Welcome to Day 2482 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 28:1-9

Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script – Day 2482

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2482 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..

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we continue our journey through the Psalms. We’ve reached Psalm 28, a powerful prayer and declaration by David that teaches us about seeking God’s help in times of trouble and recognizing His role as our protector and strength.

In Psalm 28, David turns to the Lord in a moment of deep need, pleading for God’s mercy and intervention. As we walk through these verses, we’ll see David’s heartfelt cry for help, his trust in God’s deliverance, and his praise for the Lord’s faithfulness.

Let’s read through Psalm 28:1-9 from the New Living Translation together:

Psalm 28:1-9 (NLT):

1 I pray to You, O Lord, my rock.
Do not turn a deaf ear to me.
For if You are silent,
I might as well give up and die.

2 Listen to my prayer for mercy
as I cry out to You for help,
as I lift my hands toward Your holy sanctuary.

3 Do not drag me away with the wicked—
with those who do evil—
those who speak friendly words to their neighbors
while planning evil in their hearts.

4 Give them the punishment they so richly deserve!
Measure it out in proportion to their wickedness;
pay them back for all their evil deeds.
Give them a taste of what they have done to others.

5 They care nothing for what the Lord has done
or for what His hands have made.
So He will tear them down,
and they will never be rebuilt!

6 Praise the Lord!
For He has heard my cry for mercy.

7 The Lord is my strength and shield.
I trust Him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

8 The Lord gives His people strength.
He is a safe fortress for His anointed king.

9 Save Your people!
Bless Israel, Your special possession.
Lead them like a shepherd,
and carry them in Your arms forever.

Crying Out in Desperation (Verses 1-2):

In the opening two verses of Psalm 28, David begins with a cry of desperation: “I pray to You, O Lord, my rock. Do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if You are silent, I might as well give up and die.”

David’s words here reveal his deep dependence on God. He refers to the Lord as his “rock,” which symbolizes a place of stability, safety, and refuge. Yet, despite this confidence in God’s role as his protector, David is experiencing a moment of intense need. He fears what might happen if God does not respond to him.

This is a powerful reminder that even those with strong faith, like David, experience moments of fear and desperation. It’s not that David doubts God’s power or goodness, but the intensity of his circumstances makes him feel as though God’s silence would be unbearable.

In verse 2, David continues: “Listen to my prayer for mercy as I cry out to You for help, as I lift my hands toward Your holy sanctuary.” David’s plea is for God’s mercy. He knows that without God’s intervention, he is powerless to change his situation.

The imagery of David lifting his hands toward God’s sanctuary is significant. It reflects an act of surrender and submission. David is physically demonstrating his dependence on God, lifting his hands in both desperation and expectation that God will respond.

Distinguishing the Righteous from the Wicked (Verses 3-5):

In verses 3-5, David shifts from his personal cry for mercy to a plea for justice: “Do not drag me away with the wicked— with those who do evil— those who speak friendly words to their neighbors while planning evil in their hearts.”

David recognizes the danger of being associated with those who do wrong. He does not want to be counted among the wicked, those who act deceitfully, and whose hearts are filled with evil intentions. These are people who present a friendly face but are plotting harm behind the scenes.

David prays for God to deal with such people justly, saying in verse 4: “Give them the punishment they so richly deserve! Measure it out in proportion to their wickedness; pay them back for all their evil deeds. Give them a taste of what they have done to others.”

David is calling for God’s righteous judgment. He wants the wicked to experience the consequences of their actions. This plea for justice is not about personal revenge—it’s about David’s desire to see God’s holiness upheld and evil dealt with accordingly. David trusts that God is the ultimate judge and that He will punish those who commit evil acts in due time.

In verse 5, David continues: “They care nothing for what the Lord has done or for what His hands have made. So He will tear them down, and they will never be rebuilt!”

Here, David speaks of the wicked’s total disregard for God. They have no respect for His works or His creation. As a result, David proclaims that God will bring destruction upon them, and they will not be able to recover. This is a sobering reminder that ignoring God’s power and sovereignty leads to eventual downfall.

A Shift to Praise and Thanksgiving (Verses 6-7):

After David’s earnest pleas for help and justice, something shifts in verses 6 and 7. David declares, “Praise the Lord! For He has heard my cry for mercy.”

Even though we don’t see an explicit mention of God’s response, David is already filled with gratitude. He trusts that God has heard his prayer and will act in accordance with His mercy and righteousness. David’s confidence in God’s faithfulness leads him to praise, even before he sees the outcome.

This is an important lesson for us. There will be times when we pray and don’t immediately see God’s answer, but like David, we can still praise Him in faith, trusting that He hears us and is working on our behalf.

In verse 7, David proclaims: “The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.”

What a beautiful declaration of trust! David recognizes that God is both his strength and his shield. God strengthens him to face the challenges ahead and shields him from harm. David’s response to this realization is wholehearted trust and joy. His trust in God fills him with joy so overwhelming that it leads him to express his gratitude in songs of thanksgiving.

This is the natural outcome of experiencing God’s faithfulness—joy and thanksgiving. When we see how God strengthens and protects us, it should lead us to a place of joyful worship. David’s example challenges us to move from desperation to praise as we reflect on God’s goodness in our own lives.

The Lord’s Strength and Protection for His People (Verses 8-9):

As we reach the final verses of Psalm 28, David expands his focus beyond his personal experience to include all of God’s people. In verse 8, he says: “The Lord gives His people strength. He is a safe fortress for His anointed king.”

David acknowledges that God’s strength is not just for him, but for all of His people. God is a source of strength and protection for those who belong to Him. The phrase “a safe fortress for His anointed king” highlights God’s special protection over David as king, but it also extends to all those under God’s care.

In verse 9, David concludes with a heartfelt prayer for God’s people: “Save Your people! Bless Israel, Your special possession. Lead them like a shepherd, and carry them in Your arms forever.”

David’s closing prayer reflects his deep concern for the nation of Israel. He asks God to save and bless His people, recognizing them as God’s “special possession.” The imagery of God leading His people like a shepherd and carrying them in His arms is one of tender care and guidance. David knows that the people of God are in need of God’s protection and blessing, just as much as he is.

This final verse brings the psalm full circle—from David’s personal cry for help to his confidence in God’s strength and care for all of His people. David’s prayer for Israel reminds us that, as God’s children, we are part of a larger community of faith. We can pray not only for our own needs but also for the needs of others, trusting that God’s strength and protection extend to His entire family.

Conclusion:

Psalm 28 is a powerful expression of David’s deep trust in God. It shows us that we can cry out to God for help in times of trouble, knowing He hears us. Even in moments of desperation, we can find strength in the knowledge that God is our rock, our shield, and our strength.

David’s journey from desperation to praise in this psalm reminds us to trust in God’s faithfulness, even when we don’t see immediate answers to our prayers. We can praise God in faith, confident that He is working for our good.

As we walk through life’s challenges, let’s remember that God’s strength is available to us, just as it was for David. He is our fortress, our shepherd, and our source of joy. Let’s trust in Him with all our hearts, lifting our hands in prayer and bursting into songs of thanksgiving for His goodness.

Thank you for joining me today on this leg of our Wisdom-Trek. As we continue our journey together, let’s seek God’s strength, trust in His protection, and praise Him for His unfailing love.

Until next time, keep seeking God’s wisdom, keep trusting in the Lord, keep walking the path of faith, and continue your journey of wisdom with God’s Word lighting your path.

Reflect…

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 together, let us always:

1. Live Abundantly (Fully)
2. Love Unconditionally
3. Listen Intentionally
4. Learn Continuously
5. Lend to others Generously
6. Lead with Integrity
7. 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 2481 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – Standing in the Council – I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible.

Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script – Day 2481

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2481 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 is the twenty-sixth lesson in our segment, Theology Thursday. Utilizing excerpts from a book titled: I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible written by Hebrew Bible scholar and professor the late Dr. Michael S Heiser, we will invest a couple of years going through the entire Bible, exploring short Biblical lessons that you may not have received in Bible classes or Church.

The Bible is a wonderful book. Its pages reveal the epic story of God’s redemption of humankind and the long, bitter conflict against evil. Yet it’s also a book that seems strange to us. While God’s Word was written for us, it wasn’t written to us. Today, our lesson is: Standing in the Council.

Most people think a prophet is someone God empowers to foretell the future. No doubt, prophets announced God’s intentions, but forecasting future events wasn’t their primary job description. A prophet’s chief task was to serve as God’s mouthpiece to His covenant people, Israel, and her enemies. So, how did someone become a prophet? Was there some sort of heavenly qualification? In fact, there was.

You might think the standard for a prophet was whether their words came to pass exactly as uttered (Deut 18:15-22). But that’s actually a by-product of the real litmus test, which we read about in Jeremiah:

For who among them has stood in the council (no, sod) of the Lord to see and to hear his word, or who has paid attention to his word and listened? [The Lord says] … “If they had stood in my council (no, sod), then they would have proclaimed my words to my people” (Jer 23:18, 22).

What does it mean to “stand in the council”? Jeremiah elaborates: “to see and to hear his word … to pay attention to his word and listen.” The one essential test of a prophet—that preceded their ability to deliver a divine message—was that the prophet had to see and hear God in His council.

In the Bible, God and His heavenly host were thought to live and conduct business in the divine throne room. This assembly, with God as its CEO, is called “a divine council” (Pss 82:1; 89:5-7).- God chose prophets and commissioned them directly for ministry. When a prophet “stood in the council,” they had a direct encounter with God in His throne room. This motif of “standing in the council” is a repeated pattern in the Bible.

In the case of Isaiah, the prophet was transported to the throne room of Yahweh (Isa 6:1-6) to receive his call to service (Isa 6:8-9). For Ezekiel, the circumstances were reversed, with the throne of the Lord coming to him (Ezek 1:1-14, 26-28). Jeremiah was also commissioned via a direct encounter with God. At the beginning of his ministry, the “word of the Lord” came to him (Jer 1:4) and appointed him a prophet. The “word” is identified as Yahweh (Jer 1:6-7) who has come in human form. He reaches out His hand to touch Jeremiah’s mouth (Jer 1:9). It was this encounter that distinguished Jeremiah from false prophets.

The pattern began with the first man, Adam, as Job 15:7-8 indicates:

“Were you the first person ever born?
Were you born before the hills were made?
Were you listening at God’s secret council?
Do you have a monopoly on wisdom?

Eden was the abode of God and His heavenly host. If Job could say he had such access, then he could speak with authority about his innocence.

Proceeding from Adam, Enoch and Noah “walked with God” (Gen 5:22, 24; 6:9). The former “prophesied” (Jude 14-15), while the latter is called a “herald of righteousness” (2 Pet 2:5). God appeared visibly to Abraham (Gen 12:1- 3; 15:1-6; compare Acts 7:2-4). Isaac (Gen 26:1-5). and Jacob (Gen 28:10- 22; 31:11-13; 32:22-32; compare Hos 12:3-4). Moses was commissioned at the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-15). The elders of Israel under Moses were commissioned directly by Yahweh (Num 11:24-25), as was Joshua (Deut 31:14-23; Tosh 5:13-15). The book of Judges records dramatic appearances to Gideon (Judg 6) and the “word” of the Lord “appearing” to Samuel, the last of Israel’s judges, when he was a boy: It “stood” (1 Sam 3:10) before Samuel to inform him of Eli’s fate.

Many New Testament figures also began their ministries with a direct divine commissioning. For example, the Father and the Spirit were present at Jesus’ baptism (Matt 3:16-17), an event that told astute observers that Jesus was in the prophetic line. Paul’s famous encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus was crucial to proving his status as an apostle in the prophetic tradition (Acts 9:1-9; 1 Cor 9:1; 15:8). And it is no accident that the commissioning of the disciples at Pentecost was accompanied by divine fire (Acts 2:1-4), since fire is a frequent element of divine throne room commissioning scenes in the Old Testament (Exod 3:1-3: 24:17: Isa 6:6-7: 66:15: Ezekl:4.13, 27; Dan 7:9-11).^

Amazingly, the New Testament applies this commissioning to every believer. Every Christian is united to Christ and is commissioned to not only spread the gospel (Matt 28:18-20), but also to be Jesus to the world (2 Cor 3:18:4:11: 2 Tim 1:9: 1 Pet 2:21: 2 Pet 1:4). Every believer is Christ’s ambassador (2 Cor 5:20), having met Christ through the gospel. As the prophets before us, we are now God’s mouthpieces.

The lessons that make up Theology Thursday on the Wisdom-Trek Podcast for the next couple of years will satisfy the statement, “I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible.” I trust you’ll enjoy them—and, of course, not be bored.

Reflect…

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 together, let us always:

1. Live Abundantly (Fully)
2. Love Unconditionally
3. Listen Intentionally
4. Learn Continuously
5. Lend to others Generously
6. Lead with Integrity
7. 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 2480 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 27:7-14

Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script – Day 2480

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2480 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..

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we continue our exploration through Psalm 27. This psalm is a powerful declaration of trust in God, especially when life feels overwhelming and uncertain. Last time, we walked through verses 1-6, where David expressed his confidence in God’s protection and presence.

Today, we’ll be focusing on Psalm 27:7-14 from the New Living Translation. In this section, David moves from a confident proclamation to a heartfelt prayer. We’ll see him calling out to God in a moment of need, seeking assurance and guidance. Even as David asks for God’s help, his trust in the Lord remains firm.

Let’s read the passage in its entirety before we dive into the details:

Psalm 27:7-14 (NLT):

7 Hear me as I pray, O Lord.
Be merciful and answer me!

8 My heart has heard You say, “Come and talk with Me.”
And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”

9 Do not turn Your back on me.
Do not reject Your servant in anger.
You have always been my helper.
Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me,
O God of my salvation!

10 Even if my father and mother abandon me,
the Lord will hold me close.

11 Teach me how to live, O Lord.
Lead me along the right path,
for my enemies are waiting for me.

12 Do not let me fall into their hands.
For they accuse me of things I’ve never done;
with every breath, they threaten me with violence.

13 Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness
while I am here in the land of the living.

14 Wait patiently for the Lord.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

A Cry for Help and Mercy (Verses 7-9):

In the opening verses of this section, David shifts from his earlier confidence in God’s protection to a direct and earnest plea for help. He begins in verse 7, saying, “Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me!”

This is a deeply personal cry. David is not reciting a formal prayer or offering a distant request; he is pouring out his heart to God. He knows he needs God’s mercy and intervention, and he is asking for an answer. What’s significant here is the relationship David has with God. He doesn’t approach God timidly or with uncertainty; instead, he calls out, knowing that God hears him. David is confident that God will respond to his cry.

In verse 8, David expresses a beautiful truth about his relationship with the Lord: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’” This verse reveals the intimacy between David and God. God has extended an invitation to David, saying, “Come and talk with Me,” and David responds with a willing heart.

What an amazing privilege it is to know that the Creator of the universe invites us to come and speak with Him! God desires a relationship with us where we can freely come into His presence, sharing our hearts, our struggles, and our desires. David’s response is one of eagerness: “Lord, I am coming.” This should also be our response—an eagerness to spend time with God in prayer, to seek His presence, and to pour out our hearts before Him.

In verse 9, David’s plea becomes even more urgent: “Do not turn Your back on me. Do not reject Your servant in anger. You have always been my helper. Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me, O God of my salvation!” Here, we see David’s vulnerability. He is aware of his own frailty and his desperate need for God. He recognizes that without God’s help, he cannot stand.

Even though David is confident in God’s character, he still feels the weight of his situation. This reminds us that expressing our fears and concerns to God is okay. Even when we trust Him, we can still be honest about our emotions and ask for reassurance. David’s words remind us that we experience the depth of God’s faithfulness in these moments of vulnerability.

God’s Faithfulness in Times of Abandonment (Verse 10):

In verse 10, David makes a profound statement about God’s faithfulness: “Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.”

The imagery here is striking. For many of us, our parents are the people we expect to support and care for us unconditionally. Yet David acknowledges that even the closest human relationships can fail. But even in the worst-case scenario—if his father and mother were to abandon him—David knows that God will never let him go. The Lord will hold him close.

This is such a powerful assurance. People may fail us. Relationships may falter. But God’s love is steadfast. He will never abandon us, even when everyone else does. In moments of loneliness, betrayal, or when it feels like no one else understands, we can trust that God is always with us. He holds us close, offering comfort and security that no human relationship can provide.

Guidance and Deliverance (Verses 11-12):

In verses 11 and 12, David shifts his focus from his personal need for God’s presence to a request for guidance and protection: “Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me. Do not let me fall into their hands. For they accuse me of things I’ve never done; with every breath, they threaten me with violence.”

David recognizes that he cannot navigate life on his own. He needs God’s wisdom and direction to live righteously, especially when faced with the threat of enemies. His request for guidance—“Teach me how to live”—shows his humility and dependence on God. David is not asking for a shortcut or an escape from his problems; he is asking for the wisdom to walk the right path, even amid difficulty.

He also prays for deliverance from his enemies, who are falsely accusing him and threatening him with violence. David’s plea for protection is rooted in the reality of the dangers he faces. But once again, his confidence lies not in his own ability to defend himself but in God’s power to protect him.

This is a reminder for us as well. In the challenges and conflicts we face, we need God’s guidance to live according to His will. We may be tempted to take matters into our own hands, but like David, we should seek God’s direction and trust in His protection.

Confidence in God’s Goodness (Verse 13):

Verse 13 is a turning point in this section of the psalm. After expressing his fears and concerns, David declares, “Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.”

Despite the trials and threats surrounding him, David remains confident in God’s goodness. He is not just hoping for future deliverance in the afterlife—he believes he will experience God’s goodness in this life, “in the land of the living.” This statement is a powerful declaration of faith. David knows that, even amid difficulties, God’s goodness will prevail.

This is an essential reminder for us. It’s easy to lose sight of God’s goodness when going through tough times. But like David, we can remain confident that God is working for our good, even when we can’t see it in the moment. Our hope is not just for eternity but also for God’s faithfulness in the here and now.

A Call to Patience and Courage (Verse 14):

Finally, in verse 14, David offers an exhortation to himself—and to all of us: “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”

David knows that waiting on God is not always easy. There are times when we want answers right away, when we want deliverance immediately. But David encourages us to be patient and to trust in God’s timing. Waiting on the Lord requires bravery and courage because it means trusting Him, even when the path ahead is unclear.

The word “wait” here doesn’t imply passive inaction. It’s an active trust—a faith that keeps holding on to God’s promises even when difficult circumstances occur. It’s about being brave enough to trust that God’s plans are good and His timing is perfect.

As we wait on the Lord, His presence strengthens us, and our faith grows deeper. Waiting is not wasted; it’s a time of preparation, refining, and drawing closer to God.

Conclusion:

Psalm 27:7-14 is a powerful reminder of the depth of God’s faithfulness and the trust we can place in Him. David’s heartfelt cry for help, his confidence in God’s goodness, and his call to wait patiently on the Lord speaks to the realities we all face in life.

We, too, can approach God with honesty and vulnerability, knowing He hears us and will answer in His perfect time. We can rest in the assurance that even if the world around us fails, God will hold us close. And as we wait on Him, we can be brave and courageous, trusting in His unfailing love and guidance.

Thank you for joining me today on this trek through Psalm 27. As we continue our journey together, let’s take David’s words to heart—seeking God’s presence, trusting in His goodness, and waiting on Him with courage.

Until next time, keep seeking God’s wisdom, keep trusting in the Lord, keep walking the path of faith, and continue your journey of wisdom with God’s Word lighting your path.

Reflect…

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 together, let us always:

1. Live Abundantly (Fully)
2. Love Unconditionally
3. Listen Intentionally
4. Learn Continuously
5. Lend to others Generously
6. Lead with Integrity
7. 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 2479 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Day 2479 – Counsel From a Concerned Apostle – Daily Wisdom

Putnam Church Message – 10/06/2024

Jesus Christ, Our Lord – Counsel From a Concerned Apostle – Colossians 2:1-10

Last week, we continued in the letter of Colossians and dove into what authentic Christian Ministry really is.

Today’s passage is Colossians 2:1-10 on page 1833 of your Pew Bibles. We will investigate the heart of Paul and his love for the early church. I am reading from the NLT.

¹ I want you to know how much I have agonized for you and for the church at Laodicea, and for many other believers who have never met me personally. ² I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. ³ In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.⁴ I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments. ⁵ For though I am far away from you, my heart is with you. And I rejoice that you are living as you should and that your faith in Christ is strong.

⁶ And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. ⁷ Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.⁸ Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers^[a] of this world, rather than from Christ. ⁹ For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.^[b] 10 So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.

There is a period of time during most young Christians’ lives when we go through an unhealthy phase of spiritual independence. We think that we don’t need anybody but God or anything but the Bible. We know Christ. We have the Holy Spirit. We begin to read God’s Word. We engage in daily study of Scripture. For many of us, our parents had played their part in raising us and sending us on a wholesome spiritual trajectory. Our spouse or other family member was there to provide encouragement and companionship. We plow forward with a go-it-alone attitude and a pioneering spirit. It’s the way of Western culture, especially in America.

This thinking is not Biblical. As we grow spiritually through the years, one of the greatest things we learn is that we need others. Not occasionally, but continually. And not just our families and close friends. We need all our brothers and sisters in Christ, in our local churches, and in the universal body of Christ.

This is one of the most challenging truths to convince believers of. We talk about accepting Christ as our “personal Savior” and having a “personal relationship with God.” We emphasize the “priesthood of each believer.” These biblical truths are often misinterpreted through the distorted lens of an unaccountable individualism. Yes, each of us must personally accept Christ as Savior, but we are all baptized into one body, the church. We each have a personal relationship with God, but that relationship is a Father-child relationship with many siblings. Each of us has the freedom by the power of the Spirit to approach the throne of God without any mediator>but the Lord Jesus Christ, but we are called to pray and intercede for our fellow believers, serving as one another’s priests. A lone-ranger mentality isn’t biblically supported.

Sometimes, I fear that, though we rightly emphasize the importance of personal Bible study, we neglect the equally important aspects of Christian community and accountability. What an unbalanced and unhealthy way to live a Christian life! It should jolt us out of our privatized Christianity to realize that the great apostle Paul, who labored on the frontier of missions, surrounded himself with people. His letters are filled with the names of fellow workers, companions, and colleagues. Some of them are familiar to us; others are not. But all were very familiar to Paul because they were his friends and supporters.

When we get to Colossians 2, we find Paul writing words of love, understanding, and compassion to people he had never met. However, they shared a mutual friendship with fellow ministry workers Epaphras and Philemon. Even though Paul and the Colossian believers didn’t know each other personally, they needed each other. They were connected as members of the same body of Christ, whether they were aware of it or not. In this section, Paul shares with his fellow believers in Colossae personal encouragement (2:1–5), foundational truth (2:6–7), and doctrinal warnings (2:8–10).

—2:1–5—

The chapter breaks, and verse numbers in our Bible translations are not inspired by God. They were added later to help people find passages of Scripture more easily. In the original text penned by the apostle Paul, the material of chapter 1 flowed right into chapter 2, perhaps written without Paul even lifting the stylus. Regardless, the thoughts from Colossians 1:29 flow right into 2:1. Paul said in 1:19 That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me. In the next statement, Paul makes this striving personal: I want you to know how much I have agonized for you. (2:1). Here, Paul uses a noun form related to the verb meaning “to strive,” which he had used in 1:29 to refer to the great struggle he endured in ministry.

Not only was he striving on their behalf, but his arduous labor in the ministry also benefited their neighbors to the north in Laodicea, and all those churches who had not met Paul face-to-face (2:1). Though these believers did not have a direct relationship with him, Paul desired that they would be encouraged by having their hearts “knit together by strong ties of love” (2:2). The Greek word translated “knit together” is symbibazō. This same word is used in Ephesians to describe how the body of Christ is: He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. (Eph. 4:16).

This spiritual growth of the body that occurs as the members are fitted together in love results in “I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself” (Col. 2:2). Paul had already emphasized this point in his prayer that the Colossians would be filled with “all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (1:9). This full assurance of understanding would result in “they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself” (2:2).

Remember that the Gnostic false teachers emphasized seeking mysterious knowledge (gnōsis), but as something beyond Jesus Christ. The true knowledge of God’s mystery, Paul says; In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (2:3). This could be a bold, blunt, and direct refutation of budding Gnostic heresies. The fact that Paul had in mind a specific kind of false teaching is confirmed in his statement; I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments (2:4).

I’m sure the speculations of the false teachers were fascinating and their rhetoric tantalizing. They undoubtedly wowed their hearers with sophisticated “facts” and intricate logic. But every step of their mesmerizing methodology steered their listeners farther away from Christ. So it always is with false teachers. They demote, decentralize, or downplay the person and work of Jesus Christ. Cults have always done this and always will. Because Jesus alone is the treasure trove of wisdom and knowledge (2:3), the only way false teachers can persuade people to buy their fool’s-gold philosophies is to turn attention away from Christ and toward their fabulous fabrications.

These false teachers posed a real danger, but instead of dwelling on the dark clouds of potential threats, Paul follows his warning with bright rays of affirmation. Though he and the Colossians were separated by distance, Paul assured them that he was with them “in spirit” (2:5). This isn’t just a cliché phrase meaning “I’ve got your back.” In reality Paul and the believers in Colossae were united by the bond of the Holy Spirit, who brings together in spiritual unity members of the body of Christ who are separated physically. In the context of this spiritual camaraderie, Paul’s thoughts and emotions were with them as he expressed genuine interest and concern for them. He commended them for their good discipline and the stability of their faith in Christ. He rejoiced that they were living as they should and had a firm footing in the truth of the Christian faith.

Yet, Christians can always use more exhortation to continue to grow in the faith. And the Colossians, under the lingering threat of false teachers, needed an extra boost of foundational truth to keep them strong.

—2:6–7—

To strengthen them in their faith, Paul adds to his affirmation in 2:5, an exhortation to follow the way of Christ (2:6–7). The essence of the Christian life is packed into these two simple verses. We would do well to meditate on them or even memorize them. I see four foundational truths here worth examining.

First, the Christian life starts with new birth. We “accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord” (2:6). The word translated “accepted” is paralambanō, which Paul uses in 1 Corinthians 15:1–5 in reference to welcoming the gospel of Jesus Christ by faith:

Let me now remind you, dear brothers and sisters,^[a] of the Good News I preached to you before. You welcomed it then, and you still stand firm in it. ² It is this Good News that saves you if you continue to believe the message I told you—unless, of course, you believed something that was never true in the first place.^[b]

³ I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. ⁴ He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. ⁵ He was seen by Peter^[c] and then by the Twelve.

Second, the Christian life continues when we “follow him” (Col. 2:6). Like newborn babies, we grow slowly at first. Later, we learn to put one foot in front of the other as we understand the meaning of Christian language and grasp fundamental truths about the faith. We learn what is expected of followers of Christ: how to pray, read His Word, and deal with sin, and resist temptation. As we stay close to Him and keep our focus on Him, we continue to walk in the right direction toward spiritual maturity. All this takes time.

In Colossians 2:7, Paul uses the image of a tree “firmly rooted” to illustrate the kind of deep faith needed to stand strong. Take in a tree in a pot.

Third, as the Christian walk continues, stability and growth occur (2:7). Contrary to modern literary standards, Paul switches metaphors twice in this verse. He begins in 2:6 with the image of following him. Then, in 2:7, he uses the image of a tree being “firmly rooted” in the ground and follows this immediately with a structural metaphor (“let your lives be built on him”). Through these mixed metaphors, however, we see a consistent picture. As we grow, we become more stable; and with this stability comes greater maturity and the outworking of our spiritual growth, resulting in even greater stability.

Fourth, as the Christian walk matures, it’s marked by overflowing thankfulness (2:7). The mature believer knows that their spiritual growth comes from God, who, by the Holy Spirit, provides what is needed to conform Christians to the image of His Son (see 1 Cor. 3:6). The appropriate response to God’s provision of growth and strength is not pride or self-confidence but thanksgiving.

—2:8–10—

Regarding the four steps outlined in your bulletin, Paul knew that the Colossian Christians were standing between steps one and two in their growth in the Christian faith. They had been truly converted, were becoming stable in their faith, and were beginning to live the Christian life. But they were like first-year students in the lifelong curriculum of spiritual growth. Thus, the Colossians were prime targets for spiritual deception from false teachers, who preferred to target the newly converted. So Paul transitions to stern doctrinal warnings in Colossians 2:8–10.

Earlier, Paul warned his readers about being deluded by “well-crafted arguments” (2:4). Now he expands on this warning. And he doesn’t merely caution against a smooth talk by slick charlatans. Instead, he addresses deeper, darker levels of false teaching, by which the victims are taken captive (2:8). This image is not of people falling into a trap, but of being snatched and dragged off, as in the kidnapping of a child. It’s a violent and sobering image, intended to shock the Colossians to attention. How did those false teachers capture and carry their victims away from the truth?

First, the false teachers sought to capture them through “empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense” (2:8). Paul isn’t condemning all philosophy or science, but false, baseless, worldly philosophy concocted to confuse and deceive Christians. It’s important to note that the burgeoning Gnosticism that likely threatened the baby Christians in Colossae was probably some amalgam of selected Christian teachings and pagan mysticism, held together with a heavy dose of Platonic philosophy, and all of it badly twisted and distorted. In other words, the false teachers in Colossae were not only bad theologians and questionable scholars, but they were also terrible philosophers!

Second, the false teachers followed the traditions of human thinking and spiritual powers (2:8). The phrase may refer to wicked spirits believed to control the events of heaven and earth. If so, this would be a fitting rebuff against a Gnostic system that proposed a pantheon of quasi-divine emanations that filled up the cosmos and controlled people’s fates! Whether through the influence of wretched people or wicked spirits, these false teachers were drawing people away from Jesus Christ. Elsewhere, Paul expressed a similar concern for the Corinthians. But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent. ⁴ You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different kind of Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed. (2 Cor. 11:3–4).

As a defense against this two-pronged attack by the malicious false teachers, Paul again turns the focus to Jesus Christ. In a powerful theological statement concerning the person of Christ, Paul affirms, For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. (Col. 2:9). This means that Jesus Christ is God incarnate (see John 1:1–3, 14). He is fully divine and fully human. He is an undiminished Deity—including all Deity’s attributes, power, glory, honor, and authority—united with perfect humanity. A single dose of the doctrine of the Incarnation would instantly cure the disease of Christ-denying heresy.

Paul’s use of the word plērōma (“fullness”) was intentional. By declaring that the fullness of Deity dwells in Christ in bodily form (Col. 2:9), Paul refutes the mythical, speculative notion of plērōma in Gnosticism. He counters the dualistic nature of their false religion. The Gnostics despised the body, the physical world, and material things. They believed the physical world—especially the fleshly body—to be inherently evil. To confess that the fully divine Son of God could dwell in bodily form would have been anathema to those heretics.

Because of who Christ is—the God-man—He is able to fully accomplish His saving and sanctifying work. In 2:10, Paul strongly affirms the total sufficiency of Christ: “So you also are complete through your union with Christ.” There’s no need to seek so-called fullness anywhere else or find additional saving wisdom, insight, knowledge, understanding, or truth from any other philosophy. In Christ, we have everything necessary. Even the angelic spiritual realm that fascinated Gnostics was under His authority: “Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.” (2:10), including the seen and unseen realm. Jesus Christ is sufficient as Lord.

Application: COLOSSIANS 2:1–10

Watering Our Roots

No matter where we are in our process of spiritual growth, we need to keep our spiritual roots healthy, deep, and strong. But how do we do this? What can we do to remain firmly rooted in our faith? Let me suggest three things we can do to apply Paul’s teaching in Colossians 2:1–10.

First, once every week, affirm and encourage another believer. Just as Paul went out of his way to exhort, encourage, warn, and teach other believers, you can do the same. You’ll find that this love and concern for others, being with them “in spirit” (2:5), not only helps strengthen their roots but will also grow your own. You could do this through a personal meeting, a phone call, a card, an e-mail, or even a brief text message. Make yourself available, demonstrating that those brothers and sisters in Christ are not alone. And before you know it, you’ll find that you’re the recipient of others’ notes of encouragement.

Second, once a day, think of something for which you’re grateful and tell the Lord, “Thank You.” Thank Him for the food He provides and the friends He has brought into your life. Thank Him for health, for deliverance from various temptations, and for perseverance through trials. Thank Him for salvation in Jesus Christ and the hope of eternal life. Thank Him for big things and little things. Don’t let a day go by without expressing your gratitude to the Lord for all the good things He provides.

Third, morning, noon, and night, pause and remind yourself, “I am complete in Christ.” Remember that God fully accepts you because of the person and work of Jesus Christ—not because of your own worth or merit. Recall that you’re totally free from the eternal punishment of sin. Acknowledge that Christ has broken the power of sin’s dominance in your life, allowing you to walk in a manner worthy of His calling (see 1:10; Eph. 4:1). And rejoice in the fact that you are absolutely secure in His salvation and will be fully delivered from the presence of sin when Christ returns.

By consistently sharing encouragement with others, regularly expressing your gratitude to God, and continually recalling the all-sufficiency of Christ, you’ll be watering the roots of your faith that nourish spiritual growth.

Next week, we will continue our series in the letter to the Colossians. The first section is Jesus Christ, Our Lord, and the message is titled ‘Living Forever…and Free. Invest time reading Colossians 2:11-23 for next week’s message.

Welcome to Day 2478 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 27:1-6

Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script – Day 2478

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2478 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..

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we embark on another trek through God’s Word. Today, we’re diving into a powerful and encouraging passage—Psalm 27:1-6 from the New Living Translation.

This is a psalm of David, where he expresses his unwavering trust in the Lord, even in the face of danger and adversity. It’s a psalm that teaches us about finding confidence and security in God, especially when life feels uncertain.

Let’s start by reading the passage in full, and then we’ll walk through it together:

Psalm 27:1-6 (NLT):

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—
so why should I be afraid?
The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,
so why should I tremble?

2 When evil people come to devour me,
when my enemies and foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.

3 Though a mighty army surrounds me,
my heart will not be afraid.
Even if I am attacked,
I will remain confident.

4 The one thing I ask of the Lord—
the thing I seek most—
is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
delighting in the Lord’s perfections
and meditating in His Temple.

5 For He will conceal me there when troubles come;
He will hide me in His sanctuary.
He will place me out of reach on a high rock.

6 Then I will hold my head high
above my enemies who surround me.
At His sanctuary, I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy,
singing and praising the Lord with music.

Confidence in God’s Protection (Verses 1-3):

David opens this psalm with a bold and clear declaration of confidence: “The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?” (Verse 1)

What a powerful way to begin! David acknowledges God as his light, his salvation, and his fortress. These three distinct images reveal the fullness of God’s protection and provision. God is the light that dispels the darkness of fear and uncertainty. He is the salvation that rescues David from his enemies, and He is the fortress that provides shelter and security.

David’s rhetorical questions—“So why should I be afraid? Why should I tremble?”—are meant to reinforce his confidence. There is no reason to fear when the Lord provides protection and deliverance. David understands that his security doesn’t come from his own strength or resources but from God alone.

In verse 2, David continues, “When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.” Notice the certainty in his language. David doesn’t say “if” enemies attack but “when.” He knows that trouble is inevitable in life. But he is equally confident that those who oppose him will ultimately fail because God is on his side.

Verse 3 takes this confidence even further: “Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.” Here, David paints a picture of overwhelming opposition—an entire army surrounding him. Yet, even in the face of such a daunting scenario, David’s heart remains steadfast.

His confidence isn’t based on the absence of trouble but on God’s presence with him. David knows that God is greater than his enemies, no matter how fierce the battle is. This is a crucial lesson for us as well: our confidence and security should rest not in our circumstances but in the character and promises of God.

Desire for God’s Presence (Verse 4):

In verse 4, David shifts from focusing on external threats to expressing the deep desire of his heart: “The one thing I ask of the Lord—the thing I seek most—is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in His Temple.”

David’s request here is profound. He isn’t asking for more military strength, victory over his enemies, or personal safety. Instead, his greatest desire is to be in God’s presence. To David, the presence of the Lord is more valuable than anything else. It’s the one thing he seeks above all.

Notice the language David uses: “all the days of my life.” This isn’t a temporary longing but a lifelong pursuit. David wants to dwell with God continually, to be in His house, delighting in His beauty, and meditating on His goodness.

For David, the house of the Lord was likely the Tabernacle or the Temple—the place where God’s presence was manifested in a special way. For us, this desire translates to a longing for intimacy with God, a desire to live in continual fellowship with Him through prayer, worship, and meditation on His Word.

When we make God’s presence our highest priority, it changes our perspective on everything else. Like David, we can face challenges confidently because we know that God is with us, and that there is no greater place of security than His presence.

God’s Protection and Deliverance (Verse 5):

David continues in verse 5, explaining why he longs to dwell in God’s house: “For He will conceal me there when troubles come; He will hide me in His sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock.”

Here, David draws on the imagery of God’s sanctuary as a place of refuge and protection. When troubles come—and they indeed will—God will conceal David in His presence. This is not just a temporary escape but a permanent place of security. David knows that when he seeks God, he will be hidden and safe from harm.

The image of being placed “out of reach on a high rock” evokes a sense of stability and elevation. Rocks in the ancient world were often seen as strongholds or places of refuge. To be placed on a high rock means to be lifted above the fray, beyond the reach of enemies and danger.

This verse reminds us that God’s protection is real and powerful. When we seek Him, He hides us in His presence, shielding us from the attacks of the enemy. He lifts us above our circumstances and places us on solid ground.

Joy in Worship and Victory (Verse 6):

Finally, David concludes this section of the psalm with a declaration of triumph and worship: “Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me. At His sanctuary, I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the Lord with music.”

David is confident that God’s protection will lead to victory. He envisions a time when he will stand “with his head held high” above his enemies, a picture of honor and triumph. Despite the fact that his enemies still surround him, David knows that his deliverance is sure because God is with him.

His response to this victory is one of worship. David doesn’t just offer a token of thanks; he offers sacrifices with shouts of joy. His worship is exuberant and full of praise. He sings and makes music to the Lord, expressing his gratitude and adoration for God’s faithfulness.

This is a beautiful reminder that worship is the appropriate response to God’s deliverance and protection. When God lifts us out of danger and places us on solid ground, our natural response should be joyful worship. Like David, we can praise God with all our hearts, singing and proclaiming His goodness.

Conclusion:

As we reflect on Psalm 27:1-6, we see a powerful example of unwavering trust in God. David’s confidence comes not from his own abilities but from the Lord’s presence, protection, and faithfulness. Even in the face of enemies and danger, David’s heart remains steadfast because he knows that God is his light, his salvation, and his fortress.

This psalm reminds us today that no matter what challenges we face, we can trust in God’s protection. We can seek His presence above all else, knowing that we find true security in Him. And when God delivers us, our response should be joyful worship and praise.

Thank you for joining me today on this trek through Psalm 27. I encourage you to meditate on these verses and consider how they can inspire confidence in your own walk with the Lord. Let’s make seeking God’s presence our highest priority and trust in His faithfulness every step of the way.

Until next time, keep seeking God’s wisdom, living in God’s presence, keep on the path of wisdom, and trust in the Lord.

Reflect…

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 together, let us always:

1. Live Abundantly (Fully)
2. Love Unconditionally
3. Listen Intentionally
4. Learn Continuously
5. Lend to others Generously
6. Lead with Integrity
7. 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!