1 Year Through the Bible Series—Romans Part F

C1 Chapter 12

D1 Romans 12 begins with an appeal for us to give our life in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds under Jesus’s rules and lifestyle for us. Most of this chapter and the following give us these rules.

E1 Romans 12:1 PickNT Now then, brothers, I exhort you, in view of God's compassions, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, satisfying to God—your intelligent duty.

E2 Pickering comments on this verse: Any animal in the Old Testament had to die in order to become a sacrifice, so what does Paul mean by a 'living' one? In 1Co 15:31 he said that he died every day. Paul could not have been referring to actual physical death, obviously, since Heb 9:27 affirms that it is appointed to men to die only once (no re-incarnation). He may well have faced possible death often enough, but I suppose he is referring to dying to himself. I suppose this is also the meaning of our Lord's words in Luke 9:23-24—"If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it." In that day a cross was an instrument of death. We must die to our own will in order to embrace God's. To present the body is presumably a metonym for presenting one's whole self.

D2 Romans 12:3-8

E1 This deals with the gifts of grace for believers to serve God in ministering to others especially to the brothers and sisters.

E2 These gifts are prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leadership, and compassion. As others have pointed out this is the division of labor in the body of believers. These are broad areas covering primarily the needs of the congregation and also for preaching the Gospel.

F1 Prophecy for foretelling (rarely) and giving a message to believers, which is effective and motivating messages. The message is blessed by God for service. Prophecy is for 1 Corinthians 14:3 WEL But he who prophesies speaks to people for edification, exhortation, and comfort.

G1 Edification to build up the knowledge, wisdom, and actions of believers.

G2 Exhortation to encourage and help in knowledge, wisdom, and actions of believers.

G3 Comfort to lessen anxiety and unrest in believers.

F2 There is time to speak of the other gifts but they are more easily understood by most people.

D3 Romans 12:9-21 are a list of some of the rules all Christians are to live by. Let us take heed. We can obey with the strength God gives us.

C2 Chapter 13

D1 Romans 13:1-7 deals with our relation and obligations to the government. We need to respect leaders and to pray For them. That God would give them wisdom, so that the country may live in peace and safety and that the believers may be allowed to live as Christians. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 NRSV First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

D2 Romans 13:8-10 deals with our relation and obligations to our neighbor.

E1 Our neighbor, as far as Scripture is concerned, refers to anyone we meet. Luke 10:29, 37 NIV But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" ... 37 The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise.

E2 Romans 13:10 NIV Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

F1 The word harm is the Greek word for bad in many applications.

F2 Bad is based on God’s standard not mine, not yours, not the neighbor.

D3 Romans 13:11-14 is urging us to be ready for the return of Jesus Christ.

C3 Chapter 14

D1 The chapter gives rules regarding our responsibilities to our Christian brothers and sisters.

D2 Romans 14:1-4 deals with what we eat. We are not to eat something that might cause our fellow believer to fall from faith.

D3 Romans 14:5-9 deals with observation of days for worship or something special. It is not important what particular day we worship but that we worship. We don’t need to argue and fight about this. One worships God on Sunday? Amen Another worships on Saturday. Maybe someone worships on Wednesday or every day. It makes no difference.

D4 Romans 14:10-12 reminds us that each of us will face judgment at Jesus’s throne. This judgment is not regarding salvation but for rewards. 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 NLT Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials--gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. 13 But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person's work has any value. 14 If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. 15 But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.

D5 Romans 14:13-23 teaches us the rationale and motive for these rules which are our love for God and our love for our brother and sister as shown by what we say and what we do. We are not to insist on our own way in many things but accept the other person. Many marital arguments could be avoided by not insisting on our own personal habit or opinion.

C4 Chapter 15

D1 Romans 15:1-6 continues with rules for the church (the people). It is in helping our weaker brother or sister. We might understand weaker as more sensitive personality. The goal is not to insist and demand our way but to build up the faith of each other.

E1 It is the attitude of Jesus Christ: John 5:30 NKJV I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.

E2 We must have the same attitude: Matthew 16:24 NKJV Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

E3 Philippians 2:4 NIV not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

E4 Galatians 6:2 NASB Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.

D2 Romans 15:7-13 teach us that Gentiles and Jews believes are one. We are of one family. We have been adopted by God as sons and daughters. We are co-heirs with the Lord Jesus. Romans 8:17 NIV Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

D3 Romans 15:14-22 teaches us that Paul was their apostle.

D4 Romans 15:23-33 is Paul’s plans for visiting these believers.

C5 Chapter 16 is a list of personal greetings to many brothers and sisters and the finishing of the letter.

Romans 16:27 CSB to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ—to him be the glory forever! Amen.

1 Year Through the Bible Series—Romans Part E+7 Reasons God has not Rejected Israel

C1 Israel

D1 There can be no confusion that Paul is speaking of DNA Israelites:

E1 Romans 9:3-5 ESV For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. 4 They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. 5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.

E2 Romans 10:1-2 ESV Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.

E3 Romans 11:1-2 ESV I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel?

D2 Paul emphasizes that even though DNA Israel had the promises, it must be actualized by faith. Just being born a Jew is not enough. Romans 9:32 ESV Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone,

D3 To illustrate what he means, Paul gives some examples.

E1 Esau and Jacob

F1 These are real people

F2 The outcome and teaching HERE in this passage is about nations named Esau (Edom) and Jacob (Israel).

F3 The man Esau never served the man Jacob. The nation Edom did serve the nation Israel.

G1 Edom was servant to Israel: 2 Samuel 8:14 ESV Then he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom he put garrisons, and all the Edomites became David's servants. And the LORD gave victory to David wherever he went.

G2 Edom would serve Israel but not forever: 2 Kings 8:20, 22 ESV In his days Edom revolted from the rule of Judah and set up a king of their own. ... 22 So Edom revolted from the rule of Judah to this day. Then Libnah revolted at the same time.

F4 Why? Romans 9:13 ESV As it is written, "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.

G1 Malachi 1:2-3 BSB “I have loved you,” says the LORD. But you ask, “How have You loved us?” “Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the LORD. “Yet Jacob I have loved, 3 but Esau I have hated, and I have made his mountains a wasteland and left his inheritance to the desert jackals.”

G2 Esau and his descendants did not have faith.

H1 The Edomites fought their brother instead of helping them: Amos 1:11 NLT This is what the LORD says: "The people of Edom have sinned again and again, and I will not let them go unpunished! They chased down their relatives, the Israelites, with swords, showing them no mercy. In their rage, they slashed them continually and were unrelenting in their anger.

H2 Idolatry: 2 Chronicles 25:20 NLT But Amaziah refused to listen, for God was determined to destroy him for turning to the gods of Edom.

H3 Esau himself did not have faith. He was immoral and profane: Hebrews 12:16 WEL Lest any be a fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for a single meal gave away his birthright.

G3 Jacob and his descendants (some) did have faith.

H1 Jacob himself: Genesis 28:22 NLT And this memorial pillar I have set up will become a place for worshiping God, and I will present to God a tenth of everything he gives me.

H2 Israel: Occasionally, the Scriptures mention the whole nation worshiping God, but often it is only small groups of Israel that worship. With the kings of Israel, some did and some did not. Compare 1 Kings 19:18.

E2 Pharaoh

F1 Romans 9:17-18 BSB For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18 Therefore God has mercy on whom He wants to have mercy, and He hardens whom He wants to harden.

F2 God knew what this man was like, so promoted him to Pharaoh.

F3 God choose Pharaoh to uncover the evil in Egypt, punishment for sin, and deliverance to those who believe Yahweh.

F4 Israel did believe as shown in that they obeyed the instructions for the Passover.

E3 Punishment and blessing

F1 Not an arbitrary decision/decree of God

F2 Sin (no faith, breaking God’s laws, etc.) bring punishment (Romans 2).

F3 Faith and trust in God, His words, His rules, etc. bring mercy

G1 Romans 4:20-22 NLT Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. 21 He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. 22 And because of Abraham's faith, God counted him as righteous.

G2 Romans 10:11 NRSV The scripture says, "No one who believes in him will be put to shame."

C2 Chapter 10

D1 Israel was confused and ignorant about salvation. They believed that by having the right DNA (descendant of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) and keeping the Mosaic Law would bring forgiveness of sins and a home in heaven. They were zealous in this effort.

E1 Confused because of a wrong method of Bible Interpretation. They leaned on the teachings of man. Matthew 15:9 NIV They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules

E2 They relied on theology and leaders rather than the plain, normal reading of the Scriptures as foremost importance. Mark 12:24 NKJV Jesus answered and said to them, "Are you not therefore mistaken, because you do not know the Scriptures nor the power of God?

D2 Salvation from the beginning of creation until the end is: Romans 10:9-13 NKJV that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame." 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved."

D3 The greater part of Israel did not believe: Romans 10:16 NKJV But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "LORD, who has believed our report?"

C3 Chapter 11

D1 God has not rejected Israel

E1 Romans 11:2 CSB God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Or don't you know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah—how he pleads with God against Israel?

E2 All believing Israel will be saved, forgiven, and have eternal life: Romans 11:26-27 CSB And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, The Deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. 27 And this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.

E3 A glorious deliverance by Messiah Jesus at the end of the Tribulation: Zechariah 14:4-5 NLT On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem. And the Mount of Olives will split apart, making a wide valley running from east to west. Half the mountain will move toward the north and half toward the south. 5 You will flee through this valley, for it will reach across to Azal. Yes, you will flee as you did from the earthquake in the days of King Uzziah of Judah. Then the LORD my God will come, and all his holy ones with him.

C2 Applications

D1 We all sin.

D2 Being related to a certain people group does not guarantee salvation.

D3 Only the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true. It has never changed. God initiates salvation, we have our will, heart, and understanding opened by God as to our sinfulness (breaking God’s laws) and punishment. Either the sinner is punished or a substitute. The substitute must be voluntary and eligible (sinless). Only Jesus Christ is suitable. He died and suffered for our sins. God decreed that only by repentance, believing, and trusting in Jesus is the only plan of salvation. We need to do this calling on the name of the Lord Jesus to be saved.

D4 God still has a plan for Israel, the DNA people who have a piece of real estate in the Middle East.

C3 Resources:

D1 Articles on Romans 9-11 by theologians from the Society of Evangelical Arminians

D2 Predestination and Free Will in Romans 9

D3 Ed Jarrett, “Arminianism: Foreknowledge, Predestination and Election”

D4 There are way too many Christians who believe that God has rejected the Jews and replaced her with the church. This article by Loren Jacobs refutes that teaching with 7 arguments:

E1 The Covenantal Argument (Romans 11:1 and Jeremiah 31:35-37)

E2 The Biographical Argument Israel is still God's people (Romans 11:1)

E3 The Theological Argument God foreknew Israel would reject the Gospel (Romans 11:2a and Acts 2:23, Acts 4:28, Romans 11:11 and Romans 11:25)

E4 The Historical Argument There has always been a remnant that believed (Romans 11b-10)

E5 The Argument of Origins God's promises are good and will result in a good conclusion (Romans 11:16)

E6 The Botanical Argument The natural branches (Israel) and the wild olive branches (Gentiles) (Romans 11:17-24)

E7 The Prophetic Argument Israel's hardening is only partial and temporary(Romans 11:25-27)

A Few Thoughts About the Devil’s Agents Part B+20 Helps in Deliverance

How can we be safe? Here are some guidelines to help us

B1 Truth (reality) is most important

C1 Beware of following any pastor, leader, person, etc. with knowing truth about them. Unthinking respect for authority is the greatest enemy of truth—Albert Einstein, 1879-1955, German-Jewish physicist

C2 The Importance of Truth (I don’t agree with everything on this site).

C3 Some verses on truth just from the Epistle to the Ephesians:

D1 Ephesians 4:15, 21, 25 NLT Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. ... 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, ... 25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.

D2 Ephesians 6:14 NLT Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness.

C4 Contrast the devil and the Lord Jesus regarding truth

D1 Lord Jesus: John 1:14 NKJV And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

D2 devil: John 8:44 PickNT You are of your father the devil, and it is the desires of your father that you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning and has not stood in the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks the lie he speaks from his own things, because he is a liar and the father of [lying].

C5 Example of speaking the truth. We must know the Scriptures and interpret them correctly: Matthew 4:10 NIV Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"

B2 Understanding that the Scriptures are the only source of 100% truth

B3 Proper reading and understanding of the Scriptures. Since God is omniscient and omnisapient (all wise), He knows how to communicate perfectly. Knowing this, we interpret the Bible in its plain, normal sense. The Lord Jesus quotes from the Old Testament many times. Some say 84, but I don’t know. Each time He interprets those Old Testament passages in their plain, normal sense. (See here)

B4 Be a little skeptical. Search the Scriptures to see if this is correct. Be careful of them for they will redefine words and concepts. Don’t let them speak with impressive words and long, unnecessary answers. Don’t trust an explanation that takes reams of paper. Acts 17:11 NLT And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul's message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.

B5 Know the characteristics of manipulators. For example, see here and here and here.

B6 Don’t become passive, that is, a mystic. 1 Peter 5:8-9 NLT Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.

B7 Be aware of his schemes. The schemes of the devil are those things he tries against us to get us to have misery, defeat, and even to deny the Lord Jesus. Ephesians 6:11 NIV Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.

C1 He brings to mind the our failures.

C2 He accuses us of sinning.

C3 He accuses us of being fake Christians.

C4 He tempts with sin.

C5 He lies.

C6 He uses his agents to cause harm.

C7 He flatters to bring about pride.

C8 He uses sinful, sensual pleasures to arouse passions not allowed by God.

C9 He uses suffering. It may be persecution, sickness, abuse, etc.

C10 He deceives.

B8 Resist 1 Peter 5:9 CSB Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.

B9 No temptation is more than we can resist. Temptation is not sin. The Lord Jesus was tempted and without sin. 1 Corinthians 10:13 CSB No temptation has come upon you except what is common to humanity. But God is faithful; he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation he will also provide a way out so that you may be able to bear it.

B10 Believe. He does love us. Romans 8:38-39 CSB For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

B11 God’s grace: 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

B12 Prayer. This would include personal prayer and also a Christian brother or sister or the church. Luke 22:40 NIV On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation.

B13 To be on guard, not to slough off: 2 Peter 3:17 NIV Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position.

B14 Spiritual growth though Bible reading and studying, fellowship, living the Christian life, etc.: 2 Peter 3:18 NIV But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

B15 Knowing God’s rules and having self-control. With the help of God’s grace, we can.

C1 God’s grace: Philippians 4:13 NKJV I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

C2 Self-control, self-discipline: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NIV Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

B16 Rejoicing in God, His grace, and His blessings: Psalm 23:5 NLT You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.

B17 Rejoice and have hope. The God, who stood with Paul when all abandoned him, is with us also. 2 Timothy 4:16-18 NLT The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them. 17 But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death. 18 Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.

B18 Realize and hold on to the promise of the Lord Jesus praying for us: Hebrews 7:25 NIV Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

B19 Seek the fellowship of other believers: 1 Thessalonians 3:2-3 NLT and we sent Timothy to visit you. He is our brother and God's co-worker in proclaiming the Good News of Christ. We sent him to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith, 3 and to keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through. But you know that we are destined for such troubles.

B20 The devil’s agents are their to destroy our faith, make us ineffective, make life miserable. We remember our Lord Jesus and share His sufferings: 1 Peter 4:12-13 NLT Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, be very glad--for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.

The dangers we believers face is large, but we have a redeemer, one who will never leave us.

Psalm 5:2-7 NLT Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for I pray to no one but you. 3 Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly. 4 O God, you take no pleasure in wickedness; you cannot tolerate the sins of the wicked. 5 Therefore, the proud may not stand in your presence, for you hate all who do evil. 6 You will destroy those who tell lies. The LORD detests murderers and deceivers. 7 Because of your unfailing love, I can enter your house; I will worship at your Temple with deepest awe.

A Few Thoughts About the Devil’s Agents Part A

Definition (my definition, that is)

B1 Someone knowingly or unknowingly doing the devil’s will.

B2 Someone knowingly or unknowingly teaching the devil’s doctrine.

B3 Someone knowingly or unknowingly representing the devil’s kingdom.

Some Bible characters he has worked to destroy:

B1 Job (Job 1-2)

B2 King David (1 Chronicles 21:1)

B3 Jonah

B4 Peter (Luke 22:31)

B5 The Lord Jesus (Mark 1:13)

B6 Elijah (1 Kings 19)

Some examples

B1 A narcissist

C1 Greg Zaffuto:

Emotional abuse is crippling. It robs a person of their self-esteem, creativity, individuality, the ability to think rationally, confidence in themselves and their independence and autonomy.

Toxic narcissists want to remain in control by keeping you confused, anxious, doubtful, scared and apologetic. It's their way of maintaining control of the twisted situation. They thrive when attempting to make people crazy. It's called psychological warfare.

(Source)

C2 Inside the Mind of a Narcissist

C3 Narcissistic Law of Double Standards (Source)

D1 What shall apply to us shall not apply to them.

D2 What they demand of us shall not be asked of them.

D3 What rules they place upon us shall not be disputed.

D4 What rules they enforce, they need not follow themselves.

D5 What tactics they use on us shall not be used upon them.

B2 An abuser

C1 Quoting Jimmy Hinton concerning the Southern Baptist Convention Caring Well Program Lesson 10: This false theology of protecting abusers assumes that all people are capable of repenting and that the church should be a place where all are welcome, regardless of what they’ve done (or are doing). It’s driven by authoritarian leadership structures that give leaders all the power to make decisions regarding abusers, regardless of what church members or abuse survivors think. It allows leaders to keep the church in the dark about the presence of abusers and anyone who questions the leaders’ decisions are labeled as divisive trouble makers. (Source) [Emphasis is mine]

C2 I’m only going to give just one example of an abuser. Reverend Teresa Pecinovsky Tells Her Story of Abuse by a Former Professor at Abilene Christian University

B3 A molester. I’m only going to give just one example of an abuser and the cover-up. This is how many molesters continue. Remember, these are the devil’s agents. What does it look like when churches choose to provide cover for child predators?

B4 A controlling personality

C1 Manipulative speech. The following link lists a number of techniques for controlling speech. Glossary of Manipulative Rhetorical Gambits and Code Words.

C2 Another list (I know nothing about this website): Subtly Controlling Behavior

B5 A person using a position or occupation of trust to gain something for themselves, so this person could be an abusers, molester, thief, etc.

B6 A person who brings suffering:

C1 satan himself: Job 2:7 NLT So Satan left the LORD's presence, and he struck Job with terrible boils from head to foot.

C2 God haters: Hebrews 11:35-37 NLT Women received their loved ones back again from death. But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. 36 Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. 37 Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated.

C3 Other people from many occupations and positions of authority: 2 Chronicles 32:10-15.

Control

B1 Sometimes known (unfortunately) as pastor, denominational leader, educator, husband, wife, etc.

B2 They are motivated by the self for power, money, sex. It can be one, two, or all three. Power is always paramount, as they believe that their way, their plan, their actions, their thoughts, their decisions, their rules, etc. as always the best.

B3 Pastors, husbands, elders, etc. and etc. show this extreme control. What they teach is absolute. Their doctrine is the only doctrine. Submit or suffer. They will bully, intimidate, lie, essentially do anything to gain power and submission over people. Often you see pastors in this roll by strongly promoting their books, their products, their store, etc. and criticize most others. John 9 gives a good example. They finally expelled him from the Temple and Temple life. There are other examples in the Bible.

B4 You see these types of pastors, etc. who show:

C1 One leader with one program. They often make a show by having a board of elders who rubber stamp every decision.

C2 Little but usually no freedom. No questions can be asked concerning their actions, beliefs, or decisions are allowed. If a person does, they will be place under discipline.

C3 That they are superior to all others (or at least most others).

C4 They are privileged and not subject to the same rules as others.

Two styles of leadership

B1 The devil’s agent’s leadership style is the hunter, controller, no freedom.

B2 God’s leadership style is the shepherd.

The devil’s goal and the goal of his agents

B1 The devil’s agents can be anyone. They can be pastors, educators, family members, etc.

B2 The devil’s goal is to

C1 Obtain everything in his control and none in God’s control.

C2 Obtain everything to rebel against God

C3 Obtain a solution to a problem—kill them.

C4 Cause suffering

C5 Cause Christians to sin, to become ineffective, to believe in error, to get side tracked in some way.

C6 To have all people believing lies are truth and truths are lies.

C7 To have all people believe good is evil and evil is good

C8 For people to seek only for themselves

C9 To hate God and God’s servants

The devil’s attitude

B1 Some actions that the devil loves and rejoices in: Galatians 5:18-21 WEL But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious. They are adultery, sexual sins, moral corruption, unrestrained lust, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, strife, provoking jealousy, hot anger, pushing to be first, selfish scheming, dissensions, heresy, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, wild partying, and so on, about which I have told you before, and as I have also told you in the past that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

B2 Some actions towards others: 2 Timothy 3:1-5 WEL Know this also, that in the last days perilous times will come. 2 For people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, braggers, arrogant, users of abusive language, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, impossible to please, false accusers, unable to control themselves, fierce, despising those who are good, 4 Traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 Having an appearance of godliness but having spurned its power. From such turn away.

B3 Hate instead of love:

C1 Actions of love: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a WEL Love is very patient and kind; love is not envious; love doesn’t brag about itself, is not haughty, 5 Doesn’t behave improperly, is not self-seeking; love isn’t easily aggravated, doesn’t keep a list of wrongs, 6 Doesn’t rejoice in injustice, but rejoices in the truth, 7 Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, calmly endures all things. 8 Love never ends...

C2 Actions of hate: No patience, much harshness and meanness, envious, brags about him/herself, arrogant, shameless and obscene, self-seeking, easily aggravated, keeps lists of wrongs, rejoices in injustice, rejoices in lies, doesn’t tolerate anything, tends to not believe what we say, hopes for the worst, will not endure anything (impulsive and lashes out), loves only to gain advantage.

B4 Stealthy and covert in actions: 2 Timothy 3:6 WEL For this type are those who wheedle into houses and captivate gullible women loaded with sins carried away with various evil desires,

C1 The idea of wheedle (Greek ἐνδύνω endýnō) is to clothe themselves, that is, hide their intentions and goals.

C2 This describes a person who is a narcissist gaining the confidence and trust of a person.

B5 Misusing Scriptures by interpreting and applying them in ways not seen in that passage. Matthew 4:6 NET and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written, 'He will command his angels concerning you' and 'with their hands they will lift you up, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

C1 In Robertson’s Word Pictures he writes: Cast thyself down (βαλε σεαυτον κατω). The appeal to hurl himself down into the abyss below would intensify the nervous dread that most people feel at such a height. The devil urged presumptuous reliance on God and quotes Scripture to support his view (Ps 91:11f.). So the devil quotes the Word of God, misinterprets it, omits a clause, and tries to trip the Son of God by the Word of God. It was a skilful thrust and would also be accepted by the populace as proof that Jesus was the Messiah if they should see him sailing down as if from heaven. This would be a sign from heaven in accord with popular Messianic expectation. The promise of the angels the devil thought would reassure Jesus. They would be a spiritual parachute for Christ.

C2 This promise was given to believers mainly as a spiritual protection. The promise here given does not extend to dangers rashly incurred or presumptuously sought, and was therefore no justification of the act to which our Lord was tempted by the devil. Joseph Alexander commenting on Psalm 91:11

B6 Reminds us that God has not answered our prayers, so plants the idea that God cannot or will not help us.

B7 Promoting his agents into positions of power and authority, especially church leaders.

C1 Gain doctorate degrees for the purpose of making impressive resumes to gain key positions, yet they themselves are devoid of truth.

C2 They are described as wolves, teaching lies to making disciples after their own ways, doctrine, and beliefs. Acts 20:29-30 NLT I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. 30 Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following.

C3 Act religious, pious, and holy but do not have the power, that is, the new life, the grace, joy, and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. 2 Timothy 3:5 NET They will maintain the outward appearance of religion but will have repudiated its power. So avoid people like these.

C4 Their victims are always learning but never know truth. Adam Clarke in his commentary writes:

Ever learning] From their false teachers, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth, because that teaching never leads to the truth; for, although there was a form of godliness, which gave them a sort of authority to teach, yet, as they denied the power of godliness, they never could bring their votaries to the knowledge of the saving power of Christianity. There are many professors of Christianity still who answer the above description. They hear, repeatedly hear, it may be, good sermons; but, as they seldom meditate on what they hear, they derive little profit from the ordinances of God. They have no more grace now than they had several years ago, though hearing all the while, and perhaps not wickedly departing from the Lord. They do not meditate, they do not think, they do not reduce what they hear to practice; therefore, even under the preaching of an apostle, they could not become wise to salvation.

C5 To pretend he is god, an angel of light and peace, the spirit guide to wisdom, etc.: 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 NLT These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve.

B8 Lies in every conceivable way through deception, misinterpretation, misapplication, accusations, blasphemy, etc.

B9 Accuses us of sin and unbelief. Revelation 12:10 CSB Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say, The salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have now come, because the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been thrown down.