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Jn 3:36.
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Jn 4:1.
Jn 4:2.
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Lk 3:19.
Lk 3:20.
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Mt 4:12 (pt 1), ref Mk 1:14 (pt 1).
Mk 1:14 (pt 2).
Mt 4:12 (pt 2).
Mt 4:12 (pt 3), ref Jn 4:3 (pt 1).
Mk 1:14 (pt 3).
Jn 4:3 (pt 2).
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Mt 4:12 (pt 4), ref Jn 4:3 (pt 3).
Mk 1:14 (pt 4).
Jn 4:3 (pt 4).
Mt 4:12 (pt 5), ref Mk 1:14 (pt 5), Jn 4:3 (pt 5).
Jn 4:4.
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Jn 4:5.
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Jn 4:6.
Jn 4:7.
Jn 4:8.
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Jn 4:9.
Jn 4:10.
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Jn 4:11.
Jn 4:12.
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Jn 4:13.
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Jn 4:14.
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Jn 4:15.
Jn 4:16.
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Jn 4:17.
Jn 4:18.
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Jn 4:19.
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Jn 4:20.
Jn 4:21.
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HE THAT (BELIEVES) (or trusts) (IN) THE SON (HAS) EVERLASTING LIFE: AND HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT (or rejects, or disobeys) THE SON SHALL NOT SEE (that) LIFE; BUT THE WRATH OF GOD (REMAINS) ON HIM.
Commentary scriptures continue on pg. 386
JESUS KNEW THE PHARISEES HEARD
30 YEARS PLUS 7 ½ MONTHS
(and) WHEN THEREFORE THE LORD KNEW (THAT) THE PHARISEES HAD HEARD THAT JESUS (WAS GAINING) AND BAPTIZED (or was.immersing) MORE DISCIPLES THAN JOHN,
(THOUGH JESUS HIMSELF BAPTIZED [or immersed] NOT, BUT HIS DISCIPLES [were],)
JOHN REPROVES HEROD
30 YEARS PLUS 7 ½ MONTHS
BUT HEROD THE TETRARCH, BEING REPROVED (or rebuked, or denounced) BY HIM (John) (BECAUSE OF) (taking as his own wife-JNT) HERODIAS HIS BROTHER PHILIP'S WIFE, AND FOR ALL THE (other) EVILS (or wicked things) WHICH HEROD HAD DONE,
JOHN LOCKED UP IN PRISON
BY HEROD
30 YEARS PLUS 7 ½ MONTHS
(whereupon) (He) ADDED YET THIS ABOVE ALL, THAT HE (LOCKED) UP JOHN IN PRISON.Commentary scriptures continue on pg. 388
NOW
AFTER THAT JOHN WAS PUT IN PRISON,
WHEN JESUS HAD HEARD THAT JOHN WAS (PUT) INTO PRISON (or had been taken into custody-NASB),
JESUS GOES INTO GALILEE
30 YEARS PLUS 8 MONTHS
HE
JESUS
LEFT (JUDEA),
AND DEPARTED (or returned)
(and) CAME
AGAIN
INTO GALILEE.
(THROUGH SAMARIA)
THE SAMARITAN WOMAN
30 YEARS PLUS 8 MONTHS
AND (this meant that) HE (HAD TO) GO THROUGH SAMARIA.
Commentary scriptures continue on pg. 391
THEN (CAME) HE TO A CITY OF SAMARIA, WHICH IS CALLED SYCHAR, NEAR TO THE PARCEL OF GROUND (or field) THAT JACOB GAVE TO HIS SON JOSEPH.
NOW JACOB’S WELL WAS THERE. JESUS THEREFORE, BEING (TIRED) (FROM) HIS JOURNEY, SAT (BY) THE WELL: AND IT WAS ABOUT (NOON-JNT).
THERE (CAME) A WOMAN OF SAMARIA TO DRAW WATER: JESUS (SAID) (TO) HER, GIVE ME (A) DRINK (of water).
(FOR HIS DISCIPLES WERE GONE AWAY [INTO] THE [TOWN] TO BUY MEAT [or food].)
THEN (SAID) THE WOMAN OF SAMARIA (TO) HIM, HOW IS IT THAT (YOU), BEING A JEW, (ASK) (a) DRINK OF ME, WHICH AM A WOMAN OF SAMARIA? FOR THE JEWS HAVE NO DEALINGS WITH THE SAMARITANS.
JESUS ANSWERED AND SAID (TO) HER, IF (YOU) (KNEW) THE GIFT OF GOD, AND WHO IT IS THAT (SAID) TO (YOU), GIVE ME (A) DRINK (of water); (then) (YOU) (WOULD) HAVE ASKED OF HIM, AND HE WOULD HAVE GIVEN (YOU) LIVING WATER.
THE WOMAN (SAID) (TO) HIM, SIR, (YOU) (HAVE) NOTHING TO DRAW WITH, AND THE WELL IS DEEP: (so) FROM (WHERE) THEN (CAN) (YOU) (get) THAT LIVING WATER?
(ARE) (YOU) GREATER THAN OUR FATHER JACOB, WHICH GAVE US THE WELL, AND DRANK (OF IT) HIMSELF, AND (also) HIS CHILDREN, AND HIS CATTLE?
JESUS ANSWERED AND SAID (TO) HER, (WHOEVER) (DRINKS) OF THIS WATER SHALL (GET THIRSTY) AGAIN:
Commentary scriptures continue on pg. 396
BUT (WHOEVER) (DRINKS) OF THE WATER THAT I SHALL GIVE HIM SHALL NEVER THIRST (again); BUT (on the contrary) THE WATER THAT I SHALL GIVE HIM SHALL BE IN (side) HIM A WELL (or fountain) OF WATER SPRINGING UP (TO) EVERLASTING LIFE.
THE WOMAN (SAID) (TO) HIM, SIR, GIVE ME THIS WATER, (so) THAT I THIRST NOT, NEITHER (have to) COME (all the way here-NASB) TO DRAW (water).
JESUS (SAID) (TO) HER, GO, CALL (YOUR) HUSBAND, AND COME (BACK).
THE WOMAN ANSWERED AND SAID, I HAVE NO HUSBAND. JESUS SAID (TO) HER, (YOU) (HAVE) WELL SAID, I HAVE NO HUSBAND:
FOR (the fact is) (YOU) (HAVE) HAD FIVE HUSBANDS (in the past); AND HE (the one) WHOM (YOU) NOW (HAVE) (or the man your living with now-JNT) IS NOT (YOUR) HUSBAND: IN THAT (YOU’VE SPOKEN THE TRUTH!-JNT).
THE WOMAN (SAID) (TO) HIM, SIR, I PERCEIVE THAT (YOU) (ARE) A PROPHET
OUR FATHERS WORSHIPED IN THIS MOUNTAIN; (BUT) (YOU) (Jews) SAY, THAT IN JERUSALEM IS THE PLACE WHERE MEN (MUST) WORSHIP.
JESUS (SAID) (TO) HER, WOMAN, BELIEVE ME, THE (TIME) (IS COMING), WHEN (YOU) SHALL NEITHER IN THIS MOUNTAIN, NOR YET AT JERUSALEM, WORSHIP THE FATHER.
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Then there are false religions, cults, false heads of denominations, false apostles, false ministers of righteousness, false Bible teachers, false seminary teachers, false workers that look like they are servants of Christ when in reality they are Satan’s ministers. For it is written, 2 Cor 11:13–15–FOR SUCH ARE FALSE APOSTLES, DECEITFUL WORKERS, TRANSFORMING THEMSELVES INTO THE APOSTLES OF CHRIST. AND NO MARVEL; FOR SATAN HIMSELF IS TRANSFORMED INTO AN ANGEL OF LIGHT. THEREFORE IT IS NO GREAT THING IF HIS MINISTERS ALSO BE TRANSFORMED AS THE MINISTERS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. We are all candidates for Satan’s deceptions. Ask God through His Word, “Am I being deceived?” Ask the billions of people that are in hell that were positive they would never be there. Ask the people that are in hell that did not believe such a place existed. You may ask, “How can I ask them?” Read Luke chapter 16 and believe the Bible.
Do you attend movies? If so, do you walk out and get a refund if God’s name is used in vain? Do you try to check out the content of the movie with a Christian movie guide? Do you rent movies that use God’s name in vain? Do you watch filth or movies on cable or satellite TV that use God’s name in vain? Do you love pleasures, or your football, soccer, basketball, or baseball team? Do you love golf, tennis, bowling, hunting, boxing, wrestling, or table tennis? Do they keep you from church, reading your Bible, witnessing, or God’s work? Do you spend the Lord’s Day going to their games or shopping? Does this offend you? Do you fast at all? Do you fast twice a week? Do you fast 1 week or more each year? If you fast, is it the way God says to fast? Do you tithe as God commands, or do you rob God–ref Mal 3:8? Do you give offerings and give to the poor in addition? Do your past hurts, rejections, and experiences still influence your thinking, now that you have called on the name of Jesus? Have you obeyed God’s Word regarding FORGETTING THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE BEHIND? Don’t look back, but look forward to Jesus. Are you double–minded in that you look forward to Jesus, but your thoughts are on your past difficulties which influences the way you think and act? Remember Lot’s wife. She looked back and perished. Remember God’s warning–if the people had their minds set on that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned–ref Heb 11:15,16. Can you drive a car forward while only looking in the rear view mirror? Can you walk down a sidewalk while only looking back? Put off the old man, and put on the new man. Stop looking back. Stop being double–minded. Stop being like a wave, being tossed back and forth as problems, pressures, feelings of rejection and wrong thinking confront you. Trust in the Lord as it is written.
Is the love of your parents or friends more important than your love of God? Is the love of your children, or wife, or husband, right now more important to you than the love of God and eternity? But rather they desired a better country, that is, an heavenly–wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God–ref Heb 11:6. Is your heart knit with God and His Word, or with yourself, or something else. Is something God created more important to you than God Himself?
Do you really want to deny yourself and be a partaker of Christ’s sufferings? The answer for most professing Christians is NO. What sin is hindering your walk with Jesus? What sin is causing you not to understand the Scriptures as they relate to you personally? What line won’t you cross when following Jesus? Do you compromise your testimony for Jesus around your relatives or other people you know, because you don’t want to offend them or lose their friendship? Is your thinking and emotions under God’s control–that is, submitted to obeying the Bible? Is your thinking and emotions under your own control or God’s control? If you are worldly or carnal, your thinking and emotions are not under God’s control. For it is written in Ro 8:7,8-THE CARNAL (or worldly) MIND…IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE LAW OF GOD, NEITHER INDEED CAN BE. THEY THAT ARE IN THE FLESH CANNOT PLEASE GOD. Who is really in control of your life, your thoughts, and your emotions? Is it God or you?
Let us not forget that not many rich men, not many noble men, not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty men, not many famous men are even called to be saved–ref 1 Cor 1:26.
Do you admire the rich and famous? Would you rather have the richest man in the world as your friend, or Jesus? Also very few people when they are old ever get saved. They are set in their ways. They have become hard toward God.
1 Cor 1:27–29–Indeed, GOD HATH CHOSEN THE FOOLISH THINGS OF THE WORLD TO CONFOUND (or shame) THE WISE; AND GOD HATH CHOSEN THE WEAK THINGS OF THE WORLD TO CONFOUND (or shame) THE THINGS WHICH ARE MIGHTY (or strong); AND BASE (or lowly) THINGS OF THE WORLD, AND THINGS WHICH ARE DESPISED, HATH GOD CHOSEN, YEA, AND THINGS WHICH ARE NOT, TO BRING TO NOUGHT (or nullify) THINGS THAT ARE: THAT NO FLESH SHOULD GLORY (or boast) IN HIS PRESENCE. Has God called you, but you will not come or obey?
Lk 12:30–31–This is the way of the world. FOR ALL THESE THINGS (food and clothing) DO THE NATIONS OF THE WORLD SEEK AFTER: AND YOUR FATHER KNOWETH THAT YE HAVE NEED OF THESE THINGS. BUT RATHER SEEK YE THE KINGDOM OF GOD; AND ALL THESE THINGS SHALL BE ADDED UNTO YOU. If you will repent and trust Jesus, obey Him, and seek the Kingdom of God first, God will take care of your food, clothing, and needs. Some people may sarcastically say, “Are you telling me someone might leave food on my doorstep.” The answer is yes, it has indeed happened. However, understand also that in following Jesus, persecutions will come like you may never imagine.
God speaks to the Laodicean church–Rev 3:14–22–which is a reference to the majority of the born again churches of today. They say: I AM RICH, AND INCREASED WITH GOODS, AND HAVE NEED OF NOTHING–Rev 3:17, yet God calls them blind. Here we have another example of how Satan deceives this present world using what is in a person’s heart–mainly the better things of this life, riches, prosperity, and the abundance of things. But God chooses the poor, the hurting, the down and out, the despised, to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom of heaven. God chooses the beggar sitting at the gate, not the rich man inside. God chooses the person that is hurting, sitting in prison, not the king that put him there. Proof that prosperity, goods, and other things can blind today’s church and people is in God’s Word. This “increased with goods” church is spiritually only lukewarm. It does not have Jesus on the inside, though it preaches Jesus. Jesus is on the outside looking in, but their door is shut to His truth. This is what God says of this church and these people that desire and have the good things of this world–They are WRETCHED, …MISERABLE, …POOR, …BLIND, AND NAKED. A naked person does not have on Jesus. And what is even worse–these people do not know or understand their spiritual condition. Those that are comfortable in this world, can expect to be rejected. But those that endure hardships, persecutions, and all sorts of problems in this life now, who trust in Jesus and are not ashamed, will inherit eternal life and things that are beyond their imagination. Things which God has prepared for them that love Him. Don’t seek for the things of this world that God’s Word shows can lead a person away from Jesus and down to hell. Rather seek to learn more and more of Jesus. Seek to be more and more obedient and to have a good, honest, and pure heart through His power.
Rev 3:22–HE THAT HATH AN EAR, LET HIM HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAITH UNTO THE CHURCHES.
Regarding the theory of evolution created by man, it is written: Rev 3:14–TO THE ANGEL OF THE CHURCH OF THE LAODICEANS WRITE; THESE THINGS SAITH (1) THE AMEN, (2) THE FAITHFUL AND TRUE WITNESS, (3) THE BEGINNING OF THE CREATION OF GOD. Jesus is the Creator. By Jesus were all things created–ref Col 1:16. The condition of today’s Christian church is like that of the Laodiceans–compromisers, neither hot or cold for Jesus, mixing truth and falsehood, a church of tolerance, lukewarm. The lukewarm are rejected–Rev 3:16. They will perish. Today’s church seldom understands or preaches on Bible prophecy, the Revelation, sin, repentance, judgment, and the lake of fire.
False science, darkened hearts and the foolishness of man have concluded that life developed by evolutionary processes. So to this church, Jesus declares that it is He that is the Creator of all things (not evolution). It is written, LET GOD BE TRUE AND EVERY MAN A LIAR–Ro 3:4. Even among those that hold to this theory of evolution, there is much disagreement. Where did original matter come from? How can no life, create life? Consider the complex wings of a hummingbird or the eyes of an eagle. How did a random evolutionary process determine the design of a hummingbird’s wings, and for these wings to work perfectly with the exact amount of gravity and the exact denseness and pressure of the Earth’s atmosphere, so it can fly so beautifully? How did evolution figure out how to make the eyes of an eagle to see very small objects miles away?
How did evolution know how to balance the food chain so perfectly, how to bring about all the different animals to be able to eat all the varied plant life and insects? Did evolution determine that some animals would eat grass, and that others would eat fruit, or a bird would eat worms? Man says evolution created things. God, Who cannot lie, says otherwise.
Can man, with all of his scientific knowledge today, create such a bird from nothing? Yet, it is astonishing how many, who profess to be wise, believe that such a marvelous creature as this evolved over time from a mindless pool of matter. What are the chances of that happening? The question has been asked, Did the watch on your wrist simply evolved? Was there not a designer of the watch? And yet the wrist that wears the watch is immensely more complicated than the watch.
Man, in his rebellion against God, may worship idols, create religions, believe in reincarnation and other philosophies, or believe there is no God, in order to ignore the God of the Bible and the words God spoke, which have been proven true by both archaeology and prophecy.
Isn’t it amazing that modern man may have doctoral degrees from the best universities, can fly to the moon, may be rich and famous, yet he will still lie, cheat, divorce his wife, leave his children, get angry and irritated with people, and may even commit murder. With all of his advanced learning and high IQ, he still can’t get along with others. Politicians are against politicians, country against country, and road rage abounds. Credit card debt is out of control, because the eyes of man are never satisfied–ref Pv 27:20.
Science in the Bible. When man thought the earth was flat, the Bible taught it was round. When man did not understand the weather patterns, the Bible explained them. When bows and arrows were used, the Bible described a time in the future when there would be weapons that could destroy the world. When the population of earth was small, the Bible told of a time when there would be an army of 200,000,000 led by the kings of the east–China. That time is now. The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. It rejects the Bible and accepts the lie of evolution. The Bible even predicted this.
Knowledge has increased–ref Dan 12:4, just as predicted in God’s Word, but sinful man is the same, which the Bible also foretold.
How can a person explain that the Bible gives approximately 10,385 prophecies, and every single one of them up to this time has come true exactly as the Bible states. It predicted the destruction of Israel before it ever happened, thousands of years ago. It predicted the rebirth of Israel and how it would happened. It did happen on May 14, 1948. It gave numerous prophecies of what the world would be like, the people, and even some of their beliefs. It gave the names of specific nations that would exist and even the location of some. It told of weapons of mass destruction and huge armies. Not one prophecy has ever been proven to be wrong–no, not one. Not one Biblical fact has ever been found to be incorrect. That is a fact. It even foretold of the coming of the Messiah, which is Jesus Christ, long before He was born of the virgin Mary. The Bible even gave the time period it would happen. So why do men refuse to believe the Bible? Many say they can’t understand it. How incredible that God’s Word revealed these things long ago, yet modern man with all of his technology and learning is unable to grasp it.
So what does the unrepentant do? He often criticizes the Bible and curses God’s name. He mocks the Bible and lies to other people telling them that it is a book with lots of errors written by men. Why doesn’t he curse the names of the other so–called gods? The reason is that they are dead, but Jesus and God’s Word is alive. God’s Word IS QUICK, AND POWERFUL, AND SHARPER THAN ANY TWOEDGED SWORD, PIERCING EVEN TO THE DIVIDING ASUNDER OF SOUL AND SPIRIT, AND OF THE JOINTS AND MARROW, AND IS A DISCERNER OF THE THOUGHTS AND INTENTS OF THE HEART–Heb 4:12. Some even tremble when they hear God’s Word–Acts 24:25. Sinners don't want to know the truth if it means they are going to perish for eternity, if they don’t repent. So many lukewarm and fun–loving churches prosper, but those that teach the fear of God are criticized, mocked, and evil spoken of.
Remember, Jesus is the Word. Many want to ban the Bible, the Ten Commandments, and any references to Jesus from every place they can. As it is written in Jn 15:18–IF THE WORLD HATE YOU, YE KNOW THAT IT HATED ME BEFORE IT HATED YOU. Jn 15:24,25–IF I HAD NOT DONE AMONG THEM THE WORKS WHICH NONE OTHER MAN DID, THEY HAD NOT HAD SIN: BUT NOW HAVE THEY BOTH SEEN AND HATED BOTH ME AND MY FATHER. BUT THIS COMETH TO PASS, THAT THE WORD MIGHT BE FULFILLED THAT IS WRITTEN IN THEIR LAW, THEY HATED ME WITHOUT A CAUSE. Jn 7:7–THE WORLD…ME IT HATETH, BECAUSE I TESTIFY OF IT, THAT THE WORKS THEREOF ARE EVIL. So why won’t many people surrender to Jesus? Jn 3:19–21–AND THIS IS THE CONDEMNATION, THAT LIGHT (which is Jesus) IS COME INTO THE WORLD, AND MEN LOVED DARKNESS (or sin) RATHER THAN LIGHT (which is Jesus or God’s Word), BECAUSE THEIR DEEDS WERE EVIL. FOR EVERY ONE THAT DOETH EVIL (or does things contrary to God’s Word) HATETH THE LIGHT (which is Jesus, which is the Bible), NEITHER COMETH TO THE LIGHT (which is Jesus), LEST HIS DEEDS SHOULD BE REPROVED (or corrected or made known). BUT HE THAT DOETH TRUTH COMETH TO THE LIGHT (or comes to Jesus), THAT HIS DEEDS MAY BE MADE MANIFEST (or made known), THAT THEY ARE WROUGHT IN GOD.
So the meek, the humble, the repentant, the brokenhearted, the hurting, and the childlike person can indeed understand God’s Word. It is written, in Dan 12:10–MANY SHALL BE PURIFIED, AND MADE WHITE, AND TRIED; BUT THE WICKED SHALL DO WICKEDLY: AND NONE OF THE WICKED SHALL UNDERSTAND; BUT THE WISE SHALL UNDERSTAND. Lk 10:21–JESUS…SAID, I THANK THEE, O FATHER, LORD OF HEAVEN AND EARTH, THAT THOU HAST HID THESE THINGS FROM THE WISE AND PRUDENT, AND HAST REVEALED THEM UNTO BABES: EVEN SO, FATHER; FOR SO IT SEEMED GOOD IN THY SIGHT.
There is much science in the Bible that people are unaware of. Is the universe expanding? Are there other worlds? Were there cities on the earth before Adam and Eve? Were there huge animals? How do the wind currents work? Is the earth flat or round? Does the earth hang in space? What are some of the thoughts of the horse and ostrich? How good is the eye sight of the eagle? The Bible has answers to all of these questions. Is there any information in the Bible about earthquakes, tidal waves, weapons of mass destruction, future wars, etc.? The answer to all of these is yes. This same Bible tells us that it is appointed unto man once to die and then the judgment. Are you ready?
Listen and obey God's commands: ref 1 Tim 6:20,21–O TIMOTHY, (GUARD) THAT WHICH IS COMMITTED TO THY TRUST. (Guard the truth). TURN AWAY (and avoid) GODLESS.OPPOSING IDEAS (and CONTRADICTIONS) OF WHAT IS FALSELY CALLED (SCIENCE) (or knowledge). SOME PROFESSING (Christians) (that did not obey this command) HAVE ERRED (and) (STRAYED) (and) IN SO DOING HAVE WANDERED FROM THE FAITH. KJV, NIV, NKJ) If there is no God, then there is no judgment. If there is no judgment, then what is sin, and what possible consequences of sin can there be? In evolution there is no God Now, do you understand why evil men expound this lie? Thus people that believe these lies try to make God's Word void. Such people are naked. They are not clothed with the garments of righteousness that come from Jesus. Such people may think they are wise, but in reality they are blind and spiritually dead. Spiritually, the lukewarm church is WRETCHED, AND MISERABLE, AND POOR, AND BLIND, AND (shamefully) NAKED. Today’s church boasts of its great outreach, reaching millions for Jesus through radio, television, crusades, and the Internet. Yet what message is going forth? Is it a message of brokenness, godly sorrow for sin, and repentance? Is it a message of humbleness and the latter days of the end times we are in? Is it a message of reading and obeying the Gospel? Is it a message of denying oneself, forsaking everything, picking up your cross, and following Jesus? Is it a message of judgment. Is it a message about hell and the lake of fire? Is it a message that the coming of the tribulation is close, during which the Antichrist will be revealed, and immediately after the Tribulation, the Battle of Armageddon will explode, and Jesus Christ will return?
God’s prescription for the lukewarm is to believe God’s Word, be zealous, anoint their eyes with eyesalve, repent, open the door for Jesus when He knocks, and put on and surrender all to Jesus. Those that do, Jesus will indeed come in to them. He will be with them, and they will be with Jesus.
There are two critical things that have to be considered in order for a person to be conformed to the image of Christ (which includes having the mind of Christ, having a Christ–like attitude, and bearing the fruits of the Spirit). One– –a person must have the Holy Spirit dwelling inside them to help them make that change. Two– –the person must be willing to let God change them. If the person resists God showing them their sin, resists correction, and resists being changed from the inside out, then no change can be expected to take place. Remove either item, and no real Biblical change can take place; and if no change takes place, then there is only one conclusion–the terrifying prospect (JNT) of the judgment and eternity in the lake of fire. By their fruits, ye shall know them. This fruit is an inner change that takes place in a person’s heart and thinking through the power of God in a humble, yielded, and obedient vessel.
Doctor means teacher. Doctrine is that which he teaches. But doctrine can only be taught to someone that is teachable. Is this you?
36–Love—Warning–Striving With Each Other is Not Godly Love
Gal 5:13–15–.BRETHREN,.BY LOVE SERVE ONE ANOTHER. FOR ALL THE LAW IS FULFILLED IN ONE WORD, EVEN IN THIS; THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR AS THYSELF. BUT IF YE BITE AND DEVOUR ONE ANOTHER, TAKE HEED THAT YE BE NOT CONSUMED ONE OF ANOTHER. It may be said that if you strive with one another, then Godly love cannot be real and faith will not work.
1 Cor 13:4–CHARITY (or love) SUFFERETH LONG.
1 Cor 13:4–CHARITY (or love) IS KIND.
1 Cor 13:4–CHARITY (or love) VAUNTETH NOT ITSELF (or does not boast)
1 Cor 13:4,5–CHARITY (or love)…DOTH NOT BEHAVE ITSELF UNSEEMLY (or is not rude),
1 Cor 13:4,5–CHARITY (or love)…SEEKETH NOT HER OWN (or is not self seeking) (or we may say it is not self–centered).
1 Cor 13:4,5–CHARITY (or love)…IS NOT EASILY PROVOKED (or is not easily angered).
1 Cor 13:4,5–CHARITY (or love)…THINKETH NO EVIL.
1 Cor 13:4,7–CHARITY (or love)…BEARETH ALL THINGS (or always protects).
1 Cor 13:4,7–CHARITY (or love)…ENDURETH ALL THINGS (or always perseveres).
All of these things from 1 Cor 13 shows us clearly that striving with each other is not Godly love.
37–Love–Warning—Do Not Pass Over the Love of God
Lk 11:42–BUT WOE UNTO YOU, PHARISEES! FOR YE TITHE MINT AND RUE AND ALL MANNER OF HERBS, AND PASS OVER JUDGMENT AND THE LOVE OF GOD: THESE OUGHT YE TO HAVE DONE, AND NOT TO LEAVE THE OTHER UNDONE.
Jn 5:42–BUT I KNOW YOU, THAT YE HAVE NOT THE LOVE OF GOD IN YOU. V.38–YE HAVE NOT HIS WORD ABIDING IN YOU. V.37–paraphrase (you are not saved).
Jn 8:42–43–…IF GOD WERE YOUR FATHER, YE WOULD LOVE ME (and we may say, you would love God’s Word): FOR I PROCEEDED FORTH AND CAME FROM GOD; NEITHER CAME I OF MYSELF, BUT HE SENT ME. WHY DO YE NOT UNDERSTAND MY SPEECH? EVEN BECAUSE YE CANNOT HEAR MY WORD.
2 Thes 2:10–12–WITH ALL DECEIVABLENESS OF UNRIGHTEOUSNESS IN THEM THAT PERISH; BECAUSE THEY RECEIVED NOT THE LOVE OF THE TRUTH, THAT THEY MIGHT BE SAVED. …FOR THIS CAUSE GOD SHALL SEND THEM STRONG DELUSION, THAT THEY SHOULD BELIEVE A (or the) LIE: THAT THEY ALL MIGHT BE DAMNED WHO BELIEVED NOT THE TRUTH, BUT HAD PLEASURE IN UNRIGHTEOUSNESS. The lie, in this verse, appears to be the Antichrist. In other words, in this latter day generation that will see the coming of the Antichrist and Tribulation, the people that (1) are deceived by their own unrighteousness, and (2) will not receive and believe the love of the truth (which is God’s Word), but rather have pleasure in doing wrong–these people will be sent a strong delusion from God, so they might believe the Antichrist and be dammed forever.
38–Love—Warning–Against Those That Do Not Love God
Ex 20:5–6–FOR I THE LORD THY GOD AM A JEALOUS GOD, VISITING THE INIQUITY OF THE FATHERS UPON THE CHILDREN UNTO THE THIRD AND FOURTH GENERATION OF THEM THAT HATE ME.
Deut 5:9–10–I THE LORD THY GOD AM A JEALOUS GOD, VISITING THE INIQUITY OF THE FATHERS UPON THE CHILDREN UNTO THE THIRD AND FOURTH GENERATION OF THEM THAT HATE ME.
Ps 145:20–THE LORD PRESERVETH ALL THEM THAT LOVE HIM: BUT ALL THE WICKED WILL HE DESTROY. Those that truly love God should never fall.
Pv 8:36–ALL THEY THAT HATE ME LOVE DEATH.
1 Cor 16:22–IF ANY MAN LOVE NOT THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, LET HIM BE ANATHEMA MARANATHA (or a curse on him) (Our Lord come)–JNT or (Come, O Lord)–NIV.
1 Jn 4:20–IF A MAN SAY, I LOVE GOD, AND…LOVETH NOT HIS BROTHER…HOW CAN HE LOVE GOD…?
39–Love—Warning–To Continue in God’s Love
Rev 2:4–…I HAVE SOMEWHAT AGAINST THEE, BECAUSE THOU HAST LEFT THY FIRST LOVE. …THOU ART FALLEN,.REPENT,...OR ELSE I WILL...REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK.
Jude 1:21–KEEP YOURSELVES IN THE LOVE OF GOD,...UNTO ETERNAL LIFE.
Jn 15:9–AS THE FATHER HATH LOVED ME, SO HAVE I LOVED YOU: CONTINUE YE IN MY LOVE.
Jn 15:10–IF YE KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS, YE SHALL ABIDE IN MY LOVE; EVEN AS I HAVE KEPT MY FATHER’S COMMANDMENTS, AND ABIDE IN HIS LOVE.
40–Love—Warning–Do Not Avenge Against a Brother
Lev 19:18–THOU SHALT NOT AVENGE, NOR,...AGAINST THE CHILDREN OF THY PEOPLE, BUT THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR AS THYSELF: I AM THE LORD.
41–Love—Warning–Do Not Bear Any Grudge Against Brothers, etc.
Lev 19:18–THOU SHALT NOT...BEAR ANY GRUDGE AGAINST THE CHILDREN OF THY PEOPLE, BUT THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR AS THYSELF: I AM THE LORD.
Ja 4:11–SPEAK NOT EVIL ONE OF ANOTHER, BRETHREN. This is not love.
Ro 12:17– REPAY NO ONE EVIL FOR EVIL. If you do this is not love.
Ja 4:11–Do not judge your brother. This is not love.
1 Pe 3:9–Do not render EVIL FOR EVIL. This is not love. (ref 1 Thes 5:15)
Ro 12:21–DO NOT BE OVERCOME BY EVIL, BUT OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD.
Mt 5:22– WHOSOEVER IS ANGRY WITH HIS BROTHER WITHOUT A CAUSE SHALL BE IN DANGER OF THE JUDGMENT.
Mt 5:22–WHOSOEVER SHALL SAY TO HIS BROTHER...THOU FOOL, SHALL BE IN DANGER OF HELL FIRE.
Mt 5:23,24–THEREFORE IF THOU BRING THY GIFT TO THE ALTAR, AND THERE REMEMBEREST THAT THY BROTHER HATH OUGHT AGAINST THEE; LEAVE THERE THY GIFT BEFORE THE ALTAR, AND GO THY WAY; FIRST BE RECONCILED TO THY BROTHER, AND THEN COME AND OFFER THY GIFT.
42–Warning–To Those That Do Not Keep God’s Commandments
I Jn 2:3–6–WE DO KNOW THAT WE KNOW HIM (or are saved), IF WE KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS. HE THAT.KEEPETH NOT HIS COMMANDMENTS, IS A LIAR, AND THE TRUTH IS NOT IN HIM (He is not saved). …WHOSO KEEPETH HIS WORD, IN HIM…IS THE LOVE OF GOD PERFECTED: HEREBY KNOW WE THAT WE ARE IN HIM. HE THAT SAITH HE ABIDETH IN HIM OUGHT HIMSELF ALSO SO TO WALK, EVEN AS HE WALKED.
Warning: We know a person is not saved if they:
1–do not keep His commandments<
2–do not keep His Word
3–the love of God is not being perfected in them
4–do not think and act as Jesus did.
1 Jn 3:23–…THIS IS HIS COMMANDMENT, THAT WE...LOVE ONE ANOTHER,…HE THAT KEEPETH HIS COMMANDMENTS DWELLETH IN HIM, AND HE IN HIM. In other words, a person that does not keep the commandment of loving one another does not dwell in Jesus, nor does Jesus dwell in him.
Jude 11,12–…THEY HAVE GONE IN THE WAY OF CAIN, AND RAN GREEDILY AFTER THE ERROR OF BALAAM FOR REWARD, AND PERISHED IN THE GAINSAYING OF CORE. THESE ARE SPOTS (or blemishes) IN YOUR (love) FEASTS, WHEN THEY FEAST WITH YOU, FEEDING THEMSELVES WITHOUT FEAR (serving only themselves–NKJ) (or eating with you without the slightest qualm–NIV): (shepherds who feed only themselves–NIV) CLOUDS THEY ARE WITHOUT WATER, CARRIED ABOUT OF WINDS (or blown along by the wind–NIV); TREES WHOSE FRUIT WITHERETH, WITHOUT FRUIT, TWICE DEAD, PLUCKED UP BY THE ROOTS. When the unsaved eat with you and have no fear, this is a fault in your love feasts
43–Warning–To Those That Do Not Love Their Brother or May Hate Their Brother
1 Jn 2:9,11,12–HE THAT SAITH (or thinks) HE IS IN THE LIGHT (or believes or confesses he is saved), AND HATETH HIS BROTHER, IS IN DARKNESS EVEN UNTIL NOW. (He is not saved). ...HE THAT HATETH HIS BROTHER IS IN DARKNESS. (He is not saved), AND WALKETH IN DARKNESS, AND KNOWETH NOT WHITHER HE GOETH (He does not know he is not saved), BECAUSE THAT DARKNESS HATH BLINDED HIS EYES. (In other words, his thinking is wrong. He is totally deceived.)
Warning: If a person hates their brother they are not saved.
They are in darkness.
They think and act in darkness.
They do not know they are not saved.
They do not know they are going to hell and the lake of fire.
They are spiritually blind and deceived and do not know it.
1 Jn 3:10,14–IN THIS THE CHILDREN OF GOD ARE MANIFEST (or made known), AND THE CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL:…HE THAT LOVETH NOT HIS BROTHER. …IS NOT OF GOD. HE THAT LOVETH NOT HIS BROTHER ABIDETH IN DEATH.
1 Jn 3:15–WHOSOEVER HATETH HIS BROTHER IS A MURDERER: AND YE KNOW THAT NO MURDERER HATH ETERNAL LIFE ABIDING IN HIM.
The message is clearly covered in many Scriptures. A person that does not love his brothers and sisters in Christ cannot be saved. One may do what appears to be many wonderful works for God. He may serve Him in every way he can. He may give all he has to the poor, yet if he does not love his brethren with Biblical love (the love that is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit), he will surely perish for eternity. God’s Word is true. Thus it is written, and thus it shall be. A person may be positive he is going to heaven. He may confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and witness to many. He may preach from the pulpit. He may be the head of a denomination, yet if he does not love his fellow brethren in Christ with the love of God, he will perish.
1 Jn 4:6–8–WE ARE OF GOD: HE THAT KNOWETH GOD HEARETH US; HE THAT IS NOT OF GOD HEARETH NOT US. HEREBY KNOW WE THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH, AND THE SPIRIT OF ERROR. Here we have a comparison of those that will hear some one God has sent(perhaps correcting them), as opposed to those that will not hear someone sent from God (perhaps correcting them). It relates the one that hears as being saved, while the other follows the spirit of error. It is interesting that the very next words that follow are: Hereby know we the Spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. BELOVED, LET US LOVE ONE ANOTHER: FOR LOVE IS OF GOD; AND EVERY ONE THAT LOVETH IS BORN OF GOD, AND KNOWETH GOD. HE THAT LOVETH NOT KNOWETH NOT GOD; FOR GOD IS LOVE. These verses positively connect Biblical love for the brethren with the Spirit of truth, being born again, and knowing God (or salvation). It also positively connects a lack of Biblical love for the brethren with the spirit of error, not knowing God, not being saved, and not correctly understanding Scripture.
1 Jn 4:12–…IF WE LOVE ONE ANOTHER, GOD DWELLETH IN US. Again, we have God’s Word connecting Biblical love for each other with God dwelling in us and salvation.
44–Love—Warning–Satan Can Use a Person’s Love to Tempt Them to Sin
Judges 16:10,15–AND DELILAH SAID UNTO SAMSON, BEHOLD, THOU HAST MOCKED ME, AND TOLD ME LIES: NOW TELL ME, I PRAY THEE, WHEREWITH THOU MIGHTEST BE BOUND. AND SHE SAID UNTO HIM, HOW CANST THOU SAY, I LOVE THEE, WHEN THINE HEART IS NOT WITH ME? THOU HAST MOCKED ME THESE THREE TIMES, AND HAST NOT TOLD ME WHEREIN THY GREAT STRENGTH LIETH.
45–The Lord Will Do It; Promises Regarding Health
Deut 30:6–…THE LORD THY GOD WILL (a) CIRCUMCISE THINE HEART, AND (b) THE HEART OF THY SEED, TO (1) LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THINE HEART, AND (2) WITH ALL THY SOUL, (c)THAT THOU MAYEST LIVE.
The following are some of God’s promises regarding being healed and having good health. The word “love” does not appear in these verses. Nevertheless they have been included here.
It is written in Pv 3:8–IT SHALL BE HEALTH TO THY NAVEL, AND MARROW TO THY BONES.
One might ask “What shall be health?” The answer is:
Pv 3:5–7 (a–TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL THINE HEART; AND
(b)–LEAN NOT UNTO THINE OWN UNDERSTANDING.
(c)–IN ALL THY WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM, AND HE SHALL DIRECT THY PATHS.
(d)–BE NOT WISE IN THINE OWN EYES:
(e)–FEAR THE LORD,
(f)–AND DEPART FROM EVIL.
It is written in Pv 4:22–FOR THEY ARE LIFE UNTO THOSE THAT FIND THEM, AND HEALTH TO ALL THEIR FLESH. One might ask, “What shall be life and health to all their flesh?”
Pv 4:20, 21–(g)– MY SON, ATTEND TO MY WORDS;
(h)–INCLINE THINE EAR UNTO MY SAYINGS.
(i)–LET THEM NOT DEPART FROM THINE EYES;
(j)–KEEP THEM IN THE MIDST OF THINE HEART.
The Bible also indicates what we say can affect our health. If we speak contrary to God’s Word, it can be harmful to our health.
Pv 12:18–THERE IS THAT SPEAKETH LIKE THE PIERCINGS OF A SWORD. In other words, those that do not control their speech, it is not good for their health, for the verse continues:
(k)–BUT THE TONGUE OF THE WISE IS HEALTH. One might ask, “What is wise conversation?” The answer is:
Col 4:6–LET YOUR SPEECH BE ALWAY WITH GRACE, SEASONED WITH SALT, THAT YE MAY KNOW HOW YE OUGHT TO ANSWER EVERY MAN. 2 Sam 7:28–…THY WORDS BE TRUE. In other words, do not speak things that are from emotions which are false. Ecc 5:2–BE NOT RASH WITH THY MOUTH, AND LET NOT THINE HEART BE HASTY TO UTTER ANY THING BEFORE GOD: …THEREFORE LET THY WORDS BE FEW. Pv 29:20–SEEST THOU A MAN THAT IS HASTY IN HIS WORDS? THERE IS MORE HOPE OF A FOOL THAN OF HIM.
Do you want to be healthy? Do you need the Lord to heal you? Ten things have been listed thus far. Here are more.
(l)–Pv 13:17–A WICKED MESSENGER FALLETH INTO MISCHIEF:
(m)–BUT A FAITHFUL AMBASSADOR IS HEALTH. Put away wickedness. Be faithful in all you do. Let all you do be in line with God’s Word. This is health also.
Isa 58:8–THEN SHALL THY LIGHT BREAK FORTH AS THE MORNING, AND THINE HEALTH SHALL SPRING FORTH SPEEDILY: AND THY RIGHTEOUSNESS SHALL GO BEFORE THEE; THE GLORY OF THE LORD SHALL BE THY REREWARD (or protection). “We might ask, "What shall cause our health to spring forth speedily in addition to what we have already covered?”
(n)–Isa 58:6–7–IS NOT THIS THE FAST THAT I HAVE CHOSEN? In other words, consider fasting, but fasting needs to be combined with the following:
(o)–TO LOOSE THE BANDS OF WICKEDNESS,
(p)–TO UNDO THE HEAVY BURDENS,
(q)–AND TO LET THE OPPRESSED GO FREE,
(r)–AND THAT YE BREAK EVERY YOKE?
(s)–IS IT NOT TO DEAL THY BREAD TO THE HUNGRY,
(t)–AND THAT THOU BRING THE POOR THAT ARE CAST OUT TO THY HOUSE?
(u)–WHEN THOU SEEST THE NAKED, THAT THOU COVER HIM;
(v)–AND THAT THOU HIDE NOT THYSELF FROM THINE OWN FLESH?
Why are some people sick?
Jere 30:15–17 tells us: WHY CRIEST THOU FOR THINE AFFLICTION? THY SORROW IS INCURABLE
FOR THE MULTITUDE OF THINE INIQUITY: BECAUSE THY SINS WERE INCREASED, I HAVE DONE THESE THINGS UNTO THEE.
THEREFORE ALL THEY THAT DEVOUR THEE SHALL BE DEVOURED; AND ALL THINE ADVERSARIES, EVERY ONE OF THEM, SHALL GO INTO CAPTIVITY; AND THEY THAT SPOIL THEE SHALL BE A SPOIL, AND ALL THAT PREY UPON THEE WILL I GIVE FOR A PREY. FOR I WILL RESTORE HEALTH UNTO THEE, AND I WILL HEAL THEE OF THY WOUNDS, SAITH THE LORD; BECAUSE THEY CALLED THEE AN OUTCAST, SAYING, THIS IS ZION, WHOM NO MAN SEEKETH AFTER.
To summarize in part what has just been said:
A person may be sick and sorrowful because of their sins, and not only because of their sins, but because their sins have increased.
(x)–Do you want health? REPENT. Put away willful sin and obey God’s Word.
(y)–Also do not, in any way, be against Israel. Do not speak against Israel. For it is also written: Num 24:9–BLESSED IS HE THAT BLESSETH THEE, AND CURSED IS HE THAT CURSETH THEE.
(z)–Finally, do you need to be healed? It is written: Rev 22:7–BEHOLD, I COME QUICKLY: BLESSED IS HE THAT KEEPETH THE SAYINGS OF THE PROPHECY OF THIS BOOK. Keep the sayings of the Revelation.
46–One Must Do This in Order to Receive This Promise
Love God and keep His commandments–God shows mercy to them.
Love God and keep His commandments–God will keep His covenant and mercy with them to a thousand generations.
Love God and serve Him with all your heart & soul–God will give rain and grass, so you can eat and be full.
Love God, walk in His ways, cleave to Him–God will drive out these nations.
Love God, walk in His ways–add three cities.
Love God, walk in His ways, keep His commandments, statutes, judgments–may live, multiply, and be blessed.
Love God’s law, meditate in it, through His commandments—become wiser than your enemies.
Love thy law–shall have peace and nothing shall offend them.
Those called according to His purpose and love God–all things work together for good.
Love God–God has prepared things for them.
Love God–will be known of Him.
Hearts joined in love–might be comforted and have full riches of complete understanding.
Love His appearing–a crown of righteousness.
Endureth temptation and love God–is blessed and receive the crown of life.
Poor of this world whom God has chosen that love Him–rich in faith and inherit the kingdom.
Love God–God will love them.
Love God and seek Him early–they shall find God.
Join to God, love His name, be His servant, keep the sabbath, take hold of God’s covenant–God will bring to His holy mountain, make them joyful, offering shall be accepted.
Love the brethren–hearts stablished unblameable in holiness before God.
Love the brethren and–God dwells in us.
Love the brethren and–God’s love is perfected in us.
(Underlining denotes God’s requirement in order to receive God’s promise, which is in bold print.)
Ex 20:5,6–THE LORD THY GOD…SHEWING MERCY UNTO THOUSANDS OF THEM THAT (1) LOVE ME, AND (2) KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS.
Deut 5:9,10–I THE LORD THY GOD AM A JEALOUS GOD,…SHEWING MERCY UNTO THOUSANDS OF THEM THAT (1) LOVE ME AND (2) KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS.
Deut 7:9–KNOW THEREFORE THAT THE LORD THY GOD, HE IS GOD, THE FAITHFUL GOD, WHICH (1) KEEPETH COVENANT AND (2) MERCY WITH THEM THAT (1) LOVE HIM AND (2) KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS TO A THOUSAND GENERATIONS.
Neh 1:5–…O LORD GOD OF HEAVEN…THAT KEEPETH COVENANT AND MERCY FOR THEM THAT (1) LOVE HIM AND (2) OBSERVE HIS COMMANDMENTS.
Dan 9:4–…THE GREAT AND DREADFUL (or awesome) GOD, KEEPING THE COVENANT AND MERCY TO THEM THAT (1) LOVE HIM, AND TO THEM THAT (2) KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS.
Deut 11:13–15–AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS, IF YE SHALL HEARKEN DILIGENTLY UNTO MY COMMANDMENTS WHICH I COMMAND YOU THIS DAY, (1) TO LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND (2) TO SERVE HIM WITH (A) ALL YOUR HEART AND WITH (B) ALL YOUR SOUL, THAT I WILL (a) GIVE YOU THE RAIN OF YOUR LAND IN HIS DUE SEASON,…AND (b) I WILL SEND GRASS IN THY FIELDS…THAT THOU MAYEST EAT AND BE FULL.
Deut 11:22,23–FOR IF YE SHALL DILIGENTLY KEEP ALL THESE COMMANDMENTS WHICH I COMMAND YOU, TO DO THEM, (1) TO LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD, (2) TO WALK IN ALL HIS WAYS, AND (3) TO CLEAVE UNTO HIM; THEN WILL THE LORD (a) DRIVE OUT ALL THESE NATIONS FROM BEFORE YOU, AND (b) YE SHALL POSSESS GREATER NATIONS AND MIGHTIER THAN YOURSELVES.
Deut 19:9–IF THOU SHALT KEEP ALL THESE COMMANDMENTS TO DO THEM, WHICH I COMMAND THEE THIS DAY, TO (1) LOVE THE LORD THY GOD, AND TO (2) WALK EVER IN HIS WAYS; THEN SHALT THOU ADD THREE CITIES MORE FOR THEE, BESIDE THESE THREE.
Deut 30:16–IN THAT I COMMAND THEE THIS DAY TO (1) LOVE THE LORD THY GOD, TO (2) WALK IN HIS WAYS, AND TO (3) KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS AND (4) HIS STATUTES AND (5) HIS JUDGMENTS, THAT THOU (A) MAYEST LIVE AND MULTIPLY: AND THE LORD THY GOD SHALL (a) BLESS THEE IN THE LAND WHITHER THOU GOEST TO POSSESS IT.
Ps 119:97,98–O HOW LOVE I THY LAW! IT IS MY MEDITATION ALL THE DAY. THOU THROUGH THY COMMANDMENTS HAST MADE ME WISER THAN MINE ENEMIES: FOR THEY ARE EVER WITH ME.
Ps 119:165–GREAT PEACE HAVE THEY WHICH LOVE THY LAW: AND NOTHING SHALL OFFEND THEM.
Ro 8:28–AND WE KNOW THAT ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THEM THAT LOVE GOD, TO THEM WHO ARE THE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE.
1 Cor 2:9–BUT AS IT IS WRITTEN, EYE HATH NOT SEEN, NOR EAR HEARD, NEITHER HAVE ENTERED INTO THE HEART OF MAN, THE THINGS WHICH GOD HATH PREPARED FOR THEM THAT LOVE HIM.
1 Cor 8:3–BUT IF ANY MAN LOVE GOD, THE SAME IS KNOWN OF HIM.
Col 2:2–(My purpose is) THAT THEIR HEARTS MIGHT BE COMFORTED (or encouraged), BEING KNIT (or joined) TOGETHER IN LOVE, (SO THAT THEY MAY HAVE THE FULL RICHES OF COMPLETE UNDERSTANDING–NKJ). Note the words HEARTS COMFORTED…BEING (joined) TOGETHER IN LOVE. SO THAT THEY MAY HAVE…COMPLETE UNDERSTANDING. It could be said that if a person’s heart is not joined in love with the other brethren, then they will not be comforted, and they will not have the riches of completely understanding God’s Word. Do you want more understanding of God’s Word?–then try increasing your love for the brethren.
2 Tim 4:7,8–LOVE HIS APPEARING. There is a CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS for those that love His appearing.
Ja 1:12–BLESSED IS THE MAN THAT ENDURETH TEMPTATION: FOR WHEN HE IS TRIED, HE SHALL RECEIVE THE CROWN OF LIFE, WHICH THE LORD HATH PROMISED TO THEM THAT LOVE HIM.
Ja 2:5–…BRETHREN, HATH NOT GOD CHOSEN THE POOR OF THIS WORLD RICH IN FAITH, AND HEIRS OF THE KINGDOM WHICH HE HATH PROMISED TO THEM THAT LOVE HIM?
Pv 8:17–I LOVE THEM THAT LOVE ME; AND THOSE THAT SEEK ME EARLY SHALL FIND ME.
Isa 56:6,7–ALSO THE SONS OF THE STRANGER, THAT JOIN THEMSELVES TO THE LORD, TO SERVE HIM, AND TO LOVE THE NAME OF THE LORD, TO BE HIS SERVANTS, EVERY ONE THAT KEEPETH THE SABBATH FROM POLLUTING IT, AND TAKETH HOLD OF MY COVENANT; EVEN THEM WILL I BRING TO MY HOLY MOUNTAIN, AND MAKE THEM JOYFUL IN MY HOUSE OF PRAYER: THEIR BURNT OFFERINGS AND THEIR SACRIFICES SHALL BE ACCEPTED UPON MINE ALTAR; FOR MINE HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED AN HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL PEOPLE.
1 Thes 3:12,13–…LOVE ONE TOWARD ANOTHER, AND TOWARD ALL MEN,…TO THE END HE MAY STABLISH YOUR HEARTS UNBLAMEABLE IN HOLINESS BEFORE GOD.
1 Jn 4:12–…IF WE LOVE ONE ANOTHER,…HIS LOVE IS PERFECTED IN US.
1 Jn 4:12–…IF WE LOVE ONE ANOTHER, GOD DWELLETH IN US.
47–Love—These Cannot Separate Us From the Love of God
Faith—A Person That Loses Their Faith No Longer Stands
List—Things That Happen By Faith
Ro 8:35,37–39–WHO SHALL SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF CHRIST? SHALL TRIBULATION, OR DISTRESS, OR PERSECUTION, OR FAMINE, OR NAKEDNESS, OR PERIL, OR SWORD? IN ALL THESE THINGS WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS THROUGH HIM THAT LOVED US. FOR I AM PERSUADED, THAT NEITHER DEATH, NOR LIFE, NOR ANGELS, NOR PRINCIPALITIES, NOR POWERS, NOR THINGS PRESENT, NOR THINGS TO COME, NOR HEIGHT, NOR DEPTH, NOR ANY OTHER CREATURE, SHALL BE ABLE TO SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD, WHICH IS IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD.
None of these can separate us from the love of Christ. Yet it never says a person himself cannot lose their faith. It never says that Satan cannot deceive a person so that they harden their heart to correction, turn from God, turn to sin and rebel against God.
A person stands by faith–ref Ro 11:10, 2 Cor 1:24.
A person walks by faith–ref 2 Cor 5:7
The just shall live by faith–ref Gal 3:11; Heb 10:38
God’s promise is given by faith–ref Gal 3:22
We might be justified by faith–ref Gal 3:24
Ye are children of God by faith–ref Gal 3:26
We wait for the hope by faith–ref Gal 5:5
Christ may dwell in our hearts by faith–ref Eph 3:17
Righteousness is through faith–ref Phili 3:9
A person is justified by works and not by faith only–ref Ja 2:24
A person that has lost their faith, no longer stands, walks, lives, receives God's promise, is justified, is a child of God, waits for the Hope, has Christ dwelling in their heart, or has the righteousness of God.
A person stands by faith, but because of unbelief they can be broken off–ref Ro 11:20.
A person has no righteousness of his own.
To the righteous…if he trusts in his own righteousness…his righteousness shall not be remembered…he shall die–Ezek 33:13.
Heb 10:38–39–NOW THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH: BUT IF ANY MAN DRAW BACK, MY SOUL SHALL HAVE NO PLEASURE IN HIM. BUT WE ARE NOT OF THEM WHO DRAW BACK UNTO PERDITION (or eternal destruction or eternal punishment). To draw back from faith in Jesus Christ is to draw back to eternal punishment.
LOVE, FAITH, AND ETERNAL SECURITY
48–Love—Faith–can it be lost?
Can a person become deceived and intentionally turn from God to abominations and wickedness?
When a righteous man (a saved person) turns from his righteousness (which is Jesus) and commit iniquity (or willfully practice sin).he shall die in his sin. His righteousness shall not be remembered–Ezek 3:20.
When a righteous man (a saved person) turneth…from his righteousness (which is Jesus) and committeth…abominations…in them shall he die–Ezek 18:24. Is not My way equal? Are not your ways unequal–Ezek 18:25.
When the righteous (a saved person) turns from his righteousness (which is Jesus) and committeth iniquity, he shall…die–Ezek 33:18.
Regarding a person losing their childlikeness to correction, turning from God to sin, iniquity, wickedness and rebellion, God’s Word tells us:
Isa 59:2–YOUR INIQUITIES HAVE SEPARATED BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR GOD, AND YOUR SINS HAVE HID HIS FACE FROM YOU, THAT HE WILL NOT HEAR.
Hos 4:6–10,12–14,16–MY PEOPLE ARE DESTROYED FOR LACK OF KNOWLEDGE: BECAUSE THOU HAST REJECTED KNOWLEDGE, I WILL ALSO REJECT THEE…THEY SINNED AGAINST ME: THEREFORE WILL I CHANGE THEIR GLORY INTO SHAME. …THEY SET THEIR HEART ON THEIR INIQUITY. …I WILL PUNISH THEM FOR THEIR WAYS, …THEY HAVE LEFT OFF TO TAKE HEED TO THE LORD. …THE SPIRIT OF WHOREDOMS HATH CAUSED THEM TO ERR, AND THEY HAVE GONE A WHORING FROM UNDER THEIR GOD. …THEY COMMIT ADULTERY: FOR THEMSELVES ARE SEPARATED WITH WHORES, AND THEY SACRIFICE WITH HARLOTS: THEREFORE THE PEOPLE THAT DOTH NOT UNDERSTAND SHALL FALL. ISRAEL SLIDETH BACK AS A BACKSLIDING HEIFER.
Ezek 18:24–32–BUT WHEN THE RIGHTEOUS (which is a person that has repented and been saved by faith in Jesus Christ) TURNETH AWAY FROM HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS (which is Jesus Christ), AND COMMITTETH INIQUITY, AND DOETH ACCORDING TO ALL THE ABOMINATIONS THAT THE WICKED MAN DOETH, SHALL HE LIVE? ALL HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS THAT HE HATH DONE SHALL NOT BE MENTIONED: IN HIS TRESPASS THAT HE HATH TRESPASSED, AND IN HIS SIN THAT HE HATH SINNED, IN THEM SHALL HE DIE. YET YE SAY, THE WAY OF THE LORD IS NOT EQUAL. HEAR NOW, O HOUSE OF ISRAEL; IS NOT MY WAY EQUAL? ARE NOT YOUR WAYS UNEQUAL?
AGAIN, WHEN THE WICKED MAN TURNETH AWAY FROM HIS WICKEDNESS THAT HE HATH COMMITTED, AND DOETH THAT WHICH IS LAWFUL AND RIGHT, HE SHALL SAVE HIS SOUL ALIVE. BECAUSE HE CONSIDERETH, AND TURNETH AWAY FROM ALL HIS TRANSGRESSIONS THAT HE HATH COMMITTED, HE SHALL SURELY LIVE, HE SHALL NOT DIE. YET SAITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL, THE WAY OF THE LORD IS NOT EQUAL. O HOUSE OF ISRAEL, ARE NOT MY WAYS EQUAL? ARE NOT YOUR WAYS UNEQUAL? ...REPENT, AND TURN YOURSELVES FROM ALL YOUR TRANSGRESSIONS; SO INIQUITY SHALL NOT BE YOUR RUIN. CAST AWAY FROM YOU ALL YOUR TRANSGRESSIONS, WHEREBY YE HAVE TRANSGRESSED; AND MAKE YOU A NEW HEART AND A NEW SPIRIT: FOR WHY WILL YE DIE, O HOUSE OF ISRAEL? FOR I HAVE NO PLEASURE IN THE DEATH OF HIM THAT DIETH, SAITH THE LORD GOD: WHEREFORE TURN YOURSELVES, AND LIVE YE.
WHEN THE RIGHTEOUS TURNETH FROM HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND COMMITTETH INIQUITY, HE SHALL EVEN DIE THEREBY. BUT IF THE WICKED TURN FROM HIS WICKEDNESS, AND DO THAT WHICH IS LAWFUL AND RIGHT, HE SHALL LIVE THEREBY. YET YE SAY, THE WAY OF THE LORD IS NOT EQUAL. O YE HOUSE OF ISRAEL, I WILL JUDGE YOU EVERY ONE AFTER HIS WAYS–Ezek 33:18–20.
1 Tim 6:10–FOR THE LOVE OF MONEY IS (a) ROOT OF ALL (kinds of) EVIL:.SOME COVETED AFTER (or craved), THEY HAVE ERRED (or wandered) FROM THE FAITH.
Rev 2:4–…I HAVE SOMEWHAT AGAINST THEE, BECAUSE THOU HAST LEFT THY FIRST LOVE. …THOU ART FALLEN,…REPENT,…OR ELSE I WILL…REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK. This is to His church, His people. Jesus is clearly showing His people they can leave off loving Him. They can fall. Their candlestick can be removed if they do not repent.
Jude 21–KEEP YOURSELVES IN THE LOVE OF GOD,...UNTO ETERNAL LIFE. If keeping ourselves in the love of God was not in our power, God would not have commanded us to do so.
49–Love—In Order to Live: A Person Must Have or Do These
Have their heart circumcised to love God
A person must choose life:
in order to love God
obey His voice,
cleave to God,
dwell in the land
Deut 30:6–…THE LORD THY GOD WILL (a) CIRCUMCISE THINE HEART, AND (b) THE HEART OF THY SEED, TO (1) LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THINE HEART, AND WITH ALL THY SOUL, (c) THAT THOU MAYEST LIVE.
Deut 30:19,20…I HAVE SET BEFORE YOU (1) LIFE AND (2) DEATH, (3) BLESSING AND (4) CURSING: THEREFORE CHOOSE LIFE, THAT BOTH THOU AND THY SEED MAY (a) LIVE: THAT THOU MAYEST (b) LOVE THE LORD THY GOD, AND THAT THOU MAYEST (c) OBEY HIS VOICE, AND THAT THOU MAYEST (d) CLEAVE UNTO HIM: (and) (e) DWELL IN THE LAND.
50–Love—How to have eternal security. No possibility of falling
Love God and observe His commandments
Love God and keep His commandments
Be faithful Love the Lord and hate evil
Love your brother in Christ, love one another Walks uprightly
Works righteousness Speaks the truth in his heart
Doesn’t backbite with their tongue Doesn’t do evil to his neighbor
Despises a vial man Honors those that fear God
Keeps his oaths no matter what Doesn't put out his money for usury
Doesn't take reward against the innocent Be a good and faithful servant
Add to your faith: goodness, knowledge, self control, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness.
All that obey God and these commands cannot fall. All that walk in faith, do not turn from Jesus, love God, love the brethren, and do not willfully practice abominations—these cannot fall.
All that keep trusting in Jesus, do not turn from their righteousness, and do not go back to their old sinful ways, shall continue to stand fast.
Neh 1:5–…O LORD GOD OF HEAVEN…THAT KEEPETH COVENANT AND MERCY FOR THEM THAT LOVE HIM AND OBSERVE HIS COMMANDMENTS.
Dan 9:4–…THE GREAT AND DREADFUL (or awesome) GOD, KEEPING THE COVENANT AND MERCY TO THEM THAT LOVE HIM, AND TO THEM THAT KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS.
Ps 31:23–O LOVE THE LORD, ALL YE HIS SAINTS: FOR THE LORD PRESERVETH THE FAITHFUL
Ps 97:10–HE PRESERVETH THE SOULS OF HIS SAINTS. …YE THAT LOVE THE LORD, HATE EVIL (ref first part of verse).
Ps 145:20–THE LORD PRESERVETH ALL THEM THAT LOVE HIM. It may be said, the Lord does not promise to preserve those that do not love Him.
The message is clear. If a person totally loves God above all else and keeps His commandments as the Bible teaches, God will keep His covenant and mercy with him. He will preserve the faithful. However, if a person’s love is only lukewarm, only superficial, then it is not the same.
A person may say, “I love God. I love the brethren.” Then this question can be asked, “Do you love the brethren that correct you by God’s Word when you are in sin, or when you do things you ought not to do, or when you do not do things that you should do?” Do you love the brethren that correct you regarding your ungodly attitude? When corrected do you argue with them, justify yourself, make excuses, strive with them, tell them they don’t understand, and reject their correction? If you are a Pentecostal, do you love those in Christ that are not Pentecostal or vice versa, or do you speak against them? Do you love all those in Christ, or only those that believe exactly like you do? Is the love for the brethren that you think you have the same as the love that Christ has for His church? Or is it only a love for the brethren that you think love you? In this latter day generation, the love that most professing Christians have is only lukewarm. It is in word, but not in deed, in truth, and from the heart.
When a person hears the word of correction, but will not repent, yet blesses himself in his heart, and says, “I shall have peace,” know this–the Lord will not spare him–ref Deut 29:19,20.
1 Jn 2:10–HE THAT LOVETH HIS BROTHER ABIDETH IN THE LIGHT (or abides in Jesus, he is saved), AND THERE IS NONE OCCASION OF STUMBLING IN HIM. (There is no opportunity for him to fall.) Eternal security is promised to those that love all the brethren with Biblical love.
1 Jn 4:12–…IF WE LOVE ONE ANOTHER, GOD DWELLETH IN US, AND HIS LOVE IS PERFECTED IN US.
Ps 15:2–5–HE THAT WALKETH UPRIGHTLY, AND WORKETH RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND SPEAKETH THE TRUTH IN HIS HEART. HE THAT BACKBITETH NOT WITH HIS TONGUE, NOR DOETH EVIL TO HIS NEIGHBOUR, NOR TAKETH UP A REPROACH AGAINST HIS NEIGHBOUR. WHO DESPISES A VILE MAN, BUT HONORS THOSE WHO FEAR THE LORD, WHO KEEPS HIS OATHS EVEN WHEN IT HURTS–NIV AND CHANGETH NOT. HE THAT PUTTETH NOT OUT HIS MONEY TO USURY, NOR TAKETH REWARD AGAINST THE INNOCENT. HE THAT DOETH THESE THINGS SHALL NEVER BE MOVED. A person that does these things shall never be moved or fall.
2 Pe 1:5–10–make every effort to ADD TO YOUR FAITH (goodness);…KNOWLEDGE;…(self–control);…PATIENCE (or perseverance);…GODLINESS;…BROTHERLY KINDNESS;…(LOVE). FOR IF…(you possess these qualities–NIV),…(in increasing measure), THEY (keep) YOU THAT YE SHALL NEITHER BE (ineffective) NOR (unproductive) IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. BUT…(if anyone does not have them) (he) IS BLIND, AND (is shortsighted, even to blindness–NKJ), AND…HE…(has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins–NIV)…BRETHREN, GIVE (even more) DILIGENCE (or be eager) TO MAKE YOUR CALLING AND ELECTION SURE: FOR IF YE DO THESE THINGS, YE SHALL NEVER FALL (or stumble).
Again note that if you do these things, you shall NEVER FALL. We may also say, if a person does not have these qualities he can be expected to eventually fall, unless he repents. For we know, it is written, that they perish for a lack of knowledge, or we may say, a lack of understanding. Do you want the assurance you shall never fall? Then add these to your faith: biblical goodness, knowledge, self–control, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. Remember, MANY ARE CALLED BUT FEW ARE CHOSEN–Mt 22:14. …LET THE PEACE OF GOD RULE IN YOUR HEARTS, TO THE WHICH ALSO YE ARE CALLED IN ONE BODY; AND BE YE THANKFUL–Col 3:15. When Jesus returns, those that are with Him are those that were not only called, but were CHOSEN, AND FAITHFUL–ref Rev 17:14. THEREFORE,…WALK WORTHY OF THE VOCATION (or calling, or, we may say, life) WHEREWITH YE ARE CALLED–Eph 4:1. If you have been called, are you walking worthy in faith, love, and thankfulness, in the fear of God, being faithful in all things so you will be chosen? Will you hear the words, WELL DONE, THOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT? THOU HAST BEEN FAITHFUL–Mt 25:21, or will you hear, THOU WICKED AND SLOTHFUL SERVANT; I NEVER KNEW YOU?–Mt 25:26; Mt 7:23. Therefore BE…DOERS OF THE WORD, AND NOT HEARERS ONLY, lest you deceive yourself–ref Ja 1:22.
Beware, IF ANY MAN LOVE THE WORLD, THE LOVE OF THE FATHER IS NOT IN HIM. He isn’t saved–1 Jn 2:15. …THE FRIENDSHIP OF THE WORLD IS ENMITY WITH GOD? WHOSOEVER THEREFORE WILL BE A FRIEND OF THE WORLD IS THE ENEMY OF GOD–Ja 4:4.
51–Those That Fall, Forget What They Were Like When They Were Saved—They Are Not Doers of God’s Word
(A person that doesn’t do God’s Word falls and forgets what they were like when they were saved.)
When a person is saved, but does not have these qualities in their heart, nor will they repent and add these things to their faith, they begin to forget that they had been cleansed from their past sins–2 Pe 1:5–10. They begin to forget WHAT MANNER OF MAN (they were) ref–Ja 1:24. They HAVE FORGOTTEN (or no longer understand) THE WORD (NIV) WHICH SPEAKS TO (them) AS SONS (NKJ)–ref Heb 12:5. They do not understand what manner of Spirit they are of–ref Lk 9:55. They do not spiritually understand what manner of person they ought to be in all holy conversation and godliness–ref 2 Pe 3:11. One might ask, “How can this happen to a Christian?” The answer is in the verses we just read and in other verses also. They do not repent and add these things to their faith, as God’s Word commands. They may read and hear God’s Word, but they are not a doer of the Word–ref Ja 1:23. Thus, as they fall, their minister can ask them, “Don’t you remember how you were a year ago in your walk with Jesus?” And they truthfully can answer, “I don’t see that I am any different than I was a year ago.” Yet now they are walking in the ways of the world, but a year ago they were following Jesus to some extent. As God’s Word tells us clearly, they forget how they were. They no longer see spiritually, but they see their natural face in a glass–ref Ja 1:23. They are no longer ready for the return of the Lord, but are blind to this fact. They will perish; yet they are confident they will go to heaven. If their preacher corrects them, they are not childlike to correction as Mt 18:3 tells them they need to be. They may argue or make excuses. They are in a state of denial when it comes to their shortcomings, their sin and fallen state. They think their preacher just does not understand, yet it is the blindness of their own heart that does not understand. They are as those that stand before the judgment and say to Jesus, “Lord, in thy name, we did this;” but then He tells them, I NEVER KNEW YOU–ref Mt 7:23. They no longer have ears to hear and eyes to see biblical truth. No man can convince them that they are wrong, for they no longer have correct biblical understanding. Spiritually blind eyes prevent them from understanding their fallen condition. They are now without hope, except they repent; however, their fallen spiritual condition can prevent them from knowing they have need to repent and change their ways. One of the few things that can help the fallen is childlikeness toward correction (ref Mt 18:3), but few are like this in a fallen state.
How sad it is that these words are written to those that were once a brother in Christ and part of His church. 1 Cor 8:11,12–THE WEAK BROTHER PERISH, FOR WHOM CHRIST DIED? Gal 5:4–CHRIST IS BECOME OF NO EFFECT UNTO YOU,…YE ARE FALLEN FROM GRACE. God warns those that do not continue in His goodness. He says: Ro 11:22–THOU ALSO SHALT BE CUT OFF. Ro 11:20,21–BECAUSE OF UNBELIEF THEY WERE BROKEN OFF, AND THOU STANDEST BY FAITH. BE NOT HIGHMINDED, BUT FEAR: FOR IF GOD SPARED NOT THE NATURAL BRANCHES, TAKE HEED LEST HE ALSO SPARE NOT THEE. A person that loses his trust is no longer standing. God yet gives hope to those that were in His church who have fallen. He seems to warn them to repent quickly. Why quickly? Because the longer a person resists God’s call to repent, the harder their heart can become. The spiritual blindness that is upon them becomes deeper and deeper. They can ultimately become reprobate or totally unreachable, without any true spiritual understanding. The darkness (or falsehood, or deceit) that is in them, they now think is light (and truth). Their heart now believes Satan’s lies in their thoughts. God says: Rev 2:5–REMEMBER THEREFORE FROM WHENCE THOU ART FALLEN, AND REPENT. Regretfully, few can remember from where they fell, so they do not repent. The verse continues–AND DO THE FIRST WORKS; OR ELSE I WILL COME UNTO THEE QUICKLY, AND WILL REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK OUT OF HIS PLACE, EXCEPT THOU REPENT. God gives the fallen person a small space to repent, but if they do not, then their candlestick is removed. Rev 22:19–AND IF ANY MAN SHALL TAKE AWAY FROM THE WORDS OF THE BOOK OF THIS PROPHECY, GOD SHALL TAKE AWAY HIS PART OUT OF THE BOOK OF LIFE… Rev 20:15–AND WHOSOEVER WAS NOT FOUND WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF LIFE WAS CAST INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE.
Maybe this can help some to understand what has just been said. All true born–again Christians should be able to remember how they were when they were not saved. How they were worldly–minded, walking in the ways of this world, envying others, having anger in their hearts, going after pleasures and riches, and following the lusts and desires of the mind and flesh, having the pride of life, being full of the worries and cares of this world, and being somewhat dishonest when it suited their purpose, or even worse. Some smoked, took drugs, drank, and wouldn't hesitate to have sex outside of marriage, if the opportunity arose. Some were religious people, but without Christ in their heart. Some were totally perverted in their thinking, even men with men, or women with women. Some were religious leaders that did horrible things with children, yet God quickened the word to their heart, and they repented and came to Christ by faith. A born again Christian can remember how they were before being saved; however, a person that falls cannot remember how they were when they were saved.
The fallen have little concern for repenting. They are usually confident that if they would die, they will go to a better place, to heaven, or perhaps purgatory. None truly understand they will be in a place of horrible torment for ever and ever.
Again, when a person gets saved, they can look back and remember these things. But then when a person falls, they revert back to that unsaved state, and can no longer remember how they were when they walked with Jesus. They can become even more worldly and evil than they originally were, perhaps 7 times worse. Advice: fear God and depart from evil.
Deut 30:19,20–THAT THOU MAYEST LOVE THE LORD THY GOD…HE IS (a) THY LIFE, AND (b) THE LENGTH OF THY DAYS.
Ps 119:167–MY SOUL HATH KEPT THY TESTIMONIES; AND I LOVE THEM EXCEEDINGLY.
Col 1:4–WE HEARD OF YOUR FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS, AND OF THE LOVE WHICH YE HAVE TO ALL THE SAINTS.
Col 1:7,8–EPAPHRAS,...DECLARED UNTO US YOUR LOVE IN THE SPIRIT.
1 Pe 1:7,8–JESUS CHRIST: WHOM HAVING NOT SEEN, YE LOVE; IN WHOM, THOUGH NOW YE SEE HIM NOT, YET BELIEVING, YE REJOICE WITH JOY UNSPEAKABLE AND FULL OF GLORY.
Pv 9:8–REPROVE (or correct) NOT A SCORNER, LEST HE HATE THEE: REBUKE (or correct) A WISE MAN, AND HE WILL LOVE THEE. Do you love God’s servant when he corrects you, or do you make excuses, justify yourself, and think in your heart that God’s servant is wrong? Such is the deceived person that hears Satan's voice better than they hear God’s voice, but can’t recognize it. Such is the deceived person when they are positive they are right and God’s servant correcting them is wrong. Nearly all people are hard to correct. Only a few are childlike to correction.
Heb 12:4–14–IN YOUR STRUGGLE AGAINST SIN, YOU HAVE NOT YET RESISTED TO THE POINT OF SHEDDING YOUR BLOOD (NIV) STRIVING AGAINST SIN–KJV. AND YOU HAVE FORGOTTEN THE WORD (NIV) WHICH SPEAKS TO YOU AS SONS (NKJ). When a born again Christian sins and forgets God's Word (or we may say his understanding becomes darkened), he can expect to be corrected and chastened from the Lord. God says, "MY SON, DO NOT (despise) or (be discouraged) or MAKE LIGHT OF THE LORD'S DISCIPLINE, AND DO NOT LOSE HEART WHEN HE REBUKES YOU. BECAUSE THE LORD DISCIPLINES (or chastens, or corrects) THOSE HE LOVES, AND HE PUNISHES (or scourges, or spanks) EVERYONE HE ACCEPTS AS A SON." ENDURE HARDSHIP AS DISCIPLINE; IF YE ENDURE CHASTENING, GOD IS TREATING YOU AS SONS. FOR WHAT SON IS NOT DISCIPLINED (or rebuked) BY HIS FATHER? IF YOU ARE NOT DISCIPLINED (AND EVERYONE UNDERGOES DISCIPLINE), THEN YOU ARE ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN AND NOT TRUE SONS. MOREOVER, WE HAVE ALL HAD HUMAN FATHERS WHO (CORRECTED) US AND WE RESPECTED THEM FOR IT. HOW MUCH MORE SHOULD WE SUBMIT TO THE FATHER OF OUR SPIRITS AND LIVE! God chastens or corrects us FOR OUR PROFIT (or good) THAT WE MIGHT BE PARTAKERS OF HIS HOLINESS. NO DISCIPLINE (or correction, or chastening) SEEMS PLEASANT AT THE TIME, BUT PAINFUL. LATER ON, HOWEVER, IT PRODUCES A HARVEST OF RIGHTEOUSNESS AND PEACE (or peaceful) FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN TRAINED (or exercised) BY IT. THEREFORE STRENGTHEN THE HANDS WHICH HANG DOWN, AND THE (WEAK) KNEES, SO THAT THE LAME MAY NOT BE DISABLED, BUT RATHER HEALED. …BE HOLY; WITHOUT HOLINESS NO ONE WILL SEE THE LORD (KJV, NIV, NKJ).
It is so much easier to receive correction from God’s Word and repent.
For those that will not, it is so much easier to receive correction from your God–fearing, Spirit–led minister or the elders and repent. However, many times the person that is willfully sinning, hides it so well that no one knows of their sin.
For those that think they have hidden their sin well and for those that resist God’s correction from His Word or from their minister—they can expect God to step in, because He loves them and does not want them to perish. Thus, God can be expected to correct them. His correction can come in the most unexpected ways. His correction can come in the form of physical problems, sickness, accidents, unexpected difficulties, hurts, pain, or numerous other ways. And if a person still will not be corrected by God, then their future is grim. The Bible warns in Eph 4:30–GRIEVE NOT THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD. The worst that could happen is the person becomes reprobate, and God turns away. Then they are without hope. Eternity in the lake of fire lies ahead.
For it is appointed unto men once to die, and then the judgment. All whose names are not found in the book of Life shall suffer eternal punishment.
How much do you desire correction? Consider Pv 15:10–12, which shows that a person that forsakes God’s way or is not walking uprightly–to them, correction is grievous. It annoys them. They don’t like it. They don’t want it. They despise correction. If they get corrected, they are usually hard inside. They often turn on the person that is correcting them and begin accusing them–thus, refusing to acknowledge their sin, justifying themselves and not repenting. Their emotions often rise. The person that hates or despises reproof or correction shall die. Such a person does not love the one that corrects or reproves them. Neither will such a person seek those that are over them, who are led of God to correct them. They shall not inherit eternal life. Hell and destruction are before the Lord. This is where they are headed, but the darkness and hardness in their own heart blinds them from understanding this.
Most people, including professing Christians, have little true, biblical understanding of God’s Word, as it applies to themselves. They are good at accusing, criticizing, and judging others, but very bad at examining themselves. Satan puts thoughts in their mind and heart that they cannot biblically recognize are from Satan. They are so biblically illiterate when it comes to examining themselves that they are sure their wrong thinking is correct and is of themselves. They embrace Satan's thinking (the stranger's voice) rather than God’s Word. They have little desire to change, little desire for correction, and little love for those that God sends to correct them. Such is the case with much of the church and God’s people today.
God’s people should be saying to themselves, “O wretched person that I am!” My heart is deceitful above all things. My heart is desperately wicked. God have mercy on me a sinner–ref Jere 17:9, Mt 15:22, and Lk 18:13.
Pv 15:10–12–CORRECTION IS GRIEVOUS UNTO HIM THAT FORSAKETH THE WAY: AND HE THAT HATETH REPROOF (or correction) SHALL DIE (or perish). HELL AND DESTRUCTION ARE BEFORE THE LORD: A SCORNER LOVETH NOT ONE THAT REPROVETH (or corrects) HIM: NEITHER WILL HE GO UNTO THE WISE.
As the coming of Jesus Christ approaches, we know that everything THAT CAN BE SHAKEN SHALL BE SHAKEN. This shaking will increase as we get closer and closer to the end. All that truly love the brethren and are soft toward correction should stand firm. All that do not love the brethren and are hard toward correction should be cut off and perish.
Lets repeat this. A person that does not want correction, and a person that does not love the brethren, is a person that is headed for eternal destruction except they repent.
Is the light that is in you really light, or is it darkness that you think is light? If that is so, then the darkness that is in you is very great. Such a person is naked. They are not clothed with the garments of righteousness. Their eyes are not anointed with eyesalve so they can see. They are unrepentant. They do not understand, yet they think they do. If they are hard toward correction, how can they have any hope–for even God, it appears, cannot reach them? They are reprobate. They believe in their heart that the stranger’s voice (which is Satan’s voice) is God’s voice. The darkness has blinded their eyes. Today’s churches are full of such people. They think they serve God. They teach from the pulpits. They sing in the choirs. They teach in Bible schools. Yet only a few people are truly saved and are walking in the light, as He is in the light, and hold fast to the end. Which are you???
Col 3:2,3–SET (or focus) YOUR AFFECTION (or mind, or heart) ON THINGS ABOVE, NOT ON THINGS ON THE EARTH. …For where your desires are and your treasure is, there is where your heart will be also. What is your double–minded heart and divided mind set on?
Pv 10:12–…LOVE COVERETH ALL SINS.
1 Pe 4:8–…CHARITY (OR LOVE) SHALL COVER THE MULTITUDE OF SINS.
56–Love and Faith and Growth
Faith Should Be Covered First and the Fear of God. Love and Faith Should Be Covered After
Also note the category: Warning–Faith Will Not Work Without Godly Love
Also see #47
No matter how much faith (or trust) a person may think they have, no matter how much a person may think they are saved, if love for the brethren and for Christ from the heart is not combined with it, then a person is nothing. If a person does not love all his brothers and sisters in Christ, as the Scriptures have said, then he is already deceived and open to being deceived even more and may fall. But if a person loves the brethren as the Bible says, then it should be much more difficult for them to be deceived, as they should have a fuller understanding of God’s Word.
1 Thes 5:8–BUT LET US, WHO ARE OF THE DAY, BE SOBER, PUTTING ON THE BREASTPLATE OF FAITH (or trust) AND LOVE. Faith and love combined is a breastplate. It gives protection against the schemes and deceptive tactics of the devil. A breastplate is associated with righteousness–ref Isa 59:17; Eph 6:14; and judgment–ref Ex 28:15; and judgment upon his heart–ref Ex 28:29. God’s Word presents a clear picture that without faith and love combined, a person does not have on a breastplate as God prescribed for the priest in the Old Testament; nor does he have on the breastplate protecting himself against the schemes of the devil, as described in Eph chapter 6. Also note Isa 59:17 and Eph 6:17, regarding the helmet of salvation. A person not having on this breastplate of faith and love combined can be very susceptible to wrong thinking, being like a wave in their walk with Jesus and easily deceived.
Regarding faith (or truth) note the following.
God’s Word tells us in Eph 2:8–FOR BY GRACE ARE YE SAVED THROUGH FAITH (or trust).
It also tells Hab 2:4–THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY HIS FAITH (or trust). Ro 1:17–THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH (or trust). Gal 3:11–THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH (or trust). Heb 10:38–THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH (or trust).
So, we may ask, “What is faith?” Faith is a law. It is written in Ro 3:27–LAW OF FAITH.
Heb 11:1–NOW FAITH IS THE SUBSTANCE OF THINGS HOPED FOR, THE EVIDENCE OF THINGS NOT SEEN. Faith is both substance and evidence. Heb 11:6–HE THAT COMETH TO GOD MUST BELIEVE THAT HE IS, AND THAT HE IS A REWARDER OF THEM THAT DILIGENTLY SEEK HIM. Faith believes–God is. Faith believes–God will reward them. Faith believes the Bible as it is written.
Faith (or trust) is being fully persuaded that what God says in His Word is true, and it is true as applied to them, as it is written–Heb 11:13–THESE ALL…WERE PERSUADED OF THEM (the promises of God’s Word), AND EMBRACED THEM, AND CONFESSED THAT THEY WERE STRANGERS AND PILGRIMS ON THE EARTH.
Faith is having a full assurance. It is written Heb 10:22–LET US DRAW NEAR WITH A TRUE HEART IN FULL ASSURANCE OF FAITH, HAVING OUR HEARTS SPRINKLED FROM AN EVIL CONSCIENCE.
We might simply say that faith is believing God’s Word in our heart exactly as it is written. True Biblical faith produces a change in a person’s thinking, knowledge, attitude, and lifestyle. It produces repentance. It changes our understanding of what sin is. It produces conformity to God’s Word. It causes a person to be conformed to the image of Jesus–ref Ro 8:29, to be born again and put off the old man and put on the new man–ref Col 3:10.
Faith is a shield that enables a person to overcome or quench the wrong thinking that the devil puts in our thoughts and hearts, which often stir up our emotions. Eph 6:16–ABOVE ALL, TAKING THE SHIELD OF FAITH, WHEREWITH YE SHALL BE ABLE TO QUENCH ALL THE FIERY DARTS OF THE WICKED.
Faith is a breastplate if it is mixed with love. It is written in 1 Thes 5:8–THE BREASTPLATE OF FAITH AND LOVE.
Faith causes and enables a person to follow God, obey His Word, and to stand fast no matter what happens to him, and no matter what he has to go through right up to the time he dies to go and be with Jesus.
When God calls a person and they surrender their life to Jesus, their faith (or trust) is small. They are as a little tree that has just sprouted. As time passes and the person hears and studies God’s Word and obeys it, they should grow in faith (or trust), even as the little tree grows strong if it has good soil and water. This should lead a person to surrender himself more and more to deny self and obey God’s Word; as it is written in 2 Cor 10:15–YOUR FAITH (or trust) IS INCREASED. True faith loves God. True faith loves the brethren. True faith fears God. True faith does not live by bread alone, but lives by every word of God. True faith should not lie, cheat, deceive, practice sin, accuse, and complain. True faith should learn patience and obedience.
True faith (or trust) produces obedience and action. Noah believed God and did what God told him to do. Heb 11:7–BY FAITH (or trust) NOAH, BEING WARNED OF GOD OF THINGS NOT SEEN AS YET, MOVED WITH FEAR, PREPARED AN ARK TO THE SAVING OF HIS HOUSE; BY THE WHICH HE CONDEMNED THE WORLD, AND BECAME HEIR OF THE RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH IS BY FAITH (or trust).
By faith (or trust) we follow Jesus, often not knowing where we are going or what may happen. As it is written in Heb 11:8–BY FAITH (or trust) ABRAHAM, WHEN HE WAS CALLED TO GO OUT INTO A PLACE WHICH HE SHOULD AFTER RECEIVE FOR AN INHERITANCE, OBEYED; AND HE WENT OUT, NOT KNOWING WHITHER HE WENT.
Rev 2:19–I KNOW THY WORKS, AND CHARITY (OR LOVE), AND SERVICE, AND FAITH, AND THY PATIENCE, AND THY WORKS; AND THE LAST TO BE MORE THAN THE FIRST.
Ja 2:20–BUT WILT THOU KNOW, O VAIN MAN, THAT FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD? Ja 2:26–FOR AS THE BODY WITHOUT THE SPIRIT IS DEAD, SO FAITH (or trust) WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD ALSO.
Ro 16:26 uses these words: THE OBEDIENCE OF FAITH. Obedience to God’s Word is a result of a person’s Biblical faith.
Every writer of the Bible feared God but the wicked do not fear God. Ps 36:1–THE WICKED.THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD BEFORE HIS EYES, AND THE WAY OF PEACE HAVE THEY NOT KNOWN–Ro 3:17. We are called to holiness. The Bible tells us regarding perfecting holiness: 2 Cor 7:1–PERFECTING HOLINESS IN THE FEAR OF GOD. AND BY THE FEAR OF THE LORD MEN DEPART FROM EVIL–Pv 16:6.
Faith also produces joy. It is written Phili 1:25–JOY OF FAITH.
Where does faith come from? Ro 10:17–SO THEN FAITH (or trust) COMETH BY HEARING, AND HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD. Faith can only come from God's Word. That needs repeating. Faith can only come from God’s Word. The worldly stories and writings that so many preachers and people use these days do not produce faith. Faith comes through God’s pure word only. Today’s lukewarm, sleeping, wretched, miserable, poor, blind, naked and anemic church uses lots of stories from all sorts of sources but little from God’s Word. Is it surprising that most church goers know more about their preacher, his family, and what he has done, than they do about Jesus, the Word of God and what Jesus and the apostles did? Is it surprising that most know the words of many songs, but little of the words of the Bible. Is it surprising that most know more about today’s news from the radio, television, or newspapers than they do about the Words of God? Are most people today living by every Word of God or by the words of the news, sports, weather, stock market, and their circumstances?
A person is not only to live by faith, but should die in faith for it is written regarding God’s Word and promises: Heb 11:13–THESE ALL DIED IN FAITH,...AND WERE PERSUADED…AND EMBRACED THEM, AND CONFESSED.
Regarding faith, God gives us warnings as pertaining to drawing back from faith, faith which is like a wave, faith which doubts God’s Word, and having no faith. Indeed, whatsoever is not of faith is sin. A person cannot please God no matter what they do, no matter how much they try to serve Him, no matter how much money they give—if they do not have Biblical faith. Note the following Scriptures.
Heb 10:23–LET US HOLD FAST THE PROFESSION OF OUR FAITH WITHOUT WAVERING; (FOR HE IS FAITHFUL THAT PROMISED;).
HEB 10:38–39–NOW THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH: BUT IF ANY MAN DRAW BACK, MY SOUL SHALL HAVE NO PLEASURE IN HIM. BUT WE ARE NOT OF THEM WHO DRAW BACK UNTO PERDITION (or eternal destruction or eternal punishment).
Ro 14:23–AND HE THAT DOUBTETH IS DAMNED IF HE EAT, BECAUSE HE EATETH NOT OF FAITH: FOR WHATSOEVER IS NOT OF FAITH IS SIN.
Then in Heb 11:6–BUT WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE HIM
But is having faith enough? The answer is—we also must have love combined with our faith, because if we have not love, our faith will not work and we are nothing.
(Faith and Love)
(They go hand in hand)
Gal 5:6–FOR IN JESUS CHRIST NEITHER CIRCUMCISION AVAILETH ANY THING, NOR UNCIRCUMCISION; BUT FAITH WHICH WORKETH BY LOVE.
Eph 1:15–…I HEARD OF YOUR FAITH IN THE LORD JESUS, AND LOVE UNTO ALL THE SAINTS
Eph 3:17–THAT CHRIST MAY DWELL IN YOUR HEARTS BY FAITH ; THAT YE, BEING ROOTED AND GROUNDED IN LOVE.
Eph 6:23–PEACE BE TO THE BRETHREN, AND LOVE WITH FAITH , FROM GOD THE FATHER AND THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.
Col 1:4–…WE HEARD OF YOUR FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS, AND OF THE LOVE WHICH YE HAVE TO ALL THE SAINTS.
1 Tim 1:14–…THE GRACE OF OUR LORD WAS EXCEEDING ABUNDANT WITH FAITH AND LOVE WHICH IS IN CHRIST JESUS.
1 Tim 6:11–BUT THOU, O MAN OF GOD,…FOLLOW AFTER...FAITH , LOVE. RIGHTEOUSNESS, GODLINESS, PATIENCE, MEEKNESS were also mentioned
2 Tim 1:13–HOLD FAST THE...SOUND WORDS,...IN FAITH AND LOVE WHICH IS IN CHRIST JESUS. Hold fast to the Word of God in faith and love.
Phile 4,5–I THANK MY GOD,...HEARING OF THY LOVE AND FAITH , WHICH THOU HAST TOWARD THE LORD JESUS, AND TOWARD ALL SAINTS.
1 Cor 13:13–.NOW THESE THREE REMAIN (or abideth): FAITH , HOPE AND LOVE. BUT THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE.
1 Jn 2:5–WHOSO KEEPETH HIS WORD, IN HIM...IS THE LOVE OF GOD PERFECTED.
2 Tim 2:22–…FOLLOW RIGHTEOUSNESS, FAITH , CHARITY (OR LOVE), PEACE, WITH THEM THAT CALL ON THE LORD OUT OF A PURE HEART. Note the words: faith love, peace, a pure heart. This is a command.
Titus 2:2–THAT THE AGED MEN BE SOBER (or temperate), GRAVE (or worthy of respect, or reverent), TEMPERATE (or self–controlled), SOUND IN FAITH, IN CHARITY (OR LOVE), IN PATIENCE (or endurance). Note the words: sober, grace, temperate, faith, love, and patience. This is a command.
2 Tim 3:10...THOU HAST FULLY KNOWN MY DOCTRINE, MANNER OF LIFE, PURPOSE, FAITH , LONGSUFFERING, CHARITY (OR LOVE), PATIENCE. Note the words: faith, longsuffering, love, and patience. These were both his doctrine, manner of life, and purpose. Very few people that name the name of Christ could say this today?
2 Pe 1:5,7–.ADD TO YOUR FAITH .(LOVE).
1 Tim 2:15–.CONTINUE IN FAITH AND CHARITY (or LOVE), AND HOLINESS WITH SOBRIETY (or self–control).
Eph 4:15–(note these 4 words) IN LOVE MAY GROW
…UNTO HIM IN ALL THINGS. May grow—unto Jesus—in ALL things. We might say that faith becomes stagnated or dormant if love for God and the brethren is not also present.
2 Thes 1:3–WE OUGHT ALWAYS TO THANK GOD FOR YOU, BROTHERS, AND RIGHTLY SO, BECAUSE YOUR FAITH IS GROWING MORE AND MORE, AND THE LOVE EVERY ONE OF YOU HAS FOR EACH OTHER IS INCREASING (NIV).
Fact: 1 Jn 4:7–LOVE IS OF GOD.
1 Jn 4:8–GOD IS LOVE.
SOS 8:7–MANY WATERS CANNOT QUENCH LOVE, NEITHER CAN THE FLOODS DROWN IT: IF A MAN WOULD GIVE ALL THE SUBSTANCE OF HIS HOUSE FOR LOVE, IT WOULD UTTERLY BE CONTEMNED (or scorned or despised).
Pv 10:12–…LOVE COVERETH ALL SINS.
1 Cor 13:13–AND NOW THESE THREE REMAIN: FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE. BUT THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE.
1 Jn 4:7,8–EVERY ONE THAT LOVETH IS BORN OF GOD, AND KNOWETH GOD. HE THAT LOVETH NOT KNOWETH NOT GOD.
1 Jn 5:1–EVERY ONE THAT LOVETH HIM THAT BEGAT LOVETH HIM ALSO THAT IS BEGOTTEN OF HIM. Everyone that truly loves God, also loves the children of God, which are his brothers.
1 Jn 4:18–THERE IS NO FEAR IN LOVE.
1 Jn 4:18–PERFECT LOVE CASTETH OUT FEAR.
1 Jn 4:18–HE THAT FEARETH IS NOT MADE PERFECT IN LOVE.
1 Jn 5:2–BY THIS WE KNOW THAT WE LOVE THE CHILDREN OF GOD, WHEN WE LOVE GOD, AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS. Loving God and keeping God’s commandments is evidence that we love our brothers in Christ.
1 Jn 4:7–EVERY ONE THAT LOVETH IS BORN OF GOD,
1 Jn 4:7–EVERY ONE THAT LOVETH...KNOWETH GOD.
58–Purifying your heart to love
1 Pe 1:22–A person can purify their soul IN OBEYING THE TRUTH THROUGH THE SPIRIT UNTO UNFEIGNED (or sincere) LOVE OF THE BRETHREN. Obedience and sincere love for the brethren purifies the soul. The Bible talks of purifying your heart, ye double minded–ref Ja 4:8.
Acts 15:9–GOD…PURIFYING THEIR HEARTS BY FAITH. This is how to do it. (This also appears under #12)
1–Draw near to God
2–Cleanse your hand, ye sinners (repent)
3–Obey God's Word through the Spirit
4–Have sincere love for the brethren
5–Purifying their heart by faith
Four key words to purify the heart of the double minded: hope, obey, love, faith.
If a person sometimes speaks against the brethren, sometimes accuses the brethren, sometimes dislikes the brethren, sometimes works ill to the brethren, sometimes has bitterness toward the brethren, sometimes has wrong thinking toward the brethren, etc., then their heart needs to be purified. They need to repent. Their mind is not as the mind of Christ.
59–The brethren’s love brings joy, consolation, refreshment, comfort to others, and edifies
Phile 1:7–FOR WE HAVE GREAT JOY AND CONSOLATION IN THY LOVE, BECAUSE THE BOWELS OF THE SAINTS ARE REFRESHED BY THEE, BROTHER. Note-IN THY LOVE…WE HAVE JOY, CONSOLATION, AND refreshment.
Phili 2:1, 2–THERE (is)…COMFORT OF LOVE.
Col 2:2–(My purpose is) THAT THEIR HEARTS MIGHT BE COMFORTED (or encouraged), BEING KNIT (or joined) TOGETHER IN LOVE. Note the words THEIR HEARTS COMFORTED...BEING (joined) TOGETHER IN LOVE.
Eph 4:16–MAKETH INCREASE OF THE BODY UNTO THE EDIFYING OF ITSELF IN LOVE. The center of the whole body in Christ is Jesus and love. Love edifies.
Things that are not centered in Christ’s love do not edify.
Anger does not edify.
A bad attitude does not edify.
Bitterness and complaining do not edify.
Disharmony between the brethren does not edify.
A lack of patience toward another does not edify. A brother that will not greet another brother does not edify.
Heb 6:10–FOR GOD IS NOT UNRIGHTEOUS TO FORGET YOUR WORK AND LABOUR OF LOVE, WHICH YE HAVE SHEWED TOWARD HIS NAME, IN THAT YE HAVE MINISTERED TO THE SAINTS, AND DO MINISTER. Ministering to the saints is a work of love in the eyes of God. God will not forget this.
61–Love—False brethren's love. They Show Much Love With Their Mouth, But Will Not Obey
Ezek 33:31–32–AND THEY COME UNTO THEE AS THE PEOPLE COMETH, AND THEY SIT BEFORE THEE AS MY PEOPLE, AND THEY HEAR THY WORDS, BUT THEY WILL NOT DO THEM: FOR WITH THEIR MOUTH THEY SHEW MUCH LOVE, BUT THEIR HEART GOETH AFTER THEIR COVETOUSNESS. AND, LO, THOU ART UNTO THEM AS A VERY LOVELY SONG OF ONE THAT HATH A PLEASANT VOICE, AND CAN PLAY WELL ON AN INSTRUMENT: FOR THEY HEAR THY WORDS, BUT THEY DO THEM NOT.
1 Jn 3:17–BUT WHOSO HATH THIS WORLD’S GOOD, AND SEETH HIS BROTHER HAVE NEED, AND SHUTTETH UP HIS BOWELS OF COMPASSION FROM HIM, HOW DWELLETH THE LOVE OF GOD IN HIM?
1 Jn 3:18–MY LITTLE CHILDREN, LET US NOT LOVE IN WORD, NEITHER IN TONGUE; BUT IN DEED AND IN TRUTH.
1 Jn 4:20–IF A MAN SAY, I LOVE GOD, AND.LOVETH NOT HIS BROTHER...HOW CAN HE LOVE GOD...?
62–Love–Your Love is Rewarded Back With Deceit, Lying, Hatred, Adversaries, Evil. These Remembered Not Mercy,
They Persecuted the Poor and Needy, Loved Cursing, and Delighted Not in Blessing
Ps 109:1–5–FOR THE MOUTH OF THE WICKED AND THE MOUTH OF THE DECEITFUL ARE OPENED AGAINST ME: THEY HAVE SPOKEN AGAINST ME WITH A LYING TONGUE. THEY COMPASSED ME ABOUT...WITH WORDS OF HATRED; AND FOUGHT AGAINST ME WITHOUT A CAUSE. FOR MY LOVE THEY ARE MY ADVERSARIES. ...THEY HAVE REWARDED ME EVIL FOR GOOD, AND HATRED FOR MY LOVE.
Ps 109:20–(They) SPEAK EVIL AGAINST MY SOUL.
Ps 109:31–(they) CONDEMN.
Ps 109:25–I BECAME ALSO A REPROACH UNTO THEM: WHEN THEY LOOKED UPON ME THEY SHAKED THEIR HEADS.
Ps 109:16–18–(they) REMEMBERED NOT TO SHEW MERCY. (They) PERSECUTED THE POOR AND NEEDY MAN. (They) MIGHT EVEN SLAY THE BROKEN IN HEART. (They) LOVED CURSING. (and) DELIGHTED NOT IN BLESSING. ...HE CLOTHED HIMSELF WITH CURSING LIKE AS WITH HIS GARMENT,...
63–Love–When your love is rewarded back with evil, do these things
Ps 109:30,31–I WILL GREATLY PRAISE THE LORD WITH MY MOUTH; YEA, I WILL PRAISE HIM AMONG THE MULTITUDE. FOR HE SHALL STAND AT THE RIGHT HAND OF THE POOR, TO SAVE HIM FROM THOSE THAT CONDEMN HIS SOUL.
Ps 109:2–BUT I GIVE MYSELF UNTO PRAYER.
Ps 109:1–HOLD NOT THY PEACE, O GOD OF MY PRAISE.
Ps 109:21–24–BUT DO THOU FOR ME, O GOD THE LORD, FOR THY NAME’S SAKE: BECAUSE THY MERCY IS GOOD, DELIVER THOU ME. FOR I AM POOR AND NEEDY, AND MY HEART IS WOUNDED WITHIN ME. I AM GONE LIKE THE SHADOW WHEN IT DECLINETH: I AM TOSSED UP AND DOWN AS THE LOCUST. MY KNEES ARE WEAK THROUGH FASTING; AND MY FLESH FAILETH OF FATNESS.
Ps 109:26,27–HELP ME, O LORD MY GOD: O SAVE ME ACCORDING TO THY MERCY: THAT THEY MAY KNOW THAT THIS IS THY HAND; THAT THOU, LORD, HAST DONE IT.
Eph 4:1,2–I THEREFORE, THE PRISONER OF THE LORD, BESEECH YOU THAT YE WALK WORTHY OF THE VOCATION WHEREWITH YE ARE CALLED, WITH ALL LOWLINESS (or humbleness) AND MEEKNESS (or gentleness), WITH LONGSUFFERING (or patience), FORBEARING ONE ANOTHER IN LOVE.
Phili 1:9–Paul’s prayer was this: THIS I PRAY, THAT YOUR LOVE MAY ABOUND YET MORE AND MORE IN (the fullness of) KNOWLEDGE AND IN ALL JUDGMENT (or depth of insight)(or depth of discernment). Note the words LOVE…ABOUND IN KNOWLEDGE AND JUDGMENT (or depth of insight or depth of discernment).
The words love, knowledge, judgment, depth of insight, depth of discernment or understanding in God’s Word are interwoven.
If a person’s love is not as it ought to be, then it is evidence that a person’s knowledge, understanding, depth of discernment, and judgment regarding God’s Word is also not as it ought to be.
Do you want more understanding of God’s Word,
Then try increasing your love for the brethren. The one should lead to the other.
Phili 2:1, 2–IF THERE BE THEREFORE ANY CONSOLATION IN CHRIST, IF ANY COMFORT OF LOVE, IF ANY FELLOWSHIP OF THE SPIRIT, IF ANY BOWELS AND MERCIES, FULFIL YE MY JOY, THAT YE BE LIKEMINDED, HAVING THE SAME LOVE, BEING OF ONE ACCORD, OF ONE MIND. Note the words comfort of love (have) the same love, one accord, one mind. Also note the words: fellowship of the Spirit and mercies.
How little today's church seems to understand the FELLOWSHIP OF THE SPIRIT, being KINDLY AFFECTIONED ONE TO ANOTHER WITH BROTHERLY LOVE,…PREFERRING ONE ANOTHER–ref Ro 12:10; BEING KNIT TOGETHER IN LOVE–Col 2:2; loving THE BROTHERHOOD–ref 1 Pe 2:17, and bowing my knees (or being broken and yielding) UNTO THE FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, OF WHOM THE WHOLE FAMILY IN HEAVEN AND EARTH IS NAMED. So few understand what it really means with regards to obedience to God, forsaking everything and being a part of the family of God. When biblical love is not present, then faith will not work; and without faith, it is impossible to please God–ref Gal 5:6; Heb 11:6.
1 Tim 1:5–NOW THE END OF THE COMMANDMENT IS CHARITY (OR LOVE) OUT OF A (1) PURE HEART, AND (2) OF A GOOD CONSCIENCE, AND (3) OF FAITH UNFEIGNED (or sincere faith).
1 Cor 13:2–8,13–IF I HAVE A FAITH THAT CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS,…BUT HAVE NOT LOVE, I AM NOTHING. IF I GIVE ALL I POSSESS TO THE POOR…BUT HAVE NOT LOVE, I GAIN NOTHING. LOVE IS PATIENT, LOVE IS KIND. IT DOES NOT ENVY, IT DOES NOT BOAST, IT IS NOT PROUD. IT IS NOT RUDE, IT IS NOT SELF–SEEKING, IT IS NOT EASILY ANGERED…LOVE…REJOICES WITH THE TRUTH. IT…ALWAYS PERSEVERES. LOVE NEVER FAILS. AND NOW THESE THREE REMAIN: FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE. BUT THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE–NIV. That love must be centered in Jesus Christ (Who is come in the flesh, God’s only begotten Son, Who is the living Word) and also in the love for the brethren, as He gave us commandment.
2 Jn 1:6–AND THIS IS LOVE, THAT WE WALK AFTER HIS COMMANDMENTS.
Jn 13:35–BY THIS SHALL ALL MEN KNOW THAT YE ARE MY DISCIPLES, IF YE HAVE LOVE ONE TO ANOTHER. The end of the subject regarding love.
The verses continue–
Jn 3:36. HE THAT (BELIEVES) (or trusts)
(IN) THE SON (which is Jesus Christ)–
(HAS) EVERLASTING LIFE. This message is repeated over and over in the New Testament. One such example is Acts 4:12–NEITHER IS THERE SALVATION IN ANY OTHER: FOR THERE IS NONE OTHER NAME UNDER HEAVEN GIVEN AMONG MEN, WHEREBY WE MUST BE SAVED. As has been mentioned in past verses, the word believe does not mean a head knowledge about the existence of Jesus. It means trust. It also means a total, uncompromising commitment of love and obedience. It means denying self and placing the control of your life in His hands. Few people have made this type of commitment through faith, and few preachers teach it. The verse continues–
AND HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT (or rejects, or disobeys)
THE SON (or the Word)
SHALL NOT SEE (that) LIFE. This bears repeating. He that does not believe Jesus Christ (which is also the Word of God–ref Rev 19:13) shall not see life. Those that do not believe God’s Word shall perish to hell. Those that do not have the Word of God abiding in them shall perish–ref 1 Jn 2:14. The Word of God (which is Jesus) lives and abides forever–ref 1 Pe 1:23. Note this verse did not say: He that believeth not in the Son. Jesus is the Word–ref Rev 19:13. This verse is clearly stating that if a person does not believe God’s Word, he shall not see life. If a person rejects or disobeys God’s Word, he shall not see life. The Scriptures tell us FEAR THE LORD AND DEPART FROM EVIL–Pv 3:7. Do you have ears to hear?
Many with their lips say they believe in Jesus Christ, but they deny Him in their fruits, in the things they do and say. In other words, they believe not the Word. Many say they believe in Jesus Christ, but they do not believe in “all” that He said. In other words, they believe not the Word of God. All 66 books of the Bible are the Word of God. He that does not believe all the Bible also does not believe in Jesus as the Scriptures have said. You cannot believe some of the Bible and disbelieve other parts. It is all or nothing. There cannot be any compromise. Many churches say they believe in Jesus, but they do not believe with all their heart that all the Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God.
The most important decision any person has in this world is–whether they will trust in Jesus Christ as their only hope of salvation or not. The results are eternal.
Again these extremely important need repeating. HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT THE SON (or the Word of God) SHALL NOT SEE LIFE–
BUT THE WRATH OF GOD (REMAINS) ON HIM. The wrath of God remains on all that do not trust In Jesus Christ and believe His Word. There is condemnation to them which are not in Christ Jesus. There is condemnation to them that walk after the flesh–ref Ro 8:1.
It is written: Ro 1:18–FOR THE WRATH OF GOD IS REVEALED FROM HEAVEN AGAINST ALL UNGODLINESS AND UNRIGHTEOUSNESS OF MEN, WHO HOLD THE TRUTH IN UNRIGHTEOUSNESS;
Eph 5:6–THE WRATH OF GOD UPON THE CHILDREN OF DISOBEDIENCE.
Col 3:6–THE WRATH OF GOD COMETH ON THE CHILDREN OF DISOBEDIENCE.
GOD IS KIND EVEN TO THOSE THAT ARE EVIL, HOWEVER
Yet God’s Word tells us in this life that God–HE IS KIND UNTO THE UNTHANKFUL AND TO THE EVIL–Lk 6:35 and HE MAKETH HIS SUN TO RISE ON THE EVIL AND ON THE GOOD, AND SENDETH RAIN ON THE JUST AND ON THE UNJUST–Mt 5:45.
God’s Word also tells us–Ps 73:3,5–12 FOR I WAS ENVIOUS AT THE FOOLISH, WHEN I SAW THE PROSPERITY OF THE WICKED. THEY ARE NOT IN TROUBLE AS OTHER MEN; NEITHER ARE THEY PLAGUED LIKE OTHER MEN. THEY ARE CORRUPT,…THEY SET THEIR MOUTH AGAINST THE HEAVENS,…AND THEY SAY, HOW DOTH GOD KNOW? AND IS THERE KNOWLEDGE IN THE MOST HIGH? BEHOLD, THESE ARE THE UNGODLY, WHO PROSPER IN THE WORLD; THEY INCREASE IN RICHES.
But God’s Word also warns us THERE WAS A CERTAIN RICH MAN, WHICH WAS CLOTHED IN PURPLE AND FINE LINEN, AND FARED SUMPTUOUSLY EVERY DAY: AND IT CAME TO PASS, THAT…THE RICH MAN…DIED, AND WAS BURIED; AND IN HELL HE LIFT UP HIS EYES, BEING IN TORMENTS,…AND SEETH ABRAHAM AFAR OFF, AND HE CRIED AND SAID, FATHER ABRAHAM, HAVE MERCY ON ME,…FOR I AM TORMENTED IN THIS FLAME. BUT ABRAHAM SAID, SON, REMEMBER THAT THOU IN THY LIFETIME RECEIVEDST THY GOOD THINGS, AND LIKEWISE LAZARUS EVIL THINGS: BUT NOW HE IS COMFORTED, AND THOU ART TORMENTED.
Make no mistake about it. Heb 9:27–IT IS APPOINTED UNTO MEN ONCE TO DIE, BUT AFTER THIS THE JUDGMENT. People whose sin goes on and on will one day find that their punishment in the lake of fire will also go on and on.
HE THAT BELIEVETH ON THE SON HATH EVERLASTING LIFE: AND HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT THE SON SHALL NOT SEE LIFE; BUT THE WRATH OF GOD ABIDETH ON HIM–Jn 3:36. (The word “believe,” as used here, means a total uncompromising commitment of trust, love and obedience.)
He that does not believe on Jesus and does not believe God’s Word is already condemned. That condemnation will take many people to the great white throne judgment and the lake of fire.
Further, it is written, AND HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT THE SON SHALL NOT SEE LIFE; BUT THE WRATH OF GOD ABIDETH ON HIM–Jn 3:36. The Scriptures are very clear. The Tribulation is also called a time of God’s wrath. The saints will be delivered from the wrath to come. Even a little child should be able to understand this clearly.
Man has created all kinds of false doctrines to try to nullify God’s eternal judgment of damnation, such as a third resurrection, purgatory, or reincarnation. Some even blatantly deny the truth of an eternal lake of fire. In the very place that many people think does not exist, they will spend eternity. It is written, HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT THE SON (the Word) SHALL NOT SEE LIFE.
Condemnation awaits those that believe not as it is written in Jn 3:18–HE THAT BELIEVETH ON HIM IS NOT CONDEMNED: BUT HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT IS CONDEMNED ALREADY, BECAUSE HE HATH NOT BELIEVED IN THE NAME OF THE ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD.
BELIEVETH NOT THE WORD, IS UNSAVED. BIBLE STUDY SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Believeth not the Word: 1 Jn 5:10; Lk 7:29,30; Jn 5:43,46,47, Jn 5:38, Jn 12:48, Mt 17:5; Mk 10:15; Lk 18:17
Other verses regarding the Word: Jn 4:49,50; Jn 8:43,45,47; Jn 14:23,24; 1 Jn 2:5; Jn 15:7; Lk 24:25; Ps 106:24; Acts 24:14, 1 Jn 4:16; Mk 8:38; Isa 30:12,13; Ps 78:22.
WORD OF GOD—SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY
WORD OF GOD IS JESUS
JESUS IS THE WORD OF GOD
The Son is the Word. For it is written, IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE WORD, AND THE WORD (Jesus) WAS WITH GOD, AND THE WORD (Jesus) WAS GOD. AND THE WORD (which is Jesus) WAS MADE FLESH AND DWELT AMONG US–Jn 1:1,14.
Rev 19:13–AND HE (Jesus) WAS CLOTHED WITH A VESTURE DIPPED IN BLOOD: AND HIS NAME IS CALLED THE WORD OF GOD.
1 Pe 1:23–BEING BORN AGAIN,…BY THE WORD OF GOD, WHICH LIVETH AND ABIDETH FOR EVER. Note, the WORD OF GOD (which is Jesus) LIVETH AND ABIDETH FOR EVER. Jesus is the Word of God.
WORD OF GOD CAME FROM WHERE?
It is written in 2 Tim 3:16–ALL SCRIPTURE IS GIVEN BY INSPIRATION OF GOD, AND IS PROFITABLE FOR DOCTRINE, FOR REPROOF, FOR CORRECTION, FOR INSTRUCTION IN RIGHTEOUSNESS.
2 Pe 1:20,21: KNOWING THIS FIRST, THAT NO PROPHECY OF THE SCRIPTURE IS OF ANY PRIVATE INTERPRETATION. FOR THE PROPHECY CAME NOT IN OLD TIME BY THE WILL OF MAN: BUT HOLY MEN OF GOD SPAKE AS THEY WERE MOVED BY THE HOLY GHOST.
Pv 30:5–EVERY WORD OF GOD IS PURE: HE IS A SHIELD UNTO THEM THAT PUT THEIR TRUST IN HIM.
Lk 4:4–Jesus said, MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE, BUT BY EVERY WORD OF GOD (which is all 66 books of the Bible).
1 Thes 2:13–We thank GOD WITHOUT CEASING, BECAUSE,…YE RECEIVED THE WORD OF GOD…NOT AS THE WORD OF MEN, BUT AS IT IS IN TRUTH, THE WORD OF GOD, WHICH EFFECTUALLY WORKETH ALSO IN YOU THAT BELIEVE.
Eph 6:17–AND TAKE THE HELMET OF SALVATION, AND THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, WHICH IS THE WORD OF GOD. We need to hear, and study, and obey God’s pure Word.
WORD OF GOD—EVIL PEOPLE TRY TO DISTORT AND STOP THE PURE WORD OF GOD
There are evil people that distort God's Word and others that try to eradicate it. It is that way today and it was that way in the days of Christ.
Ref Mk 7:13–There are those that try to make THE WORD OF GOD OF NONE EFFECT THROUGH (their) TRADITION.
2 Cor 2:17–Indeed there are MANY, WHICH CORRUPT THE WORD OF GOD. Note the word MANY.
2 Pe 3:5–And there are others–THEY (are) WILLINGLY…IGNORANT OF…THE WORD OF GOD.
Acts 5:28–There are evil religious leaders that said–DID NOT WE STRAITLY COMMAND YOU THAT YE SHOULD NOT TEACH IN THIS NAME? AND, BEHOLD, YE HAVE FILLED JERUSALEM WITH YOUR DOCTRINE. Peter and the other apostles, when the religious leaders tried to stop them from preaching Jesus, responded with, WE OUGHT TO OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MAN–Acts 5:29.
When Paul and Barnabas taught the Word of God, the Jews spoke against what they spoke, contradicting and blaspheming. Acts 13:46–THEN PAUL AND BARNABAS WAXED BOLD, AND SAID, IT WAS NECESSARY THAT THE WORD OF GOD SHOULD FIRST HAVE BEEN SPOKEN TO YOU: BUT SEEING YE PUT IT FROM YOU, AND JUDGE YOURSELVES UNWORTHY OF EVERLASTING LIFE, LO, WE TURN TO THE GENTILES.
Even today it is the same. Some evil people do all they can to get the Word of God removed from the public schools. Other corrupt people try to close down Christian schools.
People living in sin sometimes try to stop born again Christians from giving out Gospel tracts or even talking about Jesus. And those very few churches that teach the uncompromised Word of God are sometimes greatly persecuted and accused from all manner of lies, even from people within their own congregations. Officials sometimes try to stop them with things such as zoning laws, inspections, taxes, parking, and other things. But this we know–2 Cor 4:3–BUT IF OUR GOSPEL BE HID, IT IS HID TO THEM THAT ARE LOST.
WORD OF GOD–BORN AGAIN CHRISTIANS SHOULD BE ABLE TO SAY THE FOLLOWING
2 Cor 4:2–BUT (we) HAVE RENOUNCED THE HIDDEN THINGS OF DISHONESTY, NOT WALKING IN CRAFTINESS, NOR HANDLING THE WORD OF GOD DECEITFULLY.
WORD OF GOD—FAITH COMES ONLY FROM THE WORD OF GOD
Churches today seem to preach everything imaginable from stories about themselves, their families, their friends, their adventures to politics, secular books, and magazines. Then they might mix in a few verses of Scripture that will not offend anyone. Many churches are spiritually dead. Many have become motivational or entertainment centers with comedians, motivators, and feel good about yourself–pastors. Some even give smoking breaks. Churches such as these have little substance and are of no spiritual profit. Their people love to have it this way. Yet it is written, Ro 10:17 SO THEN FAITH COMETH BY HEARING, AND HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD. Only God’s pure Word produces faith—nothing else.
So Satan puts it into the hearts and minds of the clergy to teach about almost everything else imaginable except the pure Word of God. For a pastor to tell their congregation to examine themselves by all the Word of God to see if they are really saved is unthinkable in many churches. To preach the Revelation, the prophecies of Daniel, to preach on hell, the lake of fire, judgment, sin, fearing God, denying self, overcoming through faith, spiritual warfare, and picking up one's cross and following Jesus is unthinkable in most churches in these spiritually lukewarm, latter days.
WORD OF GOD ABIDING IN YOU
God wants His people to know Him, to be strong in faith, to have the Word of God abiding in them, and to overcome the schemes of the devil. 1 Jn 2:14–I HAVE WRITTEN UNTO YOU, FATHERS, BECAUSE YE HAVE KNOWN HIM THAT IS FROM THE BEGINNING. I HAVE WRITTEN UNTO YOU, YOUNG MEN, BECAUSE YE ARE STRONG, AND THE WORD OF GOD ABIDETH IN YOU, AND YE HAVE OVERCOME THE WICKED ONE.
WORD OF GOD—LIVE BY ALL OF GOD’S WORD
Lk 4:4–AND JESUS ANSWERED HIM, SAYING, IT IS WRITTEN, THAT MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE, BUT BY EVERY WORD OF GOD. How does a person live by all of God's Word when they do not even believe all the Bible is true? How can a person live by every Word of God when they willingly hear and read it sparingly?
Lk 8:21–AND HE ANSWERED AND SAID UNTO THEM, MY MOTHER AND MY BRETHREN ARE THESE WHICH HEAR THE WORD OF GOD, AND DO IT.
Lk 11:28–BUT HE SAID, YEA RATHER, BLESSED ARE THEY THAT HEAR THE WORD OF GOD, AND KEEP IT.
Rev 22:18–19–FOR I TESTIFY UNTO EVERY MAN THAT HEARETH THE WORDS OF THE PROPHECY OF THIS BOOK, IF ANY MAN SHALL ADD UNTO THESE THINGS, GOD SHALL ADD UNTO HIM THE PLAGUES THAT ARE WRITTEN IN THIS BOOK: AND IF ANY MAN SHALL TAKE AWAY FROM THE WORDS OF THE BOOK OF THIS PROPHECY, GOD SHALL TAKE AWAY HIS PART OUT OF THE BOOK OF LIFE, AND OUT OF THE HOLY CITY, AND FROM THE THINGS WHICH ARE WRITTEN IN THIS BOOK.
The verses continue–
Jn 4:1. WHEN THEREFORE
THE LORD KNEW
(THAT) THE PHARISEES HAD HEARD
THAT JESUS (WAS GAINING) AND BAPTIZED (or was.immersing)
MORE DISCIPLES THAN JOHN. We are reminded that some of John's disciples came to him and said in Jn 3:26–RABBI, HE THAT WAS WITH (YOU) BEYOND (the) JORDAN, TO WHOM (YOU) (SPOKE ABOUT), BEHOLD, (HE) (IS BAPTIZING) (or [is] immersing), AND ALL MEN COME TO HIM. Note the words, “baptized disciples” A person that has repented and trusts in Jesus Christ as their only hope of salvation is Biblically considered to be a disciple. This is further confirmed in Acts 11:26–THE DISCIPLES WERE CALLED CHRISTIANS FIRST IN ANTIOCH. A person that is a real Christian is a disciple. A true disciple of Jesus is a real Christian. A person in the early church was not considered to be a real disciple or Christian until he got Biblically baptized. To put it plainly: the real disciples of Jesus did and do get baptized by full immersion after they trusted in Jesus and repented of their sins.
Are you one of them? If you are not a disciple you are also not a Christian. Even the dictionary gives a wrong definition in light of the Word of God. The Webster’s Dictionary of Basic English has as one definition: “Christian–a member of a Christian church”. In reality a true Christian is a person that has the Spirit of God indwelling in them. This is confirmed in Ro 8:9–NOW IF ANY MAN HAVE NOT THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST, HE IS NONE OF HIS. Being a member of a Christian church saves no one.
In this lukewarm Biblical generation that we now live, many people call themselves Christians. They have little or no understanding of what this word even means. As already alluded to: to go to a “so called” Christian church does not make a person a real Christian or disciple. Hell has multitudes of people that went to “so called” Christian churches. To be a true Christian a person must be born again. That is a Biblical fact. The verses continue–
Jn 4:2. (THOUGH JESUS HIMSELF BAPTIZED [or immersed] NOT,
BUT HIS DISCIPLES [were],). It is never recorded that Jesus baptized anyone. Rather His disciples did so. The Scriptures seem to indicate that His disciples that did so had themselves been baptized by John–ref Acts 1:21,22. We are reminded that John the Baptist had desired to be baptized by Jesus–ref Mt 3:14, but Jesus had told him in v.15–SUFFER IT TO BE SO NOW: (or paraphrased, we might say–No, not at this time). The verses continue–
Lk 3:19. BUT HEROD THE TETRARCH. The wise men had come to Herod the Great about 30 years earlier–ref Lk 3:1. Herod the Tetrarch of Galilee (also known as Herod Antipas) was one of his sons and is mentioned in Lk 3:1. This is the same Herod that mocked Jesus–ref Lk 23:11. This is the same Herod that Jesus called “that fox” ref Lk 13:32. Herod the Tetrarch–
BEING REPROVED (or rebuked, or denounced) BY HIM. (which is John the Baptist)–
(BECAUSE OF) (taking as his own wife–JNT) HERODIAS. This is the same Herodias that wanted to kill John–ref Mk 6:19 and did so through her daughter as she danced before Herod and pleased him–ref Mk 6:22–28. Herodias, whom Herod had taken as his own wife was in fact–
HIS BROTHER PHILIP’S WIFE. Herod the Tetrarch of Galilee had other brothers, one called Philip who was the Tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis–ref Lk 3:1. John did not hesitate to expose the sin of Herod the Tetrarch of Galilee openly for taking his brother’s wife and living in incest. John the Baptist rebuked Herod for this sin–
AND FOR ALL THE (other) EVILS (or wicked things) WHICH HEROD HAD DONE. John also exposed Herod’s other sins as well. Exactly where John the Baptist was located as he reproved Herod is not stated.
Rebuking sin is seldom done in most “politically correct” Christian churches these days. Many clergy preach to please men much more than to please God. Those few, God–fearing clergy that preach on the consequences of sin and of God’s judgment often find themselves hated and criticized by many people, including some of their own church members, music directors, elders, and board of directors–yet they please God.
It has been said that the leaders of a country reflects the people. The verses continue–
Lk 3:20. (whereupon) (He) (Herod Antipas) ADDED YET THIS ABOVE ALL,
THAT HE (LOCKED) UP JOHN IN PRISON. Herod’s sin of locking up John the Baptist was even worse than the other evil things he had done. Evil or sin does not want correction. Herod did not want correction. It is estimated that John was put into prison about 12 to 13 months after his ministry began, which was about 7½ months after he baptized Jesus. It is estimated that John Baptist was in prison about 14½ to 21½ months after his ministry began–note Mt 14:10. Should this be the case, John would have been beheaded about 7 or more months before Jesus was crucified. If this is correct, his ministry would have lasted about 34 months, which includes the time he was in prison.
John was not only the forerunner of Jesus in announcing that He was coming, he was also the forerunner in suffering as he was put to death for what he taught.
It is reported that John was in prisoned at a place called Machaerus, which was a fortress on the eastern side of the Dead Sea. Because of this he may not of known about some of the miracles Jesus did when he later wondered if we should look for another–ref Mt 11:13. However, he did have some contact with his own disciples while he was in prison.
John’s ministry seemed to be going well–when, all of a sudden, it seemed like the roof caved in. He was arrested at, what some might say was, the height of his ministry. So it is even today. Often ministries anointed of God begin to do very well. They are reaching many with the Gospel message. Then, all of a sudden, the unexpected happens, such as happened to John. John was not put in prison for disobeying God, but because he obeyed Him. One can only imagine the horrible conditions that John experienced. One can only imagine how John’s followers must have felt as he was being arrested. One can only imagine, as some may have said, “Why, Lord, has this happened, especially right now?” The faith of John–s followers would be tried. In good times and in bad, we all need to keep our eyes focused on Jesus and stand firm in faith and love.
Herod the great was the one that killed so many children hoping to also kill the baby Jesus. When Herod the king, also known as Herod the Great, died, his kingdom was split into 3 parts. Herod Archelaus ruled Judea, Samaria, and Idumea. Herod Philip II ruled north of Galilee in Ituraea & Trachonitis (Lk 3:1). Herod Antipas ruled Galilee & Perea (Lk 3:1). It was this same Herod that mocked Jesus in Lk 23:11.
JOHN BAPTIST’S MINISTRY & DISCIPLES CONTINUED AFTER HE WAS PUT IN PRISON AND KILLED
After John the Baptist was put into prison, his ministry was continued by his disciples. Also John’s disciples continued to have some contact with John even though he was in prison.
John was put in prison about 7½ months after Jesus was baptized.
Approximately 16 months after Jesus was baptized, the disciples of John came to Jesus and said Mt 9:14–WHY DO WE AND THE PHARISEES FAST OFT, BUT THY DISCIPLES FAST NOT? Thus we see that they had continued on together and were fasting and undoubtedly continuing the works which John did.
Approximately 22 months after Jesus was baptized John in Mt 11:2,3–HEARD IN THE PRISON THE WORKS OF CHRIST, HE SENT TWO OF HIS DISCIPLES to Jesus to ask Him, ART THOU HE THAT SHOULD COME, OR DO WE LOOK FOR ANOTHER? Thus we see again that John’s disciples were continuing in God’s work and had communication with John in prison.
Approximately 23 to 29 months after Jesus was baptized, the disciples of John came AND TOOK UP THE BODY of John the Baptist AND BURIED IT, AND WENT AND TOLD JESUS–red Mt 14:12. Again we note that the disciples of John had continued together, but they also seemed to be in communication with Jesus as well. They are no longer envious that Jesus' ministry was baptizing more people that John. Their attitude appears to have greatly changed.
Approximately 29 months after Jesus was baptized, but about 7 months before He was to be crucified, Herod Mt 14:2–SAID UNTO HIS SERVANTS, THIS IS JOHN THE BAPTIST; HE IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD; AND THEREFORE MIGHTY WORKS DO SHEW FORTH THEMSELVES IN HIM. Thus we see that John the Baptist was now dead. This seems to put his death from about 22 to 29 months after Jesus had been baptized.
John Baptist was put in prison for speaking out against Herod Antipas regarding his marriage to his niece Herodias. The verses continue–
Mt 4:12 (pt 1), ref Mk 1:14 (pt 1). NOW
Mk 1:14 (pt 2). AFTER THAT JOHN WAS PUT IN PRISON,
Mt 4:12 (pt 2). WHEN JESUS HAD HEARD THAT JOHN WAS (PUT) INTO PRISON (or had been taken into custody–NASB),
Mt 4:12 (pt 3), ref Jn 4:3 (pt 1). HE
Mk 1:14 (pt 3). JESUS
Jn 4:3 (pt 2). LEFT (JUDEA).
Judea is mentioned about 43 times in the New Testament and about once in the Old Testament. Judea (Judaea) stretched from Beersheba northward to Samaria. North of Samaria is the Galilee. Cities included in Judea include Beersheba, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Emmaus, Bethany, Ramah, Jericho, Joppa, and others. It is bordered partially on the east by the Dead Sea
Mt 4:12 (pt 4), ref Jn 4:3 (pt 3). AND DEPARTED (or returned)
Mk 1:14 (pt 4). (and) CAME
Jn 4:3 (pt 4). AGAIN
Mt 4:12 (pt 5), ref Mk 1:14 (pt 5), Jn 4:3 (pt 5). INTO GALILEE.
Some have separated the ministry of Jesus into various parts. These can include geographical areas, certain cities, and certain time periods with the various feast dates such as Passover separating them. The ministry of Jesus can be separated into the various types of a message He preached. He began to preach repentance at a certain time. He began to tell of His upcoming death at a certain time. He began to teach about the times we are now living in, the sign of His coming, and of the end of the world at a certain time.
Jn 4:4. AND (this meant that) HE (HAD TO) GO THROUGH SAMARIA. During the times of Jesus, Judea was to the south, the Galilee to the north, and Samaria was in the middle. Going through Samaria was the shortest route from Judea to the Galilee, however there was another way.
Why did He go through Samaria? There was a woman that he needed to witness to which would come to believe on Him, who would in turn bring more people to him, who would also come to believe on Him.
The word Samaria appears in the Old Testament approximately 111 times and in the New Testament about 13 times.
Samaria is the name of a large area north of Jerusalem and south of the Galilee which contained many villages–ref Acts 8:25. Peter and John preached in many villages in this area. Paul and Barnabas went through Samaria on their way to Jerusalem–ref Acts 15:2,3. Jesus went through this area in Lk 17:11, and Jn 4:4. A village of Samaria did not receive Jesus in Lk 10:52,53 because His face was as though He would go to Jerusalem. Jesus told a story of a compassionate Samaritan that helped a certain man that was left half dead by thieves–ref Lk 11:30–36.
Jesus had told His disciples that they should be witnesses unto Him in both Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth in Acts 1:8. There were churches there that walked in the fear of the Lord which multiplied–ref Acts 9:31.
It was also the name of a city which was the capitol of the northern kingdom of Israel. It has been stated that Omri purchased a hill Samaria, which he fortified. He called the name of the city which he built, after the name of Shemer, owner of the hill, Samaria. He then constructed the city of Samaria and ruled approximately 876 to 869 BC. He did that which was evil in the site of the Lord–ref 1 Ki 16:25. He did worse than all that were before him. The name Samaria, became used for much of the area.
It was renamed Sebaste and was located approximately 42 miles north of Jerusalem. Philip went to the city of Samaria and preached in Acts 8:5. Afterward Peter and John also went there in Acts 8:14.
SAMARITANS
SAMARITAN’S RELIGION
The Jews and Samaritans did not get along. They had different beliefs. Following the death of Solomon, Israel became divided into the southern and northern kingdoms. The northern kingdom consisted of 10 tribes (known as Israel, also known as Ephraim or Samaria) while the southern kingdom (Judah) consisted of Judah and Benjamin. Jerusalem was in the southern kingdom where people were to worship–ref 1 Ki 11:31,32. The northern kingdom did not worship in Jerusalem.
Israel (the northern kingdom) was conquered by Assyria approximately 722 BC. Many of Israel's people had been killed, and many of those that were not killed were taken away–note 2 Ki 17:23. Others fled. The Jews were replaced with pagans from Babylon, Cuthah, Ava, Hamath, and from Sepharvaim–ref 2 Ki 17:24, which brought their own religion which involved other gods. These intermarried with the few Jews that were left. Thus they were not full–blooded Jews, but a mixture of Jews and Gentiles. These were called Samaritans. Then the king of Assyria sent one of the priests back that they had taken away from Samaria. He taught them to fear the Lord–ref 2 Ki 17:28.
2 Ki 17:29–33,41–“Howbeit every nation made gods of their own, and put them in the houses of the high places which the Samaritans had made, every nation in their cities wherein they dwelt. And the men of Babylon made Succoth–benoth, and the men of Cuth made Nergal, and the men of Hamath made Ashima, And the Avites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burnt their children in fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim. So they feared the Lord, and made unto themselves of the lowest of them priests of the high places, which sacrificed for them in the houses of the high places. They…served their own gods…feared the LORD, and served their graven images, both their children, and their children’s children: as did their fathers, so do they unto this day.”
They worshipped at Mount Gerizim–ref Deut 11:29, Jos 8:33. This was in competition with Jerusalem. This is one reason the Samaritans sought to hinder the rebuilding of the walls in Jerusalem at approximately 444 BC–ref Neh 4. It is written in Amos 6:1–WOE TO THEM THAT...TRUST IN THE MOUNTAIN OF SAMARIA.
Both Jews and Samaritans acknowledge God's command regarding a special place of worship–ref Deut 12:5–7. The Jews, who recognize what we call the Old Testament, chose Jerusalem. The Samaritans, who recognize only the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Old Testament–Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) chose Sichem (Shechem)–ref Gen 12:6,7, and Mount Gerizim they chose for their temple–ref Deut 11:29–32. The Samaritans did not follow the rest of the Old Testament. As a result, their understanding of the Messiah, the Christ, was very distorted.
To illustrate the hatred of the Jews toward the Samaritans, it is written in Jn 8:48 as the Jews were accusing Jesus: THEN ANSWERED THE JEWS, AND SAID UNTO HIM, SAY WE NOT WELL THAT THOU ART A SAMARITAN, AND HAST A DEVIL?
Thus, there were no dealings between the Jews and Samaritans. At best, the relations between them were very strained. When the Jews would travel from areas north of Samaria to Jerusalem, they might not go through Samaria. They might take a much longer route to the east of Samaria on the other side of the Jordan. However, Jesus did not do this. In His mercy, He brought the Gospel to the Jews and Samaritans. Jesus did not teach in a city of Samaria, but taught at the well. In Mt 10:1,5,6–Jesus said to his 12 disciples, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
We were all once in darkness. We may be religious and do many, so–called, good works. Nevertheless, we are still in darkness and are unsaved, even though we don't understand this. Until God, in His mercy, opens our understanding, so we may comprehend the truth and come out of the deception we live in. Jesus comes to us.
PREJUDICE
JEWS FIRST AND THEN THE OTHERS
FAMILY OF GOD
The Bible speaks of the Jews and Gentiles. It speaks of the Jews and Greeks. Jesus was a Jew.
There is a difference between various groups of people. God’s Word tells us: FOR THE JEWS REQUIRE A SIGN, AND THE GREEKS SEEK AFTER WISDOM–1 Cor 1:22.
Also various groups of people understand things differently and react differently to various situations. The Bible says 1 Cor 1:23–BUT WE PREACH CHRIST CRUCIFIED, UNTO THE JEWS A STUMBLINGBLOCK, AND UNTO THE GREEKS FOOLISHNESS.
However, a saved person, whether a Jew or Gentile, has the Spirit of God and the mind of Christ. Born again people should all understand God's Word alike; as it is written: But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God–1 Cor 1:24. And again it is written Ro 1:16–…The gospel of Christ:…it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. However, the amount of hardness in a person's heart can greatly distort a person's understanding of the Gospel and blind them to biblical truth.
When judgment comes there is also a division. Ro 2:9–11–TRIBULATION AND ANGUISH, UPON EVERY SOUL OF MAN THAT DOETH EVIL, OF THE JEW FIRST, AND ALSO OF THE GENTILE; BUT GLORY, HONOUR, AND PEACE, TO EVERY MAN THAT WORKETH GOOD, TO THE JEW FIRST, AND ALSO TO THE GENTILE: FOR THERE IS NO RESPECT OF PERSONS WITH GOD.
The Word of God is for all people of the Earth as it is written: Rev 14:6–AND I SAW ANOTHER ANGEL FLY IN THE MIDST OF HEAVEN, HAVING THE EVERLASTING GOSPEL TO PREACH UNTO THEM THAT DWELL ON THE EARTH, AND TO EVERY NATION, AND KINDRED, AND TONGUE, AND PEOPLE
God’s Word and salvation is for all that will come to Christ when He calls. Acts 13:46,47–Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
The Jews despised the Samaritans. God's Word sometimes contrasts certain Jews with the Samaritans. Jesus portrays certain Samaritans as being more compassionate and thankful, as it is written of a man that had been robbed and wounded. Lk 10–33–But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him. Regarding a group of lepers that Jesus healed, only one appeared thankful. Lk 17:16–And (he) fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
The world is a biased and prejudiced place. Often neighbors don't get along with some other neighbor. People of certain religions despise people of other religions. People of certain races despise people of other races. People of certain groups or clans or nations despise people of other groups or clans, or nations. People of one political party may despise people of another political party.
However, God is not this way. The Bible basically deals with two groups of people (the saved and the unsaved)—those that are born again, who have repented and now trust in Jesus Christ as their only hope of salvation; and those that have not. Those that are in the family of God are under commandment to love God, love each other, and even love their enemies. Those that are not born again do not love God with all their heart. They do not love the brethren with Godly love, neither do they love their enemies.
Those of the family of God try to seek and to save the lost. They should hate sin and every evil or false way–ref Ps 119:128. Those that are lost, which are the majority of the world, seldom understand they are going to perish for eternity to the lake of fire. They do not hate the things that God hates, which are an abomination to Him–ref Pv 6:16–19. They may be religious, but are spiritually blind. These may appear to be indifferent to the things of God or may persecute the church of God–ref Gal 1:13. Much of the world wants to overthrow the faith of those that are born again. They seek to erase from the minds of people the God of the Bible through intimidation, fear, false science, laws, and even prison and death. Jn 15:20 tells us–If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you. Gal 4:28–31–Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.
Hatred, prejudice, racism, anger and all manner of sin characterize the whole world, but not the born again Christian.
The USA expounds tolerance for all manner of sinful lifestyles, but not for born again Christians. Those that demand tolerance are often the most intolerant. Indeed, there are none so blind, as those that will not see. If the light that is in a person is really darkness–oh, how great is that darkness!–ref Mt 6:23.
The verses continue–
Jn 4:5. THEN (CAME) HE (which is Jesus)–
TO A CITY OF SAMARIA,
WHICH IS CALLED SYCHAR.
The village of Sychar was located about 14 miles west of the Jordan river, about halfway between the southern tip of the sea of Galilee and the northern tip of the Dead sea. It is believed that it was located just east of Shechem and about 10 miles southeast of the city of Samaria (or Sebaste). It is identified by some with Askar (or Akar) today. Nevertheless, it was near Jacob's well. It was–
NEAR TO THE PARCEL OF GROUND (or field)
THAT JACOB GAVE TO HIS SON JOSEPH, ref Gen 33:19, 48:22; Jos 24:32. Jacob had bought this piece of land from the children of Hamor and had given it to his son–
Jn 4:6. NOW JACOB’S WELL WAS THERE. It may have been about ½ mile south from Sychar. It has been stated this well could have been about 100 feet, or 30.5 meters deep
JESUS THEREFORE, BEING (TIRED) (FROM) HIS JOURNEY,
SAT (BY) THE WELL. While Jesus Christ was fully God, He was also fully man. He got tired and sat by the well. Jesus did not cloth himself as the rich and famous do. He did not travel as the rich and famous did, by a camel or a cart–
AND IT WAS ABOUT (NOON–JNT). Some, using a different time system have thought this could be 6PM. Considering that Jesus needed time to talk with the woman, then she needed to go into the town, and the people would come from the town to hear Jesus—the “noon“ time would appear to be correct.
A lesson that people which follow Jesus should learn is this–God knows how to put you at a certain place at a certain time to accomplish His purpose. In this case, the Father in heaven also arranged that–
Jn 4:7. THERE (CAME) A WOMAN OF SAMARIA
TO DRAW WATER. The woman did not have a servant to draw the water for her. She appears to be a poor woman. Note that the woman did not come with other women. This may reflect that she was a woman of a poor reputation. But this is just the way God wanted it. God had singled her out in his love and mercy. It was not a coincidence that Jesus was there at the same time the woman came–
JESUS (SAID) (TO) HER,
GIVE ME (A) DRINK (of water). These first words that Jesus spoke to the woman became the foundation that would ultimately open up a witness that would result in the woman being saved as well as many others. God also uses born again Christians that surrender themselves to Him in a similar manner.
The woman that Jesus choose to speak to was a social outcast. Yet Jesus shows his great love for her, but not only her, but for you also.
Jesus came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance–ref Mt 9:13
He came to seek and to save that which was lost–ref Lk 19:10.
He came not into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
Consider, Jesus is the “Holy One of God”–ref Lk 4:34. God, Who created all things, Who came to this earth in human form is talking with a woman laden with sin, whose religion is what some may call a “cult.” Note the contrast between Jesus talking with Nicodemus in chapter 3 versus the woman at the well in chapter 4.
He was a man She was a woman
He was a Jew She was a Samaritan
He was part of a mainline religion She had beliefs of what the Jews might consider a cult
He was considered a moral person She was not considered a moral person
He was a noted religious leader She was an outcast
He was seeking Jesus She was not seeking Jesus
Two very different people, yet Jesus loved both. Both needed to become born again and thus both needed Christ.
The verses continue–
Jn 4:8. (FOR HIS DISCIPLES WERE GONE AWAY [INTO] THE [TOWN]
TO BUY MEAT [or food].) It is noted that Jesus and his followers were willing to purchase things from the Samaritans.
Jesus is God, but He lived as we do. He could have just spoken the Word, and there would have been food, but he did not do so. The fact that the other disciples were not present is also exactly the way He wanted it to be. His other disciples might have interfered, as He was speaking to a woman that had a bad reputation in public, and He was speaking to a Samaritan. Certainly, a Rabbi would not do this.
Some have suggested that only John might have stayed behind and been present to record what transpired. It was not uncommon for John not to mention himself in his writings. The verse continues–
Jn 4:9. THEN (SAID) THE WOMAN OF SAMARIA (TO) HIM,
HOW IS IT THAT (YOU), BEING A JEW,
(ASK) (a) DRINK OF ME,
WHICH AM A WOMAN OF SAMARIA? The woman’s response to Jesus came in the form of a question. She was surprised that Jesus, Who was a Jew, would speak to her because she was a Samaritan. She admitted she was a Samaritan to Jesus whom she recognized as being a Jew. She went on to say–
FOR THE JEWS HAVE NO DEALINGS WITH THE SAMARITANS. She appeared to be surprised that Jesus would ask her for anything or perhaps even speak to her. She would have expected that Jesus would have been the same as other Jews. Note the commentary on the Samaritans, following Jn 4:4. The Jews looked down on the Samaritans and even despised them. Also during those times, it has been indicated that prejudices were such that public conversation between men and women did not usually take place, neither conversation between strangers.
To illustrate the hatred the Jews had for the Samaritans, when the Jews were speaking against Jesus they compared him to a Samaritan and having a devil as it is written in Jn 8:4–SAY WE NOT WELL THAT THOU ART A SAMARITAN, AND HAST A DEVIL?
Jesus ignored her comment about the Jews having no dealings with the Samaritans,
Then–
Jn 4:10. JESUS ANSWERED AND SAID (TO) HER,
IF (YOU) (KNEW). Take note of the word IF...you knew. Then He gives two things that if she knew. Number 1 is–
THE GIFT OF GOD. The words the gift of God is mentioned in the bible 8 times. In this case it is referring to the following: Ro 6:23–FOR THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH; BUT THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD. Eph 2:8–FOR BY GRACE ARE YE SAVED THROUGH FAITH; AND THAT NOT OF YOURSELVES: IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD: Jesus had said to her, If you knew the gift of God, and number 2–
AND WHO IT IS THAT (SAID) TO (YOU),
GIVE ME (A) DRINK (of water). In other words, Jesus was saying to her–if you knew about the gift of God of being saved by grace through faith and that it is the Messiah, the Christ Himself that is telling you this–
(then) (YOU) (WOULD) HAVE ASKED OF HIM,
AND HE WOULD HAVE GIVEN (YOU) LIVING WATER. Jesus knew in advance her heart and what she would do. Jesus knows in advance what people will do in various situations. This is confirmed in Lk 22:67,68. The elders and chief priests asked Jesus ART THOU THE CHRIST? TELL US. AND HE SAID UNTO THEM, IF I TELL YOU, YE WILL NOT BELIEVE: AND IF I ALSO ASK YOU, YE WILL NOT ANSWER ME, NOR LET ME GO.
If you knew the gift of God, the grace of God (the gift of eternal life), and that it is the only begotten Son of God that said to you, “Give me a drink,” you would have asked of Him, and He would have given you the water of life. Jesus Christ is using the example of water, which is needed to sustain life on earth, as relating to the eternal living water of life, which is needed to inherit eternal life.
The physical water that Jesus had originally asked for is now being supplanted by her need for eternal living or spiritual water.
There were three things for her to consider. 1–What is the gift of God. 2–Who is this man? 3–What is living water. The statements that Jesus made aroused her interest.
It is a tragedy that neither the woman at the well, neither most people of the world today have any accurate biblical knowledge of the gift of God, who Jesus truly is, and how to receive the gift of eternal life. They go about life day to day not knowing that when they die, they have an eternal future—in the lake of fire, where they will be eternally tormented. Churches, religious ceremonies, or sacraments save no one. They may satisfy the flesh but result in eternal death. Many follow false ideas and false religions. Their deceased friends and relatives want to cry out to them not to come to the place of torment they are in, but the living have no ears to hear, or eyes to see, or no heart to understand. They go about their daily lives. Each day they are one day closer to going to the place called hell, but no one can convince them this is how it really is. All the woman had was some very distorted ideas that she had been taught by those that were also without understanding. Traditions of men and religions are death. Only in following Jesus Christ can there be life.
So it is today with most people; as it is written in Phili 2:21–For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. So many of the things which seem important to us now, have no importance regarding eternity. Indeed, many such things will actually cause us loss at the judgment, as all our works and deeds will be tested by the fire–ref 1 Cor 3:13–15.
The term living water also appears in Jn 7:38. It is written, HE THAT BELIEVETH ON ME, AS THE SCRIPTURE HATH SAID, OUT OF HIS BELLY SHALL FLOW RIVERS OF LIVING WATER. The first of the two words is living. What Jesus would have offered her was the living water of eternal life. This is confirmed in Jn 4:14. Heb 10:22 talks of being washed with pure water. Additional Scriptures relating to this are as follows:
Rev 21:6–I WILL GIVE UNTO HIM THAT IS ATHIRST OF THE FOUNTAIN OF THE WATER OF LIFE FREELY.
Rev 22:1–AND HE SHEWED ME A PURE RIVER OF WATER OF LIFE, CLEAR AS CRYSTAL, PROCEEDING OUT OF THE THRONE OF GOD AND OF THE LAMB.
Rev 22:17–AND THE SPIRIT AND THE BRIDE SAY, COME. AND LET HIM THAT HEARETH SAY, COME. AND LET HIM THAT IS ATHIRST COME. AND WHOSOEVER WILL, LET HIM TAKE THE WATER OF LIFE FREELY.
Jesus Christ is the LIVING PURE WATER OF LIFE. Eternal life is only possible through faith in Jesus Christ.
The verses continue–
Jn 4:11. THE WOMAN (SAID) (TO) HIM,
SIR, (YOU) (HAVE) NOTHING TO DRAW WITH,
AND THE WELL IS DEEP. The woman now makes two comments and then asks him two questions. Number one is–
so) FROM (WHERE) THEN
(CAN) (YOU) (get) THAT LIVING WATER?
She didn't understand what Jesus was talking about, yet she did not leave. She didn’t understand that Jesus was speaking of the spiritual well, which brings forth the living water of eternal life. Jesus is the living water. Jesus had gotten her attention. This very day would become the greatest day of her life. When a person believes in Jesus Christ as their only hope of salvation, it is indeed the greatest day of their life. She then asks Jesus the second question–
Jn 4:12. (ARE) (YOU) GREATER THAN OUR FATHER JACOB. She equates the Samaritans and herself as being from the lineage of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as she called Jacob “our” father. Jacob had a son named Joseph by Rachel, which was his seventh son. Joseph’s wife bear two sons in Egypt, Manasseh and Ephraim. These became two of the tribes of Israel–ref Gen 48:5,16. The Jews did not recognize the woman’s claim.
The woman said regarding Jacob–
WHICH GAVE “US” THE WELL.
AND DRANK (OF IT) HIMSELF,
AND (also) HIS CHILDREN,
AND HIS CATTLE?
The woman made 6 statements and asked 2 questions.
Four of the items were from the negative skepticism she had. These 4 items were:
1–SIR, (YOU) (HAVE) NOTHING TO DRAW WITH
2–THE WELL IS DEEP
3–FROM (WHERE) THEN (CAN) (YOU) (get) THAT LIVING WATER?
4–ARE YOU GREATER THAN OUR FATHER JACOB?
She then added information about Jacob–
5–WHICH GAVE US THE WELL
6–AND DRANK OF IT HIMSELF
7–AND ALSO HIS CHILDREN
8–AND HIS CATTLE.
The answer to that question is yes—Jesus is greater than Jacob. His name is above all names. Indeed, His name is called the WORD OF GOD–Rev 19:13. Nevertheless, He did not answer that question directly as of yet. Rather, He set up a dialog with the woman first, which enabled her to understand who He was.
As the woman tried to link herself with God through Jacob, in like manner many deceived people falsely try to link themselves with God and with being saved.
The fact that she called Jacob the father of the Samaritans was somewhat deceitful. Jacob gave the well to his sons. The Samaritans were a mixed group that came forth as a result of the King of Assyria placing Gentiles there, and they intermixed with some Jews that were left. Note Jn 4:4, regarding the article on the Samaritans.
Jesus did not content with her regarding her statements but rather continues His conversation with the woman and talked with her about the water–
Jn 4:13. JESUS ANSWERED AND SAID (TO) HER,
(WHOEVER) (DRINKS) OF THIS WATER–that is the water of the well–
SHALL (GET THIRSTY) AGAIN.
In like manner, whoever drinks of a church, of their own good works, of a denomination, or anything other than Jesus, shall thirst again. Many try to satisfy this thirst by denying the existence of God. Some follow Satan's deception of evolution and call it truth. Some are thirsty for education, money, selfishness, worldly things, notoriety, work, accomplishments, the praise of men, pleasures, lusts, the cares of this life, or their family ties or earthly friends. Some are thirsty for alcohol, drugs, or sex. Nothing can truly satisfy the soul, except Jesus.
The woman had tried 6 husbands. She had tried the religion of the Samaritans. Nevertheless, there was a spiritual thirst in her that had not been fulfilled and Jesus knew this. Only Jesus can break the chains of sin that bind us all.
But even Jesus can not satisfy the thirsty soul if it longs after worldly things or loves this present world such as Demas–2 Tim 4:10. Only those who believe the Scriptures, fear God, and whose mind is stayed on Jesus can have perfect peace–ref Isa 26:3.
SALVATION–MANY FALSE BELIEFS
Many seem to think because they are of a certain church or denomination, they are saved. Others think they are saved because of their good works, or they think of themselves as a good or moral person. Some follow the false concepts of self–enlightenment, karma, Zen, astrology, or some other. They do not understand the concept of being born again through Jesus Christ. They do not comprehend being converted from the old man to the new. Millions of people lay claim to being saved, but they do not deny themselves, pick up their cross daily and follow the Jesus of the Bible.
As some people face death, outwardly they face their situation with confidence. They appear to be strong, as death draws near. People around them admire their positive outward attitude; but hidden within is fear. They wonder what lies ahead. Some face death with confidence, because they are deceived about salvation. Others may face death confidently, because they are willing to kill themselves and kill others in the name of their false god; as it is written: Jn 16:2–the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. Indeed, Satan deceiveth the whole world–ref Rev 12:9. To be blunt, those that follow the Catholic or Moslem persuasion, or any persuasion other than Jesus Christ, Who is come in the flesh, their future is the same. When their spirit leaves their earthly body, it goes to a place called hell. In hell, they are tormented day and night in the fire–ref Lk 16. Finally, they are released for a short time to face the Great White Throne judgment, and then are cast into the lake of fire for eternity; as it is written in Rev 20:14,15.
Indeed, to face death is greatly to be feared, if a person has not been obedient to the Gospel, to Jesus–because what lies ahead is far worse than what a person has been through. While a person is yet alive, they still have opportunities to receive Jesus Christ as their only hope of salvation. When they die, there are no more opportunities ahead, but only the fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God–Heb 10:31.
The world’s problems, lusts, and pleasures are nothing more that a puff of smoke when compared with eternity. How foolish it is for a person to live for this world now (perhaps 70 years) and then spend time without end in eternal torment.
How wise it is for a person to deny self now and follow Jesus, going through persecutions from ungodly people–and then to reap eternal life, where there will be no more tears but joy unspeakable. Sadly, most choose loving this world now and reject the gift of living water that Jesus wants to give them. The water from Jacob’s well will only quench one’s worldly thirst for a moment. The water that Jesus offers can quench a person’s spiritual thirst for eternity.
We all need to examine ourselves honestly, by God’s Word to see if we be in the faith–ref 2 Cor 13:5. The verses continue–
Jn 4:14. BUT (WHOEVER)
(DRINKS) OF THE WATER
THAT I SHALL GIVE HIM which is the water of eternal life. There is a condition given here to receive God’s gift. That condition is drinking if the water that Jesus gives. God does not give eternal life to those that refuse. A person can give another a cold drink, but if the person will not drink it, their thirst remains. The verse continues–
SHALL NEVER THIRST (again);
BUT (on the contrary)
THE WATER THAT I SHALL GIVE HIM
SHALL BE IN (side) HIM. The Bible confirms the water being inside us in this manner. When we have eternal life, Christ is in us–ref Ro 8:10. It is also written in Col 1:27–CHRIST IN YOU, THE HOPE OF GLORY. Regarding the LIVING WATER, this was confirmed in Jn 7:37–HE THAT BELIEVETH ON ME, AS THE SCRIPTURE HATH SAID, OUT OF HIS BELLY SHALL FLOW RIVERS OF LIVING WATER. Thus, there is a condition for receiving the water that Jesus shall give. It is believing on Him in accordance with the Scriptures.
Thus, the verse is telling that whoever drinks of the water that Jesus Christ shall give, which is the water of eternal life, shall never thirst again; but the water that Jesus Christ shall give, which is Himself, shall live in us, as a result of believing on Him as the Scriptures have said.
The Waters that Jesus shall give shall be–
A WELL (or fountain)
OF WATER
SPRINGING UP
(TO) EVERLASTING LIFE. With these words, Jesus is arousing her curiosity. The woman wanted the living water, because she did not want to keep coming to Jacob's well, over and over. Bringing the heavy pails of water from the well to her house, day after day was hard, time–consuming work. At this time, her thoughts were not on a spiritual level but a physical level.
The person that receives Jesus Christ by faith, as their only hope of salvation, has a fountain of living water inside, which is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The water that Jesus gives can quench any thirst, but nothing on this earth can be a substitute for Jesus.
It is written, I (Myself) WILL GIVE UNTO HIM THAT IS ATHIRST OF THE FOUNTAIN (or spring) OF THE WATER OF LIFE FREELY. Many people are not thirsty for the water of life. They are not craving the water, as they have a much greater desire to do their own will now and take their chances later. However, for those “few“ that will choose to believe the Bible and are thirsty for the water of eternal life (which is Jesus), He said, “I WILL GIVE.” It is a free gift, but can only be received by genuine faith, which comes through God opening a person's understanding of His Word and granting or giving him repentance. Acts 11:18 and 2 Tim 2:25 tells us, IF GOD PERADVENTURE WILL GIVE THEM REPENTANCE TO THE ACKNOWLEDGING OF THE TRUTH.
Salvation is only through faith in Jesus Christ. Genuine faith is the kind of faith that prompts a person to be a doer of the Word and not a hearer only. Jesus gives this promise to those that are athirst.
It is written–AND HE SHOWED ME A PURE RIVER OF WATER OF LIFE, CLEAR AS CRYSTAL, PROCEEDING OUT OF THE THRONE OF GOD AND OF THE LAMB–Rev 22:1.
To summarize some of what has been said, and add to it, it is written:
JESUS STOOD AND CRIED, SAYING, IF ANY MAN THIRST, LET HIM COME UNTO ME, AND DRINK. HE THAT BELIEVETH ON ME, AS THE SCRIPTURE HATH SAID, OUT OF HIS BELLY SHALL FLOW RIVERS OF LIVING WATER. (BUT THIS SPAKE HE OF THE SPIRIT, WHICH THEY THAT BELIEVE ON HIM SHOULD RECEIVE: FOR THE HOLY GHOST WAS NOT YET GIVEN; BECAUSE THAT JESUS WAS NOT YET GLORIFIED.)–Jn 7:37–39.
It is written, BUT WHOSOEVER DRINKETH OF THE WATER THAT I SHALL GIVE HIM SHALL NEVER THIRST; BUT THE WATER THAT I SHALL GIVE HIM SHALL BE IN HIM A WELL OF WATER SPRINGING UP INTO EVERLASTING LIFE–Jn 4:14.
AND HE SAID UNTO ME, IT IS DONE. I AM ALPHA AND OMEGA, THE BEGINNING AND THE END. I WILL GIVE UNTO HIM THAT IS ATHIRST OF THE FOUNTAIN OF THE WATER OF LIFE FREELY–Rev 21:6.
AND HE SHOWED ME A PURE RIVER OF WATER OF LIFE, CLEAR AS CRYSTAL, PROCEEDING OUT OF THE THRONE OF GOD AND OF THE LAMB–Rev 22:1.
AND THE SPIRIT AND THE BRIDE SAY, COME. AND LET HIM THAT HEARETH SAY, COME. AND LET HIM THAT IS ATHIRST COME. AND WHOSOEVER WILL, LET HIM TAKE THE WATER OF LIFE FREELY.
Three times the word “come” is mentioned in Rev 22:17.
Some maintain that all four invitations are addressed to the unrepentant–“Come.”
Others believe that the first and second invitation refer to the Spirit, the bride, and him that heareth, saying, “Come Lord Jesus.”
Then the third and fourth invitations are given to those that are athirst and whosoever will.
The conclusion of the whole matter is this: the Spirit, the bride, and he that hears say come; he that is thirsty for righteousness, come; and let whoever is willing, take of the free gift of the water of life (which is only possible through Jesus). The verses continue–
Jn 4:15. THE WOMAN (SAID) (TO) HIM,
SIR, GIVE ME THIS WATER,
(so) THAT I THIRST NOT,
NEITHER (have to) COME
(all the way here–NASB) TO DRAW (water). The woman still did not understand what Jesus was talking about but she wanted the water so she would never be thirsty again and would not have to work so hard. She wanted the water so she would not have to come and draw water from the well.
The daily drawing of water from a well and carrying the heavy, filled buckets back to where she lived could be a strenuous, time consuming job.
One step toward salvation is asking for Jesus to save us. This woman asked for
(a) the LIVING WATER.
Jn 4:16. JESUS (SAID) (TO) HER,
GO, CALL (YOUR) HUSBAND,
AND COME (BACK). Jesus now appears to change the subject. What he does is to set up a dialog to deal with her sin and expose it, to test her honesty, and enable her to understand who He was. This would answer the question she asked in v. 12, when she said, ART THOU GREATER THAN OUR FATHER JACOB? Jesus, knowing all things, knew she had had 5 husbands and was now living with a man that was not her husband.
People never seem to be satisfied. They want another spouse or perhaps a secret lover on the side. They want another house, different neighbors, another car, another job, more money, more time off, better health care, etc. It is written, Pv 27:20–Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
In this lukewarm generation, many people profess Jesus Christ as their Savior; however, they have never dealt with the "sin issue" in their life, which separates them from God. The Bible clearly tells us that all have sinned. There is none righteous, no not one. Unless a person repents, they shall all likewise perish–ref Lk13:3,5.
Mankind does not like to deal with their sin. If a person is asked to confess their sin, perhaps at baptism, they will sometimes confess general sins, but perhaps avoid confessing sin that no one knows about, particularly something that they do not want to repent of. People also like to shift the blame for their sin to others. Accusing others and gossip seems to be a favorite pass time for some. Adam blamed Eve, Eve blamed the devil, and the children in the wilderness blamed and accused Moses.
The verses continue–
Jn 4:17. THE WOMAN ANSWERED AND SAID,
I HAVE NO HUSBAND. The woman answered honestly and admitted she had no husband, even though she was living with a man. She did not admit she was living with a man to whom she was not married. She was not about to go and call the man she was living with. She did not admit she had had 5 husbands.
JESUS SAID (TO) HER,
(YOU) (HAVE) WELL SAID,
I HAVE NO HUSBAND.
Jn 4:18. FOR (the fact is)
(YOU) (HAVE) HAD FIVE HUSBANDS (in the past);
AND HE
(the one) WHOM (YOU) NOW (HAVE) (or the man your living with now–JNT)
IS NOT (YOUR) HUSBAND. Jesus, over the course of the conversation, apparently told her many other things about herself–note Jn 4:29 where she states that a man (which is Jesus) TOLD ME ALL THINGS THAT EVER I DID.
LIVING WITH A MAN IS NOT A MARRIAGE
Jesus clearly shows that living with a man is not a marriage in the eyes of God, in Jn 4:18.
Jesus begins to expose her life of sin and moral corruption. This woman had been married 5 times. Now she was living with some man, but was not married. It is written, EVERYONE THAT DOETH EVIL HATETH THE LIGHT (or hates Jesus, or hates God’s Word) NEITHER COMETH TO THE LIGHT, LEST HIS DEEDS SHOULD BE REPROVED (or exposed, or made known)–Jn 3:20. Jesus (the Word) was exposing her sins. Many would hate Jesus for exposing their sins, and they would run away. She did not. She stayed.
Multitudes of people in this deceived, lukewarm generation falsely claim they are a Christian. They live with someone, but are not married. They take drugs. They have sex outside of marriage. They smoke and get drunk. They curse God’s name. They lie when convenient. They are not valiant for the truth. Some claim they know God, but what they do and say (their fruits) testifies that they do not. They have never admitted their sins. Many have a seared conscience and think they are a good person. They will not allow Jesus (the Word of God) to continually reign over them. They reign over themselves. Before a person can repent of their sin, they must admit they are a sinner, acknowledge what their sins are and repent.
Did she confess her sin and repent? No. Instead she sidestepped what He said and opened an old controversy (Note v.20.)
Another step toward salvation is
(b) admitting our sins. Jesus continued and said–
IN THAT (YOU’VE SPOKEN THE TRUTH!–JNT).
FORNICATION
Jesus confirms that two people living together is not a marriage in the eyes of God. It is fornication. It is sin. No person living in fornication can enter the kingdom of heaven. People having sex outside of a marriage is fornication. All are destined for hell. However, the good news is that a person can repent and receive Jesus Christ as their only hope of salvation and receive forgiveness for their sins. Jn 3:21 tells us, HE THAT DOETH TRUTH COMETH TO THE LIGHT.
The American Heritage Dictionary states: FORNICATION–Sexual intercourse between partners who are not married. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance states #4202–(incl. adultery and incest) fig idolatry #4203–to act the harlot. Indulge unlawful lust (of either sex).
The word “fornication” is mentioned in the Bible about 36 times. Here are many of them.
1 Cor 5:11,13–IF ANY MAN…BE A FORNICATOR,…WITH SUCH AN ONE NO NOT TO EAT. THEREFORE PUT AWAY FROM AMONG YOURSELVES THAT WICKED PERSON. A fornicator is considered to be a wicked person.
Heb 12:15,17–LEST ANY MAN FAIL OF THE GRACE OF GOD;…LEST THERE BE ANY FORNICATOR.
Acts 15:20–BUT THAT WE WRITE UNTO THEM, THAT THEY ABSTAIN…FROM FORNICATION.
Acts 15:29–ABSTAIN...FROM FORNICATION.
Acts 21:25–...KEEP THEMSELVES...FROM FORNICATION.
Ro 1:29–BEING FILLED WITH ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS, FORNICATION, WICKEDNESS,...MURDER.
1 Cor 6:18–FLEE FORNICATION. EVERY SIN THAT A MAN DOETH IS WITHOUT THE BODY; BUT HE THAT COMMITTETH FORNICATION SINNETH AGAINST HIS OWN BODY.
1 Cor 7:2–NEVERTHELESS, TO AVOID FORNICATION, LET EVERY MAN HAVE HIS OWN WIFE, AND LET EVERY WOMAN HAVE HER OWN HUSBAND.
1 Cor 10:8–NEITHER LET US COMMIT FORNICATION, AS SOME OF THEM COMMITTED, AND FELL IN ONE DAY THREE AND TWENTY THOUSAND.
2 Cor 12:21–AND LEST, WHEN I COME AGAIN, MY GOD WILL HUMBLE ME AMONG YOU, AND THAT I SHALL BEWAIL MANY WHICH HAVE SINNED ALREADY, AND HAVE NOT REPENTED OF...FORNICATION.
Gal 5:19–21–NOW THE WORKS OF THE FLESH ARE MANIFEST, WHICH ARE THESE; ADULTERY, FORNICATION, UNCLEANNESS,...IDOLATRY, WITCHCRAFT, HATRED...DRUNKENNESS,...THEY WHICH DO SUCH THINGS SHALL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
Eph 5:3–BUT FORNICATION,...LET IT NOT BE ONCE NAMED AMONG YOU, AS BECOMETH SAINTS.
Col 3:5–6–MORTIFY THEREFORE YOUR MEMBERS WHICH ARE UPON THE EARTH; FORNICATION,...FOR WHICH THINGS’ SAKE THE WRATH OF GOD COMETH ON THE CHILDREN OF DISOBEDIENCE:
1 Thes 4:3–FOR THIS IS THE WILL OF GOD,...THAT YE SHOULD ABSTAIN FROM FORNICATION:
Jude 7–EVEN AS SODOM AND GOMORRHA, AND THE CITIES ABOUT THEM IN LIKE MANNER, GIVING THEMSELVES OVER TO FORNICATION, AND GOING AFTER STRANGE FLESH, ARE SET FORTH FOR AN EXAMPLE, SUFFERING THE VENGEANCE OF ETERNAL FIRE.
Rev 2:14–BUT I HAVE A FEW THINGS AGAINST THEE, BECAUSE THOU HAST...COMMIT FORNICATION.
Rev 2:21–22–AND I GAVE HER SPACE TO REPENT OF HER FORNICATION; AND SHE REPENTED NOT. BEHOLD, I WILL CAST HER INTO A BED, AND THEM THAT COMMIT ADULTERY WITH HER INTO GREAT TRIBULATION, EXCEPT THEY REPENT OF THEIR DEEDS.
Marriage is a lifelong covenant between a man and woman. It should be done in accordance with biblical guidelines and in a legally–recognized way.
The verses continue–
Jn 4:19. THE WOMAN (SAID) (TO) HIM, SIR. Despite being confronted with her sin, the woman speaks respectfully to Jesus. She said–
I PERCEIVE THAT (YOU) (ARE) A PROPHET. She perceived Jesus was a prophet of God, but did not yet understand that He is God. As said above, she did not confess her sin and repent. Instead she sidestepped what He said and opened an old controversy.
ANSWERING BACK AGAIN
JUSTIFYING YOURSELF
HUSBANDS AND WIVES
WIVES
CORRECTION
Even after Jesus had exposed her sin, she did not get mad and run away from God's Word as many do. Many get angry at their sin being exposed. They get angry when they are corrected. They fly off the handle, so to speak. Their emotions rise, and they begin to answer back, sometimes in an ungodly manner—a way that says, "I reject what you are saying." They often justify what they are being corrected for, by making accusations back, as if to say, "What you did justifies what I did." Such are not childlike toward correction. The Bible admonishes servants to not answer back again–ref Titus 2:9. When corrected by one over you, be humble, meek, and childlike. Do not defend yourself when emotional thoughts arise in your heart from the devil, which you think justifies yourself.
This is also true of husbands and wives that are saved. The Scriptures tell us in Eph 5:23–24–FOR THE HUSBAND IS THE HEAD OF THE WIFE, EVEN AS CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH: AND HE IS THE SAVIOUR OF THE BODY. THEREFORE AS THE CHURCH IS SUBJECT UNTO CHRIST, SO LET THE WIVES BE TO THEIR OWN HUSBANDS IN EVERY THING. It is a rare wife, indeed, that is subject to her husband as the church is to be to Christ, especially when being corrected or being told something that they do not want to do. Sometimes when a husband tries to correct his wife, there may be a “big storm” ahead. Emotions rise. It is a rare wife, indeed, that will humble herself with husband as Sara did with Abraham, and the holy women in the Bible did with their husbands.
It is written in 1 Pe 3:1,2,4–6–Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands. A born again wife should have their chaste conversation coupled with fear. Godly women should have the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. They that have an ear to hear, let them hear and repent.
The woman said–
Jn 4:20.
OUR FATHERS
WORSHIPED IN THIS MOUNTAIN. The mountain she was referring to is Mount Gerizim–ref Deut 11:29; Jos 8:33. This was the way the Samaritans believed was correct. They believed they had tradition on their side.
However, the woman had little reason to say this. For it has been stated that when Antiochus persecuted the Jews, the Samaritans, for fear of sharing with them in their sufferings, not only renounced all relation to the Jews, but surrendered their temple to Antiochus, with a request that it might be dedicated to Jupiter Olympius, and called by his name. Joseph. Antiq. (ref Matthew Henry Commentary)
The woman continues by saying–
(BUT) (YOU) (Jews) SAY,
THAT IN JERUSALEM
IS THE PLACE
WHERE MEN (MUST) WORSHIP. She was showing Jesus one of the differences between the way the Samaritans and the Jews believed and worshipped. If she was asking for advice from Jesus as a prophet, regarding where to worship, is not determined. See commentary under SAMARIA AND SAMARITANS (ref Jn 4:4) for more information on this verse.
Both Jews and Samaritans acknowledge God's command regarding a special place of worship–ref Deut 12:5–7. The Jews, who recognize the Tanakh (or Old Testament) chose Jerusalem. The Samaritans, who recognize only the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Old Testament) chose Sichem (Shechem)–ref Gen 12:6,7; and Mount Gerizim, they chose for their temple–ref Deut 11:29–32. As a result, the Samaritan's understanding of the Messiah was very distorted.
Jn 4:21.
JESUS (SAID) (TO) HER, WOMAN. Jesus did not address her by name, but by the term woman. Jesus said–
BELIEVE ME. Jesus was asking her to believe what He was about to say, despite some false ideas she had. This is for all of us also. Put off all of your false religious beliefs and false ideas in your heart about God, and put on what God's Word says–only God’s Word.
When the final judgment comes and you stand before God himself, all of the false things your church stated, all of their false doctrines and sacraments, all of the wrong ideas you had will be thrown out. You will be judged by God’s Word, and God’s Word only–ref Deut 8:3; Mt 4:4. Note Jn 12:48–my words,…the same shall judge him in the last day.
The verse continues—
THE (TIME) (IS COMING),
WHEN (YOU) SHALL NEITHER IN THIS MOUNTAIN,
NOR YET AT JERUSALEM,
(dd)
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