Devotional Notes Romans 15

 

B1 What does this mean?

C1 Helping Our Weaker Christian Brother and Sister

D1 We must always be considerate and aware of others. Everyone is offensive in some way, but this is referring to an attitude of doing or saying something that is not necessary. We must also take a stand of respect for God regardless if that is offensive.

E1 Exodus 1:17 NLT but because the midwives feared God, they refused to obey the king's orders. They allowed the boys to live, too.

E2 Sometimes being offensive can save a life: Ezekiel 3:18-19 NLT If I warn the wicked, saying, 'You are under the penalty of death,' but you fail to deliver the warning, they will die in their sins. And I will hold you responsible for their deaths. 19 If you warn them and they refuse to repent and keep on sinning, they will die in their sins. But you will have saved yourself because you obeyed me.

E3 The attitude of the Apostle Paul: 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 NRSV though we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children. 8 So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us.

E4 Even the Lord Jesus did not seek to please himself. This is a quote from Psalm 69:9.

E5 Matthew 11:29 ESV Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

D2 Verse 4 is one reason we read and study the Old Testament. In the Old Testament

E1 We learn about the character traits of God, His decisions, His management of His kingdom, principles of right and wrong, prophecy, what pleases and displeases Him, etc.

E2 We learn from the people lives and choices examples of success and failure.

E3 We have a source of absolute truth.

E4 We have God’s promises to encourage us.

E5 Spiritual growth as in Matthew 4:4 NRSV but he answered, "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. (This is a quote from Deuteronomy 8:3 NRSV He humbled you by letting you hunger, then by feeding you with manna, with which neither you nor your ancestors were acquainted, in order to make you understand that one does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD).

D3 From the Bible Illustrator on God’s patience:

Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded. —

The God of patience: — When we say God is patient four things are implied.

I. PROVOCATION. Where there is nothing to try the temper there can be no patience. Humanity provokes God. The provocation is great, universal, constant. Measure His patience by the provocation.

II. SENSIBILITY. Where there is no tenderness or susceptibility of feeling, there may be obduracy and stoicism, but no patience. Patience implies feeling. God is infinitely sensitive. "Oh, do not this abominable thing," etc.

III. KNOWLEDGE. Where the provocation is not known, however great, and however sensitive the being against whom it is directed, there can be no patience. God knows all the provocations.

IV. POWER. Where a being has not the power to resent an insult or to punish a provocation though he may feel it and know it, his forbearing is not patience, it is simply weakness. He is bound by the infirmity of his nature to be passive. God is all powerful. He could damn all His enemies in one breath. (D. Thomas, D. D.)

D4 Likeminded, seeking to be agreeable to all. Ephesians 4:3 NIV Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

D5 Our whole being—body, soul, and spirit is to praise and bring glory in our thoughts, desires, words, and deeds. This should be our attitude, motive, and goal.

E1 Hebrews 4:16 ESV Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

E2 Hebrews 13:9 NLT So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your strength comes from God's grace, not from rules about food, which don't help those who follow them.

C2 Praising God Together

D1 Christians do disagree on trivial things, as has been mentioned, so let us put up with these trivial things without fuss. God doesn’t fuss about us in these things either.

D2 Verse 8 shows Christ Jesus’s ministry to those who are circumcised (Jews) for truth confirming the promises to Israel.

D3 Verse 9-12 shows Christ Jesus’s ministry of mercy to Gentiles. He is Messiah of all people, not just Jews. Deuteronomy 32:43 Brenton Rejoice, ye heavens, with him, and let all the angels of God worship him; rejoice ye Gentiles, with his people, and let all the sons of God strengthen themselves in him; for he will avenge the blood of his sons, and he will render vengeance, and recompense justice to his enemies, and will reward them that hate him; and the Lord shall purge the land of his people.

D4 True joy and peace can only come from God. Happiness is not mentioned because being happy depends on the circumstances. Our hope is increased by the ministry of the Holy Spirit, because sometimes we are sooo discouraged that only God can help.

C3 Paul Reminds Them God Choose Him to Be Their Apostle

D1 Continuing from the previous verse, the apostle mentions the work of believers for each other. We do have work to do for God.

D2 Romans 15:14 WEL I, myself, am also persuaded about you, my brothers and sisters, that you are also full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, also able to caution one another.

D3 3 ministries of believers to each other. How are we doing?

E1 Goodness

F1 The Greek word is ἀγαθωσύνη agathōsýnē. It means uprightness of heart and life, goodness, kindness.

F2 It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit’s work and ministry in our lives (Galatians 5:22).

F3 God’s light in us produces wonderful changes in our life which can transfer to a better society. Ephesians 5:8-9 NLT for once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.

F4 We need God’s power to do these good things (2 Thessalonians 2:11).

E2 Knowledge

F1 The Greek word is γνῶσις gnōsis. It means knowledge.

F2 Here the knowledge is the doctrines and life rules for the Christian life.

F3 ISBE has this comment:

A large part of the usage necessarily relates to natural knowledge (sometimes with a carnal connotation, as Gen 4:1, 17), but the greatest stress also is laid on the possession of moral and spiritual knowledge (e.g., Psalm 119:66; Proverbs 1:4, 7, 22, 29; 8:10, etc.; Luke 1:77; Rom 15:14; 2Pet 1:5-6,). The highest knowledge, as said, is the knowledge of God and Christ, and of God's will (Hosea 6:6; Romans 11:33; Ephesians 1:17; 4:13; Philippians 1:9; 3:8; Colossians 1:9-10, etc.). The moral conditions of spiritual knowledge are continually insisted on ("If any man willeth to do his will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God," John 7:17). On the. other hand, the pride of intellectual knowledge is condemned; it must be joined with love ("Knowledge puffeth up, 1 Corinthians 8:1).

E3 Caution

F1 The Greek word is νουθετέω nouthetéō. It means to put in mind, i.e. (by implication) to caution or reprove gently.

F2 A few verses of our ministry to each other.

G1 1 Corinthians 4:14 NLT I am not writing these things to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children.

G2 Colossians 3:16 NLT Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.

G3 1 Thessalonians 5:14 NLT Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.

F3 Let us be open to when others come to us and give us warning. Let us listen. We don’t have to bow our knee to them, but we need to listen and not argue, justify ourselves, or make excuses. Let God confirm it to us.

D4 Paul calls himself a priest. It is only in the sense of teaching new converts, especially Gentiles, to give spiritual sacrifices to God.

E1 Sacrifice of our bodies to serve God by living and talking pleasing to God as in Romans 12:1-2.

E2 Sacrifice of praise includes thankfulness and giving God credit for what He has, is, and will do as Hebrews 13:5.

E3 Sacrifice of help includes (as we are able) financial, physical, etc. helps as in Hebrews 13:16.

E4 Sacrifice of martyrdom as in 2 Timothy 4:6.

D5 Verse 17, we always rejoice when God’s work is done, people place their faith and trust into Jesus, and God’s blessings.

D6 Paul is excited that God has used him for many to believe. He gives God the credit.

D7 Verse 22, sometimes God hinders us from something. Paul was hindered from going to Rome for the purpose of preaching the Gospel to those who have never heard.

C4 Paul Plans to Visit Rome

D1 Verses 23-25, Paul has preached in many areas, laid the foundation for the faith, and now on his journeys he has the opportunity for some fellowship with the Roman believers. Compare 1 Corinthians 16 and 2 Corinthians 8-9.

D2 Verses 26-27, part of the reason is financial assistance to the brethren in need. His rationale is that they have helped us spiritually, so we should have them financially.

D3 Verse 28 is Paul’s plan. He will deliver the gifts to the brethren in Israel then come back and stop for a visit in Rome.

D4 Verse 29-30, Paul asks for their prayers so that he will have a safe journey for many Jews wanted Him dead.

D5 Verse 33 teaches that we are to refresh, encourage, bring joy and common hope to each other.

C5 Questions

D1 Define weaker brother or sister.

D2 How can we help them?

D3 What is our motive to help them?

D4 List some reasons for reading and studying the Old Testament.

D5 What are 4 facets of patience?

D6 Name 3 ministries of believers for and to each other. Can the sisters do this for men?

D7 What are some spiritual sacrifices?

B2 How do I apply this to my life? Give me grace O Lord to do these things.

30 Days for New Christians Day 2

 

Day 2 A People for God Genesis 28:10–15; 32:22–28

B1 Passage: Genesis 28:10-15 GNB and Genesis 32:22-28 GNB

C1 Genesis 28:10-15

D1 Beer-Sheba is in southern Israel. Haran (Harran) is in southern Turkey near Syria.

D2 Ladder (stairway) (verse 12) = personally I understand Jacob had a dream and in the dream was a ladder. People say this can’t be, because there are no ladders this big, but strange things appear in dreams. Compare John 1:51.

D3 At the top standing (verse 13) = God is a delegator and sends His angels on missions.

D4 Give...land (verse 13) = An important promise. God is king, and kings are allowed to bequeath land. God’s promises are good. This promise is still true.

D5 Bring back (verse 15) = This was fulfilled. See Genesis 35:6-7.

C2 Genesis 32:22-28

D1 Stayed behind alone (verse 24) = Jacob was returning to the Promised Land then heard that his brother Easu was coming to meet him. Fearing that Easu was coming to kill him, Jacob sent everything ahead while he stayed to pray.

D2 A man...wrestled (verse 24) = most believe that this was Jesus preincarnately appearing (a theophany). He came to test Jacob’s resolve to return, to encourage him, and to show God’s superiority that Jacob needs to submit to. Hard times are sometimes the method God uses to teach us that He will not leave us. See Hebrews 13:5 and 1 John 5:9-10 (assurance). Jesus did not have a body but a form of solid like angels. Compare Hosea 12:2-6.

D3 Bless me (verse 26) = Jacob knew this was God. Note that this is a prayer for Jacob is talking with God. We learn a principle about prayer.

D4 Not Jacob but Israel (verse 28) = Adam Clarke comments: We may learn from this that the redemption of the soul will be the blessed consequence of wrestling by prayer and supplication with God: "The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force." From this time Jacob became a new man; but it was not till after a severe struggle that he got his name, his heart, and his character changed. After this he was no more Jacob the supplanter, but Israel—the man who prevails with God, and sees him face to face.

B2 Questions:

C1 What was Jacob afraid of?

C2 Why did God wrestle with Jacob?

C3 Name a time that hardships help increase your faith in God.

C4 How does the new birth change us?

30 Days for New Christians Day 1

 

1 The Fall of Humanity Genesis 3:1–19

B1 Passage: Genesis 3:1-19 GNB

C1 Snake = literally so, but the snake was only outward, the control of the snake was the devil, who is called the snake (Revelation 20:21 and 2 Corinthians 11:3). Compare John 8:44, 1 John 3:8, and 1 Timothy 2:14.

C2 Subtle = a lie said indirectly and innocently.

C3 Saw (verse 6) = lust of the eyes and her justifying reasons for eating the fruit.

C4 He also ate (verse 6) = Adam. Adam was not deceived. I guess but cannot prove that since he did not see God, he thought he could get away with eating the fruit. His sin was a lack of faith, that is, he did not believe God. His sin, not Eve’s, was the cause for the universe being cursed. The universe had been pronounced as good (without flaw). Adam’s sin turned the flawless universe into a flawed universe. See Romans 5:12.

C5 Fig leaves sewn together (verse 7) = attempt to cover shame. See Proverbs 11:2, Isaiah 28:16 with Romans 10:11.

C6 Lord God (verse 8) = Jesus Christ. See John 14:23, 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, and 1 John 1:3.

C7 The woman (verse 12) = Adam is blame-shifting his sin unto Eve and further on to God. He does not confess his sin. Eve was honest and told God she was deceived. Adam received the greater punishment. Compare Exodus 20:16, Proverbs 14:5, Psalm 32:5, and 1 John 1:9.

C8 Her offspring and yours (verse 15) = the first promise of the coming Messiah. Adam did not get any good promises just curses. The Messiah was to be born of the woman, that is, no man was involved in procreation. See Galatians 4:4, Matthew 1:18 and 23.

C9 Subject (verse 16) = actually the word is desire. In my opinion, Eve would have been very angry with Adam. The world was cursed, and she was going to have labor pains. Because of this, I’m sure she wanted nothing to do with Adam. There would be no pregnancy. But God reminded Eve that she was still to physically and sexually desire Adam. Compare Song 7:10. The word is also used in Genesis 4:7. The desire mentioned there would be understood the intensity of this desire just like the intense desire of Song 7:10. The word rule here would be understood that Adam still had some authority in this life.

B2 Questions

C1 Was there anything about the serpent’s question that could have alerted Eve to the danger about to take place?

C2 Was the serpent telling the truth when he said, “That's not true; you will not die. God said that because he knows that when you eat it, you will be like God and know what is good and what is bad.”

D1 Would Eve have known what “evil” meant?

D2 Would you and I have been aware of the danger?

D3 How can we prevent falling into this lie?

E1 Knowing the truth

E2 Believing God

E3 Being skeptical

E4 Life is through what God says not anyone or anything else. Luke 4:4 WEB Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’”

D4 Is it wrong to become wise?

D5 What did Eve do wrong to acquire wisdom?

C3 Why was the Lord God walking in the garden? (See 1 John 1:3 WEB that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us. Yes, and our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son, Jesus Christ).

C4 Why did Adam and Eve hide?

C5 Why did Adam blame Eve and then God for his sin?

C6 Why was the curse placed on the production of produce?

A Few Thoughts about satan’s Agents

These are satan’s Agents. They may be pastors, spouses, or others. It may not be their goal but that is the effect of their “counsel,” actions, thoughts, etc.

Their actions have the effect of causing too many believers to deny Christ.

I’m thinking of in particular those who are considered “exceptionable” Christians.

Articles:

B1 15 Narcissistic Religious Abuse Tactics

B2 A testimony Things I Learned from a Lifetime in Evangelicalism and What I Learned Since

B3 The Narcissistic Pastor: 10 signs that you may be one

Basic characteristics as I understand it

B1 Craves the admiration of others, even seeking worship.

B2 Control. This is life is their way and only their way.

B3 Abuse in every form if the above characteristics are not meet by others

3 John 1:9-11 NKJV I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. 10 Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church. 11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.

B1 Characteristics of Diotrephes

C1 Loves the preeminence= not just recognition of being the leader but craving more, and if not given, will respond with abuse.

C2 Prating= talking much, going on and on about this issue, with evil words, false accusations, shaming, etc. Maybe even teaching that he is greater than the Apostle.

C3 Malicious words= evil, hurtful, shaming, even verbal abuse, lies to sway the other people’s thoughts to change about the Apostle. His speeches and verbal abuse did not satisfy (content with) him, so Diotrephes had to do even more.

C4 Unkindness/inhospitality= the word receive means to receive hospitably. Diotrephes would not warmly welcome missionary believers, nor help them in any way. See Romans 15:7 and Philippians 2:29.

C5 Uncompassionate= God is compassionate. (See Matthew 9:36, Mark 1:41, James 5:11)

C6 Forbids other people’s actions= totally controlling micromanager, threatens, abuses, does anything possible to stop others. He practices what he preaches for he will not assist these missionaries and then forbids others from helping them.

C7 Excommunicates those who disobey him

D1 The teaching of the Lord, the Apostles, and the prophets allow excommunication for

E1 Sexual sins see 1 Corinthians 5

E2 Refuses to obey the message of the Apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 3:14. This especially deals with someone who is able to work and find work but refuses to do so but instead leeches off others.

E3 Causing divisions in the church. This is purposely by any means set people against each other in the church. Romans 16:17

E4 Wrong Christology. 2 John 1:9-11

E5 A member who teaches aberrancy from the apostolic faith. Titus 3:9-11 Avoid foolish questions, genealogies, bitter disagreements, and battles over the law, for they are not beneficial or useful. 10 Reject a heretic—after the first and second warning—11 Knowing that such a person is corrupt and sins, being self-condemned. See also 2 Thessalonians 3:6.

D2 Diotrephes did not have any of these conditions to justify his throwing people out of church. He needs to be thrown out.

C8 Evil= The Greek word means evil, wicked, evil thinking, destructive, etc.

C9 Has not seen God= He is a fake Christian. See Matthew 15:8, 1 John 2:9, 1 John 2:4, John 14:23-24, etc.

B2 Loves the preeminence

C1 The Greek word is φιλοπρωτεύω philoprōteúō.

C2 It means to love to be first, that is, the top authority.

B3 We can also surmise more from the description of Demetrius who had a good testimony from others. Diotrephes has a poor testimony from others.

Ephesians 6:13 NKJV Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

John 8:32 NLT And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

A Few Thoughts about Steps into Apostasy Part B

 

B5 Loss of creation

C1 Since the Bible interpretation method is changed, the interpretation of Genesis especially the first 9 chapters are also changed.

C2 Often times science becomes the highest wisdom and authority replacing God and His words.

C3 If we can’t believe what God inspires in the first 9 chapters, when do we start believing what He said? 1 John 5:10 CSB The one who believes in the Son of God has this testimony within himself. The one who does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony God has given about his Son.

B6 Loss of doctrine

C1 Mainly loss of the idea that doctrine is important

C2 The teaching and beliefs in the church are determined by society and its changing times.

C3 Teachers that teach what we want to hear rather than what we need to hear. 2 Timothy 4:3 NLT For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.

C4 Authority turns from Scripture to science, philosophy, experience, mysticism, “the silence” with its contemplative prayer, and personal ideas of truth.

C5 The solution is the Bible itself.

D1 False teachers will arise, so beware and avoid.

E1 2 Timothy 2:17-18 GNB Such teaching is like an open sore that eats away the flesh. Two men who have taught such things are Hymenaeus and Philetus. 18 They have left the way of truth and are upsetting the faith of some believers by saying that our resurrection has already taken place.

E2 Jeremiah 14:14 NRSV And the LORD said to me: The prophets are prophesying lies in my name; I did not send them, nor did I command them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a lying vision, worthless divination, and the deceit of their own minds.

E3 Ezekiel 22:28 NLT And your prophets cover up for them by announcing false visions and making lying predictions. They say, 'My message is from the Sovereign LORD,' when the LORD hasn't spoken a single word to them.

D2 False priorities will replace God Himself. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 GNB Remember that there will be difficult times in the last days. 2 People will be selfish, greedy, boastful, and conceited; they will be insulting, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, and irreligious; 3 they will be unkind, merciless, slanderers, violent, and fierce; they will hate the good; 4 they will be treacherous, reckless, and swollen with pride; they will love pleasure rather than God; 5 they will hold to the outward form of our religion, but reject its real power. Keep away from such people.

D3 God warns us.

D4 God teaches all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be proficient, having been thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17 EMTV).

D5 To remain steadfast and true to the faith.

E1 Colossians 1:23 NKJV if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.

E2 2 John 1:9 PickNT Anyone who turns aside and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; but whoever continues in Christ's teaching does have both the Father and the Son.

B7 Loss of what’s authoritative

C1 Seeking authority from leaders, mysticism, experiences, etc.

C2 Drifting from Bible reading and study for reading theological books and articles and listening to speakers.

C3 Solution

D1 Psalms 119:130 AFV The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.

D2 Proverbs 6:22-23 GW When you walk around, they will lead you. When you lie down, they will watch over you. When you wake up, they will talk to you 23 because the command is a lamp, the teachings are a light, and the warnings from discipline are the path of life

B8 Loss of Christian witness

C1 The Gospel changes. It becomes corrupted by people adding something to do—works, rituals, joining a certain group, etc.

C2 People losing their conscience (become hardened and calloused) and guilt. People in general think they are good, and God will accept them to heaven as they are.

D1 Hardening of conscience

E1 Titus 1:15-16 NRSV To the pure all things are pure, but to the corrupt and unbelieving nothing is pure. Their very minds and consciences are corrupted. 16 They profess to know God, but they deny him by their actions. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

E2 1 Timothy 4:2 NET influenced by the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared.

D2 Self-deception Jeremiah 17:9 NKJV The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], And desperately wicked; Who can know it?

C3 Solution

D1 Knowing that the gospel never changes. Compare Genesis 15:6, Romans 4:3, Galatians 3:6, and James 2:23. See Revelation 14:6.

D2 Know and believe the Gospel.

D3 Know that God curses anyone who changes the gospel. Galatians 1:8 NIV But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God's curse!

D4 Realize that preaching the wrong gospel will have people believing an error and not be saved. Some wrong gospels are works and rituals are necessary, etc.

B9 Loss of Christian worldview

C1 Drifting into pantheism. See Romans 1:21-25.

C2 Losing Creator and creation for oneness of all things

C3 2 Timothy 3:4 GNB they will be treacherous, reckless, and swollen with pride; they will love pleasure rather than God.

B10 Loss of Christian lifestyle

C1 2 Peter 2:22 NLT They prove the truth of this proverb: "A dog returns to its vomit." And another says, "A washed pig returns to the mud.

C2 See the difference from Galatians 5:16-26.

B11 Loss of Christianity

C1 Drifting into atheism, pantheism, and other religions with different gods and different gospels. Compare Romans 1:25 GNB They exchange the truth about God for a lie; they worship and serve what God has created instead of the Creator himself, who is to be praised forever! Amen.

C2 Refusing to believe.

D1 Personally, I understand this passage to be saying “No” to God rather than there is no god. Psalms 14:1 NRSV To the leader. Of David. Fools say in their hearts, "There is no God." They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is no one who does good.

D2 Matthew 23:37 WEL O Jerusalem, Jerusalem who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to you. How often I wanted to gather your children together even like a hen gathers her chicks under [her] wings, but you determinately would not.

D3 John 3:36 WEL “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life, but he who refuses to believe the Son will not see life, on the contrary the fierce anger of God remains on him.”

2 Peter 3:17-18 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. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

Jude 1:24-25 NKJV Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present [you] faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, 25 To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, [Be] glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.

A Few Thoughts about Steps into Apostasy Part A

 

The steps into apostasy

B1 Loss of first love

B2 Loss of prayer and fellowship with God

B3 Loss of truth

B4 Loss of correct interpretation

B5 Loss of creation

B6 Loss of doctrine.

B7 Loss of what’s authority

B8 Loss of Christian witness

B9 Loss of Christian worldview

B10 Loss of Christian lifestyle

B11 Loss of Christianity

B1 Loss of first love

C1 Revelation 2:4 WEL Nevertheless, I have [something] against you, because you have forsaken your first love.

D1 Why love?

E1 Considering that love is a choice. It seems that they loved something or someone else supremely.

E2 Exodus 20:3 NLT You must not have any other god but me.

E3 Matthew 6:33 EMTV But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.

E4 John 14:15 WEL If you love me, obey my commandments.

D2 The Ephesians, as well as all of us sometimes, started to desire other things, justify it somehow, and eventually fulfill their desire.

E1 1 John 2:16-17 NIV For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

E2 James 1:14-15 GW Everyone is tempted by his own desires as they lure him away and trap him. 15 Then desire becomes pregnant and gives birth to sin. When sin grows up, it gives birth to death.

D3 The solution

E1 To know the truth, believe the truth, and live the truth. John 8:32 NIV Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

E2 To rely on the grace of God. Jude 1:24-25 NKJV Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, 25 To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.

E3 The Lord. 2 Peter 2:9 EMTV then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation and how to keep the unjust under punishment for the Day of Judgment,

E4 Praying to recognize the way out of temptation. 1 Corinthians 10:13 EMTV No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not permit you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation, He will also provide the way out, so as for you to be able to bear it.

B2 Loss of prayer and fellowship with God

C1 Fellowship is something God enjoys. Fellowship with God, talking to God, enjoying God’s blessings, and serving God diminish. The loss comes from enjoying spending time with other things and having no time for fellowship with God.

D1 1 John 1:3 ESV that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.

D2 Micah 6:8 NIV He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

C2 Prayer is talking with God. We don’t use trite phrases, memorized words, manipulation, etc. The loss is no time to talk to God.

D1 Consider this application: Revelation 3:20 NIV Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

D2 Proverbs 15:8 NRSV The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

D3 Matthew 6:7-8 GNB When you pray, do not use a lot of meaningless words, as the pagans do, who think that their gods will hear them because their prayers are long. 8 Do not be like them. Your Father already knows what you need before you ask him.

B3 Loss of truth

C1 Replacing truth with a substitute of truth.

C2 2 Timothy 4:2-4 NLT Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. 3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

C3 God never changes. So, His truth never changes. Malachi 3:6 NLT I am the LORD, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already destroyed.

C4 Loss or changing of THE standard.

D1 God’s character never changes. If it did, then we have the problem with God’s perfection. If there is a defect in God’s character, then He cannot be perfect/flawless in what He does and decrees. There would be a defect. BUT, God has no needs, no defects, nothing missing from His knowledge. So, His standards cannot change.

D2 We must ask, “What is His purpose for the Old Testament Laws?”

E1 The Mosaic Law is a covenant with an earthly nation and people. If they do His laws, He blesses. If they do not His laws, He curses. Deuteronomy 11:26-28 NRSV See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse: 27 the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God that I am commanding you today; 28 and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn from the way that I am commanding you today, to follow other gods that you have not known.

E2 God’s purpose for the law, I believe, is to show that no one can obey His laws in thoughts or desires or words or deeds. All are condemned. God’s purpose did not lack anything.

E3 His purpose was completed in Jesus, who did obey God’s law in His thoughts and desires and words and deeds.

E4 Since God’s purpose was fulfilled, Jesus revealed the true way and true laws. Compare Galatians 3

C The solution might be

D1 Faith that since God does not change, His standards do not change either.

D2 Understanding the difference between the two worldviews taught in the Bible. They are the “flesh/world” worldview and the “spirit” worldview. Compare Galatians 5:16-26, 1 John 2:16, and Romans 8.

B4 Loss of correct Bible interpretation

C1 There are many methods of interpretation. Some examples are allegorical, symbolic, mystical, and spiritual.

C2 Losing Bible reading and study to reading mainly commentaries and articles.

C3 Many arguments for these other methods of interpretation are given, books written, and lectures orated to convince us to adopt a different method of interpretation.

C4 To me, it is most reasonable to interpret the Bible in its plain, normal sense. Since God is omniscient, omnisapient, and omnipotent, He certainly must be perfect in His communication. The plain, normal sense in His intended method of interpretation. If He wishes to communication symbolism, it is obvious.

Devotions on Proverbs: Proverbs 2:12-22 Part A

 

C1 The wisdom that comes from God will do 3 things:

D1 Save from evil people

D2 Save from evil man/woman

D3 Save from God’s judgment and being cut off from the land of the living

C2 Save from evil people

D1 The Hebrew word for save is נָצַל nâtsa. It means

E1 To remain free from slavery of evil people of all types

E2 Step Bible

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to take away, snatch away

1c2) to rescue, recover

1c3) to deliver (from enemies or troubles or death)

1c4) to deliver from sin and guilt

D2 These people are described as

E1 Wicked (rebellious against God’s character, worldview, lifestyle, laws, and kingdom).

E2 Perverse speech (blasphemous against God and His ways and lies of all types)

E3 Abandoned the truth and God’s way of life

E4 Lifestyle of darkness

F1 Ecclesiastes 2:14 NIV The wise have eyes in their heads, while the fool walks in the darkness; but I came to realize that the same fate overtakes them both.

F2 John 3:19 CSB This is the judgment: The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil.

F3 Compare: Colossians 1:13 GNB He rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us safe into the kingdom of his dear Son,

E5 Love doing evil, that is, disobeying God and breaking His laws.

E6 Rejoicing in evil, evil people, evil actions, thus pain, suffering, selfishness, etc. Compare Galatians 5:19-21 and 2 Timothy 3:1-5.

E7 Instead of straight paths, there is a crooked path. Acts 2:40 NLT Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation! Crooked as perverse, evil, corrupted, etc.

E8 Living in dark ways. Compare: Colossians 1:13 GNB He rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us safe into the kingdom of his dear Son,

E9 Devious. Compare: Proverbs 14:2 NLT Those who follow the right path fear the LORD; those who take the wrong path despise him.

D3 Questions:

E1 How can having God’s wisdom spare us from evil people?

E2 Name some of the ways people are wicked. Give some examples.

E3 How does abandoning truth affect wisdom?