Hidden (but not from God)

Monday, January 18, 2010: 1 Peter 3:3–4

Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

Background: the Apostle Peter writes a general letter to believers who were dispersed by Jewish persecution. Here he addresses women, but the word translated ‘person’ is ‘man’ in Greek text.

What is implied by ‘fine’ in italics? It is not there in the original text, but added. We have to wear clothing, but man sees the outward appearance while God sees the heart: that’s where the real beauty of a quiet and gentle spirit resides.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010: Mark 4:21–22

Also He said to them, “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light.

Background: Jesus Christ spoke to the crowds in parables from a boat just offshore. Then he spoke privately to his disciples, explaining the parables and using simple analogies.

What is the astounding revelation of this parable? God knows the mind of each person.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010: Matthew 6:6–7

But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.

Background: This is part of the Sermon on the Mount.

What are the two major implications of these verses? The first is that you should have a prayer closet. The second is that anyone using repetitions in prayer uselessly is like an unbeliever!

Thursday, January 21, 2010: Romans 2:12, 16

For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law … in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.

Background: This is part of the opening argument of the book of Romans where Paul tells that both those who attempt to gain heaven by following God’s perfect standard, the Law, and those who hope to do so by their good works (apart from God’s law) will be judged by their sins.

What will God judge? God will judge the secret sins of the heart by Jesus Christ.

Friday, January 22, 2010: 1 Corinthians 14:24–25

But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.

Background: Paul addresses two topics: speaking in unknown languages and prophesying in the Corinthian church. The believers were using the gift of languages to put on a show.

What does prophecy in the common language accomplish? An unbeliever is convicted of hidden sins and is brought to the knowledge of God.