Put Relationships Over Selfishness…
27) Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.
28) Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive [not] with thy lips.
29) Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.
(Proverbs 24:27-29)
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
The Names Of Christ: “Holy One Of God”
Christ is the sinless One that DESCENDED FROM God and IS God.
Mar 1:24 – Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. “For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.”
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SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 24:27-29
He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
Cultivate Godly Attitudes: Relationships Not Selfishness: Proverbs 24:27-29
27) Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.
28) Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive [not] with thy lips.
29) Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.
Solomon now shares with us teachings on the need to cultivate Godly attitudes…
EXPOSITION:
Here, we will see the need to choose relationships over selfishness…
27) Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.
1. Set in order your labors outside the home (preparing building materials and then erect our home)
2. Properly organize your fields (livestock and crops)
3. After these add onto your existing homes
Here we have the need for self-control and unselfishness by setting the right priorities of life. We are to always take care of OUR NEEDS BEFORE OUR WANTS. We are to erect our home and secure our food and building supplies before we are to embellish and beautify our homes.
A selfish man would be more concerned about the temporal pleasures of ease of living than to labor to make sure their future needs are supplied. By doing this, we are not willingly becoming a burden on those around us.
“For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have [sufficient] to finish [it]? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish [it], all that behold [it] begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.” (Luke 14:28-30)
28) Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive [not] with thy lips.
1. Do not testify in opposition to a neighbor without having a legitimate reason
2. Do not lie about your neighbor to others
We are to never be a false witness about our neighbors, whether in a court of law or simply as we speak to others around us.
“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:25-27)
29) Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.
1. Do not say that we will treat our neighbor as they have treated us
2. Do not say that we will hand back to them what they have given to us.
We are to never desire to get vengeance against our neighbors, nor stoop to their level when they mistreat us. Our main concern is to always show mercy, patience and love towards others. In doing so, we are showing Christ to them through our actions and lifestyles.
“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men]. See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men].” (1 Thessalonians 5:14-15)
SUMMARY:
We are to always keep our flesh and selfish desires under control. Three main areas in our relationship with others involves:
1. When possible supply our own needs for living. In doing so, we will not become a burden upon others and allow them to concentrate on supplying their own needs and the needs of their household.
2. We are to never be a false witness about our neighbors, whether in a court of law or simply as we speak to others around us.
3. We are to never desire to get vengeance against our neighbors, nor stoop to their level when they mistreat us.
By doing these, we are choosing our relationship with others over our own selfish desires.
May we all possess Godly wisdom and live our lives for Him. 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”.
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The Local Assembly Is Founded Upon Christ Alone…
“For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, [ye are] God’s building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:9-15)
For The SIH Bible Study On This Subject:
The Importance Of The Local Church -4: “The Foundation Of The Church: Christ and His Word”
“…The house of God, which is the church of the living God,
the pillar and ground of the truth.” (1 Timothy 3:15)
In this fourth lesson of our study on the Lord’s church, we will be looking at the church’s foundation. In other words, we will be studying the basis and underpinnings of the Lord’s churches on earth.
THE STUDY:
Christ and His Word Make Up the Foundation of the Local Assembly…
1. Christ is called the Foundation with the Ministry Of The Word Building Upon That Foundation : 1 Corinthians 3:9-15
“For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, [ye are] God’s building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:9-15)
In this text, we can see that Paul is describing his teaching ministry to the Lord’s churches as “I have laid the foundation”. He continues by describing the teaching of those who teach the assemblies after his departure as “and another buildeth thereon”. By using these descriptive phrases Paul is making it plain for us to see that the teaching the truths of Christ make up the foundation and mission of the Lord’s churches.
He then goes further and states that “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” By saying this, he is making it plain that the foundation of the Lord’s churches are made up EXCLUSIVELY of the teachings concerning Christ. The teachings of this world, no matter how popular or persuasive they might be are not a part of the underpinnings, strength, and establishment of the churches of the Lord.
These principles are further supported by 1 Timothy 3:15 which tells us that the church of God is the “pillar and ground of the truth”.
Paul then explains that the teachings that honor Christ are very valuable and will reap eternal blessings for the teacher; while the teachings that depart from God’s Word are of no lasting value and will not bring about eternal gain.
2. Christ is called the “Chief Cornerstone” with the Word Being Called The Foundation : Ephesians 2:19-22
“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone]; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:19-22)
In these verses, Paul reveals to us that “the household of God” (ie the local church assembly) is built upon the foundation of the Word of God. He uses the phrase “the apostles and prophets” to refer to the New and the Old Testaments. Those who held the office of apostle were the authors of the vast majority of the New Testament. Likewise, those holding the office of prophet wrote the vast majority of the Old Testament.
What is the dominating, exclusive theme of both the Old and New Testament Scriptures? It is the Lord Jesus Christ. This is why He is described as the “chief corner stone”. What is the a chief corner stone. Basically, it is the foundation of the foundation. The cornerstone is set and then the other stones making up the foundation are placed in alignment with it.
3. The Truths Of Christ Found In The Word Are Called “The Rock” Upon Which The Local Church Is Built: Matthew 16:13-20
“When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 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. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
Please note the series of events that take place in this text:
1. Christ asks his disciples… how does the common Jewish citizen identify Him?
“When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
2. The response they give … there is no certainty and much disagreement on their part… perhaps John the Baptist, perhaps the OT prophet Elijah or Jeremiah, or another prophet.
And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
3. Christ’s second question… How do my disciples identify me?
He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
4. Peter replies …. Thou art the Christ (Anointed One, One Sent From God) the Son of the living God.
And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
5. The Lord responds by explaining that, to understand these truths about Christ Peter has been greatly blessed with enabling by God.
And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
6. The Lord continues by stating that Peter’s description of Christ is the rock (cornerstone) that the Lord’s church will be empowered, strengthened and established. It would be through the teachings of these truths about Christ that the church would be invincible.
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.
(In this verse, note the play on the word “rock”. The word “rock’ is used to describe the truths that Peter has just spoken, Christ was affirming these truths as the foundational truths of His local assembly.
Please notice that Christ gives the title of “Peter” to Simon in response to the statement that Simon has just made. “Peter” is the English translation of a Greek word that means “a small piece of a rock”. Why does Christ give Peter this title? He is saying that Peter, as he declares the truth about Christ is adding to the foundation becoming a small part of it. This is in perfect alignment with what Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 3:9-15 (above). Anyone who proclaims Christ in a local assembly is adding a small piece of rock to the large rock that is the church’s foundation. This is what Peter had just done proclaiming these truths about Christ in the midst of the local church at Jerusalem.
7. The Lord continues His discourse to all the assembled disciples telling them that, as a local church assembly, they have a tremendous amount of authority as they proclaim truths about Christ to the world.
These truths if accepted by faith, will give access to the kingdom of heaven.
And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven:
As the church warns others of their bondage in sin and coming eternal judgment (binding the hearers on earth); God in heaven will “back up their message” and bring this judgment to pass. (binding the hearers in heaven).
and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven:
Likewise, as the church promises those who believe the church’s message of Christ will be released from their sin bondage and enter into spiritual, eternal life (loose them on earth); God in heaven will honor their promise and grant to the believer freedom from sin and the judgment to come (loose them in heaven).
and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
This is the great level of authority that is possessed by a local church of the Lord that is built upon Christ and the truths of His Word.
THE SUMMARY:
As we studied the local churches foundation, we saw that
1. The church’s foundation is made up of the Truths of God’s Word.
2. The Word which is made up of both Old and New Testaments exclusively reveals the Lord Jesus Christ, the “cornerstone” of that foundation.
3. Anyone who teaches these truths of Christ in the midst of His assembly will be adding to the foundation of that assembly.
4. The church, when it proclaims the truths of God possesses a tremendous amount of authority knowing that the Lord is support their teachings of sin, salvation and the eternity to come.
Why should we should attend, join and support the ministries of a local church? It is founded upon the truths of Christ that are presented in His Word. Because its foundation and message is based upon Christ, the church carries a tremendous amount of authority that is supported by God Himself.
May the Lord bless us as we seek His truth.
For a free study guide for this series in .pdf format:
Click to access lordsassemblyprotected.pdf
For a free study guide for this series in .docx format:
https://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/lordsassemblyprotected.docx
Just something to think about…
“Why do bad things happen to good people? That only happened once – and He volunteered.” – RC Sproul
The Lord Tells Us To Trust His Word Above Any Human Experience…
For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost. (2 Peter 1:16-21)
For The SIH Bible Study On This Subject:
We Are To Judge Righteously Without Favoritism….
23) These [things] also [belong] to the wise. [It is] not good to have respect of persons in judgment.
24) He that saith unto the wicked, Thou [art] righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:
25) But to them that rebuke [him] shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.
26) [Every man] shall kiss [his] lips that giveth a right answer. (Proverbs 24:23-26)
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
Personal Experience Or God’s Word, Which Is Our Standard? #3
Should we trust the Word based upon Biblical revelation?
Throughout our lifetime, we are called upon to choose between trusting the revelation of God’s Word or placing our faith in our life experiences. Phrased another way, are we to make our life decisions based upon what our senses have revealed to us, or do we look to God’s Word as the only unquestionable standard by which our life is to be directed?
This is study I would like us to come to an understanding of God’s will on this all important issue. There will be three parts to our study for us:
1. Should we trust the Word when we lack life experiences?
2. Should we trust the Word instead of our life experiences?
3. Should we trust the Word based upon Biblical revelation?
THE SCRIPTURES:
And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Shew a miracle for you: then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast [it] before Pharaoh, [and] it shall become a serpent. And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent. Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents:… (Exo 7:8-13)
And David said to Saul, Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine. And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou [art but] a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered [it] out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught [him] by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God. David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee. (1 Samuel 17:32-37)
Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they [are] ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies [are] my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts. (Psalms 119:98-100)
And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, [it is] because [there is] no light in them. (Isaiah 8:19-20)
For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost. (2 Peter 1:16-21)
THE STUDY:
In our study, so far, we have seen through the use of examples from the past, present, and events which are yet to take place, the need for us to use the Scriptures as the standard for us to judge all of our life experiences. If we lack an experience, we are to trust the Word and follow our Lord. If, on the other hand, we have just had an experience, the Bible is the sole standard for the Christian to use to discern the true nature of that experience. We are to never take either of these for granted.
Apart from the examples we have looked at, we will now being looking at declarations from Scripture that reveal to us the need to recognize that the Bible as the only authorized instrument we are to use to understand the character of our life experiences. In 2 Peter 1:16-21, we find a shocking Scriptural truth that is taught to us. If this truth is taken to heart, we will never again rely upon any life experience to reveal to us the will of God.
Note what Peter says:
“For we have not followed cunningly devised fables,…”
Here, we find Peter emphasizing that the truths he has presented in his past teachings were not wisely constructed tales of fiction. He was not lying to his readers in an attempt to mislead them. This shows us that, even in the times of the writing of the NT, believers understood the existence of false teaching and the grave danger of accepting that teaching as truth. Peter is assuring them that what they have heard from him was the truth of the Word.
“…when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount..”
What past teaching of the Apostles was Peter describing? It was the account of the transfiguration of Christ upon the mount. Peter is assuring them of the truthfulness of this event. He is assuring them that this great miracle was genuine and above question.
Now for the shocker….
“…We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed,…”
Peter now makes the statement that, although this great miracle of the transfiguration of Christ was genuine, we have an even more stedfast, reliable and firm proof from God concerning the person of Christ. What was that “more sure” standard? It is the “word of prophecy” (ie God’s Word).
Please understand what is being said. The Word’s teachings on Christ were more reliable revelation about His person than the miracle of the Transfiguration. Here, Peter has just placed the reliability of God’s Word above that of a known, proven, incomparable miracle performed by God Himself.
In my mind, if there was ever a life experience that could be relied upon, and used as a standard for truth about Christ’s person, it would be the divine miracle of the Transfiguration. And yet, Peter clearly tells us that the truths found in God’s Word are “more sure”.
Folks, if there is ever a text that declares to us the need to use the standard of the Bible as the only standard for our judging our experiences of life, this is it. It says what it says. There is truly nothing that can be added to it. And nothing can be taken away from it.
“…as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:…”
The Word will shine in this sin-darkened world clearly revealing the true nature of the events taking place around us. This role of the Word will continue on until Christ comes back, He takes us home to be with Him, gives us a much greater understanding of truth, and removes us from the presence of sin.
Therefore, when we go home to be with the Lord, there will no longer be a need for us to discern between good and evil because we will no longer be in evil’s presence.
“…Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.”
Peter continues by teaching us that the Bible was given for all God’s people to use and understand. It can be used by ANY OF HIS PEOPLE to discern good from evil, the things of God from the workings of Satan. No one must rely upon the testimony of others to recognize truth from error.
Why is the Word so reliable and able to be understood by all believers? It is because it was literally spoken by God and then penned by men through the intervention of the Holy Spirit. The same God that spoke the Word, and the same Spirit that intervened in its writing, is the same One that indwells all believers and gives them an understanding of the truths of the Word.
But the truth of the Word does not stop there…
Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they [are] ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies [are] my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts. (Psalms 119:98-100)
When we come to understand the supreme place of importance that the Word of God should have in each of our lives, we can come to understand the need to use the Word as the ultimate standard of discernment.
Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies:
How is the Christian to gain wisdom for His life? How is he to gain the victory over the enemies that will attempt to overcome him? It is not through carefully examining the events that have taken place in his life… it is through coming to know, understand and apply the Word of God to his life.
for they [are] ever with me.
It is this same Word, whose principles are written upon the tables of the Christian’s heart and mind, that forever become a part of his person. With the Word in the Christian’s heart and the Holy Spirit applying God’s Word to his life, the Christian finds himself “thoroughly furnished unto all good works”.
I have more understanding than all my teachers:
The Christian, through a comprehensive understanding of God’s Word, finds they able to properly discern the proper response to any situation that may come his way. The advice found in God’s Word transcends any counsel that he may receive from those who were active in his education and nurturing.
for thy testimonies [are] my meditation.
By remembering and reflecting upon God’s Word throughout the day, the Christian will be in a constant state of readiness to face any obstacle that this fallen world may place before them. Once again, there is nothing that can replace this role for God’s Word in our lives.
I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.
With the Word of God being the ultimate source for knowledge and instruction, we can rest assured there is nothing the men of old know that we cannot come to understand as well. What a blessing it is to know that, in the Word, we have the complete set of truths that God has desired for mankind to possess.
The principles of the above verse are echoed throughout the pages of the Scriptures. The Christian is to look to the Word for the knowledge, understanding and wisdom that they need for any circumstance that they will have in life. Nothing more is needed, nor is anything else recommended as the source of all spiritual discernment for the Christian.
So what about our life’s experiences? What role do they play in our lives?
We have seen in our previous studies that if we rely upon our life experiences to give us discernment of the will of God we can be very easily misled and suffer spiritual defeat. However, in 1 Samuel 17: we find the perfect example of the proper role of our life experiences…
David, as a shepherd boy, is preparing to face the giant Philistine, Goliath. Many of us are familiar with this story, but if you are not, please take a moment to acquaint yourself with this historical event by reading the entire chapter of 1 Samuel 17:.
For our study please notice, the use of a life experience by David to convince King Saul, and prepare David’s own heart for the coming battle…
Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered [it] out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught [him] by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God. David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. (1 Samuel 17:32-37)
David used a past life event to:
1. reinforce the principles of God’s Word.
For example, the principles of the Lord’s enabling of His servants, the Lord’s accompanying of his servants, the Lord’s sovereignty and His grace, among many others are clearly displayed and reinforced in this event of David’s life.
2. find encouragement for service.
David, as he recalls all that his gracious Lord has done for Him , then finds inspiration and strength to fight the upcoming battle. Many times, remembering previous God-given victories in life will encourage us to take further steps to obey the Lord.
3. persuade others of their need to obey God.
David uses these accounts to persuade Saul to trust the Lord in this situation, thus allowing David to face the giant Goliath.
Folks, please understand the basic principle that we find in this passage. David’s life experiences only display and reinforce the truths that are presented in God’s Word. There is NEVER a time when our experiences will lead us to truth from God that is not found in Word.
From time to time there are those who desire to proclaim “a new truth from God” that they claimed to have received from their life experience. DO NOT LET THIS CLAIM LEAD US ASTRAY. One of two things has actually taken place:
1. Either it is actually an old truth found in His Word of which they are not aware
2. or else, it is a principle that does not come from our Lord, but finds its origin in the darkness of the world. In this case, it is a part of the Satanic plan to mislead us.
It is through comparison of their claim with God’s Word (as our ultimate standard) that will allow us to try the spirits and come to a genuine Godly discernment of their claim.
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world….We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth (the doctrines of the Word Of God), and the spirit of error (the false teachings of the powers of darkness). (1 John 4:1-6)
So, the next time we think upon a life experience ask ourselves the question, what principle(s) from God Word can I see being placed on display in this event?
The Lord allows us to experience many life events for the purpose of reinforcing a principle of the Word that we will need in our future service for Him. Let us all be aware of His workings in our lives and learn from our life experiences the principles we have been given in His Word. His truths of old are recorded within the pages of His Word and brought to life everyday of our life. May we all recognize these truths in our day to day walk with Him.
THE PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
So what is our conclusion in this entire matter? ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS use the Word of God as our standard to judge each, and every, life experience.
It does not matter how “miraculous” the event may be, how sensible the revelation might seem, or how wonderful the results of an action might seem, if they do not align themselves with the revealed Word of God (the 66 books of the Bible) they are to be set aside, ignored, and marked as false and dangerous.
If our experiences lead us to a conclusion that differs from God’s Word, this proves that we have misinterpreted our life experience or we facing an attempt to be misled of Satan. There are never any exceptions to these principles.
The only value of our life experiences lies in their ability to remind us and reinforce in our minds the truths of God’s Word. Any life experience that would lead us away from the truth of the Word can be proven to be positively dangerous for the Christian and a tool that Satan has used to try to cause us to be shipwrecked in service to our Lord.
One of the greatest examples of this type of human experience is found in the historical event being described Exodus 7:8-13. In this event the servants of God, Moses and Aaron perform a genuine miracle to help persuade the Pharaoh to let the Israelites go and to prove they possessed genuine, Godly authority, but in response the servants of Pharaoh, through Satanic empowerment, performs the exact same counterfeit miracle that was meant to deceive and mislead …
And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Shew a miracle for you: then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast [it] before Pharaoh, [and] it shall become a serpent. And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent. Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents:…
If our account ended with this event, there would be utter confusion and great harm would be done to the cause of Jehovah. This is because it would appear that Pharaoh, and his hosts, possessed as much power and authority as the servants of Almighty God. It would cause confusion and conflict among the very nation of Israel itself.
But thanks to the Lord our account continues…
but Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods. And he hardened Pharaoh’s heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.
Here, we see the Lord actively intervening to undo the workings of the Satanic servants of Pharaoh. By Aaron’s rod swallowing up the rods of the Egyptian magicians, the Lord was making it plain that He was the Ultimate Authority over all.
Just as the Lord gave the Israelites a way in which they could discern the true nature of the servants of Pharaoh, He has done the same thing for us in today’s time. He has given to us the completed word of God which we can use as the standard to judge our every life experience….
And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?
To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, [it is] because [there is] no light in them. (Isaiah 8:19-20)
May the Lord bless you as you seek His truth concerning this very important subject.
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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 24:23-26
He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
Cultivate Godly Attitudes: Warn not Excuse: Proverbs 24:23-26
23) These [things] also [belong] to the wise. [It is] not good to have respect of persons in judgment.
24) He that saith unto the wicked, Thou [art] righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:
25) But to them that rebuke [him] shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.
26) [Every man] shall kiss [his] lips that giveth a right answer.
Solomon now shares with us teachings on the need to cultivate Godly attitudes…
EXPOSITION:
Here, we will see the need to kindly warn others of their sin not excuse it…
23) These [things] also [belong] to the wise. [It is] not good to have respect of persons in judgment.
The following four principles are possessed by those who know, understand and apply the Word to their lives, thus making them wise…
1. It is not beneficial, nor pleasing, to gaze differently upon persons when making judgments concerning them.
We are to render our decisions about others by looking at them in the light of God’s Word. Our decision making is to be done fairly and justly. Fairly, in that each person is to be treated alike with others. Justly in that all of our decisions are to be made based upon God’s law, not the differences that exist between the persons.
“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, [the Lord] of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one [point], he is guilty of all.” (James 2:1-10)
24) He that saith unto the wicked, Thou [art] righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:
2. He that tells the lawless that their actions are in alignment with the Law of God will find that individuals will wish judgment to fall upon him and communities will be disgusted with him.
Those who show favoritism in their decision making will find that they will lose the respect of others.
“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto [them that are] wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! … Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!” (Isaiah 5:20-23)
25) But to them that rebuke [him] shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.
3. To those who reveal and convict a man of their sinful deeds. A beneficial acts of God’s grace will be bestowed upon them.
Those who make honest judgments will receive the blessings of the Lord.
“Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.” (1 Timothy 5:20)
26) [Every man] shall kiss [his] lips that giveth a right answer.
4. Also to those who give the sinner a lawful, honest, and just answer will receive the appreciation and well wishes of others.
Those who make honest judgments will receive the favor and appreciation of others.
“Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand wherein I have erred. How forcible are right words! but what doth your arguing reprove? Do ye imagine to reprove words, and the speeches of one that is desperate, [which are] as wind?” (Job 6:24-26)
SUMMARY:
The importance of making honest, correct judgments cannot be ignored. When we make judgments that are just in God’s sight, we will receive His blessings and the approval of others. When we show favoritism towards others by making unjust judgments we will displease the Lord and be rejected by others.
May we all possess Godly wisdom and live our lives for Him.
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
To Avoid Being Drawn In By Worldly Temptations…. Keep Our Eyes On The Lord!
19) Fret not thyself because of evil [men], neither be thou envious at the wicked;
20) For there shall be no reward to the evil [man]; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.
21) My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: [and] meddle not with them that are given to change:
22) For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both? (Proverbs 24:19-22)
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
The Names Of Christ: “Holy One”
Christ is perfectly separated from sin to the service of His Heavenly Father.
Psa 16:10 – “For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.”
Act 2:27-31 – “Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption… He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.”
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SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 24:19-22
He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
Cultivate Godly Attitudes: Look To Lord, not Wicked: Proverbs 24:19-22
19) Fret not thyself because of evil [men], neither be thou envious at the wicked;
20) For there shall be no reward to the evil [man]; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.
21) My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: [and] meddle not with them that are given to change:
22) For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?
Solomon now shares with us teachings on the need to cultivate Godly attitudes…
EXPOSITION:
Here, we will see the need to keep our eyes on the goal of faithful service to our Lord and Savior…
19) Fret not thyself because of evil [men], neither be thou envious at the wicked;
We should not turn our eyes to those who are wicked….
1. Do not be anxious about those who bring ruin and opposition to others.
2. Nor should we desire to be like those who are lawless.
By keeping our eyes upon our Lord and faithful service for Him, we will keep our eyes off the wicked. This will result in less tension, stress and anxiety; as well as keeping our desires and motivations pure and Godly as well.
“I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers. I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.” (Psalms 26:4-5)
20) For there shall be no reward to the evil [man]; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.
Why are we to keep our eyes on Christ and His service?
1. Because, in the end, the lawless will not be blessed by God
2. The Lord will take away all their attractiveness (power, possessions, fame, etc etc)
If we begin to concentrate on the wicked and the temporary prosperity that they enjoy, we can find ourselves being attracted to their lifestyle and methods. However, by keeping our eye son the Lord, we can see “the end from the beginning” and we understand the temporal nature of their success.
“These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds [they are] without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.” (Jude 1:12-13)
21) My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: [and] meddle not with them that are given to change:
Because keeping our eyes on Christ is of great benefit….
1. We are to always recognize the Lord’s greatness and fear His hand of chastening and respect those who hold positions of human authority over us.
2. We are to not be intermingled with those who are inconsistent and wavering in their lifestyle.
A great motivator to keeping our eyes on the Lord and His service is three-fold: recognize His authority over us; recognize the threat of His hand of chastening upon us; and recognize the human authorities He has set over us. By doing these, we will keep ourselves separated from the wicked that dwell among us.
“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using [your] liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all [men]. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.” (1 Peter 2:13-17)
22) For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?
Why should we keep ourselves separated from the wicked?
1. Those who ignore the authorities over them, will swiftly and unexpectedly face a burning rod that will bring them misery and destruction
2. No one can fully understand the destruction that awaits those who ignore civil authorities and those who ignore their Ultimate Authority, the Lord.
By ignoring the Lord, and the civil authorities that He has set over us, we are destined to a lifestyle of disobedience, selfishness, abuse to others and ultimate ruin. Oh how important it is to focus upon Christ and His service as we live our lives on earth.
“Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, [so is] thy wrath.” (Psalms 90:11)
SUMMARY:
By keeping our eyes upon the Lord and those He has set over us:
1. Relieves anxiety about those who oppose us
2. Eliminates the desire to emulate the lawless
3. Allows escape from the coming judgment of the wicked
4. Allows us to experience the Godly motivations of reverence and fear of chastening
5. Allows us to remain separated from the wicked
May we all possess Godly wisdom and live our lives for Him.
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
The Imperative: Love Those Who May Oppose Us…
Lay not wait, O wicked [man], against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place: For a just [man] falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: Lest the LORD see [it], and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him. (Proverbs 24:15-18)
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
The Names Of Christ: “Heir Of All Things”
Christ Received From His Father Authority Over All Creation
Heb 1:2-3
“Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high”
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SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 24:15-18
He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
Cultivate Godly Attitudes: Justice Not Abuse: Proverbs 24:15-18
15) Lay not wait, O wicked [man], against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:
16) For a just [man] falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.
17) Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
18) Lest the LORD see [it], and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.
Solomon now shares with us teachings on the need to cultivate Godly attitudes…
EXPOSITION:
Here, we will see the need to treat others justly, being on guard against abusing others…
15) Lay not wait, O wicked [man], against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:
Solomon now gives a solemn warning against the abuse of God’s people…
1. Morally crooked one, do not set an ambush to destroy the home of the lawful ones
2. and do not overtake by force the place where God’s people find peace and security.
Those who are lawless seek to abuse the people of God. They do this by catching them off guard, destroying their family, possessions, shelter, peace and security. All of this is done for the personal gain of the wicked and to hinder the Godly’s walk with Christ.
Why do the lawless, many times, make the righteous the target of their abuse? For many, it is because, the Godly walk of the righteous are a constant source of guilt upon the ungody. This takes place as the Lord uses the testimony of the righteous to convict the lost of their sinful actions and condition.
“The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment. The law of his God [is] in his heart; none of his steps shall slide. The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him. The LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.” (Psalms 37:30-33)
16) For a just [man] falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.
1. Those aligned with the law of God may hindered and cast down seven times (a perfect number of times) yet the Lord continues to bless them and give them the ability to continue on.
2. But the wicked will live a lifestyle of wrongdoing and abuse which will result in their permanent downfall.
Although the Godly will suffer persecution, they will find renewal and eventual success in their service to Christ. In comparison a lost man may be temporarily successful in their abuse of others, but will eventually face ruin.
“The eyes of the LORD [are] upon the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their cry. The face of the LORD [is] against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. [The righteous] cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The LORD [is] nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many [are] the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken. Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate. The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.” (Psalms 34:15-22)
17) Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
1. Do not make fun of your opposition when they are brought down
2. Do not desire your enemy’s defeat, nor be glad when he grows faint and falls.
The Lord desires for His people to be compassionate, forgiving and merciful towards others. To actively desire our enemies defeat is showing a lack of all of these. We should be grieved to see the spiritual condition of our enemies and seek his salvation and the divine forgiveness of his sins.
“Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more [than others]? do not even the publicans so?” (Matthew 5:43-47)
18) Lest the LORD see [it], and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.
When we show an unmerciful attitude towards our enemies, when the Lord regards it …
1. it vexes Him to look upon it,
2. and the Lord will remove His hand of judgment from upon the wicked.
Note: In response to a saint’s unmerciful attitude, why would the Lord remove His hand of judgment from upon the enemies that oppose us? It could possibly be a part of His chastening upon His people. By allowing the wicked to prosper once again, the Lord is opening the door for the continuing abuse of the unforgiving child of God. This would be a very fitting type of chastening as the unforgiving saint must now face the continuing mistreatment from his opposition.
“Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: [and] he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.” (Proverbs 17:5)
SUMMARY:
Although those who are lost, will in some cases, seek to harm the followers of Christ. The people of God are to show them kindness, graciousness and forgiveness. We can rest assured that the Lord will make all things right. When we see Him working in the lives of the wicked, we are to not find joy in His hand of punishment upon them. When we do, it is very possible He will remove His hand from upon them and, as a form of chastening, allow them to continue their abuse of us.
May we all possess Godly wisdom and live our lives for Him.
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
Live For That Which Gives Lasting Spiritual Benefits…
My son, eat thou honey, because [it is] good; and the honeycomb, [which is] sweet to thy taste: So [shall] the knowledge of wisdom [be] unto thy soul: when thou hast found [it], then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off. (Proverbs 24:13-14)
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
The Names Of Christ: “Head Of The (Body) Church”
Christ Is The Owner and The Leader Of The Local Assembly
Eph 5:23
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
Col 1:18
And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
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SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 24:13-14
He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
Cultivate Godly Attitudes: Blessings Not Loss: Proverbs 24:13-14
13) My son, eat thou honey, because [it is] good; and the honeycomb, [which is] sweet to thy taste:
14) So [shall] the knowledge of wisdom [be] unto thy soul: when thou hast found [it], then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.
Solomon now shares with us teachings on the need to cultivate Godly attitudes…
EXPOSITION:
Solomon points our attention to a very important truth… faithfulness to the Lord now, secures future blessings for us.
13) My son, eat thou honey, because [it is] good; and the honeycomb, [which is] sweet to thy taste:
Solomon, out of love and concern for his students, now teaches us to:
1. devour honey because it is beneficial and pleasing
2. devour the honeycomb because it tastes pleasant to the palate
Many times, we have a tendency to only “live for the moment” without regard for the long term results of our actions. Solomon reminds us that we are to apply those things that not only give us pleasure, but also long term benefit for our lives. These are the things that we are to dedicate our lives to obtaining and applying.
Christ, at His first coming, set the perfect example of this principle for us to follow…
“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good. For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.” (Isaiah 7:14-16)
14) So [shall] the knowledge of wisdom [be] unto thy soul: when thou hast found [it], then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.
Solomon now directs us to God’s Word as the ultimate source of current pleasure, as well as long term benefit…
1. the practical application of God’s Word to our lives holds lasting benefits for our physical life
2. when we have come to possess wisdom, we will receive a temporal reward of God’s blessings. His wisdom will also continue to reap blessings for us into eternity.
The obtaining of wisdom (the proper application of God’s Word to our lives) is of utmost benefit for the child of God, both now and into eternity. Now, because it will assure our Godly service to Christ, while into eternity it will reap many rewards and blessings for us.
“For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth [therein], he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” (James 1:23-25)
SUMMARY:
One of the greatest motivating forces that will dictate our life that is lived on this earth, should be the consideration of the future results to our current actions. We should always strive to do today what will reap future spiritual benefits for us.
A Christian should NEVER simply “live for the moment” without regard for future results of our lifestyle and individual actions.
May we all possess Godly wisdom and live our lives for Him.
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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