Words for Christian Living
I. Giving… (2 Corinthians 9:6-11).
II. Commendation… (2 Corinthians 10:17-18).
III. Jealousy… (2 Corinthians 11:1-4).
IV. Grace… (2 Corinthians 12:8-10).
V. Sufficiency… (2 Corinthians 12:8-10).
2 Corinthians
The Greatest Satisfaction
We are going to look at a verse today for Psalm 17. It is a Psalm and a particular verse that has been special to me for several years; upon the revelation of it to me. When the world and flesh of the world finds pleasure in things, material things, and things of others – dependence upon others for satisfaction – the greatest satisfaction for the Christian is in knowing Jesus.
“As for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness.” Psalm 17:15 (KJV)
There is no way possible for the unrighteous to see the face of the Righteous. That is made possible only by His grace, and His gift. The gift is the cross of Christ. When we behold His face it will be because that the righteous Lamb of God took our place, died the death of separation from God the Father, becoming sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21); and by God’s own declaration we are declared “Righteous”. When that has happened then we can say with the Psalmist, “I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness”.
The following is a note from the Treasury of David by Charles H. Spurgeon and a sermon he preached-
“I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.” The saints in heaven have not yet awaked in God’s likeness. The bodies of the righteous still sleep, but they are to be satisfied on the resurrection morn, when they awake. When a Roman conqueror had been at war, and won great victories, he would return to Rome with his soldiers, enter privately into his house, and enjoy himself till the next day, when he would go out of the city to re-enter it publicly in triumph. Now, the saints, as it were, enter privately into heaven without their bodies; but on the last day, when their bodies wake up, they will enter into their triumphal chariots. Methinks I see that grand procession, when Jesus Christ first of all, with many crowns on his head, with his bright, glorious, immortal body, shall lead the way. Behind him come the saints, each of them clapping their hands, or pouring sweet melody from their golden harps; all entering in triumph. And when they come to heaven’s gates, and the doors are opened wide to let the King of glory in, how will the angels crowd at the windows and on the housetops, like the inhabitants in the Roman triumphs, to watch the pompous procession, and scatter heaven’s roses and lilies upon them, crying, “Hallelujah! hallelujah! hallelujah! the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.” “I shall be satisfied” in that glorious day when all the angels of God shall come to see the triumphs of Jesus, and when his people shall be victorious with him. – Spurgeon’s Sermons.
John the apostle wrote,
“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” 1 John 3:1-3
The Greatest Satisfaction for the Christian is in knowing Jesus.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Where There is Liberty
Where There is Liberty
2 Corinthians 3:17
References – Gal. 2:4; 5:1, 13; John 8:32; James 1:25; Isaiah 61:2;
1. The Spirit blinds eyes of rebellion (3:14-15).
2. The Spirit is the veil that hides the fading glory of the Old covenant (3:13, 15)
3. The Spirit is the means of the liberty of the soul (3:16).
I. THERE IS LIBERTY, FREEDOM, IN CHRIST THROUGH THE SPIRIT.
II. THERE IS LIBERTY FROM THE BONDAGE OF SIN AND DEATH.
III. THERE IS LIBERTY FROM THE CONDEMNATION OF THE LAW (Gal. 2:4).
IV. THERE IS LIBERTY WHERE THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS (Gal. 5:1).
V. WHERE THERE IS LIBERTY THERE IS RESPONSIBILITY (Gal. 5:13).
Summary –
i. True freedom comes only in yeilding one’s life to Jesus Christ as Master and Lord.
ii. True freedom liberates from sin’s bondage and death.
iii. There is liberty in the faith of Jesus Christ.
iv. True freedom gives liberty to make clear, godly, righteous decisions.
-T.A.
Sunday morning sermon points preached at Carr Lane Baptist Church July 03, 2011.
Not Of The World
Remember the prayer which I refer to as the “Lord’s Prayer” is not the one which is often called the “Lord’s Prayer”. The one to which I refer is found in John 17, and is our Lord’s prayer to the Father for His glory and for His disciples as well as all the future one’s who will follow Him.
Today we look at verse 14:
“I have given them Thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” John 17:14 (KJV).
It is important for us to realize that His Word has been given us for a reason. It has been entrusted to us not for secrecy, secret interpretations, or secret organizations. It has been given us to take into all the world. Even though the follower of Jesus is hated by the world, we are called to live in the world, and show forth the glory of Jesus Christ.
We show forth His glory by showing forth the power of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus to change our lives. What has Christ Jesus wrought in you? If you have been saved by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross, then He has given you a New Life; you have been born again. You have been born into His kingdom; which is an everlasting kingdom which shall never perish.
The world is that which is perishing. The ones who are fearful and unbelieving. The ones who hate God and all that is godly. Yet, the Word is given to us to share with the world. We have been called out from the world of the flesh and the devil. We are called to live in the world, but not to be of it.
“Come out from among them and be ye separate” (2 Corinthians 6:17) is not a command to have nothing to do with the people of the world, but rather to not have anything to do with their ways of worship; their gods. We are to show forth only the glory of our God and Savior Jesus Christ. The only way we do that is going about our daily lives in the presence of the world; loving God, one another and those who are dying in this world.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Five Qualities Of The Believer’s Hope
Five Qualities Of The Believer’s Hope
1 John 2:28 – 3:3
It needs to be understood at the beginning of this message that none are perfect nor can we be perfect in this life. Our Lord is working in us toward perfection when we shall see Him face to face. However, we must, by the Holy Spirit within us who know personally the Lord Jesus as Lord and Savior have Christ as the central being of our lives.
As a Christian we have new hope and desires; the first of which is seeing Him one day; and seeing Him face to face. We also desire to one day be like Him, and as verse three of chapter 3 tells us; “We shall see Him as He is”. What a glorious day that will be.
In this message we will look at FIVE QUALITIES OF THE BELIEVER’S HOPE.
I. A LONGING FOR – A DESIRING FOR THE RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST (v. 2:28).
A. A longing for the appearing will motivate the believer to “abide in Him”.
1. It is like the branch abides in the vine (John 15:1-11).
2. It is similar to your home – the place you live.
a. You may leave it to go to work, on vacation, etc., but you know there is no place like home – you return.
b. It is the place where you receive nourishment, and love.
B. This abiding ‘in Him’ keeps us from being ashamed when he returns.
1. When we ‘abide in Him’ we keep His commandments;
2. When we ‘abide in Him’ we have the anointing –
“But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.” 1 John 2:20 (KJV)
II. KNOWING JESUS IS RIGHTEOUS – THOSE BORN OF HIM PRACTICES RIGHTEOUSNESS (v. 2:29).
A. Jesus is righteous – He is Deity [God].
1. He is righteous as the Christ;
2. He is righteous as the sin-bearer;
3. He is righteous as the resurrected One.
B. Those who do righteousness are born of Him.
1. Doing what is right in one’s life;
2. Doing what is right according to God’s law;
3. Doing what is right to others.
“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” Matthew 7:12 (KJV)
III. ENAMORED, AWED, AND STRENGTHENED BY HIS GLORIOUS SALVATION (v. 3:1).
A. Nothing in this world is comparable to the love of God.
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:35-39 (KJV)
1. Love ‘bestowed upon us’ by our benevolent, loving Father through His precious loving Son.
2. John seems to be awe-struck with the thought Himself.
B. Love so great we are called ‘the sons of God’.
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13 (KJV)
C. The ‘Inhabiters of earth’ are so enamored with the world, they miss God.
“Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” Revelation 3:10 (KJV)
“And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?” Revelation 6:10 (KJV)
“And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!” Revelation 8:13 (KJV)
“And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.” Revelation 11:10 (KJV)
“Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” Revelation 12:12 (KJV)
“And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”
“And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.”
” And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.” Revelation 13:8, 12, 14 (KJV)
“And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people…” Revelation 14:6 (KJV)
“The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.” Revelation 17:8 (KJV)
IV. EXPECTANT OF BEING CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF CHRIST – NOT CHRIST, BUT LIKE HIM (v. 3:2).
A. In moral character.
1. Not Christ, not deity, but of His character and love for the Father and one another.
B. Now the ‘Sons of God’.
1. That means living like ’sons of God’ – Kings and priests.
2. Living right in the present time unto the day of His appearing.
C. We will see Jesus as He is.
V. KEEPING THEMSELVES READY FOR HIS APPEARING (v. 3:3).
A. The hope and promise of His appearing is the greatest hope of mankind.
1. His appearing otherwise known as Second Coming is a grand promise of change according to the Scriptures;
2. It will mean the change in ge0logy (Zechariah 14), environment, government and most of all in the hearts and lives of mankind;
3. It will also means change in the animals of the earth as well.
“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. 7 And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. 8 And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den. 9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.” Isaiah 11:6-9 (KJV)
B. Those who are prepared for His coming will be keeping themselves ready.
1. The presence and gift of His Spirit within directs us to preparation.
2. There is a place being prepared for the prepared.
3. We must fight the good fight – there is a war going on daily in our lives.
“1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:1-3 (KJV)
“7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (KJV)
C. Let’s keep ourselves pure – as much as Christ is in us.
“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God”
2 Corinthians 7:1 (KJV)
1. Because of Jesus’s wonderful gift;
2. Because of these precious promises;
3. Because we are the ’sons of God’.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Sower And The Hearts Of Humanity
“And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables? The sower soweth the word. And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.” Mark 4:13-20 (KJV)
It is to be understood that the “field” where the seed is sown is the world. The seed that is being sown is the Word of God. When the Word of God falls on hard soil – the walkway, pathway, etc. – then the devil comes along and carries it away. This hard soil is a hard and unaccepting [unbelieving] heart toward God.
The “stony ground” is the heart of an individual who hears the Word of God and seemingly receives it, but because there is no depth for growth, troubles, trials, and heat come along and he wilts away, because there is no root. This individual has “gladly received” the Word of God, but with no true heart for it.
The “thorny soil” is the person who has heard the Word of God, and like the previous one receives it gladly, but due to worldly influence, greed for riches, and other distractions is choked off from receiving the life giving rays of Son light.
The “good ground” hears the Word of God, gladly receives it and goes on and bears fruit. Each area of the soil will bear a different amount of fruit, but it bears fruit none the less. That is evidence of a genuine believer/follower of Jesus Christ. He/She will bear fruit. A changed life is the first evidence, a burden for the lost, condemned and dying, and being a witness are evidences of fruit. All of these will lead to souls coming to faith in Christ. Christians will bear fruit.
Here is a summation of the conditions of “hearts” of men:
- The first kind are those who hear the Word, but it has no affect on them and so the devil snatches away the Word;
- The second kind are those who seem to receive the Word of God gladly; they may even seem excited about it, but the troubles of persecution and rejection of friends, and such come along, and they take off to sights unknown;
- The third heart is much like the second, but it is not persecution or trouble that causes them to turn away from the truth, it is rather, the desire for wealth, riches, pleasure, etc.. None of these first three are even redeemed. They are all still condemned, dying, and without hope. Is there any hope for them.
- The fourth heart is the blessed heart that has genuinely been saved, changed into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), and it brings forth fruit. It is the fruit which brings honor and glory to the sower.
Yes! We can pray for people who are in such a condition, as those of the first three, that God may continue to prepare their hearts and get rid of the thorns, and give depth to the soil that they might bear fruit. After the sowing of the seed it is God’s work alone.
-Tim A. Blankenship
For The Praise Of His Glory
Ephesians 1:6-14
Three times in verses 6 – 14 we find the phrase, “to the praise of his glory…” and dealing especially with His grace. First is it is written, “To the praise of the glory of his grace…” (v. 6), then we find; “…we should be to the praise of his glory…” (v. 12); and lastly; “…unto the praise of his glory.” (v. 14). It should not come as a great surprise to the Christian that we are for the purpose of His glory.
Knowing this should thrill our hearts and souls. To know that we are for the purpose of His glory ought to cause us, by the power of His Spirit within, to live lives that are scented with the fragrances of heaven.
THE PURPOSE OF OUR CALLING (v. 6; Romans 3:23). Before there was Jesus Christ on earth as man we were in condemnation. We were walking in ourselves, self-willed, without self-control, rebellious, and enemies of God. That’s right! I said, “Enemies of God” (James 4:4). That was my estate before Christ, and the estate of everyone before they have faith in Him.
God’s purpose in calling us to Himself is for His glory, and to redeem a people unto Himself. He loves us, and sent His Son Jesus to be the propitiation – the recipient of God’s wrath in our behalf. By this one glorious event we now have fellowship, restored likeness with God our Creator. We are accepted in His sight. That our lives might be for the purpose of His glory, and the magnification of His grace.
BE THANKFUL FOR YOUR REDEMPTION THAT IS BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS (v. 7). It is only through the blood of Jesus that we have redemption (1 Peter 1:18-19). Because of sin the law requires death. The blood is life for the sacrifice of sin (Leviticus 17:11).
By the shedding of blood God is just in forgiving our sins (Hebrews 9:22).
Slaves were bought and sold by millions in Rome of Paul’s day. We were slaves of sin. Jesus purchased us from sin’s bondage, by the shedding of His own blood, and set us free.
This price was not paid because you and I deserve it, but because of the riches of His grace.
THE GRACE AND THE INHERITANCE PROVIDED US THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS (vv. 8-12). This grace of God is far more abundant than we can ever imagine. He has over supplied it – (grace abounded) fully supplied – for us in making known to us “the mystery of His will”. Mystery sometimes excites us. By something being a mystery does not mean something spooky, eerie, or of which to fear. Mystery causes mankind to be curious. The mystery of His will was not fully revealed until Jesus came, died on the cross, was buried carrying the guilt, shame, and condemnation of sin away, was risen, and ascended into the clouds; and through the apostles; including Paul. It is still mysterious how that God could become man, bleed, die, then rise again bodily from the grave. Some things God reveals, we must trust rather than understand.
By coming to the Lord Jesus we are place into God’s “Inner circle” and He reveals, to those who are His, His will concerning reconciliation of men to God, man to man, man to creation, Jew to Gentile, and earth to Heaven.
For verse eleven it has been translated to read, “In Him we were also made His inheritance…” (HCSB). There is no real problem with that since we are told in the Psalms, “Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.” Psalms 2:8 (KJV). We Gentiles who are in Christ are His possession, and inheritance in Him. We have also received our inheritance in Him. In the gospel of John Jesus mentions, at least six times, “…Those whom You have given Me” (John 17).
For the second time the apostle uses the term predestination. As God’s children He has completed the work or plan for our lives in His Son Jesus Christ. He has a predetermined purpose for our lives and brings them about, “after the counsel of His own will”. We must remember that God does not have one plan for when everything goes well in our lives; and another for when things don’t go so well. He only has one plan for Christians, and that is a completed salvation. As Paul wrote to the Philippians, “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ…” Philippians 1:6 (KJV). His plan will not fail.
These verses end with doxology. Words of praise and adoration. A life lived in praise and adoration of His is what He desires. This is a great part of our inheritance – to praise, adore, magnify, and glorify our Lord. By the Holy Spirit within we are equipped to live such a life.
“Who first trusted in Christ” is most likely a reference to the Jews who began the first church of Jerusalem. No matter to whom it may refer; it is the calling of all followers, believers of Jesus Christ, “To be to the praise of His glory”.
THE SEALING OF THE SPIRIT AND THE EARNEST UNTIL OUR REDEMPTION (vv. 13-14). Paul has written “…To the Jew first…” meaning that to them the gospel came first of all. Jews were the first to hear and first to believe; though the numbers were very few. Now the gospel has come to Ephesus – Gentiles. This same Jesus of whom a few Jews had trusted was also the One in whom the Ephesians were trusting.
How did this transpire?
1. They heard the gospel which was preached unto them;
2. They believed the gospel – that is they put it to work in their lives;
3. They were then “sealed” or baptized into Jesus by the Holy Spirit.
* Water had nothing to do with this “sealing” nor the “baptism” (1 Corinthians 12:13).
This “sealing” is one that speaks of and guarantees several things. First, it is a promise, from God, of a finished transaction. The full price of sin was paid. When we believe on Christ and His finished work we become Christ’s inheritance and He becomes ours. It is as good as done.
Secondly, this seal implies ownership. We are marked by God, bearing His mark on us throughout the rest of our lives and into eternity. “For you are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20). He is our owner. We have no rights of our own. We are branded/marked by the cross of Jesus Christ.
In the third place, the seal means security and protection. There is nothing you or I can do to break off this seal. It is eternal. We are protected and secured from Satan, and all his forces, as well as protected from ourselves.
Fourthly, the seal is one of authenticity. It takes more than a profession of the lips, religious activity, good works, etc.. If there is no witness of the Holy Spirit in the professor’s life, that is where Christ is not (Romans 8:9). “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” (2 Corinthians 3:17). The Holy Spirit is the mark of an authentic Christian.
Finally, the seal can be an engagement ring. The promise of a full and meaningful relationship, in the Christian example, for all eternity.
The Holy Spirit is the guarantee from God to the Christian that God will come and redeem the body of the man as well as his soul.
From verse three through verse fourteen there has been three doxologies. The first speaks of the Father. Why has He chosen, adopted and accepted us? “To the praise of the glory of His grace” (v. 6). The second speaks of the Son. Why has the Son redeemed us, forgiven us, and revealed God’s will to us and blessed us with His inheritance? “To the praise of His glory” (v. 12). The third speaks of the Holy Spirit. Why has God the Spirit sealed us and become the guarantee of future hope and blessing? “unto the praise of His glory” (v. 14).
In conclusion God has blessed us with “all spiritual blessings… in Christ Jesus”. The gifts and riches of Christ are far beyond what we deserve. Yet, they are ours when we trust Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
All of heaven is yours and mine in Christ. Jesus died, shed his blood, that you might be renewed to the place God intended you to be. Believe Jesus. Trust His Word, and you shall be saved eternally.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Discipleship – The Pursuit Of Godliness
Hebrews 12:14-17
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: 15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; 16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. 17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.” Hebrews 12:14-17 (KJV)
OUTLINE –
I. A PURSUIT OF PEACE AND HOLINESS (v. 14).
II. TAKING OVERSIGHT OVER ONE’S LIFE IN MATTERS OF GRACE (v15).
III. BE AWARE – BE WARNED OF THE “ROOT OF BITTERNESS” WHICH IS PUFFED UP TROUBLING YOU (v. 15). Deut. 29:18
IV. THE EXAMPLE OF ESAU/EDOM DESIRING GOD’S BLESSING WITHOUT GOD (v. 16).
V. THE TRAGEDY OF BLESSING WITHOUT GOD (v. 17).
In previous verses of Hebrews 12 we are told not “to despise the chastening of the Lord”. The chastening of the Lord could be called His discipline, correction, or discipling. After reading something I believe was Charles H. Spurgeon saying, “God will not allow His children to sin successfully”, that has been in my mind from the day I read it. I believe it to be a true saying. Though you will not find those words spoken or written that way in Scripture; it does seem that the principle of that is spoken of in the verses we look at today, and those few preceding them.
A brother in Christ has called it “God’s Discipleship” when he is making us holy, and pursuing peace. One great achievment or failure to succeed in the Christian life would be to fail at sin. Now, wouldn’t that be a great achievement as a child of God?
People are pursuing all sorts of things. Success in employment, success on the job, a bank account with money left over after the bills are paid, health, personal recognition, popularity, prestige, power… you get the idea. Godliness is not so much sought after, even by those who profess to be Christians.
A PURSUIT OF PEACE AND HOLINESS (v. 14). Peace is a topic of much talk, and use of many words; however it doesn’t seem real close in the realm of the political world, and at times the religious world. One thing I think I know and that is those who know the Prince of peace – Jesus Christ are at peace with God, and one another. It is the “peace that passes all understanding” which “Keeps our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7 KJV).
“G1515
εἰρήνη
eirēnē
i-rah’-nay
Probably from a primary verb εἴρω eirō (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication prosperity: – one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again.” From e-Sword Strongs
Being at peace with God, “at one” with God, “walking with God”, in agreement with Him (Amos 3:3) is the greatest and best thing that has ever happened to mankind. Anyone who has not made peace with God will not be at peace with anyone else. That tells us much about ourselves. Doesn’t it? “Turning the other cheek” can only come from an individual at peace with God. Loving the unlovable comes from a heart at peace with Jehovah. Those who are truly merciful, and have obtained mercy have the peace of God.
It is because one has been “Justified by faith” that one can “have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). This peace will also lead us into holiness; and the penman of the Hebrews Letter tells us “without which no one shall see the Lord”. The word “Holy” is given this meaning in Strongs
“G38
ἁγιασμός
hagiasmos
hag-ee-as-mos’
From G37; properly purification, that is, (the state) purity; concretely (by Hebraism) a purifier: – holiness, sanctification.”
From e-Sword Strongs
Peace and holiness are God’s to give. They come from the death, burial and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ; paying the price for our sins Himself, taking their guilt, condemnation, and power away; rising to life victorious over them, declaring Himself to be whom He said He was and is; the Great I am.
TAKING OVERSIGHT OVER ONE’S LIFE IN MATTERS OF GRACE (v. 15). We are living in a day very much in need of personal oversight. Many not wanting to take personal responsibility for their actions, behavior, words, or otherwise. Those who are Christian need very much to be leaders in this matter. Taking the oversight in matters of grace. Lest we be the cause, or a catalyst of others falling.
The duty of the Christian; leader, teacher, person in the pew; is to be on watch, guarding one’s own heart and life, and the lives of others. Part of “shepherding” is to keep the younger from straying, and going over the edge endangering their lives and/or the lives of others.
If we see any of the brethren straying we can, should, and will guide them back to the straight and narrow path that is the right one. The path is not without effort, nor pain, but it is a path with destination and that destination is into the presence of God for all eternity.
“G1983
ἐπισκοπέω
episkopeō
ep-ee-skop-eh’-o
From G1909 and G4648; to oversee; by implication to beware: – look diligently, take the oversight.” e-Sword
BE AWARE – BE WARNED OF THE “ROOT OF BITTERNESS” WHICH IS PUFFED UP TROUBLING YOU (v. 15). Moses wrote by the Spirit of God on this same matter when he penned, “Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood…” Deuteronomy 29:18 (KJV)
I grew up around trees. We have had trees all around us. Oak trees (of various kinds), cedar trees, maple trees, apple trees, peach trees, Walnut trees, Hickory trees, Ash and elm trees, and if I could name them all I probably would. The thing I want to illustrate here is the root system. In many cases these trees have more of what cannot be seen under the ground, supporting through the feeding, providing foundation, and strength against strong winds; than that which can be seen above ground. What the writer of Hebrews and Moses of Deuteronomy is warning about is that which cannot be seen if in bitterness is very destructive.
This “root of bitterness” is a poison which can suddenly come to the surface and ruin you. If the root of a tree gets something poisonous it will kill the tree. This bitterness, this bane can lead to all kinds of immorality and evil in one’s life. Evidently that is what the writer is saying concerning Esau.
“All it takes for a grudge to grow is for the one who is holding it to keep nursing it.” I am not sure that this is a correct quotation, or who said it, but it is still the truth. Bitterness is the root of evil, and for evil grudges to grow they must be nursed. Feeding, coddling, cherishing those bitter feelings. Saying things like, “I can never forgive that person”. Anyone who has ever said that was mistaken, and/or have never been forgiven.
This “bitter root” nursed, and cherished by its holder will one day have this poisonous root spring, explode onto the scene, and it will not be a pleasant scene for the holder of that grude. As long as that grudge is nursed, cherished, coddled like one’s baby there will be no relief from guilt, sin, shame, or anger, and destruction.
THE EXAMPLE OF ESAU/EDOM DESIRING GOD’S BLESSING WITHOUT GOD (v. 16). Esau, the first born son of Isaac was a man with a bitter root, and he never let it die. It was passed on to his children (Genesis 36:8, 19). How do we know this? Because of Edom. Edom hated the children of Israel (Numbers 20:17-21). Where did this innate bitterness, anger, envy, and hatred come from? There is one conclusion to that; and that is from their father; Esau.
Esau had not only given up his birthright for a “bowl of beans”, but he had evidently been a very immoral rascal. Giving himself to various immoral activities with the women of foreign tribes whom his people had been forbidden to have relations with. John Gill wrote this concerning Esau,
“Heb 12:16 – Lest there be any fornicator or profane person,…. The first of these is guilty of a sin against the second table of the law, as well as against his own body; and which is opposed to the holiness the apostle had before exhorted to; such who are guilty of it, are not to be continued in the communion of the church; and it is a sin, which, lived in not repented of, excludes from the kingdom of heaven: the latter is one who is a transgressor of the first table of the law; who is an idolater, a swearer, a despiser of public worship and ordinances, and who behaves irreverently in divine service, and mocks at the future state, as Esau; to whom both these characters seem to belong: and this agrees with what the Jews say concerning him: they have a tradition (w), that he committed five transgressions on the day he came out of the field weary.
“He committed idolatry: he shed innocent blood; and lay with a virgin betrothed; and denied the life of the world to come (or a future state); and despised his birthright.”
It is elsewhere (x) a little differently expressed.
“Esau, the wicked, committed five transgressions on that day: he lay with a virgin betrothed; and killed a person; and denied the resurrection of the dead; and denied the root, or foundation, (i.e. that there is a God,) and despised his birthright; and besides, he desired his father’s death, and sought to slay his brother.”
It is common for them to say of him, that he was an ungodly man; and particularly, that he was a murderer, a robber, ונואף, “and an adulterer” ”
Thebeing (“Targum Jon. ben Uzziel in Gen. xxv. 29.”), and the (x) being (Shemot Rabba, sect. I. fol. 89. 3. T. Bab. Bava Bathra, fol. 16. 2.). From e-Sword Commentary by John Gill.
THE TRAGEDY OF BLESSING WITHOUT GOD (v. 17). Esau lived on in immoral conduct. He had sought forgiveness from his father Isaac for his selling of the birthright, and with tears, but to no avail (2 Corinthians 7:9-10). His “repentance” was not a real repentance which would get forgiveness, but only sorry he got caught with his “hands in the cookie jar, and still wanted the cookie”. He wanted the blessing of God without wanting God. That is typical of many who profess Jesus as Savior today and probably in any era of time since the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. As long as things go well; as long as the blessings pour in; as long as there is good health; as long as there is wealth at their disposal; and no sorrow, then all is well with the “faith”.
Because of the sin of Edom, Edom has no place in the future (Ezekiel 32:29; Joel 3:19). That is not the desire of God’s heart to have His children pass along the envy, hatred, bitterness, and anger to our children and/or to the rest of the world that is already perishing.
SUMMARY –
i. The pursuit of peace and holiness is the pursuit of all Christians, and one obtained only through faith in Christ the Lord.
ii. Those in pursuit of peace and holiness will take oversight of their behavior, words, actions; and feed themselves daily in the word of God, prayer, and holy life pursuits.
iii. The ones in pursuit of peace and godliness will be aware of the root of bitterness, guard against bitterness, and its poisonous, disastrous, death which it brings with it where ever it springs up.
iv. Peace and holiness leads to peace and life; and makes for peace with all people (Proverbs 16:17).
-Tim A. Blankenship
This is the my study notes for the message for Sunday morning September 13, 2009
Spirit Bearing Witness
Romans 9:1-5
A burden is a heavy thing to bear. As we begin reading this “parenthesis” in the letter of Romans we find Paul with a heavy heart. What has grieved his heart? What is this burden? It is the weight of the state of anathema which is on his countrymen – brethren – the Israelites.
A question could be asked why are they in such a curse? Due to their unbelief at the coming of Messiah. Their crucifixion, and putting to death the One who was foretold by the prophets, and the Law.
Another question comes to my mind; Am I, would I be willing to be accursed that another might be saved from that curse? Let us keep in mind this is a nation of people who have received many a blessing from the One whom they crucified. Those blessings are listed in verses four and five; and those are not exhaustive.
This “parenthesis” covers chapters nine through eleven. The ninth chapter shows us how God has dealt with Israel in the past; up to and including the time of Jesus Christ. The tenth chapter shows us how God is working with them in our current age – the Church age. The eleventh chapter shows us God restoring Israel in His future work with them.
I was once asked, “Why is this a parenthetical statement?” My answer is that Paul has through chapter eight been dealing with the sins of mankind (chapters 1-3); the wonderful work of the grace of God (chapters 4-8); and then in chapters 9-11 he begins dealing specifically with the nation of Israel. Then in chapter twelve he begins dealing with the fruits of grace in the believer’s life. I hope that explains it.
It seems to me that this parenthesis is used by the apostle to show quite clearly, that since God gave many unconditional promises to Israel, and His will to fulfill them; He gives His body – the Church – evidence that He doesn’t quit, or give up on His people. I like that kind of assurance. Israel is evidence of God’s fulfilling His Word.
OUTLINE –
I. THE WITNESS OF CONSCIENCE AND THE SPIRIT OF GOD (v. 1).
II. THE GRIEF, AND SORROW OF HEART FOR THE PEOPLE (vv. 2-3).
III. THE BLESSINGS OF A CONDEMNED PEOPLE (v. 4).
IV. THE ONE’S THROUGH WHOM CHRIST HAS COME INTO THE WORLD (v. 5).
THE WITNESS OF CONSCIENCE AND THE SPIRIT OF GOD (v. 1). Paul seems to have been quite aware of the problems of relying on conscience alone to make right and godly choices.
The conscience of an individual can be shaped and molded to reflect one’s culture; and not necessarily what is right and wrong according to Scripture or Christ. The conscience which is subject to the Spirit of God, and the Word of God will make Biblical, conscientious, godly decisions; and if they don’t the conscience will be burdened with guilt, until the transgression has been forgiven.
Paul’s conscience and the Spirit of God bore witness that he had a heavy burden for Israel concerning their curse.
The reason some people can make evil choices concerning right and wrong, or godly and ungodly decisions is because their conscience is not in tune with God or His Word.
Paul’s conscience was clear. He was burdened for his nation of people. They are his brethren “after the flesh” – meaning these are the people he was born into. What the apostle is about to say is one of the most profound statements he will ever make. This is the most Christlike statement anyone could make. It is even more Christlike to show it, and Paul demonstrates it quite vividly in the book of Acts when he is willing to give his life to be sure the people of Jerusalem hear the message of their Messiah.
THE GRIEF, AND SORROW OF HEART FOR THE PEOPLE (vv. 2-3). It is certain that from this statement that Paul knows of the curse on the nation due to their unbelief and rejection of Jesus as their Messiah. This word [accursed] is the word “Anathema”, and it conveys to us the most horrible and vile of cursing.
The MACARTHUR STUDY BIBLE note states,
“9:3 accursed. The Gr. word is anathema, which means ‘to devote to destruction in eternal hell’ (cf. 1 Cor.12:3; 16:22; Gal.1:8,9). Although Paul understood the exchange he was suggesting was impossible (8:38,39; John 10:28), it was the sincere expression of his deep love for his fellow Jews (cf. Ex. 32:32).”
Paul knew that he himself was not spotless, holy, undefiled to be that sacrifice, and that the sacrifice had, indeed, already been given by Jesus Himself. The only spotless Lamb to ever be offered for the sins of man, and complete the offering was the offering of the Lamb of God who came to take away the sins of the world (John 1:29, 36).
Could I love so deeply that I would be willing to take another’s place in hell? In the love of Christ I can. Isn’t that the essence of the love of Jesus Christ? To be willing to give one’s life that another might live. As Isaac was led by his father up the mountain, he went faithfully. When he arrived he allowed Abraham to bind him, and lay him on the altar. He had given his life for his father, and seemingly without any explanation; just trusting the father (Genesis 22). Three of King David’s chief men, went through enemy lines, hazarding their lives so their king could receive a drink of water from Bethlehem’s well –
“And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD. And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it.” 2 Samuel 23:16-17 (KJV)
– Why not give one’s life for another?
Our lack of love is seen today in that we don’t tell others the gospel of Jesus because we are fearful we may not be accepted, we may not have time. How much time does that one God gives us opportunity for witness have?. We may not be popular. We might even be attacked physically, or at the least verbally. How is that for loving to give our lives? I cannot say with Paul, “I would wish myself accursed…” Even knowing that my “sacrifice” would be of no benefit. I am unworthy and unable to save myself. How can I save others, except through giving them the hope that is in Christ Jesus alone.
THE BLESSINGS OF A CONDEMNED PEOPLE (v. 4). “Israelites” were the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and these were children of the promise. From the fall of Adam and Eve, yea, even from creation, and before in the heart of God there was the nation of God who would be the progenitor of the Savior of the world. Many nations would come to God, believing Him, calling on His name, worshipping Him, and glorifying His name.
The blessings of Israel were God’s “adoption” of them to be His witness nation to a condemned world. The Israelites were recipients of the covenants of God, the law of God through Moses, the service of God in the priesthood, the tabernacle furniture, and tools; the pictures and types of the future Messiah – the promises; and they were the one’s by whom came the Blessed One through the virgin Mary.
We must learn from the blessing of Israel as Gentiles who are believers in the Messiah Jesus Christ. They became hard hearted due to their “security” of the temple, arrogance in having the law, the adoption, the covenants, and believing the blessings were of the flesh, and not of the Spirit of God. We cannot follow their path to destruction in unbelief.
Followers of Jesus Christ are not to evilly think we have it made because we have earned the place of forgiveness, love, peace, and grace of God. We are not any different than any other individual upon this planet. We have sinned. We have transgressed the commandments, the laws of God, and He has given us forgiveness and grace through the finished work of His Son.
We are commanded to take this wonderful message of salvation to the world. When we don’t do that we fail, and become similar to the nation of Israel. Jesus Christ built, and continues to build His Church upon the confession that Jesus is the Christ, Son of the Living God. Every confession of faith in Christ adds another living stone to the building of His Church, and nothing can prevail against her. However, should we become arrogant, disobedient as individual believers or even as a local church; He can, He has, and will raise up another local church or individual to take our place. We do have His assurance that we are saved; “Yet so as by fire” (1 Corinthians 3:15).
That is not something we should or would look forward to.
THE ONE’S THROUGH WHOM CHRIST HAS COME INTO THE WORLD (v. 5). Through the mercy of God Mary, a virgin was chosen to bear the Son of God and birth Him into the human race. This was not an accident, a fluke of nature. Virgin births, little lone virgin conceptions do not happen by accident. They can only be planned by God, and that is what makes a miracle. The unnatural, impossible, and glorious happens by the hands of God. It happened as the fulfillment of His promises to send, this King, this Savior, this Messiah, this Great Physician, this Great High Priest, this Prophet of prophets; this God-man; the incarnate Son of God.
This One was born into this nation who would reject Him, make a false judgment of Him, crucify Him, put Him to death, bury Him in a borrowed tomb, and three days later rise from the grave; conquering sin, hell, death, and the grave.
Paul, here in this fifth verse is affirming the sovereignty, and the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ – “…The eternally blessed God. Amen.” (v. 5).
The Christians of today, the Body of Christ, the Church is the means of taking the gospel of Jesus Christ into the world. Let us be faithful with the message, the only message that will save and change the world; for the glory of our Lord and God. I am to be the messenger of the gospel of Christ Jesus that God has called me to be. I can do no better or worse than my love for Him. The same is true of all who have been called in Christ Jesus, “saints” (Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Ephesians 1:1).
O for a heart like Jesus who was willing to endure separation from the Father to become sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21), and to give His righteousness to us; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. To have a heart like Paul we must know our Savior as Paul did.
O Lord our God; give us your heart, and a heart like your servant Paul; that souls who are lost might hear of YOUR wonderful grace and mercy displayed on the cross of Calvary.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Righteous King
The Righteous King
Proverbs 16:10-15
Looking at the life of Solomon we find a heart partially devoted to the LORD; a divided heart; unlike David his father whose “was a man after God’s own heart”. If there is to be righteousness in the land of kings, then there must be righteous kings.
In light of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and that we have been decreed as “kings and priests” (Revelation 1:6; 1 Peter 2:9) of God through Jesus Christ then we find in these Proverbs how we should reign, and that is in the likeness of our Lord and Savior and our God Jesus Christ.
OUTLINE –
I. THE RIGHTEOUS KING MAKES GODLY DECREES, AND RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENTS (v. 10-11).
II. THE RIGHTEOUS KING LIVES RIGHTEOUSLY, AND ESTABLISHES THE THRONE IN RIGHTEOUSNESS (v. 12).
III. THE RIGHTEOUS KING APPRECIATES, LOVES, AND DELIGHTS IN LIPS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (v. 13).
IV. THE RIGHTEOUS KING IS RESPECTED AND REVERED AS JUST IN HIS JUDGMENTS (v. 14).
V. THE RIGHTEOUS KING’S COUNTENANCE BRINGS JOY TO THOSE WHO WERE IN HIS DISPLEASURE (v. 15).
THE RIGHTEOUS KING MAKES GODLY DECREES, AND RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENTS (v. 10-11). One thing that is needed in the Nations, States, Counties, Cities, and homes and churches of the world is leaders who have a righteous heart.
There is truly only one who has the completely righteous heart and His name is Jesus. Those who are in Him; through having trusted Him, His work on the cross, His burial and bodily resurrection; have the “mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16).
In Christ Jesus and Him alone can we make Godly decrees, and righteous judgments. Many of the judgments made by the Judiciary of the United States, and many other countries are not made in righteousness, but for what is popular or politically expedient.
Pro 16:11 – A just weight and balance are the Lord’s,…. These are of his devising; what he has put into the heart, of men to contrive and make use of, for the benefit of mankind, for the keeping and maintaining truth and justice in commercial affairs; these are of his appointing, commanding, and approving, Lev. 19:35;
all the weights of the bag are his work; or, “all the stones” ; greater or smaller, which were formerly used in weighing, and were kept in a bag for that purpose; these are by the Lord’s appointment and order. This may be applied to the Scriptures of truth, which are of God; are the balance of the sanctuary, in which every doctrine is to be weighed and tried; what agrees with them is to be received, and what is found wanting is to be rejected. The Targum is,
“His works, all of them, are weights of truth.”
When Jesus Christ comes back to earth He will make all things right and Just. When we go to Him for a judgment we can rest assured that it will be a righteous judgment.
THE RIGHTEOUS KING LIVES RIGHTEOUSLY, AND ESTABLISHES THE THRONE IN RIGHTEOUSNESS (v. 12). The only King who has lived without sin was the King of kings; Jesus Christ Son of the Living God.
The writer of Proverbs says, “When the righteous are in authority the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn” (29:2). When true righteousness is in authority, there is reason the people rejoice.
1. There is a ruler who fears God;
2. There is fairness in appointments, and the courts;
3. There is a just trading system;
4. There is justice in the courts;
5. There is no fear of the enemy.
THE RIGHTEOUS KING APPRECIATES, LOVES, AND DELIGHTS IN LIPS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (v. 13). What king, president, or any ruler can stand for long who is surrounded by liars? Lying lips are not righteous lips.
Righteous lips love the truth, seek the truth, and are truthful themselves. Our Righteous King, the King of kings is the living Truth, and in Him is no lie at all. Some one has given us this quote, “Liars never figure, and figures never lie”. If you tell the truth about something you never need to remember what you said; but when you lie, it will come back to get you.
A righteous leader; be they president, king, pastor, husband, father, mother, or boss; needs always to be surrounded by people who will tell the truth.
“Buy the truth and sell it not…” (23:23), and it seems that “Love the truth” would fit there as well. Why “Buy the truth” if you don’t love it also.
We can see today what lying does with the stock market and people’s lives. For example: Bernie Madoff who scammed, swindled, and suckered punched many investors out of billions of dollars, living a lie. Now the man has brought ruin to the lives of the people he stole their life savings from, his own family, harmed his nation, and destroyed his own life.
THE RIGHTEOUS KING IS RESPECTED AND REVERED AS JUST IN HIS JUDGMENTS (v. 14). King David was loved, respected and revered by many including his family; at least until he sinned with Bathsheba [Uriah’s wife], and brought harm to his own family and the nation.
Unrighteous living is costly for the one who is righteous. We must understand that righteousness is not from our own selves. Righteousness comes from God; for only He is righteous.
If there is to be righteousness it comes from Christ alone who is our righteousness. “For God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
A righteous king, or ruler would give His life for his subjects. An unrighteous king expects his subjects to give their lives for him. “There is no king like that “, someone might say. Oh, but there is His name is Jesus; and He gave His life on the cross of calvary that those who will trust Him, believe Him, might have eternal life. He faced the judgment for our sins, the wrath of His Father to pay the sin debt; our sin debt; that we might be saved, having our account paid in full, by His precious shed blood.
We can trust a king like that. We can believe that this type of king would be loved, respected and revered, and be just in all his judgments.
THE RIGHTEOUS KING’S COUNTENANCE BRINGS JOY TO THOSE WHO WERE IN HIS DISPLEASURE (v. 15). A righteous king can be offended, and when one of his subjects offends him his countenance fades.
When his subject offends him realizing that he/she has done so, and they seek the king’s forgiveness the king’s countenance will be brighter, and favorable toward the one who had offended.
When I think of all the times that I have offended King Jesus, and know that His countenance was not favorable toward me for that offense, then, I know that I must seek forgiveness. I can know before hand that in genuinely seeking forgiveness He will forgive me; but I must not willfully seek to offend Him.
Our righteous King Jesus is often offended by His subjects, but when we seek His face we know that we are cleansed and forgiven; and our joy is restored in Him.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” 1 John 1:9-10 (KJV)
There is eternal joy in the presence of the forgiving King. His countenance is bright and pleasant and warm to all those who come to Him.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Celebrate The LORD
Celebrations seem to be reserved for weddings, graduations, promotions, and for whatever one desires to celebrate in our society. There is one, or more celebrations we should never forget, though, and that is celebrating our LORD God, and the wonderful things and acts He has done for us.
The Hebrew people were given many days of celebration, with seven feast days, then a total of nine. These begin from the Passover to end with Purim, and they each play a significant part in Judaism. Celebrations they are, but even more they are worshipping the LORD God who delivered them, provides for them, and reminds them of His merciful, gracious, and awesome acts.
As Christians we can see the Messiah; our Lord Jesus; as He is pictured, typed, and shadowed by these celebrations. We should celebrate and worship Him everyday of our lives.
In this message I want us to see the need for celebrating Jesus, and these pictures of our Lord in the Old Testament. We are short on our celebrations and celebrating. So, let’s celebrate Jesus and worship Him, and by our worship of Him we worship our GOD.
The portraits follow of our Lord Jesus Christ.
THE BLOOD OF THE PASSOVER LAMB IS A PICTURE OF THE SACRIFICE OF JESUS CHRIST ON THE CROSS (vv. 1–5; Exodus 12:1-14). By the pronouncement of God’s Word from His messenger Moses the wrath of God was going to fall on the firstborn of every home. No one was going to be left untouched. It didn’t matter if one was of Israel or of Egypt. The destiny of every family was going to be determined by the actions of each household. The day of the Passover was to be on the fourteenth day of Abib (Exodus 13:4) also called Nisan, and is from our later days of March through the early days of April. So, the Passover by our calendar would fall around the 29th of March, though it does come on April 9th for 2009. I don’t know what the difference is which causes this variance.
It was necessary if the firstborn of the home was to live, or if they neglected to put the blood on their door; then their firstborn would die. God had shown Himself faithful to carry out the previous 9 plagues; why should or would He be questioned not? At least the children of Israel obeyed and the firstborn children of Israel were saved.
This shows us that all are guilty of sin and need the blood of a sacrifice. For the Passover it was the blood of the lamb which provided propitiation for the believing home. In this case the “angel of death” passed over that home. The shed blood of Jesus, shed on the cross, is the only atonement available for the guilt and shame of mankind today.
Jesus said, “This is My blood… which is shed for you” (Matthew 26:28; Luke 22:20; John 6:56). These reference verses show the importance Jesus placed on His blood for those who believe in Him. Jesus is the PASSOVER LAMB of God and when God the Father sees the blood of His Son Jesus He sees our sins cleansed, washed away, forgiven, and us forever in His presence.
THE FEAST OF UNLEAVENED BREAD GIVES US THE PICTURE OF THE SINLESSNESS OF JESUS CHRIST (vv. 6-8; Exodus 12:15-20). This feast takes place the day following the Passover meal. It takes place in the month Abib/Nisan as well. It would be a 7 day feast, and no leaven was allowed in the bread, nor to be in any Hebrews home.
There are far too many who would place Jesus merely in the realm of humanity. Yes! He was and is human, but so much more than a man. Many have no problem seeing Jesus as a prophet, a good teacher or even a good man; however if He was not the Son of God, Divine [God incarnate], and sinless; then He was a sham, a con-artist, and the worst deceiver who ever lived on earth.
While the idea of the “unleavened bread” implies a hasty departure for Israel from Egypt; we can also see the need for the believer’s hasty departure from sin, and sins bondage. Sin is the master of all unredeemed people (Romans 6:16). Gender or age makes no difference. All are guilty of sin before Holy God, and require the propitiatory act of the death of the sinless Jesus Christ to stand in the presence of the HOLY ONE.
The sinlessness of Jesus Christ qualifies Him to be our sin-bearer, our Redeemer, our Substitute, our Savior. Paul the apostle wrote,
“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV)
THE FEAST OF FIRSTFRUITS GIVES US THE PICTURE OF THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST (vv. 9-14). This is the offering feast of the harvest of the firstfruits of the wheat and the barley, and took place following the seventh day of the FEAST OF UNLEAVENED BREAD.
Jesus was crucified on the day of Passover, taking into account that the Jewish day began after the sun set. The following day would have started the feast of unleavened bread and continued for a seven day period. Jesus was laid in a borrowed tomb, definitely dead, prepared for burial, with the tomb sealed, and three days later arose bodily from the grave, early on that Sunday morning (Matthew 28:1-4).
We find “Firstfruits” mentioned in the New Testament by Paul the apostle writing to the church of Corinth;
“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.”
“But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.”
1 Corinthians 15:20, 23 (KJV)
The resurrection of Jesus Christ bodily from the grave is the means of the Christians rejoicing. Our God and Savior Jesus Christ conquered sin, death, hell and the grave and still lives, giving God the glory, and giving to all who will believe eternal life.
Celebrate Jesus He died, was buried, arose bodily from the grave and is returning some day.
THE FEAST OF WEEKS [PENTECOST] IS THE PICTURE OF THE EVIDENCE OF THE LIVING LORD JESUS; HIS SPIRIT IN US (vv. 15-22). The celebration was to be counted seven sabbaths from the offering of the first fruits, or 49 days. With celebration of day 50.
Forty days following the resurrection of Jesus, and His appearances to many, in one incident “above five hundred at one time” (1 Corinthians 15:6); Jesus ascended into heaven leaving this promise;
“For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.” and,
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:5, 8 (KJV)
Ten days following Jesus’s ascension into the heavenlies the Spirit of God came on all in the upper room (Acts 2). That is the total of 50 days.
This is something the Christian, filled with the Spirit of God and Christ, can celebrate every single day. We have the very person of Jesus Christ within us. He is the power of Christ, the presence of Christ, and glory of Christ in us. He is our “Earnest payment” until Jesus returns (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:14). This our guarantee that He is returning.
The Spirit of God in us is much more than a guarantee of His return though. He is the power which changes the heart of a good man into the heart of a godly man. He is the power that changes a pimp or a prostitute into a vessel which is clean, pure and brings glory to God. He is the power who can change the child molester into an individual who has the heart of God for children. He is the power who can change a murderer into someone who loves and cherishes all of life. When the Spirit of God and Christ enters a man, woman, boy or girl the change that is made is noticed;
“And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:4 (KJV)
Saul of Tarsus, who hated Jesus, His teachings, and all who followed Him became a disciple and an apostle of Jesus Christ when he met Jesus, and was changed by the Spirit of Jesus Christ in him (Acts 9:1-22). Every one who comes to Jesus receives the Spirit of Jesus Christ (the Holy Spirit), baptized into His body (1 Corinthians 12:13), and is gifted and empowered to live for Him and His glory.
THE FEAST OF TRUMPETS IS THE PICTURE OF CHRIST REGATHERING THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL (vv. 23-25). The Feast of Trumpets took place annually during the month Tishri (September/October). The prophets from Isaiah through Malachi ring with promises of the regathering of Israel as a nation. Jesus Himself made the promise of such;
“And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” Mattthew 24:31 (KJV)
There are many Old Testament promises which will yet be fulfilled; some I give you:
“The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD.” Isaiah 2:1-5 (KJV)
Isaiah 11:1-16
“Afterward he brought me to the gate, even the gate that looketh toward the east: And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory. And it was according to the appearance of the vision which I saw, even according to the vision that I saw when I came to destroy the city: and the visions were like the vision that I saw by the river Chebar; and I fell upon my face. And the glory of the LORD came into the house by the way of the gate whose prospect is toward the east. So the spirit took me up, and brought me into the inner court; and, behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house. And I heard him speaking unto me out of the house; and the man stood by me.” Ezekiel 43:1-6 (KJV)
“And the gates of the city shall be after the names of the tribes of Israel: three gates northward; one gate of Reuben, one gate of Judah, one gate of Levi. And at the east side four thousand and five hundred: and three gates; and one gate of Joseph, one gate of Benjamin, one gate of Dan. And at the south side four thousand and five hundred measures: and three gates; one gate of Simeon, one gate of Issachar, one gate of Zebulun. At the west side four thousand and five hundred, with their three gates; one gate of Gad, one gate of Asher, one gate of Naphtali. It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, The LORD is there.” Ezekiel 48:31-35 (KJV)
“Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments. Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.” Malachi 4:4-6 (KJV)
On this portion of Matthew (24:31) you may check this out. If you would like to check out my studies of the Olivet Discourse you may click on the link.
Romans chapters 9 – 11 give us more details of God’s promises being fulfilled to the people of Israel, and one day Jesus will regather them to Himself, and this time will be forever.
THE FEAST OF THE DAY OF ATONEMENT GIVES US THE PICTURE OF JESUS’S SUBSTITUTIONARY DEATH ON THE CROSS (vv. 26-32). The day of atonement took place during the month Tishri (September/October).
It was on the day of atonement that we hear of the “Scapegoat” (Leviticus 16). There were two goats brought to the high priest. By “lot” one was chosen as the LORD’s and the other lot for the scapegoat. The LORD’s lot was sacrificed, the other was released, “…to go as a scapegoat into the wilderness.” There is more sacrifice involved on this day of atonement, but within this scene of the “Scapegoat” we have a beautiful picture of the atoning work of Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior.
Jesus, as the sinless, perfect, spotless, blemishless, Lamb of God went to the cross our sacrifice for sin, without sin, became our sin – thus the goat image – bore the wrath of Holy God upon sin, died as the penalty for our sin (Romans 6:23), was buried – thus the image of the scapegoat – carrying our sins, shame, and guilt and condemnation away. Then, He arose bodily from the grave leaving all that sin, shame, guilt and condemnation cast far, far away (Psalm 103:12).
There is only one payment for sin, and that is provided, and was provided by our God and Savior Jesus Christ, as he bled and died in obedience to His Father, and in His love for you and I He is our Substitute, our only atonement for sin.
THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES IS A PICTURE OF THE REST AND REUNION WE HAVE IN JESUS CHRIST (vv. 33-44). This feast also took place in the month of Tishri (September/October) on the fifteenth day would be the beginning. The first day was a Sabbath day, and the eighth day was a Sabbath day for them. On the first day also they were to make booths (a temporary home) this was a reminder to them of the journey through the wilderness after their deliverance from Egypt.
It would seem that the whole month of Tishri is taken with celebration and worship of the LORD. The life of the Christian should be a time of celebration/worship of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and our God. God saw to it that the people would always have plenty of rest from their labors. Six days a week they labored, then the sabbath day was a day of rest. Then on the fourteenth day of the first month until the twentyfirst day they celebrated the Passover, Unleavened bread, and firstfruits; fifty days later they celebrated Pentecost, then in the seventh month of Tishri they celebrated Feast of Trumpets [Rosh Hashanah], Day of Atonement [Yom Kippur], and feast of Tabernacles [Booths of Ingathering].
Today the Hebrews celebrate two other occasions. Feast of Dedication (John 10:22) [Hanukkah] during the month of December from the miracle of the Menorah in the temple during the of the Maccabees rebellion against Antiochus ephiphines. The other began in the time of Esther, and is called Purim in the month Adar (February/March). Purim is remembrance and thanks to God for His deliverance from Haman’s deceptive means to destroy the Jews.
In Jesus Christ our Lord and God we celebrate these every day. He fulfilled all these. He is the anti-type. He is not the shadow of these things; He is the substance. Jesus is also the Light, and the only means of salvation for the Jew and the Gentile.
Of His Rest and Reunion we read:
“Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:11-16 (KJV)
Let’s Celebrate Jesus.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Stand Upon The Rock
“O, that will be glory for me, Glory for me, glory for me. When by His grace I shall look on His face; that will be glory, be glory for me.” So goes the words of the song “That Will Be Glory”. This should be the hearts desire of every child of God; to see the glory of our God.
Peter, James and John witnessed the glory of Jesus when they were on the Mount and Jesus was transfigured before them (Matthew 17:1-11). We will see the significance of this a little later in this message.
In Exodus 32 Moses had been up on the Mount getting the 10 Commandments on stone tablets, by God, and the people took it on themselves, using Aaron, to build an idol called the golden calf, to worship. The people had already heard the commandments (20:1-17), ”Thou shalt have no other gods,’ and ‘Thou shalt not make any graven image”. When he returned with the tablets of stone the people had rebelled against the LORD’s commandments and worshipped another god, and built a graven image to worship.
Moses breaks the tablets of stone; the whole law was shattered; ground the calf into powder, poured it into a stream, and made the rebellious ones drink the water (32:20). Moses also called for those who were on the LORD’s side to come to me (32:26).
The heart of a shepherd/pastor is seen in Moses as he prays, “Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin–; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.” Exodus 32:32 (KJV). Moses spends time setting up a special place outside the camp which represented the place to meet God the “Tabernacle of the congregation” (33:7). You will notice that everytime Moses went to the tabernacle the men stood at the door of their tents and watched as the “cloudy pillar descended on the door of the tabernacle”. When they saw this “cloudy pillar” descended to the door “they worshipped (v. 10).
Moses, the man of God, longed for the abiding presence of the LORD, and sought it diligently. He prayed to see God in His glory, and that if God was not with him and the people that they would go no farther (vv. 13-15).
OUTLINE OF Exodus 33:21-23 –
I. THERE IS A PLACE NEAR TO GOD TO WHICH WE ARE CALLED (v. 21). This is a place that is provided by God. It is God who provided the rock for Moses, on which to stand.
God desires for all those who know Him to come near to Him. “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). God has always provided a place for His people. He provided a garden for Adam and Eve (Genesis 2:8). He provided an ark for Noah and His family to escape a flood (Genesis 6-9). The Lord Jesus Himself said, “I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:1-3).
II. WE ARE TO STAND ON THE ROCK, AND HIDE IN THE CLEFT WHICH GOD PROVIDES (vv. 21, 22). The rock of course represents the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Word of God. “That Rock was Christ”, says Paul the apostle (1 Corinthians 10:4). He even says that Rock followed them.
There is no surer foundation than the Rock which is Jesus Christ. He is the Rock upon which His Church is built (Matthew 16:18), and there is no other foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11).
When we come to the place God has provided for us, He hides us in the cleft of the Rock. God passed by Moses with His hand over Moses’s eyes protecting him from the glory that would have slain him.
III. IN THE CLEFT OF THE ROCK; COVERED BY THE HAND OF GOD (v. 22). Even though we may be in the place God has placed us we still need His covering hand to protect us from His glory. His hand is on display in the person of His Son. Jesus said to Phillip, “He that has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9).
Jesus Himself was the incarnation of God. God became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:1, 14), “(and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:14 (KJV). Jesus came veiled in human flesh, and though a man never sinned, never transgressed the law of God or man, but was obedient to the Father in all points, even unto the cross.
“Rock of Ages, cleft for me; let me hide myself in Thee”. Hidden from the glory of God that could and would consume us if not in that cleft of the Rock.
IV. THE GLORY OF GOD FROM THE BACK (v. 23). We are not given any description of the back of God by Moses. Therefore we are left to believe that this was completely satisfactory to Moses. He knew he had been in the presence of holiness, righteousness, and the awesome wonder of His glory.
One day we are promised that we shall behold the face of our Lord. All will look on Him whom we have pierced with thorns, nails, spears, and our sins. When we appear before the throne of Jesus Christ He will see only the garments washed clean by His own blood, and the judgment received will be for our rewards, for good or bad we have done (2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Corinthians 4:12-15).
Where are you standing today? I pray you stand on the Rock which is Christ, and that you are hid with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3). When your life is “Hid with Christ in God” you are Standing On The Rock.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Christian Soldier – Prepared For Battle
Ephesians 6:10-20
PURPOSE: Seeing how we are constantly bombarded with evil in society, which comes from the “evil one’; we Christians must be as soldiers, prepared for the battle of good against evil, the flesh against the Spirit, pride against humility, love against hate, and be equipped by the strength of the Lord, the power of His might and learning to put on, and keeping on the armor of God.
THE FINAL EVIDENCE OF THE FILLING OF THE SPIRIT IN THE CHRISTIAN’S LIFE (vv. 5:18, 6:10). “Finally” concludes the evidences of the filling of the Spirit which the apostle gives from verse eighteen of chapter five and runs through verse eighteen of chapter six. I am saying that to put on the armor which we are commanded to put on, and the keeping on of that armor are evidences of the “Filling”
Let’s recap what has already been said of the “Filling of the Spirit”. When you are filled with the Spirit of God:
1. You are controlled by the Spirit of God (v. 5:18);
2. Your life is a musical; your life is filled with song and thanksgiving (vv. 5:19-20);
3. You are submissive to others, or to one another (v. 5:21);
4. The Spirit filled wife is submissive to her husband (vv. 5:22-24);
5. The Spirit filled husband loves his wife sacrificially as “Christ died for the church” (vv. 5:25-31)
6. Spirit filled children will honor their parents (vv. 6:1-3);
7. Spirit filled parents will lovingly teach, discipline, and direct their children in the Lord (v. 4);
8. The Spirit filled laborer/worker/employee will be a diligent, faithful, hard working, unselfish, having high integrity, in the work for Christ sake (vv. 5-8);
9. The Spirit filled boss/manager/supervisor/owner will be well behaved toward his laborers/workers/employees: paying a better than average wage required by government; and see to it that all workers are treated fairly and equally.
The final three chapters of Ephesians are the practical aspects of what the apostle is teaching in the first three chapters. These are surely practical, and show us how we ought to live personally, toward others, and this final one in the spiritual world as well; which many times, if not all the time; is manifest in the flesh and blood of humanity.
We live in a desperately wicked world, and as Christians if we are not diligent and vigilant we can find ourselves living a life of defeat. Paul encourages us with these great words, Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. This reminds me of the prophet Zechariah’s inspired words, “Not by might nor by power; but by My Spirit, says the LORD” (Zechariah 4:6). The only way for us to “be strong” effectively is in the Lord, and that happens as we obey Him and His Word. The Spirit of God can only work in us for godly living as we obey the Word of God. The disobedient child of God is not in the will of God, and out of fellowship, out of tune with the leading of the Spirit of God. No disobedient Christian can faithfully follow the will of God, nor can the disobedient Christian be strong in the Lord, and the power of His might.
The only answer for that is seeking God’s forgiveness (1 John 1:9), receiving that forgiveness; then, living faithfully to God, His Word and the direction of His Spirit. Be strong… in the power of His might.
The Spirit filled Christian will be a good soldier of Christ.
THE COMMAND, THE EQUIPMENT AND THE BATTLE (vv. 11-13). Imagine if you will you can see the apostle, possibly chained to a Roman soldier, as he is imprisoned in a cold, wet, dark, cell. He has occassionally caught the look of the armor the soldiers wear, and God has given him this illustration of the Christian’s armor. You can tell where Paul’s heart is. It is on the Lord Jesus Christ, and the people who have and who are coming to Christ as their Lord and Savior. The apostle wants, even desires that his brethren be made strong, protected, powerful, and sturdy in the fight of the faith, and for the faith.
In these verses Paul gives us the command to put on the whole armor of God. He also gives us the equipment of the armor; which consist of, the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, battle shoes, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and for a weapon, the Sword of the Spirit. Could there be one more weapon? I believe there is and it is the weapon of prayer. It is more powerful than an ICBM (Inter-Continental Ballistic Missle), or any other missile for that matter, because it is faster, and hits with much more impact, and only damages evil.
We are told that the battle is not against flesh and blood, but against forces which we cannot see. Evil is a force (within politics, religion, etc.) of our enemy [the devil] which works deceptively; destroying individuals, marriages, families, towns and cities, State and Federal governments, and the whole world; which the devil uses to try and overthrow the reign of God. We can see God’s view on this in the Second Psalm:
“Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.” Psalms 2:1-3 (KJV)
The battle rages everyday of our lives. We cannot back down, nor lose hope. Though the enemy has already been defeated on the cross by our Lord Jesus Christ; he is still a foe that we must deal with in the Spirit of God. His doom is sure. His teeth have been shattered, and all he can really do is roar, and make a big stink. However, the Christian must daily be filled with the Spirit, putting on the whole armor of God to stand, and stand firm against the onslaughts of Satan, that others may come to faith, grow more into the image of Christ our Lord, and be eternally with Him in glory.
The evil day is any time Satan’s attacks are worsening. It seems to me that they are worsening everyday now. It is actually speaking of when things in the world are at their worst. With the economy crumbling and especially with many people’s investments in Wall Street, there is much fear, worry and dread. May the Spirit filled Christian and her resting in Christ be the cause of peace in many more. Whent he attacks seem unbearable, even in this can the Christian – Spirit filled – and fully armored, stand. Praise God!
STANDING, FIGHTING WITH THE ARMOR IN THE STRENGTH AND MIGHT OF OUR LORD (vv. 14-17). Some years ago there was a song I heard several times with the words, “We are walking into the enemies camp, and laying our weapons down; shedding our armor as we go, and leaving it on the ground.” I believe this was the chorus of the song. It did, however, catch my attention. I think you can see what the writer of that song was saying.
This is not the time for Christians to be laying our armor, nor our weapons down at the feet of the enemy. This is the time for us to gird up our loins with the belt of truth, taking all those things which hinder us and tucking them away so we can fight. Why is it that some “Christian” hymnals have taken songs such as “Onward Christian Soldiers” out of the hymnal? Some have changed to wording of songs so as not to offend the world. Has any one figured out yet that the gospel message of Jesus Christ, the cross, burial and resurrection offends this world!? (I guess it would be alright to view the previous sentence as an exclamation or a question). To put on the belt of truth requires that the Christian spend time daily in the Word of God, hearing God through those things written by the prophets, lawgivers, singers, and historical writers.
The belt of truth is used as the means to hold other pieces of equipment in place. With it you had a place to carry the Sword. The “belt of truth” for the Christian is the “truthfulness” continued, abiding living a committed, dedicated life to the battle for Christ, without hypocrisy, and devoted to victory.
The breastplate of righteousness described by the MACARTHUR STUDY BIBLE,
“The breastplate was usually a tough, sleeveless piece of leather or heavy material with animal horn or hoof pieces sewn on, covering th soldier’s full torso, protecting his heart and other vital organs. Because righteousness, or holiness, is such a distinctive characteristic of God Himself, it is not hard to understand why that is the Christian’s chief protection against Satan and his schemes. As believers faithfully live in obedience to and communion with Jesus Christ, His own righteousness produces in them the practical, daily righteousness that becomes the spiritual breastplate. Lack of holiness, on the other hand, leaves them vulnerable to the great enemy of their souls (cf. Is. 59:17; 2 Cor. 7:1; 1 Thess. 5:8).
THE MACARTHUR STUDY BIBLE, p. 1815.
Righteousness has been put to our account, because of Jesus’s death on the cross, and in our place. This breastplate protects the Christian from the frontal assaults of Satan as he bombards with accusation which has been forgiven, insults, defamation and lies. When we are clothed in the righteousness and armored in the breastplate of righteousness we can rest assured in Christ Jesus and enter the battle with confidence that, “No weapon that is formed against us shall prosper” (Isaiah54:17a).
A good soldier will have on the proper shoe or boot for the journey, and the battles that will be faced. The shoe will provide good traction, stable footing, a steady foundation. The feet are our foundation for travelling. The means of going, and carrying out the mission to which every soldier has been called. The feet of the Christian soldier is to be ready to share the gospel wherever we may go. The Christian soldier is assured of eternal salvation, and knows how to share his personal testimony, and give a clear presentation of the message of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:15). His feet are “shod” and, ready to go at a moments notice.
Though most modern troops/soldiers do not carry shields, each soldier knows the value of a shield. If we have been watching some news clips on television news we have seen some of our soldiers walking beside the hum-vees using them as a shield from the enemy bullets. We see them hunkered down behind walls as shields as well. In many cases it would be foolish not to seek a shield for protection. For the Christian we cannot exist without the shield of faith.
When the enemy come swinging his sword of evil, and shooting his “fiery darts” of hatred; the shield of faith is raised to turn them away. Sometimes the blows of evil and darts of hate can be felt, but they fall harmlessly to the ground yielding to the raised “shield of faith”;
“When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.” Isaiah 59:19 (KJV)
The enemy will stop at nothing in order to make us stumble in our faith. The “shield of faith” can only be effective when the “loins are girt about with truth”; when the “breastplate of righteousness” is in place, and our feet are “shod”, and prepared to preach the “foolishness” of the cross of Christ (1 Corinthians 1:18).
The helmet of salvation is protection for the head; for if you lose the head you lose your life. The Roman soldier’s helmet protected him from a simple blow to the head, and from being knocked unconscious from a seemingly minor blow, disabling him from the battle. When an individual is born again they receive this salvation, as though awakened out of sleep or from death with this helmet. It is from our head that we have our senses of sight, smell, hearing and taste; and without the head we would have no sense of touch. The total body is ruled by the head.
It is with salvation one’s eyes are opened to the things of God; that one can begin to tell a spiritual stench from spiritual fragrance; that one begins to hear God’s commands and do what He says, that one can taste the Word of God, and that it is good, in fact DELICIOUS.
The apostle now proceeds to the offensive equipment/weapons. The first item is the Sword of the Spirit. The Roman soldier’s main offensive weapon was his sword. Once trained in its use he could wield his sword with great accuracy and power.
Notice, by the text that this Sword is the “Word of God”. The power of God’s Spirit in our lives is in the Word of God. The Holy Spirit of God, who resides, dwells in every believer speaks to and through the one who is familiar with the Word of God. The Sword would literally be the Word of God present, and at work in the spirit filled soldier of Jesus Christ; not just words on onion paper, and bound in leather; but written in our hearts. The writer of Hebrews likened the Word to a “two edged sword,” and as “a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). The sword of God’s Word is not only powerful to its handler, but also to anyone within its thrust.
The preacher of God’s Word can stand confidently knowing God’s Word and God’s Spirit work together in power, doing the work for which God intends it. He can stand with that Bible in his hands and know, that no matter what portion of Scripture he uses; a message from God is being proclaimed. The “rightly divided” Word.
STANDING WITH GOD IN PRAYER (vv. 18-20). Not too many see it, but it seems to me that prayer must be the second offensive weapon that we have in Christ. I wrote earlier that it is more powerful and an ICBM and accomplishes far more in God’s glory. What could be more important for the soldier of Christ than to kneel before His presence, tell him our hearts fears concerning the battle, receive His encouragements, corrections and rebukes, and also receive His instruction for fighting the battle ahead?
A lot of spiritual warfare is fought on our knees. As a matter of fact no victory will be secured if prayer is not practiced. In prayer we find and receive power to do the will of God; we are strengthened and encouraged for the battle(s) ahead. In prayer we are made alert to the things that are hated by God. The Christian soldier, when he spends time with his Commander-In-Chief Jesus Christ learns to become like Him.
We pray for others, one another, all saints. Remember saints are simply called by God out of sin unto faith in Christ Jesus. We pray “in the Spirit” by praying according to the Spirit and not our own desires. The Spirit prays in us which glorifies Jesus Christ (John 16:14).
In this text Paul request prayer for himself as well. We ought always pray for our pastors, teachers, and all who have spiritual authority in the church. Paul’s request was threefold:
1. That he might experience freedom in his preaching;
2. That he might speak boldly;
3. That he might clearly present the “mystery of the gospel”.
If you want to know how to pray for your pastor, and others who are in authority, biblically, and in the Spirit; here is the answer.
We are all “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20a), therefore, we all need prayer to be bold in our witness, and preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Be a good soldier of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:3). “Put on the whole armor of God,” and wield the “sword of the Spirit” in power; trusting the Lord Jesus Christ to accomplish His work in you; and in His word. His word will not return unto Him void (Isaiah 55:11).
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Fire and Hammer 