Emmaus

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage” (Gal. 5:1 NKJV). The liberty (freedom) mentioned here by the apostle Paul is freedom from Jewish rites and ceremonies, properly called the “yoke of bondage;” and also liberty from the power and guilt of sin, which nothing but the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ can take away. So, he gave them two commands – be faithful and be free Be faithful – “Stand

“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” (Col. 2:8 NKJV). Here the apostle Paul gives a strong warning about a deadly peril that is quite common in our day. We need to pay attention to this verse. It tells us about the nature of the peril, the naming of the peril, and the negating of the peril. Nature of the peril - “Cheat.” The word mean

“For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice, that the Lord may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him” (Gen. 18:19 NKJV). Fatherhood is not merely a biological role; it is a divine calling. In Gen. 18:19, God reveals why He chose Abraham: because Abraham would lead his children and guide his household in the ways of the Lord. This verse is a blueprint for

“We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you” (Col. 1:3 NKJV). The greetings in the letters of the apostle Paul are often filled with many instructive comments. The greeting to Colossians is no different. Thus, we want to note the practice of Paul, the phrase of Paul, and the praying of Paul. Practice of Paul – “We give thanks to God.” The apostle Paul was in the habit of thanking God. This is a good habit which honors God. It also

“That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death” (Phil. 3:10 NKJV). The Apostle Paul desired to know four important things about the Lord Jesus Christ. They are the Person of Christ, the power of Christ, the pain of Christ, and the purpose of Christ. This desire of Paul is a most noble desire we all need to have. Person of Christ - “That I may know Him.” People know a lot of things, but much of what

“Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation” (Phil. 3:2 NKJV). When the Bible tells us three times in one verse to “beware,” we need to sit up and take notice; we need to take extra care when warned. Our verse warns us to beware of dogs, evil workers, and the mutilation. Beware of dogs – “Dogs” in Bible times were not the nice, cuddly, faithful pets that we are familiar with. Rather, “dogs” in Bible times were mostly vicious, untamed, and detestable an

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Eph. 6:11 NKJV). Describing the Christian’s life in terms of military language would have been readily understood by folks living back then since Rome was in power, and military might, strategy and apparel were commonplace. Thus, we want to note the protection for the soldiers, the performance of the soldiers, and the peril for the soldiers. Protection for the soldiers – “Put on t

“Not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart” (Eph. 6:6 NKJV). In the service of the Lord, motivation is important. It will not only determine the quality of our service, but it will determine how consistent our service will be. Our verse speaks of both the wrong motive and the right motive. Wrong motive - “Not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers.” Three things are said here about service done with the wrong motive.

“The older women likewise…that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children” (Titus 2:3-4 NKJV). Young women were almost always wives, because Jewish and Greco-Roman society generally frowned upon women’s singleness. Thus, it was customary for older women, especially mothers, to instruct their daughters in the ways of life (cf. Jer. 9:20). In Roman society, the mother’s chief duty to her daughter was to help her acquire the appropriate educati

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Eph. 2:13 NKJV). The Book of Ephesians gives many wonderful truths about salvation. Here in this verse, we want to note the person for salvation, the problem for salvation, the plan for salvation, and the product of salvation. Person for salvation – “Christ Jesus.” Salvation is all in the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no such thing as salvation outside of Christ. Acts 4:12 state