Isaiah 57:15–Jeremiah 6:14

The Big Picture

Isaiah closes with prophecies about the Lord’s future kingdom, in which the wolf and lamb will feed together (65:25). About 100 years after Isaiah dies, Jeremiah comes on the scene. He is called “the weeping prophet” because of his great sadness over the sinful rebellion of the Jewish people. Jeremiah warns that Jerusalem will fall and the people will be taken into exile.

What to Watch For

In Jeremiah chapter 1, pay close attention to God’s instructions to the prophet and the protection God promises to give to him.

Practical Applications for Today

The job that God gave to Jeremiah was not a pleasant one. Jeremiah had a difficult message of judgment for the Jewish people, and he knew the people would reject him. That’s why God’s promise of protection was so important.

Many of us today are afraid to speak about our faith or live a godly lifestyle because we don’t want to be rejected by others. Is that a fear you struggle with? What encouragement does Paul give us in 2 Timothy 1:7? Are you trusting God to protect you?

Philippians–Colossians 2:7

The Big Picture

Paul is in difficult circumstances when he writes to the Philippians–he is in jail, and realizes he might not have long to live. He writes a letter of thanks and encouragement to the believers in the church at Philippi, thanking them for sending Epaphroditus to minister to his needs. Chapter 2 is filled primarily with encouragement, chapter 3 with warnings, and chapter 4 with some final exhortations.

It appears that some heretical teachings about Christ were spreading in the city of Colossae, and the apostle Paul writes to warn against these teachings about “deeper spiritual knowledge.” Paul writes to say that Christ alone is all we need, and that He alone is the source of true wisdom and knowledge.

What to Watch For

In Philippians, notice Paul’s joyful attitude in the midst of his difficult circumstances.

In Colossians chapter 1, note the specifics of what Paul teaches about Christ (for example, in 1:16-17 Paul says Christ is the Creator and Sustainer of all things).

Practical Applications for Today

Philippians

We can still know joy even in difficult circumstances.

Unity in the church comes from putting other people first.

We are commanded not to worry, but to give all our anxieties to God.

Colossians

Christ is the source of everything we need in salvation and the Christian life. Christ is our sufficiency in all things.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 31st, 2006 at 9:07 am and is filed under Commentary, Study Tips and Articles. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.