Thursday Devo
Scripture:
Proverbs 17
17 A friend loves at all times,
and a brother is born for adversity.
17 A friend loves at all times,
and a brother is born for adversity.
Commentary:
17:17. In Hebrew, “one who loves at all times” comes first and is followed by the descriptor, a “friend” (or “neighbor”). The comparison of “all times” in the first line and the times of “distress” in the second suggests that friends can, by choice, do what is expected of family. Here concerns of household and community are drawn together (cf. 17:13). The saying implicitly rebukes those who claim friendship but are nowhere to be found when they are needed.
Paul E. Koptak, Proverbs, The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2003), 438.
Paul E. Koptak, Proverbs, The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2003), 438.
Questions:
- When people are suffering, we need to STAY WITH them. It's important for us to not just show up and then disappear, but to stick with people for the long haul. Proverbs 17:17 says, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." It's important to note the difference in the terms "friend" and "brother." As believers, we are to live with one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. A brother is much more than just a friend. A brother is born for adversity. A brother is always there, no matter what. A brother is never just a fair-weather friend. Do you have other Christians in your life that you consider a brother or sister, that are much more than just friends? If not, how can you begin to build these vital relationships into your life?
- When it comes to discipleship, a good rule of thumb to check your relationships is that we all need fathers, brothers, and sons. In other words, we all need a spiritual father, someone more spiritually mature than we are, that is intentionally mentoring us and pouring into our lives. We all need brothers to have relationships with and follow Jesus with. We all need sons, or someone WE are intentionally mentoring or pouring into. Which of these relationships are lacking in your life? Is there anyone you could ask to fill these roles?
Pray:
- That your life would be full of brothers and sisters in Christ.
- That God would surround you with people that can point you towards Jesus.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
4. Can a person be good enough to go to heaven? No. Because Jesus rose from the dead, proving He is God, I believe a person is saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.
(John 1:12, 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 4:1-25, 5:1-2, 6-11, 6:23, 10:1-4, 10:9; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:1-9; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Titus 3:4-7)
(John 1:12, 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 4:1-25, 5:1-2, 6-11, 6:23, 10:1-4, 10:9; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:1-9; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Titus 3:4-7)
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