Page 864 - The MacArthur Daily Bible

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AUGUST 23
the New Testament. It was all that truth which Paul had to oversee and dispense as God’s servant
and steward.
The most essential quality of a servant or steward is obedient loyalty to his master (vv. 2,17;
7:25;Matt.24:45–51;Col.1:7;4:7).Because of that,Paul said that “it is a very small thing that I should
be judged by you or by a human court”(v. 3). Paul is not being arrogant or saying that he is above
fellow ministers, other Christians, or even certain unbelievers. He is saying that a human verdict on
his life is not the one that matters, even if it was his own.
“For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this” (v. 4). Paul was not aware
of any unconfessed or habitual sin in his own life, but his limited understanding assumed that his
was not the final verdict.Paul’s own sincere evaluation of his life did not acquit him of all failures to
be faithful.The Lord is the ultimate and only qualified Judge of any man’s obedience and faithful-
ness (2 Tim.2:15).Since final rewards will be based not just on outward service but on inward devo-
tion (10:31),only God can give the praise each deserves.He will “bring to light the hidden things of
darkness…counsels of the hearts”(v. 5).

AUGUST 23 That they may do whatever He
commands them
On the face of the whole earth.
He causes it to come,
13
Job 37:1–38:41 Whether for correction,
“At this also my heart trembles, Or for His land,
37 And leaps from its place. Or for mercy.
2 Hear attentively the thunder of His 14 “Listen to this, O Job;
voice, Stand still and consider the wondrous
And the rumbling that comes from His works of God.
mouth. 15 Do you know when God dispatches
He sends it forth under the whole them,
3
heaven, And causes the light of His cloud to
His lightning to the ends of the earth. shine?
4 After it a voice roars; 16 Do you know how the clouds are
He thunders with His majestic voice, balanced,
And He does not restrain them when Those wondrous works of Him who is
His voice is heard. perfect in knowledge?
5 God thunders marvelously with His 17 Why are your garments hot,
voice; When He quiets the earth by the south
He does great things which we cannot wind?
comprehend. 18 With Him, have you spread out the
For He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the skies,
6
earth’; Strong as a cast metal mirror?
Likewise to the gentle rain and the
heavy rain of His strength. 19 “Teach us what we should say to Him,
He seals the hand of every man,
7 For we can prepare nothing because of
That all men may know His work. the darkness.
8 The beasts go into dens, 20 Should He be told that I wish to speak?
And remain in their lairs. If a man were to speak, surely he
9 From the chamber of the south comes would be swallowed up.
the whirlwind, 21 Even now men cannot look at the light
And cold from the scattering winds of when it is bright in the skies,
the north. When the wind has passed and cleared
10 By the breath of God ice is given, them.
And the broad waters are frozen. 22 He comes from the north as golden
Also with moisture He saturates the splendor;
11
thick clouds; With God is awesome majesty.
He scatters His bright clouds. 23 As for the Almighty, we cannot find Him;
12 And they swirl about, being turned by He is excellent in power,
His guidance, In judgment and abundant justice;

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