1.Why do you think so many people struggle with the concept of divine wrath? What helps you understand it?

Many people have difficulty with the concept of divine wrath because it is often compared to human anger, which is impulsive, emotional, and often unjust. The idea that a loving God could be angry seems contradictory to many. Here are some reasons and ways to better understand the concept:

Why People Struggle with It:

1. False Comparisons with Human Anger:

   • Since human anger is often motivated by selfishness, injuries, or revenge, it is hard to imagine divine wrath as just and loving.

2. One-Sided Image of God:

   • Many envision God solely as a loving Father and overlook that His love is inseparable from His justice.

3. Fear of Punishment:

   • The concept of God’s wrath can be perceived as threatening because it is associated with punishment and rejection.

4. Abuse of Religious Teachings:

   • Some people have experienced God’s wrath as overemphasized or abusively used by others to instill fear.

What Helps Understand It:

1. Divine Wrath as an Expression of Love and Justice:

   • God’s wrath is not directed against people but against the evil that harms and destroys them. It serves as protection against all that destroys His creation.

     • Example: A loving parent reacts angrily to something that harms their child—the anger stems from love, not hatred.

2. God’s Wrath is Never Arbitrary:

   • The Bible shows that God’s wrath always follows patience, warnings, and calls to repentance. It is a consequence, not a whim (2 Chronicles 36:16).

3. God’s Wrath Leads to Healing:

   • He does not seek to destroy but to restore everything. The goal is to eliminate evil so that love and justice can prevail.

4. The Cross as an Example:

   • At the cross, God’s wrath against sin became visible, but so did His love as Jesus bore our punishment. This helps us understand that God’s wrath and love work hand in hand to bring about redemption.

Reflection for Daily Life:

When we understand that God’s wrath against evil stems from His love, we recognize it as not a sign of rejection but an expression of His care and desire for healing. It also helps us receive grace more gratefully and be more merciful to others.

2.What problems arise when people seek revenge, but never when God seeks it?

When people seek revenge, serious problems often arise from our limited nature and flawed motives. However, these problems do not occur when God seeks justice because His wrath is perfectly just, loving, and healing. Here is a comparison:

Problems When People Seek Revenge:

1. Imperfect Justice:

   • People often see only part of the truth and judge from a limited perspective. As a result, their revenge is rarely just and can even harm the innocent.

     • Example: A dispute escalates because both sides only seek to blame the other.

2. Emotionally Driven:

   • Human revenge is often driven by anger, pride, fear, or hatred instead of reason or compassion.

     • Emotions can lead to overreactions that cause more harm than the original wrongdoing.

3. Endless Conflicts:

   • Revenge rarely resolves conflicts but often creates a vicious cycle of retaliation. One wrong leads to another, and the cycle never ends.

     • Example: Blood feuds or long-standing family disputes.

4. Lack of Forgiveness:

   • Human revenge often prevents forgiveness and reconciliation. It widens the gap between parties instead of healing it.

5. Self-Destruction:

   • Revenge can internally destroy the avenger, leaving bitterness and unrest.

     • As the saying goes, “He who seeks revenge should dig two graves—one for himself.”

Why These Problems Do Not Occur with God:

1. Perfect Justice:

   • God knows all circumstances, backgrounds, and motivations. His judgment is always fair and targets only evil, never the innocent (Deuteronomy 32:4).

   • His justice aims not solely at punishment but at restoring order and peace.

2. Driven by Love, Not Emotions:

   • God’s wrath is never impulsive or emotional. It stems from His love and targets evil, not people.

     • Example: His goal is healing, not destruction (Ezekiel 18:23).

3. Ending Evil, Not Escalating It:

   • God’s intervention stops evil rather than exacerbating it. His wrath is the final judgment that brings no further wrongdoing.

4. Forgiveness and Grace Remain:

   • God’s wrath is always accompanied by grace and forgiveness. He allows room for repentance and salvation (Romans 2:4). People can turn away from evil and experience reconciliation.

5. Restoration Instead of Destruction:

   • God’s judgment always aims to renew the world and create peace. His wrath brings redemption and healing, not chaos.

Lesson for Our Daily Life and Faith:

• Trust in God’s Justice:

  • Instead of seeking revenge, we can trust that God will judge evil perfectly, lovingly, and finally.

• Practice Patience:

  • Romans 12:19 reminds us to leave vengeance to God: “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”

• Respond with Grace:

  • We are called to love our enemies and overcome evil with good (Romans 12:20) because God is gracious to us.

• Promote Reconciliation:

  • Unlike human revenge, which divides, we can promote healing and unity through forgiveness and love.

3.In what way was God’s judgment over Israel after the rebellion with the golden calf also an example of divine mercy? What other examples in Scripture show that even God’s judgment is an act of love?

God’s Judgment Over Israel After the Rebellion with the Golden Calf as an Example of Divine Mercy

The rebellion of Israel with the golden calf (Exodus 32) clearly shows that even God’s judgment is marked by His mercy and love. Although the people sinned severely, God showed grace by not annihilating the entire nation as their guilt deserved. Here are some key points that highlight God’s mercy amidst His judgment:

1. God Responds with Grace to Moses’ Intercession

• After the people worshiped the golden calf, God announced His intention to destroy Israel and make a new nation through Moses (Exodus 32:10). However, Moses interceded, reminding God of His promises and character.

• God was moved by Moses’ intercession and spared the entire nation, even though they had collectively rebelled against Him. This shows that God is willing to show mercy when people repent sincerely or when intercession is made on their behalf.

2. Judgment Does Not Affect the Entire People

• Instead of destroying the entire nation, God’s judgment targeted those actively involved in idolatry. This targeted punishment served to cleanse the people and protect them from further sin.

• Only 3,000 people were killed by the sword of the Levites (Exodus 32:28). Considering the size of Israel, this was a small portion of the people, demonstrating God’s mercy.

3. God’s Continued Presence

• Despite their sin, God remained with His people. He promised to continue leading them and renewed His covenant with them (Exodus 34). This shows that God’s goal was not destruction but the restoration of the relationship.

Other Biblical Examples Where God’s Judgment is an Act of Love

God’s judgment is portrayed in other parts of the Bible as an expression of His love. It serves to curb evil, demonstrate His justice, and lead people to repentance:

1. The Flood (Genesis 6–9)

• The Flood was a judgment on humanity’s wickedness. However, God showed mercy by saving Noah and his family, renewing humanity through them.

• God set the rainbow as a sign of His covenant never to destroy the earth with a flood again (Genesis 9:11–17).

2. Nineveh and Jonah (Jonah 3–4)

• God’s judgment on Nineveh was threatened, but when the city’s inhabitants repented, He spared them. This shows that God’s judgment always leaves room for repentance.

3. The Exile and Return of Israel (Jeremiah 29:10–14)

• The Babylonian exile was a consequence of Israel’s repeated rebellion. However, God promised to bring them back and restore them. His judgment aimed to purify and renew rather than destroy.

4. The Cross of Jesus Christ

• The cross is the ultimate example of God’s judgment as an act of love. Jesus bore God’s judgment on sin so that we could receive forgiveness and new life. God’s wrath was not removed but fulfilled, and His abundant grace was revealed.

Lessons for Our Daily Life and Faith:

1. Trust in God’s Love in Judgment:

   • Even when we face difficulties or consequences for our mistakes, we can trust that God approaches us with love and desires our repentance.

2. Repentance as a Response:

   • God’s judgment invites us to repent and renew our relationship with Him. It is never the final word but an opportunity for a fresh start.

3. Intercession:

   • Moses showed how powerful intercession can be. We too can stand in prayer for others and seek God’s mercy for them.

4. Extend God’s Patience:

   • If God is patient despite our faults, we should reflect this patience in our relationships and treat others with grace.

Conclusion

God’s judgment is never mere punishment but always an opportunity for repentance and restoration. His mercy permeates even the harshest judgments. For us, this means trusting in God’s love amid challenges, responding by drawing closer to Him, repenting, and encouraging others to do the same.

4.How important is it for us not to judge others, even when we know that God is outraged by evil and judges with perfect justice? Discuss this especially in the context of 1 Corinthians 4:5.

Not Judging, but Leaving Judgment to God

1 Corinthians 4:5 states:

“Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.”

This verse highlights the importance of not judging others, as only God can judge perfectly justly. Here are the key points why it is crucial for us to live with a non-judgmental heart:

1. God Alone Knows the Hearts

• People See the Outside: We often judge based on outward actions or appearances, but only God sees the hidden intentions and motivations of a person. Our judgment is inherently limited and incomplete (1 Samuel 16:7).

• God’s Judgment is Perfect: He knows not only the actions but also the backgrounds, struggles, and weaknesses of individuals. Only He can judge justly.

2. Judgment Leads to Pride

• We Are Sinners Ourselves: When we judge others, we often overlook our own sinfulness. Jesus warns against the “speck and the plank” mentality (Matthew 7:1–5). Instead of pointing out others’ faults, we should examine our own hearts and remain humble.

• Extend Grace: We live only by God’s grace. Recognizing this should lead us to extend the same grace to others rather than hastily judging them (James 2:13).

3. Judgment Can Be Destructive

• Judgments Create Division: When we judge people instead of correcting them in love, we can destroy relationships and contribute to their turning away from God.

• God Leads to Repentance: God’s goal is to lead people to repentance and restoration (2 Peter 3:9). We should aim to encourage others to turn to God in love rather than expose or punish them.

4. Judgment Contradicts Jesus’ Example

• Jesus Did Not Judge Hastily: When the Pharisees condemned the woman caught in adultery, Jesus showed compassion and called her to repentance instead (John 8:1–11). This example teaches us that our goal should not be judgment but healing and restoration.

• Following Jesus: As followers of Christ, we should reflect His mercy and patience. Our task is to show love and leave ultimate judgment to God.

Practical Applications for Our Lives:

1. Be Patient:

   • Before judging, pause and pray. Ask God to give you wisdom and show you how to view the situation with love and compassion.

2. Maintain Humility:

   • Remember that we are not called to be judges. Instead, remind ourselves that we are saved only by God’s grace.

3. Encourage Rather Than Criticize:

   • When pointing out someone’s mistake, do so in love with the intention to help, not to judge.

4. Trust God:

   • It can be challenging to see injustice without judging, but we can trust that God will judge perfectly in His time and way.

Conclusion

It is not our task to judge others. Instead, we should live in humility and love, being aware that only God can judge justly, and trust that He will bring everything to light. By changing our attitude and refraining from judgment, we can reflect God’s love and mercy in an often judgmental world.

Final Conclusion

God’s grace and compassion are not only a comfort for our own lives but an invitation to share them with others. By practicing mercy and patience, we honor God’s character and contribute to healing and peace in a broken world. Our daily lives become places where God’s love is visible—in our words, actions, and decisions.
Those who have experienced God’s infinite grace should reflect it like a mirror—with compassion, forgiveness, and love for everyone they encounter.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-5-the-wrath-of-divine-love-5-7-questions-the-god-of-love-and-justice-living-faith/

February 1, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – 1 Thessalonians Chapter 4

¹ Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

² For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.

³ For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

⁴ That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

⁵ Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

⁶ That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.

⁷ For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

⁸ He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

⁹ But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

¹⁰ And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;

¹¹ And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

¹² That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.

¹³ But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

¹⁵ For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

¹⁶ For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

¹⁷ Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

¹⁸ Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

The fourth chapter of the First Epistle to the Thessalonians contains two central themes: the exhortation to sanctification and the hope of the resurrection of the dead. Paul encourages the believers to live in such a way as to please God, to keep themselves away from impurity, and to grow in love and diligence. At the same time, he offers comfort in the face of death by reminding them that believers have a secure hope in the return of Christ and the resurrection of the deceased. This section speaks directly to the lives of Christians both ethically and eschatologically.

Commentary

Paul emphasizes the importance of a holy way of life as a sign of following Jesus. Sanctification is not a one-time action but a continuous process in which the believer increasingly aligns his life with God’s will. He particularly highlights the need for purity in one’s personal life and respectful interactions with others, especially in business dealings and interpersonal relationships.

In the second half of the chapter, Paul directs the focus to the hope of the believers: the resurrection of the dead at the return of Christ. This is a fundamental comfort for Christians who have lost loved ones. The belief in Jesus’ death and resurrection provides the assurance that even those who have fallen asleep in Christ are not lost. The idea of being caught up together with them to be with Christ forever is a powerful encouragement for every believer.

This section reminds us that our lives are sustained by God’s plan both in the present and in the future. Sanctification and the hope in the return of Christ are inextricably linked.

Summary

1.Call to Sanctification – Paul urges the believers to live in purity and honor, to avoid immorality, and to practice brotherly love.

2.Practical Lifestyle – A quiet, diligent life is recommended in order to serve as an example to outsiders and to avoid dependency.

3.Comfort and Hope – Believers are encouraged not to be sorrowful over the dead but to live in the hope of the resurrection.

4.Return of Christ – Jesus will return, and those who have fallen asleep in Christ will be the first to rise. Afterwards, the living will be united with them and will be with the Lord forever.

Paul concludes with an encouragement: These words are meant to comfort the believers and give them strength until the Lord returns.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 2—The Sinner’s Need of Christ
Read online here

 

Commentary

Introduction

Chapter 2 vividly describes the state of humanity after the fall of man. It shows how humanity was separated from God and, in its weakness, incapable of freeing itself from the bondage of sin. Through disobedience, the originally noble capabilities of humans were corrupted, and selfishness replaced love. In this state, the dependence of humans on God’s grace and the necessity of redemption through Christ are emphasized. The chapter makes it clear that only through Christ is the restoration of the connection with God possible, as He is the sole mediator between heaven and earth.

Commentary

This chapter presents the profound truth that humanity is lost without divine intervention. The original state of man, characterized by holiness, love, and fellowship with God, was radically altered by the fall of man. Humanity lost its spiritual strength and became a prisoner of sin and Satan. This estrangement from God not only led to a lack of joy in holiness but also to a departure from fellowship with God. The idea that a sinner could not experience joy even in heaven, as their inclinations and motives are entirely opposed to heavenly ones, is particularly striking. This illustrates that redemption is not merely a legal act but an inner transformation of the heart.

A central element of the chapter is the recognition that humans, by their own power, are unable to escape sin. Education, moral efforts, or external rituals cannot change the heart. This highlights the absolute necessity of God’s intervention through Christ. The description of Christ serving as the mediator between heaven and earth, bridging the gap caused by sin, is a powerful metaphorical depiction of the work of redemption. This connection is restored through Christ, who links fallen humanity with the source of divine power.

Another significant point is the notion that all human efforts toward progress or moral refinement are futile without Christ. Humans can only achieve true holiness and fellowship with God through His grace. The section also demonstrates God’s love, manifested in the sacrifice of His Son. This love is stronger than death and reveals the highest price that God was willing to pay to redeem humanity.

Finally, the chapter earnestly appeals to the reader not to disregard God’s redemptive grace. It calls for the recognition of God’s patience and efforts to restore fallen humanity. The idea that stronger measures than the sacrifice of Jesus could not have been employed underscores the urgency and depth of divine love. The chapter urges believers to reciprocate this love, surrender their lives to Christ, and accept the offered fellowship with God.

Summary

Chapter 2 describes the lost state of humanity after the fall of man and its complete dependence on God’s grace for redemption. Humanity, which originally lived in holiness and fellowship with God, became estranged through sin and unable to free itself. The gap between God and man could only be bridged by Christ, the mediator, who restores the connection between heaven and earth and offers new life to humanity. The chapter emphasizes the necessity of an inner transformation through Christ’s grace and showcases the infinite love of God, revealed in the sacrifice of His Son. It calls the reader to accept this grace and fully surrender to God in order to receive the gift of redemption and return to fellowship with Him.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/01-02-2025-1-thessalonians-chapter-4-believe-his-prophets/