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Pathways Through Paul
Daily Devotional
January 4
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Today's Pathway:
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For the last three days we have seen Paul's statements about himself. Now we see his initial statements about Jesus. There are several in these three verses. First, he declares that the Old Testament contains prophecies concerning Jesus. This is obviously true. While actual counts vary depending on how one defines a specific prophecy, there are 200 or more prophecies concerning the Messiah that were fulfilled by Jesus during His time on earth. Paul uses the reality of fulfilled prophecy to prove that Jesus is indeed the promised Messiah. Christ Himself used a similar argument when He said to the unbelieving Jews, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me" (John 5:39).
Second, he calls Jesus the Son of God. He is explaining that Jesus is much more than "just" the Messiah. He is God in the flesh. The Jews struggled with this idea, for even though the Old Testament taught this truth, Judaism saw the Messiah as being only human. But Psalm 2:7 reads,
I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
Proverbs 30:4 says,
Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?
The Jews were so opposed to this idea that John writes in John 5:18,
Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
To the Jews this was blasphemy; to Paul this was a vital doctrine.
Third, He calls Jesus "our Lord". The word "Lord" simply means "supreme in authority, controller; master". This helps us to understand why Paul saw himself as being a slave to Christ. If Jesus is both supreme in authority and the Master, then all of mankind is ultimately His servant, and should behave as such. Certainly as believers we should acknowledge Him as our Lord and place ourselves under His will and authority in all aspects of our lives.
Tomorrow we will look at Paul's remaining introductory statements about Jesus.
Pastor Mark J Montgomery
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