The Importance Of The Local Church -13 “Summary Of Our Study”
“…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 final lesson of our study let’s quickly review all that we have looked at and attempt to apply these truths to our lives in a practical way.
THE STUDY:
Here is a listing of all the main truths we have learned in this study on the Lord’s local assemblies…
1. The Nature Of The Assembly
a. The Local, Visible, Called Out Assembly
b. The Benefits Of The Assembly
c. The Existence Of The Assembly
d. The Foundation Of The Assembly
2. The Mission Of The Assembly
a. The Great Commission
b. Evangelizing The Lost
c. Baptizing The New Believer
d. Instructing The Membership
3. The Other Truths About The Assembly
a. The Blessings Of The Assembly
b. The Accrediting Of The Assembly
c. The Attendance Of The Assembly
d. The Metaphors Of The Assembly
In all of these areas one basic principle was seen repeatedly… The local assembly of the Lord, His church, is THE distinctive assembly that was created and authorized to bring honor and glory to God through our Lord Jesus Christ…
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him [be] glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Even beyond that, our study has shown us that, due to the unique nature and authority of the Lord’s assembly, it enjoys a very special, intimate relationship with Christ…
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20)
What a wonderful promise the Lord gives to those who are members of His assembly. It doesn’t matter how large or small the assembly, when God’s people gather to worship Him in spirit and in truth, He promises to meet with them in a very special, intimate way. He does this in the person of the Holy Spirit that not only indwells the body of the individual believer, but also indwells the assembly as the body of Christ.
It is very important to notice three basic principles in this text:
1. First of all, this is describing those who are “gathered together”. If we study this phrase, we find it is translated from a Greek word that means “to be led, or brought, together”. This isn’t simply a group of Christians that are meeting together. It is clearly saying that these Christians are led, or drawn, by the leadership of the Spirit to this meeting.
2. Secondly, when it speaks of the Lord being in “the midst” of them. This phrase is teaching us that, when God’s people are led by the Holy Spirit to meet together, He will be “right in the middle of things”. He will be actively involved in all that is taking place, working in a way that supercedes His normal workings in the world around us.
3. Thirdly, this gathering is in “the name” of Christ. This phrase is speaking to us about the motivation behind this assembly. These saints, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, are meeting in alignment with Christ’s will with a desire to honor, glorify, and worship God. It is not to promote nor exalt themselves, nor their assembly, but it is a meeting that is centered on bringing to God all the glory, honor and praise.
One more important point that is normally missed concerns the nature of the assembly that is being described. Normally, we have a tendency to apply this text to all believers who meet together to worship or serve Him in any way. In the mind of many, this is not limited to a local church assembly of members.
Please keep in mind:
1. first of all, we have already seen that this gathering must take place as the result of following the leading of the Holy Spirit of God, motivated to glorify God alone. It is not just a random assemblage of Christians.
2. more importantly, we must note the context of this passage to properly understand the assembly of which this speaks.
In the context (Matt 18:15-17) the subject of local church discipline is being addressed. It speaks of two disagreeing individuals, who are both under the authority of the local church. This text is explaining the process where their differences are to be resolved, or if not resolved, the local church discipline that should be enacted….
“Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear [thee, then] take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell [it] unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican…
In the very near context the authority of the local assembly is affirmed. Not only does the local church have the authority to discipline its members, but also to discern the will of God and powerfully intercede according to His will, is confirmed in (Matt 18:18-19)…
“Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.”
Then, the source of the great authority of the local church assembly is described as the special presence of the Lord. As the Lord uniquely meets with His people, they are enabled to perceive His will as an assembly, and then act according to that will in worship, prayer and at times, unfortunately, the exercise of disciplinary proceedings (Matthew 18:20)…
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
THE SUMMARY:
In this 13 part study, we have attempted to look at a few of the reasons why a Christian should seek out and join an assembly of the Lord when it is possible to do so. In the midst of all the previous reasons we have listed, the greatest reason of all is found in our study today…
We, as Christians, are to join and actively support the ministry of the local church of the Lord because of the church’s ONE OF A KIND, intimate relationship with its Founder, Sustainer and Head, the Lord Jesus Christ. Nowhere else on earth can this profound connection with Jesus Christ be found…
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. DRAW NIGH TO GOD, AND HE WILL DRAW NIGH TO YOU.” (James 4:7-8)
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
Do We Live Contented Lives Or Do We Say “It Is Not Enough”?
The horseleach hath two daughters, [crying], Give, give. There are three [things that] are never satisfied, [yea], four [things] say not, [It is] enough:
the grave; and the barren womb; the earth [that] is not filled with water; and the fire [that] saith not, [It is] enough.
The eye [that] mocketh at [his] father, and despiseth to obey [his] mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it. (Proverbs 30:15-17)
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 30:15-17
He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
The Proverbs Of Agur: “It Is Not Enough”: Proverbs 30:15-17
15) The horseleach hath two daughters, [crying], Give, give. There are three [things that] are never satisfied, [yea], four [things] say not, [It is] enough:
16) The grave; and the barren womb; the earth [that] is not filled with water; and the fire [that] saith not, [It is] enough.
17) The eye [that] mocketh at [his] father, and despiseth to obey [his] mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.
In this chapter we may have a new author, a man by the name of Agur. Very little is known about this man but, from the context of our text, it seems as if he is a teacher who is instructing his two students Ithiel and Ucal.
EXPOSITION:
Agur now gives to us several pictures of dissatisfaction and unfulfilled lusts…
15) The horseleach hath two daughters, [crying], Give, give. There are three [things that] are never satisfied, [yea], four [things] say not, [It is] enough:
1. The leech which is constantly crying for more blood
2. has two others that follow its example and shares in its unsatisfied desires…
3. there are three things that are never filled and content
4. there are four things that do not utter “I need no more”
In this opening verse of our text, Agur sets the stage for what is about to come. All of this section will be addressing those who possess selfish desires which are never satiated….
“But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, [as] they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots [they are] and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam [the son] of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet. These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.” (2 Peter 2:12-17)
16) The grave; and the barren womb; the earth [that] is not filled with water; and the fire [that] saith not, [It is] enough.
Four other examples from nature of things which cannot be satisfied are:
1. The grave – which will always be willing and able to receive more bodies of those who have died.
2. The barren womb – which is constantly seeking to bear a child, yet will never give birth.
3. The dry earth – which will always need rain to keep it moist and fruitful.
4. The fire – needs a constant flow of fuel to extend its life.
These all help us to understand the condition of the sinful heart which is filled with lusts which can never bring true satisfaction and contentment.
“Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.” (Proverbs 27:20)
17) The eye [that] mocketh at [his] father, and despiseth to obey [his] mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.
Agur now uses two final examples (ravens and eagles) to complete his theme….
1. The person who perceives his father as one to be ridiculed and slighted
2. The person who shows no respect to submission to the loving authority of their mother
3. The ravens that live in the lush valley shall peck out the eye
4. The eagles that have youthful strength and ability shall consume it.
Here we are told that the Lord’s judgments upon the haughty and prideful (ravens and eagles) will not be satisfied. On the contrary, the Lord will continue to bring discipline upon those who are full of disobedience as long as disobedience exists in the world. He will never grow weary nor lax in His judgment against of sin. His justice will never be satisfied as long as sin is unpunished.
“For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.” (Galatians 3:10)
SUMMARY:
Due to the sinful lusts that dwell within all mankind, we find ourselves constantly desiring that which will never satisfy nor bring lasting contentment. These same desires, when acted upon, bring forth a certainty of judgment from the Lord, for all sin must be judged. Just as the sinful desires of man are never satisfied, so to the judgment of God upon those sins. The major question for each of us is this….
Must we stand and face the judgment of God for our sins or has the punishment for our sins been paid thought the death of Christ on the cross?
“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” (Ephesians 5:1-2)
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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The Generation In Which We Live…
11) [There is] a generation [that] curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.
12) [There is] a generation [that are] pure in their own eyes, and [yet] is not washed from their filthiness.
13) [There is] a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.
14) [There is] a generation, whose teeth [are as] swords, and their jaw teeth [as] knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from [among] men. (Proverbs 30:11-14)
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
May The Lord Grant You A Blessed Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving Devotional Lessons (Click On Link):
A Christian’s Thanksgiving Day
Therefore, O God, We Thank Thee
Let The Redeemed Of The Lord Say So
“A Month of Thankfulness” 30 Part Devotional Series (Day 1)
SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 30:11-14
He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
The Proverbs Of Agur: There Is A Generation…: Proverbs 30:11-14
11) [There is] a generation [that] curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.
12) [There is] a generation [that are] pure in their own eyes, and [yet] is not washed from their filthiness.
13) [There is] a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.
14) [There is] a generation, whose teeth [are as] swords, and their jaw teeth [as] knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from [among] men.
In this chapter we may have a new author, a man by the name of Agur. Very little is known about this man but, from the context of our text, it seems as if he is a teacher who is instructing his two students Ithiel and Ucal.
EXPOSITION:
Agur now explains some of the distinguishing marks of a generation that is given over to sin…
11) [There is] a generation [that] curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.
1. There is an age that disrespects by mocking their father
2. There is an age that does not submit to, nor wish well to come to, their mother.
There is an age that disrespects those who exercise loving authority over them.
12) [There is] a generation [that are] pure in their own eyes, and [yet] is not washed from their filthiness.
1. There is an age that perceives themselves to be clean and without blemish
2. and yet they are not cleansed from their own waste
There is an age that does not perceive their sinful condition and their alienation from the Lord
13) [There is] a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.
1. There is an age that possesses eyes that look over others
2. There is an age that show their pride in their looks of disgust and disregard for others.
There is an age that are prideful of heart and mind to the point of contempt of all others
14) [There is] a generation, whose teeth [are as] swords, and their jaw teeth [as] knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from [among] men.
1. There is an age that have sharp teeth like swords of war
2. There is an age that have incisors like sharp eating utensils
3. that are used to “chew and swallow up” (like eating a meal)
4. those who are afflicted, pained and tormented
5. and those who lack necessities of life
There is an age that will abuse the defenseless, poor and suffering for their own personal gain.
SUMMARY:
Some outstanding marks of a generation that ignore the principles of God’s Words and live lives according to their sinful lusts….
1. There is an age that disrespects those who exercise loving authority over them.
2. There is an age that does not perceive their sinful condition and their alienation from the Lord
3. There is an age that are prideful of heart and mind to the point of contempt of all others
4. There is an age that will abuse the defenseless, poor and suffering for their own personal gain.
Please keep in mind, these attitudes existed throughout human history. However it does appear as if these type of attitudes are increasing gradually over time. These types of prideful, selfish, carnal attitudes are said to take place before the second coming of Christ….
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
As we look around us at the world in which we live, may we humbly bow before our Lord and ask Him to intervene and grant salvation and wisdom to the sinful generation in which we are living.
“Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in [their] heart; and they have not known my ways. So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.” (Hebrews 3:7-12)
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
What Are Our Greatest Desires?
7) Two [things] have I required of thee; deny me [them] not before I die:
8) Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:
9) Lest I be full, and deny [thee], and say, Who [is] the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God [in vain].
10) Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty. (Proverbs 30:7-10)
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
The Names Of Christ: “Prince of Peace”
Jesus Is The One Who Leads Us To Peace
Isa 9:6 – For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
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http://settledinheaven.org
SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 30:7-10
He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
The Proverbs Of Agur: The Desires Of Agur: Proverbs 30:7-10
7) Two [things] have I required of thee; deny me [them] not before I die:
8) Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:
9) Lest I be full, and deny [thee], and say, Who [is] the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God [in vain].
10) Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.
In this chapter we may have a new author, a man by the name of Agur. Very little is known about this man but, from the context of our text, it seems as if he is a teacher who is instructing his two students Ithiel and Ucal.
EXPOSITION:
Agur now explains the desires of his heart in an effort to set an example for each one of us…
7) Two [things] have I required of thee; deny me [them] not before I die:
1. Agur brought before the Lord two requests that could only be fulfilled by the Lord
2. He then asked the Lord to bestow both of these requests upon him prior to his death.
a. We can see in this text that Agur understood his great need of the Lord in his life. Agur recognized that only the Lord could give him what he was requesting, he was unable to supply these things for himself.
b. Secondly, we can see that he was a patient man who understood the Lord blesses in His timing not ours. Agur was willing to wait his entire lifetime for the Lord to answer his request. His only desire was to see the Lord’s blessings come upon him before his passing.
“That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.” (Acts 17:27-28)
8) Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:
The two requests of Agur:
1. drive away from me worthlessness and deceitfulness
2. bestow upon me the proper supplies that will be properly measured to fill my needs (I am not asking to be kept in a condition of want nor am I asking for overflowing wealth )
Agur desired of the Lord both spiritual and physical supplies:
1. Spiritually, he was asking the Lord to make his life count in his service and allow him to live honestly life.
“Vanity” means worthlessness, waste, or nothingness. He is saying that he wanted to be kept from wasting his life by chasing after worthless, spiritually valueless pursuits, or creating a worthless testimony through deceitful living.
2. Physically, he was asking the Lord to meet his material needs (to avoid excessive need or excessive wealth). Why didn’t Agur desire great wealth?
He knew that great wealth opens up great avenues of temptation, which when submitted to, can lead to a wasted life of carnal living.
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into [this] world, [and it is] certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” (1 Timothy 6:6-8)
9) Lest I be full, and deny [thee], and say, Who [is] the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God [in vain].
Why didn’t Agur desire great wealth or desire poverty? He knew that evils would come from either…
1. If he has an abundance of wealth, he will be perfectly satisfied and deny the role of the Lord in his life. He will think himself to be self-sufficient with no need of Him.
2. If he lives in a constant state of need and lack, he will be tempted to take the belongings of others and curse the Lord for not meeting his needs.
We can see, in all of this, that Agur’s true desire was to please the Lord with his life. He knew a big part of his success would be based on the avoidance of temptations that can lead to sin and a ruined testimony.
“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)
“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed [is] willing, but the flesh [is] weak.” (Matthew 26:41)
10) Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.
As Agur begins to teach, he reminds us of the ill effects of being over-critical of others…
1. do not slander a bond servant
2. he may wish evil to come upon you and bring disrespect upon you through his speech and actions
3. this will cause others to find fault with you as well.
How can we apply to the previous verses in this text? This is another desire of his heart. As he taught the Word, he desired for his students to look at their own lives and their need of the truths of God.
Agur knew how easy it is for us to hear God’s Word and then apply the principles, in fleshly way, to find fault in lives of others. This can make us feel better about our own shortcomings. But as Agur taught, he desired for his students to hear his words and seek to apply them to their own lives. He did not want the teachings of the Lord to be used to make carnal, critical, false judgments based upon our own fleshly motivations. This should always be one of our concerns as we hear the teachings of the Word.
SUMMARY:
May the Lord bless us with the same set of Godly desires as shown to us in the life of Agur.
May we all desire for:
1. our life to be God honoring
2. our needs be met
3. we avoid temptations that can ruin us
4. His teachings to be used to change our hearts and lives and bring us closer to 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 Word Of God Is Perfect… Nothing Can Be Added To It…
5) Every word of God [is] pure: he [is] a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 6) Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. (Proverbs 30:5-6)
The Names Of Christ: “Prince of Life”
Jesus Is The One Who Leads Us To Life
Act 3:15 – And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.
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http://settledinheaven.org
SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 30:5-6
He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
The Proverbs Of Agur: The Word Is Impeccable: Proverbs 30:5-6
5) Every word of God [is] pure: he [is] a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
6) Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
In this chapter we may have a new author, a man by the name of Agur. Very little is known about this man but, from the context of our text, it seems as if he is a teacher who is instructing his two students Ithiel and Ucal.
As Agur begins to share God’s Word with us, he reminds us of the exclusivity of the Word… it is perfect, all-encompassing and is exclusively backed by Divine authority. No other teaching whether in written or verbal form can begin to compare to it. This is why we should listen to his message very carefully…
EXPOSITION:
5) Every word of God [is] pure: he [is] a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Agur now shares two motivations for us to follow the Word of God that he is revealing to us.
1. The speech of God is perfectly refined (with no error)
2. God is a protector of those who put their confidence in him
We are to follow his teachings (and all the Word of God) because:
a. it is a perfect message that proceeds from the One that deserves all of our worship. Why do we owe Him our undivided devotion? Because we owe our physical and spiritual life to Him (He is our Creator and Redeemer).
In other words, we are to follow His Word because WE OWE IT TO HIM.
b. God is the One that meets our every need as we look to Him in faith. One of the greatest tools He uses to supply our needs is through the teachings found in His Word.
In other words, we are to follow His Word because IT IS OF GREAT SPIRITUAL BENEFIT TO US.
6) Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
Agur continues to explain the sanctity of the Word. When this sanctity is violated there are two devastating results.
1. Do not expand to His Word or attempt to improve it in any way
2. He will convict, chasten and correct us
3. We will be revealed as a deceiver
Folks, we should take great heed to this warning from Agur. There are many dangers that await those who attempt to in any way change or augment the Word of God. This principle is declared throughout both the Old and New Testament portions of the Word…
Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish [ought] from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. (Deuteronomy 4:2)
Moses warned the children of Israel of the need to be certain to not change the Word in any way. This includes adding to it or diminishing it (taking away from it or changing it).
For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book. (Revelation 22:18-19)
As John penned the final book of the Bible, he brought the revelation of God to an end and gives the fateful warning to not add, nor take away from Divine revelation in its entirety.
We should never think that Agur, Moses or John’s warnings only apply to their own individual writings. This warning is found throughout the Scriptures helping us to understand that the entire, inspired Word is included in this grave warning.
Think of it this way, if we limit this warning to the writings of the individuals who are giving the warning, we are by implication, saying that the others parts of the Bible can be added to, taken away, or changed. These warnings are not found in every book of the Bible, therefore do we have the right to change those books? Absolutely not.
And yet there are those who claim that the Word can be added to today. Their reasoning is that the warnings we have looked at only apply to the books of Deuteronomy, Revelation and the Proverb that Agur wrote. Therefore, it is perfectly acceptable for them to add their own “revelation” to the mix. How sad.
Please do not fall for their message of deceit. When they say “God has given me a new message” or “God has revealed to me a new truth”, just rack it up to Satan, turn from the messenger of error, and turn back to the Word for Godly instruction.
Why is this warning given, and why is it such a “big deal” if we purposely change His Word?
All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
In this text, we are to look to the Word is the God-given tool that would perfectly, thoroughly gives us all we need to serve the Lord in a way pleasing to Him. From this text we can learn several different truths:
a. The Word is a completed revelation.
If there were still portions to be revealed to man it could never result in men being described as “perfect (complete)” and “throughly (fully equipped or finished being equipped)”. If we were waiting for the final pieces of revelation to come to us, it would be as if we are waiting for the last pieces of equipment to be supplied to us as we prepare for spiritual warfare.
(The Word was completed around 100 AD with the writing of the last Biblical book, The Revelation Of Jesus Christ which was given to the Apostle John. From that point forward we have had the complete revelation of God given to man. As such, we now have the ability to be throughly furnished for spiritual warfare.
b. Since the Word is our source of “equipment” for spiritual battle we dare not add to it, take from it, or change it in any way.
If we do, we are making the equipment God has given to us less effective for our spiritual warfare. After all, there is NO WAY we can be improving what God has given to us, therefore our “changes” must deteriorate its effectiveness.
c. Finally, by changing His inspired Word we are, by our actions, stating that we know better than the Lord.
If we add to it, we are saying that He didn’t give us all that we need.
If we take away from it, we are saying he gave us what we did not need.
If we change it, we are calling Him a liar and we need to correct Him.
In all three of these changes, we are calling Him imperfect, sinful and beneath us.
SUMMARY:
In these verses, Agur helps us to understand the importance of his teachings (as the very Word of God) and the importance to not change God’s Word in any way. God’s Word is the perfect Word of the Lord given to equip us for spiritual warfare.
If we present untruth under the guise of the Truth, we are hindering His service and blaspheming His person and Word. Therefore, we all must labor to come to a proper understanding of the Word and then clearly present it to others. In doing so, we are equipping ourselves and others to be fully equipped to do the work of the Lord.
This is what Agur was doing for his students and for each one of us.
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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Biblical Metaphors Describing The Local Assembly….
“But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” (1 Timothy 3:15)
For The SIH Bible Study On This Subject:
Thanksgiving Day Devotional 2013
“Let The Redeemed Of The Lord Say So”
1) O give thanks unto the LORD, for [he is] good: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.
2) Let the redeemed of the LORD say [so], whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
3) And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.
4) They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.
5) Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.
6) Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, [and] he delivered them out of their distresses.
7) And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.
8) Oh that [men] would praise the LORD [for] his goodness, and [for] his wonderful works to the children of men!
9) For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. (Psalms 107:1-9 KJV)
For The SIH Thanksgiving Devotional On This Text:
The Importance Of The Local Church -12 “The Metaphors Describing The Assembly”
“…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 twelfth lesson of our study on the Lord’s church, we will be looking at the metaphors used in the Bible to describe the Lord’s assembly. By studying these metaphors we will be seeing another aspect of the importance of the Lord’s assembly for every Christian.
Basically, a metaphor is used to describe a likeness that exists between two unrelated things.
An example of this is when Christ said “I am the door” in John 10:9. Although Christ is totally unrelated to a literal door, He uses this metaphor to describe the idea that it is through Him that we can receive access to eternal life (just like a door gives access to a room).
THE STUDY:
Here is a listing and short descriptions of the main metaphors used in God’s Word to reveal truths about His local assembly.
1. “The Pillar and Ground Of The Truth”
“But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” (1 Timothy 3:15)
The local assembly holds up (pillar) and supports (foundation) the truths of God’s Word. It is through the ministry of the local assembly that the truths of God are published and defended.
2. “The House Of God”
“But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” (1 Timothy 3:15)
The church is a meeting place for the Lord and His family. It is within the confines of the assembly of God that the Lord meets with His people in a very special way. As they worship, seek His face,and desire to serve Him; He, in turn, speaks to them through His Word.
3. “The Flock Of God”
“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” (Acts 20:28)
“The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over [God’s] heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” (1 Peter 5:1-4)
The metaphor of the flock teaches us many truths about the Lord’s relation to His local assembly. Here, the Lord is pictured as the “chief Shepherd” while His assembly is pictured as a flock of sheep:
1. The Lord feeds His assembly, as a shepherd feeds his sheep. – The church is to look to Him for their spiritual strength and nourishment.
2. The Lord leads His assembly, as a shepherd leads his sheep – The church is to follow the Lord and His will for their lives
3. The Lord protects His assembly, as a shepherd protects his sheep – The church is to rely upon Him for their spiritual warfare, realizing they are defenseless without Him.
4. The Lord died for His assembly, as a shepherd gives his life to protect his sheep. This allows the forgiveness of sins of the individuals within the assembly, as well as, the sins committed by the church as a local assembly. – Now we, as individual members and an assembly, should be committed to serve Him with all our beings, as living sacrifices for Him.
5. Human pastors are given the responsibility to watch over the Lord’s assemblies in His absence, and empowered and led by the Spirit are to feed, lead and protect the assembly.
Not only did Christ die for the individual members of a local church, but also He died for the church as an assembly. (see more about this under metaphor #6, Eph 5:22-31)
4. “The Body Of Christ”
“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, [being] many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” (Romans 12:3-5)
“For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also [is] Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body [were] an eye, where [were] the hearing? If the whole [were] hearing, where [were] the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where [were] the body? But now [are they] many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those [members] of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely [parts] have more abundant comeliness. For our comely [parts] have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that [part] which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but [that] the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” (1 Corinthians 12:12-27)
Although the church membership is made up of individual members, we are to remember there is a unity that exists between those members, therefore we are to treat each other with respect and a willingness to minister to each other.
The individual members of the local assembly have specific tasks to fulfill within that assembly. When each of the members is submitted to fulfill the specific role each has been given, the church is a healthy church which will work together in unity for the cause of Christ. Every member is brought into the local body to contribute to the functioning of that body with the specific gifts and ministries that they have been given.
“And hath put all [things] under his feet, and gave him [to be] the head over all [things] to the church,
Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.” (Ephesians 1:22-23)
Christ possesses the authority to rule over all, including His local assembly on earth. The church is to be in submission to Him. Christ, fills the assembly revealing Himself to the local church as they worship Him in spirit and in truth.
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ:” (Ephesians 4:11-15)
The offices of the local church were established for the strengthening, maturing and enabling of the members of the assembly. This spiritual growth of the assembly allows them to recognize and refute false teaching as well as become more holy as an assembly and individual Christians in that assembly.
“If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and [be] not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, [and] which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church: Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; [Even] the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:” (Colossians 1:23-26)
The church’s role is to proclaim the truths of the gospel message which will result in affliction and persecution of the assembly. This persecution should be accepted with joy realizing that Christ suffered for us as individuals and the assembly as a whole.
5. “A Candlestick”
“And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; And in the midst of the seven candlesticks [one] like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and [his] hairs [were] white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes [were] as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance [was] as the sun shineth in his strength.” (Revelation 1:12-16)
“Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.” (Revelation 1:19-20)
Here we see a vision John received in vs 12-16 and the interpretation of that vision in vs 19-20. In the interpretation, we find that the candlesticks in his vision represent the local assemblies of the Lord. Why is the assembly pictured as a candlestick? Because it holds forth the light of God’s Word in the midst of a sin darkened world around us. Also note the close relationship that Christ shares with His assemblies. They all surround Him picturing subjects who have entered the presence of a king awaiting His commands.
6. Every Local Assembly Will Someday Be A Part Of The “Bride Of Christ”
“Would to God ye could bear with me a little in [my] folly: and indeed bear with me. For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present [you as] a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or [if] ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with [him].” (2 Corinthians 11:1-4)
Paul, as missionary, played a very important role in the founding of the church at Corinth. Here, he is telling the church that he has labored to given the church the truths of God so that they might remain faithful to the Lord. This would result in them standing before the Lord on the last day as a faithful bride awaiting to partake of a new level of communion with the Lord throughout eternity. Much like a bride on her wedding day is prepared to experience new forms of intimacy with her husband…
“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed [are] they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.” (Revelation 19:7-9)
This takes place when all of the saints gather and commune with the Lord. At this future event, they will be a local assembled body of believers (in other words, a local assembly located in heaven). They will stand before Him, ready to be united with Him to enjoy a new level of communion, worship and service to Him…
“But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,” (Hebrews 12:22-23)
“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 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. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so [let] the wives [be] to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.” (Ephesians 5:22-31)
Here, the Lord’s leadership and authority over the local church is in view. The church should be in submission to the leadership of Christ, serving Him as His helpmeet. This is compared to the wife in a marriage being in submission to her husband as he leads the family to obey Christ above all else and then making decisions that put her needs and desires before his own as he loves her as Christ loves the assembly.
Note in this text we clearly see the purpose of Christ’s death for His assemblies described…
”even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,”
in other words, it is through His death that the church assembly can receive the forgiveness of the sins of the assembly and be sanctified and prepared for His use and to be spotless before Him on the last day. ALL SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS THAT COME UPON INDIVIDUAL CHRISTIANS, AND LOCAL ASSEMBLIES, COME THROUGH THE WORK OF CHRIST ON THE CROSS. The cross of Christ is the channel through which all blessings flow.
THE SUMMARY:
In this lesson we have seen several truths about the Lord’s local assemblies presented to us:
It is the:
1. “The Pillar and Ground Of The Truth” – The local assembly holds up (pillar) and supports (foundation) the truths of God’s Word.
2. “The House Of God” – The church is a meeting place for the Lord and His family.
3. “The Flock Of God” – The Lord leads, feeds and protects His assembly and the Lord died for His assembly.
4. “The Body Of Christ” – A unity exists between the individual members of the assembly, arising from a joint need one of another. The church is to follow the directions of the Lord.
5. “A Candlestick” – The assembly holds forth the light of God’s Word in the midst of a sin darkened world around us and enjoys a close relationship with Christ.
6. “The Bride Of Christ” – The final gathering of believers before the Lord will be like a faithful bride awaiting to partake of a new level of communion with her spouse (the Lord). The Lord died so that the church could be sanctified and stand before Him spotless upon entrance into eternity with Him.
Why should we join with and support a local assembly of believers? Because of its close intimate relation with Christ and its six-fold unique role of service to the Lord.
May the Lord bless us as we seek His truth.
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No Man Can Begin To Compare To Our Lord
1) The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, [even] the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,
2) Surely I [am] more brutish than [any] man, and have not the understanding of a man.
3) I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.
4) Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what [is] his name, and what [is] his son’s name, if thou canst tell?
(Proverbs 30:1-4)
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
The Names Of Christ: “Plant Of Renown”
Jesus Is Supreme In Person, Character, Work and Reputation
Eze 34:29 – And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and they shall be no more consumed with hunger in the land, neither bear the shame of the heathen any more.
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SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 30:1-4
He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
The Proverbs Of Agur: Agur’s Identity and Humility: Proverbs 30:1-4
1) The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, [even] the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,
2) Surely I [am] more brutish than [any] man, and have not the understanding of a man.
3) I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.
4) Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what [is] his name, and what [is] his son’s name, if thou canst tell?
In this chapter we may have a new author, a man by the name of Agur. Very little is known about this man but, from the context of our text, it seems as if he is a teacher who is instructing his two students Ithiel and Ucal.
However, many sound scholars believe that “Agur” is simply another title for King Solomon….
“Agur the son of Jakeh” is translated from the Hebrew phrase “the one of the harvest who is the son of the obedient one”.
Both parts of this title could easily apply to Solomon:
1. Solomon was “the one of the harvest” , he is the one that had gathered (or harvested) all of this wisdom throughout his lifetime and then compiled it into this book.
2. He was clearly the son of “the obedient one”, David, who was a man after God’s own heart (1 Sam 13:14).
My own personal thoughts are that “Agur” is probably not a title for Solomon. As we read down through this chapter, we will see the sentence structure seems to be somewhat different…
1. Solomon was making constant comparisons of opposites by using the form a:b (a compared to its opposite b). please refer to 29:2-4 for one of MANY examples of this. This form is not found once in this chapter.
2. Also, many of the verses in this chapter are much longer in length than the previous chapters we have studied. They do not appear like the writings of Solomon.
3. Some of the descriptions of himself do not seem to match Solomon. For example his limited education (vs 1-3) and his mid class lifestyle (vs 7-9) cannot apply to Solomon, one of the most highly educated and rich men who ever lived.
I am the first to admit I have a limited knowledge of the Biblical Hebrew language, so I certainly cannot speak with any certainty on this subject. But I did want to mention my thoughts on the subject.
EXPOSITION:
In this section of his writings, the author describes himself and gives us a glimpse of his humble spirit…
1) The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, [even] the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,
Agur recognized the great importance of his calling….
1. The advice and counsel of Agur was received as a “burden” (a heavy responsibility).
2. Agur spoke as an oracle (one who speaks as a representative of God) to Ithiel and Ucal
Agur was a man that was given the responsibility to represent God by teaching wisdom that originates from God. He took this responsibility very seriously and therefore it “weighed heavy” upon him. It is with this recognition of the great importance of the teachings of God that he presented his message to his students.
2) Surely I [am] more brutish than [any] man, and have not the understanding of a man. 3) I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.
Agur understood that, apart from the Lord, he was unable to fulfill the great responsibility given to him….
1. Truly Agur believed he was ignorant and foolish (like a beast) in comparison to other highly educated men.
2. He recognized himself as not possessing the human discernment that others exhibited in their lives.
3. He recognized that he did not attend schools that taught the philosophies and psychologies of men
4. Nor did he have the same level of knowledge of religious things like other men.
Here, we see that Agur quickly acknowledges his shortcomings in the eyes of other men. He was not highly educated in religion, philosophy, or psychology of men. When others looked at him, there was no compelling reason for them to listen to his message.
He recognizes his shortcomings in the eyes of the world. Yet he knows he must fulfill his calling and reveal the words of God to men. It would be a matter of faith on his part, knowing that the Lord must enable him to speak the truth and open the hearts of those to whom he would speak.
4) Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what [is] his name, and what [is] his son’s name, if thou canst tell?
His explanation why others should listen to his message…
1. Show me the person who has risen to heaven (reached a level equal with God)
2. Show me the person who has come down from heaven (is God, Himself, come down to man)
3. Show me the person who has restrained and possessed the winds with his hands (possesses the authority of God)
4. Show me the person who has captured the fountains in their clothing (possesses the strength of God)
5. Show me the person who has founded the entire earth (has accomplished works equal to that of God)
6. Who can show me, specifically, any highly humanly educated fallen man and his son who rise to the level of the Lord in any area of existence?
This is a rhetorical question when the answer is limited to fallen mankind. NO SINFUL HUMAN can begin to claim equality with God in any area of their life.
However there is one human, the God/Man, Jesus, who can rightfully claim to be equal to God. Therefore, the only father and son who are equal to God are God the Father and Jesus, His son. This is the only possible correct answer to the question posed by Agur.
Agur’s basic argument is this…. Although other men may be more educated with a human education, really what good is it? Of all these humanly educated men, none can begin to compare to the Lord. Therefore, if Agur presents the teachings of the Lord (and not his own thoughts and wisdom) men should pay him much more attention than those who are highly educated in the wisdom of sinful fallen men.’
Please take notice… Agur is not finding fault with human education that would equip a person to supply the needs of his family etc. He is specifically explaining that education in the fields of religion, philosophy and psychology, when based wholly upon the teachings of fallen man, are of no real value. God alone has insight into the truth for these three areas, this is why the teachings of Agur (and the entire Word of God) are so valuable for each of us. It is through the Word of God that we all can come to an understanding of spiritual, philosophical, and psychological truths from the mind of God.
SUMMARY:
In these opening verses, Agur displays a genuine, humble attitude of one who recognizes his limitations and the need of Godly intervention for him to be faithful to his calling. But he also understood the grave importance of his ministry. God’s Word is the only source of truth in this fallen world.
May the Lord impress on all of our hearts, and especially the hearts of those who minister His Word, to recognize their shortcomings and need of His daily gracious intervention in their lives. In doing so, this will give tremendous motivation to be sure to ONLY speak the truths of God while putting away our own personal thoughts, and the teachings of sinful, fallen mankind.
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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Trust The Lord and Live Just Lives…. You Will Be Blessed!
25) The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
26) Many seek the ruler’s favour; but [every] man’s judgment [cometh] from the LORD.
27) An unjust man [is] an abomination to the just: and [he that is] upright in the way [is] abomination to the wicked. (Proverbs 29:25-27)
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Settled In Heaven Blog 