To whom do we live? Whose will must be done? Whose name must be honored? Do we target our lives on self-satisfaction or do we focus upon the will, the Word, and the glory of God?
– Joel Beeke on Revelation 2:18-29 in Revelation
Author: Brian
Follower of Jesus, Husband, Dad, Grandpa, and Pastor
Sermon Songs: Revelation 2:18-29
Jesus your judge now consider, Live for Him fearing your King
Trust Him and patiently endure, Walk in love – humbly serving
Grow in these things, Hold fast to them
That you may hear: “Child, well done”
Do not tolerate false teaching, Guard your life, what you believe
We will one day reign with our King, and the Morning Star receive
Let those with ears, Come now and hear,
What the Spirit says to us
To the tune of “Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending”
Revelation Quote
When we indulge in worldly entertainments, worldly fashions, worldly materialism, and a worldly way of thinking, we are following the Thyatiran inclination to go beyond the borders of God’s Word and what conscience, based on that Word, allows.
– Joel Beeke on Revelation 2:18-29 in Revelation
Reflections on Proverbs 12-13
Which proverb especially speaks to your life situation today? How should you respond?
- The Wise and the Fool – A wise man listens to advice, but a fool only pays attention to his own ideas (12:15). The wise ignore an insult, but the fool gets angry (12:16). When are you tempted to act like a fool? How might you learn the wisdom found in these verses?
- Choice of Companions – Proverb 13:20 tells us we become like those we spend time with. If we spend time with the wise, we will grow wise. If we make fools our companions, we will become foolish. Who are you spending time with? In what direction are they leading you?
Revelation Quote
Christ does not consult our likes and preferences. He always knows what is going on, what to say, and how best to approach a church. That can be very comforting to those who cling to Him in faithfulness, but at the same time very disturbing for those who do not.
– Joel Beeke on Revelation 2:18-29 in Revelation
Singles Collection
Here are some helpful posts for singles:
Will I Be Single Forever? – Stephen Witmer (DG)
5 Tips for Maximizing Your Singleness – Marshall Segal (Crossway)
What Is the Gift of Singleness? – Tim Challies
Revelation Quote
The Lord Jesus has eyes that can burn through every conceivable façade and defense that we can devise to hide our true selves from others, eyes that penetrate right into our hearts. When his eyes are upon you, He sees right through you. He knows all things; nothing in my life is shielded from His gaze, even those things that I hide from myself. Nothing is hidden from Him.
– Joel Beeke on Revelation 2:18-29 in Revelation
Reflections on Proverbs 10-11
Which proverb especially speaks to your life situation today? How should you respond?
- The Righteous and the Wicked – Chapters 10-11 begin a number of short proverbs, many of which address the contrast between the righteous and the wicked. There is a general theme of blessing for the righteous, but trouble for the wicked. How have you seen this general truth to be true in your life? What exceptions have you seen?
- The Tongue – A good tongue gives life and wisdom; it feeds others. In what ways is your tongue like this? A bad tongue speaks too much, pouring out what is worthless and perverse, slandering and belittling others. When has your tongue been guilty of acting like this? Ask God to help you guard your tongue.
Proverbs 10-13: Way of the Righteous
(10-13) Describe the righteous person’s thoughts, words, and actions (10:11, 31-32; 11:5; 12:5, 10, 26; 13:5).
How well does that describe you? How do you need to change?
(10-13) What are some of the results of being righteous?
Give an example of when you have seen or experienced these general truths.
Have you seen exceptions to this general truth?
(10-13) How does Proverbs describe the sluggard (10:4-5, 26; 12:11, 24, 27; 13:4; see also 6:6-11)? What word pictures are used?
What lessons can we learn?
(10-13) Several proverbs in each chapter address our use of the tongue. Contrast the tongue of the wise (righteous) with the tongue of the fool (wicked):
Which tongue better describes your tongue? What changes do you need to make?
(10) Read v19. Why is this true? What application do you need to make?
(10-12) Read v10:11, 10:32, 11:9, 12:18. How can our words bring healing and give life? How can our words hurt and destroy? What lessons should we learn? What changes do we need to make?
Passion Points
Here are some good posts for your weekend reading:
The Many Ways God Changes Us – David Powlison (Crossway)
We live with a God who has many, many, many ways of meeting us, and it’s good to become aware of them all.
I Am the Center of the Universe – Jared Wilson
Either I am the center of the universe and you all don’t know, or — I am not the center of the universe and I am upset that you all know.
Get Outside Yourself in Suffering – Stacy Reaoch (DG)
As Christians we’re not exempt from serving others because we’re going through a difficult season of life, but instead we’re called to lift our eyes heavenward and trust our sovereign God to give us the needed grace to keep going.
A Spiritual Barometer Check – Jason Helopoulos (TCC)
One of the easiest ways to assess ourselves is to examine our love for all the saints. Do I love God’s people more today? If so, it is assuredly true that I also love Christ more. It is a good barometer of our spiritual health. One that I must seek to employ regularly for it does not lie. If I love God, I will love His people.
Hope you have a great Lord’s Day with your Lord and local church!
Brian J. Mikul 