Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest on the law, and make your boast in God, and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law, and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and truth in the law. (Romans 2:17-20)
Paul wrote this letter to the church in Rome, which more than likely was started by Jewish converts to Christianity who fled from Jerusalem when the church started being persecuted. (Acts 2-9) However, the majority of the church were probably Gentiles, since he started out the letter saying, Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles. (Roman 1:13) Throughout the letter, he goes back and forth address both groups, Jews and non-Jews. He starts off this section by asking the Jewish believers why do they feel they are superior over the non-Jewish believers. We'll go into more detail later as to why they may have had that opinion of themselves.
But for now, Paul was calling them out on their hypocrisy, very similar to the time that the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him [Jesus] a woman caught in adultery. ... So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” (John 8:3, 7) Paul was making the same point with the Jewish believers, how could they correct non-Jews when they themselves did the same things. You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? You who say, “Do not commit adultery,” do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law? For “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,” [Isaiah 52:5; Ezekiel 36:22] as it is written. (Romans 2:21-24)
Remember, of all the peoples God created, He chose Abraham and promised him, "blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” (Genesis 22:17-18) Then He made the same promise to Abraham's son, Isaac, saying, "And I will make your descendants multiply as the stars of heaven; I will give to your descendants all these lands; and in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed; because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.” (Genesis 26:4-5)
Then God made the same promise to Jacob (aka Israel), Isaac's son, saying, "Also your descendants shall be as the dust of the earth; you shall spread abroad to the west and the east, to the north and the south; and in you and in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed." (Genesis 28:14) He declares His word to Jacob, His statutes and His judgments to Israel. He has not dealt thus with any nation; and as for His judgments, they have not known them. Praise the Lord! (Psalm 147:19-20) God chose the descendants of Abraham to be a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth. (Deuteronomy 7:6, 14:2, 26:18; Exodus 19:5)
As physical proof that God had chosen Abraham and His descendants to be a special treasure to Himself, a people through whom He would reveal His holiness to the whole world, God commanded Abraham, "This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised; and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. ...and My covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant." (Genesis 17:10-11, 13) Unfortunately, as time went on, the Jews thought they were just special, and not specifically a special treasure to God. Jesus told them exactly what their problem was, when He answered and said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’" [Isaiah 29:13] (Mark 7:6-7)
For circumcision is indeed profitable if you keep the law; but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision? And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the law, judge you who, even with your written code and circumcision, are a transgressor of the law? For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God. (Romans 2:25-29)
Paul's point was that God did not have the Jews get circumcised in order to become holy, but it was supposed to be an outward showing of a inward commitment to God. No more than being baptized saves us, but it is an outward ritual to symbolize an inward commitment to God through faith in Christ Jesus. "For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (I Samuel 16:7) What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God. For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect? Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: “That You may be justified in Your words, And may overcome when You are judged.” [Psalm 51:4] (Romans 3:1-4)
Paul makes a very interesting point, that the Jews do have an advantage over non-Jews, because to them were committed the oracles of God; and regardless of how they treated God or his commandments, what a blessing from God to be entrusted with such a precious gift. "Thus says the Lord God: 'Moreover I also gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between them and Me, that they might know that I am the Lord who sanctifies them. Yet the house of Israel rebelled against Me in the wilderness; they did not walk in My statutes; they despised My judgments, ‘which, if a man does, he shall live by them’; and they greatly defiled My Sabbaths. Then I said I would pour out My fury on them in the wilderness, to consume them. But I acted for My name’s sake, that it should not be profaned before the Gentiles, in whose sight I had brought them out. ... Nevertheless My eye spared them from destruction. I did not make an end of them in the wilderness.'" (Ezekiel 20:12-17)
Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect? Certainly not! As Moses declared to the children of Israel while they were in the wilderness, “For what great nation is there that has God so near to it, as the Lord our God is to us, for whatever reason we may call upon Him? And what great nation is there that has such statutes and righteous judgments as are in all this law which I set before you this day? Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life.’" (Deuteronomy 4:7-9)
As the apostle Peter explained, through Jesus Christ, not just the Jews, but we are all a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. (I Peter 2:9-10) Let's be mindful that we don't ...neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him,... (Hebrews 2:3) Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. (Hebrews 2:1) AMEN!
Friday, January 31, 2014
Thursday, January 30, 2014
ROMANS: "The judgement of God is according to truth, the righteous judgment of God, Who will render to each one according to his deeds!"
Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. (Romans 2:1-2)
In the previous study, God had Paul explain that from the beginning with Eve and Adam and ever since, up to the present day, the majority of mankind has chosen to believe the lies of Satan instead of trusting and obeying God's Word. For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers [gossipers], backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning [lacking knowledge], untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:26-32)
Don't misunderstand, we can judge behaviors and actions. That's why we have a judicial system, based on the system God had Moses establish with the children of Isreal. And so it was, on the next day, that Moses sat to judge the people; and the people stood before Moses from morning until evening. So when Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he did for the people, he said, “What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit, and all the people stand before you from morning until evening?” And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God. When they have a difficulty, they come to me, and I judge between one and another; and I make known the statutes of God and His laws.” (Gensis 18:13-16)
But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: [Psalm 62:12; Proverbs 24:12] eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek [non-Jew]; but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek [non-Jew]. (Romans 2:5-10)
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:12-13) Only God is able to judge the spiritual condition of people because He knows their hearts. Let us not misunderstand, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, and if they continue taking advantage of God's goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering [patience], and don't repent, they will have to give account on their judgment day; For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. (II Corinthians 5:10)
For there is no partiality with God. For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; for when Gentiles [non-Jews], who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel [that was given to Paul by Christ Jesus, I Corinthians 15]. (Romans 2:12-16)
How merciful God is! Remember, For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,... (Romans 1:18-20) God has put the knowledge of Himself in all creation, including every human being who has ever lived, is living and will ever live, no matter who they are or where they are, for there is no partiality with God. Even if people never heard about the law, they know there is a God. Every person has a moral compass put in them by God when He created them, the law written in their hearts; therefore, not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified.
Every human being has a conscience, and their conscience also bears witness, and between themselves their thoughts either accuses or else excuses them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse! God has prepared the hearts of all people to be saved, and God will judge each person justly. For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law, in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ. But for those of us who have heard and obeyed the law, first by repenting and accepting the gospel of Christ Jesus, we will receive glory, honor, peace and eternal life. And for those who do not have the law, but by nature do the things in the law, God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ. God is a just judge! (Psalm 7:11)
For thus says the Lord, Who created the heavens, Who is God, Who formed the earth and made it, Who has established it, Who did not create it in vain, Who formed it to be inhabited: “I am the Lord, and there is no other. I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth; I did not say to the seed of Jacob, ‘Seek Me in vain’; I, the Lord, speak righteousness, I declare things that are right. “Assemble yourselves and come; Draw near together, you who have escaped from the nations. They have no knowledge, who carry the wood of their carved image, and pray to a god that cannot save. Tell and bring forth your case; yes, let them take counsel together. Who has declared this from ancient time? Who has told it from that time? Have not I, the Lord? And there is no other God besides Me, A just God and a Savior; There is none besides Me. Look to Me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. I have sworn by Myself; the word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that to Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall take an oath." (Isaiah 45:20-23) AMEN!
In the previous study, God had Paul explain that from the beginning with Eve and Adam and ever since, up to the present day, the majority of mankind has chosen to believe the lies of Satan instead of trusting and obeying God's Word. For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers [gossipers], backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning [lacking knowledge], untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:26-32)
Don't misunderstand, we can judge behaviors and actions. That's why we have a judicial system, based on the system God had Moses establish with the children of Isreal. And so it was, on the next day, that Moses sat to judge the people; and the people stood before Moses from morning until evening. So when Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he did for the people, he said, “What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit, and all the people stand before you from morning until evening?” And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God. When they have a difficulty, they come to me, and I judge between one and another; and I make known the statutes of God and His laws.” (Gensis 18:13-16)
So Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “The thing that you do is not good. Both you and these people who are with you will surely wear yourselves out. For this thing is too much for you; you are not able to perform it by yourself. Listen now to my voice; I will give you counsel, and God will be with you: Stand before God for the people, so that you may bring the difficulties to God. And you shall teach them the statutes and the laws, and show them the way in which they must walk and the work they must do. Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. And let them judge the people at all times. Then it will be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they themselves shall judge. So it will be easier for you, for they will bear the burden with you. If you do this thing, and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all this people will also go to their place in peace.” So Moses heeded the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said. (Genesis 18:13-24)
As we know, in most countries including America the judicial system is set up this way, from a Federal court like Moses represented; to a state court just as the chosen represented over the thousands; to the local regulatory agencies and magistrates as those same chosen represented over the hundreds, fifties and tens. And because those chosen were able men of truth who fear God and hated covetousness, they were trusted to judge righteously because their judgments were based on the Word of God, because Moses taught them the statutes and the laws, and showed them the way in which they must walk and the work they must do.
What Paul is advising us against judging here is peoples spiritual condition. We see people doing all the things Paul listed above, and many of us try to make a determination about whether they are saved or not, but we who are saved do some of those same things ourselves; but if we're not still doing them, we used to, and God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) Only God can judge man's spiritual condition, because the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering [patience], not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? (Romans 2:3-4)
We who are saved and who have been delivered from doing all kinds of things we used to do sometimes forget where God brought us from. We weren't always saved, and after becoming saved, we haven't always behaved like perfect Christians. Even if we haven't sinned outwardly that others can see it (vile passion of homosexuality, murder, violent, inventors of evil, etc.), we have sinned inwardly (full of envy, evil-mindedness, gossipers, proud, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful, etc.). Just as God showered the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering on us, He's doing the same towards all people, because the goodness of God leads you to repentance; and God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (I Timothy 2:3-4)
But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: [Psalm 62:12; Proverbs 24:12] eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek [non-Jew]; but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek [non-Jew]. (Romans 2:5-10)
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:12-13) Only God is able to judge the spiritual condition of people because He knows their hearts. Let us not misunderstand, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, and if they continue taking advantage of God's goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering [patience], and don't repent, they will have to give account on their judgment day; For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. (II Corinthians 5:10)
For there is no partiality with God. For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; for when Gentiles [non-Jews], who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel [that was given to Paul by Christ Jesus, I Corinthians 15]. (Romans 2:12-16)
How merciful God is! Remember, For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,... (Romans 1:18-20) God has put the knowledge of Himself in all creation, including every human being who has ever lived, is living and will ever live, no matter who they are or where they are, for there is no partiality with God. Even if people never heard about the law, they know there is a God. Every person has a moral compass put in them by God when He created them, the law written in their hearts; therefore, not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified.
Every human being has a conscience, and their conscience also bears witness, and between themselves their thoughts either accuses or else excuses them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse! God has prepared the hearts of all people to be saved, and God will judge each person justly. For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law, in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ. But for those of us who have heard and obeyed the law, first by repenting and accepting the gospel of Christ Jesus, we will receive glory, honor, peace and eternal life. And for those who do not have the law, but by nature do the things in the law, God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ. God is a just judge! (Psalm 7:11)
For thus says the Lord, Who created the heavens, Who is God, Who formed the earth and made it, Who has established it, Who did not create it in vain, Who formed it to be inhabited: “I am the Lord, and there is no other. I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth; I did not say to the seed of Jacob, ‘Seek Me in vain’; I, the Lord, speak righteousness, I declare things that are right. “Assemble yourselves and come; Draw near together, you who have escaped from the nations. They have no knowledge, who carry the wood of their carved image, and pray to a god that cannot save. Tell and bring forth your case; yes, let them take counsel together. Who has declared this from ancient time? Who has told it from that time? Have not I, the Lord? And there is no other God besides Me, A just God and a Savior; There is none besides Me. Look to Me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. I have sworn by Myself; the word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that to Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall take an oath." (Isaiah 45:20-23) AMEN!
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
ROMANS: "The just shall live by faith! For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness!"
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek [non-Jew]. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written,“The just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:16-17)
The gospel of Christ Jesus is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes! After believing, we live by faith, knowing that there is more after this life. Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." (John 10:10) Not just life here on earth, "And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand." (John 10:28) But we can never lose sight of the fact that we are in a spiritual warfare. Satan is real, ...that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; (Revelations 12:9, 20:2) Jesus said, "He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it." (John 8:44)
As opposed to Christ who came to give us the gospel of eternal life, Satan is a liar and a thief, and "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy." (John 10:10) From the beginning when God put the man and then the woman in the garden of Eden, Satan's plan was to destroy man to try and stop God's plan. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. (I Timothy 2:4) And the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” (Genesis 3:3) And Satan has been deceiving the whole world ever since. How? The same way he deceived Eve in the garden of Eden. By trying to convince people that if we disobey God, we won't suffer any consequences. Then the serpent [Satan] said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:4-5)
God wants us to live obedient lives, obedient to His Word, as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy. [Leviticus 11:44-45; 19:2; 20:7]” (I Peter 1:14-16) But Satan tempts us to believe that the things God instructs us not to do are the things that will "open our minds", "liberate us", "give us freedom", "make us happy", etc. So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; (Genesis 3:6-7) And what did believing Satan's lie end up doing for them? ...and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings. (Genesis 3:7) They started trying to "cover up" their shame and guilt; they started blaming everyone but themselves for their mistakes; and they ended up being removed from the place where all their needs were provided for by God, and they had to work for everything they needed. (Genesis 3)
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. (Romans 1:18-21) This is what Eve and Adam did after they believed Satan's lies instead of choosing to obey God's Word, and this is what every human being has struggled with since.
Every single human being on the planet, who has ever lived, is living or ever will live knows there is a God, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. God does not "need" us to tell people He exists. He has taken care of that all by Himself. He put that truth in His creation. Remember, Christ had the apostles and disciples spread the gospel throughout the known world; And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." (Mark 16:15-16) But not everyone chose to believe. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. (Romans 1:22-25)
Mankind, with out any regard for right or wrong, without the Word of God as the standard by which to live by and make moral decisions, when left to their own devices and desires, become the most immoral even amoral creatures God created. For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. (Romans 1:26-27; Leviticus 18:22-25; Leviticus 20:13) How interesting that God had Paul explain about homosexuality and sodomy first. From the beginning, God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them,... (Genesis 1:27-28)
And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. And Adam said:“This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. (Genesis 2:7, 18, 21-24)
A sexual relationship between one man and one woman who are married to each other was created by God, and this is the natural way that God intended for the world to be populated. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it;... (Genesis 1:28) God created mankind to be fruitful and multiply naturally. But Satan wants to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. What better way to kill and destroy God's plan than to have mankind turn from the natural for what is against nature. Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (James 4:7) But if we continue to choose to submit to the devil and resist God, then God will let us do whatever we want.
And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers [gossipers], backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning [lacking understanding], untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:28-32; Leviticus 19-20)
We must remember that we ...all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:23) And if we continue living lives of disobedience to God's Word, we are receiving in ourselves the penalty of our error which is due, ...that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:21) We have to be mindful and careful how we address sins in other people's lives, because we have all committed sin. Maybe most of us have not practiced homosexuality, but we're all guilty of at least one thing in the above list. For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. (James 2:10) Paul will continue explaining this truth, so that none of us get proud, thinking we are better than someone else because we aren't committing the sin they're committing. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. (II Corinthians 10:12) “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6, Proverbs 3:34; I Peter 5:5) AMEN!
The gospel of Christ Jesus is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes! After believing, we live by faith, knowing that there is more after this life. Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." (John 10:10) Not just life here on earth, "And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand." (John 10:28) But we can never lose sight of the fact that we are in a spiritual warfare. Satan is real, ...that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; (Revelations 12:9, 20:2) Jesus said, "He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it." (John 8:44)
As opposed to Christ who came to give us the gospel of eternal life, Satan is a liar and a thief, and "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy." (John 10:10) From the beginning when God put the man and then the woman in the garden of Eden, Satan's plan was to destroy man to try and stop God's plan. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. (I Timothy 2:4) And the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” (Genesis 3:3) And Satan has been deceiving the whole world ever since. How? The same way he deceived Eve in the garden of Eden. By trying to convince people that if we disobey God, we won't suffer any consequences. Then the serpent [Satan] said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:4-5)
God wants us to live obedient lives, obedient to His Word, as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy. [Leviticus 11:44-45; 19:2; 20:7]” (I Peter 1:14-16) But Satan tempts us to believe that the things God instructs us not to do are the things that will "open our minds", "liberate us", "give us freedom", "make us happy", etc. So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; (Genesis 3:6-7) And what did believing Satan's lie end up doing for them? ...and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings. (Genesis 3:7) They started trying to "cover up" their shame and guilt; they started blaming everyone but themselves for their mistakes; and they ended up being removed from the place where all their needs were provided for by God, and they had to work for everything they needed. (Genesis 3)
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. (Romans 1:18-21) This is what Eve and Adam did after they believed Satan's lies instead of choosing to obey God's Word, and this is what every human being has struggled with since.
Every single human being on the planet, who has ever lived, is living or ever will live knows there is a God, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. God does not "need" us to tell people He exists. He has taken care of that all by Himself. He put that truth in His creation. Remember, Christ had the apostles and disciples spread the gospel throughout the known world; And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." (Mark 16:15-16) But not everyone chose to believe. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. (Romans 1:22-25)
Mankind, with out any regard for right or wrong, without the Word of God as the standard by which to live by and make moral decisions, when left to their own devices and desires, become the most immoral even amoral creatures God created. For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. (Romans 1:26-27; Leviticus 18:22-25; Leviticus 20:13) How interesting that God had Paul explain about homosexuality and sodomy first. From the beginning, God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them,... (Genesis 1:27-28)
And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. And Adam said:“This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. (Genesis 2:7, 18, 21-24)
A sexual relationship between one man and one woman who are married to each other was created by God, and this is the natural way that God intended for the world to be populated. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it;... (Genesis 1:28) God created mankind to be fruitful and multiply naturally. But Satan wants to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. What better way to kill and destroy God's plan than to have mankind turn from the natural for what is against nature. Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (James 4:7) But if we continue to choose to submit to the devil and resist God, then God will let us do whatever we want.
And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers [gossipers], backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning [lacking understanding], untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:28-32; Leviticus 19-20)
We must remember that we ...all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:23) And if we continue living lives of disobedience to God's Word, we are receiving in ourselves the penalty of our error which is due, ...that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:21) We have to be mindful and careful how we address sins in other people's lives, because we have all committed sin. Maybe most of us have not practiced homosexuality, but we're all guilty of at least one thing in the above list. For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. (James 2:10) Paul will continue explaining this truth, so that none of us get proud, thinking we are better than someone else because we aren't committing the sin they're committing. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. (II Corinthians 10:12) “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6, Proverbs 3:34; I Peter 5:5) AMEN!
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
ROMANS: Obedience to the Faith among All Nations; "To all, beloved of God, called to be saints!"
When these things were accomplished, Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” So he sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, but he himself stayed in Asia for a time. (Acts 19:21-22)
At the time Paul wrote the letter to the church in Rome, he had not yet been able to travel there. However, he had spent much time with a Jew while he was in Corinth who had left Rome. After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them. So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers. And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks. (Acts 19:1-4)
On the day of Pentecost, people in Jerusalem were from all parts of the know world at that time. And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred [vs.4 the apostles and disciples were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance], the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes [new converts to a doctrine or religion], Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” (Acts 2:5-11)
After the apostle Peter preached to the multitudes and explained the gospel of Christ Jesus, he said, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. (Acts 2:36-41)
The church began to be persecuted in Jerusalem, and the first martyr, Stephen was killed, with the consent of Paul, formerly known as Saul. Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. (Acts 8:1) This lead to converted Jews and the multitude from all over the know world not just fleeing from Jerusalem, but also spreading the gospel of Christ Jesus everywhere they went. Surely, the Jew named Aquila, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome), had shared with Paul while they were in Corinth what was happening with the church in Rome, and this had to have contributed to the great desire Paul had to go there.
Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 1:1-7)
At the time Paul wrote the letter to the church in Rome, he had not yet been able to travel there. However, he had spent much time with a Jew while he was in Corinth who had left Rome. After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them. So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers. And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks. (Acts 19:1-4)
On the day of Pentecost, people in Jerusalem were from all parts of the know world at that time. And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred [vs.4 the apostles and disciples were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance], the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes [new converts to a doctrine or religion], Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” (Acts 2:5-11)
After the apostle Peter preached to the multitudes and explained the gospel of Christ Jesus, he said, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. (Acts 2:36-41)
The church began to be persecuted in Jerusalem, and the first martyr, Stephen was killed, with the consent of Paul, formerly known as Saul. Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. (Acts 8:1) This lead to converted Jews and the multitude from all over the know world not just fleeing from Jerusalem, but also spreading the gospel of Christ Jesus everywhere they went. Surely, the Jew named Aquila, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome), had shared with Paul while they were in Corinth what was happening with the church in Rome, and this had to have contributed to the great desire Paul had to go there.
Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 1:1-7)
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established— that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles. I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise. So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also. (Romans 1:8-15) And how thoroughly he preached it...
Monday, January 27, 2014
II CORINTHIANS: "Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. For we cannot oppose the truth, but must always stand for the truth!"
For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults; lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness which they have practiced. (II Corinthians 12:20-21)
When Paul first went to Corinth, he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. (Acts 18:11) After a few years of visiting other churches in other regions, he departed to go to Macedonia. Now when he had gone over that region and encouraged them with many words, he came to Greece [Corinth] and stayed three months. (Acts 20:1-3) Paul had concluded his first letter to the church in Corinth stating, Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia). And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go. For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits. (I Corinthians 16:5-7)
However, after getting a report from Timothy and Titus after his first letter to the church in Corinth, Paul began his second letter by saying, Moreover I call God as witness against my soul, that to spare you I came no more to Corinth. (II Corinthians 1:23) But I determined this within myself, that I would not come again to you in sorrow. And I wrote this very thing to you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow over those from whom I ought to have joy, having confidence in you all that my joy is the joy of you all. For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you. (II Corinthians 2:1, 3-4)
All wasn't wrong with the church in Corinth, because Paul had praised them for many things throughout both of his letters. But he was very concerned about some behaviors that had continued among a few of the members and especially how some had allowed false teachers to come in and corrupt the teaching of the Word of God. Regardless, he still desired to return to the church. This is the third time I am coming to visit you (and as the Scriptures say, “The facts of every case must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses” [Deuteronomy 19:15]). I have already warned those who had been sinning when I was there on my second visit. Now I again warn them and all others, just as I did before, that next time I will not spare them. (II Corinthians 13:1-2 NLT)
There must come a time when, if a member of the body of Christ refuses to act Christ-like, that we who are also of the body of Christ must finally stop warning them and discipline them sternly; but first we must judge ourselves to make sure we are living our lives obedient to the Word of God. Then, we can deal with others disobedience in the way God instructs, as Paul clarified previously. I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person. For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.” (I Corinthians 5:9-13)
We just have to remember the purpose of such harsh discipline is not to keep the person down, but for edification, to help them realize that they need to repent and start being obedient to the Word of God. But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you to some extent—not to be too severe. This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him. For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things. (II Corinthians 2:5-9)
I will give you all the proof you want that Christ speaks through me. Christ is not weak when he deals with you; he is powerful among you. Although he was crucified in weakness, he now lives by the power of God. We, too, are weak, just as Christ was, but when we deal with you we will be alive with him and will have God’s power. (II Corinthians 13:3-4 NLT) Our authority to deal with disobedience among believers is given to us by God through our faith in Christ Jesus and His Word. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (II Timothy 3:16-17) We should never try to deal with issues in the body of Christ based on what we think or feel, but only by what the Word of God says.
Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith. As you test yourselves, I hope you will recognize that we have not failed the test of apostolic authority. (II Corinthians 13:5-6 NLT) We have to be sure we are what we profess to be before we can presume to help others deal with their spiritual issues. For Jesus said, “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:37-38)
We pray to God that you will not do what is wrong by refusing our correction. I hope we won’t need to demonstrate our authority when we arrive. Do the right thing before we come—even if that makes it look like we have failed to demonstrate our authority. For we cannot oppose the truth, but must always stand for the truth. We are glad to seem weak if it helps show that you are actually strong. We pray that you will become mature. I am writing this to you before I come, hoping that I won’t need to deal severely with you when I do come. For I want to use the authority the Lord has given me to strengthen you, not to tear you down. (II Corinthians 13:7-10 NLT)
Paul and the other apostles authority was given to them by God. Remember when Jesus prayed for them, and all of us who would be ordained by God through His Holy Spirit to lead and teach others, He said, "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth." (John 17:17-19) We have to make sure our lives line up with the Word of God, and then we use the same Word of God to teach, reproof, correct and instruct in righteousness. The majority may not agree with the Truth, but they cannot oppose the truth, and we must always stand for the truth! God's Word is Truth!
Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet each other with Christian love. All of God’s people here send you their greetings. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (II Corinthians 13:11-14 NLT) AMEN!
When Paul first went to Corinth, he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. (Acts 18:11) After a few years of visiting other churches in other regions, he departed to go to Macedonia. Now when he had gone over that region and encouraged them with many words, he came to Greece [Corinth] and stayed three months. (Acts 20:1-3) Paul had concluded his first letter to the church in Corinth stating, Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia). And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go. For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits. (I Corinthians 16:5-7)
However, after getting a report from Timothy and Titus after his first letter to the church in Corinth, Paul began his second letter by saying, Moreover I call God as witness against my soul, that to spare you I came no more to Corinth. (II Corinthians 1:23) But I determined this within myself, that I would not come again to you in sorrow. And I wrote this very thing to you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow over those from whom I ought to have joy, having confidence in you all that my joy is the joy of you all. For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you. (II Corinthians 2:1, 3-4)
All wasn't wrong with the church in Corinth, because Paul had praised them for many things throughout both of his letters. But he was very concerned about some behaviors that had continued among a few of the members and especially how some had allowed false teachers to come in and corrupt the teaching of the Word of God. Regardless, he still desired to return to the church. This is the third time I am coming to visit you (and as the Scriptures say, “The facts of every case must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses” [Deuteronomy 19:15]). I have already warned those who had been sinning when I was there on my second visit. Now I again warn them and all others, just as I did before, that next time I will not spare them. (II Corinthians 13:1-2 NLT)
There must come a time when, if a member of the body of Christ refuses to act Christ-like, that we who are also of the body of Christ must finally stop warning them and discipline them sternly; but first we must judge ourselves to make sure we are living our lives obedient to the Word of God. Then, we can deal with others disobedience in the way God instructs, as Paul clarified previously. I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person. For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.” (I Corinthians 5:9-13)
We just have to remember the purpose of such harsh discipline is not to keep the person down, but for edification, to help them realize that they need to repent and start being obedient to the Word of God. But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you to some extent—not to be too severe. This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him. For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things. (II Corinthians 2:5-9)
I will give you all the proof you want that Christ speaks through me. Christ is not weak when he deals with you; he is powerful among you. Although he was crucified in weakness, he now lives by the power of God. We, too, are weak, just as Christ was, but when we deal with you we will be alive with him and will have God’s power. (II Corinthians 13:3-4 NLT) Our authority to deal with disobedience among believers is given to us by God through our faith in Christ Jesus and His Word. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (II Timothy 3:16-17) We should never try to deal with issues in the body of Christ based on what we think or feel, but only by what the Word of God says.
Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith. As you test yourselves, I hope you will recognize that we have not failed the test of apostolic authority. (II Corinthians 13:5-6 NLT) We have to be sure we are what we profess to be before we can presume to help others deal with their spiritual issues. For Jesus said, “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:37-38)
We pray to God that you will not do what is wrong by refusing our correction. I hope we won’t need to demonstrate our authority when we arrive. Do the right thing before we come—even if that makes it look like we have failed to demonstrate our authority. For we cannot oppose the truth, but must always stand for the truth. We are glad to seem weak if it helps show that you are actually strong. We pray that you will become mature. I am writing this to you before I come, hoping that I won’t need to deal severely with you when I do come. For I want to use the authority the Lord has given me to strengthen you, not to tear you down. (II Corinthians 13:7-10 NLT)
Paul and the other apostles authority was given to them by God. Remember when Jesus prayed for them, and all of us who would be ordained by God through His Holy Spirit to lead and teach others, He said, "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth." (John 17:17-19) We have to make sure our lives line up with the Word of God, and then we use the same Word of God to teach, reproof, correct and instruct in righteousness. The majority may not agree with the Truth, but they cannot oppose the truth, and we must always stand for the truth! God's Word is Truth!
Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet each other with Christian love. All of God’s people here send you their greetings. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (II Corinthians 13:11-14 NLT) AMEN!
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