Few days ago, using Enoch as a study we understood what it means/entails in walking with God; shortly we shall look at the implications of walking with God, but firstly, we should understand that God desires all of His children to walk with Him.
Walking with God connotes friendship with God as only friends walk together
When friends walk together they talk and share with each other
This goes beyond coming to Church every Sunday or any meeting or programme at all
Walking with a close friend requires separating oneself from the company of other people or things that may distract or are in opposition – Ps.1: 1-3; 2Cor.6: 14-18
Walking with a friend also requires agreement and over time having things in common
– Amos 3: 3
Walking with God implies being like Him– Ps.42:7; Matt.5:48
Walking with God means aligning our will with His –Matt.6:10; 26:42; Rom8:29
Biblically, "walking," refers to a lifestyle as one can walk in the ways of the world –2Kg.8: 27; Eph.2: 2; Col.3: 7
Walking with God is also walking in the Spirit – Gal.5: 16; Rom.8: 4
Walking with God implies overcoming the flesh - Rom.8: 5-8
Walking with God means we choose to glorify Him in every way we can, regardless of personal cost – Matt.16: 24; 1Cor.10: 31
It is not difficult to identify people who walk with God. Their lives are a contrast to the world around them, they shine like stars in a nighttime sky – Phil.2:15
Those who walk with God produce the fruit of the Spirit (Gal.5: 22) and not the works of the flesh (Gal.5: 19-21)
When we walk with God every day, the world cannot help but recognize that we have been with Jesus, in spite of our imperfections and lack of knowledge in some areas e.g.Peter & John – Acts 4:13
No doubts, God bless those who walk with Him
#TheseImplications #YourLifestyle
#Communion #Fellowship #Partnership #SharingTogether
Enjoy the rest of the week.. Shalom!!
Up Next #HindrancesOfWalkingWithGod
Tuesday, August 08, 2017
Friday, August 04, 2017
WALKING WITH GOD- ENOCH
"Enoch walked with God" (Genesis 5:24).
Enoch’s walk implies that he went up and down, in and out, to and fro, arm in arm with God, always talking with Him, growing closer and growing more like Him.
Enoch did not start to walk with God until he gave birth to Methuselah. That means, he lived a portion of his life without walking with God. What portion of your life has been wasted and how much more do you still want to waste before you start to walk with God?
Enoch could have started his walk with God earlier before having his 1st born. What if he never had any child? How many wrong goals have you set for yourself, saying, “Until I have done this or that” before you start to walk with God? – Jam.4:13-15
Enoch had other children after bearing Methuselah. Look around you – those who don’t
serve God are not usually better off in the end.
Enoch gave birth to Methuselah. Whereas Enoch lived for 365years and walked with God, Methuselah lived for 969years without any mention of his relationship with God or any tangible achievements than having children. Enoch’s life and walk with God proved that it is not how long we live that matters to God but how well.
Enoch lived for 365 years. Enoch’s 365 years like 365 days represent a typical “year” of our years. He lived a full and fulfilling life. We can live full and fulfilling lives too. And if we so desire, we also can live for 365 days each year walking hand in hand with God like Enoch.
Enoch was translated out of life. Like Enoch, those who walk closely with God are translated out of Satan's reach. They are taken out of his kingdom of darkness and put into Christ's kingdom of light:
“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Col.1:13).
Enoch pleased God in the midst of a wicked, crooked and perverse society. All around Enoch, mankind grew increasingly ungodly. Yet as men changed into wild beasts full of lust and ungodliness, Enoch became more and more like the One with whom he walked.
He was a man of like passion as we are, an ordinary man with similar problems and
challenges, not an isolated hermit hidden away in a cave in the forest or wilderness. He
was involved in everyday life with family, friends and neighbours.
"And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him" – Genesis 5:24
Although, this verse actually speaks of Enoch's translation, the fact that he did not taste
death. But there is more to it. That phrase, ‘he was not’, also means, “he was not worldly” or “he was not of this world.” Practically speaking, Enoch was not part of this wicked world. Each day as he walked with the Lord he became less attached to the things of this world but set his affection on things above. Like Paul, he died daily to this earthly life and he was taken up in the spirit to a heavenly realm.
However, while on earth, Enoch was responsible, caring for his family, working,
ministering, etc. But "he was not" – i.e not earthbound. None of the demands of this life
kept him from his walk with God.
Hebrews 11:5 testifies clearly that Enoch pleased God. How? His walk with God
produced in him the kind of faith God loves because Hebrews 11: 6 says, “But without
faith it is impossible to please him”. Throughout the Bible and in history, all those who
walked closely with God have always been men and women of faith. We cannot walk
with God without faith and true faith pleases God.
“By faith Enoch was translated…” Heb.11: 5.
This is a great truth! All of Enoch's faith and desire to be with the Lord; And God granted his heart desire and translated him according to his faith. Enoch could no longer stay away from the Lord. So, God took him straight to be with Him.
Enoch had no Bible, no hymn book, no fellow church member, no teacher; no indwelling Holy Spirit and he did not speak with tongues. But he knew God and walked with Him.
"… He that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" – Hebrews 11:6.
Enoch believed God was a Rewarder and his faith pleased God.
How God reward his faithful followers and friends who believe and walk with Him:
1. Friends share secrets (Gen.18:17; Amos 3:7). When we walk with the Lord in the light of His presence and word, we have guidance, direction, discernment and revelation. God helps us to know things supernaturally.
2. God controls the lives of those who walk with Him (Jn.14: 23). Satan has no real control over those who daily walk and talk with Christ (Rom.8:1).
3. Walk with God gives us divine protection from all the attacks of the enemy – Ps.91:1; Isa.54: 17; Lk.10: 19.
4. Above all, that you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh Gal 5:16
#WalkingWithGodRevealed
#UpNextImplicationsOfWalkingWithGod
Enoch’s walk implies that he went up and down, in and out, to and fro, arm in arm with God, always talking with Him, growing closer and growing more like Him.
Enoch did not start to walk with God until he gave birth to Methuselah. That means, he lived a portion of his life without walking with God. What portion of your life has been wasted and how much more do you still want to waste before you start to walk with God?
Enoch could have started his walk with God earlier before having his 1st born. What if he never had any child? How many wrong goals have you set for yourself, saying, “Until I have done this or that” before you start to walk with God? – Jam.4:13-15
Enoch had other children after bearing Methuselah. Look around you – those who don’t
serve God are not usually better off in the end.
Enoch gave birth to Methuselah. Whereas Enoch lived for 365years and walked with God, Methuselah lived for 969years without any mention of his relationship with God or any tangible achievements than having children. Enoch’s life and walk with God proved that it is not how long we live that matters to God but how well.
Enoch lived for 365 years. Enoch’s 365 years like 365 days represent a typical “year” of our years. He lived a full and fulfilling life. We can live full and fulfilling lives too. And if we so desire, we also can live for 365 days each year walking hand in hand with God like Enoch.
Enoch was translated out of life. Like Enoch, those who walk closely with God are translated out of Satan's reach. They are taken out of his kingdom of darkness and put into Christ's kingdom of light:
“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Col.1:13).
Enoch pleased God in the midst of a wicked, crooked and perverse society. All around Enoch, mankind grew increasingly ungodly. Yet as men changed into wild beasts full of lust and ungodliness, Enoch became more and more like the One with whom he walked.
He was a man of like passion as we are, an ordinary man with similar problems and
challenges, not an isolated hermit hidden away in a cave in the forest or wilderness. He
was involved in everyday life with family, friends and neighbours.
"And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him" – Genesis 5:24
Although, this verse actually speaks of Enoch's translation, the fact that he did not taste
death. But there is more to it. That phrase, ‘he was not’, also means, “he was not worldly” or “he was not of this world.” Practically speaking, Enoch was not part of this wicked world. Each day as he walked with the Lord he became less attached to the things of this world but set his affection on things above. Like Paul, he died daily to this earthly life and he was taken up in the spirit to a heavenly realm.
However, while on earth, Enoch was responsible, caring for his family, working,
ministering, etc. But "he was not" – i.e not earthbound. None of the demands of this life
kept him from his walk with God.
Hebrews 11:5 testifies clearly that Enoch pleased God. How? His walk with God
produced in him the kind of faith God loves because Hebrews 11: 6 says, “But without
faith it is impossible to please him”. Throughout the Bible and in history, all those who
walked closely with God have always been men and women of faith. We cannot walk
with God without faith and true faith pleases God.
“By faith Enoch was translated…” Heb.11: 5.
This is a great truth! All of Enoch's faith and desire to be with the Lord; And God granted his heart desire and translated him according to his faith. Enoch could no longer stay away from the Lord. So, God took him straight to be with Him.
Enoch had no Bible, no hymn book, no fellow church member, no teacher; no indwelling Holy Spirit and he did not speak with tongues. But he knew God and walked with Him.
"… He that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" – Hebrews 11:6.
Enoch believed God was a Rewarder and his faith pleased God.
How God reward his faithful followers and friends who believe and walk with Him:
1. Friends share secrets (Gen.18:17; Amos 3:7). When we walk with the Lord in the light of His presence and word, we have guidance, direction, discernment and revelation. God helps us to know things supernaturally.
2. God controls the lives of those who walk with Him (Jn.14: 23). Satan has no real control over those who daily walk and talk with Christ (Rom.8:1).
3. Walk with God gives us divine protection from all the attacks of the enemy – Ps.91:1; Isa.54: 17; Lk.10: 19.
4. Above all, that you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh Gal 5:16
#WalkingWithGodRevealed
#UpNextImplicationsOfWalkingWithGod
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
LONGSUFFERING???
It has been said that longsuffering means “suffering long.” That is a good answer, but a better definition is needed. The word longsuffering in the Bible is made up of two Greek words meaning “long” and “temper”; literally, “long-tempered.” To be longsuffering, then, is to have self-restraint when one is stirred to anger. A longsuffering person does not immediately retaliate or punish; rather, he has a “long fuse” and patiently forbears. Longsuffering is associated with mercy (1 Peter 3:20) and hope (1 Thessalonians 1:4). It does not surrender to circumstances or succumb to trial.
God is the source of longsuffering because it is part of His character (Exodus 34:6; Numbers 14:18–20; Psalm 86:15; Romans 2:4; 1 Peter 3:9; 2 Peter 3:15). He is patient with sinners. At the same time, God’s longsuffering can come to an end, as seen in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18--19) and the sending of Israel into captivity.
The believer in Jesus Christ receives the very life of God, His divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). That life produces certain characteristics (fruit) that are displayed in the believer as he obeys the Holy Spirit who lives within him. One of those godly characteristics from Galatians 5:22–23 is “longsuffering.” The word is translated “patience” in the New American Standard Bible. Longsuffering is to be exhibited by all believers (Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 1:11; 3:12).
Think how our lives would be affected if longsuffering were exhibited in individual relationships, family relationships, church relationships, and workplace relationships. The old nature can be very short-fused at times, and we tend to strike back against offenses with unkind words and unforgiving spirits. By obeying the Holy Spirit, the believer in Christ can say “no” to retaliation and exhibit a forgiving and longsuffering attitude. As God is longsuffering with us, we can and must be longsuffering with others (Ephesians 4:30–32).
The ultimate example of God’s longsuffering is His waiting for individuals to respond in faith to Jesus Christ. God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Have you made that decision to believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for you and that He rose again to provide forgiveness and eternal life? If not, read Romans 10:9–13.
#ANENVOY #REVEALED #LONGSUFFERING/PATIENCE
God is the source of longsuffering because it is part of His character (Exodus 34:6; Numbers 14:18–20; Psalm 86:15; Romans 2:4; 1 Peter 3:9; 2 Peter 3:15). He is patient with sinners. At the same time, God’s longsuffering can come to an end, as seen in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18--19) and the sending of Israel into captivity.
The believer in Jesus Christ receives the very life of God, His divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). That life produces certain characteristics (fruit) that are displayed in the believer as he obeys the Holy Spirit who lives within him. One of those godly characteristics from Galatians 5:22–23 is “longsuffering.” The word is translated “patience” in the New American Standard Bible. Longsuffering is to be exhibited by all believers (Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 1:11; 3:12).
Think how our lives would be affected if longsuffering were exhibited in individual relationships, family relationships, church relationships, and workplace relationships. The old nature can be very short-fused at times, and we tend to strike back against offenses with unkind words and unforgiving spirits. By obeying the Holy Spirit, the believer in Christ can say “no” to retaliation and exhibit a forgiving and longsuffering attitude. As God is longsuffering with us, we can and must be longsuffering with others (Ephesians 4:30–32).
The ultimate example of God’s longsuffering is His waiting for individuals to respond in faith to Jesus Christ. God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Have you made that decision to believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for you and that He rose again to provide forgiveness and eternal life? If not, read Romans 10:9–13.
#ANENVOY #REVEALED #LONGSUFFERING/PATIENCE
Wednesday, July 05, 2017
THIS IS ETERNAL LIFE
When the Bible speaks of eternal life, it refers to a gift of God that comes only “through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). This gift is in contrast to the “death” that is the natural result of sin.
The gift of eternal life comes to those who believe in Jesus Christ, who is Himself “the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). The fact that this life is “eternal” indicates that it is perpetual life—it goes on and on and on, with no end.
It is a mistake, however, to view eternal life as simply an unending progression of years. A common New Testament word for “eternal” is aiónios, which carries the idea of quality as well as quantity. In fact, eternal life is not really associated with “years” at all, as it is independent of time. Eternal life can function outside of and beyond time, as well as within time.
For this reason, eternal life can be thought of as something that Christians experience now. Believers don’t have to “wait” for eternal life, because it’s not something that starts when they die. Rather, eternal life begins the moment a person exercises faith in Christ. It is our current possession.John 3:36 says, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.” Note that the believer “has” (present tense) this life. We find similar present-tense constructions in John 5:24 and John 6:47. The focus of eternal life is not on our future, but on our current standing in Christ.
The Bible inextricably links eternal life with the Person of Jesus Christ. John 17:3 is an important passage in this regard, as Jesus prays, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” Here, Jesus equates “eternal life” with a knowledge of God and of the Son. There is no knowledge of God without the Son, for it is through the Son that the Father reveals Himself to the elect (John 17:6;14:9).
This life-giving knowledge of the Father and the Son is a true, personal knowledge, not just an academic awareness. There will be some on Judgment Day who had claimed to be followers of Christ but never really had a relationship with Him. To those false professors, Jesus will say, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” (Matthew 7:23). The apostle Paul made it his goal to know the Lord, and he linked that knowledge to resurrection from the dead: “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10–11).
In the New Jerusalem, the apostle John sees a river flowing from “the throne of God and of the Lamb,” and “on each side of the river stood the tree of life. . . . And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations” (Revelation 22:1–2). In Eden, we rebelled against God and were banished from the tree of life (Genesis 3:24). In the end, God graciously restores our access to the tree of life. This access is provided through Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
Right now, every sinner is invited to know Christ and to receive eternal life: “Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life” (Revelation 22:17).
How can you know that you have eternal life? First of all, confess your sin before our holy God. Then accept God’s provision of a Savior on your behalf. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died for your sins, and He rose again the third day. Believe this good news; trust the Lord Jesus as your Savior, and you will be saved (Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9 –10).
John puts it so simply: “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life” (1 John 5:11–12).
#ThisIsEternalLife
#Revealed John 17:3
Shalom
The gift of eternal life comes to those who believe in Jesus Christ, who is Himself “the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). The fact that this life is “eternal” indicates that it is perpetual life—it goes on and on and on, with no end.
It is a mistake, however, to view eternal life as simply an unending progression of years. A common New Testament word for “eternal” is aiónios, which carries the idea of quality as well as quantity. In fact, eternal life is not really associated with “years” at all, as it is independent of time. Eternal life can function outside of and beyond time, as well as within time.
For this reason, eternal life can be thought of as something that Christians experience now. Believers don’t have to “wait” for eternal life, because it’s not something that starts when they die. Rather, eternal life begins the moment a person exercises faith in Christ. It is our current possession.John 3:36 says, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.” Note that the believer “has” (present tense) this life. We find similar present-tense constructions in John 5:24 and John 6:47. The focus of eternal life is not on our future, but on our current standing in Christ.
The Bible inextricably links eternal life with the Person of Jesus Christ. John 17:3 is an important passage in this regard, as Jesus prays, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” Here, Jesus equates “eternal life” with a knowledge of God and of the Son. There is no knowledge of God without the Son, for it is through the Son that the Father reveals Himself to the elect (John 17:6;14:9).
This life-giving knowledge of the Father and the Son is a true, personal knowledge, not just an academic awareness. There will be some on Judgment Day who had claimed to be followers of Christ but never really had a relationship with Him. To those false professors, Jesus will say, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” (Matthew 7:23). The apostle Paul made it his goal to know the Lord, and he linked that knowledge to resurrection from the dead: “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10–11).
In the New Jerusalem, the apostle John sees a river flowing from “the throne of God and of the Lamb,” and “on each side of the river stood the tree of life. . . . And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations” (Revelation 22:1–2). In Eden, we rebelled against God and were banished from the tree of life (Genesis 3:24). In the end, God graciously restores our access to the tree of life. This access is provided through Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
Right now, every sinner is invited to know Christ and to receive eternal life: “Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life” (Revelation 22:17).
How can you know that you have eternal life? First of all, confess your sin before our holy God. Then accept God’s provision of a Savior on your behalf. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died for your sins, and He rose again the third day. Believe this good news; trust the Lord Jesus as your Savior, and you will be saved (Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9 –10).
John puts it so simply: “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life” (1 John 5:11–12).
#ThisIsEternalLife
#Revealed John 17:3
Shalom
Saturday, June 24, 2017
GROW IN FAITH!!!
All Christians want, or should want, to increase their faith. But those who have given their lives to Christ have come to realize that success does not come from our own human attempts; we always fail. First Corinthians 4:7 reminds us, "What makes you better than anyone else? What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if all you have is from God, why boast as though you have accomplished something on your own?" Without God, we are left to our own resources, which plague us with pride, stubbornness, indifference, insensitivity, and failure. The only one we can count on who absolutely will not fail us is God (Hebrews 13:5).
If our trust in God is going to grow, we have to learn to step out in faith, moving out of our comfort zone and taking chances. If we believe that God will sustain us for that day, we can be free to carry out His will, regardless of the consequences. Whenever we face temptations, God will always provide a way out so that we will not be overcome (1 Corinthians 10:13). We need to look for that way out, and praise God when we find it. First Peter 1:7 says He will use trials to test our faith and to make us stronger Christians; we will be given much honor if we can stand strong and not waver. "Yet faith comes from listening to this message of good news " the Good News about Christ" (Romans 10:17).
#FOR KINGDOM ENVOYS
#REVEALED GROW IN FAITH
#HEBREW 11 VS 6A
Enjoy your weekend in Christ
Beginning our journey of faith with God requires that we immerse ourselves in His Word (Romans 10:17; 1 Peter 2:2). We must learn about His love, His justice, His mercy, and His plan. We must form a relationship with Him, so that we can know Him personally through His Son, Jesus Christ (John 17:3). We should ask Him to reveal Himself to us and change us. The Bible promises that if we seek God, we will find Him (Matthew 7:7). And if we allow Him to, He will transform us into new people who can know His will (Romans 12:2). We have to be willing to die to our old selves and let go of the pride and selfishness that kept us from Him for so long. As God changes us, we will learn to develop the fruit that comes from the Holy Spirit, who dwells in all Christians (Galatians 5:22-23; John 14:17). As we walk in the Spirit, allowing Him to control our lives, we will begin to trust in Him. “Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done” (Colossians 2:7).
If our trust in God is going to grow, we have to learn to step out in faith, moving out of our comfort zone and taking chances. If we believe that God will sustain us for that day, we can be free to carry out His will, regardless of the consequences. Whenever we face temptations, God will always provide a way out so that we will not be overcome (1 Corinthians 10:13). We need to look for that way out, and praise God when we find it. First Peter 1:7 says He will use trials to test our faith and to make us stronger Christians; we will be given much honor if we can stand strong and not waver. "Yet faith comes from listening to this message of good news " the Good News about Christ" (Romans 10:17).
#FOR KINGDOM ENVOYS
#REVEALED GROW IN FAITH
#HEBREW 11 VS 6A
Enjoy your weekend in Christ
Sunday, May 28, 2017
GOD'S REST.
The concept of entering into God’s rest comes from Hebrews 3—4. What is this “rest” the Hebrew writer is talking about? How do we enter it? And how do we fail to enter it? The writer to the Hebrews begins his discussion of God’s rest in chapter 3, where he references the Israelites wandering in the desert. In giving them the land of Canaan, God had promised them that He would go before them and defeat all their enemies in order that they could live securely (Deuteronomy 12:9–10). All that was required of them was to fully trust in Him and His promises. However, they refused to obey Him. Instead, they murmured against Him, even yearning to go back to their bondage under the Egyptians (Exodus 16:3; 17:1–7; Numbers 20:3–13).
The particular “rest” referred to here was that of the land of Canaan. Into that rest God solemnly said the Israelites who disobeyed Him would never enter (Hebrews 3:11). They had been rebellious. All the means of reclaiming them had failed. God had warned and entreated them; He had caused His mercies to pass before them, and had visited them with judgments in vain; and He now declares that for all their rebellion they should be excluded from the Promised Land (Hebrews 3:16–19). But, eventually, the next generation did place their faith in God and, by following the leadership of Joshua, they, some forty years later, entered into God’s rest, the land of Canaan (Joshua 3:14–17).
Using the Israelites as an example of those who were not resting in God’s promises, the writer of Hebrews goes on in chapter 4 to make the application personal, both to the Hebrew Christians and to us: “Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it” (Hebrews 4:1). The promise that still stands is the promise of salvation through God’s provision—Jesus Christ. He alone can provide the eternal rest of salvation through His blood shed on the cross for the remission of sins. God’s rest, then, is in the spiritual realm, the rest of salvation. Faith, the author goes on to assert, is the key to entering God’s rest. The Hebrews had had the gospel preached to them, just as the Israelites knew the truth about God, but the messages were of “no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith” (Hebrews 4:2). Some had heard the good news of Christ, but they rejected it for lack of faith.
Hebrews 4:10–13 explains the nature of this faith. The kind of faith that enables us to enter into God’s rest is a faith that first demands that we rest from relying on our own works. Then the writer seemingly contradicts himself by telling us to make every effort: “For anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience” (Hebrews 4:10–11). What this apparent paradox means is that such biblical faith involves our submissiveness to God, and our efforts in that area.
Though we desist in our self-efforts to earn salvation and the promised eternal rest, we also “make every effort to enter that rest” by choosing to depend solely on God, to trust Him implicitly, to yield totally to the promises of God through the free grace of His salvation. Why? So “that no one will fall by following their [the Israelites’] example of disobedience” (Hebrews 4:11). We either trust ourselves to save ourselves, or we trust God to do that for us through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. By failing to trust God fully in His promises, we become disobedient and fail to enter the rest that is eternal life, just as the children of Israel became disobedient when they failed to enter the Promised Land.
So how do we stop trusting ourselves? How do we place our full trust in God and His promises? We enter into God’s rest by first understanding our total inability to enter God’s rest on our own. Next, we enter God’s rest by our total faith in the sacrifice of Christ and complete obedience to God and His will. “And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed? So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief” (Hebrews 3:18–19). Unlike the Israelites whose unbelief prevented them from entering the Promised Land, we are to enter God’s rest by faith in Him, faith which is a gift from Him by grace (Ephesians 2:8–9).
GOD'S REST REVEALED... HAPPY SUNDAY TO ALL KINGDOM ENVOYS... SHALOM
The particular “rest” referred to here was that of the land of Canaan. Into that rest God solemnly said the Israelites who disobeyed Him would never enter (Hebrews 3:11). They had been rebellious. All the means of reclaiming them had failed. God had warned and entreated them; He had caused His mercies to pass before them, and had visited them with judgments in vain; and He now declares that for all their rebellion they should be excluded from the Promised Land (Hebrews 3:16–19). But, eventually, the next generation did place their faith in God and, by following the leadership of Joshua, they, some forty years later, entered into God’s rest, the land of Canaan (Joshua 3:14–17).
Using the Israelites as an example of those who were not resting in God’s promises, the writer of Hebrews goes on in chapter 4 to make the application personal, both to the Hebrew Christians and to us: “Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it” (Hebrews 4:1). The promise that still stands is the promise of salvation through God’s provision—Jesus Christ. He alone can provide the eternal rest of salvation through His blood shed on the cross for the remission of sins. God’s rest, then, is in the spiritual realm, the rest of salvation. Faith, the author goes on to assert, is the key to entering God’s rest. The Hebrews had had the gospel preached to them, just as the Israelites knew the truth about God, but the messages were of “no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith” (Hebrews 4:2). Some had heard the good news of Christ, but they rejected it for lack of faith.
Hebrews 4:10–13 explains the nature of this faith. The kind of faith that enables us to enter into God’s rest is a faith that first demands that we rest from relying on our own works. Then the writer seemingly contradicts himself by telling us to make every effort: “For anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience” (Hebrews 4:10–11). What this apparent paradox means is that such biblical faith involves our submissiveness to God, and our efforts in that area.
Though we desist in our self-efforts to earn salvation and the promised eternal rest, we also “make every effort to enter that rest” by choosing to depend solely on God, to trust Him implicitly, to yield totally to the promises of God through the free grace of His salvation. Why? So “that no one will fall by following their [the Israelites’] example of disobedience” (Hebrews 4:11). We either trust ourselves to save ourselves, or we trust God to do that for us through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. By failing to trust God fully in His promises, we become disobedient and fail to enter the rest that is eternal life, just as the children of Israel became disobedient when they failed to enter the Promised Land.
So how do we stop trusting ourselves? How do we place our full trust in God and His promises? We enter into God’s rest by first understanding our total inability to enter God’s rest on our own. Next, we enter God’s rest by our total faith in the sacrifice of Christ and complete obedience to God and His will. “And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed? So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief” (Hebrews 3:18–19). Unlike the Israelites whose unbelief prevented them from entering the Promised Land, we are to enter God’s rest by faith in Him, faith which is a gift from Him by grace (Ephesians 2:8–9).
GOD'S REST REVEALED... HAPPY SUNDAY TO ALL KINGDOM ENVOYS... SHALOM
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
Deliver this man unto Satan: MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR YOU
My Senior Partner (The Holy Ghost) laid it in my heart to republish this piece during my study on THE PURPOSES OF TEMPTATION and my going to do just that..
This is a very popular verse, but many people don't even know why God said it to Paul.
Ok, I’ll show you. 2 Corinthians 12:7 "... I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you”.
Ok there we have it. Paul had the tendency to become proud and of course that pride would have led him to hell so God actually authorized Satan to afflict Paul’s body to keep him from being proud. Hmmmm. Who did Paul ask for healing? God. We didn’t see him casting and binding the devil, when he knew what his problem was and who had the power to stop it.
Because Paul understood this process very well, he actually suggested it to the church in Corinth for a man that was sinning by sleeping with his father's wife. He said “you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord." (1 Corinthians 5:5).
Scripture said “But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world.” (1 Corinthians 11:32).
Interesting huh? Many people simply go and start cursing out the devil, casting and binding him, when he got the legal authority to do what he is doing to them from God because of their sins. The more we sin, the more we give the devil a legal right to do things to us. Remember when Jesus said that if your eye causes you to sin that you should pluck it (figuratively speaking)? Imagine that you prayed and asked Jesus to help you to stop sinning, and He hears your prayers by doing to you what He did to Paul, authorizing the devil to afflict that part of your body that causes you to sin in order to save you? If God authorized it then casting and binding while you are still in that sin is like walking up to a police man doing his job and punching him in the face.
There is a warning against this. Jude 1:8 “Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones. But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, "The Lord rebuke you." But these people blaspheme all that they do not understand, and they are destroyed by all that they, like unreasoning animals, understand instinctively.” Peter gives the same warning in 2 Peter 2:10-11.
All we have to do is stay away from trouble and they will stay away from us. 1 John 5:18 says “We know that God’s children do not make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them.”
So dear brothers and sisters, we have a goal for the remainder of the year!!! It's time to understand what sin does to us. Who wants to disarm the devil and stop his attacks on their lives? Who is with me?
#REVEALER #REBROADCAST
This is a very popular verse, but many people don't even know why God said it to Paul.
Ok, I’ll show you. 2 Corinthians 12:7 "... I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you”.
Ok there we have it. Paul had the tendency to become proud and of course that pride would have led him to hell so God actually authorized Satan to afflict Paul’s body to keep him from being proud. Hmmmm. Who did Paul ask for healing? God. We didn’t see him casting and binding the devil, when he knew what his problem was and who had the power to stop it.
Because Paul understood this process very well, he actually suggested it to the church in Corinth for a man that was sinning by sleeping with his father's wife. He said “you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord." (1 Corinthians 5:5).
Scripture said “But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world.” (1 Corinthians 11:32).
Interesting huh? Many people simply go and start cursing out the devil, casting and binding him, when he got the legal authority to do what he is doing to them from God because of their sins. The more we sin, the more we give the devil a legal right to do things to us. Remember when Jesus said that if your eye causes you to sin that you should pluck it (figuratively speaking)? Imagine that you prayed and asked Jesus to help you to stop sinning, and He hears your prayers by doing to you what He did to Paul, authorizing the devil to afflict that part of your body that causes you to sin in order to save you? If God authorized it then casting and binding while you are still in that sin is like walking up to a police man doing his job and punching him in the face.
There is a warning against this. Jude 1:8 “Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones. But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, "The Lord rebuke you." But these people blaspheme all that they do not understand, and they are destroyed by all that they, like unreasoning animals, understand instinctively.” Peter gives the same warning in 2 Peter 2:10-11.
All we have to do is stay away from trouble and they will stay away from us. 1 John 5:18 says “We know that God’s children do not make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them.”
So dear brothers and sisters, we have a goal for the remainder of the year!!! It's time to understand what sin does to us. Who wants to disarm the devil and stop his attacks on their lives? Who is with me?
#REVEALER #REBROADCAST
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