Journaling: Genesis 40-42; Philippians 1-2
Example of accurate interpretation creating inspired application = Psa 127:1-5
Genesis 40
- Interpretation of all things belongs to God (i.e. how we discern and understand all general revelation sb according to/in agreement with God’s special revelation, 8).
- Dreams as messages from God has passed (are no more). All metaphysical physicians today are therefore fakes, false prophets and possibly demonic (1-23; Heb 1:1-2).
- Those who are faithful to God and wise according to His special revelation (i.e. the Bible) seek to serve and benefit others according to such wisdom (6-8).
- Faithfulness means telling people like it is (calling a spade a spade) (9-23).
Genesis 41
- Those who are wise according to God’s special revelation (i.e. the Bible) will serve before kings (i.e. have good/important jobs) (1-57; Pro 22:29).
- Having God’s perspective means realizing that the only circumstances that matter are those in our control (and that those out of our control do not matter) (chs 37, 39-40 w/ch 41; e.g. your physical form vs. your personality = 5% versus 95% = success).
- God oftentimes will use the great faithfulness of our past to establish great opportunities for us in the future (chs 37, 39-40 w/ch 41).
- Even fools seems wise when they keep silent rather than answering according to speculation (i.e. false knowledge – knowledge not based on sound evidence; 1Ti 6:20; Pro 17:28; Deu 19:15; 2Co 13:1).
- All kinds of people (believers and unbelievers) have been known to seek out and greatly bless those who understand God’s special revelation (i.e. the Bible) (14-15, 37-57).
- Long perseverance is what God often requires if we are to realize His greater blessings in this world (or the next) (46 w/Gen 37:2 = 13 yrs).
- Fruitfulness can come in times of affliction (52).
- God determines what the circumstances wb; we determine what our response wb to it (wisdom/folly, good/evil) (28-32 w/33-36).
- What God is establishing as reality in the present is for the good of His people in the future (ch 41 w/ch 42; Rom 8:28).
- God manipulates the affairs of nations for the sake of His people (ch 41 w/ch 42; Rom 8:28).
Genesis 42
- Not all forms of deceit are sinful (e.g. Joseph w/his bros – 7).
- God remembers His promises to those who are faithful (6-9 w/ch.37:5-9).
- God has been known to use crisis to move us in the direction of great blessing (1-38 = the crisis of food and a captive brother drive Jacob and his sons to Egypt and ultimately into the great blessing of Joseph).
- God has been known to use the fulfillment of a lesser need to lead people to the fulfillment of something much greater (1- 38 = food unto reunion w/Joseph; e.g. people seeking a spouse end up also receiving salvation).
- People may present themselves as something they know they are not (9-22 = “were are honest men” [versus] “In truth we are guilty concerning our brother…This is why this distress has come upon us…So now there comes a reckoning for his blood.”; 1Ti 5:22, 24-25).
- Though confession can indicate repentance, there must be time and testing before it is confirmed (21-24 w/15-20, 25).
- Sin is for a moment but the memory and pain lasts for a very long time (21-24 – Joseph “wept”; 36-38; 22 years have passed since Joseph was sold into slavery).
- Sin-filled families are fear and worry-filled families (4, 35-36, 38).
- God puts His money back in our sacks to see whether we will reveal ourselves to be “honest” and faithful or thieves (25-35; e.g. the tithe).
Philippians 1
- We should feel the most affection for – and be most committed to, those people/churches who care about defending and advancing the gospel (1-8).
- The love we exercise in relation to God and others sb based – and growing, in precision and facts (knowledge supported by sound evidence) versus preference/opinion and feelings since this is the key to choosing/doing those things which are pleasing to God (9-11; Deu 19:15; 2Co 13:1; 1Ti 6:20).
- We should strive to see how the God-ordained (versus self-inflicted) difficulties in our lives are being used – or can be used, to advance the gospel w/others (12-18).
- Prayer helps (18-19).
- Our decisions in life should not be based on what will keep us safe/alive, but what will most honor Christ and advance His kingdom (19-26).
- Standing firm in our gospel convictions, striving to see the gospel advanced and not fearing those who oppose us or avoiding gospel conflict is how we live in a “manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” and demonstrate ourselves to be saved (27-30).
Philippians 2
- The encouragement and comfort that comes from knowing that we are Christ’s and indwelt by the Holy Spirit is meant to motivate us to be : 1) the same in our convictions (1-2), 2) selfless in our care for each other (3-4), 3) sacrificial in our submission to God’s unique will for our lives (5-11).
- God’s worked His salvation in us w/the expectation that our attitude and behavior wb: 1) in agreement w/what pleases Him (12-13), 2) w/o complaining or fighting w/one another (14) 3) blameless, innocent and w/o blemish (15a) 4) in stark contrast to the wicked world around us (15b), 5) established on His Word (16a).
- Not maintaining our salvation according to God’s expectations will mean that our faith was in vain (16b).
- Putting lots of time and energy into our bros/sis to help them maintain their salvation: 1) is always a worthy endeavor (17-18), 2) means our interests are the same as Christ (i.e. we are imitators of Christ (19-21), 3) is one of the ways we serve the gospel (22), 4) sb among those things that causes us to honor a person (23-30).