We now come to a discussion of a showdown between Peter and Paul at Antioch. The confrontation, the reasons for it, and the solution to it, are all filled with instruction for us. But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that …
Veggie-Tale Eschatology
I tried to post a comment over at Pyromaniacs, but my google password is one I hardly ever use, and it is down at the office anyway, I think, Perhaps. Anyhow, I am driven to comment here. Under the heading of “The Plain Sense Meaning ‘World’ in John 3:16,” my friend Phil Johnson said: “I …
A Good Confession (1 Timothy 6:11-21)
INTRODUCTION: As we conclude our consideration of this epistle to Timothy, we will be reminded of the false teaching that would rob us of our inheritance and of the riches of this world which would distract us from it. We will also be reminded, in a wonderful way, of just how glorious that inheritance actually …
The Root of Contentment (1 Tim. 6:1-10)
INTRODUCTION: We have contrasted the difference between reformation and revolution. When we are confronted with great social evils, the revolutionary response is to attack the evils in such a way as to multiple the evils, and sorrows along with them. Reformation approaches the whole thing with a different heart and a different spirit. THE TEXT: …
Men From James
The ancient church, like the modern church, was not without its tensions and differences. Those tensions existed even among the apostles, and how they were addressed gives us direction and guidance. But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person:) for they …
False Brothers
In the Christian faith, particular events, schedules, persons and conversations matter. They matter because we are talking about God’s intervention in history. The gospel is not a detached and abstracted affair—a set of timeless truths in the heavenlies. Particularity matters a great deal. Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, …
How Many Trips to Jerusalem?
The apostle Paul now gives a detailed account of his trips to Jerusalem. This was not important in itself, but it had become important because of the false accusations that had been leveled at him. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, To reveal …
The Secret Pavilion/Psalm 31
The Thirty-first Psalm is notable in that Jesus quoted from it in His last words on the cross. He has been followed in this by many of His disciples, including Polycarp, Bernard, Huss, Luther, and Melancthon. In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness …
The Conversion of Saul
We have all heard about the conversion of Saul on the road to Damascus. But what exactly was he converted from? The answer to this question is highly significant, and we need to get it right if we are to understand the rest of this epistle. For ye have heard of my conversation in time …
Guarding Against Error (1 Tim. 4:1-16)
INTRODUCTION: Just as Adam was assigned the task of protecting and guarding his wife in the Garden, so the minister is assigned the task of guarding the congregation of God against error. There is always a need for it. THE TEXT: “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from …