What the Lord hates…. we should hate!
16) These six [things] doth the LORD hate: yea, seven [are] an abomination unto him:
17) A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18) An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19) A false witness [that] speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. (Proverbs 6:16-19)
This SIH Daily Devotional can be found at :http://wp.me/pU88A-259
SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 6:16-19
He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
Responsible Living: Do Not Have A Sinful Lifestyle: Prov 6:16-19
16) These six [things] doth the LORD hate: yea, seven [are] an abomination unto him:
17) A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18) An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19) A false witness [that] speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
INTRODUCTION:
This set of Proverbs presents to us those things which God hates, and therefore we should hate as well.
EXPOSITION:
16) These six [things] doth the LORD hate: yea, seven [are] an abomination unto him:
These proverbs give us a list of seven sins that are set apart from others. What sets these seven apart from the many other sins that God also hates? The Bible does not tell us… PERHAPS He separates these out because they involve harming others for personal gain. The list basically describes someone who possesses arrogance, selfishness, a belief that they are above God’s commands which leads to abuse, defrauding and illicitly profiting from others.
God hates ALL sin, but these seem to describe a special type of hatred when the innocent are mistreated. (Deut 27:25)
The Lord’s attitude about the mistreatment of the innocent is described as ….
1. hate – to PERSONALLY hate something, to count as one’s enemy (when the innocent are abused the Lord takes it personally.)
2. abomination – to be totally disgusted, filled to the limit, to loath. (Again, we can see a personal aspect to the hatred that is being described. It is almost as if the Lord is saying that “I have had enough of this…. I can take no more.”)
“For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed [thee]? or thirsty, and gave [thee] drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took [thee] in? or naked, and clothed [thee]? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did [it] not to one of the least of these, ye did [it] not to me.” (Matthew 25:35-45)
17) A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
We begin here a list of sins involved in the abuse against others.
1. An exalted, supreme attitude must be necessary for a person to willfully rebel against God’s commands (feeling they are invincible) and believe they are better than others (justified in profiting through the misuse of another).
2. Speaking untruths with the intent of defrauding
3. Spilling the blood of the blameless
“For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness. None calleth for justice, nor [any] pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity. They hatch cockatrice’ eggs, and weave the spider’s web: he that eateth of their eggs dieth, and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper. Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works [are] works of iniquity, and the act of violence [is] in their hands.” (Isaiah 59:3-6)
18) An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
4. Desires and plans rooted in sinful, worthless thoughts
5. Quickly acting to commit sin against others and harm to others
“Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand. And they covet fields, and take [them] by violence; and houses, and take [them] away: so they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage. Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, against this family do I devise an evil, from which ye shall not remove your necks; neither shall ye go haughtily: for this time [is] evil.” (Micah 2:1-3)
19) A false witness [that] speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
6. Giving untrue testimony to justify the wicked and condemn the innocent
7. To spread arguments, disagreements and disunity among those standing for the truth in opposition to their deceit.
“Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.” (Exodus 23:1)
“He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.” (1 Timothy 6:4-5)
SUMMARY:
The above proverbs bring to us a clear declaration that we are to despise those things that lead to pride, arrogance and the abuse of others for personal gain. It is only through the grace of God and the working of the Holy Spirit within us that we are able to bear the Godly fruits which put forth humility, and respect for others. These same fruits enhance our testimony and bring glory to Christ.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:22-25)
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: https://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/all-about-salvation/
SIH Video Blog: http://youtube.com/settledinheaven/
SIH Email: settledinheaven@gmail.com
Honesty and Transparency …. Two Rare Qualities in the World Today…
A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth. He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers; Frowardness [is] in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord. Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy. (Proverbs 6:12-15)
This SIH Daily Devotional can be found at :http://wp.me/pU88A-24T
SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 6:12-15
He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
Responsible Living: Do Not Be Dishonest: Prov 6:12-15
Responsible Living: Do not be dishonest
12) A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.
13) He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;
14) Frowardness [is] in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.
15) Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.
INTRODUCTION:
Transparency and honesty are two of the most difficult qualities to find in the world today. And, yet, throughout the Scriptures we have emphasized the need for those who have trusted in Christ to be unambiguous, authentic and truthful in all of their dealings with others. In this section of the Scriptures, we find Solomon sharing with us proverbs that describe the end result of the dishonest and insincere lifestyle ….
EXPOSITION:
12) A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.
In these proverbs a dishonest and ambiguous person is described using two titles:
1. naughty – Belial, one that is worthless, destructive
2. wicked – vain, one that causes mischief and trouble
Please notice that both titles describe the deceitful one as one that does no work of lasting value, only cuasing trouble and distress. Any Christian, who has any concern over their testimony, should abhor deception in their lives.
The actions of the deceitful man include:
1. a lifestyle of speech that distorts, twists and misrepresents the truth
“Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.” (James 1:21)
“For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.” (Titus 1:10-11)
13) He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;
2. he winks knowingly at others, revealing that his speech is less than candid
3. the places he goes, his lifestyle also reveals his deceiving speech
4. the works that he performs is another indicator of his dishonest words
“Why doth thine heart carry thee away? and what do thy eyes wink at, That thou turnest thy spirit against God, and lettest [such] words go out of thy mouth?” (Job 15:12-13)
14) Frowardness [is] in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.
5. his heart contains desires to defraud (profit from others through deception)
6. his mind is ever planning how and when to break others into pieces and gain from the destruction
7. his words, actions, and example spreads the sin of fighting, disunity and selfishness
“The instruments also of the churl [are] evil: he deviseth wicked devices to destroy the poor with lying words, even when the needy speaketh right.” (Isaiah 32:7)
15) Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.
Because of their lifestyle of deception and the destruction that results they are condemned to face judgment for the sinful path they have chosen to follow…
1. their judgment shall come unexpectedly and swiftly
2. their judgment will result in oppression, ruin and loss of previous gains
3. their judgment will end with their bursting or crushing (being broken in small pieces and revealed to all). In other words all their deception will be brought into public and they will be facing Divine examination and deserved wrath.
“Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant.” (Isaiah 30:13)
SUMMARY:
Dishonesty, “twisting” the truth, and fraud has no place in the life of those who have Jesus as their Lord and Savior. It is these very things that stand in direct opposition to the example and attributes of our Lord. May we all see the need to reflect Christ to the world by living lives of honesty, openness, and absolute sincerity.
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: https://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/all-about-salvation/
SIH Video Blog: http://youtube.com/settledinheaven/
SIH Email: settledinheaven@gmail.com
Christian…. Be Productive and Diligent…. It Honors Our Lord!
6) Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
7) Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,
8) Provideth her meat in the summer, [and] gathereth her food in the harvest.
9) How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?
10) [Yet] a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
11) So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.
(Proverbs 6:6-11)
This SIH Daily Devotional can be found at : http://wp.me/pU88A-24H
SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 6:6-11
He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
Responsible Living: Do Not Be Lazy: Prov 6:6-11
6) Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
7) Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,
8) Provideth her meat in the summer, [and] gathereth her food in the harvest.
9) How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?
10) [Yet] a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
11) So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.
INTRODUCTION:
Our second section of teaching on responsible living will touch on the subject of being lazy. This is what is meant by the Bible term “sluggard”. It involves the ideas of “to lean idly” or “to stand back and not participate” or “to be lax and careless”. If we come to understand this term properly, we can see it can mean to lay around, not being productive, but it can also mean to not be diligent and careful in our labors that are being performed.
Also we should keep in mind, that these principles apply to our earthly labors and our spiritual labors for Christ.
Let’s look at the need for a Christian to be productive and careful in all his labors.
EXPOSITION:
6) Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
For those who struggle with the need to be living productive, diligent lives…
1. consider – They are to observe and closely examine the actions, and lifestyle, of the ant.
2. be wise – They are to learn from it and then apply the principles they have learned to their life.
“But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this? In whose hand [is] the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.” (Job 12:7-10)
7) Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, 8) Provideth her meat in the summer, [and] gathereth her food in the harvest.
The great lessons that can be learned from the life of the ant include:
1. Works without need of oversight
2. Works for not only current, but future needs as well
3. Works for the benefit of self AND OTHERS
4. Does not rest until the job is accomplished
“For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10)
9) How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?
Seeing the great temporal and spiritual needs in the world, and having such a wonderful example of productivity and diligence given by the ant…..
How long can people ignore what is going on around them and be lazy, careless and asleep?
“And that, knowing the time, that now [it is] high time to awake out of sleep: for now [is] our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to [fulfil] the lusts [thereof].”
(Romans 13:11-14)
10) [Yet] a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
Their attitude is one of procrastination, always putting off what so desperately needs to be accomplished…
1. continue on comfortably, not rising up to work to fulfill their responsibilities
2. continue to doze off, uncaring, in the midst of all the needs about them
3. refusal to labor with hands, preferring to recline instead of being fruitful and constructive
“Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.” (Ephesians 5:14)
11) So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.
It is this type of lax, slothful attitude that will result in…
1. Much one that travels to a far country, gradually consistently approaching and finally arriving at their destination… the destitution and deprivation will gradually, inevitably come upon those who are lazy and lax
2. Just as an armed man comes upon others silently and deliberately to rob and harm their victims, so too poverty and want will come upon those who choose to be inactive and apathetic.
“The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; [therefore] shall he beg in harvest, and [have] nothing.” (Proverbs 20:4)
SUMMARY:
In this proverb we can see the ant being used as an example of an industrious, diligent laborer. Ants are known for their constant productivity, preparation for future needs and willingness to sacrifice for the good of others. All of these are very important qualities for those who desire to be laborers for Christ.
May none of us be lazy in our service for Christ. Let us all be found doing our given task when He comes to take us home….
“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed [is] that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.”
(Matthew 24:45-47)
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: https://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/all-about-salvation/
SIH Video Blog: http://youtube.com/settledinheaven/
SIH Email: settledinheaven@gmail.com
Take Care Before You Agree To Be Surety For Others…
My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, [if] thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger, Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth. Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend. Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids. Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand [of the hunter], and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.
(Proverbs 6:1-5)
SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 6:1-5
He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
Responsible Living: Do Not Be Indebted for Others: Prov 6:1-5
1) My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, [if] thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,
2) Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.
3) Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend.
4) Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.
5) Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand [of the hunter], and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.
INTRODUCTION:
Solomon shares with as a series of Proverbs that teach us how to accept the responsilbilities God has given to us to live Godly, wise lives. These proverbs give us teachings concerning becoming a loan guarantor for an acquaintance…
EXPOSITION:
1) My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, [if] thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,
First, he describes the nature of the loan guarantor agreement…. it is becoming a security or a pledge of payment for the debts of another. Normally, this agreement is made with those that we know and trust.
Keep in mind, the Scriptures clearly teach the need to take great care and be very hesitant to enter into indebtedness for self-benefit and personal use (Rom 13:8). How much more should care be exercised when indebtedness is based solely upon the honestly and reliability of another, with no personal advantage to be gotten?
Solomon emphasizes the seriousness of this type of agreement in two ways…
1. He is reminding us that a simple handshake is all that is needed to make this agreement binding. A Christian’s word must always be a good as his bond.
2. Also, he describes the validity of an agreement that is made with a stranger. There could be no worse, or more foolish, agreement than to become surety of a debt with one who is a stranger. Solomon’s point is, although we may make a misinformed agreement, or even a incredibly stupid agreement with a stranger, it is still binding and cannot be undone.
We can clearly see that, since a Christian’s word is ALWAYS as good as his bond, great care must be taken before the Christian enters into any agreement; no matter how foolish the agreement may be, it will still be binding.
“But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and [your] nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.” (James 5:12)
“Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter [any] thing before God: for God [is] in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for [he hath] no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better [is it] that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay. Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it [was] an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?” (Ecclesiastes 5:2, 4-6)
2) Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.
Becoming a loan guarantor for a friend is accepting a great, heavy responsibility with no personal benefits to be gained. It is much like being caught in a trap with no benefits, but only the possibility of harm awaiting the guarantor. What is the net that has captured the guarantor and brought upon him the likelihood of injury ? His own words. How sad.
“Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better. The words of a wise man’s mouth [are] gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. The beginning of the words of his mouth [is] foolishness: and the end of his talk [is] mischievous madness. A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?” (Ecclesiastes 10:11-14)
3) Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend.
Being a loan guarantor is described as being grasped in the hand. This describes being under the control, or being held captive by the friend. Once again, this is emphasizing the dangerous situation that being a loan guarantor entails.
If Christian, through poor judgment, becomes a loan guarantor, how is he is handle the situation?
1. the individual is to go and bow to the creditor, explaining his situation and asking for his release from the agreement. If the creditor refuses to release him from his agreement…
2. he is to approach his friend, foster a closer relationship with him, and encourage him to make timely payments and, if possible, to pay off the debt early. In that way, the guarantor is doing all he can to ensure the debt will be paid by the debtor and the guarantor will not be place in a position of harm.
In other words, do all that is in our power, short of breaking our word of honor, to make certain we will not enter into harm because of this agreement into which we have entered.
“Be not thou [one] of them that strike hands, [or] of them that are sureties for debts. If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee? (Proverbs 22:26-27)
4) Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.
The guarantor is not to rest until this loan is paid in full, assuring that there will be no harm done as the result of this agreement that was has entered into. This, again, emphasizes the importance of this issue in the life of a Christian.
“I will not give sleep to mine eyes, [or] slumber to mine eyelids, Until I find out a place for the LORD, an habitation for the mighty [God] of Jacob.” (Psalms 132:4-5)
5) Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand [of the hunter], and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.
The “roe”, or gazelle, and the bird are very fast, and very difficult to ensnare. The Christian who is already held in this type of agreement must work quickly and seriously to find release from this situation. It is much like a netted animal that will do all in its power to escape.
For those who are not in this situation, they are to run quickly from these agreements, making certain they will not find themselves ensnared in this type of obligation. All of this can only be accomplished through the application of wisdom to our lives and God’s gracious intervention…
“Blessed [be] the LORD, who hath not given us [as] a prey to their teeth. Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped. Our help [is] in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” (Psalms 124:6-8)
SUMMARY:
As Christians, we should understand the importance of keeping our word and the danger of becoming a loan guarantor for others. By doing so, we will avoid being under the control of others, putting ourselves in a position of being unable to freely serve the Lord and care for our immediate families, due to indebtedness and abuse by those to whom we are indebted.
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: https://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/all-about-salvation/
SIH Video Blog: http://youtube.com/settledinheaven/
SIH Email: settledinheaven@gmail.com
Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage: A Summary Of Bible Teachings
13) And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth [it] with good will at your hand.
14) Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet [is] she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.
15) And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.
16) For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for [one] covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously. (Malachi 2:13-16)
Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage: Summary Of Our Study
Mal 2:13-16 (KJV)
13) And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth [it] with good will at your hand. 14) Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet [is] she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. 15) And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. 16) For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for [one] covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.
As one of the most important institutions that the Lord established, marriage is a very important subject that Christians need to understand and honor. In this series we will be looking at:
- What we need to know about marriage to understand divorce.
- The definition, allowance and purpose of divorce and allowance of remarriage.
- The Biblical grounds for divorce (fornication).
- The Biblical grounds for divorce (loss of favour).
- The Biblical grounds for divorce (departure).
- A Summary Of Our Study and Closing Thoughts
Please understand, for this study we will only be looking at information that is pertinent to the subject of marriage and divorce. Since marriage and the family is such a large subject we cannot begin to cover all aspects of the marriage union in this study. Therefore, other subjects concerning marriage will be covered at another time.
Also, this series of blog postings do not begin to cover every verse in the Bible that touches on the subject of marriage and divorce. To try to cover all the verses involving marriage and divorce would lead to a multi-part posting of maybe 40 or 50 parts. I have books on marriage and divorce that are well over 200 pages long. So, once again, please understand I will be covering just a few representative verses on this subject to cover the basic principles concerning marriage and divorce.
If, after the series is completed you have questions about any individual verse I have not covered I’ll be glad to answer, to the best of my ability, any question you may have. Please feel free to ask them in a comment on the blog or by email at settledinheaven@gmail.com
Also, for those who have questions about same sex-marriage, please see my blog posting entitled “Same-Sex Marriage: What does the Bible say?” for a more complete study on that subject.
Let’s begin this summary of what we have seen throughout the Scriptures concerning Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage.
THE SCRIPTURES:
Mal 2:13-16 (KJV)
THE STUDY:
To bring our study to completion let’s look at section of scripture in Malachi 2:13-16 that supports all of our previous findings…
Mal 2:13-16 (KJV)
13) And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth [it] with good will at your hand. 14) Yet ye say, Wherefore?
The Israelites were experiencing a time of judgment at the hand of Almighty God. He was no longer looking upon the nation with pleasure, there was no longer answered prayers, no acceptance of worldly remorse, and no acceptance of their worship and praise. Why?
Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet [is] she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.
He was opposed to them because they were mistreating their wives and breaking the marital vows that they had made before in the presence of their Lord. Keep in mind, they had made promises to one another at their marriage (forming the marital covenant). But those promises were made in the presence of the Lord. He was the witness to the covenant into which they were entering. Therefore, as they broke their promises to their wives, the Lord was avenging and protecting the innocent wives by beginning to judge these men for their sins.
The Lord describes their mistreatment of their wives as dealing “treacherously” with them. This term means to “to be unfaithful”, “to pillage”, “to work secretly”. He is saying that they were being unfaithful to their promise as they were mistreating and harming their wives deceitfully.
15) And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.
How could they mistreat the one to whom they were so closely united? They were working against the revealed plans and purposes of their Lord. He wanted them to be godly and set apart from the other nations, instead they were living as the heathen abusing their wives for their own personal gain.
The remedy? Control their sinful desires and cease from abusing and misusing their wives.
16) For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for [one] covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.
The Lord hates for there to be divorces, and yet their actions were grounds for divorce. Once again, by breaking their marital covenant as they sought to fulfill their sinful desires (at their wife’s expense) they were committing fornication and deserving of divorce.
They were trying to hide their sinful actions from God by hypocritically approaching His altar with gifts and tears. But He knew their hearts and the condition of their marriages. The marital covenant has been broken and there was no true sorrow for their actions…. Divorce would be the only remedy to defend their wives. They must change their ways or divorce would take place for the sake of the wife, bringing an end to the abuse.
Here we see clearly the Lord liking “putting away” (divorce) with their continued “treachery” (fornication), the grounds for upcoming divorce. This folks, has been the basis of our entire study…. The Lord allows divorce for the sake of the innocent party to stop abuse and mistreatment following fornication. In this context, the fornication was the husband’s forsaking of their marital responsibilities for the sake of the fulfillment of selfish desires. These desires were being fulfilled through the abusive treatment of their wives.
How sad it is when a spouse chooses to commit fornication when they break their marital agreement, harm the one they had promised to love, simply to fulfill their fleshly lusts.
Some closing thoughts…
Thoughts on the need to harmonize the OT with the NT…
Please keep in mind, the key to being able to harmonize all of the OT and NT verses on marriage and divorce is coming to an expanded definition of “fornication” based upon it’s usage in the Bible. If we hold to a more limited meaning to “fornication” then the teachings of Moses, Christ and Paul cannot be harmonized.
If the definition is not expanded, then we have to say that the OT instructions given by Moses no longer apply to us today. Also, we have to say that, when Christ taught on the subject, He gave an incomplete answer to the issue at hand and the Apostle Paul had to expand the grounds for divorce to include desertion. I can see no other solution to these issues and, speaking for myself, I am not prepared to accept this way of thinking.
I believe that the Bible’s teachings on marriage, divorce and remarriage are a part of God’s moral laws. Therefore, both the OT and NT teachings apply to our lives today. If this is the case, we must be able to reconcile all the OT teachings and examples with the teachings and examples we find in the NT. The expanded definition of “fornication” does this very thing.
Likewise, I believe that when Christ taught on the issue, He was giving a full and complete answer to the questions being posed to Him. Paul’s teachings simply more fully explained what Christ had already taught. Again, this I believe is a far better way to understand what Paul was doing when he wrote his instructions in 1 Cor 7:
The “loosing favour” and “hatred” of Deut 24: is a type fornication (breaking the covenant due to following selfish desires.) It is a man coming to the point of hating his wife for whatever selfish cause which motivates him to turn his back on his covenantal responsibilities. This is tantamount to him “departing” from his covenant responsibilities as we read in 1 Cor 7:. This “departure” is a type of fornication as well. Both cases are an act of “treachery” against the innocent spouse (Mal 2:). Christ speaks of all these when He teaches using the term “fornication” (Matt 19: & 5:).
Thoughts on the need to deal with spousal abuse…
One of the most common beliefs concerning divorce is limiting the grounds of divorce to adultery and physical desertion only. However, then a very important issue remains to be addressed in the Scriptures. What to do in the case of the marital covenant being broken in other areas such as physical (or psychological) abuse and other forms of mistreatment.
Some would say that the answer to this is simply for the abused party to leave the home and live separated from their spouse without getting a divorce, and by implication, not being remarried for the remainder of their lives. I can see a few real problems with this “theory”.
First of all the Bible does not give these instructions anywhere. To my knowledge the only time that spousal separation is discussed is in 1 Cor 7: where Paul speaks of a couple agreeing to separate for a limited time to pray and fast. They are to have a date set for their reunion. This is not in any way what we are speaking of in terms of the need to separate due to spousal abuse.
So what we have is the Bible being silent about the use of spousal separation to deal with this issue that has existed during the days of the OT, NY and today’s time. This idea is simply the well-meaning thoughts of human beings with no Biblical mandate.
If we stop and think about it what we are asking the couple to live separately, not fulfill any of their covenantal responsibilities, and yet call themselves married. This is my mind is creating a hypocritical type of relationship. Neither couple is fulfilling their vows but still “married”.
However, if we understand that the OT teachings still apply to us today, we can see in cases of spousal abuse, this is forsaking of the marital covenant and it is grounds for a divorce. This divorce allows the abused to be removed from the situation and allowed to begin a new life of singleness or being married to another.
Thoughts on making divorce easier…
There are many who say that by holding to the teachings I have presented that it makes divorce much easier to attain. I do very much appreciate the motives behind this accusation. The world in which we live is filled with marriages that are failing. In many cases, divorces with no Biblical grounds are being sought and attained. These men and women are attempted to stand up and make divorces as difficult as possible for the sake of the married individuals as well as society as a whole. I very much appreciate their motives and their attempts to honor the marital union. However all the good intentions in the world cannot justify false teaching.
My feeling is that the Bible makes it very plain that the Lord hates divorce and desires for every marriage to be permanent in nature. We all should strive for that. Every time that the marriage vows are taken, and every time that marriage, divorce or remarriage is taught there should be CONSTANT reminders of the Lord’s desires for permanence of marital vows. He is the witness to our covenant making and, as such, will chasten the guilty while protecting the innocent. To break the marital covenant is a big deal, a really big deal. The Lord desires for marriage to be permanent and we should strive for that.
The Lord also desires peace in the marriage union and will not allow treachery against a spouse to continue indefinitely. For these instances where the covenant has been broken, and spouses are being abused, if no repentance is shown, the Lord allows for the marriage to end for the protection of the abused and the abuse to come to an end. Please remember both the Deu. 24 and the Mal. 2:13-16 passages among others. Do these verses not make it plain that the purpose of divorce is to stop this treachery against the spouses? Also, if we properly define “fornication” the teachings of the Lord will uphold this principle as well.
Thoughts in closing…
We need to remember that our Lord’s desire for the marriage unit. Above all else, our Lord desires for marriage to be permanent. Even when a spouse is guilty of an offense allowing divorce, there should be room for forgiveness and reconciliation whenever true repentance is shown by the offending party.
Also, we should keep in mind that for those who have been divorced (following a marriage to one who had consistently, stubbornly, unrepentantly broken the marital covenant) you are free to remarry and to go forward with your life with no guilt, knowing you have done all that is possible to save your marriage.
If you have been a participant in a divorce that was not based upon legitimate grounds… keep in mind that there is forgiveness being offered from our great gracious God. There is no sin so great it cannot be forgiven by our Lord.
If, after you have read every part of this entire series, you continue to have questions about anything I have taught or any individual verse I have not covered, I’ll be glad to answer them. Please feel free to ask them in a comment on the blog or by email at settledinheaven@gmail.com
May The Lord Continue To Bless You As You Seek To Study The Word.
What we have seen in our studies….
In lesson #1:
1. Marriage is a covenant relationship
2. The parties of the covenant are the husband and wife
3. God is the witness to the making of the covenant, He is not a party in the covenant
4. God as witness will hold each party accountable to keep the promise they made to each other.
5. Marriage is described as a “cleaving” and a “one-flesh” relationship
6. Both of these descriptions imply a closeness, unity and intimacy between the couple
7. The marriage union SHOULD NOT BE broken by man but CAN BE broken by man.
8. Man’s responsibility in a marriage union can be summarized as “to love” and “to nourish” and “to cherish” the wife
9. Woman’s responsibility in a marriage union can be summarized as “to be a help meet” and “to be a companion” to the husband.
In lesson #2:
1. Divorce is the act of destroying, or removing the marital covenant resulting in the covenant being rendered void and going out of existence. The parties of the covenant are held responsible for the breaking of it.
2. Divorce is allowed in cases of “uncleanness”, “fornication”, or “departure
3. God allows divorce to protect the innocent party from abuse and mistreatment.
4. God allows for remarriage following divorce in the cases of “uncleanness”, “fornication” and “departure”
In lesson #3:
1. The Lord teaches us that divorce is allowed by God in the event that fornication takes place.
2. The Biblical definition of fornication is the fulfilling sinful desires resulting in unclean actions and forsaking of God given responsibilities.
3. In the context of our study this would include: following selfish desires resulting in the commission of unclean sexual unions or the fulfillment of other sinful desires resulting in the forsaking of the responsibilities of the marriage covenant.
4. There is no need to limit acts of fornication to sexually related acts.
5. The breaking of the marital covenant is a very serious offense. This offense is so severe if it is committed there is a reason to question the salvation of the individual committing the offense.
6. The grounds, effects, and judgments surrounding the sundering of the marriage covenant apply equally to both men and women. It is wrong to believe that either gender has a greater responsibility to remain faithful to the covenant of marriage.
In lesson #4:
1. Becoming hard-hearted towards a spouse is, in essence walking away from their marital responsibilities due to following of their fleshly desires following the uncovering of something shameful on the part of their mate.
2. Another type of “fornication” (a legitimate ground for divorce) is hard heartedness towards a spouse
3. When a spouse allows their heart to hardened against their spouse they are breaking their marital vows by not caring and treating them as they should.
4. This type of hardhearted attitude leads to physical, psychological or mental abuse of the spouse.
5. The divorce is allowed for the protection of the mate guilty of the uncleanness. It is an act that is done to eliminate the abuse that otherwise would be taking place.
6. If the “uncleanness” is a sin that breaks the marital covenant, then the one who committed the uncleanness is held guilty of the sundering of the marriage union. If the uncleanness does not rise to the level of breaking the marital vows, then the responsibility for breaking the covenant rests on the one harboring the hatred in their heart.
In lesson #5:
1. “Depart” can refer to a physical departing or a separation of parties joined by a covenant
2. A believing couple should realize that God desires marriage to be permanent.
3. When faithful to the covenant, only after the death of a spouse that remarriage is allowed
4. If a believer chooses to depart they must remain single or be reconciled to their partner.
5. The departing believer is looked upon as lost following efforts of church discipline.
6. Innocent party that is divorced is released from their bonds and allowed to remarry.
7. The divorcing unbeliever is allowed to depart for peace, avoidance of abuse, and freedom
8. Departing from the covenant (1 Cor 7) is fornication.
9. Sending away an unfavoured spouse (Deut 24) is fornication.
10. The teachings of Christ, Moses and Paul are harmonious.
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For a free copy of this series in book form docx version: please go to: https://settledinheaven.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/mardivremprotected1.docx
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Making It Plain: “Ecclesiology” = The Study of The Church
Ecclesiology comes from two Greek words:
1. “ecclesia” means “called out”, “assembly” or “church”
2. “logos” which means “word concerning”, “to discuss”, “to study”.
This term is not used in the Scriptures.
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18)
Saturday Scripture
Although the world is constantly changing… Our Lord NEVER changes. He is our firm foundation in the midst of the upheavals of this world…
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. (Heb 13:8)
Temptations Reveal Our True Spiritual Condition…
A Lifestyle of Sin and Indulging in Temptation Is An Indication The Lord Has Never Made Us A New Creature In Him
And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger? For the ways of man [are] before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings. His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins. He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray. (Proverbs 5:20-23)
SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 5:20-23
He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
Temptation: An Indicator of Our Spiritual Condition: Prov 5:20-23
20) And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?
21) For the ways of man [are] before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.
22) His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.
23) He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.
INTRODUCTION:
Solomon now clearly reveals that we are held accountable for our actions in this life….
EXPOSITION:
20) And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?
Solomon continues from the previous verses (vss 18-19), using unfulfilled desires of physical intimacy as a representation of any unfulfilled desires that are the basis of temptation in our lives….
He asks very simple, yet important questions… Why would we attempt to fulfill our unmet desires in a fashion that goes against the will of God? Why would we look to strangers and those in opposition to the will and ways of God to find peace, contentment and lasting joy?
These questions are asked in the context of two very important issues:
#1 – the wonderful blessings that God has given to us. (vss 15-19). When we consider all that He has done for us, how can we purposely, turn our back on His desires and depart from His will by attempting to find satisfaction through sinful means?
#2 – Based upon His knowledge of our actions and the deserved results of disobedience to His commands (vss 21-23). How can we so easily leave His desires for our lives behind, when we see that sin results in harm to those who partake of it? Also keep in mind, those who habitually submit to the temptations of the world are proving that they have never been made the “new man” in Christ and are yet in their sins (vss 22-23).
“Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” (Ephesians 2:2-3)
21) For the ways of man [are] before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.
The path that man chooses is never hidden from God. Mankind is aware of every choice and the ultimate lifestyles that is formed by its choices. Mankind must recognize that it is ever before Him.
“To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known [me]. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted [with] all my ways. For [there is] not a word in my tongue, [but], lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.” (Psalms 139:1-4)
22) His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.
Those who choose to submit to temptation’s enticements, those who live immoral lifestyles, can only expect to be:
#1 – captured in the net of their immoralities
#2 – bound and enslaved by their unlawful deeds
These are both pictures of enslavement, domination and chronic sinfulness. When man willingly submits to temptations, this leads to a lifestyle of sin and habitual mistreatment of themselves, others around them and God Himself. This is a mark of an unsaved individual who has never been made a new creature in Christ.
“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members [as] instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members [as] instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” (Romans 6:12-14)
23) He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.
For those who have chosen a lifestyle of sinfully fulfilling their desires they will all meet the same end:
#1 – They shall experience death. Although already spiritually dead, they have yet to experience physical death and the following eternal death. All of this will come upon them because they chose not to receive the message of God that reveals the way of escape for spiritual and eternal death.
#2 – They shall wander throughout their life, being led by their fleshly desires, never entering into the path of life that the Lord has freely offered to them.
All of this comes upon those who are consumed with finding fulfillment through the sinful pursuits that this world has to offer.
“While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known [it], to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.” (2 Peter 2:19-21)
SUMMARY:
How we handle the temptations that come before us, is a clear indicator of our spiritual condition. For those who live a lifestyle of sinfully fulfilling their unmet desires are manifesting that they are unsaved and yet in the bonds of sin.
For those who have chosen to oppose temptation and seek fulfillment of their desires in a God honoring way, clear show to themselves, and others, that they have become new creatures in Christ and servants of Almighty God.
Based upon how we handle temptation, what is our spiritual condition?
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: https://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/all-about-salvation/
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SIH Email: settledinheaven@gmail.com
Contentment: A Key To Overcoming Temptation
15) Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.
16) Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, [and] rivers of waters in the streets.
17) Let them be only thine own, and not strangers’ with thee.
18) Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.
19) [Let her be as] the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.
(Proverbs 5:15-19)
SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 5:15-19
He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
Temptation: Avoid It’s Enticement With Contentment: Prov 5:15-19
15) Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.
16) Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, [and] rivers of waters in the streets.
17) Let them be only thine own, and not strangers’ with thee.
18) Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.
19) [Let her be as] the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.
INTRODUCTION:
In this section, he will give proverbs that emphasize contentment as a means of gaining victory over the many temptations this world has to offer. Solomon uses pictures of thirst and the desire for physical intimate relations to represent our unfulfilled desires…
EXPOSITION:
15) Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.
Many times temptations appear when we have an unsatisfied desire in our lives. In this case, Solomon uses the picture of thirst as a symbolic representation of any unfulfilled longing may be experiencing. In doing so he relates to us four basic principles concerning contentment and overcoming temptations:
#1 Anyone who has unfulfilled desires should look to that which is lawfully theirs to fulfill that desire. They should not use sinful pursuits to fulfill their cravings. He will supply our needs and fulfill our desires.
“And they thirsted not [when] he led them through the deserts: he caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them: he clave the rock also, and the waters gushed out. [There is] no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked.” (Isaiah 48:21-22)
16) Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, [and] rivers of waters in the streets.
#2 Once the Lord blesses by fulfilling the desire, those who were in need should share the blessing with others. This should be done out of love and sacrifice to those who are yet in need.
How can we help others in need? By sharing of the material blessings the Lord has given to us and sharing our experiences with them, showing the proper way to find fulfillment for their longings. Many times, the very blessing that the Lord gives to us to meet our need, is meant to be shared with others to meet their need as well.
“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)
17) Let them be only thine own, and not strangers’ with thee.
#3 When we seek to be a blessing to others, we need to be sure we give to them what is ours to give.
There is no justification for unlawfully taking from one man in order to give to another. Our helping is to be an act of self-sacrifice motivated by love, not an unlawful act bringing harm to others through an exercise of our power or authority.
“He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.” (Luke 3:11)
18) Let thy fountain be blessed:
#4 By using the divine supplies we have been given in the proper way (helping others), we will those supplies will be blessed of God and multiplied.
As we help others, we can never out give the Lord, nor will He fail to meet our every need. Let’s never allow selfishness to stop us from helping others. As Charles Stanley has said many times…. “Be faithful to the Lord and leave all the consequences to Him.”
“He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.” (Psalms 112:9)
“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:” (Hebrews 6:9-11)
and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.
Solomon now uses the picture of physical intimacy as a symbolic representation of any unfulfilled desires we may be experiencing. Just like using the blessing of a fountain of water in the proper way, so too, we are to enjoy and treat our spouses properly as well. This includes finding intimate satisfaction with them alone.
Again, just as in the above verses, we will see he emphasizes the need to find joy and fulfillment with that of which we can lawfully partake.
“Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that [is] thy portion in [this] life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 9:9)
19) [Let her be as] the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.
Finding genuine, complete contentment in the blessings of God involves:
#1 Seeing His blessings as beautiful and desirable. In other words, the need to recognize the blessings and appreciate them, not taking them lightly.
#2 Using His blessings in the way they were meant to be used. We are to seek His will on how to use His blessings faithfully and act to fulfill that will.
#3 To become totally immersed in the appreciation and enjoyment of His blessings. In other words, be so consumed with the grace, love and kindness He has shown to us, that we experiences complete contentment in His blessings, thereby allowing no temptation to gain a foothold in our life.
“[Oh] how great [is] thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; [which] thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men! Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. Blessed [be] the LORD: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city.” (Psalms 31:19-21)
SUMMARY:
Whether pictured by thirst or a desire for intimacy, when we find satisfaction and contentment for our desires in the blessings of God, then we will allow very little space for temptations to work in our lives. If we have no unfulfilled desires the ability for temptation to work in our life is greatly limited.
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: https://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/all-about-salvation/
SIH Video Blog: http://youtube.com/settledinheaven/
SIH Email: settledinheaven@gmail.com
It’s Very Costly When We Yield To Temptation…
9) Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel:
10) Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours [be] in the house of a stranger;
11) And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,
12) And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;
13) And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!
14) I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.
(Proverbs 5:9-14)
SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 5:9-14
He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
Temptation: Avoid It’s Results: Prov 5:9-14
9) Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel:
10) Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours [be] in the house of a stranger;
11) And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,
12) And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;
13) And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!
14) I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.
INTRODUCTION:
Solomon now shares several proverbs with us that not only explains the results of yielding to temptations of a harlot, but by principle, yielding to temptations from any source.…
EXPOSITION:
9) Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel:
Yielding to temptation leads to:
#1 handing over the reputation, respect and admiration that we have been given by others
#2 shortening the physical life by endulging in a lifestyle that lacks the blessings of God while doing both physical and spiritual damage to self.
“And that, knowing the time, that now [it is] high time to awake out of sleep: for now [is] our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to [fulfil] the lusts [thereof].” (Romans 13:11-14)
10) Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours [be] in the house of a stranger;
#3 enriching those who mislead and deceive while becoming poverty stricken both morally, spiritually and monetarily
#4 laboring in vain for things that cannot satisfy nor bring eternal gain; only to find others receiving the benefits from our actions.
“Strangers have devoured his strength, and he knoweth [it] not: yea, gray hairs are here and there upon him, yet he knoweth not. And the pride of Israel testifieth to his face: and they do not return to the LORD their God, nor seek him for all this.” (Hosea 7:9-10)
11) And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,
#5 loudly verbally mourn and cry out at the end of life when physically eaten up by the sinful lifestyle
“For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things [is] death.” (Romans 6:20-21)
12) And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;
#6 Looking back on life with many regrets including:
Regret #1 – being the enemy of God’s teachings
Regret #2 – speaking evil against His corrections.
“Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye now from your evil ways, and [from] your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith the LORD. Your fathers, where [are] they? and the prophets, do they live for ever? But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? and they returned and said, Like as the LORD of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us.” (Zechariah 1:4-6)
13) And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!
Regret #3 – did not submit to the teachings of truth
Regret #4 – did not desire to observe the Godly encouragement of others
“And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. [And] be at peace among yourselves.” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)
14) I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.
Regret #5 – Known by those who worship God as being one who has committed many, if not all, ungodly acts. (Possessing a ruined public testimony, especially, in the eyes of the saints and churches of God).
“Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.” (John 16:7-12)
SUMMARY:
Giving into temptations results in many harmful results that can ruin a person’s life, testimony and end in eternal ruin. All of this is reaped, simply to gain a short term pleasure. This is the sad state of those who choose the pleasures of sin for a season over the eternal joy of serving Christ.
“O that they were wise, [that] they understood this, [that] they would consider their latter end!” (Deuteronomy 32:29)
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: https://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/all-about-salvation/
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Don’t Play Around With It, Don’t Simply Ignore It…. Run From Temptation!
Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth. Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house: (Proverbs 5:7-8)
SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 5:7-8
He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
Temptation: Avoid It’s Sources: Prov 5:7-8
7) Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth.
8) Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:
INTRODUCTION:
As we begin this next section of the book of Proverbs, let’s keep in mind that we must also recognize the need for God’s grace in keeping us from temptations. He is the One who knows every temptation that will come upon us. He is the One that enables us to recognize our weak areas, see the sources of temptation and strengthens us to walk away from them. It is only through His sovereign intervention that we are not totally overcome by the temptations and sins that so easily beset us.
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” (Matthew 6:13)
In spite of the necessity of God’s grace in overcoming temptation, let us also keep in mind that we all have the responsibility to actively oppose temptation as a child of God who has been called to holy living. The following verses begin a section on various principles we are to apply to our lives to avoid becoming entrapped and overcome by temptations…
EXPOSITION:
7) Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth.
Solomon calls his learners to hear attentively with a submissive attitude. He then directs them to not walk away from his teachings.
“See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more [shall not] we [escape], if we turn away from him that [speaketh] from heaven:” (Hebrews 12:25)
8) Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:
The influence of the temptation can be weakened by taking a path that is far away from the source of the temptation. The dwelling place of the temptation is not to be approached nor simply ignored… it is to be actively avoided.
An example of this active opposition to temptation… if we find that we are easily overtaken by the sin of alcohol abuse, then we should shop in stores that do not carry alcohol, eat in restaurants that do not serve alcohol, and choose friends that do not drink alcohol, etc etc. By doing this, we are actively taking away many of the areas where temptations can be lurking, seeking to overcome us..
This is the first principle to lessen temptations grip on us: Avoid The Sources of the Temptation.
This same principle was previously applied to the temptation to join with the wicked…
“Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil [men]. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.” (Proverbs 4:14-15)
SUMMARY:
We are to recognize our areas of weakness and then actively avoid the sources of the temptations that come against those weaknesses. In doing so, we will be lessening the frequency and potency of the temptations that we may face. This is not the complete answer to overcoming temptation because, after all, there are times when temptations come upon us without any warning or chance of avoidance.
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: https://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/all-about-salvation/
SIH Video Blog: http://youtube.com/settledinheaven/
SIH Email: settledinheaven@gmail.com
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