“Consider what I say” #2261

Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything (2 Timothy 2:7, NASB95).

Many are content to put confidence in their experiences and emotions. But faith does not come from our feelings, but from hearing God’s word. Feelings will mislead us when they are misinformed (Gen. 37:31-35). “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Prov. 14:12). Paul counseled Timothy to exercise his mind, contemplate his teachings, and receive understanding from the Lord. We are thankful that treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Christ and not ourselves (Col. 2:3). Wisdom and knowledge from Christ enriches our lives and leads us to heaven. Paul’s instruction to Timothy confirms the following: (1) We can understand God’s word (Eph. 3:3-4). Jesus taught this, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). (2) We must use our minds to understand God’s word. “I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation” (Ps. 119:99). Faith comes from hearing God’s word, so Paul said to consider what he said (Rom. 10:17; 1 Cor. 14:37). Meditate on God’s word to increase in understanding God’s will (1 Tim. 4:15; 2 Tim. 2:15). (3) Understanding God’s word leads people of faith to do God’s will. “Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart” (Ps. 119:34). (4) Understanding God’s truth leads people of faith to hate every false way. “Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way” (Ps. 119:104). Take time to read, learn, and meditate on God’s word, and “the Lord will give you understanding in everything” (2 Pet. 1:2-4).

Consider One Another #1867

24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24–25, NKJV)

The Lord wants Christians to perceive the spiritual needs of each other. Such is the force of “consider one another” in verse 24. By duly considering the spiritual welfare of our brethren we are able to stir up one another to greater love and good works. An avenue to obey this exhortation is given in verse 25. Participation in our worship assemblies positions us to consider each other and thereby provoke needed love and good works. Worship assemblies are occasions of homage to God that give us opportunities to exhort, encourage, comfort, and instruct each other (Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 14:26; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; Jas. 5:16). We are called to anticipate them as opportunities to exhort one another instead of abandoning worship assemblies for other activities. Whether the approaching “Day” of verse 25 is the day of assembled worship, the day of divine judgment against Jerusalem, or the final day of judgment (which we are inclined to believe in view of the subsequent judgment language, Heb. 10:26-31), one thing is apparent: It motivates us to assemble together so we can consider one another and provoke love and good works in each other. Willfully refusing to worship God with fellow Christians dishonors God and removes us from giving and receiving needed encouragement and instruction.

Consider Your Ways #913

2  “Thus speaks the Lord of hosts, saying: ‘This people says, “The time has not come, the time that the Lord’s house should be built.” ’ ” 3  Then the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, saying, 4  “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?” 5  Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: “Consider your ways!” (Haggai 1:2–5, NKJV)

The remnant of Israel had returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian exile more than fifteen years earlier. As the people settled in and refurbished their own houses, the temple of God was still in shambles. Instead of hastening to rebuild God’s house, the people made excuses as they ran to finish their own houses (Hag. 1:7-9). God’s prophet rebuked their negligence, prompting them to action (Hag. 1:14). Even now, there are Christians who are more concerned with their personal affairs than they are with the house of God, His church. They do not faithfully worship God nor put His business above their own. Consequently, God’s house (the church) lies in the ruin of neglect. If this describes you, then it is time to “consider your ways,” repent, and put the Lord’s will first, before your own interests.

Consider Your Ways #379

2  “Thus speaks the Lord of hosts, saying: ‘This people says, “The time has not come, the time that the Lord’s house should be built.” ’ ” 3  Then the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, saying, 4  “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?” 5  Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: “Consider your ways! 6  “You have sown much, and bring in little; You eat, but do not have enough; You drink, but you are not filled with drink; You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; And he who earns wages, Earns wages to put into a bag with holes.” 7  Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Consider your ways!” (Haggai 1:2–7)

The punishment of exile had past. God had returned a remnant of Israel from Babylon to Jerusalem. Now it was time to rebuild the temple, the house of God. But, the people delayed. They were more concerned with building their own houses. Their comfort came before God’s honor! God was not pleased and Israel did not receive a full measure of blessings. The lesson for us is clear. We must consider our ways and align our lives with the purposes of God. God’s people will not flourish as they could and should unless and until He has first place in their hearts and lives. As this year fades and another is on the horizon, consider your ways and bring them into agreement with God’s way, revealed in His Son, Jesus (Heb. 1:1-2; Jno. 14:6).