Perceptive

Laying hold of, attaining, or perceiving things.

Monday, October 13, 2008: Philippians 3:12–14

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Background: Paul is speaking about his new life in Christ, whom he previously persecuted.

What is the connection between the red words? They mean the same thing.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008: Romans 9:30–32

What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone.

What is still the stumbling stone still being set by many preachers? Following the law instead of pleasing God by faith.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008: Acts 4:13–14

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

Background: Peter and John were before the Sanhedrin because they healed the lame man and preached resurrection.

What was the big surprise to the learned Jews? Uneducated fishermen were speaking about spiritual truth with authority.

Thursday, October 16, 2008: John 12:35–36

Then Jesus said to them, “A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” These things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them.

What is the difference, according to Jesus Christ, between the sons of light and those who let darkness overtake them? The former attain the status by belief, not action: the latter by action, not belief.

Friday, October 17, 2008: 1 Thessalonians 5:2–4

For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief

Background Founded by Paul in his second missionary journey in A D 51, the young Church was standing up well under heavy persecution from the Jews. Paul encourages them with the message of the rapture in every chapter. This passage is widely read.

Is Paul’s admonition good today? Yes, we get so involved in the world, we do not see the end coming.