Ephesians 5:1-5

A1 Scripture

B1 Therefore be imitators of God as beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a fragrant aroma. But, you should not even talk about fornication or any form of moral corruption or insatiableness (as is fitting for saints); nor any obscenity, nor foolish talk or coarse joking (that do not belong), but rather thanksgiving. Because you can know this for sure: no fornicator, nor anyone who is morally corrupt or insatiable (actually an idolater), has any inheritance in the Kingdom of the Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of the disobedience. Therefore do not be participants with them—even though you were once darkness, you are now light in the Lord. Walk as children of light  (Ephesians 5:1-8, WPNT)

B2 Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children. And walk in love, as the Messiah also loved us and gave Himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God. But sexual immorality and any impurity or greed should not even be heard of among you, as is proper for saints. Coarse and foolish talking or crude joking are not suitable, but rather giving thanks. For know and recognize this: Every sexually immoral or impure or greedy person, who is an idolater, does not have an inheritance in the kingdom of the Messiah and of God.  (Ephesians 5:1-5, HCSB)

A2 Outline

B1 A command—be imitators of God

B2 A respect—as dearly beloved children

B3 Walk in love

C1 As Messiah did

C2 As Messiah died

D1 A sacrifice to God

D2 An offering to God

B4 Avoid

C1 Sexual immorality

C2 Impurity

C3 Greed

C4 Irreligious talk

C5 Crude jokes

B5 Do

C1 Give thanks

C2 Know and recognize

D1 Sexually immoral, impure, or greedy (an idolater)

D2 Has no inheritance in the Kingdom of Messiah and of God

A3 Notes

B1 Imitators

C1 Not of God doing miracles, like the present days Pentecostal, word of faith, or heretics.

C2 Not willing something into existence, or any of those things that only God can do.

C3 It is referring to have the same desires, goals, attitudes as God does, and the way God deals with people, etc. This is best seen in the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

C4 Is of living a certain kind of life. This is seen in the context here of Jesus' example. Ephesians 4:32 HCSB And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ. We don't compare ourselves to other Christians. We are to compare ourselves to God.

C5 Imitators

D1 Therefore I urge you, imitate me.  (1 Corinthians 4:16, NKJV)

D2 Imitate me, just as I also [imitate] Christ.  (1 Corinthians 11:1, NKJV)

D3 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord when, in spite of severe persecution, you welcomed the message with joy from the Holy Spirit.  (1 Thessalonians 1:6, HCSB)

D4 For you, brothers, became imitators of God's churches in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, since you have also suffered the same things from people of your own country, just as they did from the Jews  (1 Thessalonians 2:14, HCSB)

D5 So that you won't become lazy but will be imitators of those who inherit the promises through faith and perseverance.  (Hebrews 6:12, HCSB)

D6 In holiness: Leviticus 11:44-45 NRSV For I am the LORD your God; sanctify yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. You shall not defile yourselves with any swarming creature that moves on the earth.  45 For I am the LORD who brought you up from the land of Egypt, to be your God; you shall be holy, for I am holy.

D7 The Lord Jesus is our perfect example: Colossians 3:9-10 NKJV  Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,  10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.

D8 Plus, a warning NOT to imitate the wicked: 2 Peter 3:17 NKJV  You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked.

C6 Temptation for the Ephesians would still be great. They had been living and practicing life in a very evil culture. To avoid and help overcome temptation, they were encouraged to not even talk about the sinful practices of the culture they lived in. So Wilbur Pickering translates verse 3: "But, you should not even talk about fornication or any form of moral corruption or insatiableness (as is fitting for saints)."  (Ephesians 5:3, WPNT).

B2 Beloved children—God loves us, so we are beloved children. Because God loves us, we want to imitate Him.

B3 Walk in love. Walk has the idea of living our life, our lifestyle, our thoughts, desires, words, and deeds. All this must be done in love. Truth is essential, and telling the truth is for the good of someone’s soul. It is the soul that we are concerned for. John 3:19-22 WEL This is [the reason for] the judgment, because light is come into the world and people loved darkness rather than light, because their actions were evil. 20 "Everyone who does evil hates the light and doesn’t come to the light, so that his actions may be discovered and reproved [discovered and reproved is one word in Greek]. 21 "But the one who does the truth comes to the light, so that his actions may be plainly seen that they are done for God.

B4 The love of God and His giving of Himself, for love is a choice. We understand this because:

C1 God did not have to do this.

C2 He choose to do this.

C3 He wanted to do this.

C4 Thoughts and desires are not enough. He demonstrated His love.

C5 A sacrifice was needed to atone.

D1 Good works are meaningless, because even one breaking of God's Law sends to hell. No matter how much we do the rest of our lives, it cannot make up for the evil we have done.

D2 Jesus never sinned.

D3 An everlasting death was required.

D4 This death is an separation from God.

D5 Jesus died and was forsaken by the Father.

D6 This was the full payment needed.

D7 The condition now, is to repent and trust into Jesus.

C6 The offering was a sin offering.

D1 "...just like the Son of the Man—He did not come to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”  (Matthew 20:28, WPNT)

D2 "By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."  (Hebrews 10:10, WPNT)

D3 Dr Chafer writes: Substitution

Substitution is not a Biblical term (cf. Trinity, incarnation, etc.), but a Biblical doctrine nonetheless.

1. Old Testament Type.  

a. In general, every animal sacrifice offered during Old Testament times substituted for the offender. All this was accordingly a type of Christ dying in the room and stead of the sinner.

b. The sweet savor and non-sweet savor offerings of Leviticus, chapters 1–5, indicate that two accomplishments are to be noticed in Christ's substitution:

(1) The non-sweet savor oblations were, first, the sin offering and, second, the trespass offering. In these the perfection of the offering itself had to be insisted upon since Christ the Antitype is perfect in Himself, but of course, at the same time, the offering is invested with the sin of the offerer. They are called non-sweet savor offerings since God cannot look upon sin with allowance whatsoever. In fulfilling this type of sacrifice Christ cried, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46).

(2) Sweet savor offerings were three in number: first, the burnt offering, second, the meal offering, and third, the peace offering. In these were depicted an aspect of Christ's death which was a delight to His Father, as it has been suggested in Hebrews 9:14: He “offered himself without spot to God.” Here is substitution in the sense that God requires of the believer, not merely that he should have no sins (as typified by the non-sweet savor offerings), but that he indeed should have done all good. These three offerings, consequently, suggest how the perfection of Christ may be accepted of God for a Christian. They are sweet to God since only Christ's perfections are in view, and manifestly as such they could apply to the elect alone.

2. New Testament Doctrine.  Again the same twofold conception obtains. The Scriptures state the doctrine fully.

a. Sweet savor (Phil. 2:8; Hebrews 9:11–14; 10:5–7).

b. Non-sweet savor (Romans 3:23–26; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24; 3:18; cf. Psalm 22:1; Matthew 27:46)."

(Systematic Theology by Lewis Sperry Chafer Copyright ©1948, 1976 by Dallas Theological Seminary Published by Kregel Publications, a division of Kregel, Inc., P.O. Box 2607, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49501, with special permission of Dallas Theological Seminary. All rights reserved.

B5 Fornication—any sexual activity not approved by God.

B6 Uncleanness—everything not addressed by fornication or covetousness. Finding pleasure in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds that God does not approve.

B7 Covetousness—wanting what someone else has. It can be the love of money, things, persons, or fame. It is wrong, ungodlike desire.

B8 Our speech

C1 Good speech is talk that edifies another. Bad speech is talk that destroys another. One teaches and encourages, the other abuses. Abusive speech is evil, but truth is good.

C2 Proverbs has a lot of passages teaching about this.

D1 Proverbs 12:23 GNB  Smart people keep quiet about what they know, but stupid people advertise their ignorance.

D2 Proverbs 15:2 CEV  Words of wisdom come from the wise, but fools speak foolishness.

D3 Ecclesiastes 10:12-14 NKJV The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious, But the lips of a fool shall swallow him up;  (13) The words of his mouth begin with foolishness, And the end of his talk is raving madness.  (14) A fool also multiplies words. No man knows what is to be; Who can tell him what will be after him?

D4 Proverbs 4:24 GNB  Never say anything that isn't true. Have nothing to do with lies and misleading words.

D5 Proverbs 10:32 GNB  Righteous people know the kind thing to say, but the wicked are always saying things that hurt.

B9 The inheritance

C1 Who is included or excluded?

C2 What is the inheritance?

C3 Why do we get this inheritance?

A4 Applications

B1 God has set the standard, the routine, for living a Christian life.

B2 God has defined what love is. He shows true love. We need to imitate that love.

B3 God has set the standards for sexual behavior. His rules are the only and the best.

B4 God has set the standard for our speech. Let us be careful.

B5 Greed is not to be found in God’s people.

B6 Humans don’t like God’s standard, so we and they attempt to redefine, minimize, or dismiss in some way. Let us be aware.

B7 Giving thanks is very important. We should give thanks to God and also our fellow humans.

Are All Church Members Christians?

A good post by Jeff Crippen





...squabbles and conflict in the church is the norm. Something to be expected. After all, you know, we are all just sinners.

And so, when I became a pastor, I dealt with the large majority of church members as if they were Christians. There was constant tension and even pretty harsh battles. But, you know, we have to forgive one another and endure with one another until Jesus comes. Everybody is a sinner. Right?

Wrong.

How can we possibly read John’s first epistle for example, and see him say things like the verses quoted above, and yet maintain that a real Christian can be a habitually and characteristically difficult, divisive, reviling, arrogant, immoral, world-loving, or mean person who makes the lives of those around him miserable? We can’t, unless we just flat refuse to believe...

Read the rest here: 

What or Who is a Christian? Churches Don’t Seem to Know

Why Am I Thankful?

As I was thinking about this topic, I wondered, “Why?”

What is thankfulness?

The opposite is entitled. But, what am I entitled to. Nothing really.

Choices do have consequences.

We are not necessarily thankful for things we deserve. We are thankful for good things that we do not deserve.

It is an attitude for things we do not deserve. It is a humbleness of, “Why me, Lord”?

My wife doesn’t need to make my breakfast, but she wants to. I don’t have to wash the dishes, but I want to. So, we thank each other.

This could be applied to many, many things.

2 Thessalonians 2:13 NLT - As for us, we can't help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation--a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth.

I’m certainly not among the first to believe, more likely one of the last.

But for this, I’m very thankful.

I have no physical brothers and sisters, but in Messiah, we are a very big family. We are not together because of a common interest. We are FAMILY having fellowship with God and each other. 1 John 1:3 WEL That which we have seen and heard, we announce to you so that you also may have fellowship with us, and our fellowship is with the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ.

I do not deserve God’s love, yet He does love me. Galatians 2:20 WEL "I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live. Yet, it is not I but Christ living in me, and the life I now am living in the flesh, I live in faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.

I do not have anything worthy to know forgiveness of my sins, the times I broke God’s laws. 2 Timothy 1:9 NLT - For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time--to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.

I do not deserve grace, but I have received grace. Romans 5:21 WEL That just as sin has ruled in death, even so might grace rule through righteousness into eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

I am not entitled to anything of these things. I do not deserve them.

So now, I have fellowship with God, wife, children, brothers, sisters, an eternal home after death, many and many blessings more that I do not deserve.

I am humbled.

I am thankful.

Bad things do happen to us. But, as the preacher said, “We do not thank God FOR everything; we are thankful IN everything.”

A friend of ours had her husband brutally murdered. One night she could not sleep. As she lay there awake, she thought of 500 things she was thankful to God for. What about me? Am I thankful? How about you?

Ephesians 4:24-32

A1 Scriptures

Ephesians 4:24-32 NKJV And that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. 25 Therefore, putting away lying, "LET EACH ONE OF YOU SPEAK TRUTH WITH HIS NEIGHBOR," for we are members of one another. 26 "BE ANGRY, AND DO NOT SIN": do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil. 28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. 29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

A2 Outline

B1 The New Man

C1 To be put on.

C2 Which was created in God's image.

D1 In true righteousness

D2 In true holiness

B2 Practice Instructions for the Church

C1 Do not lie anymore.

C2 Do not be angry anymore.

C3 Do not steal any more.

C4 Do not be lazy anymore.

C5 Do not be selfish anymore.

C6 Do not speak stupid stuff any more.

C7 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit any more.

C8 Do not be bitter anymore.

C9 Do not have wrath any more.

C10 Do not have anger any more.

C11 Do not be loud, insistent, and demanding any more.

C12 Do not speak evil any more.

C13 Do not have malice any more.

C14 Do not be unkind any more.

C15 Do not be hard hearted any more.

C16 Do not refuse to forgive any more.

A3 Notes

B1 Put on = as in clothes. What we wear often reflects on our lifestyle, habits, personality, tastes, etc. As in (The night is nearly over, and the day is near; so let us get rid of the works of the darkness, and let us put on the weapons of the light—Romans 13:12 WPNT) we are to take off evil and wear the armor of light. What we wear should be consistent to who we are and believe. If we are evil, we should look evil. If we are not evil, we should not look evil. Here we are to put on something. That something is the new man. We have a new attitude. This is renewed as the old attitude, desires, views, standards are to be discarded. The new here is all that is contained in the New Testament. Mind here stands for the part of a human that reasons, thinks, makes decisions, etc.

B2 New man = the new creation. The work of rebirth done by God himself without any works from us. The old flesh is still present with us, gets sick, and eventually dies.

B3 The new man is in God's image. The first, of Adam, was lost, damaged, corrupted because of sin.

B4 True righteousness = not a fake righteousness, facade, or hypocrisy. Many have an outward, religious appearing holiness which is not truth. Righteousness is defined by God's character and His thoughts, desires, words, and deeds. True righteousness is found in the inner self.

B5 True holiness = not a fake holiness of someone parading around pretending to be a holy man/woman. "So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward." (Matthew 6:2 NRSV)

B6 The Greek in verse 24 reads "righteousness and true holiness."

B7 A list of 16 rules from God for the way that we are to live.

C1 No lies—little lies, big lies, medium lies. God does not lie, therefore we should not either. If caught in a lie, confess it. "I just caught myself in a lie; please forgive me. Here is the truth."

C2 No anger. Anger is "the strong feeling you get when you think someone has treated you badly or unfairly, that makes you want to hurt them or shout at them—Macmillan Dictionary. Consider—But I say to you that whoever gets angry with his brother without cause will be liable to the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Numskull!’ will be liable to the council. But whoever says, ‘You absolute idiot!’ will be liable to hell fire." (Matthew 5:22 WPNT). Pickering notes, "God hates injustice and will judge it. Less than 2% of the Greek manuscripts, of inferior quality, omit “without cause” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.). NIV, NASB and LB favor us with a footnote informing us that “some manuscripts” add ‘without cause—by “some” they mean 98% of them!! More serious, the shorter text has the effect of forbidding anger, which would contradict other Scriptures ("Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah"—Psalms 4:4 NKJV) and the Lord's own example ("After looking around at them with anger, being grieved at the hardness of their hearts, He says to the man, “Stretch out your hand!” So he stretched, and his hand was restored as healthy as the other!"—Mark 3:5 WPNT) The point anger will be experienced, but we must not let the sun go down before we have cooled off. Holding on to anger causes many problems.

C3 No stealing—taking what is not ours. It is due to covetousness. It can be taking people, time, property, affections, keeping what we should be giving.

C4 No laziness—Work instead. If for some reason you cannot find a job, look for one say maybe once a week. In the meantime study something, volunteer for something or someone. Do something valuable for God, His church, or society.

C5 No selfishness

C6 No stupid talking—teasing is OK for a little well, but then it becomes verbal abuse. What we are to talk about is for edifying, not destroying someone. People die from bullying. It is serious.

C7 No grieving the Holy Spirit—What is grieving the Holy Spirit? When I was young, maybe 9 or 10, my Grandma Gane hired a paper hanger. He was a professional. She had bought a dozen donuts for all of us to enjoy at break time. While he was papering, I was sneaking donuts. When break time arrived, Grandma got the donuts out and saw only 1 donut in the box. She looked at me and said, "O, Lenny." That is right I had eaten 11 donuts. I felt bad but I had caused Grandma grief. So it is with the Holy Spirit. He has plans for us and when we disobey, we grieve Him—not a smart thing to do. "How often they rebelled against Him in the wilderness and grieved Him in the desert."—Psalms 78:40, HCSB). "But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit. So He became their enemy and fought against them."—Isaiah 63:10, HCSB)

C8 No bitterness—bitterness is what happens in prolonged disappointment of any type. Have you or I ever made a promise and did not keep it? That type of action can lead to bitterness in the person who was promised something. What you don't listen—really listen—to your spouse when he/she wants to talk? You are causing bitterness. Bitterness leads to abuse and acting out from pent up anger.

C9 No wrath—the type of anger when one is out of control. Go talk a walk. Don't drive just walk.

C10 No anger.

C11 No clamoring—loud, insistent, and demanding. This is one way of expressing anger.

C12 No speaking evil—as in slander, blasphemy, lies, verbal abuse of any kind.

C13 No malice—is deep hatred with action as in "When his brothers saw that their father loved Joseph more than he loved them, they hated their brother so much that they would not speak to him in a friendly manner—Genesis 37:4, GNB92.

C14 No unkindness—think of being kind to animals. Therefore no ill will, causing pain or discomfort to any, being aware of people's needs. Do be a narcissist.

C15 No hard heartedness—stubborn to cause and retain ill feelings towards others. "he told us to ask you, ‘Please forgive the crime your brothers committed when they wronged you.' Now please forgive us the wrong that we, the servants of your father's God, have done.” Joseph cried when he received this message. (Genesis 50:17, GNB92).

C16 No more refusing to forgive—forgiveness is not letting someone get away with punishment but is turning that punishment over to God, who judges perfectly. When I forgive some, God may or may not forgive.

B8 Verse 25: Who is our neighbor? It is any one we meet. In this verse it is especially referring to members of the church. We are members of one another. Jesus Christ is the head, and all the believers (the saints) are the body.

B9 Verse 26: Anger held on to is unhealthy.

Healthy and Unhealthy Anger (This link is dead as of 10 Dec 14) Showing the difference between healthy and unhealthy anger. Introduction, anger is a natural and necessary emotion. Anger is anger, it is in itself neither right nor wrong, healthy nor unhealthy. It is the expression of anger that makes it healthy or unhealthy. When it is expressed appropriately within the context of a situation it is a necessary emotion. Feeling anger is different from expressing anger, and it is the inappropriate expression of anger that makes it unhealthy. Not feeling any anger in a situation is just as unhealthy as expressing anger in a cageful, vengeful manner. e.g.: when we see a child being beaten cruelly, it is natural to feel anger, however this does NOT justify the inappropriate expression by yelling, screaming or beating the abuser. This is healthy anger. Healthy Anger: Healthy anger is appropriate to the situation that evokes it. Healthy expression of anger involves facing what makes you angry and an effort to set boundaries for yourself by determining what you will do in response to what makes you angry. e.g.: When you do ________, I feel ______ , and to protect myself I will _________. Healthy anger is not used to punish, is not violent, and is not used to intimidate, control or manipulate the other person. It is expressed, discussed and moved through. Healthy anger is not stuffed down and ignored. Stuffed anger creates resentment and a myriad of physical, mental and emotional problems. Healthy anger is not expressed in passive-aggressive and manipulative ways. Unhealthy Anger: Unhealthy Anger is a component of abusive relationships. This kind of anger or rage is experienced with great intensity and expressed likewise by screaming and yelling, physical expressions of anger, violence or threats of violence, sulking, manipulation, emotional blackmail, silent smoldering, and anger used to punish. Rage is a shame-based expression of anger. Rage is by definition abuse. They react to strong emotions with rage, i.e. feelings of fear, sadness, shame, inadequacy, guilt or loss convert to rage. They were typically shamed or punished by their caretakers for expressing emotion when they were young; i.e.: "Be a man and don't cry", "Nice girls don't get angry" or "I'll give you something to cry about". Raging gives the angry person a feeling of power - offsetting their shame and feelings of inadequacy. Unexpressed anger related to childhood abuses often results in addictive problems later in life. To stuff down the feelings of shame, anger, isolation, fear, sadness and loss the abuse creates. By pushing feelings down it is impossible to work through feelings and move past them, keeping the person trapped in a downward spiral.

B10 Verse 27: Give no opportunity to the devil. From Handfuls on Purpose: "Give No Place to the Devil (Ephesians 4:27). The Devil is always in search of a place in our lives. He knows that if he can but get his poison into the blood, that the whole man will be affected. Paul forgave others, "lest Satan should get an advantage of us" (2Co 2:10-11). The hasty temper and the unforgiving mood gives Satan a great advantage. "Resist the Devil and he will flee from you."

B11 Verse 29: What is evil speech? How do we know? The context states that what we say is to be for edification. Sometimes truth hurts but must be told.

B12 God does have emotions. He can be grieved, that is, become sad. What makes God sad? A lack of faith, disobedience, rebellion, etc.

B13 Verses 31 and 32 are to be taken together. Verse 31 contains a list of what NOT to do, and verse 32 what we MUST do. God's laws/rules are like that. Somethings please God and we are to do. The list in verse 31 are things not to do to one another, instead we are to do the list in verse 32.

A4 Applications

B1 God does define a righteous life.

B2 God requires us to live a righteous life.

B3 God gives us specifics about a righteous life.

B4 By our thinking, doing, and talking in private and public will reveal our character: Matthew 7:15-20 NRSV "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? 17 In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will know them by their fruits.

B5 God requires, so He will assist by His grace: Romans 12:1-2 NRSV I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.

B6 His grace: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NRSV but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.

Why We Must Not be in a Passive State

1 Peter 5:6-11 WEL So, let yourselves be humbled under God's mighty hand, so he may lift you up at the right time. 7 Cast all your worries on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be clear headed. Be alert, because your enemy, the devil, like a roaring lion, walks around seeking whom he can devour. 9 Resist him, [be] immovable in the faith, realizing that the same kind of afflictions are being faced by your brothers who are in the world. 10 But the God of all grace, who has called us into his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, will mend you, make you resolute, give you strength, and support you. 11 To him [be] glory and supremacy forever and ever. Amen.

A1 Passivity

B1 Defined

C1 My definition of passivity is a person being in a passive state instead of active state. It is the shutting out mental thought and activity. It is termed “by-passing the brain,” “not using your brain,” “quietness,” “stillness,” “silence,” etc.

C2 It is different than a trance.

D1 Bing dictionary: a half-conscious state characterized by an absence of response to external stimuli, typically as induced by hypnosis or entered by a medium.

D2 Wikipedia: Trance is an abnormal state of wakefulness in which a person is not self-aware and is either altogether unresponsive to external stimuli but is nevertheless capable of pursuing and realizing an aim, or is selectively responsive in following the directions of the person who has induced the trance. Compare: Altered States of Consciousness.

C3 Passive mind: Free Dictionary: Receiving or subjected to an action without responding or initiating an action in return: the mind viewed as a passive receptacle for sensory experience.

B2 Passivity (some more)

C1 Defined: Definition of passive (Source)

1a(1): acted upon by an external agency

(2): receptive to outside impressions or influences

C2 In the spiritual sense: Different than finding a quiet place away from noise and distractions, the silence is referring to a stillness of the mind. (Source) [More information can be found in the pdf: The Silence Quotes by LHTrails]

C3 It goes by various names as contemplative prayer, etc. See here and search for passivity, passive, mysticism, etc.

B3 Dangers

C1 Being deceived

C2 Drifting away from true faith

C3 A change in lifestyle from a Christian to a mystical lifestyle

C4 Direct disobedience to the Holy Spirit:

D1 1 Peter 5:8 WEL Be clear headed. Be alert, because your enemy, the devil, like a roaring lion, walks around seeking whom he can devour.

D2 Luke 21:36 GW Be alert at all times. Pray so that you have the power to escape everything that is about to happen and to stand in front of the Son of Man.

D3 Romans 13:11-14 GW You know the times in which we are living. It's time for you to wake up. Our salvation is nearer now than when we first became believers. 12 The night is almost over, and the day is near. So we should get rid of the things that belong to the dark and take up the weapons that belong to the light. 13 We should live decently, as people who live in the light of day. Wild parties, drunkenness, sexual immorality, promiscuity, rivalry, and jealousy cannot be part of our lives. 14 Instead, live like the Lord Jesus Christ did, and forget about satisfying the desires of your sinful nature.

B4 The Scriptures instructions

C1 Verses on being alert, having an active mind, not bypassing the brain or using any form of contemplative prayer

D1 Bible words showing alertness and vigilance is a must.

E1 H4929 מִשׁמָר mishmar diligence

F1 It means diligence.

F2 It is used 22 times in the OT and usually translated as prison.

G1 Proverbs 4:23 NKJV Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it [spring] the issues of life.

G2 Proverbs 4:23 GW Guard your heart more than anything else, because the source of your life flows from it.

G3 Proverbs 4:23 NLT - Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

G4 Comment from JFB commentary on this verse: with all diligence—or, "above," or "more than all," custody (compare Margin), all that is kept (compare Eze 38:7), because the heart is the depository of all wisdom and the source of whatever affects life and character.

G5 Comment from Adam Clarke's commentary on this verse: Keep thy heart with all diligence] "Above all keeping," guard thy heart. He who knows any thing of himself, knows how apt his affections are to go astray.

G6 Comment from Albert Barnes commentary on this verse: Better, as in the margin, i. e., with more vigilance than men use over anything else. The words that follow carry on the same similitude. The fountains and wells of the East were watched over with special care. The heart is such a fountain, out of it flow the “issues” of life. Shall men let those streams be tainted at the fountain-head?

G7 We have to be alert to be able to guard.

E2 H5341 נָצַר natsar

F1 Keep

F2 It is used 63 times in the OT and as keep as in observe carefully and guard. One must be alert to do these things.

G1 Proverbs 4:6 NRSV Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you.

G2 Proverbs 23:26 NRSV My child, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.

G3 Jeremiah 31:6 NRSV For there shall be a day when sentinels will call in the hill country of G3 Ephraim: "Come, let us go up to Zion, to the LORD our God."

E3 G1127 - γρηγορεύω grēgoreúō (info below is Strongs).

F1 To keep awake, i.e. watch (literally or figuratively):—be vigilant, wake, (be) watch(-ful).

F2 It is used 23 times in the NT.

G1 Matthew 24:42 Therefore be on the alert, because you do not know what day your Lord is coming!

G2 Matthew 25:13 Therefore be on the alert, because you do not know the day or the hour!

G3 Mark 13:33 Watch out! Be alert, because you do not know when the time is!

G4 Mark 13:34 It is like a man away on a journey, who left his house and gave his slaves authority—to each one his work—and to the doorkeeper he gave orders that he should be on the alert.

G5 Mark 13:35 Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or early in the morning—

G6 Mark 13:37 And what I say to you, I say to everyone: Be on the alert!”

G7 Luke 12:37 Blessed are those slaves whom the master will find on the alert when he returns! Truly I say to you that he will dress himself for service and have them recline at the table and will come by and 19 serve them.

G8 Luke 21:36 But be alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.

G9 Acts 20:31 Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for three years I did not stop warning each one of you with tears.

G10 1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act courageously, be strong.

C11 Ephesians 6:18 with all prayer and supplication praying at all times in the Spirit, and to this end being alert with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.

G12 Colossians 4:2 Be devoted to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving,

G13 1 Thessalonians 5:6 So then, we must not sleep like the rest, but must be on the alert and be self-controlled.

G14 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober; be on the alert. Your adversary the devil walks around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

G15 Revelation 3:2 Be on the alert and strengthen the remaining things that are about to die, for I have not found your works completed before my God.

G16 Revelation 3:3 Therefore remember how you have received and heard, and observe it, and repent. If therefore you are not on the alert, I will come like a thief, and you will never know at what hour I will come against you.

G17 Revelation 16:15 (Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who is on the alert and who keeps his clothing, so that he does not walk around naked and they see his shamefulness!)

E4 νήφω nḗphō, G3525

F1 Thayer’s: to be sober; in the N. T. everywhere tropically, to be calm and collected in spirit; to be temperate, dispassionate, circumspect.

F2 It is used 6 times in the NT.

G1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 WEL Therefore, let us not sleep like others do, but let us be alert and be clear headed. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who are drunk, are drunk at night, 8 But let us who are of the day, be clear headed, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet, the hope of salvation.

G2 2 Timothy 4:5 WEL Instead, you need to clear headed in everything, endure troubles, do the work of an evangelist. Make full proof of your ministry.

G3 1 Peter 1:13 WEL Therefore, have your minds constantly ready for action, be clear headed, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought to you at the revealing of Jesus Christ.

G4 1 Peter 4:7 WEL But the end of everything is near. Therefore be clear headed and attentive in prayer.

G5 1 Peter 5:8 WEL Be clear headed. Be alert, because your enemy, the devil, like a roaring lion, walks around seeking whom he can devour.

F3 In summary: the Greek word for be clear headed is G3525 νήφω. Of uncertain affinity; to abstain from wine (keep sober), that is, (figuratively) be discreet: - be sober, watch. It is used 6 times in the NT. One example: 1 Peter 5:8 WEL Be clear headed. Be alert, because your enemy, the devil, like a roaring lion, walks around seeking whom he can devour.

E5 G1864 ἐπαγωνίζομαι epagonizomai

F1 It means to fight for.

F2 It is used one time in the NT.

G1 Jude 1:3 NKJV Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.

G2 A person needs to be alert in order to fight.

E6 The Greek word for watch is G991 (Strong’s) βλέπω. A primary verb; to look at (literally or figuratively): - behold, beware, lie, look (on, to), perceive, regard, see, sight, take heed. It is used 135 times in the NT. One example: Mark 13:32-33 WEL 32 "But, concerning that day and hour, no one knows, no, not even the angels who are in heaven, nor the Son, only the Father. 33 "Watch, be alert and pray, for you do not know when that time is.

E7 The Greek word for watch is G69 (Strong’s) ἀγρυπνέω: To be sleepless, that is, keep awake: - watch. It is used 4 times in the NT. One example: Mark 13:32-33 WEL 32 "But, concerning that day and hour, no one knows, no, not even the angels who are in heaven, nor the Son, only the Father. 33 "Watch, be alert and pray, for you do not know when that time is.

C2 In summary: All the above clear instruct Christians to be alert, watchful, awake, having your eyes open, etc. These words do not teach an used mind, silence, contemplative prayer, passive states, etc.

A2 Demons Or Unclean Spirits

B1 Hebrew words

C1 Devil (H7700): שֵׁד shêd shade From H7736; a daemon (as malignant): - devil. (Strong’s). It is used 2 times in the OT.

D1 Deuteronomy 32:17 NRSV They sacrificed to demons, not God, to deities they had never known, to new ones recently arrived, whom your ancestors had not feared.

D2 Psalms 106:37 NRSV They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons.

C2 H8163:שָׂעִר שָׂעִיר śâ‛ı̂yr śâ‛ir saw-eer', saw-eer'

From H8175; shaggy; as noun, a he goat; by analogy a faun: - devil, goat, hairy, kid, rough, satyr. (Strong’s). It is used 59 times in the OT.

D1 Leviticus 17:7 NKJV They shall no more offer their sacrifices to demons, after whom they have played the harlot. This shall be a statute forever for them throughout their generations.

D2 2 Chronicles 11:15 NRSV And had appointed his own priests for the high places, and for the goat-demons, and for the calves that he had made.

C3 אוֹב 'Ôb obe From the same as H1 (apparently through the idea of prattling a father’s name); properly a mumble, that is, a water skin (from its hollow sound); hence a necromancer (ventriloquist, as from a jar): - bottle, familiar spirit. (Strong’s). It is used 17 times in the OT.

D1 Leviticus 19:31 NKJV 'Give no regard to mediums and familiar spirits; do not seek after them, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.

D2 1 Samuel 28:7 NKJV Then Saul said to his servants, “Find me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.” And his servants said to him, “In fact, [there is] a woman who is a medium at En Dor.”

B2 Greek words

C1 G1139 δαιμονίζομαι daimonizomai Middle voice from G1142; to be exercised by a daemon: - have a (be vexed with, be possessed with) devil (-s). (Strong’s). It is used 13 times in the NT. Verse: Matthew 4:24 GW The news about Jesus spread throughout Syria. People brought him everyone who was sick, those who suffered from any kind of disease or pain. They also brought epileptics, those who were paralyzed, and people possessed by demons, and he cured them all.

C2 G1140 δαιμόνιον Daimonion Neuter of a derivative of G1142; a daemonic being; by extension a deity: - devil, god. (Strong’s). It is used 60 times in the NT. Verse: 1 Corinthians 10:20-21 GW Hardly! What I am saying is that these sacrifices which people make are made to demons and not to God. I don't want you to be partners with demons. 21 You cannot drink the Lord's cup and the cup of demons. You cannot participate at the table of the Lord and at the table of demons.

C3 G1142 δαίμων Daimōn From δαίω daiō (to distribute fortunes); a demon or super natural spirit (of a bad nature): - devil. (Strong’s). It is used 5 times in the NT. Verse: Revelation 16:14 GW They are spirits of demons that do miracles. These spirits go to the kings of the whole world and gather them for the war on the frightening day of God Almighty.

C2 G1228 διάβολος Diabolos From G1225; a traducer; specifically Satan (compare [H7854]): - false accuser, devil, slanderer. (Strong’s). It is used 38 times in the NT. Verse: Revelation 20:2 GW He overpowered the serpent, that ancient snake, named Devil and Satan. The angel chained up the serpent for 1,000 years.

B3 See 4132 malevolence of demons.

B4 See 4133 possession by demons

B5 See 4135 Jesus Christ’s authority over demons

B6 Some character traits

C1 Evil (Judges 9:23; 1 Samuel 18:9-10).

C2 Intelligent and wise (1 Kings 22:22-24; Acts 16:16).

C3 Powerful (Mark 5:1-18).

C4 They have knowledge (Matthew 8:29; Luke 4:41; Acts 19:15).

C5 They have feelings (Matthew 8:29; Mark 5:7).

C6 They have emotions (Acts 8:7).

C5 Seducing spirits (1 Timothy 4:1).

A3 4 Conditions of Escape

B1 Not sleeping: 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 NRSV So then let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober; 7 for those who sleep sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.

B2 Being alert: Matthew 24:42-51 NRSV Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour. 45 "Who then is the faithful and wise slave, whom his master has put in charge of his household, to give the other slaves their allowance of food at the proper time? 46 Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives. 47 Truly I tell you, he will put that one in charge of all his possessions. 48 But if that wicked slave says to himself, 'My master is delayed,' 49 and he begins to beat his fellow slaves, and eats and drinks with drunkards, 50 the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour that he does not know. 51 He will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

B3 Be clear headed: 1 Peter 5:8-9 WEL Be clear headed. Be alert, because your enemy, the devil, like a roaring lion, walks around seeking whom he can devour. 9 Resist him, [be] immovable in the faith, realizing that the same kind of afflictions are being faced by your brothers who are in the world.

B4 God’s armor:

Ephesians 6:12-18 WEL For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against the highest spiritual forces, powers, rulers of darkness of the world, and spiritual wickedness in the heavenlies. 13 Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to resist on that evil day, and after doing everything possible to still stand. 14 Therefore, stand having truth fastened around your loins and having the breastplate of righteousness on, 15 And your feet shod, prepared by the Gospel of peace. 16 Most importantly taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts from the wicked. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. 18 Always be praying in the spirit with all prayer and requests, and be alert in the same with full perseverance and request for all the saints.

C1 Resist

D1 1 Peter 5:8-9 WEL Be clear headed. Be alert, because your enemy, the devil, like a roaring lion, walks around seeking whom he can devour. 9 Resist him, [be] immovable in the faith, realizing that the same kind of afflictions are being faced by your brothers who are in the world.

D2 To resist is to stand for the Christian faith in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds. 1 Corinthians 15:58 WEL Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch, as you know that your labor in the Lord is not futile.

D3 God gives grace. 2 Timothy 2:1 NRSV You then, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

D4 God gives wisdom. James 1:5 WEL If any of you lack wisdom, then ask the God, who gives to all profusely and doesn't scold, and it will be given to him.

D5 God gives the strength we need. 2 Corinthians 12:9 WEL He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is perfected in weakness." Therefore, I would rather gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ might rest in me.

D6 God forewarned us this would happen. 2 Timothy 3:12 WEL Indeed, all who choose to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

D7 God promises us that He will not leave us. Hebrews 13:5 WEL Let your conduct be without covetousness. Be satisfied with what you have, because he has said, "I will never leave you, nor forsake you.

C2 Stand

D1 Stand has the idea of not just walking around but to stand in the face of opposition, whether mild or fierce.

D2 1 Corinthians 16:13 WEL Be on the alert; be firmly standing in the faith; don't be cowardly; be strong.

C3 Truth

D1 The Bible understands truth to be according to the correspondence theory, that is, reality. An example: John 4:17-18 WEL The woman answered and says, "I have no husband." 18 Jesus says to her, "You answered honestly that you have no husband, for you have had five husbands, and the present one you have is not your husband, you have told the truth in this.

D2 The importance of truth is God wants us to know, so He tells the truth. Otherwise, we will not know what to believe or how to live.

D3 Safety in truth

E1 John 17:17 WEL Sanctify them by your truth. Your word is truth.

E2 Truth keeps us from being deceived.

C4 Righteousness

D1 Righteousness is thoughts, desires, words, and deeds according to God’s thoughts, desires, words, and deeds. It is God’s standard. 1 John 2:29 WEL If you know that he is righteous, then know that everyone who is doing righteousness is born of him.

D2 Our Christian life should be a righteous life: 1 Peter 2:24 NRSV He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.

D3 We learn this from the NT Scriptures: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NRSV All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.

C5 Gospel

D1 There is only one Gospel from Genesis to Revelation.

D2 We must personally belief God’s Gospel or we will go to eternal conscious torment.

D3 A link to know the Gospel: Are You a Good Person?

C6 Faith

D1 Faith is believing God.

D2 Believing God from Genesis 1:1 through Revelation 22:21

D3 Believing God is more important than believing ANY teacher.

C7 Salvation

D1 This is related to the Gospel above.

D2 Ephesians 1:13-14 WEL In whom you also trusted, after you had heard the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your salvation. In whom, after you believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 Who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of [God's] purchased possession, to the praise of his glory.

C8 Scripture

D1 We must know it.

D2 To know it we must study it.

D3 In studying it, we must believe it.

D4 If we really believe it, we will live it.

C9 Prayer

D1 Prayer is talking to God.

D2 No one can manipulate God. There are no special words, chants, actions that can guarantee the answer we want.

D3 Answers are according to God’s will. 1 John 5:14 WEL This is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

D4 Known, unconfessed sin, continuing in sin, etc. will cause prayers to NOT be answered. Psalms 66:18 GNB If I had ignored my sins, the Lord would not have listened to me.

A4 Other verses

B1 Genesis 3:15 GW I will make you and the woman hostile toward each other. I will make your descendants and her descendant hostile toward each other. He will crush your head, and you will bruise his heel.

B2 2 Corinthians 2:11 11 WEL Fearing that Satan would take advantage of us, for we are not ignorant of his plans.

B3 Ephesians 4:27 WEL 27 Don't give an opportunity to the devil.

B4 James 4:7-8 WEL 7 Therefore, place yourselves under God’s authority. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse [your] hands, sinners, and purify [your] hearts, double minded.

B5 1 Peter 5:8 WEL Be clear headed. Be alert, because your enemy, the devil, like a roaring lion, walks around seeking whom he can devour.

A5 Days of Praise

October 28, 2018

Satan's Strategic Plan

“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:3)

The magnificent book of Genesis sets the foundation for Scripture, revealing the “Roman numerals” upon which the rest of the Bible’s message is built. Apart from the actual events of the creation week, the fall of Adam and Eve, and the subsequent horrific growth of sin and the awful judgment of the Flood, the gospel message would make little sense.

Paul’s warning showcases the importance of Satan’s strategy to ensnare humanity in the same trap. The Devil’s tactics change with time and culture, but the strategy remains the same.

First, Satan always attempts to make us doubt the Word of God (Genesis 3:1). If we question the accuracy, the meaning, the authenticity, the historicity, or any other shade of “all scripture” (2 Timothy 3:16), then we begin edging onto a slippery slope that will only lead to the next stage.

Second, Satan always confronts the doubter with a denial of the Word of God (Genesis 3:4). When one begins to deny the authority, the capability, or the will of God to carry out His Word, the slide into the final phase is inevitable.

Third, Satan ultimately heaps denigration on the Person of God Himself (Genesis 3:5). Once one embraces the thought that the Word of God is not trustworthy and that God either will not or cannot do what He says, it absolutely follows that God is either a liar, a hypocrite, or a capricious and whimsical ogre.

May God protect us from the “wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). HMM III