Tag Archives: SELF EXAMINATION

Bible Study – Esau Sells His Birthright

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Our last devotional, covered the birth of Jacob and Esau.  We can not underestimate the value of this lesson from  Old Testament history.  The twins “struggled together within her” (Gen. 25:22) in the same fashion that our new natures  (received at the new birth) struggle with our old natures (received at the natural birth) once we are born again.  Like Rebekah, we have the two personalities struggling within us.  It is the struggle for mastery in the inner soul of every single,  truly born again believer. 

God ordained for the “younger new nature” (Jacob) to have dominion over the “older sin nature.” (Esau) 

Romans 6:14

For sin shall not have dominion over you

Genesis 25:29-34

29 And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint:

30 And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom.

31 And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright.

32 And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?

33 And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob.  

34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.

Two wrongs occur here.  Firstly, Esau in lust of flesh, sells what is not his to sell.  Secondly, Jacob takes advantage of his brother’s weakness, and “deals” for something that also was not his.   The blessing was from God, through Abraham and Issac.   Esau demonstrated that he had a very low regard for the birthright blessing.  Like fleshly Issac, who loved Esau more than Jacob because “he did eat of his venison,” Esau was given to fleshly appetites and and placed ALL of his value on “savory meat.”

Like the carnal Christian, Esau chose fleeting, temporal satisfaction.  Jacob highly regarded the eternal.  Those believers who walk closely with the Lord, seek the long ranging spiritual promise of the birthright. 

2 Peter 1:3-4

3 According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

The Abundant Life – #2 – The Service Life

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The only way for believers to live abundantly, is to serve the Lord Jesus Christ, Who Himself became our example.  He served from the beginning, all the way to Calvary; and there became the obedient servant. . .”obedient unto death.” Phil. 2

Romans 12:1-2

 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

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.

In the above verses from Romans,  believers are urged to take the necessary steps for abundant living.  Please note the highlighted words in red.

1. We are to “present.” Of our own volition, we are to surrender to the perfect will of God – even though we may not know God’s will for our lives – it is on our own part – AN ACT OF FAITH.  John 7:17 If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of Myself.

2. We are to “present your bodies,” because God must control and use the WHOLE man.  Your whole man was redeemed on the cross and sanctified!  (set apart for service)  1 Thess. 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

3.  We are to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice.”  No where is this better demonstrated than in the life of Paul – who was a “living sacrifice.”  In life he was a servant of Jesus Christ – Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God. . .

In spiritual battle, he was a warrior – Eph. 6:10-18

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

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.

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.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God:

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.  

  He lived as a “prisoner of Christ,” in the will of God – Eph 3:1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles  These words were spoken from a Roman prison – yet he never stated that he was a prisoner of Rome.  To the Apostle Paul, prison was a part of the perfect will of God.  Full of this conviction – he lived abundantly.  Phil. 1:12 – But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel. . .

 In death, Paul was victorious –  2 Tim. 4:7-8

7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

ONLY THOSE WHO ARE TRULY BORN AGAIN, CAN EXPERIENCE THE ABUNDANT LIFE.  BY CHOOSING THE ABUNDANT LIFE – THE BELIEVER IS “TRANSFORMED,” BY THE POWER OF GOD – AND NO LONGER “CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD.”  NOW WE CAN BE CONFORMED TO THE “PERFECT WILL OF GOD.”  

The Abundant Life – #1 – The Yielded Life

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There is no secret formula or ritual to living the abundant life; it is revealed,  as are all great truths – in the Person of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

Romans 6:10

 For in that He died, He died unto sin once: but in that He liveth, He liveth unto God.

Faith that saves,  identifies us with Christ in His resurrection.  This IS the abundant life! 

Colossians 3:1-4

3 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

4 When Christ, Who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory.

1. It is one thing to have eternal life by faith.  It is another thing entirely to have abundant life by faith.

2. It is one thing to “be made the righteousness of God in Him.”  2 Cor. 5:21 –  For He hath made Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.  It is quite another thing to realize His righteous life is in us.  1 John 3:7 – Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous.

3. It is one thing to live in Christ.  2 Cor. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  It is another thing for Christ to live HIS life through us.  Col. 1:7 – To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. . .

Romans 6:13

 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

Romans 6:13, shows us that every believer has a choice.  We may yield unto God by faith, and enjoy abundant life, or the believer may yield unto sin and endure a defeated life.  Rev. 3:1 – And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith He that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.  God wants ALL believers to know the power of a yielded life – for it will lift us above circumstances that circumvent abundant living.  The abundant life begins the instant we yield to Him as Lord and Master (Not Lordship salvation!!) allowing Him to live His life through us by faith.


Next up in the series – the service life!

Study on Faith – #3 – Little Faith

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Every believer can fall into the “little faith” category – at least at some point in their walk.  The LORD so perfectly illustrated this for us, and its remedy, in Matthew 14, which relates the incident of Peter walking on water to meet the LORD.  We will examine this episode, and see ourselves as Peter,  and what we can do to grow our faith. 

Matthew 14:28-31

28 And Peter answered Him and said, Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water.

29 And He said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

Jesus saving

At this stage in Peter’s spiritual growth, he is a man of “little faith.”  We know that after Pentecost, he became a spiritual giant.  The important passage above, detailing Peter’s little faith – is something we can learn from – and it was designed for our learning.  Think of the significance of Jesus coming to His disciples during a terrible storm, walking calmly on the water while they were in great distress.  Peter asks if he can come to Him on the water – and the LORD said COME! 

Before we begin – please reread the above scripture carefully!

  • Peter did the impossible thing – he walked on water by faith.
  • Next, Peter did the conceivable thing – he took his eyes off Christ – and looked at the water – he had second thoughts – and he doubted.
  • Then Peter did the expected thing – he began to sink – he failed.
  • Now Peter did the right thing – he prayed – “Lord, save me.”  Peter reconnected to the Lord in faith.
  • Then Peter did the impossible thing again – with an extra – he walked on water back to the ship – with the Lord.

The order of events is extremely important!!

The steps: Peter began in faith, and walked on water.  Then he saw the storm, and had second thoughts which led to doubt.  The doubt produced fear, that caused him to turn away, and brought on the failure.

In this lesson we see the success and failure of “little faith”

We need faith that is bigger than the elements that seek to destroy us.  We can have this kind of faith by prayer and fasting –

Matthew 17:20-21

20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

and by feeding our faith on the Word of God. 

Romans 10:17

 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.

We can have mountain-moving faith! 

Repentance – Introduction

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Proverbs 28:13

 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

What mankind expresses outwardly only fools other people.  God desires truth in the inward parts.  Baby kissing politicians are an excellent allegory of this concept.  The same politician publicly kissing the cheek of a six month old infant, thinks nothing of voting for a six month pre-born infant to be killed in the womb. 

Psalm 51:6

 Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part Thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

God commands ALL  men everywhere to repent.

Acts 17:30

And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

Sinners must repent before we can become the recipients of salvation by grace through faith.

Ephesians 2:8-9

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Once saved, we must practice repentance so that we may enjoy unbroken fellowship with God.   Someone once said – “I repented before I understood the meaning of the word, but since then as a Christian  I have repented many times.”

Job 42:1-6

42 Then Job answered the Lord, and said,

2 I know that Thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from Thee.

3 Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.

4 Hear, I beseech Thee, and I will speak: I will demand of Thee, and declare Thou unto me.

5 I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth Thee.

6 Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.

Repentance itself, is a gift from God!

Acts 5:31

Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Acts 11:18

 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

The goodness of God is not merited – therefore – the results of His goodness (which is repentance) is a gift.

Romans 2:4

 Or despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

This gift of repentance is an inward change produced by the convicting power of the Holy Spirit as the Word of God is proclaimed.

Acts 2:37-38

37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

The result of preaching the Word of God is “repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Faith that Christ died for our sins, and that He was buried and that He rose from the dead.

Acts 20:21

Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God,  and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4

1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures;

4 And that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:

forgiveness

Repentance qualifies us for salvation – but it takes faith in christ to acquire it.  countless very religious people are aware of their sinfulness – but since they do not fully trust christ for their salvation – they never acquire it.  true repentance is always coupled with faith.  it is impossible to have saving faith and not repent!  “repentance toward god and faith toward our lord Jesus Christ” are essential and inseparable in salvation. 

Faith without repentance is the ultimate hypocrisy – and  repentance without faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ is folly and futility. 

Repentance – #3 – From Dead Works

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Hebrews 6:1

 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God. . .

The writer of Hebrews, whom I believe to be Paul, gives us something to think about in that phrase – “repentance from dead works.”  What does that mean?  Well, sometimes, as in the Book of Proverbs, a concept is better understood by contrasting it – by exploring what it isn’t – before we study what it is.

There are three categories of works in the Bible.  Good works, wicked works, and dead works.  We will address them in that order.

1.  Good works.  

Mat. 5:16 – Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.   ONLY truly born-again, or saved souls can ever do good works and please God.  The lost, or unsaved, no matter how many works they do, can not do good works.   

Psalm 14: 1-3 –  The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.  2 The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.  3 They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

 Believers are not to hide their good works, but let them be seen in a manner which glorifies our heavenly Father.  Mary of Bethany anointed the head and feet of Jesus while he sat at the table of Simon the leper.  Some disciples took exception to this, claiming it was an extravagant waste.  

And Jesus said,  Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on Me.  Mark 14:6.

as believers, we need to do all we can to the glory of god, not in order to be saved, but because we are saved. 

2.  Wicked works.  

Col. 1:20-21 –  20 And, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.  21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled.  Unregenerated, natural man, can only do wicked works.  

1 Cor. 2:14 – But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.  The unsaved, natural man, walks according to the world system, motivated by the “prince of the power of the air.” (Satan)  His thoughts,  speech,  and behavior are filled with the lusts of the flesh.  He is a child of wrath, and ALL his works are wicked because he is dead in sin.  

Eph. 2:1-3 –  1 And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;   2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:    3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

we will now address dead works – from Hebrews 6:1

3.  Dead works. 

We should all be able to recognize them, because they get a great deal of media attention.  Religious works fall well into this category.  These are works performed by the religious, for the purposes of earning eternal life. Legalistic, it requires the keeping of moral and ceremonial laws of God, in an attempt to win God’s favor and be saved by the works.  

Eph. 2:8-9 –  8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Paul wrote –  Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.  Rom. 3:20. 

Dead works are performed by the religious, who are –   . . .ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.  4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.  Rom. 10:3-4

Our beloved Apostle Paul is an excellent example of repentance from dead works.  He clearly states that he has “no confidence in the flesh,” then goes on to list his dead works of which he had to repent. 

Philippians 3:1-9

3 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.

2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.

3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:

5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

When he compared his own self righteousness which was by dead works of the law, with the Righteousness of Christ which is by faith, he counted the former Paul and his works as nothing but rubbish. 

Paul knew the meaning of “repentance from dead works!!!” 

Next up – Repentance and God!

Repentance – #1 – Defined

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I could hardly wait to get to this segment.  Oh boy – has the definition of this one word been corrupted.  It has sparked huge controversy among teachers, preachers, authors, and bloggers. 

My understanding of “Lordship Salvation” is that it is two pronged salvation.  One must come to the Lord in faith AND make Him Lord of your life simultaneously.  That can mean a lot of different things to different people.  Lordship Salvation suggests that you must stop sinning while accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior.  That is the two-pronged part.  It has taken the word “Repentance,” and completely redefined it.  To fully understand the meaning of the word Repentance,  we will first look at what it isn’t –

repentance is not –

1. Repentance is not  sorrow.  2 Cor. 7:9,10-   9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.  10 For  godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.   Godly sorrow is a guilty feeling that LEADS to repentance, but it is not repentance.

2. Repentance is not penance.  (a) Jesus did not say – do penance and believe the Gospel.  He said –  Mark 1:15 –   And saying,  The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.  

(b) Peter did not say, do penance and everyone of you be baptized in the name of  Jesus Christ.  He said, 

Acts 2:38 –    Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  

(c) Paul did not say, God commandeth all men everywhere to do penance.  He said

– Acts 17:30 –  And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent.  

if penance is repentance, then salvation is not the gift of god, and we are not saved by grace through faith. 

Ephesians 2:8-9

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

3. Repentance is not reformation.  Reformation is a change brought about by the efforts of man for self-glory.   

Matt.12:43,45 –  43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.  44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.  45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.  

Reformation is the turning away from known sin, or giving up a bad habit, or trying to make restitution, trying to overhaul the old nature, turning over a new leaf. . .Judas  reformed – but it did not save him – neither can it save us.  

Matt. 27:3-5 –  3 Then Judas, which had betrayed Him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,  4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.  5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

what repentance is-

1. Repentance is a change.  This change is always evidenced in three elements. 

  1. The intellectual element – a change of mind.
  2. The emotional element – a change of heart.
  3. The volitional element – a change of will.

2. The Parable of the Prodigal Son is a perfect illustration of repentance.  He had a change of mind, a change of heart, and a change of will. 

Luke 15:11-32

11 And he said, A certain man had two sons:

12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.

13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.

14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.

15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.

16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.

17 And when he came to himself,  [intellectual element] he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

18 I will arise and go to my father, [volitional element] and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned  [emotional element] against heaven, and before thee,

19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:

23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:

24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.

26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.

27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.

28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.

29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:

30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.

31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.

32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

 repentance is change.  the prodigal had a change of mind, and his change of mind effected a change of heart, and his change of heart effected a change of will.  no one will  ever be saved until he wills to be. 

Revelation 22:17

 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And  whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

 repentance is a change of mind, heart, and will.

Friday Proverb – A Father’s Wisdom

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In our last Proverb, we had a thorough comparison of the just and the wicked. This week, King Solomon speaks to his children of wisdom, in remembrance of his own father, David.

king-solomon-teaching-proverbs-from-a-14th-cent1

1 Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.

This father, Solomon, has parental authority.

2 For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. 3 For I was my father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.


Solomon was “tender” or young when he was instructed by his father, David, and was loved above all others by his mother.

4 He taught me also, and said unto me, 

[what follows are the teachings of David, to his son, Solomon]

wisdom

Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.

5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. 6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. 7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

Verse 5 -7 above, are one of the most memorized passages in the entire Bible. David told Solomon to seek wisdom “with all thy getting” – meaning no effort was to be spared in the pursuit of wisdom, and that it would preserve him. Think of the intensity of an Olympic athlete’s quest for a gold medal. These words from David – are the Lord’s Words to all of His children.

People lusted after the same things in 950 B.C. as they do now. Money, fame, power, wealth, things, people . . . the admonishment to pursue wisdom is as relevant today as it was then.

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8 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.

9 She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.

10 Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many. [Long and healthy life will accompany wise living.] 11 I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.

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12 When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. 

[When Godly wisdom is followed – the path will be smooth – it will not need “straightening’] 

13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.

Proverbs 4: 1-13

 . . .for them that honour Me I will honour, and they that despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.

1 Samuel 2: 30b

Friday Proverb – The Just and the Wicked

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Last week we discussed the tendency of mankind to envy the very people they perceive to be oppressing them. We always seem to believe that if the positions were reversed, that we would be different than “they” are. Today we look at three short Proverbs, each one comparing the just to the wicked.

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33 The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked:

This has an eternal meaning, as well as a present context. The lost sheep look at the wicked and often see them prospering. But believers know that the victory of the wicked is always temporary. And the curse on the wicked is not only on they, themselves, but on their posterity – or house, as well as all their works. I put pictures of houses here – but think of it more as the heart of the person, and how it looks to God.

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but He blesseth the habitation of the just.

We must ask ourselves – is our habitation bright and shiny on the outside, but festering and rotten on the inside? Do we demonstrate Christianity outwardly, but have dirty, besetting sin, hidden away in out hearts? Remember, God always looks at the inward man, the dwelling place of the heart. Can we hide anything from Him?

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34 Surely He scorneth the scorners:

At left you see famous scorner Richard Dawkins in a scene from Ben Stein’s excellent documentary – “Expelled.” But scornfulness isn’t limited to the intellectual elite. School teachers use it to intimidate students, bullies (this covers everyone with power over another) of all ages and both sexes use it; parents apply scorn to their children, and children to each other. Then, of course – the children grow up, and scorn their parents. The most grievous and only unforgivable form of scornfulness is the debasement, ridicule, and egotistical rejection of Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit.

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 but He giveth Grace unto the lowly.

That’s right – no matter how many time we fail Him, no matter how undeserving – if we are humble and repent – He gives us Grace – unmerited favor. The scornful are completely unrepentant. Very important distinction!

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35 The wise shall inherit glory:

Those who have wisely accepted Jesus Christ, will receive a crown of glory. Not the scornful – no matter how many good works they perform. The scornful are blinded by their pride. Evidence of this can be seen in the “good works” such as the charitable giving that many of the uber-wealthy, celebrities, and elite do. Professional athletes make a show of visiting sick children in hospitals, and then proceed to commit adultery. The nice lady next door may bake cookies for the church bake sale, and then spend the rest of the day watching soap operas (soft porn) or flirting with someone online. The Word of God is clear – Grace can not be purchased at any price. It is “unmerited.”

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but shame shall be the promotion of fools.

Proverbs 3: 33-35

10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.

11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

Jude 1: 10-13

Friday Proverb – Envy not the Oppressor

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Last Friday’s Proverb was an exploration of who is our neighbor. So often we deliberately hurt the people that are closest to us through our own selfishness and pride. This week we look at another sinful tendency of mankind – envy.

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30 Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.

This would usually be termed as “picking a fight,” or “unwarranted provocation.” We see animals taking unprovoked swipes at each other all the time, as well as children. Adults usually hold themselves guiltless of this offense, but generally that notion is dishonest. Mankind’s striving without cause can be directly tied to – envy. The women who snipe at another woman simply because she is prettier, or thinner, or somehow seems better. The guys verbally taking out a coworker that was promoted, a supervisor or employer or some “big-wig” on the grounds that he doesn’t work as hard as they do. They perceive themselves to be oppressed by the person or persons they are attacking. This is striving without cause.

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The next verse is interesting in that it relates to oppressors, but it is usually the case – that perception flavors the persona of the oppressor. As with Cain, who directed his anger at God towards his brother – our perception of who is oppressing us can be distorted.

31 Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.

In all human history, no people group has been more oppressed and persecuted than the Jews. In Moses’ time, Pharaoh and his advisers felt threatened by the Jew’s incredible prosperity. The Third Reich also envied the Jew’s incredible prosperity. They justified persecuting the Jews because they felt the Jew’s prosperity was oppressing them. Alternately – the Jews themselves were guilty of envying their oppressor’s gentile, pagan, way of life, free from the Law. Israel often sinned in choosing to emulate the pagans around them. Christians also do the same, and act just like the sinful fallen world we are directed to be separate from.

This is the power of the evil one holding sway over the hearts of men, because of his own envy of God. Certainly, Lucifer feels that God is oppressing him.

hitler

Are there rich, prosperous , elites oppressing us? Of course. But they can only do this because we allow them to by participating in their rebellion. The Lord terms these oppressors as “froward” = willfully contrary, not easily managed. Frowardness is an abomination to the Lord, as in one who transgresses the Law. The froward oppressor chooses to defy the Lord, despite His manifest love, mercy, and majesty.

32 For the froward is abomination to the Lord:

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but His secret is with the righteous.

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Proverbs 3: 30-32

1 Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.

2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.

3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Psalm 37: 1-3

Friday Proverb – The Treatment of Neighbors

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Last Friday we covered the Lord’s admonishment to us about not fearing the wicked. It must always be present in our minds that the Lord is greater than the evil one and all his helpers – no matter how it is made to appear through Satan’s manipulations. Today we delve into the external representation of our faith. Doing good. . .

good-samaritan

Everyone knows the parable of the Good Samaritan. Communistic politicians like to smugly refer to this teaching of Christ as their foundational platform for broad social restructuring. But the faithful of Christ understand that His teaching had nothing to do with money – but rather – who is our neighbor?

27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.

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To whom is good due? This requires careful self examination. How often does the Christian hold back praise for someone else’s accomplishment, procrastinate on that visit to the nursing home, or diminish our spouses or children in front of others? The good we can do unto others is not always seen.

Sometimes it is money, but by far the greatest good that Christians can do unto others is to share their faith in Jesus Christ! Doing good comes from within us, and should be a natural expression of true spiritual conversion.

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28 Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.

What causes us to withhold good from someone else? Selfishness in all its many facets. Don’t feel like honoring your husband, or loving your wife? Wish you had different: parents, job, looks, talent? Wish you had more: money, talent, looks, friends? Tired of your existence? Angry at the world in general? Where do these feelings come from?

selfishness . . .

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Did you ever plot evil against someone else? No? Never?

29 Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.

Proverbs 3: 27-29

Devising evil can encompass gossiping, coveting, lying, setting someone up for failure, withholding information, tricking someone, taking someone’s possessions or someone’s spouse, and conspiring with others against someone.

Remember what the lawyer said to Jesus in Luke 10: 29, when he was trying to justify himself?

AND WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?

Good question for all of us.

Bible Study – Death and Burial of Abraham

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Genesis 25:7-11

7 And these are the days of the years of Abraham’s life which he lived, an hundred threescore and fifteen years.

8 Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.

Please note that Abraham, God’s faithful friend, was not taken to heaven!  He “was gathered to his people.”  The faithful were  not able to access heaven until Jesus Christ, Abraham’s penultimate descendant,  was sacrificed  and rose from the dead.   All believers were assigned to a division of hell, known as “Abraham’s bosom,” where it can be determined, they received comfort from Abraham himself. . . but. . .were not in torment!

Luke 16:21-23

21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

Many, many believers labor under the unscriptural belief, that the saints of the Old Testament went to heaven based on the Law and faith.  This simply is not found anywhere in the Bible.  There is only one way, and it has always been the only way, from before the dawn of time.  Please see this study on the two Gospel quandary.

John 14:6

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.

9 And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre;

10 The field which Abraham purchased of the sons of Heth: there was Abraham buried, and Sarah his wife.

Pro-Palestinians and Islamist’s should note – that this land was purchased by Abraham to bury Sarah – not Hagar!

When Abraham gave his son to God, Abraham gained back his son.  God does not require anything nearly so dramatic from believers today.  But, it is true without doubt, that when we give of ourselves to God, we gain far, far more than we ever gave.  If we do not grow in faith and continue in infantile Christianity, we will eventually lose a great deal, because as baby Christians, the tendency is towards selfishness and far too much introspection – AKA – naval gazing!

We see in the following verse, God’s continuing plan for the Salvation of mankind.  Though Ishmael was the first born, and natural heir,  The Lord knew these men before they were even conceived.  He chose the second born – Isaac – for His purposes, just as we choose Him, over our own natural man – who is our first born man.

11 And it came to pass after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac; and Isaac dwelt by the well Lahairoi.

Easton’s Bible Dictionary

I.e., “the well of Him that liveth and seeth me,” or, as some render it, “the well of the vision of life”, the well where the Lord met with Hagar (Genesis 16:7-14). Isaac dwelt beside this well (24:62; 25:11). It has been identified with `Ain Muweileh, or Moilahhi, south-west of Beersheba, and about 12 miles W. from Kadesh-barnea.

The New Birth – Part 2 – The New Sinless Nature

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And now – for one of the most misinterpreted verses in the entire Bible.   Please do not try to understand it in the light of personal experience. 

1 John 3:9

Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for His seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

It is essential for believers to keep in mind that the above verse is speaking of the new nature – not the old nature – because the old nature was not born of God.  The old nature is born of fallen man, and it is completely depraved.  The new nature is born of God, and it is completely holy.  The two natures are present in every born again Christian. 

what does the Bible say about the new nature?

1.  The new nature does not sin, because it is the product of the seed of God. [see above verse]

2.  The new nature does not sin, because it is the divine nature of God, and since God can not sin, the new nature that issues from His Holy Seed can not sin.  2 Peter 1:4 – Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

what does the bible say about the old nature?

1.  The old nature will sin any time we allow it to sin.  Rom. 6:12 – Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.  If you are born again, you will continue under the old nature 1 Cor. 9:27 – But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.  by not yielding to the desires of the flesh – or the old nature will keep you under, and you will live a defeated Christian life.  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.

2.  There is nothing good in the old nature.  Nothing whatsoever.  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.  The power to live a righteous life cannot be found in the old nature, it can only be found in the new nature.  Gal. 2:20 – I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

if you have been “born again” – you have two natures – the old and the new – and you will walk according to one or the other.   Examine your Christian walk according to the word of god – not by comparing yourself to other people.

Romans 8:5-6

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.

6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

The Abundant Life – #5 – The Mature Life

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2 Peter 3:18

 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Just as there are four stages of growth in the  natural man, there are four stages of growth in the new born spiritual man, which leads to maturity in the Christian life.

1. The baby stage.  1 Cor. 3:1-4 – And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.  3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?  4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?  A baby thinks only of itself.  If the baby is denied what it wants, it will wail.  The baby seeks its own, its feelings are easily hurt, and – it is often jealous.  The baby lives to be served – it never serves.  It can only drink milk, and cannot eat solid food.  The baby cries a great deal – but never sings.  It tries to talk – but makes no sense.

IT IS A SAD BUT TRUE FACT, THAT MANY CHRISTIANS DISPLAY THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A SPIRITUAL BABY.  THOUGH THEY ARE BORN AGAIN INTO THE FAMILY OF GOD – THEY NEVER GROW AND DEVELOP SPIRITUALLY.  THE SPIRITUAL BABY IS A CARNAL CHRISTIAN.

2. The little child stage.  1 John 2:12 – I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake. Some Christians grow enough to become little children spiritually – but many stop there.  Spiritual little children are often untruthful, envious,  and even cruel.  When rebuked, they take on the role of martyr.  If crossed, they feel resentment, and may even make a scene.  They are talebearers, repeating everything they hear (grownups call it gossip!)  The child is given to emotional outbursts, and their immaturity causes them to be easily puffed up.  They live for praise, and will accept that praise from ANYONE!  The child only seeks after what will appeal to self.

ARE YOU A SPIRITUAL CHILD????

3. The young man stage.  1 John 2:13 – I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.  Another sad fact – not many believers reach the stage of a young man in Christ.  He is strong and virile – well able to overcome his enemy – Satan (in his many forms) The young man’s vision for the future consists of his faith and courage.  He is preparing for his most productive years.  

WE CAN BECOME A YOUNG MAN SPIRITUALLY BY “PUTTING AWAY CHILDISH THINGS!”  1 COR. 13:11 – WHEN I WAS A CHILD, I SPAKE AS A CHILD, I UNDERSTOOD AS A CHILD, I THOUGHT AS A CHILD: BUT WHEN I BECAME A MAN, I PUT AWAY CHILDISH THINGS.

4. The father stage.  1 John 2:13 – I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.  This stage can be reached by all believers – but SO FEW EVER ATTAIN IT.  The spiritual father has peace with God.  Rom. 5:1 – Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.  The father knows the peace of God.  Phil. 4:7 – And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  He rejoices in his spiritual children.  1 Thess. 2:19 – For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?  The father has learned contentment under ALL circumstances.  Phil. 4:11 – Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.  He knows the ONLY source of true strength.  Phil. 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.  The father NEVER broods over the past, but continually looks to the future.  

Phil.3: 13, 14 –   13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,  14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.  He knows that ALL  things work together in his life for ETERNAL GOOD.   Rom. 8:28 – And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.

THE SPIRITUAL FATHER ENJOYS THE ABUNDANT LIFE NOW – AND WILL ENJOY IT IN THE LIFE TO COME.  EPH. 2:7 – THAT IN THE AGES TO COME HE MIGHT SHEW THE EXCEEDING RICHES OF HIS GRACE IN HIS KINDNESS TOWARD US THROUGH CHRIST JESUS.

This concludes our study of the Abundant Life.  Next up in our deep study of doctrine – Repentance!