A Memorial Day Devotion for Christians

Memorial Day is a day that is set aside to remember, and honor, our brave soldiers who have given their lives to protect our land and keep us free.  It began as a day to honor our Civil War dead, but after World War I, it was expanded to include our war dead from all the wars in which America was involved.  Go to http://www.usmemorialday.org/ for more information.

According to http://www.historycentral.com/wars.html , our country has fought in 12 wars (not counting the Afghanistan War which brings the updated total to 13.)  In every one of these cases, we have asked the young people of our nation to be willing to give their lives in the name of freedom (for us and others in foreign lands.)    The sacrifices these young men and women have made can never be totally comprehended nor can they be repaid by us.

Just stop and think about a little of what these wonderful young people have given up for us.  At the very least, they have given years of their life, time away from their families, to serve their country which they love. They have given us any chance of setting down “roots”, having to move from base to base once every 3 to 4 years.   Many will be physically disabled the rest of their life, having the use of one or more of their limbs taken from them.   Scores have been mentally disabled resulting in them being unable to handle day to day living.   And thousands upon thousands have given the ultimate sacrifice, their life, so that we can continue to enjoy our lives living safely in a land of freedom.

We can never begin to understand what they went through, and are continuing to go through, all because they love their nation and the freedoms we take for granted everyday.  We can never begin to repay them and their families for the sacrifices they have made for us.  It seems as if saying “Thank You” just isn’t enough.

THE SCRIPTURE:

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.  Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

(Joh 15:12-14)

THE STUDY:

Here, we find that our Lord recognized the tremendous sacrifice involved when a person is willing to give up their life for their friend.   He describes it as an act of “great love.”   Who better to be able to understand and define the very essence of self-sacrifice and love, but our Lord Himself?

Think about what Christ has done for His people.  He willingly humbled Himself and came to the earth, God in human flesh, giving up the glories of heaven to live among us.   Then, during His life on earth, He set the ultimate example of service, teaching, feeding, praying for and healing those who were in need.   Next, He was willing to be falsely accused, mocked, physically beaten, mistreated and convicted for a set of crimes that He did not commit. Finally, submitting to a horrible death of slow suffocation while hanging on a cross, all so that His people could receive forgiveness and deliverance from their sin and its results.  This is what the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ brought about for us.

And, now for the most amazing part of all this, He did this for us, not when we were friends with Him, but when we were His enemies…   When we were opposed to Him, He still choose to love us and die for us on the cross.  (Roms 5:10, Col 1:21)

Remember in the above verses Christ Himself said there was no greater love among man than to die for a friend?  How much greater is a love that would make Jesus, God the Son,  be willing to die for an enemy, one that wants nothing to do with Him and who rebels against Him at every turn?  It is described as “the love of God” that cannot be fully understood by man.  (Roms 8:39, Eph 3:19)    This is the ultimate example of love for another.

THE PRACTICAL APPLICATION:

On this Memorial Day weekend, let us remember the brave soldiers who have so unselfishly given of themselves for us.   Let’s not only appreciate their actions but then take steps to help these veterans and their families whenever and wherever we can.

But also this weekend, let us remember the Lord Jesus Christ and all that He has done for us so that we might be saved from the eternal punishment for our sins.  And then out of appreciation for His works, let us give ourselves for others, obeying the perfect law of Christ…

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

(1Jn 4:7-12)

May we all have a blessed Memorial Day weekend.

If you have any questions concerning this blog, or if you have a subject you would like discussed, please feel free to email me at settledinheaven@gmail.com.    I will answer all emails via my blog, email, or both.

May the Lord bless your study of His Word.

Like God’s Word… may your soul’s salvation and your life’s faithfulness be “Settled in Heaven.”

SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 13:13-17

He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)

 

Wise Attitudes: The Word Of God: Proverbs 13:13-17

13) Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded. 14) The law of the wise [is] a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. 15) Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors [is] hard. 16) Every prudent [man] dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open [his] folly. 17) A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador [is] health.  

EXPOSITION:   The wise attitude concerning the Scriptures are described in this text…

13) Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded. 1.  Those who disrespect and despise God’s Word will face distress, turmoil and annihilation. 2.  Those who respect and submit to the commands of God will receive safety, security and blessings.   Attitudes concerning the acceptance and application of His Word will be recognized and dealt with justly by God.

“But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness: they walked not in my statutes, and they despised my judgments, which [if] a man do, he shall even live in them; and my sabbaths they greatly polluted: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them in the wilderness, to consume them.”   (Ezekiel 20:13)  

“Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard [it], and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.”  (Malachi 3:16)    

14) The law of the wise [is] a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. 1.  Enhanced physical life and eternal spiritual life will flow forth from the guidelines given by God and followed by the wise. 2.  It will be these same guidelines that will lead us away from the traps of unbelief that lead to spiritual death.   Acceptance of His Word leads to life, rejection leads to death.  

“The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.  The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me”   (Psalms 18:4-5)    

15) Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors [is] hard. 1.  When we apply principles of discernment based upon His Word we are pleasing to God and blessed by Him 2.  The God’s principles for living are departed from life is difficult to bear.   The level of application of God’s Word will affect our quality of life on earth.    

“Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, [and] as [in] the day of temptation in the wilderness:  When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work.  Forty years long was I grieved with [this] generation, and said, It [is] a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways:  Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.”   (Psalms 95:8-11)    

16) Every prudent [man] dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open [his] folly. 1.  Every man who understands the true nature of things is well acquainted with Scriptural knowledge. 2.  Every one who is naieve concerning the true nature of things is seen as senseless by the public.   The Word’s role in life dictates how the things of this world are perceived and the public testimony that is put forth.  

“A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.”   (Psalms 112:5)   “For your obedience is come abroad unto all [men]. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.”   (Romans 16:19)   “Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth [him], and he saith to every one [that] he [is] a fool.”    (Ecclesiastes 10:3)    

17) A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador [is] health. 1.  A unfaithful, evil, messenger fall into many afflictions, adversities and punishments from the one who has sent them. 2.  A loyal representative will produce wellness and peace in himself and the one that sends him.   Our proclamation of the Word will affect well-being of the messenger and the one he represents.  

“Now thanks [be] unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.  For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:  To the one [we are] the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who [is] sufficient for these things?  For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.”   (2 Corinthians 2:14-17)   “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”   (2 Timothy 2:2)  

SUMMARY:

Our relationship with the Word of God affects:

1.  Our spiritual condition

2.  Our quality of life on earth and throughout eternity

3.  Our perception and decision making ability

4.  Our public testimony

5.  Our relationship with the One that has given us the Word

God’s Word affects the most important aspects of our life on earth.  Let us all seek to cultivate a God-glorifying and Word honoring attitude that will result in blessings for us and delight to our Lord.   By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.

May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.

SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org SIH Text Blog: http://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/all-about-salvation/ SIH Video Blog: http://youtube.com/settledinheaven/ SIH Email: settledinheaven@gmail.com

Great Opportunities Await When We Use Our Possessions Wisely…

“There is that maketh himself rich, yet [hath] nothing: [there is] that maketh himself poor, yet [hath] great riches.  The ransom of a man’s life [are] his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.  The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.  Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised [is] wisdom. Wealth [gotten] by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.  Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but [when] the desire cometh, [it is] a tree of life.   (Proverbs 13:7-12)

For the SIH devotional on this subject:

http://wp.me/pU88A-2nV

SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 13:7-12

He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)

 

Wise Attitudes: Our Possessions: Proverbs 13:7-12

7) There is that maketh himself rich, yet [hath] nothing: [there is] that maketh himself poor, yet [hath] great riches.
8) The ransom of a man’s life [are] his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.
9) The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
10) Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised [is] wisdom.
11) Wealth [gotten] by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.
12) Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but [when] the desire cometh, [it is] a tree of life.

EXPOSITION:

7) There is that maketh himself rich, yet [hath] nothing: [there is] that maketh himself poor, yet [hath] great riches.
The true wealth of a person is not found in physical possessions but in spiritual blessings of God…
1.  There are those that accumulates earthly possessions, yet in the end they will possess nothing of lasting value
2.  There are those who sends away his possessions in an attempt to help others, in the end they will possess the blessings of God throughout eternity

“Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.  Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.”   (Ecclesiastes 11:1-2)

8) The ransom of a man’s life [are] his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.
Another detriment of riches vs the benefits of being poor…
1.  A rich man attracts those who would desire to abuse and steal from him.  He is always faced with physical opposition and threathenings.
2.  A poor man attracts no one’s attention, nor must he worry about the loss of his physical possessions for he has none.

“They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;  None [of them] can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him:  (For the redemption of their soul [is] precious, and it ceaseth for ever:)  That he should still live for ever, [and] not see corruption.  For he seeth [that] wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.”   (Psalms 49:6-10)

9) The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
The influence of the righteous is far greater than the wicked when they sacrificially give to help others in need…
1.  A righteous man through his sacrificial actions sends forth a light into the world showing Christ, His love and His grace to those with whom they have contact.
2.  A wicked man who accumulates wealth selfishly faulters in having a lasting reputation and influence in the world around them.

“Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: [he is] gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.  A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.”   (Psalms 112:4-5)

10) Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised [is] wisdom.
1.  The accumulation of wealth, many times is the result of a prideful person who desires to exalt themselves.  This prideful and selfish attitude ends in opposition from those around them.
2.   Those who seek Godly counsel will gain wisdom and see the need and benefits of giving to meet other’s spiritual and physical needs.

“From whence [come] wars and fightings among you? [come they] not hence, [even] of your lusts that war in your members?  Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.  Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume [it] upon your lusts.  Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.  Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?”   (James 4:1-5)

“The way of a fool [is] right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel [is] wise.  A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent [man] covereth shame.”   (Proverbs 12:15-16)

11) Wealth [gotten] by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.
Not only is how we use our wealth important, but also how we supply our physical needs is a great opportunity for service to the Lord as well….
1.  Wealth that is gained by “vanity” shall be gradually wasted and diminished until it is gone. The idea of vanity comes from a Hebrew word for “breath”.  It is describing wealth that is accumulated very easily through deceitful speech as compared to physical labor.  Why is it wasted so easily?  The “value of a dollar” is not recognized because of the ease at which it is gained.
2.  In comparison, those who labor for their possessions understand their value and, therefore, are careful how it is used.  When a person is willing to work for their possessions and share them with others in need, the Lord blesses them and supplies their needs.

“Because he hath oppressed [and] hath forsaken the poor; [because] he hath violently taken away an house which he builded not;  Surely he shall not feel quietness in his belly, he shall not save of that which he desired.  There shall none of his meat be left; therefore shall no man look for his goods.  In the fulness of his sufficiency he shall be in straits: every hand of the wicked shall come upon him.”   (Job 20:19-22)

“For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy [shalt] thou [be], and [it shall be] well with thee.”  (Psalms 128:2)

12) Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but [when] the desire cometh, [it is] a tree of life.
When we help others at our own expense, many times we do not see the results of our labors, nor do we receive a reward immediately.  It is only after consistent obedience that we receive the reward of faithfulness…
1.  Realizing we do not receive immediate gratification for our obedience, we must expect to be tempted with discouragement and weariness.
2.  However, as we continue in faithfulness, the results of our labors will be seen and rewards for our obedience will be received.  If not in this world, for certain in eternity to come.

“To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah. As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.  My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?  My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where [is] thy God?”   (Psalms 42:1-3)

“I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.”  (Psalms 69:3)

“He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, [and] established my goings.  And he hath put a new song in my mouth, [even] praise unto our God: many shall see [it], and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.”   (Psalms 40:2-3)

“As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.”   (Psalms 17:15)

 

SUMMARY:

Do we seek to gain physical wealth for the right motives and using the right methods?  Are we willing to share our wealth with others who are in need?  Do we realize that through our giving to others, when motivated by a heart of love for God and concern for others we glorify our Lord and present a living testimony of His grace and kindness?

By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.

May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.

SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org
SIH Text Blog: http://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/all-about-salvation/
SIH Video Blog: http://youtube.com/settledinheaven/
SIH Email: settledinheaven@gmail.com

There Is Security and Comfort In Truthfulness…

A righteous [man] hateth lying: but a wicked [man] is loathsome, and cometh to shame.  Righteousness keepeth [him that is] upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.  (Proverbs 13:5-6)

For the SIH devotional on this subject:

http://wp.me/pU88A-2nK

SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 13:5-6

He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)

Wise Attitudes: Truthfulness: Proverbs 13:5-6

5) A righteous [man] hateth lying: but a wicked [man] is loathsome, and cometh to shame.
6) Righteousness keepeth [him that is] upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.

EXPOSITION:

5) A righteous [man] hateth lying: but a wicked [man] is loathsome, and cometh to shame.
1.  A lawful upright man calls lying his enemy, because he understands the results of deceit on his life and service to Christ.

“I hate and abhor lying: [but] thy law do I love.”   (Psalms 119:163)

“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.”  (Ephesians 4:25)
2.  A sinful man is offensive and repugnant to those around him and possess an end of public humiliation.

Truth telling enhances the righteous man’s testimony for Christ and gains respect from others.  The lies of a wicked man result in public shame and a harmed testimony when the deceit comes to light.

“And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame [and] everlasting contempt.”   (Daniel 12:2)

“He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.  But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. “ (Revelation 21:7-8)

 

6) Righteousness keepeth [him that is] upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.
1.  Choosing obedience to Christ (truth telling) will being protection and blessings to those who are innocent as they live life on earth.

“O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.  Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.”   (Psalms 25:20-21)

“A Psalm of David. LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?  He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.  [He that] backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.  In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. [He that] sweareth to [his own] hurt, and changeth not.  [He that] putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these [things] shall never be moved.”   (Psalms 15:1-5)

2.  Choosing disobedience to Christ (a deceitful life) will overtake those who fail to please Him.

The choice we have before us is to live lives of truthfulness or deceit.  The blessings are many to those who choose truthfulness and is a mark of those eternally secure in Christ.  The results of living a life of deceit is heinous and will display to all the deceitful is headed for eternal ruin.

“Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again.  Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow [him].  I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, [and] the right of the poor.  Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.”   (Psalms 140:10-13)

 

SUMMARY:

The type of lifestyle that we live, honesty or deceit, is a very important issue that cannot be overemphasized.  An honest lifestyle is a strong indicator of a close relationship with the Lord and evidence of the possession of eternal security in Him…. What does our lifestyle tell us about our spiritual relationship with Him?

“But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.  Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;  And have put on the new [man], which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:”   (Colossians 3:8-10)

By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.

May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.

SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org
SIH Text Blog: http://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/all-about-salvation/
SIH Video Blog: http://youtube.com/settledinheaven/
SIH Email: settledinheaven@gmail.com

We Will Reap What Our Words Sow….

2) A man shall eat good by the fruit of [his] mouth: but the soul of the transgressors [shall eat] violence.
3) He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: [but] he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
 4) The soul of the sluggard desireth, and [hath] nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. (Proverbs 13:2-4)

For the SIH devotional on this subject:

http://wp.me/pU88A-2nz

SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 13:2-4

He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)

Wise Attitudes: Guarding Our Speech: Proverbs 13:2-4

2) A man shall eat good by the fruit of [his] mouth: but the soul of the transgressors [shall eat] violence.
3) He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: [but] he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
4) The soul of the sluggard desireth, and [hath] nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

EXPOSITION:

2) A man shall eat good by the fruit of [his] mouth: but the soul of the transgressors [shall eat] violence.
1.  When a man speaks helpful words of wisdom to others, he will benefit by being appreciated and blessed by those he has helped
2.  Those whose speech is sinful (demeaning, injuring and taking advantage of others) will have returned upon him opposition, harm and retribution by the Lord and those he has hurt.

We can only expect to reap what we sow…. this principle certainly applies to the words of our mouth as well as our actions and lifestyles.  There is a direct connection between how we speak to others and how they will treat us in return.  The quality of our life on earth can be greatly influenced by the words that proceed out of our mouths.

“Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.”   (Psalms 141:3)

“The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, [and] the tongue that speaketh proud things:  Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips [are] our own: who [is] lord over us?”  (Psalms 12:3-4)

 

3) He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: [but] he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
1.  The treatment of those around us is an indicator of our spiritual condition before God. Those who recognize and appreciate the eternal life they have been given, also recognize of the need to control their speech and use it to help others and honor God .  They do this out of love for God and those around them.
Remember, the basic principle that a proof of our love for the Lord is keeping His commands (John 14:21).  What are the two greatest commands?  To love God supremely and others as ourselves. (Matt 22:37-40)  By using our speech correctly we can fulfill both of these commands and display our love for Him.

2.  Those who speak rashly with no consideration of the Lord’s desires, nor the feelings and needs of others, is indicative of the lost who are awaiting future, eternal destruction.

Our speech, as an indicator of our spiritual condition, reflects on the possession or lack of eternal life awaiting them.

“For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”   (Matthew 12:37)

 

4) The soul of the sluggard desireth, and [hath] nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
Based on the above principles….
1.  Those who are lazy in the guarding of their speech will end up with no physical, spiritual, nor eternal prosperity.
2.  Those who are determined and eager to wisely guard their speech will end up flourishing in all areas of our lives.

Do we desire the blessings of God and the favor of others?  Let’s use our speech wisely for the good of God, others and ourselves.

“But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.  For God [is] not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.  And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:  That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”   (Hebrews 6:9-12)

 

SUMMARY:

Our speech can lead to blessings, a wonderful testimony and the pleasure of God when used properly.  For those whose lifestyle is characterized by misusing their speech we find only sadness, heartache, and judgment awaiting them.

By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.

May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.

SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org
SIH Text Blog: http://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/all-about-salvation/
SIH Video Blog: http://youtube.com/settledinheaven/
SIH Email: settledinheaven@gmail.com

 

 

A Look At The Amazing Human Conscience In The New Testament

And king Herod heard [of him]; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.  Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.  But when Herod heard [thereof], he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.  (Mark 6:14-16)

For The SIH Bible Study On This Subject Click On Link:

http://wp.me/pU88A-2n9

The Human Conscience Series: NT Descriptions Of Our Conscience’s Workings

“The wicked flee when no man pursueth:

but the righteous are bold as a lion.”

(Prov 28:1)

 

There are many aspects to the working of the human conscience that is within us.  One of the ways to come to an understanding of the functions of the conscience is by looking at descriptions of the conscience’s effects in the lives of Biblical characters.

Our study for today will be very similar to our previous study.  For today, instead of looking at Old Testament verses, we will be looking at New Testament verses that describe the conscience’s effects on individuals.  Please note, as in our prior study, although the word “conscience” is not used, the work of the conscience is clearly seen in each of these Scriptures.

THE SCRIPTURES:

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

Mark 6:14-16 (KJV)
14) And king Herod heard [of him]; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.
15) Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.
16) But when Herod heard [thereof], he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.

1 Corinthians 4:4 (KJV)
4) For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.

1 John 3:19-21 (KJV)
19) And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
20) For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
21) Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, [then] have we confidence toward God.

THE STUDY:

The work of the conscience described in the NT Scriptures…
1.  Matthew 27:3-5 – …”Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, … departed, and went and hanged himself.”
The phrase “when he saw he was condemned” is translated from a Greek phrase with a common meang of “when he perceived that judgment was awaiting him”…..

This shows us that the conscience reveals guilt and impending judgment.

2.  Mark 6:14-16 – … “But when Herod heard [thereof], he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.”
This is very similar to Proverbs 28:1 – “The wicked flee when no man pursueth”…

In both of these texts, we can see a result of the conscience at work is paranoia on behalf of the one being convicted of wrongdoing.

3.  1 Corinthians 4:4 … “For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.”
“I know nothing by myself” is another way of saying “There is no perception within myself”.   Paul was telling us that his conscience was not convicting him of unfaithfulness in the ministry.  However, because it can malfunction, his greatest concern was if he was looked upon as faithful by Christ.

Although the conscience can be a great asset in discerning our condition before the Lord, it can malfunction and its testimony can lead us astray.

4.  1 John 3:19-21 …”And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.  Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, [then] have we confidence toward God.”

The phrases “assure our hearts”, “heart condemn us”, and “heart condemn us not” are all describing the work of the conscience within us.  “To assure” describes actions that cause the conscience to testify of innocence and purity; “to condemn us” describes the conscience testifying of guilt and coming judgment; while “condemn us not” is when the conscience is silent on an issue, resulting in presumed innocence.

The conscience not only testifies of guilt, but also testifies of innocence, or at times can imply innocence through silence.

THE SUMMARY:

This completes our study of the various texts in the Bible that describe the workings of the conscience without containing the word “conscience” .  In these two sections we have learned the following about the workings of “the conscience that lies with us”

The conscience:

1. Gen 20:5,6  - pushes us towards perfection in choices and deeds.
2.  1Sam 24:5, 10   - works with our desire to please God, warning us of our failures.
3.  1 Sam 25:31 – helps us to avoid ruin to our goals and desires.
4.  Job 27:6 – produces feelings of shame when we rebel against the Lord’s will.
5. Psa 16:7 - gives us continuing instructions and corrections to regulate our choices/actions
6.  Eccl 10:20 –teaches us through feelings of confidence, shame, or uncertainty
7.  Gen 3:8 –  reveals when we have sinned, communion is broken, and repentance is needed
8. Gen 42:21 – shows us when we sin against others and the results of those sins in our lives.
9. Prov 28:1 – causes unfounded anxiety/fear for the guilty while supplying confidence/boldness to the righteous.
10. Matthew 27:3-5 – reveals guilt and impending judgment.
11. Mark 6:14-16 – causes paranoia on behalf of the one being convicted of wrongdoing.
12. 1 Corinthians 4:4 – can be a great asset, or it can malfunction and lead us astray.
13.  1 John 3:19-21 – testifies of guilt, also of innocence, or can imply innocence by silence

We have looked at both the Old Testament and New Testament texts that clearly describe the work of the conscience without using the word “conscience” in the texts.  The remaining sections of our study will center on the texts that contain the word “conscience”.

May the Lord bless us as we seek His truth.

For a free copy of this series in book form pdf version: please go to: http://settledinheaven.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/conscience.pdf

For a free copy of this series in book form docx version: please go to: http://settledinheaven.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/conscienceprotected.docx

Settled In Heaven Ministries Text Blog: http://settledinheaven.wordpress.com

Saturday Scripture

A Place that has to be Believed to be Seen… 

What Is This Place?  

“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.” (Heb 11:13-14)

For the SIH Bible lesson on this subject please click here:

http://bit.ly/ctEis4