Welcome to Day 2715 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Day 2715 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 87:1-7 – Daily Wisdom

Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script – Day 2715

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2715 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

Today’s podcast title is: Zion’s Global Citizenship – The Mother of All Nations – A Trek Through Psalm 87:1-7

Today, we embark on a truly extraordinary trek through Psalm 87, covering its entirety, verses 1 through 7, in the New Living Translation. This psalm, though short, contains one of the most magnificent and radical prophetic visions in all of Scripture: the expansion of God’s people to include all nations, with Zion as their spiritual birthplace.

After the personal laments of David in Psalm 86, where he affirmed that “You alone are God” and prayed for a sign of divine favor, Psalm 87 gives us the cosmic answer. God’s universal sovereignty, which David proclaimed, is revealed here as a sovereign plan to bring all the nations that worshiped those “pagan gods” (Psalm 86:8) into the fold of His redeemed people. It transforms the physical city of Jerusalem into the spiritual mother of a global family.

This psalm offers a breathtaking vision of inclusivity, unity, and hope. It assures us that God’s plan is not confined to one place or one people, but extends to encompass the entire world.

So, let’s open our hearts to this global, prophetic masterpiece and grasp the meaning of Zion’s ultimate citizenship.

• This first section is: The Foundation of God’s Global Home

Psalm 87:1-3

On the holy mountain stands the city founded by the Lord. He loves the city of Jerusalem more than any other city in Israel. O city of God, glorious things are said of you! Interlude

The psalm begins by firmly establishing the foundation and significance of God’s chosen city: “On the holy mountain stands the city founded by the Lord.” This refers, of course, to Mount Zion, the site of Jerusalem and the Temple. This city’s foundation is unique: it was “founded by the Lord.” This wasn’t merely a strategic military outpost; it was a sovereign choice by God, making it the center of His earthly operations and the place where He chose to place His name. This Divine choice elevates Jerusalem above every other place.

The psalmist emphasizes the depth of God’s affection for this city: “He loves the city of Jerusalem more than any other city in Israel.” While God certainly loved all His covenant people and their territories, Jerusalem, where His Temple was located, held a unique and profound place in His heart. This divine love is the source of the city’s power and destiny.

And the result of this divine foundation and affection is its glorious reputation: “O city of God, glorious things are said of you! Interlude” The “glorious things” (niphla’ot) are God’s wondrous deeds and promises. This declaration is a prophetic forecast of Zion’s future fame, where its status as God’s chosen dwelling place would be known and celebrated throughout the world. The very title, “city of God,” elevates it into the realm of the eternal and the transcendent, connecting it to the heavenly reality where God holds His divine council—making it the spiritual capital of the universe.

The “Interlude” gives us a moment to contemplate this powerful truth: the physical city of Jerusalem is the object of God’s unique love and the starting point for His global plan.

• The second section is: The Radical Vision of Global Citizenship

Psalm 87:4-6

I will record among those who acknowledge me the names of those in Rahab and Babylon, Philistia and Tyre, and even distant Ethiopia. “This one was born in Zion!” And it will be said of Jerusalem, “Everyone enjoys the rights of citizenship here.” And the Most High will personally bless this city. The Lord will record in the register of nations: “This one was born in Zion!”

This is where the psalm shifts from mere geography to radical theology. God Himself speaks here, laying out His inclusive plan for the nations: “I will record among those who acknowledge me the names of those in Rahab and Babylon, Philistia and Tyre, and even distant Ethiopia.”

This list of nations is deliberately shocking to the ancient Israelite ear. These are not friendly neighbors; they are traditional, often brutal, enemies and world powers that threatened or oppressed Israel.

• Rahab is a poetic, symbolic name for Egypt, Israel’s ancient master and oppressor.
• Babylon was the city of exile, the destroyer of the Temple.
• Philistia and Tyre were long-standing local adversaries.
• Ethiopia (Cush) represented the distant, unknown limits of the earth.

By saying He will “record” their names among those who acknowledge Him, God is prophesying that salvation will reach even the fiercest of Israel’s enemies and the furthest reaches of the world. He will enroll them, granting them covenant status.

The central declaration of the psalm follows, redefining spiritual identity: “This one was born in Zion!” This is the miraculous claim. Citizens of these formerly hostile nations—Egyptians, Babylonians, Philistines—will be granted the highest spiritual honor: they will be declared “born in Zion.” In the ancient world, to be born in a city granted you citizenship, rights, and privileges. The psalmist is saying that God will grant spiritual citizenship in Zion to those who were previously outsiders and enemies.

The prophecy continues, underscoring the universal scope of this spiritual birthplace: “And it will be said of Jerusalem, ‘Everyone enjoys the rights of citizenship here.’ And the Most High will personally bless this city.” The blessing is no longer exclusive; “Everyone” (kol) who turns to God will share in the privileges of Zion. This establishes Jerusalem, the city of God, as the spiritual capital where all peoples, regardless of their physical origin, can claim their true spiritual birthright. This is a beautiful foreshadowing of the New Covenant, where all believers, whether Jew or Gentile, are citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22). And because of this divine action, “the Most High will personally bless this city.”

• The third section is: The Triumph of Zion’s Fountain

Psalm 87:7

The singers and dancers will say, “All my fresh springs are in Zion.”

The psalm concludes with a vibrant image of celebration and a final, profound affirmation of Zion’s ultimate role: “The singers and dancers will say, ‘All my fresh springs are in Zion.'” This is a scene of joyous worship, where those who have been redeemed, including the former enemies now recognized as citizens of Zion, express their gratitude through music and movement.

The final phrase, “All my fresh springs are in Zion,” is the summary statement of this global restoration. In the ancient world, a spring was the source of life, fertility, and refreshment, far more valuable than a mere cistern or well. The psalmist declares that the ultimate source of spiritual life, vitality, cleansing, and joy is not in the Nile (Egypt), the Euphrates (Babylon), or the rain, but entirely in Zion. All that sustains us, all that renews us, all that gives us life and purpose, flows from the presence of God found in His chosen city.

This contrasts sharply with the desperate pleas for God’s presence in previous laments. In Psalm 80, the people cried out for the divine Gardener to return to His vineyard and restore their springs. Here, Psalm 87 assures us that the spring is eternal and will be shared by all the nations. The physical place of God’s dwelling has become the spiritual wellspring for the world.

Psalm 87, in its entirety, is a magnificent revelation of God’s universal heart. It transitions from the national focus of earlier psalms to a global vision where God’s love breaks down barriers of hostility, grants spiritual citizenship to former enemies, and establishes Zion as the mother city from which all spiritual life flows. It is the ultimate answer to the humble plea for God’s favor: God’s favor is indeed for all who trust in Him.

What profound wisdom can we draw from this extraordinary psalm for our Wisdom-Trek today?

Firstly, this psalm validates the truth that God is a God of global inclusion. His power and salvation are not tribal or national; they extend to all nations, even those we consider our greatest enemies. This is the heart of God’s redemptive plan.

Secondly, it reminds us that our true identity is spiritual, not geographic. Our lineage is defined by our spiritual birthplace, our citizenship in the city of God. No matter where we are physically, we can claim the rights and privileges of Zion, the place where God’s presence dwells.

Thirdly, the image of “fresh springs” teaches us where to draw our sustenance. Our true source of life, joy, and spiritual renewal is only found in the presence of God. We must continually turn our hearts toward Him, knowing that all good things flow from that divine wellspring.

Finally, this psalm gives us a prophetic hope: a vision of unity where people from every hostile background—Rahab, Babylon, Philistia—will stand together, declaring that they were “born in Zion.” Our ultimate destiny is not separation, but a glorious, unified chorus of global praise.

Let us live today as citizens of Zion, drawing deeply from its fresh springs, and proclaiming the glorious things said of the city of our God.

If you found this podcast insightful, please subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal. As we take this Trek of life together, let us always: Live Abundantly… Love Unconditionally… Listen Intentionally… Learn Continuously… Lend to others Generously… Lead with Integrity… Leave a Living Legacy Each Day…

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to, ‘Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and, ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!

Welcome to Day 2714 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Day 2714 – A Discerning Life – Dealing With Deceivers 1 John 2:18-27

Putnam Church Message – 09/14/2025

Sermon Series: 1, 2, & 3 John

“A Discerning Life: Dealing with Deceivers”

Two weeks ago, we explored 1 John 2:12-17 as we learned how to live a ‘Clean Life’ with “Strong Warnings About the World.”

This week, we continue through the letter of 1 John, and we will explore how to have A Discerning Life: Dealing with Deceivers” from 1 John 2:18-27 from the NIV, which is found on page 1900 of your Pew Bibles.

Warnings Against Denying the Son

¹⁸ Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour. ¹⁹ They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.

²⁰ But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.^[a] 21 I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth. ²² Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist—denying the Father and the Son. ²³ No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.

²⁴ As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. ²⁵ And this is what he promised us—eternal life.

²⁶ I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. ²⁷ As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.

Opening Prayer

As we continue in John’s first letter, the tone shifts from serious to severe. The warnings against sin and the world in the previous section now give way to portents of spiritual dangers—often invisible—that can lure unbelievers to hell and send a Christian’s faith skidding into the ditch.

The specter of spiritual deception doesn’t have to win. Just as Spirit-enabled fellowship with the Father and the Son produces a joyful life (1:1–10) and a clean life (2:1–17), it also produces a discerning life (2:18–4:6). A close relationship with God requires an understanding of His truth. All too often, though, even seemingly mature Christians struggle to discern between true doctrine and false teaching, between right and wrong, between walking in the light and walking in darkness.

In this third section, John warns about the coming of “antichrists” (2:18), urges his readers to diligently “test the spirits” (4:1), and reminds them of the “anointing” of the Spirit that seals them with deep-down conviction of the essential truths of the Christian faith (2:20, 27). In our deceptive world, filled with demon-led deceivers, discerning Christians must stand together in fellowship around the truth.

Think about a time in your life when you were deceived. Some of you might think back to a time when you were deceived by someone close to you. A friend, a family member, a long-term boyfriend or girlfriend, a spouse, or a business partner proved to be someone other than who you thought they were. And the pain of living with that deception is almost more than you can bear to think about even today.

Maybe you have been deceived by a marketing or sales scam. That happens all the time. Sometimes people get cheated out of just a few bucks; other times, people lose their entire life savings to smooth-talking charlatans who get fat and rich by swindling hundreds of people. Sometimes you buy something you think is genuine only to learn later that it’s a cheap knockoff. The “great deal” you thought you got turned out to be a total rip-off.

Then there’s spiritual or religious deception. This is the worst kind. Any deception can break your heart, mind, and bank, but this kind can crush your soul. A hypocritical pastor … an abusive church … or an outright cult—these can cause long-term psychological and spiritual damage in a person’s life. Such toxic deception can even lead to a disavowal of all religion, a rejection of God, and a hatred for His authentic people. How tragic!

1 John 2:18–27 introduces a new set of sinister figures in the world of spiritual darkness. False teachers called “antichrists,” who foreshadow an ultimate end-times “Antichrist,” were already on the prowl in John’s day. This was a sure sign that God’s final countdown toward judgment had begun. Now, more than ever, believers must live with their eyes wide open to the wiles of the devil and their feet firmly fixed on the solid rock of God’s truth. Only then will they be equipped for dealing with deceivers.

2:18–19

I’m speculating here, but if we could have caught a glimpse of the goings-on in the spiritual world as John dipped his stylus in his inkwell and scratched out the words of 1 John 2:18-19, my guess is we’d see a host of demons going from rattled to panicked. Why? Deceivers hate to be exposed. They love to operate under the radar, spreading false doctrines, twisting the truth, and exploiting the spiritually weak. But the apostle John boldly launches a tell-all exposé of the devil’s cunning strategies of deception.

John begins by reminding believers that with the coming of false teachers, dawn is on the horizon because, as he said in 2:8, “ For the darkness is disappearing, and the true light is already shining.” John can thus say in 2:18, “Dear children, the last hour is here.”

Warren Wiersbe explains the image of the “last hour” well: All Old Testament history prepared the way for Christ’s work on the Cross. All history since that time is merely preparation for “the end,” when Jesus will come and establish His kingdom.… “The last hour” began back in John’s Day and has been growing in intensity ever since. There were ungodly false teachers in John’s day, and during the intervening centuries, they have increased both in number and in influence. “The last hour” or “the last times” are phrases that describe a kind of time, not a duration of time.… In other words, Christians have always been living in “the last time”—in crisis days.

According to John, this “last hour” between Christ’s first and second comings is like an inky predawn inhabited by shadowy agents of evil. He calls these figures “antichrists” (2:18). The Greek term antichristos [500], used here for the first time in Christian literature, is a compound of two words: anti [473], meaning “in place of” or “against,” and christos [5547], “Messiah” or “Christ.” The ambiguity may be purposeful. While all “antichrists” are opposed to Christ and His teachings, some antichrists go so far as to claim to be a messiah, thus opposing the true Christ by seeking to replace Him.

Whereas the apostle Paul dwelt on the future Antichrist in 2 Thessalonians 2, the apostle John emphasizes the current antichrists in 1 John 2. What can we learn about these deceivers from John’s letter?

First, false teachers are plentiful (1 Jn. 2:18). By the end of the first century, the apostle John could say “many such antichrists have appeared.” Already by John’s day a well-educated man named Cerinthus had taught that this physical world had been made by a lesser god, much inferior to the primary God. Concerning Jesus, Cerinthus taught that He was just the natural son of Mary and Joseph. He asserted that though Jesus was more righteous than others, He didn’t become infused by the spirit of Christ until His baptism, when the heavenly “Christ” descended upon Jesus to use Him as a mouthpiece to proclaim the unknown Father. What rubbish!

The Apostle John was familiar with Cerinthus and his false teachings, and he responded to them boldly and decisively. In fact, Irenaeus of Lyons, a disciple of Polycarp of Smyrna, who had himself been a disciple of John, relayed this account from his former teacher: “John, the disciple of the Lord, going to bathe at Ephesus, and perceiving Cerinthus within, rushed out of the bath-house without bathing, exclaiming, ‘Let us fly, lest even the bath-house fall down, because Cerinthus, the enemy of the truth, is within.’ ”

We know from historical accounts and the warnings about false teachers in the New Testament that numerous additional heresies already existed in the first century. Since that time, the antichrists have continued to multiply, spreading their seeds of false teaching far and wide.

Second, false teachers usually come from within the church (2:19). John says these antichrists “went out from us,” indicating a departure from the true, apostolic churches. Throughout history—and even today—many cult founders formerly belonged to strong, Bible-believing churches. But they rebelled against their orthodox upbringing, failing to be either discipled or disciplined. They broke away to teach different doctrines and embrace contrary lifestyles.

Third, false teachers never truly experienced the saving grace of Jesus Christ (1 Jn. 2:19). The fact that these false teachers so drastically departed from the core teachings of the true faith demonstrates that they “never really belonged with us.” Had those antichrists been true fellow-members of the body of Christ (not just physically but also spiritually) and had they been truly united to Him by the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit, they “would have remained” with the true church. Their departure makes it clear that “they all are not of us.”

I’m not talking about Christians who entertain doubts, backslide into sin, or even stray from the right path for a season. John’s definition of “antichrists” is much more pronounced and radical than the everyday struggles of faith experienced by all believers—the ups and downs of our process of sanctification. “Antichrists” are guilty of outright heresy. “Heresy” in this sense is defined as “conscious, willful departure from the faith’s foundational tenets, such as the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), Christ’s deity and humanity, His atoning death and resurrection, and so forth. Heretics, by definition, are not Christians.”

2:20–21

On the heels of his warning about antichrists, John suddenly shifts attention to their opposites: true believers. By shining the light on those who “the Holy One has given you his Spirit,” (2:20), John shows what it takes to deal with deceivers. What does he say about genuine believers?

First, genuine believers have the Holy Spirit. The metaphor of “an anointing from the Holy One” most likely refers to the gift of the Holy Spirit given to those who are truly saved. Acts 10:38 says that “And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power.” Similarly, Jesus said to the disciples regarding the baptism of the Holy Spirit, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you” (Acts 1:8). It is this permanent anointing of the Holy Spirit that antichrists lack.

Second, genuine believers know God’s saving truth. In the upper room prior to His arrest, Jesus promised His disciples, “When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13). Ephesians 1:13 says, And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own^[a] by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. So, it’s clear that the presence of the Spirit brings a permanent spiritual knowledge and discernment concerning the key tenets of the gospel of salvation, the “message of truth.” However, this knowledge, though not exhaustive, is sufficient, as Peter said, By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. (2 Pet. 1:3). It is this true knowledge of the gospel that antichrists reject.

Third, genuine believers are able to discern lies. Because the Spirit has impressed the gospel of the person and work of Christ upon our hearts and minds, He enables us to tell the difference between truth and error. The Spirit prepares our minds for discernment as we dig deeply into the Word of God, which was inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Tim. 3:16)

SIX BENEFITS OF TRUTH

1. Truth gives stability to our faith.
2. Truth strengthens us when we’re tested.
3. Truth enables us to understand the Bible accurately.
4. Truth equips us to detect and confront error.
5. Truth allows us to live with confidence.
6. Truth releases us from fears and superstition.

2:22–23

In 1 John 2:18-19, the spotlight shone on the antichrists. / In 2:20–21, John illuminated the true believers. /Now, John shifts back to the antichrists in 2:22–23. He adds to his description of the antichrists, providing more detail about their doctrinal deviations. Allow me to pick up again our earlier discussion with another characteristic of false teachers.

Fourth, false teachers deny who Jesus really is—the incarnate God-man. John says they deny that “Jesus is the Christ” (2:22). In doing so, they deny “the Father and the Son” because to confess the Son is to have the Father, but to deny the Son is to deny the Father (2:23). Notice that these false teachers are not only denying that Jesus of Nazareth is the long-expected Messiah, but they are also denying the essential sonship of Jesus in His personal, eternal relationship to the Father (see John 10:30). In another letter, John would note that these antichrists They deny that Jesus Christ came^[a] in a real body (2 Jn. 1:7).

This denial of the full deity and full humanity of Christ shows a failure of the fundamental test of the genuineness of a person’s claim to be a true Christian. Whoever “denies the Son” by rejecting His identity as the Messiah who is God incarnate “does not have the Father” (1 Jn. 2:23).

2:24–27

Once again, John shifts the spotlight from the antichrists to the true believers, demonstrating the black-and-white difference between the two groups. John wants his readers to know they have nothing in common with the deceivers—those anti-Christian false teachers who dwell in the darkness and spout nothing but lies about Jesus. John wants to set up two guardrails against the influence that false teachers have on the spiritual stability of true believers.

The first guardrail is to stick with the truth of sound doctrine. John instructs his readers to “you must remain faithful to what you have been taught from the beginning.” so that they “you will remain in fellowship with the Son and with the Father.” (2:24). In addition to this, he reminds his readers that only through adherence to this sound doctrine do we have the promise of “eternal life” (2:25). We should recall the opening words of John’s letter: “We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning,^[a] whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. ² This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then he was revealed to us.” (1:1–2). If we stick with the truth about Christ as revealed in Holy Scriptures, continually proclaimed in the church, and always believed by orthodox Christians throughout history, we will never be lured away by false teachers—who want to lead you astray. (2:26).

The idea that God’s Spirit accomplishes through us all that God asks from us is not unique to John. Paul also taught this notion in Philippians 2:12-13: Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. ¹³ For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Yes, we obey, will, and work, but we must also remember that we do so by the power of God working in us through the Holy Spirit.

APPLICATION: 1 JOHN 2:18–27

Triumphing against False Teachers (Bulletin)

How can we walk in triumph, overcoming the numerous antichrists that have been unleashed in this “last hour”? Let me present you with three simple principles that will help you avoid stumbling and enable you to strengthen the faith of others.

First, spend time in God’s Word. I know you’ve been told this repeatedly, but that’s because it’s vital. The devil and his evil ones would like nothing better than for you to say, “I’ve been reading my Bible year after year. I’m tired of it. Give me something new to do.” Don’t let the sun set on any day without spending some time reading His Word. Those inspired writings aren’t just words of men long dead; they’re the living Word of the Holy Spirit, the same Spirit who abides in you and enables you to abide in Him. Think of your Scripture reading as filling your tank with fuel so you’re able to reach your destination without running dry. It’ll enable you to discern between truth and falsehood. It’ll give you direction for decisions you need to make—not just moral choices but also everyday, practical decisions. You’ll find hope in its promises and inspiration in its examples. Renew your commitment to the Scriptures.

Second, stand firm in your convictions. When false teachers come your way, stand strong. Don’t flinch. Continue to confess the God-man who died and rose again … the deity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit … the salvation that comes by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone—all the essential truths of the Christian faith. Of course, if you stand firm, you’ll stand out, like a light shining in a dark place. So be ready to give voice to the gospel. Don’t be shy about it. Be gracious and loving, but don’t be afraid to be yourself. Tell the truth. Stand up and be heard.

Third, stay focused on Christ. We’re called to be followers of one Shepherd,/ disciples of one Master,/ servants of one Lord./ Let your mind, like a laser,/ be pointed wholly and solely on Christ as Savior. /Examine His life, /obey His teachings, / follow His examples,/ meditate on His person and work, /and proclaim Him far and wide. Yes, antichrists will try to convince you that a focus on Jesus is far too narrow. They’ll try to distract you from “pure and undivided devotion to Christ” (2 Cor. 11:3). Don’t let them. Remind yourself every day that Jesus is the center.

Do these things—not in your own power, but always dependent on the Holy Spirit. Then you’ll be able to triumph over false teachers.

Next week, we will continue our exploration of 1 John. Our message for next week is “A Discerning Life – Living in Light of the Lord’s Return. Our Core verses for next week will be:  1 John 2:28-3:3  

Closing Prayer

Welcome to Day 2713 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Day 2713 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 86:11-17 – Daily Wisdom

Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script – Day 2713

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2713 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

The Path of Truth and the Mark of God’s Favor

Today, we reach the powerful conclusion of our conversation in Psalm 86, covering verses 11 through 17 in the New Living Translation.

In our last trek, we explored the first half of this deeply personal Prayer of David. We heard his desperate cry for God to “Bend down… and hear my prayer,” pleading for help based on his covenant loyalty and trust. He grounded his hope in the magnificent truth that God is “so good, so ready to forgive,” and that “You alone are God”—unrivaled by any pagan deity.

Now, David shifts from affirming God’s character to asking for divine instruction, recognizing that a proper relationship with the Most High requires understanding His will. His prayer moves from dependence to direction, culminating in a powerful affirmation of God’s steadfast love and a request for a visible sign of God’s favor to silence his adversaries. This final section is a masterclass in how to ask God for guidance and how to confidently claim His mercy.

So, let’s open our hearts to David’s earnest request, learning the wisdom of seeking God’s path and resting in His enduring love.

1. The Prayer for an Undivided Heart

Psalm 86:11-13

Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me singleness of heart, that I may fear your name. With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever. For your unfailing love is great. You have rescued me from the depths of death.

Having established God’s greatness and unique power, David’s first request is for instruction: “Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth!” . This is the ultimate expression of submission and discipleship! David isn’t praying for wealth or comfort; he’s asking for wisdom and direction. He wants to know God’s “ways” (derekh—His path, His pattern of acting) so that his life can align with God’s “truth” (’emet—His faithfulness and reliability). This is the prayer of the mature believer: Show me how to live in a way that truly honors who You are.

He immediately connects this knowledge to internal integrity: “Grant me singleness of heart, that I may fear your name.” The Hebrew phrase translated “singleness of heart” (yaḥad lēḇāḇ) means “to unite the heart.” David recognizes the divided, often-conflicted nature of the human heart, which pulls us in different directions. He asks God to make his focus singular, eliminating all spiritual distraction, so that his reverence and awe (fear) for God’s name is pure and unmixed. This is the opposite of being double-minded; it is a profound commitment to unwavering loyalty to the Most High.

This singular focus leads directly to perpetual praise: “With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever.” The “singleness of heart” he seeks ensures that his worship is wholehearted—praising God with his entire being. This praise is not temporary; it is eternal, giving “glory to your name forever.” This is the destiny of the redeemed heart: unceasing, undivided praise.

The reason for this eternal praise is deeply personal: “For your unfailing love is great. You have rescued me from the depths of death.” David anchors his future praise in the certainty of God’s unfailing love (ḥesed). He acknowledges a past, profound act of deliverance—being “rescued… from the depths of death” (sheol). This rescue is the ultimate foundation of his devotion. He’s been to the brink, and God, in His great ḥesed, pulled him out. This experience of salvation guarantees his eternal gratitude.

2. The Appeal for Vindication and the Sign of Favor

Psalm 86:14-17

O God, arrogant people are attacking me; a whole band of ruthless men are trying to kill me. They ignore you. But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. Look down and have mercy on me. Give your servant strength; save me, for I serve you and I trust you. Send me a sign of your favor, so that those who hate me will be put to shame. For you, O Lord, have helped me and comforted me.

Despite his declarations of praise and confidence, David is honest about his current reality: the battle isn’t over. He turns back to the immediate threat: “O God, arrogant people are attacking me; a whole band of ruthless men are trying to kill me. They ignore you.” This is the persistent theme of the Psalms—the righteous facing ruthless, often malicious adversaries. The enemies are “arrogant” (zēdhīm—proud, presumptuous) and “ruthless” (literally, “violent ones”). Worst of all, “They ignore you.” This mirrors the problem in the divine council judgment of Psalm 82: rulers and powerful people who act with impunity because they disregard God’s authority. Their sin is not just violence against David, but contempt for the Most High.

In stark contrast to the enemies’ arrogance, David declares God’s nature again, invoking the most profound covenant names: “But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.” This is an almost direct quotation of God’s self-revelation to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:6). David is holding God to His very nature! He pleads:

• Compassion (Raḥûm—tender-heartedness).
• Mercy (Ḥannûn—graciousness, undeserved favor).
• Slow to get angry (’Erekh ’appayim—longsuffering).
• Unfailing love (Ḥesed) and Faithfulness (’Emet—truth, reliability).

By reciting these attributes, David reminds God of the very qualities that define His covenant relationship with Israel. He is saying, “I am facing violence, but You are mercy. I am facing anger, but You are slow to get angry. Act according to your true nature!”

His final, renewed plea is both specific and comprehensive: “Look down and have mercy on me. Give your servant strength; save me, for I serve you and I trust you.” This combines the plea for divine attention (“Look down”) with the core necessities: mercy, strength (to endure the battle), and salvation. He reiterates his dependence, calling himself God’s servant and affirming his trust, echoing the devotion of the righteous King called for in the Royal Psalms.

The climax of the entire psalm is a powerful request for visible vindication: “Send me a sign of your favor, so that those who hate me will be put to shame. For you, O Lord, have helped me and comforted me.” David asks for a “sign” (’ōt)—a visible, undeniable miracle or evidence of God’s blessing. This is not for his comfort alone; it’s for the public shaming of his enemies. The sight of God’s visible favor on David will silence the arrogant and ruthless men who ignore God, proving to them that God has not abandoned His servant.

The final line seals his confidence: “For you, O Lord, have helped me and comforted me.” This shifts from a future hope to a settled conviction. He is speaking of past help and comfort, using that history of grace as his final, powerful argument that God will surely provide the sign he needs now. His personal history with God guarantees his future hope.

Psalm 86 is a masterpiece of prayer, moving from the depth of personal need to the height of theological affirmation. It teaches us that undivided praise and unwavering truth are found by seeking God’s instruction and confidently claiming His enduring covenant love.

3. Wisdom on the Trek: The Unifying Power of the Heart

The profound wisdom of Psalm 86 for our trek lies in The Unifying Power of the Heart.

1. Seek Direction, Not Just Deliverance: David teaches us that the highest prayer is for wisdom. We must first seek God’s way and His truth before asking for rescue. Direction precedes comfort.
2. Unity is Strength: The plea for “singleness of heart” is crucial. Spiritual power requires eliminating the conflict between self-will and God’s will. A pure, undivided heart is the only vessel strong enough to sustain the “fear” (awe and reverence) of God’s name.
3. The Sign is For the World: David’s request for a “sign of your favor” is a universal lesson. We pray for God’s blessings and intervention, not just for personal gain, but so that our vindication becomes a public, undeniable testimony that puts the wicked to shame and glorifies the one true Most High to all nations.

Let us commit to uniting our hearts, walking in God’s truth, and living a life so clearly marked by His favor that it becomes an unmistakable sign of His presence to the world.

If you found this podcast insightful, please subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal. As we take this Trek of life together, let us always: Live Abundantly… Love Unconditionally… Listen Intentionally… Learn Continuously… Lend to others Generously… Lead with Integrity… Leave a Living Legacy Each Day…

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to, ‘Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and, ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!

Welcome to Day 2712 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Day 2712 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 86:1-10 – Daily Wisdom

Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script – Day 2712

Wisdom-Trek: The Helpless Plea and the Unrivaled God – A Trek Through Psalm 86:1-10

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2712 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

Today, we begin a new, deeply personal, and highly encouraging trek through Psalm 86, covering its opening verses, 1 through 10, in the New Living Translation.

This psalm is a Prayer of David, a compilation of fervent pleas and confident affirmations, drawing wisdom and themes from many other laments and hymns throughout the Psalter. It moves from a desperate cry for immediate help, anchored in the psalmist’s humility and helplessness, to a magnificent declaration of God’s unrivaled greatness and universal sovereignty.

In the preceding psalm, Psalm 85, we found the people waiting and listening for God’s peace and the divine harmony where love and truth would meet. Psalm 86 is the personal response to that longing: a realization that the first step toward receiving God’s peace is to humbly and completely cast oneself upon His mercy. It reminds us that our smallness is precisely what qualifies us for God’s greatness!

So, let’s open our hearts to David’s personal plea, learning how our deepest distress can become the foundation for our most powerful declarations of faith.

1. The Urgent Plea of the Helpless Servant

Psalm 86:1-5

Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer; answer me, for I need your help. Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God. Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I cry out to you all day long. Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you. O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive. You are filled with unfailing love for all who ask for your help.

The psalm begins with an immediate, physical, and urgent plea for God’s attention: “Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer; answer me, for I need your help.” The image of God having to “bend down” speaks volumes! It paints a picture of the psalmist being utterly low, perhaps bowed down by trouble, while God is high and majestic. It’s an urgent request for the transcendent God to condescend, to lean in, and to acknowledge the smallness of the one who prays.

David anchors his plea in his current state, identifying himself through multiple titles of vulnerability and faith: “Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God.” He uses three compelling reasons for God to intervene:

1. Devotion: “I am devoted to you,” or “I am holy” (hasid)—meaning he is a loyal, faithful follower of God.
2. Service: “I serve you”—he is God’s bond-servant (‘ebed), obligated to God, and thus God has a reciprocal obligation to care for him.
3. Trust: “I trust you”—he has placed his complete reliance on God.

These are not claims of perfect righteousness, mind you, but of covenant loyalty—he’s saying, “Lord, I belong to You; act like You own me!”

This helplessness drives his continuous prayer: “Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I cry out to you all day long.” His constant distress necessitates constant petition. He’s not praying just once; he’s crying out continuously, reminding God of his unceasing need for mercy (ḥānān), that active, unearned favor.

What he seeks is simple but profound: “Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you.” David connects his inner turmoil to his outward devotion. He desires happiness (śāmaḥ, joy, gladness) as the fruit of his commitment. He’s not seeking pleasure, but the joy of salvation, the peace that comes from knowing he belongs entirely to God, because he has “give myself to you,” or committed his soul to God.

The section culminates in a powerful declaration that transitions his prayer from urgent need to confident certainty: “O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive. You are filled with unfailing love for all who ask for your help.” After detailing his own shortcomings and needs, David pivots entirely to God’s character. He is “so good” (ṭōb), “so ready to forgive” (sallāḥ, a deep, intrinsic willingness to pardon). Most powerfully, He is “filled with unfailing love” (ḥesed), that steadfast, covenant loyalty we’ve discussed so often, for all who appeal to Him. This realization of God’s character breaks the cycle of his immediate distress and anchors his hope in a truth far greater than his current troubles.

2. The Unrivaled Glory of the Sovereign God

Psalm 86:6-10

Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord; hear my desperate cries. I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble, and you will answer me. No pagan god is like you, O Lord. None of their works can compare with yours. All the nations you created will come and bow before you, O Lord; they will praise your name. For you are great and perform wonderful deeds. You alone are God.

David now reiterates his plea, but with a newfound certainty born from contemplating God’s goodness: “Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord; hear my desperate cries.” He is now confident that God will listen. This confidence fuels his commitment: “I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble, and you will answer me.” This is a profound statement of established faith. His prayer is no longer a desperate experiment; it’s a guaranteed covenant exchange—I call, You answer. It affirms a direct, personal, and reliable relationship with the living God.

This reliability is immediately rooted in God’s uniqueness and sovereignty: “No pagan god is like you, O Lord. None of their works can compare with yours.” This is a direct challenge to the deities of the surrounding nations. In the ancient world, many believed in the reality of local gods or spiritual powers (echoing the divine council concept we discussed in Psalm 82). But David declares unequivocally that the pagan gods are utterly incomparable. Their “works” are worthless illusions compared to the powerful, redemptive acts of Yahweh, the one true God. This exclusive declaration of God’s greatness is central to Israel’s faith.

David then launches into a magnificent vision of universal worship, a prophetic hope for the global recognition of God’s sovereignty: “All the nations you created will come and bow before you, O Lord; they will praise your name.” This is a sweeping, comprehensive hope that transcends the immediate national crisis. It acknowledges that God is the Creator of all nations, and they will ultimately recognize His authority. This ties directly into the prophetic vision we saw in Psalm 72, where the righteous King would rule over all the earth. The shame of being mocked by their neighbors (Psalm 79) will be replaced by the ultimate glory of all nations praising God’s name.

The psalmist concludes with a final, powerful affirmation of God’s singularity: “For you are great and perform wonderful deeds. You alone are God.” This summary statement is the theological climax of the entire section. God is “great” (gādōl), mighty in power and splendor, and He “perform[s] wonderful deeds” (pele’, miracles). His absolute uniqueness is stated without qualification: “You alone are God” (’attāh ’el lebaddēkā). There are no equals, no rivals, only the one true Creator and Sovereign. This truth—that God is unique, mighty, and answers prayer—is the ultimate source of comfort and the reason for the psalmist’s confident return to Him.

Psalm 86 beautifully models how personal suffering can lead to a powerful affirmation of God’s character. By humbly acknowledging our need and focusing intently on His goodness, forgiveness, and unrivaled power, we can move from desperate crying to confident declaration.

3. Wisdom on the Trek: The Gravity of God’s Character

The wisdom of Psalm 86 for our trek lies in The Gravity of God’s Character. When our need is great, our primary focus must shift away from the problem and toward the magnitude of our God.

1. Humble Pleading: David begins by focusing on his helplessness (needs help, devoted, servant). He models humility as the correct posture before God. Our smallness is not a hindrance; it’s an invitation for God’s greatness to be displayed.
2. Anchor in Ḥesed: He finds confidence in God’s unfailing love and forgiveness. When doubt threatens, we must intentionally recall that God is “so good, so ready to forgive”—a truth far weightier than our current distress.
3. Rest in Uniqueness: David’s faith is strengthened by the fact that God is unrivaled. When faced with life’s threats, we must remind ourselves: “No pagan god is like you, O Lord.” Our God alone has the power to create, save, and uphold the universe. His might guarantees His ability to answer our cries.

Let us, like David, use our prayers as a pathway to declaring the greatness of our God, knowing that He is both the majestic King who created all nations and the merciful Father who bends down to hear the cries of His servant.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal. As we take this Trek together, let us always: Live Abundantly… Love Unconditionally… Listen Intentionally… Learn Continuously… Lend to others Generously… Lead with Integrity… Leave a Living Legacy Each Day…

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to, ‘Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and, ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!

Welcome to Day 2711 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – “Not of This World” – Supernatural

Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script – Day 2711

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2711 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

Today, we continue with the 14^th of 16 segments of our Theology Thursday lessons. I will read through the book “Supernatural,” written by Hebrew Bible scholar, professor, and mentor Dr. Michael S. Heiser, who has since passed away. Supernatural is a condensed version of his comprehensive book, ‘The Unseen Realm.’ If these readings pique your interest, I would recommend that you read ‘The Unseen Realm.’ Today, we will read through chapter fourteen: “Not of This World”

In Jesus’ well-known prayer in the garden of Gethsemane before he was arrested for trial, he said of his followers, “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world” (John 17:16). Believers were certainly in the world, specially tasked by God to carry the gospel to every nation (Matt. 28:19–20), but they were not of the world. This paradox—being in the world but not of it—was telegraphed to early Christians in several memorable ways…

Sacred Space, Holy Ground, and God’s Presence…

In chapter 8 we talked about the concept of sacred space. For Old Testament Israelites, God was completely other. The space his presence occupied was set apart from all other space. That wasn’t a denial that God was omnipresent—in all places at all times. Rather, it was a way of marking the territory on which he chose to meet with his people. That was one of the purposes for having the tabernacle and the temple. The concept of sacred space was not only the rationale for many of Israel’s laws and rituals, but it also reinforced the idea of cosmic geography​—how the world was divided among the lesser gods and the Most High God, the God of Israel…

The notion of sacred space gets brought into the New Testament in a dramatic way. All we need to ask is, “Where is the presence of God right now?” While God is everywhere, he specifically dwells within each believer. Believe it or not, you are sacred space. Paul very clearly wrote that “your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Cor. 6:19)…

The same is true of the ground where believers gather as a group. Writing to the church at Corinth, Paul told them collectively, “You are God’s temple” (1 Cor. 3:16). He told the Ephesian believers they were “members of the household of God … a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit” (Eph. 2:19, 21–22)…

The implications are startling. Most of us are familiar with Jesus’ statement, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there in the midst of them” (Matt. 18:20 leb). But viewed in the context of the Old Testament idea of sacred space, that statement means that wherever believers gather, the spiritual ground they occupy is sanctified amid the powers of darkness…

Yahweh’s final chosen dwelling place in the Old Testament was Israel—the temple in Jerusalem. Israel became holy ground because that’s where God’s presence resided. But that holy ground was threatened by the nations that surrounded it and their hostile gods. In the same way, believers today are in a spiritual war. We are now God’s temple, the special place God’s Spirit resides, points of the light of his presence—and we are scattered throughout a world in bondage to the powers of darkness…,,

Delivered unto Satan…

This concept is illustrated well by Paul’s view on the sanctity of the local church. Every body of believers was holy ground, no place for unrepentant sin. In chapter 8 we looked at how the camp of Israel dealt with sin to preserve the sanctity of the camp—its sacred space. We talked about the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16), where the sins of the nation were ritually transferred to a goat—the one “for Azazel” (Lev. 16:8, 10). Azazel was a demonic entity thought to inhabit the wilderness. The Israelites sent the goat out into the wilderness, carrying their sins away. The act symbolically sent the sins of the people where they belonged—into the wilderness, the place of spiritual darkness…

Paul has the Corinthians deal with sin the same way​—sending it where it belongs. In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul wrote to the Corinthians about a man living in sexual immorality who needed to repent. He commanded, “Hand this man over to Satan” (1 Cor. 5:5 gnt). The rationale was clear—sin has no place on holy ground. Believers were to remove unrepentant believers from the church (1 Cor. 5:9–13). To be expelled from the church was to be thrust into the realm of Satan, back out into the world…

Paul hoped the result for the unrepentant man would be “the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord” (1 Cor. 5:5). (The reference here isn’t to physical death, but to the death of the fleshly lusts ensnaring this man [Gal. 5:24; 1 Cor. 11:32–33])…

Baptism as Spiritual Warfare… –

Peter’s stand on this issue was the same as Paul’s—believers were pitted against the powers of darkness. His warfare thinking is found in one of the stranger passages in the New Testament, 1 Peter 3:14-22:

But even if you might suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not be afraid of their intimidation or be disturbed, but set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts, always ready to make a defense to anyone who asks you for an accounting concerning the hope that is in you. But do so with courtesy and respect, having a good conscience, so that in the things in which you are slandered, the ones who malign your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if God wills it, than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, in order that he could bring you to God, being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, in which also he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, who were formerly disobedient, when the patience of God waited in the days of Noah, while an ark was being constructed, in which a few—that is, eight souls—were rescued through water. And also, corresponding to this, baptism now saves you, not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, with angels and authorities and powers having been subjected to him…

I’m sure you noticed the oddities in the passage. What do the ark, Noah, and imprisoned spirits have to do with baptism? And does this text say baptism saves us?

What Peter is doing here is similar to something Paul does in Romans 5. Paul talked about Jesus in that passage, but with Adam in mind as well. Think of Jesus as, in some ways, the opposite of Adam. That’s why Paul says things like “as by the one man’s disobedience [Adam’s] the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience [Jesus’] the many will be made righteous” (Rom. 5:19). Peter has Enoch, rather than Adam, in mind when he writes about Jesus in 1 Peter 3. But for Peter, Enoch and Jesus weren’t opposites. Enoch serves as an analogy for the point Peter wants to make about Jesus…

You might wonder, “What point?” After all, there are only a handful of verses about Enoch in the Old Testament (Gen. 5:18–24). All we learn there is that he lived before the great flood and that “Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away” (Gen. 5:24 niv). Those verses don’t really have any connection to what Peter says in 1 Peter 3 about Jesus…

To understand why something Enoch did reminded Peter of Jesus, we need to understand that Peter read about Enoch in Jewish books outside the Old Testament. Specifically, Peter was familiar with an ancient Jewish book that had a lot to say about Enoch. It was named, predictably, 1 Enoch. That book filled in lots of details about what happened at the time of the flood, especially the episode in Genesis 6:1–4, where the sons of God (Enoch calls them watchers) produced children (the Nephilim giants) with human women. When both Peter and Jude wrote about angels who sinned in the days of Noah (2 Pet. 2:4–5; Jude 6), they were alluding to ideas in 1 Enoch that are not part of the biblical flood story. The Genesis flood account, for example, never tells us that the divine sons of God were imprisoned in the underworld realm of the dead until the end of days, but 1 Enoch does (1 Enoch 6:1–4; 7:1–6; 10:4, 11–13)…

Something that happened to these “spirits in prison” in the book of 1 Enoch gave Peter an insight into Jesus. In the 1 Enoch story, Enoch has a dream where the imprisoned spirits asked him to intercede with God on their behalf. After all, Enoch walked with God—who better to ask God to relent and release them? Enoch did so, but got bad news. God’s answer was an emphatic no. Enoch then had to deliver that answer—he descended to the spirits in prison. He told them they were still under judgment…

Peter used that story as an analogy for Jesus. The point he wanted to get across was that when Jesus died, he descended to the realm of the dead and had a message for the fallen divine beings there. When they saw Jesus enter the place of the dead, they were likely to think their fellow demons had won and they would be getting out of jail soon. Instead, Jesus told them they wouldn’t see him for long—he would rise again. It was all part of God’s plan. They hadn’t won—they were still under judgment and as doomed as ever. That’s why this odd passage ends the way it does, with Jesus “gone into heaven” and seated “at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him” (1 Pet. 3:22)…

Why does Peter connect all of this to baptism? In Peter’s mind, Jesus’ death and resurrection—complete with an announcement to the demonic powers of his victory​—​was symbolized in baptism. Baptism symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (Rom. 6:1–11)…

For Peter, baptism “corresponds” to all this because it is “an appeal to God for a good conscience through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 3:21). The Greek word for “appeal” refers to a pledge one takes. The Greek word for “conscience” often refers to an ability to tell right from wrong. But that isn’t the case here. Knowing the difference between right and wrong doesn’t have a specific relationship to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. The Greek word can also point to making a commitment—and a good one, not a foolish one. That’s what Peter is getting at in 1 Peter 3. In essence, baptism was a loyalty oath and a message to the demonic powers (as well as any people present) of just whose side you were on in the spiritual war. Ancient Christians understood this better than we do today. Early church baptismal rites included a renunciation of Satan and his angels because of this passage…

Why This Matters…

First,. understand that believers are holy ground, the dwelling place of God’s presence—the glory of the Old Testament. Do we live like it? Israelites and the believers of Jesus’ day felt an ever-present need to be different from unbelievers. The goal wasn’t to be deliberately odd so unbelievers would hope to avoid contact. Israel was to be a “kingdom of priests” and “a holy nation” (Ex. 19:6). Living the way God wanted his children to live led to fruitful, productive, happy lives. Israelites were to attract people enslaved by enemy gods back to the true God…

When our worldview is attuned to God’s plan to rescue people from every nation, making them part of God’s family, we are not of this world. Being of this world is to be absorbed by the world’s concerns and living accordingly. Unbelievers should be able to tell from our speech, behavior, ethics, and attitude toward others that we’re not cynical, selfish, or harsh—that our focus is not on getting ahead or on using people. We should not live to gratify ourselves. We are to be the antithesis of these things. In other words, we are to live as Jesus lived. People wanted to be around him because he wasn’t like most everyone else…

Second,. what we do in our churches should elevate God and Jesus. In biblical times, a visit to the tabernacle or temple reinforced ideas about God’s perfection, otherness​—and love for his children. Those things go hand-in-hand. Why would a God who needs nothing and is superior to everything want a human family? Why would that God bother creating a new family after casting aside the nations at Babel, consigning them to other gods? Why not just walk away? Because he loves us…

It’s because we know God could have done something else but didn’t that his love takes on meaning. When a church talks only about the love of God without pointing out the irony of that love when placed against God’s other character traits, believers will take that love for granted. It might sound cheap, for instance, to people unaware of God’s holiness…

A third implication of what we’ve discussed in this chapter is that the powers of darkness know whose side we are on by our behavior. They are not stupid. They see our loyalty to God, and they see us act on our decisions to follow Jesus through things like baptism and resistance to sin. But they also see us when we act disloyally to God, and they understand what vulnerability that introduces into our lives. Whether or not we believe it, we are being watched—by both sides of the spiritual war…

These truths are easier to understand than to live out. Though redeemed, we are fallen. To live these truths, we need our minds and hearts tuned to why we’re here, living as foreigners in our own world. Like Jesus, we are not of this world—in it, but not of it (John 8:23; 1 John 4:4). That contrast, and our status, will become even sharper once we get a handle on just what it means to be children of God…

Join us next time on Theology Thursday as we explore ‘Partakers of the Divine Nature.’…

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’….

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal…

As we take this Trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly…

Love Unconditionally…

Listen Intentionally…

Learn Continuously…

Lend to others Generously…

Lead with Integrity…

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day…

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,…’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,…’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday!… See you next time for more daily wisdom!