Eph 5:21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
We are to serve one another as Christ gave us the example.
John 13:13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
John 13:14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
John 13:15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
Eph 5:22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
Eph 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
Eph 5:24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
Please notice the pattern here; the wife is to be to her own husband as the church is to the Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to his authority, for he loves and cares for you and he is responsible to meet your needs. Submitting to your own husband, not to all men.This is the pattern of the church in relation to it's head. Do you see how important it is to marry another Christian so that you can understand together and are both submissive to the truth of Christ? It is not going to work so well if you marry an unbeliever who dwells in darkness.
Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave himself for it.
Eph 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
This is a total commitment; when a husband marries his wife, he will die for her if necessary, to protect her. This too is only possible if both understand how Christ died for the church, as too his beloved bride that he wanted to save. He shed his blood to sanctify and cleanse it by the washing water of the word. Husband and wife both benefit by learning the sacrificial love of the Lord Jesus Christ who first washes away our sins with his blood and then with the daily water of the word of God.
Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Titus 3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
Titus 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
John 15:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
Eph 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
A marriage sanctifies the relationship in God's eyes. People living together apart from marriage, is nothing but fornication in the eyes of God. I think satan makes it seem as okay, but wait until they marry, then satan brings all hell against them, guilt, shame and accusations. Remember God considers marriage as a sacred bond before himself.
As Jesus willingly gave his life for the church and has sanctified it by his word. Also by abiding in him we are one, as husband and wife become one abiding together, producing fruit.
1 Cor 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.
Eph 5:28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
Eph 5:29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
Husbands, Love your wife as your own flesh, as you are now become one.
Mat 19:3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?
Mat 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
Mat 19:5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
Mat 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Eph 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
Eph 5:31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
This is God's pattern for husband and wife from the beginning. Unfortunately in the church are many divorces, there is not a commitment to one another. As the world, the church has become, switching partners as easy as trading in one car for a newer model. Where is the commitment to the Lord? If you can't be commited to one another in the natural, how shall you be commited in the spiritual to God?
1 John 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
Eph 5:32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
Eph 5:33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
Wive's, are not to nag or control a husband who may have faults. A husband needs respect from his wife. If you are disrespectful, it is as unto God. To reverence is to fear or respect another as the church loves and respects Christ Jesus. Wive's should see their husbands, especially Christian husbands as a high gift from God, just as Jesus is the head and a gift from God for us. Husbands are to love and cherish their wives. A wise husband will share all things including decision making, with the wife. The LORD made the wife as a helpmeet, not as a competitor. If one is more gifted at something, then share the gift for the building of the marriage and the family. Husbands generally do not share feelings as openly as the wife. This does not mean that he does not care. He cares by providing for the wife and helping to keep her secure. Jesus is the center of the marriage, so let the Holy Spirit guide you in all things. Love, honor, respect; keep these virtues in your marriage.
Prov 18:22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
Spirit Filled - Eph 5:18-20
Eph 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
Prov 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
Everything in moderation. If you must drink wine, do not drink to excess. Some people drink wine and alcohol to forget their problems, perhaps to get a momentary lift. Those who drink too much are taken over by evil spirits that torment the family. The meek and gentle husband, may become abusive.
What is it to be filled with the Spirit. First we must be bornagain of God, by His Spirit. Then we are to be filled; some call it the baptism of the Holy Spirit because Jesus came with the Holy Spirit and this is his baptism.
Mat 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Mat 3:12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
Salvation begins with faith in Jesus, followed by salvation and the filling of the Holy Spirit.
Under the Old Covenant the Holy Spirit came upon certain Holy Men and it could be removed again. David prayed that his sin with Bathsheba would not result in the removal of the Holy Spirit.
Psa 51:11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
In the New Covenant in Jesus' blood we are sealed by the Spirit and He stays forever.
Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Eph 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
If the Spirit is within He will show himself in the believer with gifts of the Spirit. Some insist on the gift of tongues as at Pentacost. There were many languages present when the gift of languages came; the Holy Ghost and tongues like as of fire.
Acts 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
Acts 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 2:5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
Acts 2:6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
There are other gifts for the edifying of the church; teaching is one of the gifts and prophesy. See 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12 for a list of the Spiritual gifts. Let me make this clear; the filling of the Spirit is the presence and power of God at work in us to glorify him. It is not of the flesh or of personality, or of intellect or anything of human thought or reasoning, it is from God. We may submit to him with our flesh, soul and body to be used for his glory by the filling of His Holy Spirit.
The flesh is in opposition to the Spirit. Paul describes this fight between the flesh will and the will of God in Romans 7.
Rom 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
Rom 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
Eph 4:21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
Eph 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
Eph 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
Eph 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Paul gives the answer to this dilemma in Romans 8; we are to be filled with the Spirit.
Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
We are to submit our human will and mind to the Spirit of God.
Rom 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Rom 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
Unfortunately there are those who sometimes quote the Bible, who do it out of the flesh mind and not out of God's Spirit; they may not have His Spirit, so they are not really of the body of Christ.
Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Rom 8:12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
Rom 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Rom 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Rom 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Rom 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
So how can we go from the flesh mind with it's worries and concerns into the filling of the Spirit? One way to get in the Spirit is to encourage our self through Spiritual songs, hymns and psalms. Make joy in your heart, a fruit of the Spirit; instead of looking at what is evil and becoming discouraged; thank God for His goodness to you.
Eph 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
Eph 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
1 Th 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1 Th 5:19 Quench not the Spirit.
We give thanks to our God and Father for Jesus and we pray in Jesus name. When I have the Spirit of God and the new life in Christ, I need not indulge in the wine of the world, nor marijuana or drugs, to bring me joy. We have joy in serving Jesus. Let us be a thankful people, a positive and joyful people full of the Spirit of God.
Eph 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Eph 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Eph 4:6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
1 Cor 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
1 Cor 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
Be filled with the Spirit and be filled with the power of God. Don't go out without Him.
Prov 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
Everything in moderation. If you must drink wine, do not drink to excess. Some people drink wine and alcohol to forget their problems, perhaps to get a momentary lift. Those who drink too much are taken over by evil spirits that torment the family. The meek and gentle husband, may become abusive.
What is it to be filled with the Spirit. First we must be bornagain of God, by His Spirit. Then we are to be filled; some call it the baptism of the Holy Spirit because Jesus came with the Holy Spirit and this is his baptism.
Mat 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Mat 3:12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
Salvation begins with faith in Jesus, followed by salvation and the filling of the Holy Spirit.
Under the Old Covenant the Holy Spirit came upon certain Holy Men and it could be removed again. David prayed that his sin with Bathsheba would not result in the removal of the Holy Spirit.
Psa 51:11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
In the New Covenant in Jesus' blood we are sealed by the Spirit and He stays forever.
Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Eph 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
If the Spirit is within He will show himself in the believer with gifts of the Spirit. Some insist on the gift of tongues as at Pentacost. There were many languages present when the gift of languages came; the Holy Ghost and tongues like as of fire.
Acts 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
Acts 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 2:5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
Acts 2:6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
There are other gifts for the edifying of the church; teaching is one of the gifts and prophesy. See 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12 for a list of the Spiritual gifts. Let me make this clear; the filling of the Spirit is the presence and power of God at work in us to glorify him. It is not of the flesh or of personality, or of intellect or anything of human thought or reasoning, it is from God. We may submit to him with our flesh, soul and body to be used for his glory by the filling of His Holy Spirit.
The flesh is in opposition to the Spirit. Paul describes this fight between the flesh will and the will of God in Romans 7.
Rom 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
Rom 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
Eph 4:21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
Eph 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
Eph 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
Eph 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Paul gives the answer to this dilemma in Romans 8; we are to be filled with the Spirit.
Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
We are to submit our human will and mind to the Spirit of God.
Rom 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Rom 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
Unfortunately there are those who sometimes quote the Bible, who do it out of the flesh mind and not out of God's Spirit; they may not have His Spirit, so they are not really of the body of Christ.
Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Rom 8:12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
Rom 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Rom 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Rom 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Rom 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
So how can we go from the flesh mind with it's worries and concerns into the filling of the Spirit? One way to get in the Spirit is to encourage our self through Spiritual songs, hymns and psalms. Make joy in your heart, a fruit of the Spirit; instead of looking at what is evil and becoming discouraged; thank God for His goodness to you.
Eph 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
Eph 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
1 Th 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1 Th 5:19 Quench not the Spirit.
We give thanks to our God and Father for Jesus and we pray in Jesus name. When I have the Spirit of God and the new life in Christ, I need not indulge in the wine of the world, nor marijuana or drugs, to bring me joy. We have joy in serving Jesus. Let us be a thankful people, a positive and joyful people full of the Spirit of God.
Eph 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Eph 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Eph 4:6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
1 Cor 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
1 Cor 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
Be filled with the Spirit and be filled with the power of God. Don't go out without Him.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Walk In Light In His Will
Walk in Light
Eph 5:13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
Whosoever that are corrected are corrected by the light of truth and the fire of the Holy Ghost; for whosever does make truth to appear is of the light.
John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
John 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
John 3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
To speak in darkness is to speak in lies and deception. Some do this as enemies of Christ.
1 John 2:22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
1 John 2:23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.
1 John 2:24 Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.
If we are lost in darkness we only go by feelings and often are fooled by the dark one. When the light comes we see clearly and can correct our thoughts and actions based on the revealed truth of God, usually from the Bible.
Eph 5:14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
Awake, from the unreality of a dream world and embrace the light of truth in your new life in Christ Jesus. If you are seeking the light of truth, then do not go to sorcery and witchcraft, but come to Jesus Christ. Come out of the cursed life to the life of God's truth and blessings. Come to reality, be free from the bondage of the past by coming through faith to Jesus, the light of the world.
Isa 9:2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Eph 5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
To be circumspect is to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life, as a watchman. We are to guard the truth of God's word, not being foolish seeking the thoughts of the lost in the world Because you see and are made perfect by the word of truth, walk diligently, perfectly and not as unwise ones without the light. We are accountable to what is revealed to us. Share the wisdom that God has given to you with others.
2 Tim 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
Mat 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
1 Cor 1:20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?1 Cor 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
1 Cor 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
1 Cor 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
1 Cor 1:24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
1 Cor 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
Eph 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Time is valuable, redeem it with service to our Lord, do not waste time pursuing things that perish.
Mat 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
Mat 6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Mat 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Col 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
Col 4:6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Choose wisely and do not be trapped in darkness. The light has come, learn from Jesus and walk wisely and in purity in a world of darkness.
Phil 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
Eph 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
The will of God
Receive His Son
John 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
John 6:39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
John 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Be Loving
Mat 22:36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
Mat 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Mat 22:38 This is the first and great commandment.
Mat 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Mat 22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Your Sanctification
1 Th 4:2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
1 Th 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
1 Th 4:4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
Give Thanks
1 Th 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Be A Good Servant
1 Pet 2:15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
1 Pet 2:16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
In Suffering
1 Pet 4:19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
Love not the world
1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
1 John 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
We walk in the light of God's truth as revealed in the Holy Bible and by the Holy Spirit. The Bible gives us the will of God and the Holy Spirit leads us in our callings, so that we are the light of God in a sin darkened world. Keep your light on, even in afflictions, for you may be the light to bring many to salvation in Christ Jesus.
Eph 5:13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
Whosoever that are corrected are corrected by the light of truth and the fire of the Holy Ghost; for whosever does make truth to appear is of the light.
John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
John 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
John 3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
To speak in darkness is to speak in lies and deception. Some do this as enemies of Christ.
1 John 2:22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
1 John 2:23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.
1 John 2:24 Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.
If we are lost in darkness we only go by feelings and often are fooled by the dark one. When the light comes we see clearly and can correct our thoughts and actions based on the revealed truth of God, usually from the Bible.
Eph 5:14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
Awake, from the unreality of a dream world and embrace the light of truth in your new life in Christ Jesus. If you are seeking the light of truth, then do not go to sorcery and witchcraft, but come to Jesus Christ. Come out of the cursed life to the life of God's truth and blessings. Come to reality, be free from the bondage of the past by coming through faith to Jesus, the light of the world.
Isa 9:2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Eph 5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
To be circumspect is to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life, as a watchman. We are to guard the truth of God's word, not being foolish seeking the thoughts of the lost in the world Because you see and are made perfect by the word of truth, walk diligently, perfectly and not as unwise ones without the light. We are accountable to what is revealed to us. Share the wisdom that God has given to you with others.
2 Tim 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
Mat 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
1 Cor 1:20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?1 Cor 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
1 Cor 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
1 Cor 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
1 Cor 1:24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
1 Cor 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
Eph 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Time is valuable, redeem it with service to our Lord, do not waste time pursuing things that perish.
Mat 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
Mat 6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Mat 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Col 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
Col 4:6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Choose wisely and do not be trapped in darkness. The light has come, learn from Jesus and walk wisely and in purity in a world of darkness.
Phil 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
Eph 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
The will of God
Receive His Son
John 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
John 6:39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
John 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Be Loving
Mat 22:36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
Mat 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Mat 22:38 This is the first and great commandment.
Mat 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Mat 22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Your Sanctification
1 Th 4:2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
1 Th 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
1 Th 4:4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
Give Thanks
1 Th 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Be A Good Servant
1 Pet 2:15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
1 Pet 2:16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
In Suffering
1 Pet 4:19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
Love not the world
1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
1 John 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
We walk in the light of God's truth as revealed in the Holy Bible and by the Holy Spirit. The Bible gives us the will of God and the Holy Spirit leads us in our callings, so that we are the light of God in a sin darkened world. Keep your light on, even in afflictions, for you may be the light to bring many to salvation in Christ Jesus.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Resisting The Devil - Part 2
In resisting the devil we are not to act like him. I see two extremes in the body of Christ; both are good, but one is better. I see the desire to keep the doctrine pure which is a worthy goal, but their is a tendency to be overly critical. We are always good fruit inspectors of others more so than we are of ourselves.
Mat 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Mat 7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
Mat 7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
Mat 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
Mat 7:5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
Ouch, surely that doesn't apply if we are contending for the faith? What about confronting those who are evil?
Jude 1:8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
Jude 1:9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
The Lord rebuke you. We are not to be judges and if we correct someone it is to be from the Lord's word, in love. Love? Often that is missing. Anger is often the case. People argung and debating, not in love but in anger, "contending for the faith."
On the other hand, some love eveybody. Occasionaly there will be one person among us that just loves everyone. The person may not be deeply versed in the use of God's word, but love is always there. This is the other extreme; satan in a person? No way, I love everyone. all have souls that can be saved, given prayer or time. Nothing is impossable with God. I think I tend to see this approach as closer to God's heart.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Love is forgiving when the love of Christ is in it. Even on the cross, the love of Christ was forgiving.
Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
The Spirit filled Deacon Stephan, spoke with boldness defending the faith and he made the Pharisees angry. This cost him his life. But as Jesus did, he spoke forgivness as he was being killed by stoning.
Acts 7:59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
Acts 7:60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
He cared about their souls! Love cares for the souls of the lost and forgiveness is a part of God's love.
Mat 18:21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
Mat 18:22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
We are to forgive because we were forgiven. The way of love is the greater way.
1 Cor 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
1 Cor 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
1 Cor 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
1 Cor 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
1 Cor 13:5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
1 Cor 13:6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
1 Cor 13:7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
1 Cor 13:8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
1 Cor 13:9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
1 Cor 13:10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
If we can love like that and be in Christ Jesus, we are a blessing to others. We can love the vilest sinner. Yet love to be even more affective must be in spirit and in truth. Let's face it, there are many false teachers in the world. They can lead people astray even so much so that if possible they would deceive the very elect.
Mat 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
This will bring wide scale confusion, perhaps so much confusion that there will be little faith in what is true?
Luke 18:7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
Luke 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
There is a problem that requires a balance. We want to resist satan in these individuals who oppose Jesus and or the Apostal Paul. We need discernment and truth, but we cannot omit love and care for the soul. Discernment is required to keep the devil out of the room, while finding some other way to reach the soul and not allow them to destroy a room, while giving them love. Love is greater than anger and truth is greater than lies. We must balance the two using discernment which means we just can't write out an enemy list. Where then is forgiveness? We can't love all and allow chaos so that no one can find the word of truth. So, we must be led by the Holy Spirit. Some rooms must be free of distractions and false teachers, but there should be opportunities for all people to be allowed where love and truth with discernment prevail. Woe is me if I hate anyone, for their soul may end up in hell. Jesus always had love and he had some hard things to say.
Mat 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
Mat 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Mat 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
Mat 5:46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
Mat 5:47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
Mat 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Compare this with his discernment concerning those who were bad spiritual leaders.
Mat 15:7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,
Mat 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
Mat 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Jesus spoke many woes to the hypocrits; these are a few of them.
Mat 23:27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
Mat 23:28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
Mat 23:29 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,
Mat 23:30 And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.
Mat 23:31 Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.
Mat 23:32 Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.
Mat 23:33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?
Mat 23:34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:
Mat 23:35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.
Mat 23:36 Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.
Mat 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
Yes, Jesus was upset with the sinful religious leaders, for he cared for souls. These would lead many away from truth. What then? If Jesus made the way for sinners to be forgiven, we are to show sinners the way because we care for their souls. We love everyone, but hate the sin. Let the Spirit of God lead you and remember all must be done in His love.
Mat 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Mat 7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
Mat 7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
Mat 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
Mat 7:5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
Ouch, surely that doesn't apply if we are contending for the faith? What about confronting those who are evil?
Jude 1:8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
Jude 1:9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
The Lord rebuke you. We are not to be judges and if we correct someone it is to be from the Lord's word, in love. Love? Often that is missing. Anger is often the case. People argung and debating, not in love but in anger, "contending for the faith."
On the other hand, some love eveybody. Occasionaly there will be one person among us that just loves everyone. The person may not be deeply versed in the use of God's word, but love is always there. This is the other extreme; satan in a person? No way, I love everyone. all have souls that can be saved, given prayer or time. Nothing is impossable with God. I think I tend to see this approach as closer to God's heart.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Love is forgiving when the love of Christ is in it. Even on the cross, the love of Christ was forgiving.
Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
The Spirit filled Deacon Stephan, spoke with boldness defending the faith and he made the Pharisees angry. This cost him his life. But as Jesus did, he spoke forgivness as he was being killed by stoning.
Acts 7:59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
Acts 7:60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
He cared about their souls! Love cares for the souls of the lost and forgiveness is a part of God's love.
Mat 18:21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
Mat 18:22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
We are to forgive because we were forgiven. The way of love is the greater way.
1 Cor 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
1 Cor 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
1 Cor 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
1 Cor 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
1 Cor 13:5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
1 Cor 13:6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
1 Cor 13:7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
1 Cor 13:8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
1 Cor 13:9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
1 Cor 13:10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
If we can love like that and be in Christ Jesus, we are a blessing to others. We can love the vilest sinner. Yet love to be even more affective must be in spirit and in truth. Let's face it, there are many false teachers in the world. They can lead people astray even so much so that if possible they would deceive the very elect.
Mat 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
This will bring wide scale confusion, perhaps so much confusion that there will be little faith in what is true?
Luke 18:7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
Luke 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
There is a problem that requires a balance. We want to resist satan in these individuals who oppose Jesus and or the Apostal Paul. We need discernment and truth, but we cannot omit love and care for the soul. Discernment is required to keep the devil out of the room, while finding some other way to reach the soul and not allow them to destroy a room, while giving them love. Love is greater than anger and truth is greater than lies. We must balance the two using discernment which means we just can't write out an enemy list. Where then is forgiveness? We can't love all and allow chaos so that no one can find the word of truth. So, we must be led by the Holy Spirit. Some rooms must be free of distractions and false teachers, but there should be opportunities for all people to be allowed where love and truth with discernment prevail. Woe is me if I hate anyone, for their soul may end up in hell. Jesus always had love and he had some hard things to say.
Mat 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
Mat 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Mat 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
Mat 5:46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
Mat 5:47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
Mat 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Compare this with his discernment concerning those who were bad spiritual leaders.
Mat 15:7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,
Mat 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
Mat 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Jesus spoke many woes to the hypocrits; these are a few of them.
Mat 23:27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
Mat 23:28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
Mat 23:29 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,
Mat 23:30 And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.
Mat 23:31 Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.
Mat 23:32 Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.
Mat 23:33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?
Mat 23:34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:
Mat 23:35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.
Mat 23:36 Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.
Mat 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
Yes, Jesus was upset with the sinful religious leaders, for he cared for souls. These would lead many away from truth. What then? If Jesus made the way for sinners to be forgiven, we are to show sinners the way because we care for their souls. We love everyone, but hate the sin. Let the Spirit of God lead you and remember all must be done in His love.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Resisting the Devil
Rom 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
Through our observations over time we are aware of those who cause strife and divisions. We first have tried to get them to repent, if they refuse, then we are to mark them that cause divisions and offences contrary to sound doctrine. We are to restore all that will respond to good counsel, but some have allowed satan to use them to cause strife and divisions. We are to mark them and avoid them. This we must do so that satan will not be allowed to steal from the people of God and destroy the unity and presence of the Lord.
Rom 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
They are proud, self centered, thinking themselves wise by putting down others, the are carnal, flesh driven and prideful seeking to deceive the simple by fair speeches and accusations.
Rom 16:19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
Paul commends them for their good works of faith, but also warns them to seek the wisdom of God, and not to seek to get to know evil, or to fellowship with evil.
Eph 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
Eph 5:12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
Eph 5:13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
Eph 5:14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
Eph 5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
Eph 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Eph 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
Rom 16:20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
I see satan as under Christ Jesus' feet, so if we are in him he is under our feet. But, we must do some things as written above. We are not to fellowship with those who bring strife and divisions to the body of Christ. Mark them, avoid them, for to allow them to speak with twisted words or of a bad spirit, then we allow satan access to our fellowship. By avoiding this, we put satan under our feet by the authority of Christ and his Holy Spirit.
1 Pet 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
We are to be fed the pure word of God by the Spirit of God, not for money, but because it is a joy and calling of God.
1 Pet 5:3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
We are not to put down people from some exalted position. Jesus said the greatest shall be the servant of all. We are to teach sound doctrine and to be examples to others of a Spirit filled child of God.
1 Pet 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
We will be rewarded by Jesus at His coming. It will be worth it all.
1 Pet 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
God resists the proud and so do I. The arrogant name calling, belittling, person of pride, the person full of guille is not of God's Spirit. Avoid them and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
Some may say, well we are told to contend for the faith! Contend with grace; speak the truth and then move on if they mock you. We are to avoid them as enemies of God. Pray for the lost, speak the truth to be understood with all meekness and grace. Winning an argument by put downs, is not winning in God's eyes. Speak the truth in love. If there is no love the Spirit is grieved.
1 Pet 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
1 Pet 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
1 Pet 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
1 Pet 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
Note that it says that the devil is a roaring lion. What is our response? We are to be sober, of a sound mind, we are to be vigilent, to take heed lest through remission and indolence some destructive calamity suddenly overtake us. We are to be aware of satan's ways and not give into his temptations or be overcome by fear or dread. He can only cause damage if we give him permission to do so. He walks around seeking who he "may" devour. He can roar with strife and accusations or he can speak negative things in our thinking.
2 Cor 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
2 Cor 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
2 Cor 10:6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
Pulling down strongholds. You must first put off evil, come to Jesus for his salvation. After you are committed to him, then you may be free of satans hold on you. We sometimes think that an unbeliever should fit our understanding of a good person. He is what he is until God changes him. If anyone desires to be helped, then we bring them to Jesus gently and with patience. If people are with us who are unsaved, but not causing problems, we are to continue with them to bring them to the knowledge of Christ. The workers of satan, without and within the body of Christ are warned and then are to be separated from us.
2 Cor 10:7 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.
If one Christian seeks to gain power over the people of God, we are the people of God not to be under subjection to a strong personality, but to submit one to another.
There is a good striving and it is best to be together with those of faith
Phil 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
Phil 1:28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
We stand fast in one spirit, striving together for the faith of the gospel. We are much stronger in a room of unity, then as one in a room of confusion. Do not be afraid of satan's people, they are just showing that they are son's of perdition. They have resisted the truth so long that they have become adversaries. Expect to see this and know that we belong to God through the blood of the Lamb.
We contend together for the faith.
Jude 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
Jude 1:4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Keep the faith, but lets be together in unity. One person may be used as led by God to witness in a crowd of hostility, but in the chats we need rooms without the devil, so that the seeker may be in the presence of a true place of sanctuary where we worship in Spirit and in truth in one accord. We are to be on the offensive to where satan is under our feet. A person ill equipped to witness who is away from the body of Christ, may be convinced to follow a false way, so stay with the mature followers of Jesus.
Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
Eph 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
It is a spiritual battle that cannot be won in the strength of the flesh; stay in the spirit and stay close to Jesus. Be with those of the mind and Spirit of Christ. We are God's army, so get in step with him.
Through our observations over time we are aware of those who cause strife and divisions. We first have tried to get them to repent, if they refuse, then we are to mark them that cause divisions and offences contrary to sound doctrine. We are to restore all that will respond to good counsel, but some have allowed satan to use them to cause strife and divisions. We are to mark them and avoid them. This we must do so that satan will not be allowed to steal from the people of God and destroy the unity and presence of the Lord.
Rom 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
They are proud, self centered, thinking themselves wise by putting down others, the are carnal, flesh driven and prideful seeking to deceive the simple by fair speeches and accusations.
Rom 16:19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
Paul commends them for their good works of faith, but also warns them to seek the wisdom of God, and not to seek to get to know evil, or to fellowship with evil.
Eph 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
Eph 5:12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
Eph 5:13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
Eph 5:14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
Eph 5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
Eph 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Eph 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
Rom 16:20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
I see satan as under Christ Jesus' feet, so if we are in him he is under our feet. But, we must do some things as written above. We are not to fellowship with those who bring strife and divisions to the body of Christ. Mark them, avoid them, for to allow them to speak with twisted words or of a bad spirit, then we allow satan access to our fellowship. By avoiding this, we put satan under our feet by the authority of Christ and his Holy Spirit.
1 Pet 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
We are to be fed the pure word of God by the Spirit of God, not for money, but because it is a joy and calling of God.
1 Pet 5:3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
We are not to put down people from some exalted position. Jesus said the greatest shall be the servant of all. We are to teach sound doctrine and to be examples to others of a Spirit filled child of God.
1 Pet 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
We will be rewarded by Jesus at His coming. It will be worth it all.
1 Pet 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
God resists the proud and so do I. The arrogant name calling, belittling, person of pride, the person full of guille is not of God's Spirit. Avoid them and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
Some may say, well we are told to contend for the faith! Contend with grace; speak the truth and then move on if they mock you. We are to avoid them as enemies of God. Pray for the lost, speak the truth to be understood with all meekness and grace. Winning an argument by put downs, is not winning in God's eyes. Speak the truth in love. If there is no love the Spirit is grieved.
1 Pet 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
1 Pet 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
1 Pet 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
1 Pet 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
Note that it says that the devil is a roaring lion. What is our response? We are to be sober, of a sound mind, we are to be vigilent, to take heed lest through remission and indolence some destructive calamity suddenly overtake us. We are to be aware of satan's ways and not give into his temptations or be overcome by fear or dread. He can only cause damage if we give him permission to do so. He walks around seeking who he "may" devour. He can roar with strife and accusations or he can speak negative things in our thinking.
2 Cor 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
2 Cor 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
2 Cor 10:6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
Pulling down strongholds. You must first put off evil, come to Jesus for his salvation. After you are committed to him, then you may be free of satans hold on you. We sometimes think that an unbeliever should fit our understanding of a good person. He is what he is until God changes him. If anyone desires to be helped, then we bring them to Jesus gently and with patience. If people are with us who are unsaved, but not causing problems, we are to continue with them to bring them to the knowledge of Christ. The workers of satan, without and within the body of Christ are warned and then are to be separated from us.
2 Cor 10:7 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.
If one Christian seeks to gain power over the people of God, we are the people of God not to be under subjection to a strong personality, but to submit one to another.
There is a good striving and it is best to be together with those of faith
Phil 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
Phil 1:28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
We stand fast in one spirit, striving together for the faith of the gospel. We are much stronger in a room of unity, then as one in a room of confusion. Do not be afraid of satan's people, they are just showing that they are son's of perdition. They have resisted the truth so long that they have become adversaries. Expect to see this and know that we belong to God through the blood of the Lamb.
We contend together for the faith.
Jude 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
Jude 1:4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Keep the faith, but lets be together in unity. One person may be used as led by God to witness in a crowd of hostility, but in the chats we need rooms without the devil, so that the seeker may be in the presence of a true place of sanctuary where we worship in Spirit and in truth in one accord. We are to be on the offensive to where satan is under our feet. A person ill equipped to witness who is away from the body of Christ, may be convinced to follow a false way, so stay with the mature followers of Jesus.
Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
Eph 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
It is a spiritual battle that cannot be won in the strength of the flesh; stay in the spirit and stay close to Jesus. Be with those of the mind and Spirit of Christ. We are God's army, so get in step with him.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Ephesians 5:1-12
Followers of God
Eph 5:1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."( Eph 4:32 )
Eph 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
The first mention of a sweet savour, was the sacrifice of Noah.
Gen 8:20 And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.
Gen 8:21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
We are to be living sacrifices, a sweet smelling savour to the LORD. (Rom 12:1,2) Think of this as we begin each day; to the saved we are a blessing but to the ungodly we are as the convicting presence of the Holy Spirit.
2 Cor 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
2 Cor 2:15 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:
2 Cor 2:16 To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?
2 Cor 2:17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
How can we willingly sin if we are the savour of righteousness in Christ Jesus?
Eph 5:3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
Fornication is any sex outside of the marriage bed. Uncleaness of actions or thoughts such as pornography or unhealthy acts and attitudes.
Mat 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
Mat 5:30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
Covetousness is greedy desire to have more. Jesus spoke of this;
Luke 3:14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.
You may say, well, no one is perfect, everyone does these things. Beware lest you fall too far and find yourself in God's final judgment. Easy salvation follows with a life given in obedience to our Lord's commands. If you do not follow, perhaps you never belonged to him?
Eph 5:4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
1 Tim 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
1 Tim 1:5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
1 Tim 1:6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;
Eph 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
Eph 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;Eph 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Unfortunately some ministers appeal to the flesh with foolish talking and jesting, ommiting the gospel and the power of God's word. We can be guilty of sillyness too. What does the seeker find when he enters our Internet chats, or our Church fellowship meetings?
2 Tim 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
2 Tim 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
2 Tim 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
Eph 5:5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Heb 13:4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
This is further amplified in Revelation.
Rev 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
Rev 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
All liars; can we see how important the truth is? There are so many false cults and religions; all are following lies. We must keep the torch of God burning. We must speak the truth in love, warning those on a lying path; warning idolaters, sorcerers and pimps that they are headed towards the wrath of God. It is important that we take our callings seriously. When a seeker comes in desperation, do we give him foolish talk? Do we condemn them? Hold back; talk and listen and wait for the Spirit of God to guide you as you speak the truth of God.
Eph 5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
Eph 5:7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
We need discernment, everything must be examined by the light of God's word. The Holy Spirit brings to mind the word of God, so we must study and to fill our hearts with the truth of God.
2 Cor 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
2 Cor 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
2 Cor 10:6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
We do not join in their folly but first we must be obedient servants so that we may use His authority to correct the disobedient and bring them to God's truth.
Eph 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
We are no longer the children of darkness.
Col 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Col 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
Col 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
John 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
John 3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Take up your lamp, fill it with the oil of the Holy Spirit and follow your Lord Jesus in love and obedience.
Secret Shame
Eph 5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
The fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23) is good, righteous and pure, not as the works of the flesh.
Eph 5:10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
Evidencing in your life what is acceptible to God. Think of your life as the evidence the Lord uses to show himself to the world.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Gal 6:4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
1 Th 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
1 Th 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
Eph 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
Don't associate with evil sinful behavior, but rebuke and convict those who do, even as the Holy Spirit convicts you when you sin. We are not to give condemnation, but we are to stand for what is right and not go along with those who sin as the world.
2 Cor 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
2 Cor 6:15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
2 Cor 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
2 Cor 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
2 Cor 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
Eph 5:12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
Rom 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Rom 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
Rom 1:23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
Rom 1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
Rom 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
We are still in this flesh body, so we must be careful not to fall into sin. Grace is no reason to be sinning. Do not go into darkness.
Luke 8:16 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.
Luke 8:17 For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.
Luke 8:18 Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.
We cannot hide the light of God that we have and go secretly into sin. It will be found out and for sure the Spirit of God in you will be grieved. We are to be pure, the light of God in a sin darkened world.
Eph 5:1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."( Eph 4:32 )
Eph 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
The first mention of a sweet savour, was the sacrifice of Noah.
Gen 8:20 And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.
Gen 8:21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
We are to be living sacrifices, a sweet smelling savour to the LORD. (Rom 12:1,2) Think of this as we begin each day; to the saved we are a blessing but to the ungodly we are as the convicting presence of the Holy Spirit.
2 Cor 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
2 Cor 2:15 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:
2 Cor 2:16 To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?
2 Cor 2:17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
How can we willingly sin if we are the savour of righteousness in Christ Jesus?
Eph 5:3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
Fornication is any sex outside of the marriage bed. Uncleaness of actions or thoughts such as pornography or unhealthy acts and attitudes.
Mat 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
Mat 5:30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
Covetousness is greedy desire to have more. Jesus spoke of this;
Luke 3:14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.
You may say, well, no one is perfect, everyone does these things. Beware lest you fall too far and find yourself in God's final judgment. Easy salvation follows with a life given in obedience to our Lord's commands. If you do not follow, perhaps you never belonged to him?
Eph 5:4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
1 Tim 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
1 Tim 1:5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
1 Tim 1:6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;
Eph 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
Eph 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;Eph 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Unfortunately some ministers appeal to the flesh with foolish talking and jesting, ommiting the gospel and the power of God's word. We can be guilty of sillyness too. What does the seeker find when he enters our Internet chats, or our Church fellowship meetings?
2 Tim 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
2 Tim 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
2 Tim 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
Eph 5:5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Heb 13:4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
This is further amplified in Revelation.
Rev 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
Rev 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
All liars; can we see how important the truth is? There are so many false cults and religions; all are following lies. We must keep the torch of God burning. We must speak the truth in love, warning those on a lying path; warning idolaters, sorcerers and pimps that they are headed towards the wrath of God. It is important that we take our callings seriously. When a seeker comes in desperation, do we give him foolish talk? Do we condemn them? Hold back; talk and listen and wait for the Spirit of God to guide you as you speak the truth of God.
Eph 5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
Eph 5:7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
We need discernment, everything must be examined by the light of God's word. The Holy Spirit brings to mind the word of God, so we must study and to fill our hearts with the truth of God.
2 Cor 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
2 Cor 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
2 Cor 10:6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
We do not join in their folly but first we must be obedient servants so that we may use His authority to correct the disobedient and bring them to God's truth.
Eph 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
We are no longer the children of darkness.
Col 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Col 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
Col 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
John 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
John 3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Take up your lamp, fill it with the oil of the Holy Spirit and follow your Lord Jesus in love and obedience.
Secret Shame
Eph 5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
The fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23) is good, righteous and pure, not as the works of the flesh.
Eph 5:10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
Evidencing in your life what is acceptible to God. Think of your life as the evidence the Lord uses to show himself to the world.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Gal 6:4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
1 Th 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
1 Th 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
Eph 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
Don't associate with evil sinful behavior, but rebuke and convict those who do, even as the Holy Spirit convicts you when you sin. We are not to give condemnation, but we are to stand for what is right and not go along with those who sin as the world.
2 Cor 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
2 Cor 6:15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
2 Cor 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
2 Cor 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
2 Cor 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
Eph 5:12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
Rom 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Rom 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
Rom 1:23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
Rom 1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
Rom 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
We are still in this flesh body, so we must be careful not to fall into sin. Grace is no reason to be sinning. Do not go into darkness.
Luke 8:16 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.
Luke 8:17 For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.
Luke 8:18 Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.
We cannot hide the light of God that we have and go secretly into sin. It will be found out and for sure the Spirit of God in you will be grieved. We are to be pure, the light of God in a sin darkened world.
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