September 7

September 7

Prayer

Pray that we not abuse any authority given to us and that we be content with that which has been given by God.

And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.
(Luke 3:14)

Westminster Shorter Catechism

Question 100

Question 100 - What doth the preface of the Lord's prayer teach us?

The preface of the Lord's prayer, which is, "Our Father which art in heaven," teacheth us to draw near to God with all holy reverence and confidence, as children to a father, able and ready to help us; and that we should pray with and for others.

Reformational Reading

The Westminster Larger Catechism

Question 81

Question 81 - Are all true believers at all times assured of their present being in the estate of grace, and that they shall be saved?

Assurance of grace and salvation not being of the essence of faith, true believers may wait long before they obtain it; and, after the enjoyment thereof, may have it weakened and intermitted, through manifold distempers, sins, temptations, and desertions; yet are they never left without such a presence and support of the Spirit of God as keeps them from sinking into utter despair.

Private Reading

Ezekiel 10

1.  Then I looked, and, behold, in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubims there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne.
2.  And he spake unto the man clothed with linen, and said, Go in between the wheels, even under the cherub, and fill thine hand with coals of fire from between the cherubims, and scatter them over the city. And he went in in my sight.
3.  Now the cherubims stood on the right side of the house, when the man went in; and the cloud filled the inner court.
4.  Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD'S glory.
5.  And the sound of the cherubims' wings was heard even to the outer court, as the voice of the Almighty God when he speaketh.
6.  And it came to pass, that when he had commanded the man clothed with linen, saying, Take fire from between the wheels, from between the cherubims; then he went in, and stood beside the wheels.
7.  And one cherub stretched forth his hand from between the cherubims unto the fire that was between the cherubims, and took thereof, and put it into the hands of him that was clothed with linen: who took it, and went out.
8.  And there appeared in the cherubims the form of a man's hand under their wings.
9.  And when I looked, behold the four wheels by the cherubims, one wheel by one cherub, and another wheel by another cherub: and the appearance of the wheels was as the colour of a beryl stone.
10.  And as for their appearances, they four had one likeness, as if a wheel had been in the midst of a wheel.
11.  When they went, they went upon their four sides; they turned not as they went, but to the place whither the head looked they followed it; they turned not as they went.
12.  And their whole body, and their backs, and their hands, and their wings, and the wheels, were full of eyes round about, even the wheels that they four had.
13.  As for the wheels, it was cried unto them in my hearing, O wheel.
14.  And every one had four faces: the first face was the face of a cherub, and the second face was the face of a man, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle.
15.  And the cherubims were lifted up. This is the living creature that I saw by the river of Chebar.
16.  And when the cherubims went, the wheels went by them: and when the cherubims lifted up their wings to mount up from the earth, the same wheels also turned not from beside them.
17.  When they stood, these stood; and when they were lifted up, these lifted up themselves also: for the spirit of the living creature was in them.
18.  Then the glory of the LORD departed from off the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubims.
19.  And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight: when they went out, the wheels also were beside them, and every one stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD'S house; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above.
20.  This is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the river of Chebar; and I knew that they were the cherubims.
21.  Every one had four faces apiece, and every one four wings; and the likeness of the hands of a man was under their wings.
22.  And the likeness of their faces was the same faces which I saw by the river of Chebar, their appearances and themselves: they went every one straight forward.

Commentary: Ezekiel 10

Vs. 1-7

The fire being taken from between the wheels, under the cherubim, ch. 1:13, seems to have signified the wrath of God to be executed upon Jerusalem. It intimated that the fire of Divine wrath, which kindles judgment upon a people, is just and holy; and in the great day, the earth, and all the works that are therein, will be burnt up.

Vs. 8-22

Ezekiel sees the working of Divine providence in the government of the lower world, and the affairs of it. When God is leaving a people in displeasure, angels above, and all events below, further his departure. The Spirit of life, the Spirit of God, directs all creatures, in heaven and on earth, so as to make them serve the Divine purpose. God removes by degrees from a provoking people; and, when ready to depart, would return to them, if they were a repenting, praying people. Let this warn sinners to seek the Lord while he may be found, and to call on him while he is near, and cause us all to walk humbly and watchfully with our God.

Psalm 49

1.  To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. Hear this, all ye people; give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world:
2.  Both low and high, rich and poor, together.
3.  My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.
4.  I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.
5.  Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about?
6.  They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;
7.  None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him:
8.  (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:)
9.  That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption.
10.  For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.
11.  Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names.
12.  Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish.
13.  This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah.
14.  Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling.
15.  But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.
16.  Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased;
17.  For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.
18.  Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.
19.  He shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light.
20.  Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.

Commentary: Psalm 49

Vs. 1-5

We seldom meet with a more solemn introduction: there is no truth of greater importance. Let all hear this with application to ourselves. The poor are in danger from undue desire toward the wealth of the world, as rich people from undue delight in it. The psalmist begins with applying it to himself, and that is the right method in which to treat of Divine things. Before he sets down the folly of carnal security, he lays down, from his own experience, the benefit and comfort of a holy, gracious security, which they enjoy who trust in God, and not in their worldly wealth. In the day of judgment, the iniquity of our heels, or of our steps, our past sins, will compass us. In those days, worldly, wicked people will be afraid; but wherefore should a man fear death who has God with him?

Vs. 6-14

Here is a description of the spirit and way of worldly people. A man may have wealth, and may have his heart enlarged in love, thankfulness, and obedience, and may do good with it. Therefore it is not men’s having riches that proves them to be worldly, but their setting their hearts upon them as the best things. Worldly men have only some floating thoughts of the things of God, while their fixed thoughts, their inward thoughts, are about the world; that lies nearest the heart. But with all their wealth they cannot save the life of the dearest friend they have. This looks further, to the eternal redemption to be wrought out by the Messiah. The redemption of the soul shall cost very dear; but, being once wrought, it shall never need to be repeated. And he, the Redeemer, shall rise again before he sees corruption, and then shall live for evermore, Revelation 1:18. This likewise shows the folly of worldly people, who sell their souls for that which will never buy them. With all their wealth they cannot secure themselves from the stroke of death. Yet one generation after another applaud their maxims; and the character of a fool, as drawn by heavenly Wisdom itself, Luke 12:16-21, continues to be followed even among professed Christians. Death will ask the proud sinner, Where is thy wealth, thy pomp? And in the morning of the resurrection, when all that sleep in the dust shall awake, the upright shall be advanced to the highest honor, when the wicked shall be filled with everlasting shame and contempt, Daniel 12:2. Let us now judge of things as they will appear in that day. The beauty of holiness is that alone which the grave cannot touch, or damage.

Vs. 15-20

Believers should not fear death. The distinction of men’s outward conditions, how great soever in life, makes none at death; but the difference of men’s spiritual states, though in this life it may seem of small account, yet at and after death is very great. The soul is often put for the life. The God of life, who was its Creator at first, can and will be its Redeemer at last. It included the salvation of the soul from eternal ruin. Believers will be under strong temptation to envy the prosperity of sinners. Men will praise thee, and cry thee up, as having done well for thyself in raising an estate and family. But what will it avail to be approved of men, if God condemn us? Those that are rich in the graces and comforts of the Spirit, have something of which death cannot strip them, nay, which death will improve; but as for worldly possessions, as we brought nothing into the world, so it is certain that we shall carry nothing out; we must leave all to others. The sum of the whole matter is, that it can profit a man nothing to gain the whole world, to become possessed of all its wealth and all its power, if he lose his own soul, and is cast away for want of that holy and heavenly wisdom which distinguishes man from the brutes, in his life and at his death. And are there men who can prefer the lot of the rich sinner to that of poor Lazarus, in life and death, and to eternity? Assuredly there are. What need then we have of the teaching of the Holy Ghost; when, with all our boasted powers, we are prone to such folly in the most important of all concerns!

Family Reading

2 Samuel 1

1.  Now it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had abode two days in Ziklag;
2.  It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and so it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance.
3.  And David said unto him, From whence comest thou? And he said unto him, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped.
4.  And David said unto him, How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me. And he answered, That the people are fled from the battle, and many of the people also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also.
5.  And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son be dead?
6.  And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him.
7.  And when he looked behind him, he saw me, and called unto me. And I answered, Here am I.
8.  And he said unto me, Who art thou? And I answered him, I am an Amalekite.
9.  He said unto me again, Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me: for anguish is come upon me, because my life is yet whole in me.
10.  So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord.
11.  Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all the men that were with him:
12.  And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.
13.  And David said unto the young man that told him, Whence art thou? And he answered, I am the son of a stranger, an Amalekite.
14.  And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD'S anointed?
15.  And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, and fall upon him. And he smote him that he died.
16.  And David said unto him, Thy blood be upon thy head; for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain the LORD'S anointed.
17.  And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son:
18.  (Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher.)
19.  The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen!
20.  Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.
21.  Ye mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew, neither let there be rain, upon you, nor fields of offerings: for there the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away, the shield of Saul, as though he had not been anointed with oil.
22.  From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan turned not back, and the sword of Saul returned not empty.
23.  Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.
24.  Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel.
25.  How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! O Jonathan, thou wast slain in thine high places.
26.  I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.
27.  How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!

Commentary: 2 Samuel 1

Vs. 1-10

The blow which opened David’s way to the throne was given about the time he had been sorely distressed. Those who commit their concerns to the Lord, will quietly abide his will. It shows that he desired not Saul’s death, and he was not impatient to come to the throne.

Vs. 11-16

David was sincere in his mourning for Saul; and all with him humbled themselves under the hand of God, laid so heavily upon Israel by this defeat. The man who brought the tidings, David put to death, as a murderer of his prince. David herein did not do unjustly; the Amalekite confessed the crime. If he did as he said, he deserved to die for treason; and his lying to David, if indeed it were a lie, proved, as sooner or later that sin will prove, lying against himself. Hereby David showed himself zealous for public justice, without regard to his own private interest.

Vs. 17-27

Kasheth, or "the bow," probably was the title of this mournful, funeral song. David does not commend Saul for what he was not; and says nothing of his piety or goodness. Jonathan was a dutiful son, Saul an affection father, therefore dear to each other. David had reason to say, that Jonathan’s love to him was wonderful. Next to the love between Christ and his people, that affection which springs from it, produces the strongest friendship. The trouble of the Lord’s people, and triumphs of his enemies, will always grieve true believers, whatever advantages they may obtain by them.

1 Corinthians 12

1.  Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
2.  Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
3.  Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
4.  Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5.  And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6.  And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
7.  But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
8.  For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
9.  To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
10.  To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
11.  But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
12.  For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
13.  For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
14.  For the body is not one member, but many.
15.  If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
16.  And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
17.  If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
18.  But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
19.  And if they were all one member, where were the body?
20.  But now are they many members, yet but one body.
21.  And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
22.  Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
23.  And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
24.  For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
25.  That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
26.  And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
27.  Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
28.  And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
29.  Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
30.  Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
31.  But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

Commentary: 1 Corinthians 12

Vs. 1-11

Spiritual gifts were extraordinary powers bestowed in the first ages, to convince unbelievers, and to spread the gospel. Gifts and graces greatly differ. Both were freely given of God. But where grace is given, it is for the salvation of those who have it. Gifts are for the advantage and salvation of others; and there may be great gifts where there is no grace. The extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit were chiefly exercised in the public assemblies, where the Corinthians seem to have made displays of them, wanting in the spirit of piety, and of Christian love. While heathens, they had not been influenced by the Spirit of Christ. No man can call Christ Lord, with believing dependence upon him, unless that faith is wrought by the Holy Ghost. No man could believe with his heart, or prove by a miracle, that Jesus was Christ, unless by the Holy Ghost. There are various gifts, and various offices to perform, but all proceed from one God, one Lord, one Spirit; that is, from the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, the origin of all spiritual blessings. No man has them merely for himself. The more he profits others, the more will they turn to his own account. The gifts mentioned appear to mean exact understanding, and uttering the doctrines of the Christian religion; the knowledge of mysteries, and skill to give advice and counsel. Also the gift of healing the sick, the working of miracles, and to explain Scripture by a peculiar gift of the Spirit, and ability to speak and interpret languages. If we have any knowledge of the truth, or any power to make it known, we must give all the glory of God. The greater the gifts are, the more the possessor is exposed to temptations, and the larger is the measure of grace needed to keep him humble and spiritual; and he will meet with more painful experiences and humbling dispensations. We have little cause to glory in any gifts bestowed on us, or to despise those who have them not.

Vs. 12-26

Christ and his church form one body, as Head and members. Christians become members of this body by baptism. The outward rite is of Divine institution; it is a sign of the new birth, and is called therefore the washing of regeneration, Titus 3:5. But it is by the Spirit, only by the renewing of the Holy Ghost, that we are made members of Christ’s body. And by communion with Christ at the Lord’s supper, we are strengthened, not by drinking the wine, but by drinking into one Spirit. Each member has its form, place, and use. The meanest makes a part of the body. There must be a distinction of members in the body. So Christ’s members have different powers and different places. We should do the duties of our own place, and not murmur, or quarrel with others. All the members of the body are useful and necessary to each other. Nor is there a member of the body of Christ, but may and ought to be useful to fellow-members. As in the natural body of man, the members should be closely united by the strongest bonds of love; the good of the whole should be the object of all. All Christians are dependent one upon another; each is to expect and receive help from the rest. Let us then have more of the spirit of union in our religion.

Vs. 27-31

Contempt, hatred, envy, and strife, are very unnatural in Christians. It is like the members of the same body being without concern for one another, or quarreling with each other. The proud, contentious spirit that prevailed, as to spiritual gifts, was thus condemned. The offices and gifts, or favors, dispensed by the Holy Spirit, are noticed. Chief ministers; persons enabled to interpret Scripture; those who labored in word and doctrine; those who had power to heal diseases; such as helped the sick and weak; such as disposed of the money given in charity by the church, and managed the affairs of the church; and such as could speak divers languages. What holds the last and lowest rank in this list, is the power to speak languages; how vain, if a man does so merely to amuse or to exalt himself! See the distribution of these gifts, not to every one alike, ver. 29, 30. This were to make the church all one, as if the body were all ear, or all eye. The Spirit distributes to every one as he will. We must be content though we are lower and less than others. We must not despise others, if we have greater gifts. How blessed the Christian church, if all the members did their duty! Instead of coveting the highest stations, or the most splendid gifts, let us leave the appointment of his instruments to God, and those in whom he works by his providence. Remember, those will not be approved hereafter who seek the chief places, but those who are most faithful to the trust placed in them, and most diligent in their Master’s work.

Prayer

Lord's Prayer

Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Apostle's Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting.

Amen.