us,[l] to come to me. 9 Let me describe him: he is graceful as a gazelle, swift as a wild stag. Now he comes closer, even to the places where I hide.[m] He gazes into my soul, peering through the portal as he blossoms within my heart. 10 The one I love calls to me: The Bridegroom-King Arise, my dearest. Hurry, my darling. Come away with me! I have come as you have asked to draw you to my heart and lead you out. For now is the time, my beautiful one. 11 The season has changed, the bondage of your barren winter has ended, and the season of hiding is over and gone. The rains have soaked the earth[n] 12 and left it bright with blossoming flowers. The season for singing and pruning the vines has arrived.[o] I hear the cooing of doves in our land,[p] filling the air with songs to awaken you and guide you forth. 13 Can you not discern this new day of destiny breaking forth around you? The early signs of my purposes and plans are bursting forth.[q] The budding vines of new life are now blooming everywhere. The fragrance of their flowers whispers, “There is change in the air.” Arise, my love, my beautiful companion, and run with me to the higher place. For now is the time to arise and come away with me. 14 For you are my dove, hidden in the split-open rock.[r] It was I who took you and hid you up high in the secret stairway of the sky. Let me see your radiant face and hear your sweet voice.[s] How beautiful your eyes of worship and lovely your voice in prayer. 15 You must catch the troubling foxes, those sly little foxes that hinder our relationship.[t] For they raid our budding vineyard of love to ruin what I’ve planted within you. Will you catch them and remove them for me? We will do it together. The Shulamite 16 I know my lover is mine and I have everything in you, for we delight ourselves in each other.[u] 17 But until the day springs to life and the shifting shadows of fear disappear, turn around, my lover, and ascend to the holy mountains of separation without me.[v] Until the new day fully dawns, run on ahead like the graceful gazelle and skip like the young stag over the mountains of separation. Go on ahead to the mountain of spices-- I’ll come away another time. Jesus Comforts His Disciples
“Don’t worry or surrender to your fear.[a] For you’ve believed in God, now trust and believe in me also.[b] 2 My Father’s house has many dwelling places.[c] If it were otherwise, I would tell you plainly, because I go[d] to prepare a place for you to rest. 3 And when everything is ready, I will come back and take[e] you to myself so that you will be where I am. 4 And you already know the way to the place where I’m going.”[f] 5 Thomas said to him, “Master, we don’t know where you’re going, so how could we know the way there?” 6 Jesus explained, “I am the Way, I am the Truth,[g] and I am the Life. No one comes next to the Father[h] except through union with me.[i] To know me is to know my Father too. 7 And from now on you will realize that you have seen him and experienced him.” 8 Philip spoke up, “Lord, show us the Father, and that will be all that we need!” 9 Jesus replied, “Philip, I’ve been with you all this time and you still don’t know who I am? How could you ask me to show you the Father, for anyone who has looked at me has seen the Father. 10 Don’t you believe that the Father is living in me and that I am living in the Father? Even my words are not my own but come from my Father, for he lives in me and performs his miracles of power through me. 11 Believe that I live as one with my Father and that my Father lives as one with me—or at least, believe because of the mighty miracles I have done. 12 “I tell you this timeless truth: The person who follows me in faith, believing in me, will do the same mighty miracles that I do—even greater miracles than these because I go to be with my Father! 13 For I will do whatever you ask me to do when you ask me in my name. And that is how the Son will show what the Father is really like and bring glory to him. 14 Ask me anything in my name, and I will do it for you!” Jesus Prophesies about the Holy Spirit 15 “Loving me empowers you to obey my commands.[j] 16–17 And I will ask the Father and he will give you another[k] Savior,[l] the Holy Spirit of Truth, who will be to you a friend just like me—and he will never leave you. The world won’t receive him because they can’t see him or know him. But you will know him intimately, because he will make his home in you and will live inside you.[m] 18 “I promise that I will never leave you helpless or abandon you as orphans—I will come back to you![n] 19 Soon I will leave this world and they will see me no longer, but you will see me, because I will live again, and you will come alive too. 20 So when that day comes, you will know that I am living in the Father and that you are one with me, for I will be living in you. 21 Those who truly love me are those who obey my commands. Whoever passionately loves me will be passionately loved by my Father. And I will passionately love you in return and will manifest my life within you.” 22 Then one of the disciples named Judas[o] (not Judas Iscariot) said, “Lord, why is it you will only reveal your identity to us and not to everyone?” 23 Jesus replied, “Loving me empowers you to obey my word.[p] And my Father will love you so deeply that we will come to you and make you our dwelling place. 24 But those who don’t love me will not obey my words. The Father did not send me to speak my own revelation, but the words of my Father. 25 I am telling you this while I am still with you. 26 But when the Father sends the Spirit of Holiness, the One like me who sets you free,[q] he will teach you all things in my name. And he will inspire you to remember every word that I’ve told you. 27 “I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous![r] 28 “Remember what I’ve told you, that I must go away, but I promise to come back to you. So if you truly love me, you will be glad for me, since I’m returning to my Father, who is greater than I. 29 So when all of these things happen, you will still trust and cling to me. 30 I won’t speak with you much longer, for the ruler of this dark world[s] is coming. But he has no power over me, for he has nothing to use against me. 31 I am doing exactly what the Father destined for me to accomplish,[t] so that the world will discover how much I love my Father. Now come with me.” 1 The most amazing song of all, by King Solomon.
The Shulamite[a] 2 Let him[b] smother me with kisses—his Spirit-kiss divine.[c] So kind are your caresses,[d] I drink them in like the sweetest wine![e] 3 Your presence releases a fragrance so pleasing-- over and over poured out. For your lovely name is “Flowing Oil.”[f] No wonder the brides-to-be adore you.[g] 4 Draw me into your heart. We will run away together into the king’s cloud-filled chamber.[h] The Chorus of FriendsWe will remember your love, rejoicing and delighting in you,[i] celebrating your every kiss as better than wine. No wonder righteousness adores you! The Shulamite5 Jerusalem maidens, in this twilight darkness[j] I know I am so unworthy—so in need. The Shepherd-KingYet you are so lovely! The ShulamiteI feel as dark and dry as the desert tents of the wandering nomads.[k] The Shepherd-KingYet you are so lovely-- like the fine linen tapestry hanging in the Holy Place. The Shulamite to Her Friends6 Please don’t stare in scorn because of my dark and sinful ways.[l] My angry brothers quarreled with me and appointed me guardian of their ministry vineyards, yet I’ve not tended my vineyard within. 7 Won’t you tell me, lover of my soul, where do you feed your flock? Where do you lead your beloved ones[m] to rest in the heat of the day? For I wish to be wrapped all around you as I wander among the flocks of your shepherds. It is you I long for, with no veil between us![n] The Shepherd-King8 Listen, my radiant one-- if you ever lose sight of me, just follow in my footsteps where I lead my lovers. Come with your burdens and cares. Come to the place near the sanctuary of my shepherds.[o] 9 My dearest one,[p] let me tell you how I see you-- you are so thrilling to me. To gaze upon you is like looking at one of Pharaoh’s finest horses-- a strong, regal steed pulling his royal chariot.[q] 10 Your tender cheeks are aglow-- your earrings and gem-laden necklaces set them ablaze. 11 We will enhance your beauty,[r] encircling you with our golden reins of love. You will be marked with our redeeming grace.[s] The Shulamite12 As the king surrounded me at his table,[t] the sweet fragrance of my praise perfume[u] awakened the night. 13 A sachet of myrrh is my lover, like a tied-up bundle of myrrh[v] resting over my heart. 14 He is like a bouquet of henna blossoms-- henna plucked near the vines at the fountain of the Lamb.[w] I will hold him and never let him part. The Shepherd-King15 Look at you, my dearest darling, you are so lovely! You are beauty itself to me.[x] Your passionate eyes are like gentle doves.[y] The Shulamite16 My beloved one,[z] both handsome and winsome, you are pleasing beyond words. Our resting place[aa] is anointed and flourishing, like a green forest meadow bathed in light. 17 Rafters of cedar branches are over our heads and balconies of pleasant-smelling pines.[ab] The Greatest Commandment
28 Now a certain religious scholar overheard them debating. When he saw how beautifully Jesus answered all their questions, he posed one of his own, and asked him, “Teacher, which commandment is the greatest of all?” 29 Jesus answered him, “The most important of all the commandments is this: ‘The Lord Yahweh, our God, is one!’[s] 30 You are to love the Lord Yahweh, your God, with every passion of your heart, with all the energy of your being, with every thought that is within you, and with all your strength. This is the great and supreme commandment. 31 And the second is this: ‘You must love your neighbor[t] in the same way you love yourself.’ You will never find a greater commandment than these.” 32 The religious scholar replied, “Yes, that’s true, Teacher. You spoke beautifully when you said that God is one, and there is no one else besides him.[u] 33 And there is something more important to God than all the sacrifices and burnt offerings: it’s the commandment to constantly love God with every passion of your heart, with your every thought, and with all your strength—and to love your neighbor in the same way as you love yourself.” 34 When Jesus noticed how thoughtfully and sincerely the man answered, he said to him, “You’re not far from the reality of God’s kingdom realm.”[v] After that, no one dared to question him again. Song for the Slandered Soul
A passionate song to the Lord To the tune of “Breaking the Curse of Cush, the Benjamite,” by King David 1 O Lord my God, I turn aside to hide my soul in you. I trust you to save me from all those who pursue and persecute me. 2 Don’t leave me helpless! Don’t let my foes fall upon me like fierce lions with teeth bared. Can’t you see how they want to rip me to shreds, dragging me away to tear my soul to pieces? 3 Lord, if I were doing evil things, that would be different, for then I would be guilty, deserving all of this. 4 If I have wronged someone at peace with me, if I have betrayed a friend, repaying evil for good, or if I have unjustly harmed my enemy, 5 Then it would be right for you to let my enemy pursue and overtake me. In fact, let them grind me into the ground. Let them take my life from me and drag my dignity in the dust! Pause in his presence 6 Now, Lord, let your anger arise against the anger of my enemies. Awaken your fury and stand up for me! Decree that justice be done against my foes. 7 Gather all the people around you. Return to your place on high to preside over them and once more occupy the throne of judgment. 8 You are the Exalted One who judges the people, so vindicate me publicly and restore my honor and integrity. Before all the people declare me innocent. 9 Once and for all, end the evil tactics of the wicked! Reward and prosper the cause of the righteous, for you are the righteous God, the soul searcher, who looks deep into every heart to examine the thoughts and motives. 10 God, your wrap-around presence is my protection and my defense. You bring victory to all who reach out for you. 11 Righteousness is revealed every time you judge. Because of the strength of your forgiveness,[a] your anger does not break out every day, even though you are a righteous judge. 12–13 Yet if the wicked do not repent, you will not relent with your wrath, slaying them with your shining sword. You are the conqueror with an arsenal of lethal weapons that you’ve prepared for them. You have bent and strung your bow, making your judgment-arrows shafts of burning fire. 14–15 Look how the wicked conceive their evil schemes. They go into labor with their lies and give birth to trouble. They dig a pit for others to fall into, not knowing that they will be the very ones who will fall into their own pit of failure. 16 For you, God, will see to it that every pit-digger who works to trap and harm others will be trapped and harmed by his own treachery. 17 But I will give all my thanks to you, Lord, for you make everything right in the end. I will sing my highest praise to the God of the Highest Place![b] The Great Cloud of Witnesses As for us, we have all of these great witnesses[a] who encircle us like clouds. So we must let go of every wound that has pierced us[b] and the sin we so easily fall into.[c] Then we will be able to run life’s marathon race[d] with passion and determination, for the path has been already marked out before us.[e] 2 We look away from the natural realm and we fasten our gaze onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith’s perfection.[f] His example is this: Because his heart was focused on the joy of knowing that you would be his,[g] he endured the agony of the cross and conquered its humiliation,[h] and now sits exalted at the right hand of the throne of God! 3 So consider carefully how Jesus faced such intense opposition from sinners who opposed their own souls,[i] so that you won’t become worn down and cave in under life’s pressures. 4 After all, you have not yet reached the point of sweating blood[j] in your opposition to sin. 5 And have you forgotten his encouraging words spoken to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t underestimate the value of the discipline and training of the Lord God, or get depressed when he has to correct you.[k] 6 For the Lord’s training of your life is the evidence of his faithful love.[l] And when he draws you to himself, it proves you are his delightful child.”[m] 7 Fully embrace God’s correction as part of your training,[n] for he is doing what any loving father does for his children. For who has ever heard of a child who never had to be corrected?[o] 8 We all should welcome God’s discipline as the validation of authentic sonship. For if we have never once endured his correction it only proves we are strangers[p] and not sons. 9 And isn’t it true that we respect our earthly fathers even though they corrected and disciplined us? Then we should demonstrate an even greater respect for God, our spiritual Father, as we submit to his life-giving discipline.[q] 10 Our parents corrected us for the short time of our childhood as it seemed good to them. But God corrects us throughout our lives for our own good, giving us an invitation to share his holiness. 11 Now all discipline[r] seems to be more pain than pleasure at the time, yet later it will produce a transformation of character, bringing a harvest of righteousness and peace[s] to those who yield to it.[t] 12 So be made strong even in your weakness by lifting up your tired hands in prayer and worship. And strengthen your weak knees,[u] 13 for as you keep walking forward on God’s paths[v] all your stumbling ways will be divinely healed! 14 In every relationship be swift to choose peace over competition,[w] and run swiftly toward holiness, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.[x] 15 Watch over each other to make sure that no one misses the revelation of God’s grace. And make sure no one lives with a root of bitterness[y] sprouting within them which will only cause trouble and poison the hearts of many. 16 Be careful that no one among you lives in immorality, becoming careless about God’s blessings, like Esau who traded away his rights as the firstborn for a simple meal. 17 And we know that later on when he wanted to inherit his father’s blessing, he was turned away, even though he begged for it with bitter tears, for it was too late then to repent.[z] Entering into God’s Presence 18 For we are not coming, as Moses did, to a physical mountain with its burning fire, thick clouds of darkness and gloom, and with a raging whirlwind.[aa] 19 We are not those who are being warned by the jarring blast of a trumpet and the thundering voice;[ab] the fearful voice that they begged to be silenced. 20 They couldn’t handle God’s command that said, “If so much as an animal approaches the mountain it is to be stoned to death!” 21 The astounding phenomena Moses witnessed caused him to shudder with fear and he could only say, “I am trembling in terror!”[ac] 22 By contrast, we have already come[ad] near to God in a totally different realm, the Zion-realm,[ae] for we have entered the city of the Living God, which is the New Jerusalem in heaven![af] We have joined the festal gathering of myriads of angels[ag] in their joyous celebration![ah] 23 And as members of the church[ai] of the Firstborn[aj] all our names have been legally registered[ak] as citizens of heaven! And we have come before God who judges all, and who lives among the spirits of the righteous who have been made perfect in his eyes![al] 24 And we have come to Jesus who established a new covenant with his blood sprinkled upon the mercy seat; blood that continues to speak from heaven, “forgiveness,” a better message than Abel’s blood that cries from the earth, “justice.”[am] 25 Make very sure that you never refuse to listen to God when he speaks![an] For the God who spoke on earth from Sinai is the same God who now speaks from heaven. Those who heard him[ao] speak his living Word on earth found nowhere to hide, so what chance is there for us to escape if we turn our backs on God and refuse to hear his warnings as he speaks from heaven? 26 The earth was rocked at the sound of his voice from the mountain, but now he has promised, “Once and for all I will not only shake the systems of the world,[ap] but also the unseen powers in the heavenly realm!”[aq] 27 Now this phrase “once and for all” clearly indicates the final removal of things that are shaking, that is, the old order,[ar] so only what is unshakeable will remain. 28 Since we are receiving our rights[as] to an unshakeable kingdom[at] we should be extremely thankful and offer God the purest worship that delights his heart[au] as we lay down our lives in absolute surrender, filled with awe.[av] 29 For our God is a holy, devouring fire![aw] Paul’s Reliance on Spiritual Power
My brothers and sisters,[a] when I first came to proclaim to you the secrets[b] of God, I refused to come as an expert, trying to impress you with my eloquent speech and lofty wisdom. 2 For while I was with you I was determined to be consumed with one topic—Jesus, the crucified Messiah.[c] 3 I stood before you feeling inadequate, filled with reverence for God,[d] and trembling under the sense of the importance of my words.[e] 4 The message I preached and how I preached it was not an attempt to sway you with persuasive arguments but to prove to you the almighty power of God’s Holy Spirit. 5 For God intended that your faith not be established on man’s wisdom but by trusting in his almighty power. Wisdom from God 6 However, there is a wisdom that we continually speak of when we are among the spiritually mature.[f] It’s wisdom that didn’t originate in this present age, nor did it come from the rulers of this age who are in the process of being dethroned.[g] 7 Instead, we[h] continually speak of this wonderful wisdom that comes from God, hidden before now in a mystery.[i] It is his secret plan, destined[j] before the ages, to bring us into glory.[k] 8 None of the rulers of this present world order understood it,[l] for if they had, they never would have crucified the Lord of shining glory.[m] 9 This is why the Scriptures say: Things never discovered or heard of before, things beyond our ability to imagine[n]-- these are the many things God has in store for all his lovers.[o] 10 But God now unveils these profound realities to us by the Spirit.[p] Yes, he has revealed to us his inmost heart and deepest mysteries through the Holy Spirit, who constantly explores all things. 11 After all, who can really see into a person’s heart and know his hidden impulses except for that person’s spirit? So it is with God. His thoughts and secrets are only fully understood by his Spirit, the Spirit of God. 12 For we did not receive the spirit of this world system but the Spirit of God, so that we might come to understand and experience all that grace has lavished upon us. 13 And we[q] articulate these realities with the words imparted to us by the Spirit and not with the words taught by human wisdom. We join together Spirit-revealed truths with Spirit-revealed words.[r] 14 Someone living on an entirely human level[s] rejects[t] the revelations of God’s Spirit, for they make no sense to him. He can’t understand the revelations of the Spirit because they are only discovered by the illumination of the Spirit. 15 Those who live in the Spirit are able to carefully evaluate all things, and they are subject to the scrutiny of no one but God. 16 For Who has ever intimately known the mind of the Lord Yahweh[u] well enough to become his counselor?[v] Christ has, and we possess Christ’s perceptions.[w] The Parable of a Prince and His Servants
11 At this time Jesus was getting close to entering Jerusalem. The crowds that followed him were convinced that God’s kingdom realm would fully manifest when Jesus established it in Jerusalem. 12 So he told them this story to change their perspective: “Once there was a wealthy prince who left his province to travel to a distant land, where he would be crowned king and then return. 13 Before he departed he summoned his ten servants together and said, ‘I am entrusting each of you with fifty thousand dollars[h] to trade with while I am away. Invest it and put the money to work until I return.’ 14 “Some of his countrymen despised the prince and sent a delegation after him to declare before the royals, ‘We refuse to let this man rule over us! He will not be our king!’ 15 “Nevertheless, he was crowned king and returned to his land. Then he summoned his ten servants to see how much each one had earned and what their profits came to. 16 “The first one came forward and said, ‘Master, I took what you gave me and invested it, and it multiplied ten times.’ 17 “‘Splendid! You have done well, my excellent servant. Because you have shown that you can be trusted in this small matter, I now grant you authority to rule over ten fortress cities.’ 18 “The second came and said, ‘Master, what you left with me has multiplied five times.’ 19 “His master said, ‘I also grant you authority in my kingdom over five fortress cities.’ 20 “Another came before the king and said, ‘Master, here is the money you entrusted to me. I hid it for safekeeping. 21 You see, I live in fear of you, for everyone knows you are a strict master and impossible to please. You push us for a high return on all that you own, and you always want to gain from someone else’s efforts.’[i] 22 “The king said, ‘You wicked servant! I will judge you using your own words. If what you said about me is true, that I am a harsh man, pushing you for a high return and wanting gain from others’ efforts, 23 why didn’t you at least put my money in the bank[j] to earn some interest on what I entrusted to you?’ 24 “The king said to his other servants, ‘Take the money he has and give it to the faithful servant who multiplied my money ten times over.’ 25 “‘But master,’ the other servants objected, ‘why give it to him? He already has so much!’ 26 “‘Yes,’ replied the king. ‘But to all who have been faithful, even more will be given them. And for the ones who have nothing, even the little they seem to have will be taken from them. 27 Now, bring all those rebellious enemies of mine who rejected me as their king—bring them here before me and execute them!’” 28 After saying all of this, Jesus headed straight for Jerusalem. 29 When he arrived at the stables of Annia[k] near the Mount of Olives,[l] he sent two of his disciples ahead, saying, 30 “When you enter the next village,[m] you will find tethered there a donkey’s young colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it to me. 31 And if anyone stops you and asks, ‘What are you doing?’ just tell them this: ‘It is needed for the Lord of All.’”[n] 32 The two who were sent entered the village and found the colt exactly like Jesus had said. 33 While they were untying the colt, the owners approached them and asked, “What are you doing?” 34 The disciples replied, “We need this donkey for the Lord of All.” 35–36 They brought the colt to Jesus. Then they placed their prayer shawls on its back, and Jesus rode it as he descended the Mount of Olives toward Jerusalem.[o] As he rode along, people spontaneously threw their prayer shawls on the path in front of him like a carpet.[p] 37 As soon as he got to the bottom of the Mount of Olives, the crowds of his followers shouted with a loud outburst of ecstatic joy over all the mighty wonders of power they had witnessed. 38 They shouted over and over, “Highest praises to God for the one who comes as King in the name of the Lord! Heaven’s peace and glory from the highest realm now comes to us!”[q] 39 Some Jewish religious leaders who stood off from the procession said to Jesus, “Teacher, you must order your followers at once to stop saying these things!” 40 Jesus responded, “Listen to me. If my followers were silenced, the very stones would break forth with praises!” Growing in Holiness2 So abandon[a] every form of evil, deceit, hypocrisy,[b] feelings of jealousy and slander. 2 In the same way that nursing infants cry for milk, you must intensely crave the pure[c] spiritual milk of God’s Word.[d] For this “milk” will cause you to grow into maturity, fully nourished and strong for life[e]-- 3 especially now that you have had a taste of the goodness of the Lord Jehovah and have experienced his kindness.[f]
4 So keep coming to him who is the Living Stone[g]—though he was rejected and discarded by men but chosen by God and is priceless in God’s sight. 5 Come and be his “living stones”[h] who are continually being assembled into a sanctuary for God. For now you serve as holy priests,[i] offering up spiritual sacrifices that he readily accepts through Jesus Christ. 6 For it says in Scripture: Look! I lay a cornerstone in Zion,[j] a chosen and priceless stone! And whoever believes in him will certainly not be disappointed.[k] 7 As believers you know his great worth—indeed, his preciousness is imparted to you.[l] But for those who do not believe: The stone that the builders rejected and discarded has now become the cornerstone[m] 8 And A stone that makes them stumble and a rock to trip over.[n] They keep stumbling over the message because they refuse to believe it. And this they were destined to do. 9 But you are God’s chosen treasure[o]—priests who are kings,[p] a spiritual “nation” set apart as God’s devoted ones. He called you out of darkness to experience his marvelous light, and now he claims you as his very own. He did this so that you would broadcast his glorious wonders throughout the world.[q] 10 For at one time you were not God’s people, but now you are. At one time you knew nothing of God’s mercy, because you hadn’t received it yet, but now you are drenched with it![r] Living Godly Lives11 My divinely loved friends, since you are resident aliens and foreigners in this world, I appeal to you to divorce yourselves from the evil desires that wage war within you.[s] 12 Live honorable lives as you mix with unbelievers, even though they accuse you of being evildoers. For they will see your beautiful works and have a reason to glorify God in the day he visits us.[t] 13 In order to honor the Lord, you must respect and defer to the authority of every human institution,[u] whether it be the highest ruler[v] 14 or the governors he puts in place to punish lawbreakers and to praise those who do what’s right. 15 For it is God’s will for you to silence the ignorance of foolish people[w] by doing what is right. 16 As God’s loving servants, you should live in complete freedom, but never use your freedom as a cover-up for evil. 17 Recognize the value of every person and continually show love to every believer. Live your lives with great reverence and in holy awe of God. Honor your rulers. The Example of Christ’s Sufferings18 Those who are servants,[x] submit to[y] the authority of those who are your masters—not only to those who are kind and gentle but even to those who are hard and difficult. 19 You find God’s favor by deciding to please God even when you endure hardships because of unjust suffering. 20 For what merit is it to endure mistreatment for wrongdoing? Yet if you are mistreated when you do what is right, and you faithfully endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 In fact, you were called to live this way, because Christ also suffered in your place, leaving you his example for you to follow. 22 He never sinned and he never spoke deceitfully.[z] 23 When he was verbally abused, he did not return with an insult; when he suffered, he would not threaten retaliation.[aa] Jesus faithfully entrusted himself into the hands of God, who judges righteously. 24 He himself carried our sins[ab] in his body on the cross[ac] so that we would be dead to sin[ad] and live for righteousness. Our instant healing flowed from his wounding.[ae] 25 You were like sheep that continually wandered away,[af] but now you have returned to the true Shepherd of your lives—the kind Guardian who lovingly watches over your souls. Footnotes:
The Passion Translation (TPT)The Passion Translation®. Copyright © 2017 by BroadStreet Publishing® Group, LLC. Used by permission. All rights reserved. thePassionTranslation.com Jews and Non-Jews Are Saved by Faith
15 “Although we’re Jews by birth and not non-Jewish ‘sinners,’ 16 we know full well that we don’t receive God’s perfect righteousness as a reward for keeping the law, but by the faith of Jesus, the Messiah![q] His faithfulness, not ours, has saved us, and we have received God’s perfect righteousness. Now we know that God accepts no one by the keeping of religious laws! 17 “If we are those who desire to be saved from our sins through our union with the Anointed One, does that mean our Messiah promotes our sins if we still acknowledge that we are sinners? How absurd! 18 For if I start over and reconstruct the old religious system that I have torn down with the message of grace, I will appear to be one who turns his back on the truth. 19 “But because the Messiah lives in me, I’ve now died to the law’s dominion over me so that I can live for God. 20 “My old identity has been co-crucified with Messiah and no longer lives; for the nails of his cross crucified me with him. And now the essence of this new life is no longer mine, for the Anointed One lives his life through me--we live in union as one! My new life is empowered by the faith of the Son of God who loves me so much that he gave himself for me, and dispenses his life into mine![r] 21 “So that is why I don’t view God’s grace as something minor or peripheral. For if keeping the law could release God’s righteousness to us, the Anointed One would have died for nothing.” A Cry for Help To the Pure and Shining One David’s poetic lament to always remember 1 Please, Lord! Come quickly and rescue me! God, show me your favor and restore me. 2 Let all who seek my life be humiliated, confused, and ashamed. God, send them sprawling, all who wish me evil; they just want me dead. 3 Scoff at every scoffer and cause them all to be utter failures! Let them be ashamed and horrified over their complete defeat. 4 But let all who passionately seek you erupt with excitement and joy over what you’ve done! Let all your lovers, who continually rejoice in the Savior,[a] say aloud, “How great and glorious is our God!” 5 Lord, in my place of weakness and need, won’t you turn your heart toward me and hurry to help me? For you are my Savior and I’m always in your thoughts. So don’t delay to deliver me now, for you are my God. Footnotes:
The Passion Translation (TPT)The Passion Translation®. Copyright © 2017 by BroadStreet Publishing® Group, LLC. Used by permission. All rights reserved. thePassionTranslation.com The Power of Your Words
My dear brothers and sisters, don’t be so eager to become a teacher in the church since you know that we who teach are held to a higher standard of judgment. 2 We all fail in many areas, but especially with our words. Yet if we’re able to bridle the words we say we are powerful enough to control ourselves in every way, and that means our character is mature and fully developed. 3 Horses have bits and bridles in their mouths so that we can control and guide their large body. 4 And the same with mighty ships, though they are massive and driven by fierce winds, yet they are steered by a tiny rudder at the direction of the person at the helm. 5 And so the tongue is a small part of the body yet it carries great power![a] Just think of how a small flame can set a huge forest ablaze. 6 And the tongue is a fire! It can be compared to the sum total of wickedness[b] and is the most dangerous part of our human body. It corrupts the entire body[c] and is a hellish flame![d] It releases a fire that can burn throughout the course of human existence.[e] 7 For every wild animal on earth including birds, creeping reptiles, and creatures of the sea and land[f] have all been overpowered and tamed by humans, 8 but the tongue is not able to be tamed. It’s a fickle, unrestrained evil that spews out words full of toxic poison! 9 We use our tongue to praise God our Father[g] and then turn around and curse a person who was made in his very image![h] 10 Out of the same mouth we pour out words of praise one minute and curses the next. My brothers and sister, this should never be! 11–12 Would you look for olives hanging on a fig tree or go to pick figs from a grapevine? Is it possible that fresh and bitter water can flow out of the same spring? So neither can a bitter spring produce fresh water.[i] Wisdom from Above 13 If you consider yourself to be wise and one who understands the ways of God, advertise it with a beautiful, fruitful[j] life guided by wisdom’s gentleness. Never brag or boast about what you’ve done and you’ll prove that you’re truly wise. 14 But if there is bitter jealousy or competition hiding in your heart, then don’t deny it and try to compensate for it by boasting and being phony. 15 For that has nothing to do with God’s heavenly wisdom but can best be described as the wisdom of this world, both selfish[k] and devilish.[l] 16 So wherever jealousy[m] and selfishness are uncovered, you will also find many troubles[n] and every kind of meanness. 17 But the wisdom from above is always pure,[o] filled with peace, considerate and teachable.[p] It is filled with love[q] and never displays prejudice or hypocrisy[r] in any form 18 and it always bears the beautiful harvest of righteousness! Good seeds of wisdom’s fruit will be planted with peaceful acts by those who cherish making peace. Footnotes:
The Passion Translation (TPT)The Passion Translation®. Copyright © 2017 by BroadStreet Publishing® Group, LLC. Used by permission. All rights reserved. thePassionTranslation.com |
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