Scripture:
2 Thessalonians 3:6-13; Galatians 6:7-10
Mon, 14 November 2022

Doing Good in the Spirit

Observation:

What do these texts say about doing good?

Deeper Reflection
THE THESSALONIANS WHO REFUSED TO WORK BUT LIVED in idleness persisted in being clients in the pervasive “institution of patronage” and “depended on their rich patrons, receiving benefits from them such as food, money and representation”22. And Paul is calling the Christian patrons in the church not to be obliged to continue supporting these people.23 It is in this context (vv.6-12) that Paul gives this exhortation: “Do not grow weary in doing good” (v.13).Paul is instructing the Christian patrons that, while they are to stop supporting the idlers, they should continue “in doing good” by helping those who are truly in need and deserving. And he exhorts them not to grow weary in this “doing good”. What Paul is saying in this context is: “Do not become so exasperated by the troublesome conduct of a few loafers that you begin to tire of exercising charity with respect to those who are deserving. Don’t let a few people who neglect their duty keep you from doing yours. Never grow tired in doing what is right, honourable and excellent.”24The “doing good” does not refer just specifically to giving to the poor, but “performing what accords with God’s will in every walk of life”25. We are to “do good” to “all people”, and “especially” fellow believers in God’s family (Gal 6:10). We may grow weary when we don’t see any returns. Disappointment over unmet expectations breeds this growing weariness. But we should not when we “do good” in “the Spirit”, because “in due time” – God’s time – we will reap fruits that are eternal (Gal 6:8-9).22 Gene L. Green, 342; see Devotional Journal 2022, November 2 entry 23 Gene L. Green, 342 24 William Hendrickson, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus, New Testament Commentary (The Banner of Truth Trust, 1955), 204 25 William Hendrickson, 204
Application:

How can I not grow weary in doing good?

Prayer:
God, I thank You that You have saved me by Your grace and created me in Christ for good works, by which I may shine as light that You may be glorified.21 Strengthen my heart to persevere in doing good and not grow weary when it looks like and I feel that I am serving in vain, and be assured in You that in due time I will reap what I have sown.
21 Ephesians 2:8-10; Matthew 5:16
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for leaders
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Scripture:
Daniel 10: 4-19
Sat, 30 September 2023

Strengthened by the Divine Touch

Observation:

What is the significance of the repetition of the terms “strength” and
“strengthen” in Daniel’s encounter with God (vv.8, 16, 17, 18, 19)?

Deeper Reflection
When God sent His Word to Daniel in a vision, it was he “alone saw” the “great vision” (vv.7-8). It was a special privilege of divine sovereign grace. The vision was also a vision of God’s holiness and glory manifested in the awesome appearance of a heavenly being (vv.5-6). Daniel was so utterly overwhelmed by the divine vision, that “no strength was left in me” (v.8). The description, “no strength”, is emphatically repeated four times in Daniel’s encounter with God (vv.8, 16, 17). We may not experience such an utterly overwhelming encounter with God like Daniel’s, but we do experience “no strength was left in me” in utterly overwhelming adversities like being “afflicted in every way” (2 Cor 1:8; 4:8-9).When we have “no strength”, we need the divine touch. God responded to Daniel’s fourfold “no strength” with a threefold divine touch (vv.10, 16, 18): He “touched me again and strengthened me”. When we are so greatly afflicted, that we feel no strength is left in us, and yet we persevere in faithfulness, it is because we are being “strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of great endurance and patience” (Col 1:11). Note the intensity and immensity of this divine power at work in us! This is the divine touch of “the surpassing greatness of power” from God (2 Cor 4:7-9). But we feel the physical and emotional pains more than the Spiritual power. The greater is our suffering, the greater will be the strength from God in us, and the greater will be our steadfastness in God.
Application:

What is my experience of the Word of God and spiritual warfare like in my
discipleship journey?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for Church Board: To know God’s power that is perfected in weaknesses
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

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