Justin Houtz

2 Samuel 22, Mark 1

DateVersionReading Plan
October 16, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

2 Samuel 22

Observation & Interpretation

2 Sam. 22:1-51 – … many remain uncomfortable with the language David employs of himself in 2 Samual 22:21-25 because it seems to be tainted with self-righteousness and to view God’s salvation as procured by David’s works…But what is in view in such passages is not entering into a right relationship with God but maintaining a correct attitude to him through loyal obedience. (ESVEC – Response)

Mark 1

Observation & Interpretation

Mark 1:12 – Mark somewhat separates the Spirit’s driving Jesus into the wilderness with Jesus being tempted by the devil. Matthew links them together more closely: “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit to be tempted by the devil.” (Matt. 4:1)

  • Testings are inevitable for the believer. The closer one follows the Lord, the more intense they will be. Satan does not waste his gunpowder on nominal Christians, but opens his big guns on those who are winning territory in the spiritual warfare. It is not a sin to be tempted. The sin lies in yielding to the temptation. In our own strength we cannot resist. But the indwelling Holy Spirit is the believer’s power to subdue dark passions. (BBC)

Mark 1:23 – There was a man with an unclean spirit in the synagogue.

  • This probably means that the spirit manifested its presence by making the man physically or morally unclean…A demon-possesses person is actually indwelt and controlled by an evil spirit. The person is often able to perform supernatural feats and often becomes violent or blasphemous when confronted with the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. (BBC)

Mark 1:16-45 – According to Jesus, the call to discipleship is not only an appeal to a set of godly behavior patterns. Rather, it represents a radical call to surrender to him, and it touches, therefore, the nerve center of the question of who holds control over the inner sanctum of a person. It is thus all-inclusive…Discipleship means full surrender to the total claim and authority of the triune God, without tolerating idols, loyalties, or dependencies that stand against Jesus’ claim, call and purpose. (ESVEC – Response)

Application

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