All Wednesday Bible studies

A sequence of verses showing how to steer oneself toward consideration of others, use 'unbreachable barriers' to avoid sin, maintain diligence in all things, avoid giving superficial counsel, register and convey disapproval of wrong, and treasure family devotion and the means of grace.

This group of verses unfolds five 'companions' of biblical truth as we search and apply it to life. Fascinating illustrations press home lessons on the need of: diligence, purity (in doctrine and methods), reality (especially the call to service), humility, and diplomacy (or sensitivity).

'This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.' Full chapter _____________ Titus 3 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities…

Through four striking illustrations Solomon considers spiritual 'skills': a noble building showing the three stages of spiritual life, warfare showing strategies for resisting Satan, the uninitiated builder or soldier showing hopeless consequences, and the need for constant exercise of spiritual skills.

Starting with a brief comment on the 'rod' in Proverbs, and what it does not mean, here is a remarkable 20-verse topic showing how Satan first makes sin desirable, promotes it through bad company, weakens thirst for regular teaching, then tightens sin's grip on us.

- earthly and personal desires that is. Beginning with the need to curb determination to have one's way, Solomon deals with anger, longings in general, and the 'evil eye' of coveting. He powerfully emphasises the need to observe God's sacred boundaries in life.

'For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to…

The first proverb in this group announces the theme - the believer's reputation for shining integrity (and its works), showing that it encompasses a true view of self (humility), principled living, keeping personal spiritual independence, and other precious elements. With examples of typical failure.

Here are eight consecutive graphic proverbs presenting distinctive aspects of sanctification: the need for a plan, the special guarding of appetites and words, fleeing pride, fearing indolence, being outgoing, keeping utmost sincerity in worship, applying Truth, and being ever-correctable. These powerful helps explored.

Twelve verses track the fallen state of mankind, revealing strikingly different and often surprising aspects of our lost condition. It stirs our sympathy, prayers and witness, and, of course, our gratitude for salvation. We see also the vast differences between being lost or saved.