A Few Thoughts About Teachers to Avoid

 

2 Corinthians 11:4 WEL For if someone comes preaching another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you might well enough put up with him.

 

Paul is writing to the Corinthian church. They had many issues stemming from false teachers, devotions to various leaders, confusion from society, sin, and morality issues, etc.

 

Paul is writing again to them concerning various false teachers. He gives them a standard to judge teachers by.

B1 Who is Jesus?

B2 What about spirits?

B3 What is the Gospel?

 

We must know these, too, especially considering today’s culture and corruption in the churches. This corruption is because church leaders have not followed the above standard.

 

Who is Jesus?

B1 For if someone comes preaching another Jesus, whom we have not preached

B2 This is Christology

B3 Jesus is God the Son.

C1 The Trinity (Godhead) consists of 3 persons of one essence. Essence is the stuff that God is. Only God has it. I am the stuff, material, substance of human. Angels of spirit. God is a spirit but God spirit. Only God has the essence of a god. There are no other gods. In the god-classification of beings, there is only one God, that is, Yahweh.

C2 See the Athanasian Creed, which explains it best. I agree with the Athanasian Creed 100% wholeheartedly.

B4 Jesus is 100% God and 100% human.

B5 He is one person.

B6 He is the creator.

B7 He is the Messiah. He has always been Messiah, is, and always will be Messiah. He is the only Messiah.

B8 He is born of the virgin. He father is God. The pregnancy was by the power of the Holy Spirit.

B9 He was a baby, a boy, a young man, and made his living as a carpenter.

B10 He ministered for 3+ years.

B11 He was arrested, tired 6 times (3 times in the Jewish court and 3 times in a Roman court), was condemned, was fastened to a cross, suffered, truly died, was buried in a rich man’s tomb, went to Paradise (the compartment of Hades for the righteous dead as Noah, David, the prophets, etc.) for 3 days and nights, bodily arose from the dead, appeared to over 500 brothers and sisters, ascended into heaven (the first heaven is the atmosphere of the earth, the second is the universe, and the third is outside the universe and is where God lives), sits at the right hand of God the Father, intercedes for believers, is lord of the church (believers), and will return again (His next return is the Rapture which happens before the 7 year Tribulation, after the Tribulation, He will return to the Mt of Olives, which splits in 2 halves, judges those still living at the end of the Tribulation, sets up His throne in Jerusalem and reigns for 1,000 years at the end of which He judges the evil dead at the Great White Throne judgment), and judges and destroys this present universe to create a New Heaven and New Earth.

B12 Some articles

C1 Dr. Gary Habermas has several free books and articles on Christology.

C2 Christology: Jesus Christ from Bible.org

C3 David Hocking Media - Christology from Blue Letter Bible (Here is the pdf file that I believe is the same material).

 

What about spirits?

B1 ...or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received...

B2 The Spirit that they received is God the Holy Spirit

C1 The Holy Spirit is God. The Trinity, as above, is 3 persons of one essence. See the Athanasian Creed again, for what I and most Christians believe.

C2 The Holy Spirit is a person. He is not a force, power, idea, empowerment, etc. As a person, He has all the attributes of God and traits of a person as intellect, emotions, and will.

C3 He was present in the Old Testament. He was present and active in creation, giving wisdom, and guidance, etc.

C4 He initiates salvation. If God the Holy Spirit did not initiate salvation, no one could be saved from God’s wrath, forgiven, and regenerated.

C5 He regenerates. This especially refers to the new birth.

C6 He convicts of sin and rebellion. He opens the mind and heart to the truth of our sinful condition, guilt, and punishment.

C7 He baptizes all New Testament believers, giving them God’s presence in the newly created (regenerated) heart, and empowers them for service.

C8 He seals all New Testament believers identifying them as belonging to God.

C9 He guides us into truth.

C10 He gives gifts to all New Testament believers to serve fellow Christians and to glorify God.

C11 He plants, prunes, gives growth for believers to produce fruit.

B3 False spirits

C1 False presentation of themselves, for example, satan comes as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14) and so do his agents whether false teachers, false prophets, false leaders, abusers, etc. They look and sound correct, but they slowly and stealthily bring in false doctrine (Matthew 7:15, 2 Peter 2:1-3).

C2 Encourage evil desires of any type. They do this subtilty (2 Corinthians 11:3). They change definitions. They explain away the plain, normal sense of the Scriptures (2 Peter 3:16). They make great promises. They pretend to live a godly life. They are full of charisma and are tremulously gifted speakers. Let us beware. We must study the Scriptures. It is not enough that someone can speak so convincingly. Despite appearances, they practice sin: 1 John 3:8-10 (practices sin is not referring to a one-time sin).

C3 Use fallen Christians to oppose God (Acts 5:1-9).

C4 Can cause incidents that appear to be miracles (Matthew 24:24)

C5 Often have character traits as secretly bringing in heresies (Galatians 2:4), denying Jesus (2 Peter 2:1 and 1 John 2:22), debaucheries (see here), all with the goal that the way of truth (Biblical Christianity is hated, Jesus is hated, and the Gospel is hated. They are satan’s agents (Compare John 8:44, Acts 13:10, 1 John 3:8-10, John 6:70)).

C6 Lead people from peace and safety to insecurity and unrest (Jeremiah 50:6)

C7 Promise freedom but leads them into addiction to sin (2 Peter 2:18-19)

C8 Inspire false teachers and prophets to have a wrong doctrine about Jesus. 2 John 1:7 EMTV Because many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and the antichrist. See also 1 John 2:22.

C9 Deceive people to follow mystical practices instead of being alert, thinking, and continuing steadfast and faithful to the Scriptures. We know the Scriptures, so who are these guides, jesus (my spelling of false Jesus’s), dreams, visions, prophecies, etc.?

C10 In general, they lead away from truth into error concerning theology, Christology, heaven, hell, etc. They work to get people to trust anything other than Scriptures. Most of these hold to the idea that these visions have not been corrupted by people in translation. They misquote and misinterpret “...the letter kills, but the spirit gives life (2 Corinthians 3:6).” They believe that Scriptures are corrupted because people have translated wrongly for years. The methods of corruption.

C11 See 1 John 4:1-6, Matthew 7:15, 2 Peter 2:1, Matthew 7:21, etc.

C12 Let us avoid being this type of “Christian.”2 Timothy 4:3-5 NLT For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths. 5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

B4 Articles

C1 Holy Spirit Series FAQ by Don Stewart

C2 Dictionary of Bible Themes – 3000 Holy Spirit (This is a topical list of many facets of the Doctrine of the Holy Spirit).

 

What is the Gospel?

B1 ...a different gospel which you have not accepted...

B2 The basics of the Gospel are found in 1 Corinthians 15:1-8.

C1 Gospel preached

C2 Gospel received/accepted

C3 Belief

C4 Christ died. Jesus of Nazareth was the one nailed to the Roman cross. He truly died, dead.

C5 He was buried. He was buried in a rich man’s tomb that had never been used. His body did not corrupt (rot).

C6 He was raised the third day (Sunday). He was bodily raised. He had the glorified body, but it was his body. He was not resuscitated but resurrected.

C7 He walked and lived for 40 days on earth. He was personally seen by over 500 brothers and sisters.

B3 Definitions:

C1 Saved is not having to face God’s wrath (Luke 3:7 and 1 Thessalonians 1:10). The final wrath of God is conscious, never ending torment in the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:11-15).

C2 Born again/born from above (John chapter 3), regeneration (Titus 3:5), rebirth (Titus 3:5), etc. has the idea of a spiritual birth that is brought about by God (John 3:6).

C3 Justification is the decision by the Lawgiver and Judge that declares a person to not be a sinner (Romans 5:1-10). The believer is considered righteous (2 Corinthians 5:21). The penalty has been paid in full by Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:24). We are now freed from sin and free to live by God’s grace as a servant of righteousness (Romans 6:18). God’s law was not set aside or merely ignored. The penalty was fully completed. Jesus completely fulfilled God’s laws in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds (Romans 10:3-9).

C4 Sanctification is the separation of the sinful nature to the righteous nature of God. God works and gives the grace, but we must continue to believe and live it (2 Timothy 2:21, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 2 Thessalonians 2:13). Sanctification is the work and teaching of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It is both instant (justification), life long, and complete in the future (glorification).

C5 Glorification is when the person who has believed God and trusted in Jesus Christ alone dies, is received into heaven, and to never sin, hurt, or suffer the curse from sin (1 John 3:2, Philippians 3:20-21, John 17:17). Truth is of utmost importance for us to do in our thoughts, desires, words, and deeds.

C6 Reconciliation is when an enemy and another are no longer enemies. Humans are enemies of God because we are not loyal to the King of all kings. We are rebels doing our own thing in life (Ephesians 2:1-3). Because of the work of Jesus Christ and our meeting God’s conditions (believe/faith) (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). We are reconciled to God (Romans 5:10).

C7 Atonement is a sacrifice is made atoning for sin. It is related to expiation and propitiation. All these words mean that a pleasing sacrifice is offered. Either we are punished or a substitute. Atonement is when the substitute is punished. See 1 Peter 2:24, 1 John 2:2, Hebrews 9:12, Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 3:18, etc.

B4 All humans are sinners (Romans 3:23). The human nature is such that it is addicted to sin (John 8:34). Human nature desires sinful pleasures (Isaiah 47:8 and Titus 3:3). Humans practice committing sin (1 John 3:4). There is no remedy available with our own strength. Sinning is actions against God’s law (Exodus 20:1-21) and can be in thoughts (Matthew 15:19), desires (Proverbs 21:10), words (3 John 1:10), and deeds (Colossians 1:21). Even one sin results in eternal death and punishment (James 2:10). The human will is totally corrupted (Titus 1:15) and cannot seek God (Romans 3:11). We are deceived that we are “good” people; we are evil (Galatians 6:7).

B5 No one could be saved unless God initiates salvation (Romans 3:11, John 6:44, John 12:32). The Holy Spirits open our minds (Luke 24:45), hearts (Acts 16:14), and understanding to see our true evil self, guilt, and the need punishment (Genesis 4:7 NIV). The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sins (John 16:8-9). It is the sovereign act of God to free the will from its bondage to sin. Being freed from this bondage, the Holy Spirit invites all to believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We can either resist or not resist.

B6 God’s law is used to know we are sinners (Romans 7:5-12).

B7 There is only one Messiah, Jesus (Matthew 16:16, Luke 2:11, John 4:25-26). No one can be saved from God’s wrath through any other person (Acts 4:12 and 1 Timothy 2:5).

B8 Salvation is grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-9) though faith alone (Philippians 3:9) in Jesus Christ alone (Acts 4:12).

C1 Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

D1 Paul—under inspiration—writes of salvation. Is it by works (something we do) or grace (something God does)? This teaches the contrast. Works do not bring salvation; grace does.

D2 The gift is salvation by grace, not by works. Faith is not the gift in the plain, normal reading and studying of this passage. Faith is contrasted with works.

D3 Works are something we do, a debt, that has wages (Romans 3:20). Faith is not debt that has wages. See Romans 4:1-8.

C2 Faith is believing the message of the Gospel of Jesus. Trusting is something we place in Jesus alone. We need to have our trust in Jesus alone for salvation. Faith is not a work earning salvation. It is the condition that God requires (Romans 1:17).

C3 The good works that James writes about (James 2) is not for salvation. It is the proof of salvation. If I have repented and believed, then I will show a change of life. Two examples are given by James—Abraham and Rahab.

B9 The blood of Jesus alone pays for our sins (1 John 1:7 and Colossians 1:19-22). Jesus suffered for our sins (1 Peter 3:18). Jesus is our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). We are guilty of sin and the punishment is eternal, conscious torment (Luke 16:19-31, Revelation 14:10 (there would be no torment unless there was consciousness)). Either we are punished, or a volunteer is punished. The volunteer must be sinless or else this one would have to be punished for their own sin. The substitute must be willing and qualified. Jesus Christ is the only substitute.

B10 We must repent of our sins. Repentance is a complete changed in attitude, motivation, words, thoughts, desires, and deeds. If there is no change, then there has been no repentance. Two examples are King Manasseh (2 Kings 21:11, 16, and 2 Chronicles 33:10-18) and the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). See James 5:19-20, Jeremiah 25:4-6, Jonah 3:10, Isaiah 55:7).

B11 God deals with everyone in a personal way. When a person believes, confession is made of our sin and guilt and a declaration is made pleading for forgiveness of sins (Romans 10:9-10 and Luke 18:11).

B12 Baptism is not necessary for salvation (John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-9, and see Is baptism necessary for salvation?). It is a statement to God and the world that one has believed in Jesus alone, a declaration to be under the authority of Jesus (compare 1 Corinthians 10:2), and an illustration of being in Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:4 and Colossians 2:12). It also shows the guilt has been washed away (1 Peter 3:21) and a sprinkling cleaning our conscious (Hebrews 10:22).

B13 We must beware of those who pervert the Gospel. Galatians 1:7-9.

B14 Articles:

C1 The FACTS of Salvation F: Freed to Believe by God’s Grace

C2 What is the Gospel?

 

These are always 3 things to keep in mind when reading or listening to a teacher. We must know. We must discern. We must be true.

A Few Thoughts About the Greatest Liar

 

John 8:44 WEL You are of [your] father, the Devil, and you want to do the lusts of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and he has not continued in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he tells [it] from himself, because he is a liar and the father of it.

 

Some basics about the devil:

B1 He was created

B2 He was originally sinless

B3 He originally was a servant of Yahweh

B4 He was gifted more than any other created being

B5 He started admiring himself and as a result became proud

B6 He was removed from his privileged position

C1 He was rebuked

C2 He sin was exposed

B7 He became all that God is not, that is, God’s character traits are opposite of the devil’s character.

C1 He became violent

D1 The Hebrew word is חָמָס châmâç.

D2 It means violent, false witness, oppression, and doing what is wrong.

C2 He became a murderer

C3 He became the Father of lies in whom no truth resides

D1 He lies

D2 He deceives

D3 He pretends to be an angel of light

C4 He will become humiliated

B8 He will be thrown out of heaven and will never enter again except for judgment

B9 He will be thrown into the Lake of Fire to suffer eternal, never ending, conscious torment

B10 Verses:

C1 Isaiah 14:12-14 NKJV How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations! 13 For you have said in your heart: 'I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north; 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.'

C2 Ezekiel 28:11-17 GNB The LORD spoke to me again. 12 "Mortal man," he said, "grieve for the fate that is waiting for the king of Tyre. Tell him what I, the Sovereign LORD, am saying: You were once an example of perfection. How wise and handsome you were! 13 You lived in Eden, the garden of God, and wore gems of every kind: rubies and diamonds; topaz, beryl, carnelian, and jasper; sapphires, emeralds, and garnets. You had ornaments of gold. They were made for you on the day you were created. 14 I put a terrifying angel there to guard you. You lived on my holy mountain and walked among sparkling gems. 15 Your conduct was perfect from the day you were created until you began to do evil. 16 You were busy buying and selling, and this led you to violence and sin. So I forced you to leave my holy mountain, and the angel who guarded you drove you away from the sparkling gems. 17 You were proud of being handsome, and your fame made you act like a fool. Because of this I hurled you to the ground and left you as a warning to other kings.

C3 Matthew 25:41 NIV Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

C4 Revelation 12:9 NRSV The great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.

C5 Revelation 20:7-10 NKJV Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison 8 and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. 9 They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. 10 The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

 

Some ways the devil lies:

B1 Charm

B2 Curiosity

B3 False promises

B4 The true source of knowledge about something

B5 Pretend to tell the future

B6 Being the ultimate narcissist.

B7 The Narcissist’s Charm

B8 The Incredibly Seductive Pull of a Very Skilled Narcissist

 

 

 

Diverse ways of lying

B1 It can be in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds

C1 Thoughts where we deceive ourselves.

D1 Pride

D2 Low self-esteem

D3 Excuses not to do something. We think we are not smart enough, strong enough, gifted enough to do something. Others tell us we can, but we still refuse.

C2 Desires

D1 We want to do something we know is wrong, but we justify it.

D2 Manipulation to get what we want. This might be faking pain to get pain medicine or disabled status.

C3 Words

D1 Exaggeration

E1 Telling others of your great deeds, that are lies.

E2 False resumes.

E3 Writing a book with plagiarism, etc.

E4 Starting rumors.

D2 Selectively leaving out some details.

E1 Salespeople might do this.

E2 Politicians might do this.

E3 In this type of lie, only what is winnable, manipulative, etc. Is mentioned.

D3 Broken promises

E1 If someone promises his children that he will take them fishing this Saturday, but then a friend calls and tells you that he must move, can you help. What do you do?

E2 If we promise our friends that we will go and _____ this Saturday, but then you get a phone call from the physician that your dad is dying. What do you do?

E3 We apply the highest priority rule. Our children are a higher priority than our friends, so we keep our promise. Our parents are a higher priority than our friends, so we break our promise to our friends.

E4 Pretending to be interested in someone for a relationship, then dumping them or disappearing or even worse to hurt purposefully.

E5 “I’ll never do ______ again.”

E6 If we make a promise, we must keep it as much as possible. Yet, remember the priority rule above.

D4 Manipulation

E1 Telling a lie to make a sale or to recruit someone to the cause.

E2 In relationships, as seeking a boyfriend or girlfriend.

E3 Lying to law enforcement as in swatting, false child endangerment call, etc.

D5 White lies

E1 A physician who does not tell the patient the seriousness of the disease.

E2 An excuse for not coming to a meeting, a date, an occasion, work, etc.

E3 Promising to be someplace in a few minutes when you know it will be 15 minutes or more.

D6 Lies

E1 Starting rumors

E2 False witness or testimony

E3 Joking about someone that obviously is meant to hurt, and then saying, “I was only joking.”

E4 False oath

C4 Deeds

D1 Covering up sin, errors, mistakes, forgetfulness, etc.

D2 False appearances

D3 Presenting oneself as a physician, nurse, law enforcement, preacher, holy person, etc. When it is not so.

D4 False weights and measures.

D5 Falsifying documents.

D6 Changing a document for cover-up or whatever.

D7 Destroying evidence

 

Some thoughts about lying:

B1 It is against God’s character: Titus 1:2 CSB in the hope of eternal life that God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.

B2 It is against God’s laws: Exodus 20:16 GW Never lie when you testify about your neighbor.

B3 It is loving my neighbor to NOT lie. Galatians 5:14 CSB For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself.

B4 It is human nature:

C1 The heart of human is

D1 Deceitful, wicked, beyond understanding: Jeremiah 17:9 NLT The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?

D2 The source of our evil: Matthew 15:19-20 ESV For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. 20 These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.

C2 Corrupted: Romans 5:12 NRSV Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, and so death spread to all because all have sinned.

B5 It has a source: John 8:44 WEL You are of [your] father, the Devil, and you want to do the lusts of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and he has not continued in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he tells [it] from himself, because he is a liar and the father of it.

B6 God hates it: Proverbs 6:16-19 NRSV There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that hurry to run to evil, 19 a lying witness who testifies falsely, and one who sows discord in a family.

B7 It is to be hated and not done by Christians: Colossians 3:9-10 WEL Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have completely rid yourself of the old nature with his deeds, 10 And have put on the new [nature], which is being renewed into knowledge according to the image of him who created him.

 

How do I avoid lies and liars?

B1 Skeptical: don’t believe, check it out, take your time (don’t be impulsive), resist bullying. (If it involves a crime, then report it to law enforcement. This applies to abuse of any sort, molestation, etc.).

B2 Study: multiply sources, pros, and cons

B3 Research: seek those who have been reasonable in the past (yet be cautious), search in different countries, use safe and private search engines, be cautious

B4 What is reasonable and most reasonable?

 

When is lying not lying?

B1 To protect someone else.

C1 Compare the ten Boom family hiding Jews to protect their lives.

C2 Rahab:

D1 Joshua 2

D2 Hebrews 11:31 NKJV By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.

D3 James 2:25 NKJV Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent [them] out another way?

B2 To carry out God’s will. 1 Samuel 16:1-4 NIV The LORD said to Samuel, "How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king." 2 But Samuel said, "How can I go? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me." The LORD said, "Take a heifer with you and say, 'I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.' 3 Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You are to anoint for me the one I indicate." 4 Samuel did what the LORD said. When he arrived at Bethlehem, the elders of the town trembled when they met him. They asked, "Do you come in peace?"

 

What to do when found out to be lying?

B1 Tell the truth.

B2 Psalm 51

B3 Jeremiah 3:13 GNB Only admit that you are guilty and that you have rebelled against the LORD, your God. Confess that under every green tree you have given your love to foreign gods and that you have not obeyed my commands. I, the LORD, have spoken.

B4 James 5:16 NIV Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

B5 1 John 1:9 EMTV If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

C1 If our sin is only known to God, confess, and repent (don’t lie anymore).

C2 If our sin is known by 1 or a few persons, confess to God, confess to that person/s, ask forgiveness, then pay what is owed, etc.

C3 If our sin is known publicly, then confess to God, confess publicly, and restore.

 

Some articles:

B1 30 Reasons Why People Lie

B2 Top 10 Bible Verses About Lying

 

1 John 3:8 EMTV He who practices sin is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. For this reason the Son of God appeared, that He might destroy the works of the devil.

 

We will be destroyed, too, if we do what the devil does.

 

God gives grace to help:

B1 James 4:6 EMTV But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

B2 Hebrews 4:16 EMTV Therefore let us come boldly to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

B3 Jude 1:24-25 EMTV Now to Him who is able to keep them from stumbling, and to make you stand before His glory, blameless with exultation, 25 To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.

Devotional Notes Romans 14

 

B1 What does this mean?

C1 God’s Rules in Relationships with Our Christian Brother and Sister

D1 Verse 1 Regarding Food

E1 The passage teaches the difference between conviction and opinion. Conviction= “I must not eat.” Opinion= “I can eat unless it damages my fellow Christian’s faith.”

E2 Conviction may be present in both parties, but it may be different if one feels it affects their salvation or rightness with God.

E3 Those, who feel it is OK to eat any food, are not to judge and condemn someone who is vegan, nor are vegans to judge and condemn those who eat any food.

E4 Weak is the idea that they cannot accept the idea of eating all and any type of food. They feel that their rightness with God will be affected.

E5 We do not want to cause troubles in the church because of food.

E6 This idea could be applied about the color of carpet in the worship area or type of curtains, etc.

D2 Regarding Special Days

E1 The same applies to those who believe that Saturday or Sunday is special or if all days are equal.

E2 This is not an issue for brothers and sisters to fight over.

E3 Comment: (Source)

We are not our own but Christ’s (1 Co 6:19-note). This right of possession, and the consequent duty of devotion and obedience, are not founded on creation but on redemption. We are Christ’s because he has bought us with a price.

 

In all of Scripture, there is no greater call

for holy living and for submission

to the sovereign and unconditional

lordship of Jesus Christ.

 

To deny the lordship of Jesus Christ in the life of any believer is to subvert the full work, power, and purpose of His crucifixion and resurrection. Christ's Lordship is the foundational truth for the unity of the Church amidst diversity of opinion.

D3 Regarding Judgment

E1 We are not to judge and condemn our brother and sister over such things.

E2 All believers are God’s servants.

E3 Different cultures have different practices in food and life. It is OK. They do not need to be changed to our opinion.

E4 We must give an account of our actions. If we judge and condemn for such things, we might incur the anger of God.

E5 Comments (Source)

Warren Wiersbe: Both strong and weak must stand at the Judgment Seat of Christ, and they will not judge each other—they will be judged by the Lord. The Judgment Seat of Christ is that place where Christians will have their works judged by the Lord. It has nothing to do with our sins, since Christ has paid for them and they can be held against us no more (Romans 8:1). (The Bible exposition commentary)

 

William Newell: It is a matter of reward for our service, and not salvation, that is here in question. (Romans 14 - Newell's Commentary on Romans)

C2 Rationale

D1 God is judge, not us.

D2 Paul’s opinion: No food is unclean in itself. He is speaking of Jewish teaching on uncleanness.

D3 We must practice the law of love towards loving our neighbor as ourselves.

D4 Verse 16, I believe, refers to non-believers looking at the Christian community.

D5 Verse 17 shows us that righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit are more important than food or drink but also applies to all that Paul has written about.

E1 Some things are more important than others.

E2 The righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit are more important. Our focus must be on these things.

E3 Food might be important to some, but all should understand the lesser importance of these.

E4 The kingdom of God is where God rules. God does not rule on earth yet. The place on earth where He does rule is in the Christian’s heart.

E5 All the Christian blessings here are from taking the yoke of Jesus Christ. Matthew 11:28-30 NRSV Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

D6 Verse 18, these things refer to righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Both God and humans are pleased when people live this way.

D7 It should be our goal to be well pleasing to God. We are His sons and daughters. We are citizens of His kingdom. We love God.

D8 Peace in the church and encouraging each other’s faith to grow is what is important, not food and drink.

D9 Most people who claim to be the weaker Christian are not, but why should we go out of our way to be offensive to anyone.

D10 Doubt has the idea of back and forth, so thinking, “Yes, this is OK,” or “No, this is not OK.”

D11 A good comment: (Source)

Ray Stedman sums up this section writing that Paul is saying "Do not deliberately stumble or shock your brother or sister. Do not deliberately do things that will offend them, or even make them feel uncomfortable. Think about them, not yourself. SECOND: Give up your right when it threatens the peace or hinders the growth of another individual. Be alert to judge in that area. And THIRD: Never act from doubt. Act only from conviction, by the Word, and by the Spirit of God. If these problems are all settled on that basis, a congregation will be moving gradually toward the great liberty that we have as children of God.

C3 Questions

D1 What is judging?

D2 Why are we to be careful in what we judge and condemn?

D3 What is our goal in serving God?

D4 What is our goal in helping our brother and sister?

1 Timothy 6:11-16

 

B4 Live the Christian life consistently

C1 Verse 11

D1 We are to run away from evil things.

D2 We are to seek and cultivate righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and meekness.

E1 The Greek word diligently follow/pursue is διώκω diṓkō. It means to run after and by application depending on the context ideas as pursue, harass, etc.

F1 Matthew 5:10 NIV Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

F2 Following the teachings of false teachers/prophets. Luke 17:22-23 NIV Then he said to his disciples, "The time is coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. 23 People will tell you, 'There he is!' or 'Here he is!' Do not go running off after them.

F3 Similarly, we read: 2 Timothy 2:22 CSB Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

E2 Righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, [and] meekness

F1 Righteousness is thoughts, desires, words, and deeds in alignment with God’s standards.

G1 God’s standard. Matthew 6:33 NIV But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

G2 Based on God’s law as given in the Old Testament.

H1 The standard: Romans 8:4 NIV in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

H2 All has been fulfilled by the Lord Jesus: Romans 10:4 NLT For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God.

G3 We can read the standard and know the standard: 2 Timothy 3:16 NIV All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.

F2 Godliness is imitating God’s ways. These are the ways of His character, worldview, lifestyle, rules, and kingdom.

F3 Faith is believing God. God knows how to communicate perfectly.

F4 Love is a choice to be caring and fulfilling the description in 1 Corinthians 13.

F5 Perseverance is remaining loyal to God and His ways. It includes the ideas of patience and endurance.

G1 God strengthens us to do this. Colossians 1:11 NLT We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy.

G2 Our strengthened by being tested. The Christian life has afflictions, sufferings, persecutions, etc. James 1:3 NLT For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.

F6 Meekness is not being abusive, pushy, being stubborn, and demanding your own way. It is not throwing childish temper tantrums. It has the attitude of yielding rather than bullying and demanding. 1 Peter 3:15 WEL Instead, sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. Always be ready to answer with gentleness and respectfulness anyone who asks you about the reason for the hope that is in you.

C2 Verse 12

D1 Timothy is commanded to do two things—being vigorous in the battle of faith and holding on tightly to eternal life.

E1 Give vigorous effort in the good battle of faith.

F1 We don’t use force, physical weapons, bullying, threats, money, false promises, etc. to bring conversion. We rely on the Holy Spirit to bring conviction of sin.

F2 We live the Christian life not because of threats, etc. but because of love and loyalty for Jesus.

G1 As others have said that it is horrifying when our mind changes from thinking about Messiah to thinking mostly about the world.

G2 Colossians 3:1 WEL So then, if you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God.

E2 Holding on tightly to eternal life

F1 The Greek word implies a grip like the grip of death. A grip that will not quit.

F2 Here is an illustration using the same Greek word: Matthew 14:29-31 NLT Yes, come," Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted. 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. "You have so little faith," Jesus said. "Why did you doubt me?"

D2 The good confession

E1 Our example is the Lord Jesus.

E2 This confession is totally true, given honestly, believed sincerely, and lived consistently.

E3 It is living as a witness for Jesus and being a light to the world, the salt of the earth in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds.

E4 There are true confessors for Jesus and fake ones.

F1 True

G1 Matthew 10:32 NLT Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.

G2 1 John 4:15 NLT All who confess that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God.

F2 Fake Matthew 7:21 KJ2000 Not every one that says unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

E5 A blessing and a warning. Luke 12:8-9 NLT I tell you the truth, everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, the Son of Man will also acknowledge in the presence of God's angels. 9 But anyone who denies me here on earth will be denied before God's angels.

C3 Verse 13

D1 As the Lord Jesus gave an open confession, so should we.

D2 You can read the good confession that the Lord Jesus gave in John 18:33-40. Jesus answered the Roman governor respectfully, truthfully, and clearly.

C4 Verse 14

D1 This commandment refers to verses 11 and 12.

D2 Spotlessly and blamelessly

E1 Spotlessly

F1 The Greek word for spotlessly is ἄσπιλος áspilos. It means spotless in the sense of cloth with no flaws or discolorations, thus keeping this rule perfectly. Since we cannot be perfect, we must ask forgiveness, but the Lord Jesus knows how we pray to do His will, try to do His, and repent when we fail.

F2 It is also used

G1 For us to be spotless from the world’s lifestyle and worldview. James 1:27 NET Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their misfortune and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

G2 In looking forward to the time sin is punished, creation is renewed, and death and curse has been removed. 2 Peter 3:14 NIV So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

E2 Blamelessly. The Greek word for blamelessly is ἀνεπίληπτος anepílēptos. It means cannot be blamed for anything, above reproach.

E3 This is God’s standard. No one can do this perfectly in this life. See Romans 7:13-25.

D3 Lord’s appearance

E1 Paul expected the return of Jesus in his lifetime.

E2 Imminency is taught in Scripture. More on this topic here (The Doctrine of Imminency: Is it Biblical)?

E3 We always need to be ready.

F1 1 Thessalonians 1:10 NLT And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God's Son from heaven—Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. He is the one who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment.

F2 Titus 2:13 NLT while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.

F3 Hebrews 9:28 NLT so also Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.

C5 Verse 15

D1 A time is coming when Jesus will return in glory, power, honor, and truth. There is deliverance or judgment depending if one believes or does not believe.

D2 The Greek word show is δεικνύω deiknýō. It means to reveal, expose to sight. Many times, someone will say, “Prove it. Let me see him.” Well, that time is coming. Revelation 1:7 NIV Look, he is coming with the clouds," and "every eye will see him, even those who pierced him"; and all peoples on earth "will mourn because of him." So shall it be! Amen.

D3 All will know when He returns (Daniel 7:9-14 and Revelation 19:11-21).

D4 Jesus is King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

E1 Psalm 115:3 NIV Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.

E2 Proverbs 21:1 NIV In the LORD's hand the king's heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.

C6 Verse 16

D1 This is a list of some noncommunicable character traits of God. Only God has these traits. Some communicable character traits of God are traits humans have as mercy, reason, intelligence, love, anger, etc.

D2 Immortality

E1 The Greek word for immortality is ἀθανασία athanasía.

F1 It means deathless.

F2 This is a character trait of God. It is a non-communicable trait; humans do not have it.

F3 We have to have to be clothed with immortality. Only God can clothe us. 1 Corinthians 15:53-54 CSB For this corruptible body must be clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal body must be clothed with immortality. 54 When this corruptible body is clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal body is clothed with immortality, then the saying that is written will take place: Death has been swallowed up in victory.

D3 Living in unapproachable light

E1 The Greek word for unapproachable is ἀπρόσιτος aprósitos.

F1 It means literally unable to go to, so unapproachable or inaccessible.

F2 Light is associated with purity—purity in truth, love, mercy, justice, judgment, etc.

F3 1 John 1:5 NIV This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.

F4 Habakkuk 3:3-4 NRSV God came from Teman, the Holy One from Mount Paran. [Selah] His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise. 4 The brightness was like the sun; rays came forth from his hand, where his power lay hidden.

D4 Invisible

E1 The Greek word for invisible is οὐδείς oudeís (no one/nothing) and εἴδω eídō (the common word for see/seeing).

E2 Colossians 1:15 NLT Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation.

E3 John 1:18 WEL No one has ever seen God. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, declared him.

E4 Matthew 11:27 WEL All things have been entrusted to me by my Father, and no one fully knows the Son except the Father, neither does anyone fully know the Father except the Son and to whoever the Son is willing to reveal him.

D5 Honor

E1 The Greek word for honor is τιμή timḗ. It means something valued, prized, reverenced, precious, etc.

E2 The highest honor should always be to Yahweh. There is only one God, and He deserves the honor given to a god. Since there is only one God, all honor goes to Him.

E3 We are to honor God because of our salvation. 1 Corinthians 6:20 WPNT Because you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

E4 We are to honor Him with our giving. Proverbs 3:9 NRSV Honor the LORD with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce.

E5 We are to honor Him in our private and public actions. 1 Corinthians 10:31 WPNT Therefore, whether you eat or you drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

E6 We are to honor Him personally. Isaiah 25:1 NLT O LORD, I will honor and praise your name, for you are my God. You do such wonderful things! You planned them long ago, and now you have accomplished them.

E7 We are to honor Him in groups, public, and before leaders. Psalm 107:32 NLT Let them exalt him publicly before the congregation and before the leaders of the nation.

E8 We are to honor Him by our preaching the Gospel. 2 Thessalonians 3:1 NRSV Finally, brothers and sisters, pray for us, so that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified everywhere, just as it is among you.

D6 Everlasting power

E1 The Greek word for everlasting power is αἰώνιος aiṓnios (everlasting, without a beginning and without an end) and κράτος krátos (strength).

E2 Regarding God:

F1 Everlasting

G1 This means eternal:

H1 No beginning and no end. Yahweh is the only being who has this character trait.

I1 Isaiah 40:28 LEB Have you not known, or have you not heard? Yahweh is the God of eternity, the creator of the ends of the earth! He is not faint, and he does not grow weary! There is no searching his understanding.

I2 1 Timothy 1:17 WEB Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

H2 He is life and the giver of life. He is always living. Psalms 102:12, NKJV But You, O LORD, shall endure forever, And the remembrance of Your name to all generations.

H3 He is infinite.

I1 He never changes. He never grows older. He never learns anything. There are no surprises. He has need of nothing. James 1:17 PickNT every good giving and every perfect gift is from Above, coming down from the Father of the lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

I2 He is the Eternal Now. Isaiah 46:10 GNB From the beginning I predicted the outcome; long ago I foretold what would happen. I said that my plans would never fail, that I would do everything I intended to do.

G2 This is aseity:

H1 God exists, not because He was caused or made by another, but simply exists without any cause.

H2 He is self-existent and unchangeable. There was never a time when He did not exist. Exodus 3:14 LEB And God said to Moses, "I am that I am." And he said, "So you must say to the Israelites, 'I am sent me to you.

H3 He is Life.

H4 Because He is life, He can give eternal life: John 3:36 LEB The one who believes in the Son has eternal life, but the one who disobeys the Son will not see life—but the wrath of God remains on him.

F2 Strength

G1 Omnipotent. This is perfect power and strength. There is no strength greater.

G2 Matthew 19:26 WEL But Jesus looked right at them and said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

G3 Jeremiah 32:27 ESV2011 “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?

C7 We need God’s grace to continue in the faith. Let us be mindful of that and be careful about temptations. Sin is addictive. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

C8 We must always have a good confession, not being ashamed of the Lord Jesus, His teachings, and His way of life.

C9 The time WILL when all will know for sure—they will see it with their own eyes—Jesus reigning in power. He is King of kings and lord of lords. God alone has:

D1 Immortality

D2 Living in light (a clear mind, a clear conscious, and no evil)

D3 The light that is so bright, no one can stand in His presence

D4 Perfect and everlasting honor

D5 Omnipotence

C10 Questions:

D1 Why are we to run away from evil things?

D2 How do we know what evil is?

D3 Why are Christians loyal to Jesus?

D4 What are some ways we can honor God?

Devotional Notes Romans 13

 

B1 What does this mean? 

C1 God’s Rules for Our Relationship with Government 

D1 God sets up and brings down who will be the leader. Some leaders are sort of good and some evil. They have been delegated by God to the office of government leader. If they do things God’s way, there is blessing. If they do everything not God’s way, there is trouble and curse. 

E1 King Nebuchadnezzar: Daniel 4:29-32 GNB Only twelve months later, while he was walking around on the roof of his royal palace in Babylon, 30 he said, "Look how great Babylon is! I built it as my capital city to display my power and might, my glory and majesty." 31 Before the words were out of his mouth, a voice spoke from heaven, "King Nebuchadnezzar, listen to what I say! Your royal power is now taken away from you. 32 You will be driven away from human society, live with wild animals, and eat grass like an ox for seven years. Then you will acknowledge that the Supreme God has power over human kingdoms and that he can give them to anyone he chooses." 

E2 The Exodus Pharaoh 

F1 Exodus 5:2 NIV Pharaoh said, "Who is the LORD, that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD and I will not let Israel go. 

F2 Exodus 14:27-28 NLT So as the sun began to rise, Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the water rushed back into its usual place. The Egyptians tried to escape, but the LORD swept them into the sea. 28 Then the waters returned and covered all the chariots and charioteers--the entire army of Pharaoh. Of all the Egyptians who had chased the Israelites into the sea, not a single one survived. 

E3 King David: Acts 13:22 NLT But God removed Saul and replaced him with David, a man about whom God said, 'I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.' 

E4 King Josiah: 2 Kings 23:25 NLT Never before had there been a king like Josiah, who turned to the LORD with all his heart and soul and strength, obeying all the laws of Moses. And there has never been a king like him since. 

E5 Each one died, but there was a difference. 

D2 Verse 2, we obey their rules unless it contradicts God’s rules. Then we obey God’s rules regardless. Acts 5:27-29 NLT Then they brought the apostles before the high council, where the high priest confronted them. 28 "Didn't we tell you never again to teach in this man's name?" he demanded. "Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!" 29 But Peter and the apostles replied, "We must obey God rather than any human authority. 

D3 Our attitude towards government is found in Hebrews 13:14 NLT for this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come. 

D4 Verse 6, we are to pay taxes. Matthew 22:21 LEB They said to him, "Caesar's." Then he said to them, "Therefore give to Caesar the things of Caesar, and to God the things of God!" 

D5 We are not to be revolutionaries to overthrow the government. We are to preach Christ and His gospel. If they believe, society will be changed and peaceful. 

D6 Some comments from church fathers: Justin Martyr (Apology 1: 17) writes, "Everywhere, we, more readily than all men, endeavour to pay to those appointed by you the taxes, both ordinary and extraordinary, as we have been taught by Jesus. We worship only God, but in other things we will gladly serve you, acknowledging you as kings and rulers of men, and praying that, with your kingly power, you may be found to possess also sound judgment." Athenagoras, pleading for peace for the Christians, writes (chapter 37): "We deserve favour because we pray for your government, that you may, as is most equitable, receive the kingdom, son from father, and that your empire may receive increase and addition, until all men become subject to your sway." (Source). 

C2 God’s Rules How to Love Our Neighbor 

D1 Imagine how society and its evils would be changed if we would live by God’s rules. We must even if no other does. Imagine is all these laws were lived consistently? There would be no theft, no rape, no murder, no lying, etc. Exodus 20, the Ten Commandments. 

D2 Verse 8,  

E1 Whatever we owe others, pay them back as soon as possible. 

E2 We must love our neighbor. This is the definition of the love spoken of here: ...for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. 

D3 Verse 9, society would improve for all if all followed these rules. Romans 13:9 WEL Because: you must not commit adultery, you must not kill, you must not steal, you must not bear false witness, you must not covet, and whatever other commandment, it is briefly summarized in this saying, “You must love your neighbor as you do yourself.” 

D4 Verse 10 is God’s standard. If I love my neighbor (anyone I meet), I will not lie, steal, hate, murder, covet, sexually sin, etc. This standard will not be followed perfectly until the New Heavens and New Earth, but it should be our attitude and goal that with God’s help, we will do it. 

C3 God’s Desire for Us to Live Ready for His Return 

D1 Verse 11: 

E1 We are not to sleep, that is, not being slothful, neglectful, making excuses, etc. to follow what Jesus wants us to do. Not doing the rules of verse 10 is a witness for God that His ways are the ways of peace and order. 

E2 Salvation (deliverance) refers to Jesus’s coming for us. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 WEL May the God of peace, himself, sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

D2 Verse 12,  

E1 Night and day refers to the Kingdom of night and the Kingdom of light (day). 

F1 Kingdom of night: The rules, worldview, and lifestyle of the arch-rebel—satan.  

F2 Kingdom of day: The rules, worldview, and lifestyle of God. 

F3 John 3:19-21 NIV This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. 

E2 We must be ready. Luke 12:42-48 NIV The Lord answered, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? 43 It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. 44 Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 45 But suppose the servant says to himself, 'My master is taking a long time in coming,' and he then begins to beat the other servants, both men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk. 46 The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers. 47 "The servant who knows the master's will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. 48 But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. 

E3 Weapons of light: 

F1 The weapons (defensive and offensive) that God gives. See Ephesians 6:10-20. 

F2 2 Corinthians 6:7 NLT We faithfully preach the truth. God's power is working in us. We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defense. 

F3 2 Corinthians 10:4 NLT We use God's mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 

D3 Things we do not do. It is not loving our neighbor if we do these things. It is a poor testimony for Jesus if we do.  

E1 Romans 13:13 WEL Let us live honorably as in the daytime, not in carousing, drunkenness, orgies, uncontrolled lust, heated arguments, or envying. 

E2 Matthew 5:16 NRSV in the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. 

D4 We must not live our life satisfying our fleshly desires. Barclay on the 6 sins: 

 It is interesting to look at the six sins which Paul selects as being, as it were, typical of the Christless life. 

 

(i) There is revelry (komos, Greek #2889). This is an interesting word. Originally komos (Greek #2889) was the band of friends who accompanied a victor home from the games, singing his praises and celebrating his triumph as they went. Later it came to mean a noisy band of revellers who swept their way through the city streets at night, a band of roysterers, what, in Regency England, would have been called a rout. It describes the kind of revelry which lowers a man's self and is a nuisance to others. 

 

(ii) There is drunkenness (methe, Greek #3178). To the Greeks drunkenness was a particularly disgraceful thing. They were a wine-drinking people. Even children drank wine. Breakfast was called akratisma, and consisted of a slice of bread dipped in wine. For all that, drunkenness was considered specially shameful, for the wine the Greek drank was much diluted, and was drunk because the water supply was inadequate and dangerous. This was a vice which not only a Christian but any respectable heathen also would have condemned. 

 

(iii) There was immorality (koite, Greek #2845). Koite (Greek #2845) literally means a bed and has in it the meaning of the desire for the forbidden bed. This was the typical heathen sin. The word brings to mind the man who sets no value on fidelity and who takes his pleasure when and where he will. 

 

(iv) There is shamelessness (aselgeia, Greek #766). Aselgeia (Greek #766) is one of the ugliest words in the Greek language. It does not describe only immorality; it describes the man who is lost to shame. Most people seek to conceal their evil deeds, but the man in whose heart there is aselgeia (Greek #766) is long past that. He does not care who sees him; he does not care how much of a public exhibition he makes of himself; he does not care what people think of him. Aselgeia (Greek #766) is the quality of the man who dares publicly to do the things which are unbecoming for any man to do. 

 

(v) There is contention (eris, Greek #2054). Eris (Greek #2054) is the spirit that is born of unbridled and unholy competition. It comes from the desire for place and power and prestige and the hatred of being surpassed. It is essentially the sin which places self in the foreground and is the entire negation of Christian love. 

 

(vi) There is envy (zelos, Greek #2205). Zelos (Greek #2205) need not be a bad word. It can describe the noble emulation of a man who, when confronted with greatness of character, wishes to attain to it. But it can also mean that envy which grudges a man his nobility and his preeminence. It describes here the spirit which cannot be content with what it has and looks with jealous eye on every blessing given to someone else and denied to itself. (Source) 

D5 We are to put on, clothe, array ourselves with 2 things: 

E1 Weapons of light as we spoke about above. 

E2 The Lord Jesus. This means 

F1 To live and think in God’s ways 

G1 Ephesians 4:24-32 

G2 Colossians 3:12-17 BSB Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.  

F2 Adam Clarke writes:  

To be clothed with a person is a Greek phrase, signifying to assume the interests of another - to enter into his views, to imitate him, and be wholly on his side. St. Chrysostom particularly mentions this as a common phrase, ὁ δεινα τον δεινα ενεδυσατο, such a one hath put on such a one; i.e. he closely follows and imitates him.  

C4 Questions 

D1 What is our relationship with secular government? 

D2 How are we to pray for our leaders? 

D3 How completely do we obey their orders? 

D4 Why is it important for Christians to pay taxes. 

D5 What is a Christian life? 

D6 How is living this Christian life help society? 

 

How do I apply this to my life? Help me to remember and give me grace to obey.