Category Archives: Bible Reading

THE DEEP THINGS OF SATAN

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Yes, you read that correctly.  It is actually what John says in the book of Revelation.  I am currently reading the book of Revelation for my devotions. 

Here is Rev. 2:24 from the New American Standard Version of the Bible:

“But I say to you, the rest who are in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not known the deep things of Satan, as they call them—I place no other burden on you.“

According to Gary Burge in his terrific work on John’s gospel, John likes to allow for double meanings at times.

It seems that the “deep things of Satan” could both be a sort of mockery, and it seems to describe a Gnostic-like (Gnosticism does not kick in this early, more of second century reality) idea of special knowledge for certain, select folks.

Either way, the deep things of Satan are unimpressive in light of the riches of the true gospel!

A COMMON OCCURRENCE IN PREACHING

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The following is not an uncommon occurrence for me while preparing to preach…

Not always, but there are certainly times of struggle either to make sense of the text and/or to make sure I really believe it.  As the Puritans liked to say, make sure to preach to yourself before you preach to others.  Really believing the Word of God is more difficult than determining its proper meaning.

Then God brings light, many times much light, and I can’t write fast enough.

It is one reason I don’t like to preach every week.  The process of preparation is best if I have months to mull and consider a text.  I want to stew on it for a long time.

I take many notes and ask many questions.  Commentaries come at the end to make sure I am in the ballpark of sound exegesis.

All this is one reason why I wish lead pastors preached less frequently.  It would be better for them and for the congregation.