Verses 1-4
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When Christ has returned and God's judgments are complete, there will be great joy and singing.
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For now, the perfect peace that we can experience comes from keeping our minds focused on God.
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Always give yourself scripture to think about, find reasons to give thanks always, and think of what you can pray for at any time, and this will keep your mind focused and at peace (Philippians 4:6-8).
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Verses 5-9a
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Part of God's judgment is that He humbles everyone in the pride of their sin.
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But, as believers, we are to walk uprightly—correct is our ways through obedience to God and the desire for God.
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Encourage this desire and obedience by seeking God day and night. Rise early in the morning and pray (Mark 1:35), and pray before you go to sleep at night. Meditate on God's Word day and night (Psalm 1:2).
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Verses 9b-11
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Notice from this passage that unbelievers do not learn what is right, nor how to do what is right, merely by being shown grace. They must know God's judgment also, and then they will learn righteousness.
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In your understanding, and in how you share the gospel with others, remember that grace alone isn't the solution. Teach people about both God's grace and His judgment.
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Without knowledge of judgment, grace is viewed as a license to keep on sinning; so things like judgment and repentance must be understood also.
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Verse 12
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This verse well supports the teaching that we are saved and able to obey God though His work in us.
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Always remember that God's work within you is what allows you to work for Him(Philippians 2:13, Ephesians 2:10).
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Verses 13-21
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While we were still in our sins, we were mastered by the world, the enemy, and various idols (verses 13-14). We suffered from our sins, but produced nothing of value (verses 17-18).
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But now, because of Jesus' resurrection, we will rise from death and receive a new body (verse 19) and experience total freedom from any touch of sin. This we should rejoice about!
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But before this resurrection for believers is finished, there is the day of judgment—the Great Tribulation (verses 20-21).
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Believers will have to hide themselves during this time, until the indignation of the Lord is finished. Then the Lord Jesus will return, and we who are yet alive will be caught up to meet Him in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
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