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Commentary scriptures continue on pg. 284
HE THAT (COMES) FROM ABOVE IS ABOVE ALL: HE THAT IS (FROM) THE EARTH IS EARTHLY (or belongs to the earth–NIV), AND (SPEAKS) (as one) (FROM) THE EARTH (or talks from an earthly point of view–JNT): HE (the One) THAT (COMES) FROM HEAVEN IS ABOVE ALL.
AND WHAT HE (HAS) SEEN AND HEARD, (of) THAT HE (TESTIFIES); (BUT) NO MAN (RECEIVES) HIS TESTIMONY (or witness) (or He testifies about what He has actually seen and heard, yet no one accepts what He says!–JNT).
HE THAT (HAS) RECEIVED HIS TESTIMONY (or witness) (HAS) (PUT) HIS SEAL (or certified) (to this) (fact), THAT GOD IS (TRUTHFUL).
Commentary scriptures continue on pg. 290
FOR HE (the One) WHOM GOD (HAS) SENT (SPEAKS) THE WORDS OF GOD: FOR GOD (GIVES) (THE SPIRIT WITHOUT LIMIT–NIV) UNTO HIM.
Commentary scriptures continue on pg. 291
THE FATHER (LOVES) THE SON, AND (HAS) (PLACED) ALL THINGS INTO HIS HAND.
Commentary scriptures continue on pg. 383
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requirement. It is not an option. This also includes all true born again Christians. When a person comes to Jesus, he must begin to decrease (to die to self and humble himself); thus, allowing the Lord to increase in his heart and life. Pride must be crucified. The proud and self–centered people shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Doing God’s will must increase. Doing one’s own will must decrease. Obeying God must increase. Obeying wrong thoughts must decrease. One’s love for God must increase. One’s love for self must decrease. John the Baptist was already humble, yet he said, “I MUST DECREASE.” John’s focus was on Jesus Christ, not himself. John was talking about his attitude. He was also talking about the ministry God gave him. If this does not happen within a person, then the evidence of godly fruit is missing, which is an absolute indicator of whether a person is truly born again or is a counterfeit.
John had virtually no worldly possessions: no expensive house, farm animals, or even fancy clothing. He had nothing, except Christ; and that was enough. He was ultimately put in jail and then martyred for Christ. Are you willing to follow Christ as John the Baptist did?
Paul had said, in Phili 1:21–FOR TO ME TO LIVE IS CHRIST, AND TO DIE IS GAIN. Paul also said, in 1 Cor 15:31–I DIE DAILY. In Ro 8:36, it is written: FOR THY SAKE WE ARE KILLED ALL THE DAY LONG; WE ARE ACCOUNTED AS SHEEP FOR THE SLAUGHTER. When a person comes to Christ, as they die daily, as they decrease, they should BE CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF HIS SON (Jesus)–Ro 8:29; AND BE NOT CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD. A person should BE…TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF (their) MIND–ref Ro 12:2. Know this: Heb 9:27–IT IS APPOINTED UNTO MEN ONCE TO DIE, BUT AFTER THIS THE JUDGMENT: Indeed, Heb 10:31–IT IS A FEARFUL THING TO FALL INTO THE HANDS OF THE LIVING GOD.
John had said, I MUST DECREASE. Self must be crucified. Pride must be crucified. As already stated, proud people do not inherit the kingdom of God. Where will a person’s pride be, when they are in the lake of fire for eternity?
Following are some of the things God says in His Word about pride and the proud. Jere 13:15–HEAR YE, AND GIVE EAR; BE NOT PROUD: FOR THE LORD HATH SPOKEN.
PRIDE COMES FROM WHERE?
It comes from the within a person, from the heart of men. It is of the world, not of God.
Mk 7:21–23–FOR.OUT OF THE HEART OF MEN, PROCEED EVIL THOUGHTS,…PRIDE,.THESE EVIL THINGS DEFILE THE MAN.
Mk 7:21–23–FOR FROM WITHIN, OUT OF THE HEART OF MEN, PROCEED EVIL THOUGHTS,…MURDERS,…PRIDE, FOOLISHNESS: ALL THESE EVIL THINGS COME FROM WITHIN, AND DEFILE THE MAN.
1 Jn 2:16–17–FOR ALL THAT IS IN THE WORLD, THE LUST OF THE FLESH, AND THE LUST OF THE EYES, AND THE PRIDE OF LIFE, IS NOT OF THE FATHER, BUT IS OF THE WORLD. AND THE WORLD PASSETH AWAY, AND THE LUST THEREOF: BUT HE THAT DOETH THE WILL OF GOD ABIDETH FOR EVER.
WHAT THE PROUD DO
They stir up strife, enlarge their desire, argue about things, err from God’s commandments, and create contentions.
There is pride in the mouth of the foolish.
Pv 28:25–HE THAT IS OF A PROUD HEART STIRRETH UP STRIFE.
Hab 2:5–YEA ALSO,…HE TRANSGRESSETH.HE IS A PROUD MAN,…WHO ENLARGETH HIS DESIRE AS HELL, AND IS AS DEATH.
1 Tim 6:4–HE IS PROUD, KNOWING NOTHING, BUT DOTING ABOUT QUESTIONS AND STRIFES OF WORDS.
Ps 119:21–THE PROUD…ERR FROM THY COMMANDMENTS.
Pv 13:10–ONLY BY PRIDE COMETH CONTENTION.
Pv 14:3–IN THE MOUTH OF THE FOOLISH IS A ROD OF PRIDE.
HOW THE WORLD SOMETIMES VIEW THE PROUD
Mal 3:15–AND NOW WE CALL THE PROUD HAPPY.
Ezek 16:49–BEHOLD, THIS WAS THE INIQUITY OF THY SISTER SODOM, PRIDE, FULNESS OF BREAD, AND ABUNDANCE OF IDLENESS WAS IN HER.
Pv 21:4–AN HIGH LOOK, AND A PROUD HEART,…IS SIN.
Ro 14:23–FOR WHATSOEVER IS NOT OF FAITH IS SIN.
Obad 1:3–THE PRIDE OF THINE HEART HATH DECEIVED THEE,…WHOSE HABITATION IS HIGH; THAT SAITH IN HIS HEART, WHO SHALL BRING ME DOWN TO THE GROUND?
PRIDE CAN DOOM A PERSON FOR ETERNITY
Hos 7:10–AND THE PRIDE OF ISRAEL TESTIFIETH TO HIS FACE: AND THEY DO NOT RETURN TO THE LORD THEIR GOD, NOR SEEK HIM FOR ALL THIS.
Pv 16:18–PRIDE GOETH BEFORE DESTRUCTION, AND A HAUGHTY SPIRIT BEFORE A FALL.
HOW DOES GOD FEEL ABOUT PROUD PEOPLE?
PRIDE IS HATED. IT IS AN ABOMINATION TO GOD. HE IS AGAINST THE PROUD
Pv 8:13–THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS TO HATE EVIL: PRIDE, AND ARROGANCY, AND THE EVIL WAY, AND THE FROWARD MOUTH, DO I HATE. A person that does not hate evil, pride and being arrogant, also does not fear God. It is by the fear of God that men depart from evil. How is it that some say they love God, or fear God, but they will not repent or obey the Gospel? The answer is clear–they are deceived and lie.
Pv 6:16–17–THESE…THINGS DOTH THE LORD HATE: YEA,…ARE AN ABOMINATION UNTO HIM: A PROUD LOOK.
Pv 16:5–EVERY ONE THAT IS PROUD IN HEART IS AN ABOMINATION TO THE LORD.
Jere 50:31–BEHOLD, I AM AGAINST THEE, O THOU MOST PROUD.
Ja 4:6–GOD RESISTETH THE PROUD, BUT GIVETH GRACE UNTO THE HUMBLE.
WARNING TO THE PROUD OF IMPENDING JUDGMENT
RESULTS OF PRIDE
God resists the proud. The proud are cursed. Some of the proud are reprobate. They do not have correct biblical understanding. The proud shall never be able to come to the knowledge of the truth. God can take kings off their throne because of pride. Pride can harden a person’s mind. Pride can bring a person low, and God shall ultimately bring them down. He is able to abase the proud and smite them. Pride proceeds destruction. Pride is as a fading flower. It shall be trodden down. Ultimately, the proud tongue shall be cut off and be destroyed God will not tolerate the proud.
The day of the Lord shall be upon all the proud. They shall be punished. They shall be scattered. Pride shall cease and have no root or branch. The proud shall be burnt up. They shall pass away and be consumed in God’s wrath. God will not spare the proud or have pity on them. They shall be smitten. It is written:
1 Pe 5:5–…GOD RESISTETH THE PROUD.
Ps 119:21–THE PROUD…ARE CURSED
Ro 1:28–31–GOD GAVE THEM OVER TO A REPROBATE MIND,…BEING FILLED WITH ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS,…PROUD, BOASTERS,…WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING.
2 Tim 3:1–6,7–The proud shall be able to learn and even think they understand, but shall never truly able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Born again believers are to turn away from these people. For it is written: THIS KNOW ALSO, THAT IN THE LAST DAYS…MEN SHALL BE LOVERS OF THEIR OWN SELVES,…BOASTERS, PROUD…HAVING A FORM OF GODLINESS,…FROM SUCH TURN AWAY. EVER LEARNING, AND NEVER ABLE TO COME TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH.
Dan 5:20–BUT WHEN HIS HEART WAS LIFTED UP, AND HIS MIND HARDENED IN PRIDE, HE WAS DEPOSED FROM HIS KINGLY THRONE, AND THEY TOOK HIS GLORY FROM HIM:
Pv 29:23–A MAN’S PRIDE SHALL BRING HIM LOW.
Dan 4:37–…THOSE THAT WALK IN PRIDE HE IS ABLE TO ABASE.
Job 26:12–HE SMITETH THROUGH THE PROUD.
Pv 16:18–PRIDE GOETH BEFORE DESTRUCTION, AND AN HAUGHTY SPIRIT BEFORE A FALL.
Isa 28:1–WOE TO THE CROWN OF PRIDE,…WHOSE GLORIOUS BEAUTY IS A FADING FLOWER.
Isa 28:3–THE CROWN OF PRIDE,…SHALL BE TRODDEN UNDER FEET:
Ps 12:3–THE LORD SHALL CUT OFF…THE TONGUE THAT SPEAKETH PROUD THINGS:
Pv 15:25–THE LORD WILL DESTROY THE HOUSE OF THE PROUD.
Ps 101:5–HIM THAT HATH AN HIGH LOOK AND A PROUD HEART WILL NOT I SUFFER.
Isa 2:12–FOR THE DAY OF THE LORD OF HOSTS SHALL BE UPON EVERY ONE THAT IS PROUD AND LOFTY, AND UPON EVERY ONE THAT IS LIFTED UP; AND HE SHALL BE BROUGHT LOW.
Jere 49:16–…THE PRIDE OF THINE HEART,…I WILL BRING THEE DOWN FROM THENCE, SAITH THE LORD.
Isa 13:11–AND I WILL PUNISH THE WORLD FOR THEIR EVIL,.I WILL CAUSE THE ARROGANCY OF THE PROUD TO CEASE.
Mal 4:1–ALL THE PROUD,…SHALL BE STUBBLE: AND THE DAY THAT COMETH SHALL BURN THEM UP, SAITH THE LORD OF HOSTS, THAT IT SHALL LEAVE THEM NEITHER ROOT NOR BRANCH.
Lk 1:51–HE HATH SCATTERED THE PROUD IN THE IMAGINATION OF THEIR HEARTS.
1 Jn 2:16, 17–FOR ALL THAT IS IN THE WORLD, THE LUST OF THE FLESH, AND THE LUST OF THE EYES, AND THE PRIDE OF LIFE, IS NOT OF THE FATHER, BUT IS OF THE WORLD. AND THE WORLD PASSETH AWAY, AND THE LUST THEREOF: BUT HE THAT DOETH THE WILL OF GOD ABIDETH FOR EVER.
Ps 59:12, 13–FOR THE SIN OF THEIR MOUTH AND THE WORDS OF THEIR LIPS LET THEM EVEN BE TAKEN IN THEIR PRIDE: AND FOR CURSING AND LYING WHICH THEY SPEAK. CONSUME THEM IN WRATH, CONSUME THEM, THAT THEY MAY NOT BE.
Ezek 7:10 & 9–BEHOLD THE DAY, BEHOLD, IT IS COME: THE MORNING IS GONE FORTH;…PRIDE HATH BUDDED. AND MINE EYE SHALL NOT SPARE, NEITHER WILL I HAVE PITY: I WILL RECOMPENSE THEE ACCORDING TO THY WAYS,…AND YE SHALL KNOW THAT I AM THE LORD THAT SMITETH.
WHAT THE PROUD SHOULD DO
BE ASHAMED
Have a humble spirit and be clothed with humility
Ps 119:78–LET THE PROUD BE ASHAMED.
Pv 16:19–BETTER IT IS TO BE OF AN HUMBLE SPIRIT WITH THE LOWLY, THAN TO DIVIDE THE SPOIL WITH THE PROUD.
1 Pe 5:5–BE CLOTHED WITH HUMILITY.
Pv 29:23–…HONOUR SHALL UPHOLD THE HUMBLE IN SPIRIT.
>THE CONCLUSION OF THE MATTERT
HERE IS HOPE for those that repent, humble themselves and fear the Lord.
Mal 3:16–FOR THEM THAT FEARED THE LORD, AND THAT THOUGHT UPON HIS NAME…THEY SHALL BE MINE, I WILL SPARE THEM, AS A MAN SPARETH HIS OWN SON THAT SERVETH HIM.
Ja 4:6–GOD RESISTETH THE PROUD, BUT GIVETH GRACE UNTO THE HUMBLE.
I would like to relay a story I heard some time ago. I no longer remember the source nor can I vouch for the accuracy or my memory on its exactness. It went something like this.
In Russia there was a group of born again Christians meeting in secret in some sort of building. Suddenly, the place was surrounded with soldiers, commanding them to come out. They came out and faced the rifles. The head of the soldiers then told them if there were any that were willing to deny Christ, they would let them go and the rest would be dealt with. Several of the so–called born again Christians denied Christ and ran for their lives, while the others remained, expecting to be shot. The soldiers then put down their weapons, and the head person said that they wanted to find out who the real Christians there were; and now they knew.
“We are one of you,” He said. “We are also born again through faith in Jesus Christ.”
The reality is that throughout the world most that profess they are a Christian, are not. When faced with death for the name of Christ, they will quickly deny Him in some way. They profess that they know Christ, but in reality they are counterfeits.
This is the same for most ministers which is confirmed in His Word. Just a “few” are truly born again. The verses continue–
Jn 3:31. HE (which is Jesus) (who is the Christ)–
THAT (COMES) FROM ABOVE (which is heaven)–
IS ABOVE ALL. Jesus is above all. Jesus himself has said these words in Jn 3:13–HE THAT CAME DOWN FROM HEAVEN, EVEN THE SON OF MAN. The verse continues–
HE THAT IS (FROM) THE EARTH
IS EARTHLY (or belongs to the earth–NIV),
AND (SPEAKS) (as one) (FROM) THE EARTH (or talks from an earthly point of view–JNT). This is referring to all unsaved people, including so–called worldly or carnal Christians, until they truly surrender themselves to Jesus Christ and are led by the Spirit. The saints (the followers of Christ) are in this world, but are not from the earth or this world. It is the unbelievers that are from this earth or world (or from beneath). Here is proof:
(The unsaved)
Note Jn 8:23–Ye are from beneath;…ye are of this world
Eph 2:2–Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world
(The saved)
Jn 17:16–THEY ARE NOT OF THE WORLD, EVEN AS I AM NOT OF THE WORLD.
Jn 15:19–YE ARE NOT OF THE WORLD, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
Jn 17:14–The world hath hated them, because THEY ARE NOT OF THE WORLD, EVEN AS I AM NOT OF THE WORLD.
1 Cor 2:6–HOWBEIT WE SPEAK WISDOM…NOT THE WISDOM OF THIS WORLD. The saints are not to talk from a worldly point of view.
If one is of Christ he should not speak the wisdom of this world, but the wisdom of God. His words should be the words he hears from heaven, not from this world. One should speak the very words of God–the Bible. The verse continues–
HE (the One) THAT (COMES) FROM HEAVEN. Jesus is the one that comes from heaven. At first glance, John seems to have speaking of himself as being from the earth, but Jesus is from above, from heaven. Yet the verse also denotes that those from the earth talk from an earthly view, which does not appear to be John the Baptist, or at a later time, the apostles. This appears confirmed in 1 Jn 1:4–6. The people that John is speaking to appear to be those that had a dispute among themselves (John’s disciples and the Jews–ref Jn 3:23).
In John 8:23–Jesus is talking to those that listened to Him but did not believe in Him just before He was crucified. As stated previously, Jesus said, YE ARE FROM BENEATH;…YE ARE OF THIS WORLD. Jesus said of Himself in the same verse–I AM FROM ABOVE:…I AM NOT OF THIS WORLD.
It appears John is comparing Jesus who comes from heaven with those that are from the earth and speak from an earthly point of view–such as carnal Christians and unbelievers.
Some may hold that the earth and world have two different meanings which may be true. As such, some interrupt this to say that Christ is from above, but John is from the earth. Christ is above all earthly things. However, there is no question that John's speech was not of the earth or this world, but was heaven. HE (which is Jesus)–
IS ABOVE ALL. John the Baptist’s words show that Jesus is above all, including himself. Jesus is God the Son. He is God that came to this earth in human form. These words effectively eliminate and render meaningless all that came before or should come after, claiming they are God, or the Christ, or some great prophet, or some great representative of God, or some great leader that misleads people to enlightenment or other false way that deceives many.
SPEECH
CONVERSATION
EARTHLY SPEECH
TONGUE
WORLDLY SPEECH
Eph 2:2,3–WHEREIN IN TIME PAST (or when you were unsaved) YE WALKED ACCORDING TO THE COURSE OF THIS WORLD, ACCORDING TO THE PRINCE OF THE POWER OF THE AIR, THE SPIRIT THAT NOW WORKETH IN THE CHILDREN OF DISOBEDIENCE: AMONG WHOM ALSO WE ALL HAD OUR CONVERSATION IN TIMES PAST IN THE LUSTS OF OUR FLESH, FULFILLING THE DESIRES OF THE FLESH AND OF THE MIND; AND WERE BY NATURE THE CHILDREN OF WRATH, EVEN AS OTHERS. The unsaved have their conversation in their lusts and desires.
1 Jn 4:5–THEY ARE OF THE WORLD (that is, the unsaved): THEREFORE SPEAK THEY OF THE WORLD (they speak of worldly things), AND THE WORLD HEARETH THEM.
Phili 3:18–20–(FOR MANY WALK, OF WHOM I HAVE TOLD YOU OFTEN, AND NOW TELL YOU EVEN WEEPING, THAT THEY ARE THE ENEMIES OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST (these are the unsaved): WHOSE END IS DESTRUCTION, WHOSE GOD IS THEIR BELLY, AND WHOSE GLORY IS IN THEIR SHAME, WHO MIND EARTHLY THINGS.) FOR OUR CONVERSATION IS IN HEAVEN (The born again believer’s conversation is in heaven, not centered in earthly things); FROM WHENCE ALSO WE LOOK FOR THE SAVIOUR, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.
The carnal Christian and unbeliever have their conversation centered on the world (from the earth) and the things pertaining to this life. They talk about themselves and the things of this world. They talk of their life, their desires, their lusts, their pleasures, their job, their money, their possessions, their plans, their goals, their hopes, their family, their friends, their problems, their hurts, along with gossip, and the world. Pride is often present. Humbleness, the fear of God, God’s grace, and meekness are usually absent.
Listen to a person’s conversation. Is Jesus in their conversation and obeying God the center of their universe, or is it self–centeredness? Is their conversation with grace? as it is written in Col 4:6–LET YOUR SPEECH BE ALWAY WITH GRACE, SEASONED WITH SALT. Are the things of this world the center of their daily conversation or is Jesus? Are they slow to speak?–ref Ja 1:19. Does their conversation fit this verse in Ecc 5:2–BE NOT RASH WITH THY MOUTH, AND LET NOT THINE HEART BE HASTY TO UTTER ANY THING BEFORE GOD: FOR GOD IS IN HEAVEN, AND THOU UPON EARTH: THEREFORE LET THY WORDS BE FEW?
Most that claim they are saved seldom have Jesus and Gods Word on their lips. They claim they know God, but in conversation, fruits, and works they deny Him. This is one of many dangers of being around unbelievers. The more a true Christian is around unbelievers, even unbelieving relatives, the more they usually become just like them–in the way they think, act, and talk. Proof of this is in God’s Word. It is written:
Pv 22:25–A believer is not to have friendship with an angry person: LEST THOU LEARN HIS WAYS, AND GET A SNARE TO THY SOUL.
Jere 10:2–THUS SAITH THE LORD, LEARN NOT THE WAY OF THE HEATHEN.
What God wants us to learn and do is this:
Eph 4:22–THAT YE PUT OFF CONCERNING THE FORMER CONVERSATION THE OLD MAN, WHICH IS CORRUPT ACCORDING TO THE DECEITFUL LUSTS.
Mt 11:29–TAKE MY YOKE UPON YOU, AND LEARN OF ME; FOR I AM MEEK AND LOWLY IN HEART: AND YE SHALL FIND REST UNTO YOUR SOULS.
Heb 13:5–LET YOUR CONVERSATION BE WITHOUT COVETOUSNESS.
1 Pe 3:2–Let your CHASTE CONVERSATION (be) COUPLED WITH FEAR.
Ja 3:13–LET HIM SHEW OUT OF A GOOD CONVERSATION HIS WORKS WITH MEEKNESS OF WISDOM.
Phili 1:27–LET YOUR CONVERSATION BE AS IT BECOMETH THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST.
Col 4:6–LET YOUR SPEECH BE ALWAY WITH GRACE, SEASONED WITH SALT.
1 Pe 2:12–And let YOUR CONVERSATION (be) HONEST AMONG THE GENTILES.
Titus 2:7–8–And let us use SOUND SPEECH, THAT CANNOT BE CONDEMNED.
1 Tim 4:12–BE THOU AN EXAMPLE OF THE BELIEVERS, IN WORD, IN CONVERSATION. .
1 Pe 1:15–BE YE HOLY IN ALL MANNER OF CONVERSATION.
Phili 3:20–FOR OUR CONVERSATION IS IN HEAVEN; FROM WHENCE ALSO WE LOOK FOR THE SAVIOUR, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.
2 Pe 3:11–SEEING THEN THAT ALL THESE THINGS SHALL BE DISSOLVED, WHAT MANNER OF PERSONS OUGHT YE TO BE IN ALL HOLY CONVERSATION AND GODLINESS?
1 Cor 2:1–2–Paul writes regarding SPEECH.FOR I DETERMINED NOT TO KNOW ANY THING AMONG YOU, SAVE JESUS CHRIST, AND HIM CRUCIFIED.
2 Cor 3:12–SEEING THEN THAT WE HAVE SUCH HOPE, WE USE GREAT PLAINNESS OF SPEECH:
Then God gives us a promise.
Ps 50:23–TO HIM THAT ORDERETH HIS CONVERSATION ARIGHT WILL I SHEW THE SALVATION OF GOD.
THEY THAT ARE CARNAL, EARTHLY OR WORLDLY SPEAK EARTHLY THINGS– UNSAVED
HOW A PERSON IS BEFORE THEY BECOME BORN AGAIN
1 Jn 4:5–The unsaved–THEY ARE OF THE WORLD: THEREFORE SPEAK THEY OF THE WORLD, AND THE WORLD HEARETH THEM.
HE THAT IS (FROM) THE EARTH IS EARTHLY (or belongs to the earth–NIV), AND (SPEAKS) (as one) (FROM) THE EARTH (or talks from an earthly point of view–JNT):
Ps 17:14–The unsaved–FROM MEN OF THE WORLD, WHICH HAVE THEIR PORTION IN THIS LIFE, AND WHOSE BELLY THOU FILLEST WITH THY HID TREASURE: THEY ARE FULL OF CHILDREN, AND LEAVE THE REST OF THEIR SUBSTANCE TO THEIR BABES.
Eph 2:3–The unsaved–AMONG WHOM ALSO WE ALL HAD OUR CONVERSATION IN TIMES PAST IN THE LUSTS OF OUR FLESH, FULFILLING THE DESIRES OF THE FLESH AND OF THE MIND; AND WERE BY NATURE THE CHILDREN OF WRATH, EVEN AS OTHERS.
Phile 3:19–The unsaved–WHOSE END IS DESTRUCTION, WHOSE GOD IS THEIR BELLY, AND WHOSE GLORY IS IN THEIR SHAME, WHO MIND EARTHLY THINGS.)
1 Pe 1:18–The unsaved–FROM YOUR VAIN CONVERSATION RECEIVED BY TRADITION FROM YOUR FATHERS.
2 Pe 2:7–The unsaved–THE FILTHY CONVERSATION OF THE WICKED.
Ja 3:3–12–The unsaved and carnally minded people–BEHOLD, WE PUT BITS IN THE HORSES’ MOUTHS, THAT THEY MAY OBEY US; AND WE TURN ABOUT THEIR WHOLE BODY. BEHOLD ALSO THE SHIPS, WHICH THOUGH THEY BE SO GREAT, AND ARE DRIVEN OF FIERCE WINDS, YET ARE THEY TURNED ABOUT WITH A VERY SMALL HELM, WHITHERSOEVER THE GOVERNOR LISTETH. EVEN SO THE TONGUE IS A LITTLE MEMBER, AND BOASTETH GREAT THINGS. BEHOLD, HOW GREAT A MATTER A LITTLE FIRE KINDLETH! AND THE TONGUE IS A FIRE, A WORLD OF INIQUITY: SO IS THE TONGUE AMONG OUR MEMBERS, THAT IT DEFILETH THE WHOLE BODY, AND SETTETH ON FIRE THE COURSE OF NATURE; AND IT IS SET ON FIRE OF HELL. FOR EVERY KIND OF BEASTS, AND OF BIRDS, AND OF SERPENTS, AND OF THINGS IN THE SEA, IS TAMED, AND HATH BEEN TAMED OF MANKIND: BUT THE TONGUE CAN NO MAN TAME; IT IS AN UNRULY EVIL, FULL OF DEADLY POISON. THEREWITH BLESS WE GOD, EVEN THE FATHER; AND THEREWITH CURSE WE MEN, WHICH ARE MADE AFTER THE SIMILITUDE OF GOD. OUT OF THE SAME MOUTH PROCEEDETH BLESSING AND CURSING. MY BRETHREN, THESE THINGS OUGHT NOT SO TO BE. DOTH A FOUNTAIN SEND FORTH AT THE SAME PLACE SWEET WATER AND BITTER? CAN THE FIG TREE, MY BRETHREN, BEAR OLIVE BERRIES? EITHER A VINE, FIGS? SO CAN NO FOUNTAIN BOTH YIELD SALT WATER AND FRESH.
1 Jn 4:6–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. The verses continue–
Jn 3:32. AND WHAT HE (which is Jesus)
(HAS) SEEN AND HEARD, (of)
THAT HE (TESTIFIES). These words are explained in the following verses. Jesus tells us in Jn 6:46–that HE HATH SEEN THE FATHER. He tells us in Jn 15:15–ALL THINGS THAT I HAVE HEARD OF MY FATHER I HAVE MADE KNOWN UNTO YOU. Thus, Jesus testifies to us of His Father, whom He has seen. He testifies to us of those things which He has heard of His Father. Only He that came from heaven is fit to reveal to us the way to heaven, for he is the Way, the Truth and the Life–ref Jn 14:6. The Gospel is not someone’s opinion or philosophy. It is the mind of God. It is truth. John the Baptist goes on to say–
(BUT) NO MAN (RECEIVES) HIS TESTIMONY (or witness) (or He testifies about what He has actually seen and heard, yet no one accepts what He says!–JNT). The Bible teaches that God must open a person’s understanding to receive the Gospel–ref Lk 24:25. Even though God’s Word is infallibly true, yet very few people receive it as the truth in comparison with those that reject it, which are many–ref Mt 7:13,14,22–23; Gal 4:27. As it is written: Who hath believed our report?–ref Isa 53:1; Jn 12:38; Ro 10:16. Jn 12:37–BUT THOUGH HE HAD DONE SO MANY MIRACLES BEFORE THEM, YET THEY BELIEVED NOT ON HIM.
We are reminded of the words Jesus spoke to Nicodemus in Jn 3:11–VERILY, VERILY (or yes, indeed), I SAY (TO) (YOU) (the truth), WE SPEAK (OF WHAT) WE DO KNOW, AND (GIVE EVIDENCE) (of) THAT (which) WE HAVE SEEN; (BUT) (YOU) (people) (DO NOT RECEIVE) OUR WITNESS (or evidence, or testimony). Likewise, John the Baptist is saying something similar to his own disciples and perhaps the unbelieving Jews, also.
We are further reminded of the following verses–
Deut 18:19–AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS, THAT WHOSOEVER WILL NOT HEARKEN UNTO MY WORDS WHICH HE SHALL SPEAK IN MY NAME, I WILL REQUIRE IT OF HIM.
God GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON–Jn 3:16; ref 6:32
To SPEAK UNTO THEM ALL THAT I (the Father) SHALL COMMAND HIM (the Son)–Deut 18:18
To speak THE WORDS OF GOD–Jn 3:34; ref Deut 18:19; Jn 8:26,28, 38; 12:49,50
Hell is filling up with people that rejected God’s Word which is truth. Can you hear they crying out to you–pleading, “Don’t reject God’s Word”. Don’t come to this horrible place called hell. The verses continue–
Jn 3:33. HE
THAT (HAS) RECEIVED
HIS TESTIMONY (or witness). We may say, that he which receives or believes in his heart the testimony of Jesus, which are very few–
(HAS) (PUT) HIS SEAL (or certified) (to this) (fact), or believes in his heart–
THAT GOD IS (TRUTHFUL). Even though most reject the testimony of Jesus as evidenced by their fruits, there are a few that do receive it. Those that do not receive it are calling God a liar; yet it is them that are a liar and not God. It is written: LET GOD BE TRUE AND EVERY MAN A LIAR–Ro 3:4. Pontius Pilate asked the question of Jesus, WHAT IS TRUTH?–Jn 18:38. The ones that certify that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life are those that are born again. Jesus Christ is called THE WORD OF GOD–Rev 19:13.
The following information should answer that question more fully.
TRUE
TRUTH
BIBLE CAME FROM WHERE?
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 1:21–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.
Surveys have been conducted among pastors, people at Bible colleges, as well as lay people in about every Christian denomination. To summarize these, it may be said that less than 20% of the people in the United States believe all the Bible is true, and is all the written Word of God, and is for today. It may also be said that far less than this are born again Christians as evidenced by their fruits–ref Mt 7:20.
For more information, note Bible general information in the introduction of the Chronological 4 Gospel commentary.
GOD’S WORD IS CALLED THE WORD OF TRUTH
GOSPEL IS CALLED TRUTH
WORD OF TRUTH SAVES US
Jn 17:17–THY WORD IS TRUTH.
2 Cor 6:7–THE WORD OF TRUTH.
Gal 2:5–THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL
Eph 1:13–THE WORD OF TRUTH, THE GOSPEL OF YOUR SALVATION.
Col 1:5–THE WORD OF THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL.
1 Thes 2:13–YE RECEIVED THE WORD OF GOD WHICH YE HEARD OF US, YE RECEIVED IT NOT AS THE WORD OF MEN, BUT AS IT IS IN TRUTH, THE WORD OF GOD, WHICH EFFECTUALLY WORKETH ALSO IN YOU THAT BELIEVE.
Ja 1:18–OF HIS OWN WILL BEGAT HE US WITH THE WORD OF TRUTH.
TRUTH CAME BY JESUS CHRIST
Jn 1:17–GRACE AND TRUTH CAME BY JESUS CHRIST.
Jn 14:6–JESUS SAITH UNTO HIM, I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE:
Eph 4:21–THE TRUTH IS IN JESUS.
JESUS CAME TO BEAR WITNESS UNTO THE TRUTH
Jn 18:37–FOR THIS CAUSE CAME I INTO THE WORLD, THAT I SHOULD BEAR WITNESS UNTO THE TRUTH. EVERY ONE THAT IS OF THE TRUTH HEARETH MY VOICE.
THE SPIRIT OF GOD IS TRUTH
Jn 14:17–EVEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH; WHOM THE WORLD CANNOT RECEIVE.
Jn 15:26–THE COMFORTER IS COME,…EVEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH.
Jn 16:13–HOWBEIT WHEN HE, THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH, IS COME, HE WILL GUIDE YOU INTO ALL TRUTH.
1 Jn 5:6–THE SPIRIT IS TRUTH.
WE OUGHT TO REJOICE IN THE TRUTH
1 Cor 13:6–REJOICETH NOT IN INIQUITY, BUT REJOICETH IN THE TRUTH.
WE ARE TO RIGHTLY DIVIDE THE WORD OF TRUTH
2 Tim 2:15–STUDY TO SHEW THYSELF APPROVED UNTO GOD, A WORKMAN THAT NEEDETH NOT TO BE ASHAMED, RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH.
2 Pe 2:2–(False prophets or teachers, these shall speak evil of) THE WAY OF TRUTH.
2 Tim 3:8–THESE ALSO RESIST THE TRUTH: MEN OF CORRUPT MINDS, REPROBATE CONCERNING THE FAITH.
1 Tim 6:5–MEN OF CORRUPT MINDS, AND DESTITUTE OF THE TRUTH.
2 Tim 3:7–EVER LEARNING, AND NEVER ABLE TO COME TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH.
2 Tim 4:4–AND THEY SHALL TURN AWAY THEIR EARS FROM THE TRUTH, AND SHALL BE TURNED UNTO FABLES.
Titus 1:14–NOT GIVING HEED TO JEWISH FABLES, AND COMMANDMENTS OF MEN, THAT TURN FROM THE TRUTH.
2 Tim 2:18–(Vain babblings…increase unto more ungodliness)…WHO CONCERNING THE TRUTH HAVE ERRED.
2 Thes 2:12–THAT THEY ALL MIGHT BE DAMNED WHO BELIEVED NOT THE TRUTH, BUT HAD PLEASURE IN UNRIGHTEOUSNESS.
Heb 10:26–FOR IF WE SIN WILFULLY AFTER THAT WE HAVE RECEIVED THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH, THERE REMAINETH NO MORE SACRIFICE FOR SINS.
Ja 5:19–BRETHREN, IF ANY OF YOU DO ERR FROM THE TRUTH, AND ONE CONVERT HIM.
SOME CHANGE THE TRUTH OF GOD INTO A LIE
HOMOSEXUALS
MEN WITH MEN
Ro 1:24–WHEREFORE GOD ALSO GAVE THEM UP TO UNCLEANNESS THROUGH THE LUSTS OF THEIR OWN HEARTS, TO DISHONOUR THEIR OWN BODIES BETWEEN THEMSELVES.
Ro 1:25–32–WHO CHANGER THE TRUTH OF GOD INTO A LIE, AND WORSHIPPED AND SERVER THE CREATURE MORE THAN THE CREATOR, WHO IS BLESSED FOR EVER. AMEN. FOR THIS CAUSE GOD GAVE THEN UP UNTO VILE AFFECTIONS: FOR EVEN THEIR WOMEN DID CHANGE THE NATURAL USE INTO THAT WHICH IS AGAINST NATURE:
AND LIKEWISE ALSO THE MEN, LEAVING THE NATURAL USE OF THE WOMAN, BURNED IN THEIR LUST ONE TOWARD ANOTHER; MEN WITH MEN WORKING THAT WHICH IS UNSEEMLY, AND RECEIVING IN THEMSELVES THAT RECOMPENCE OF THEIR ERROR WHICH WAS MEET. AND EVEN AS THEY DID NOT LIKE TO RETAIN GOD IN THEIR KNOWLEDGE, GOD GAVE THEM OVER TO A REPROBATE MIND, TO DO THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE NOT CONVENIENT;
BEING FILLED WITH ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS, FORNICATION, WICKEDNESS, COVETOUSNESS, MALICIOUSNESS; FULL OF ENVY, MURDER, DEBATE, DECEIT, MALIGNITY; WHISPERERS, BACKBITERS, HATERS OF GOD, DESPITEFUL, PROUD, BOASTERS, INVENTORS OF EVIL THINGS, DISOBEDIENT TO PARENTS, WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING, COVENANTBREAKERS, WITHOUT NATURAL AFFECTION, IMPLACABLE, UNMERCIFUL: WHO KNOWING THE JUDGMENT OF GOD, THAT THEY WHICH COMMIT SUCH THINGS ARE WORTHY OF DEATH, NOT ONLY DO THE SAME, BUT HAVE PLEASURE IN THEM THAT DO THEM.
PEOPLE THAT CLAIM THEY ARE SAVED BUT ARE NOT, THEY LIE. THEY DO NOT DO THE TRUTH
1 Jn 2:4–(He that says I am saved) AND KEEPETH NOT HIS COMMANDMENTS, IS A LIAR, AND THE TRUTH IS NOT IN HIM.
1 Jn 1:8–IF WE SAY THAT WE HAVE NO SIN, WE DECEIVE OURSELVES, AND THE TRUTH IS NOT IN US.
1 Jn 1:6–(If we say we are saved) AND WALK IN DARKNESS, WE LIE, AND DO NOT THE TRUTH.
1 Jn 2:21–NO LIE IS OF THE TRUTH.
LOVE THE BRETHREN–PURIFY YOUR SOULS
1 Pe 1:22–YE HAVE PURIFIED YOUR SOULS IN OBEYING THE TRUTH…UNTO LOVE OF THE BRETHREN, SEE THAT YE LOVE ONE ANOTHER WITH A PURE HEART FERVENTLY.
1 Jn 3:18–19–MY LITTLE CHILDREN, LET US NOT LOVE IN WORD, NEITHER IN TONGUE; BUT IN DEED AND IN TRUTH. AND HEREBY WE KNOW THAT WE ARE OF THE TRUTH, AND SHALL ASSURE OUR HEARTS BEFORE HIM.
ONLY HOPE A PERSON CAN HAVE
2 Tim 2:25–IN MEEKNESS INSTRUCTING THOSE THAT OPPOSE THEMSELVES; IF GOD PERADVENTURE WILL GIVE THEM REPENTANCE TO THE ACKNOWLEDGING OF THE TRUTH.
Job 32:8–THE INSPIRATION OF THE ALMIGHTY GIVETH THEM UNDERSTANDING (or we may say truth).
Ro 3:3–FOR WHAT IF SOME DID NOT BELIEVE? SHALL THEIR UNBELIEF MAKE THE FAITH OF GOD WITHOUT EFFECT?
Ro 3:4–YEA, LET GOD BE TRUE, BUT EVERY MAN A LIAR.
Eph 6:14–STAND THEREFORE (firm). Again we have a command to STAND. HAVING YOUR LOINS GIRT (or buckled) ABOUT. Jesus spoke these words, LET YOUR LOINS BE GIRDED ABOUT, AND YOUR LIGHTS BURNING–Lk 12:35. Peter spoke these words, GIRD UP THE LOINS OF YOUR MIND–1 Pe 1:13. It is the girdle around the loins that holds all things together. It is not an ornament. Our loins are to be girt about WITH TRUTH. Truth is to govern the struggle we are in. Standing in Jesus must be based on truth. It must be based on being FOUNDED and BUILT upon “the” ROCK–Jesus. Jesus is the Word–ref Mt 7:24,25; Jn 1:1,14. It is written, HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT THE SON (or the Word) SHALL NOT SEE LIFE–Jn 3:36. HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT GOD (the Word) HATH MADE HIM A LIAR–1 Jn 5:10. AND YE HAVE NOT HIS WORD ABIDING IN YOU: FOR WHOM HE HATH SENT, HIM YE BELIEVE NOT–Jn 5:38. Our loins must be GIRT ABOUT WITH TRUTH (or the belt of truth). Our waist is to be belted with truth. Truth should reflect righteousness. It is written, AND RIGHTEOUSNESS SHALL BE THE GIRDLE OF HIS LOINS–Isa 11:5.
The sword, which represents God’s Word–ref Eph 6:17, can be fastened to the belt–ref 2 Sam 20:8. The Word is fastened to truth.
The verses continue–
John the Baptist continues speaking–
Jn 3:34. FOR HE (this is Jesus)–
(the One) WHOM GOD (HAS) SENT. Note that John Baptist states that God sent Jesus and that Jesus–
(SPEAKS) THE WORDS OF GOD. Jesus spoke God’s Word; as it is written in Jn 15:15–ALL THINGS THAT I HAVE HEARD OF MY FATHER I HAVE MADE KNOWN UNTO YOU–ref Jn 3:32. This was prophesied in the Old Testament; as it is written, in Deut 18:18,19–I WILL RAISE THEM UP A PROPHET FROM AMONG THEIR BRETHREN…AND WILL PUT MY WORDS IN HIS MOUTH;…AND…WHOSOEVER WILL NOT HEARKEN UNTO MY WORDS WHICH HE SHALL SPEAK IN MY NAME, I WILL REQUIRE IT OF HIM. John continues to speak of Jesus–
FOR GOD (GIVES) NOT THE SPIRIT BY MEASURE UNTO HIM (or THE SPIRIT WITHOUT LIMIT–NIV)
UNTO HIM. Jesus (the living Word) received the fullness of the Spirit. He exercised most, if not all, of the gifts of the Spirit. The implication here is that only Jesus received the Spirit without measure, while all others receive it by measure. No other New Testament saint or person, since Jesus, has been able to do all of the miracles Jesus did. He walked on water; instantly transported people from one place to another; stopped storms; cursed a fig tree and it dried up; raised people from the dead; turned water to wine; and spoke as no other man ever did–ref Jn 7:46.
WORDS OF GOD NOT BEING SPOKEN AS THEY OUGHT TO BE
Many so–called preachers, priests, and rabbi have never read the entire Bible through even once. Regretfully, in this latter day generation, most preachers have little understanding of much of what the Bible teaches. One thing the Bible teaches is PREACH THE WORD. Jesus preached the very words His father gave Him to speak. Preachers are to FOLLOW JESUS. Yet, in nearly all of today’s churches, God’s word has been replaced with vain janglings, jokes, and foolishness. There is little teaching on sin, judgment, hell, and the Revelation. Many preachers may start their message giving two or three Scriptures. Then they close their Bible and talk, using worldly things, such as: material from other books, stories about themselves, worldly wisdom, psychology, and things that please people’s ears. When a person leaves the church he usually knows far more about things his preacher has done than things Jesus did. Faith can only, I repeat, only stand on God Word. God’s word says clearly that today’s church is wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked–ref Rev 3:17. Naked means they are not clothed with the garments of righteousness. They are not saved. Jesus indicates, in Lk 18:8, that when He returns, he will find little or no faith on the earth. Jesus preached the Word. The apostles preached the Word. Preachers in the early church preached the Word. A hundred years ago, God’s preachers usually preached the Word. But today, there is a growing famine of God’s Word in the church, including a lack of teaching on spiritual warfare, Bible prophecy, the Revelation, sin, judgment and hell. Without God’s Word there is no conviction for sin, and the people love to have it so.
One of the authors of this study is a missionary. When he was in India he was asked many questions. His answer was often, “It is written.” It seemed like few people in India had ever heard such teaching. Regretfully, even in America it is now becoming the same way.
SPIRIT OF GOD
SPIRIT TO JESUS WITHOUT LIMIT
Jesus would have received all the gifts of the Spirit, that is, the gifts of 1 Cor 12:8–10. It is written–BUT THE MANIFESTATION OF THE SPIRIT IS GIVEN…(1) THE WORD OF WISDOM;…(2) THE WORD OF KNOWLEDGE;…(3) FAITH…(4) GIFTS OF HEALING…(5) WORKING OF MIRACLES;…(6) PROPHECY;…(7) DISCERNING OF SPIRITS;…(8) DIVERS KINDS OF TONGUES;…(9) INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES.
Note the words of many that heard Him in the synagogue. They were astonished and said: Mk 6:2–FROM WHENCE HATH THIS MAN THESE THINGS? AND WHAT WISDOM IS THIS WHICH IS GIVEN UNTO HIM, THAT EVEN SUCH MIGHTY WORKS ARE WROUGHT BY HIS HANDS?
Concerning Jesus Christ, Who is also called the branch in Isa 11:1, it is written in Isa 11:2–AND THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD SHALL REST UPON HIM, THE SPIRIT OF WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING, THE SPIRIT OF COUNSEL AND MIGHT, THE SPIRIT OF KNOWLEDGE AND OF THE FEAR OF THE LORD.
Also Isa 42:1–I HAVE PUT MY SPIRIT UPON HIM.
Also Isa 61:1–THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD GOD IS UPON ME. Jesus quoted these words from Isa 61:1 in Lk 4:18.
The apostles received the gifts of the Spirit at Pentecost–ref Acts 2:1,4.
Note: Whether Jesus ever spoke with other tongues is not known. It is never recorded that He did.
One thing that few preachers ever mention. The Holy Spirit gives us strength to overcome sin. A person can repent, but still may have problems with certain sins. Then when he receives the Holy Spirit by faith, he suddenly finds he can overcome sin, if he has a willing heart to do so. It is written, in Acts 2:37,38–NOW WHEN THEY HEARD THIS, THEY WERE PRICKED IN THEIR HEART, AND SAID UNTO PETER AND TO THE REST OF THE APOSTLES, MEN AND BRETHREN, WHAT SHALL WE DO? THEN PETER SAID UNTO THEM, REPENT, AND BE BAPTIZED EVERY ONE OF YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS, AND YE SHALL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST.
The verses continue–
Jn 3:35. THE FATHER
(LOVES) THE SON. These same words are used in Jn 5:20. The Father loves the Son–
AND (HAS) (PLACED) ALL THINGS
INTO HIS HAND. This is confirmed in Mt 28:18–AND JESUS…SPAKE,…ALL POWER IS GIVEN UNTO ME IN HEAVEN AND IN EARTH.
Jn 3:34–FOR GOD (GIVES) (THE SPIRIT WITHOUT LIMIT–NIV) UNTO HIM
Jn 5:22–THE FATHER…HATH COMMITTED ALL JUDGMENT UNTO THE SON. (Ref Jn 5:27)
Phili 2:10–11–THAT AT THE NAME OF JESUS EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, OF THINGS IN HEAVEN, AND THINGS IN EARTH, AND THINGS UNDER THE EARTH; AND THAT EVERY TONGUE SHOULD CONFESS THAT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD, TO THE GLORY OF GOD THE FATHER.
And now Jesus (the Lamb of God) sits or stands on the right hand of God the Father–ref Mk 16:19; Acts 7:55
1 Pe 3:22–ANGELS AND AUTHORITIES AND POWERS BEING MADE SUBJECT UNTO HIM.
Consider: the Father had such confidence in Jesus Christ that He placed in His hands the eternal future of all mankind. Whosoever places their trust in Him and Him alone as their only hope of salvation, receive the gift of eternal life
GOD IS LOVE–1 Jn 4:8
Regarding the subject of love, it is written: FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD.
Regarding true born again Christians, they have the love of God shed abroad in their hearts by the Holy Ghost–ref Ro 5:5.
Know this–Gal 5:6–FAITH WHICH WORKETH BY LOVE. If a man has faith or trust but not love, faith is of no value.
Unbelievers have not the love of God in them–ref –Jn 5:42.
This is the last verse in John’s message. This coupled with Jn 3:16 makes the message of salvation exceptionally clear. It is a message that clearly shows those that say they believe in Jesus, but do not believe all of the Bible is God’s Word are under God’s wrath. The first part of the verse is very positive. The last part is very sobering. It will be terrifying to experience God’s wrath, standing before Him at the great white throne Judgment, before being cast into the lake of fire which is the second death.
LOVE OF BRETHREN = LOVE FOR GOD
1 Jn 4:20–21–If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
LOVE
LOVE GOD,
LOVE THE BRETHREN MESSAGE
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE MESSAGE ON LOVE
1–Love Introduction
(Five Negatives)
1. The sin of a lack of love for God and for the brethren.
2. The sin of a lack of the fear of God.
3. The sin of a lack of conviction and guilt regarding sin, wrong doing, and the lack of Godly sorrow and shame
4. The sin of a lack of childlikeness to correction.
5. The sin of self centeredness and pride.
What is more important in your life?
Love Introduction—continues
Questions to ask yourself regarding love and your attitude
BORN AGAIN AND LOVE
Serving God is not evidence of repentance
(Growing in Christ)
A great fight or struggle
What good does your Bible reading do if:
Gluttony
Regarding correction
Five questions each Christian should ask them self.
1–Do I want to grow in Christ?
2–Do I really want to be corrected and change ?
3–Do I really want to be more like Jesus?
4–Am I childlike to correction? or do I make excuses and say, “You just don’t understand?” and thus I cast down God’s correction.
5–Do I love the person God sends to correct me with His Word?
Correction and changing
2–Choose life and blessing, not death and curing
3–Love—What is Godly love and what it does or does not do
4–Love—God’s love for man
Correct
Some of His saints resist
To be totally like Christ is to:
5–Love—God loves them that love Him
6–Love—A minister’s love for his flock
Correction is a sign of love
Correction becomes null and void
7–Love—A flocks love for their minister
8–Love—Without Biblical love I am nothing. Salvation is not possible
9–Love—God’s Word offends some plus Israel
LOVE–COMMANDMENTS
10–Love–Commandments and requirements. Love God with all.
11–Love God a requirement
12–love your brothers and sisters in Christ
Attitude, rejection, double mind, purify your heart
I come quickly, storms of the darkness, come Lord Jesus.
13–Love thy neighbor
14–Love, the law, and fruit
15–Love—What it takes to understand God’s love for you. Love needed to understand God’s Word and to grow
16–Love—Many other miscellaneous commands
17–love others.
18–Love the truth
19–Love God, serve Him, Fear Him, etc.
20–Labor of love
21–Love—God’s love needs to be in you. A person must have the Holy Ghost for this to be possible
EVIDENCE
22–Love—Proof or evidence that Jesus loves the Father is that He obeys the Father’s commandment
23–Love—Proof or evidence that you love God (or are saved) is that you keep His commandments and do His works.
To love God is to do the following:
Love one another
Do what Jesus commands
Do His works
Bear the fruits of the Spirit
Observe His commandments
Take diligent heed to do the commandment
Hearken diligently to His commandments
Diligently keep His commandments
Keep the commandments of the Lord always
Keep God’s Words
Take diligent heed to do the law
Love Thy law
These Words shall be in your heart
and many more
24–Love does these things–fruits of the Spirit
(Explanation of fruit)
25–Love—Proof or evidence that you love God (or are saved) is that you have faith in Jesus Christ, love all the saints, have love, and dwell in love. All are needed and required
26–Proof or evidence that you love God (or are saved) is
by your fruits,
that you do the will of God in heaven,
that you truly love the brethren and do not do them ill or evil,
and confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh
27–These are not saved if God’s love not in him
28–Perfection and the God of love
a–Perfection is a command
b–Perfection–What God gives to help us
c–Perfection–How to become perfect
d–Summary of above Scripture.
Perfection. What it includes, what we are to do, and suffer
e–Perfection: Some preach, and some pray to enable you to stand perfect
f–Perfect law, perfect gift, and Jesus is perfect
29–How to have perfect love
Heart is deceitful. The dishonest heart.
30–Love—The greatest love is that you would lay down your life for your friend
31–Love—Who will love God the most?
LOVE–WARNINGS
32–Love—What do you love the most?
33–Love—Warning—you are being tested
34–Love—Warning—faith will not work without Godly love
35a–Warnings against sinning, loving the world, loving other things, false ways, hate, and cults. Satan’s tactics
The wrong thoughts we have that tempt us are from Satan
The religious world They want to feel good. They want positive teaching
Is your trust in this world?
Satan understands the things that be of men
A person can go to prison for teaching the Gospel
People talk of peace, peace, but there will be no peace until Jesus Christ returns
Satan knows how to get a Christian to trust in the world
Most people do not want God to rule over them
A person’s heart that is centered in the world, cannot be centered on Jesus
How hot most people’s emotions can become when their sins and shortcomings are brought up
Biblical examples of how hot a persons emotions can become when they are confronted by their sin
Satan puts in a person’s mind that they are following Jesus because they serve Him
35b–Warnings against sinning, loving the world, loving other things, or false ways. Satan’s tactics. Sub heading–
World. b–To the unsaved
Unsaved world’s view of Jesus
Jesus is from where?
Unsaved world’s view of the Father
Unsaved world’s view of the Holy Spirit
Unsaved world’s view of God’s children
Facts about the unsaved
Conversation
Facts about the world
Some unsaved were once saved
35c–Warnings against sinning, loving the world, loving other things, or false ways. Satan’s tactics. Sub heading.
c–World guilty
Bible prophecy
God gives you this invitation to be saved
35d–Warnings against sinning, loving the world, loving other things, or false ways. Satan’s tactics. Sub heading.
World.d–To the saved
Facts about the saved
The world hates you
Sound Biblical advice
Jesus prays for you
Problems in the world
Saved not of this world
Commands to the saved
Warning to the saved
35e–Warnings against sinning, loving the world, loving other things, or false ways. Satan’s tactics. Sub heading.
World. e–Warnings of how Satan can tempt a person, what god promises, and the churches of today
Wrong thinking
Examples of how Satan works
How skillful Satan is at getting your mind off Jesus Again we see how
Satan works
How has Satan blinded you
The devil tempted Jesus
Satan uses these things
Following Jesus can bring great disappointments if our mind is set on this world
Preachers
Inheritance
Win a lot of money
Used by Satan
Mankind wants Jesus to give to them rather than remaking them
You harden yourself
Can a barber cut your hair if you won’t sit down in the chair?
Following Jesus begins with repentance
Allowing Jesus
Potter shapes pottery
No transformation, no salvation Jesus is correction
If they are sick
It does not mean Jesus does not love them
God knows how to use various things to get our attention
They will understand.
If a person’s heart is partly in this world
Question and doubt God
Shy away from fellowshipping with the brethren
Satan misused Scripture to try and deceive Jesus
How skillful Satan is at getting strongholds in people’s lives
Setting one Christian against another
Satan can also use a person’s love for Love not this world
Beware of an accusing attitudeBeware of getting involved in some worldly cause
Satan,…deceiveth the whole world
False religions
Ask the billions of people that are in hell
Do you attend movies?
If so, Do they keep you from church?
Do you fast at all?
Do you tithe
Hurts, rejections
Remember Lot’s wife
Stop being like a wave
Is the love of your parents more important to you than the love of God?
Do you really want to deny yourself?
What line won’t you cross when following Jesus?
Emotions
Who is really in control of your life
Not many noble men
Would you rather have the richest man in the world as your friend, or Jesus?
GOD HATH CHOSEN
Has God called you, but you will not obey?
God will take care of your food, clothing, and needs
Laodicean church
God chooses the poor
But those that endure hardships
Evolution
Foolishness of man
Evolution created things
Science in the Bible
Spiritually, the lukewarm church is
God’s prescription
Doctrine can only be taught to someone that is teachable. Is that you?
36–Love–Warning—Striving with each other is not Godly love
37–Love—Warning–Do not pass over the love of God
38–Love—Warning against those that do not love God
39–Love—Warning–to continue in God’s love
40–Love—Warning–Do not avenge against a brother
41–Love—Warning–Do not bear any grudge against brothers, etc.
42–Warning: to those that do not keep God Commandments
43–Warning: to those that do not love their brother or may hate their brother
44–Love—Warning–Satan can use a person’s love to tempt them to sin
45–The Lord will do it and promises regarding health
LOVE AND PROMISES
46–A person must do this in order to receive this promise
47–Love–These cannot separate us from the love of God. Faith–A person that loses their faith no longer stands
A person has no righteousness of his own
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?
49–Love–In order to live: a person must have or do these
50–Love–How to have eternal security. No possibility of falling
51–Love–Those that fall, forget what they were like when they was saved–They are not doers of God’s Word
LOVE—MISCELLANEOUS
52–God is your
53–Love–Testimonies
54–Love and correction
55–Love and sins
56–Love and faith and growth
Faith should be covered first and the fear of God. Love and faith should be covered after
(Fear God)
(Back to Faith)
Where does faith come from
(Faith and Love)
(Grow in love)
57–Love facts
58–Purifying your heart to love
59–The brethren’s love brings joy, consolation, refreshment, comfort to others, and edifies
60–Love and rewards
61–Love—False brethren’s love. They show much love with their mouth but will not obey
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
63–Love—When your love is rewarded back with evil, do these things
Praise the Lord
Pray
64–Love—Conclusion
The end of the table of contents for LOVE GOD. LOVE THE BRETHREN
LOVE
LOVE GOD
LOVE THE BRETHREN
1–Love Introduction
It is written: 1 Cor 13:2–THOUGH I…HAVE NOT CHARITY (or love) I AM NOTHING. Love never fails–ref 1 Cor 13:2,8.
This message should give vital information to every spiritually discerning person that hears or reads it. This information is–that you need to change and grow in love–and if you do not, you will surely perish.
Trust the Word–hell is a place where countless people are weeping and wailing and crying out, “I am tormented in this flame.” It is a place where some of your relatives are saying, “Send someone to the people I know, less they also come to this place of torment”–ref Lk 16:28.
This message may be the very method that God is using to warn you that you may need to repent, change the way you think and act, receive Jesus Christ as your only hope, and put on love by the power of God.
Many interpret the Bible to say what they want it to say, rather than according to what it really does say (in truth). They lean to their own understanding, which is molded by what is in their heart. They allow their past, their circumstances, their hopes, plans, and desires to twist and distort God’s holy Word of truth.
Few will receive God’s Word, as it is actually written. Neither will they receive correction as a little child. The bottom line is that they don’t want to repent, to change, and give total control of their life over to a Holy God, as He has His own plan for their life. They make excuses to justify themselves. They deceive themselves into believing that everything will turn out all right when they die. They receive the wrong thinking that Satan puts in their thoughts, because their heart wants to believe it. They hear and receive Satan’s lies in their thoughts and believe it is the truth, just as Eve did.
Thus, they receive and make Satan’s lies their own truth. It never occurs to them that the lying thoughts in their mind, which contradict God’s Word, are really from the devil. They are spiritually ignorant, yet most refuse believe this.
Some brief examples are these. A born again Christian witnesses to you from God’s Word. You are told that except a person repents and trusts in Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, who is come in the flesh, as their only hope of having their sins forgiven and of being saved, they will surely perish to hell. Upon hearing this, you refuse to believe it because:
1. Your best friend recently died, and you are sure they went to heaven, because they were a good person and gave lots of money to the church. You know they never trusted Jesus, so you know what this person is telling you must be wrong.
2. You refuse to believe that your deceased mother is in hell, even though she lived like the devil. Thus, you refuse to believe what you are being told.
3. You know your deceased relatives are in purgatory, not hell. Your church is the biggest denomination in the world, so they are the right one. Thus, you know this person witnessing to you is wrong.
4. You know your religion is the only right way to get to heaven, so you know what this person is telling you is wrong.
5. You know this person witnessing to you is wrong, because you are really uptight, as the words he is speaking are making you angry.
6. You know there is no real devil. It is simply a figment of the imagination, so this person reading the Bible to you is wrong.
7. You know that if there really was a god, He would never allow a person to go to hell. He would never allow all the problems in the world to exist as they are. So you know the person witnessing to you is some kind of a nut or radical.
8. You know that when you die, it will all turn out all right, so you tell this person to get lost.
9. You know the Bible was just written by men, not by God, and there are many things in it that are wrong, so there is no reason to listen to this religious fanatic. Besides, in your heart, you can feel you are right, and this person is the one that is deceived.
In reality, all these are wrong thoughts that were put in your mind from the devil, but you refuse to believe this. Thus, you stay deceived and will ultimately perish, just as millions have before you. But you refuse to believe this also, until you die and then perish; but then it is too late. The eternal lake of fire is for all those that refuse to believe the truth of God’s Word. It is for all that break God’s law, that do not obey God’s commands, and will not repent and trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ as their only hope.
If you are hearing or reading this message, from hence forth, you cannot say, “God, I never had the chance to know these things.” Read God’s Word, and obey it. To obey God’s commandments–this is love.
You need to stop blaming and accusing and criticizing others for your shortcomings and put on love. You need to put off unrighteous anger, getting irritated at the drop of a pin, being cold toward others, and then love your brethren even as Jesus loves them. You need to treat them as Jesus treats them. You need to conform to the image of Christ. You need correction from God’s Word and may need correction from your born again, love–filled, God–fearing minister. And if you do not want correction, you need to be corrected for that ungodly attitude and sin. Your attitude, your love, your faith should be consistent in Christ, not a wave that is up and down or in and out. Know this, that the lukewarm shall be rejected (spit out)–ref Rev 3:16.
God’s Word tells of the coming of Jesus. It is written–Deut 18:19–AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS, THAT WHOSOEVER WILL NOT HEARKEN UNTO MY WORDS WHICH HE SHALL SPEAK IN MY NAME, I WILL REQUIRE IT OF HIM.
Should a person choose to ignore God’s Word, it will surely be required of him. For it is written, Heb 9:27–IT IS APPOINTED UNTO MEN ONCE TO DIE, BUT AFTER THIS THE JUDGMENT.
Consider. Do you really believe the Bible is God’s Word, and do you believe it as it applies to you?
Do you really believe that God is God and understand what that means?
Do you really fear God?
Is your faith (or trust) real in the time of testing—when everything seems to be going wrong or there seems to be no hope, or you get really uptight over some situation?
Do you really understand God’s Word as it applies to you?
Do you really want to totally repent, and change, and be more like Jesus, yielding and conforming to Him and His ways?
Are you truly willing in your heart to give up your personal desires, and to deny self as He has commanded?
God says: Rev 2:19–I KNOW THY…CHARITY (OR LOVE).
So few people desire to truly repent and have a transformed life, which is needed to inherit eternal life through Jesus Christ. For most people, thinking about number 1 (self) is all that is important. For most people “now” is what is important. Few people have the faith and understanding that will cause them to surrender themselves to obey the Bible, suffer persecutions, and even humiliation, or worse, in order to have eternal life later. Rather, most people want the good life right now. They are willing to take their chances later, hoping it will all turn out all right.
And finally, God’s great commandment. Do you really love the Lord, thy God with all your heart, soul, mind (or understanding), and strength (or might) and love thy neighbour as thyself? Are these words in your heart as God commanded?
The Scriptures tell us to FIGHT the good fight OF FAITH–1 Tim 6:12, submit to God (His Word), and resist the devil. God’s Word tells us exactly how to fight, how to resist, and what weapons to use. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal or worldly–but mighty through God–to the pulling down of strongholds–2 Cor 10:4. How can a person pull down strongholds in their own life, if they refuse to admit to them? We are to cast down imaginations (or wrong thinking). We are to cast down every high thing, every wrong desire, every hurt, all unforgiveness, every thing that exalteth itself, or contradicts in any way, against the knowledge of God (the Bible). We need to dwell in and put on God’s love. We are to bring every thought we have to the obedience of Christ, to the obedience of God’s Word–ref 2 Cor 10:5.
We need to die to ourselves. We need to stop being the center of our own universe. We need to stop being number 1. We need to stop being self centered. Jesus must become number 1 in our life.
It is written: Ro 6:8–NOW IF WE BE DEAD WITH CHRIST, WE BELIEVE THAT WE SHALL ALSO LIVE WITH HIM.
We need to die to self. We need to BE DEAD…UNTO SIN. We are not to let SIN REIGN in our life. We are not to OBEY the LUSTS of our body and desires. We are not to yield our bodies as INSTRUMENTS OF UNRIGHTEOUSNESS UNTO SIN. We are to YIELD ourselves UNTO GOD. Sin is not to HAVE DOMINION OVER YOU–ref Ro 6:11–14. 2 Tim 2:11–IT IS A FAITHFUL SAYING: FOR IF WE BE DEAD WITH HIM, WE SHALL ALSO LIVE WITH HIM:
Yet few people will do as He commands and fight the battles God’s way that have to be fought in this world, in our flesh, and in our thoughts. Few people will avoid certain temptations as they are commanded. We are in a spiritual war. Our soul is at stake. Yet most people, that are called, follow the wrong thinking they have from Satan, because Satan tells them to do what is already in their deceived heart and desires. They choose to obey Satan’s voice which comes to them in their thoughts, rather than the sound teaching they have from God’s Word–and then they justify themselves. Of the many that are called, only a few are chosen. Only a few enter the straight gate and follow the narrow way that God commands. Only a few overcome all things through faith. Only a few can recognize Satan’s temptations, as he tempts each person. The tempter knows the things that are in men’s hearts. Only a few stand firm to the end. Only a few die in faith. Only a few.
Will you be one of the few that put on the breastplate of trust and love, or one of the many that perish? Many wrongly convince themselves they will go to heaven. They convince themselves that they are being obedient to God, but it is only those few that fight the good fight of faith, God’s way, that will hear the words…WELL DONE, THOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT. You can’t say you did not have the chance to know. If you have spiritual ears to hear and an understanding heart, then hear.
There are 5 negatives and more that can hinder a person’s growth in Jesus. These same negatives can kill a person spiritually. These 5 negatives are all roads to the lake of fire.
1. The sin of a lack of love for God and for the brethren. We are not to love in word, but in deed and in truth. The Christian’s fellowship is not with the world, but with God and each other with hearts joined together, preferring one another, forbearing one another, loving one another. If anyone says they love God, but they do not love their brother in Christ, how can he love God? All that love God are under commandment to love their brothers in Christ also. To love God is to keep His commandments–ref 1 Jn 5:2
2. The sin of a lack of the fear of God. It is written: WHOSOEVER AMONG YOU FEARETH GOD, TO YOU IS THE WORD OF THIS SALVATION SENT–Acts 13:26. Paul said: YE THAT FEAR GOD, GIVE AUDIENCE–Acts 13:16. COME AND HEAR, ALL YE THAT FEAR GOD–Ps 66:16. Who are the people that God chooses? It is those that FEAR GOD, MEN OF TRUTH, HATING COVETOUSNESS–Ex 18:21. IT IS AN EVIL THING…THAT MY FEAR IS NOT IN THEE, SAITH THE LORD–Jere 2:19. LET US HEAR THE CONCLUSION OF THE WHOLE MATTER: FEAR GOD, AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS: FOR THIS IS THE WHOLE DUTY OF MAN–Ecc 12:13. Many hearing or reading this—it is certain that the things you do, prove you have little fear of God; for BY THE FEAR OF THE LORD, MEN DEPART FROM EVIL–ref Pv 16:6. Such need to repent, believe the Gospel, and not follow those that do not fear God.
3. The sin of a lack of conviction and guilt regarding sin, wrong doing, and the lack of Godly sorrow and being ashamed. The Holy Spirit came to CONVICT men for GUILT IN REGARD TO SIN, RIGHTEOUSNESS AND…JUDGMENT–ref Jn 16:8 KJV and NIV. Not doing what is right is sin. Doing things contrary to God’s Word is sin. It is written, KNOW YE NOT THAT…SIN (is) UNTO DEATH–Ro 6:16. Those that serve sin are free from righteousness. They will perish–ref Ro 6:17. Sin offers pleasure for a season, but deceives you–ref Heb 11:25 and 3:13. When a person can willfully do wrong or fail to do that which is right–yet they feel no shame, or godly sorrow, or guilt, or conviction from God, it is a sign that they have hardened themselves to being corrected from God’s Word, from the Holy Spirit, and from their minister. In their own mind, they may think that everything is fine, but, in reality, they are going in the wrong direction spiritually. Such need to repent.
4.The sin of a lack of childlikeness to correction–ref Mt 18:3. It is written, REPROVE (or correct) …WITH …DOCTRINE–2 Tim 4:2. HAVE NO FELLOWSHIP WITH THE UNFRUITFUL WORKS OF DARKNESS, BUT RATHER REPROVE THEM–Eph 5:11. When an unrighteous person or scorner is corrected, he will hate thee and may harden himself and make excuses. When a humble, broken, wise man is corrected, he will love thee–ref Pv 19:25; 9:8.
A person that does not want correction and seeks no correction, or a person that is corrected, yet will not change—is not following Jesus as they ought. Such people may say they want truth, but their attitude shows the opposite. Such people walk in deceit and in the imagination of their own hearts. Such people hear the voice of the adversary more than they hear the voice of God, but they can’t recognize this. Such people have not denied themselves as they ought. Such people’s ways are right in their own thoughts, but are wrong according to God’s Word. These are usually excuse–makers. A child without correction eventually goes astray. So it is with professing Christians. Hell has multitudes of people that once professed Jesus Christ as their Lord, but their heart was very deceived and hardened when it came to being corrected. Correction irritates those that go astray. Some hear the lies of Satan that says, “Correction is rejection.” In reality, correction is love. God corrects those He loves, but those that harden themselves in this area and do not repent should ultimately find they are not chosen, even if they serve God. Such people need to repent and change the fruits of their attitude and thinking in this respect, or else eternal destruction may lie ahead.
5. The sin of self–centeredness and pride. Me, myself, and I—the center my universe, or as it has been said, “Me, myself, and I–my three best friends.” The essence of following Jesus is denying self, surrendering self, humbling self, crucifying self, and picking up your cross daily and following Jesus. A person cannot follow self and follow Jesus. To follow Jesus is to do the following. Not my will be done, but thine. Self–centeredness can ultimately kill you spiritually. When you surrender your life to Jesus, you are to come with a humble and broken attitude of repentance. Satan’s attitude is just the opposite. It is one of self–I will, I shall, I want. Following Jesus is a submissive attitude to His will and what He wants. If you are serving Jesus–are you simply His employee? Do you simply put in your time, and afterward do only that which is pleasing in your own sight? A person that is a friend of this world, whose mind is centered on self, is an enemy of God–ref Ja 4:4. To follow Jesus is to put on Jesus. He is to be your life. What He tells you to do–you do. Where He tells you to go–you go. The way He tells you to do things–is the way you do them. The hours He tells you to work–you work. The way He tells you to think–that is the way you should think. Now, ask your self, are you really following Jesus, or are you following an illusion? Are you following self? Are you a Christian only in name but not in deed? Do you need to repent? Again, it needs to be said–you cannot follow self and follow Jesus. If Jesus is not the center of your universe, you are spiritually in trouble or may even be spiritually dead, even though you preach the Gospel or sing in the choir. You are bought for a price. You no longer belong to yourself. Your life is not to please yourself, but to please God–Gal 1:10; 1 Thes 4:1; and 2 Tim 2:4. You cannot any longer do the things that ye would. This is what true faith, understanding and love produces. This is the way it is.
HOW FORCIBLE ARE RIGHT WORDS! BUT WHAT DOTH YOUR ARGUING REPROVE?–Job 6:25.
Here are 5 of Satan’s weapons that need repeating.
1. The sin of a lack of love for God and for the brethren.
2. The sin of a lack of the fear of God.
3. The sin of a lack of conviction and guilt regarding sin, wrong doing, and the lack of Godly sorrow and shame
4. The sin of a lack of childlikeness to correction.
5. The sin of self–centeredness and pride.
Self–centeredness is often the reason why some people do not get along with other people. They are not a team player. They have wrong thinking. They make up reasons to explain why they can’t fellowship with this or that brother or sister in Christ. They can’t fellowship with one, as they talk too much or talk too little. They can’t fellowship with another, because they look odd. They can’t fellowship with another, because their clothing is a wrong color, or they are single, or they are married, or they are lazy, or too thin, or–the list is almost endless. In reality, the real problem is within themselves, but they don’t want to admit this. Yet God’s Word clearly says, in 1 Jn 1:7–IF WE WALK IN THE LIGHT, AS HE IS IN THE LIGHT, WE HAVE FELLOWSHIP ONE WITH ANOTHER. In other words, a person should be a good team player, if they obey the Gospel. Specifically, (1) love the brethren as Jesus teaches, (2) are patient and forbearing with each other, (3) treat each other with brotherly kindness, (4) esteem and honor others above than themselves, (5) follow peace among yourselves, (6) don’t speak evil or judge one another, and (7) with one mind striving together for the faith of the Gospel. A person that does these things will absolutely love the brethren, be a team player, and get along with other Christians. A person that does not get along with other Christians, as part of the body of Christ, is usually self–centered in some way, has wrong thinking, or a wrong attitude. If a person doesn’t recognize they have wrong thinking, then their heart has chosen to believe the lies that Satan has put in their mind. If they don’t recognize they have wrong thinking, then they do not seek to change. They have received Satan’s wrong thinking and made it their own thinking, as their heart agrees with it. They are deceived. If a person does not examine themselves and recognize that they have wrong thinking, it shows they are unable to compare their wrong thinking with God’s Word. They have not cast down their wrong thoughts as God’s Word commands, as they don’t recognize they have wrong thoughts. Such a person has a problem, and they seldom repent of the area where their thinking is unbiblical. The problem is made much worse, if they are difficult to correct. Those with God’s Spirit in them will work together with brotherly love, as the body of Christ, esteeming others better than themselves.
If you have problems working with others in harmony, or you don’t like to work with other Christians, or you don’t like to be around certain other Christians, don’t blame them. Don’t accuse them. Blame yourself for your wrong thinking, and repent and bring your thinking in line with God’s Word. Don’t point fingers at others. Point fingers at yourself. If you have the mind of Christ as you ought, then you can indeed be a team player and get along well with other Christians. This is God’s way–but if it is not the way you are, then repent and bring your thinking and attitude in line with the Scriptures.
If you do not repent, you are allowing Satan to get a stronghold in you. Satan’s strongholds have led many to fall.
What is more important in your life? What do you trust in more? What do you love the most? What do you think about the most? Where do you choose to spend most of your time. What comes first in your life? Who or what is the most important thing in your life? Is it Jesus? Or is it your job, or some hobby, or your parents, or your spouse, or your children, or a certain person or pleasure, or money, or sex, or food, or your appearance or clothes, or your car, or some television program, or something of this world? Is there something in your life that comes before God: such as sex, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, selfishness, cares of this life, pleasures, the love of money, stubbornness, gluttony, secretiveness, some hobby, or the Internet, or some hand–held electronic device, or something else? What is hindering you from completely repenting and turning your whole life over to Jesus? What is hindering you from studying God’s Word daily, as you ought to be doing and serving God? Where is your heart? We all sin. Do you have a problem seeing your sins? Satan has some sort of stronghold in every person’s life. Do you know which ones are in your life?
If you don’t recognize the sin that you do (we all sin), or you don’t see the strongholds that Satan has in your life–then how can you grow? The fact that you don’t see where Satan has a stronghold in your life, is itself, a stronghold that Satan has over you. To grow is to recognize and admit sin and then to repent. Growth admits Satan’s strongholds. How can you change to be more like Jesus, if you can’t, or won’t, or refuse to admit the shortcomings that you have? Answer–it appears you can’t. No growth should be expected in such people. When people think they have nothing to repent of, then no repentance takes place. Good fruit cannot grow and ripen and come to perfection where no growth takes place or where there is some sort of an infection or illness. You can’t fix something, if you don’t think it is broken. So it appears to be with the vast majority of people that name the name of Christ. They were in a rut of no growth a year ago. They are in a rut of no growth now, and they can be expected to be in a rut of no growth tomorrow. When they die or the Rapture comes, what shall their end be??? (Some of the above article appeared in other locations.)
Love Introduction continues
Regretfully, all too many professing Christians squash the Word of God in their life. They harden themselves to being corrected in some areas of their life. They refuse to examine themselves honestly by God’s Word. They stop their ears at some of God’s commands. It is easier to serve God, than it is to change one’s attitude to a Christ–like attitude. That needs to be repeated. It is easier to serve God, than it is to change one’s attitude to a Christ–like attitude. It is likely that when a person says, “I serve God, I serve God,” they are covering up something. They are often covering up a lack of change in their attitude. They are not truthfully yielding and conforming to a Christ–like attitude. Their attitude is not centered in love. When confronted with this, their conscience is often seared. They do not want to hear or be confronted with correction which reveals their sin. They do not want light, as their wrong thinking and attitude may be revealed. Their attitude is one of self. They do not want Christ to reign over all aspects of their lives. Yes, they may serve Christ, but their attitude is not that of Christ. Before a person would be willing to die for the brethren, they must die to themselves. Christ must become the center of their universe. Regretfully, few professing Christians will allow Christ to reign and rule over all aspects of their lives– – –including their thinking and attitude.
Questions to ask yourself regarding love and your attitude
Reading God’s Word of Love, consider the following.
When you are busy and someone interrupts you, do you sometimes respond to them with a bad or negative attitude?
If you are studying God’s Word of love, and someone interrupts you, do you respond to them with a lack of love?
If you are praying to the God of love and someone interrupts you, do you sometimes respond to them harshly with a lack of love in your voice?
If you are doing God’s work of love and someone asks you to help them, do you sometimes respond with a bad or negative attitude which makes the person feel bad?
Do you have a dill pickle attitude towards others when things are not going the way you want them to?
Do you really have a Christ–like attitude when you are under stress or do not want to be interrupted?
Are you being conformed to love as Jesus is love?
How far we have strayed from the love of God? Have you ever put on and embraced the love of God? Have you hardened yourself to being convicted by the Holy Spirit of things in your life that are wrong in God’s eyes?
Did Jesus treat His disciples with a bad attitude, when they came looking for Him, when He was trying to be alone and praying to His Father? No.
Did Jesus treat His disciples with a harsh or bad attitude when He was asleep in the ship and they awoke Him? No.
Did Jesus treat His apostles negatively when he told them to watch, but instead they went to sleep just before being arrested? No
Have you considered your attitude? How do you treat others when you are not feeling good or are hurting, or are about to go through a difficult situation?
How do you treat others when you feel rejected or someone says something that hurts your feelings?
How much do you really deny yourself as Jesus denied Himself?
Do you really have a Christ–like attitude which reflects Christ in you? or do you sometimes have a negative, snappy, unforgiving, not–so–nice attitude?
Do you accuse and blame others for their sins, rather than repent and look at your self and your sin?
Do you have a beam in your own eye, which you ignore and will not repent of; yet you accuse those that have only a mote in their eye?
Are you a person that is centered on and irritated with the world situation, which is in line with God’s prophecy, but you don’t examine your own situation through His Word?
Do you compare yourself with others rather than comparing yourself with God?
Have you been an excuse–maker for years, yet have not repented?
Are you really changing and conforming to the image of Christ or are you just the same this year as you were last year?
Are you growing in Christ’s love and in obedience, or are you putting on a show?
You love those that love you, but do you really love those that are your enemies?
Are you an accuser, a critic, a complainer, a murmurer, or a gossip?
Are you a person of few words who speaks as God’s Spirit speaks through you with grace, or are you a talking machine that makes people feel uncomfortable around you?
Or are you a person that clams up like they are in a shell and is like an ice cube that won’t greet fellow brother’s in Christ?
Are you so full of rejection and hurts from your past and present, that your attitude is sometimes more like the devil than of God?
Are you the kind of person that is sometimes up, and sometimes down, and people around you never know which one of you will show up? In other words are you sometimes like a beautiful day, but other times are like a cold wind that blows in?
How much do you really want to be corrected by God’s Word? How much do you really want to be corrected by your minister as God speaks through Him?
Are you like the woman that came to Jesus asking for mercy and help, but Jesus said, “It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs.” Yet she still had a sweet, childlike attitude afterward. Then Jesus told her, “O woman, great is thy faith.” Are you like her, or do you get hard and argue when corrected?
Are you a person that claims they are a Christian, but doesn’t want to be around other Christians or doesn’t prefer to be with other Christians? Have you not read: Ro 12:10–BE KINDLY AFFECTIONED ONE TO ANOTHER WITH BROTHERLY LOVE; IN HONOUR PREFERRING ONE ANOTHER and 2 Pe 1:5,7–…ADD TO YOUR FAITH…(LOVE).
Do you really esteem others better than yourself, or do you esteem yourself better than them?
Do you really love the brethren as God’s Word commands?
Do you harbor evil thoughts toward the brethren?
Do you have patience with the brethren, forbearing them?
Do you seek to know them which labour among you and are over you in the Lord and correct you, esteeming them VERY HIGHLY IN LOVE?–ref 1 Thes 5:12,13, Or do you accuse them and hold things against them? Know this, how you treat them and the brethren falls on Jesus–ref Mt 25:40.
How often do you justify yourself, when confronted with your sin and wrong doing?
Have you learned to keep your mouth shut and receive correction with a humble, child–like, grateful attitude when confronted with your sin or are the type of person that seeks to justify yourself, and make excuses. Such people—how can they grow in the Lord?
Are you an angry person inside, or are you a sweet person when confronted with stress?
The Bible commands you to examine yourself to see if you are really in the faith. Are you doing this with what is written here?
Are you really a faith filled, love filled, Spirit filled, obedient Child of God that is walking according to God’s Word or are you an impostor, masquerading as a Christian?
Anger can reflect a lack of faith in God, belief in His Word, unforgiveness towards others, and not loving God and the brethren as you ought.
The deceitful heart analyzes, disbelieves and distorts the Word…but…God’s Word (which is truth) judges the heart.
Do you look like a Christian on the outside, but inside you are spiritually dead and you refuse to acknowledge the truth about yourself?
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 and divided heart and mind set on?
– – – – – – – –BORN AGAIN AND LOVE– – – – – – – –
There is true Biblical fruit or evidence when a person really repents. Serving God is not evidence of repentance. Serving in your church is not evidence of repentance. Trying to be a good person and giving to your church is not evidence of repentance. A changed attitude is needed, which begins with the way a person thinks, and is reflected by what a person says and does under stress.
One of Satan’s lies that he puts in people’s minds is this, “I serve God, so I must be saved.” There are countless preachers, elders, Christian businessmen, church workers, Christian authors, Bible web site designers, Bible university teachers, and lay people that are in hell. Some may have said, “I serve God. I gave Him all I had. I worked long hours. I have read the Bible through many times,” and at the Judgment, many will say, “God, I prophesied in Your name. I cast out devils in Your name. I did many wonderful works in Your name.” But Jesus will tell them, “I NEVER KNEW YOU.”
Serving God means nothing. All your good works and long hours mean nothing. These will not open the door of heaven for you, so much as one inch.
What will open the door of heaven is a changed attitude through Jesus Christ. You must be transformed from the inside out. You must put off the old man and put on the new. You must put off your worldly way of thinking and put on the mind of Christ. You must repent and put off the fruits and ways of this world, and put on Christ and the fruits of the Spirit.
Put off anger, gluttony, bitterness, unforgiveness, accusing, criticizing, covetousness, greed, worldly conversation, an uncontrolled tongue, earthly desires, wanting the better things of this world, the lusts of the flesh, the pride of this life, the desire for riches, and fellowshipping with unbelievers. You need to have the mind of Christ and exhibit the fruits of the Spirit of God. Your only true desire should be to become more like Christ–to be conformed to the image of Christ. You need to let God rule over you and direct your life. Self needs to die. Self–centeredness needs to die. You need to be crucified with Jesus. If Jesus does not become the center of your universe, you can expect to perish. You need to learn to obey the Gospel, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. To live is Christ. It is not self and self–interest. It is not my will be done, but His will be done. It is thankfulness to God, even though you are going through some of the sufferings that Christ went through.
Again, serving God means nothing. Repentance is not repentance, if a person still acts and thinks like the world does. Being transformed, converted, conformed to, submitted to, changed, yielded, denying self, surrendered, faithful and obedient are just a few words that describe the life of the true Christian. It is not buying. It is selling. The true Christian does not desire to be with the unfruitful workers of darkness, which include relatives that do not obey the Gospel. God commands to come out from among them and be ye holy. It is emptying yourself of this world and filling yourself with Jesus. Before you can put good water into the cup, you need to empty out the old.
Is your mind filled with soap operas, filth from the TV and movies? Is your mind filled with porn from movies, the TV, magazines, the Internet, books and other sources? If you try to fill your mind with filth (or cold water) and also try to fill it with Jesus (hot water), the end result can, at best, be lukewarm. Such are many professing Christians right now.
If your desire for biblical correction is not present, if you become hard when you are corrected, if you make excuses when you are corrected, then you are likely heading in a wrong direction. That direction is to the second death and eternal destruction.
You must put on biblical love. Faith will not work, if biblical love is not present. Faith works by love. You must love God. You must love the brethren, and you are to obey the Gospel. Do these, and live. Don’t do them, and the only hope you have is the lake of fire. This is fact. This is the way it is. If you are not born again with biblical fruits as evidence, then you are not born again. Biblical evidence means that a change from inside must take place by the power of God, which affects the way you act, the way you think, and the things you do. No inner change, no salvation. If the Word of God (which is the Word of correction and love) is not working inside you, bringing about this change and transformation, then you are still heading to eternal destruction. It is written–1 Jn 4:7–EVERY ONE THAT LOVETH IS BORN OF GOD. 1 Jn 4:7–EVERY ONE THAT LOVETH…KNOWETH GOD, however EVERY ONE THAT LOVETH NOT, KNOWETH NOT GOD–ref 1 Jn 4:8.
Col 3:5,8–PUT TO DEATH, THEREFORE, WHATEVER BELONGS TO YOUR EARTHLY NATURE. …YOU MUST RID YOURSELVES OF ALL SUCH–Col 3:5,8. LOVE NOT THE WORLD, NEITHER THE THINGS THAT ARE IN THE WORLD. IF ANY MAN LOVE THE WORLD, THE LOVE OF THE FATHER IS NOT IN HIM–1 Jn 2:15. Do not envy, do not have strife in your hearts, do not have unforgiveness in your heart, and do not lie–ref Ja 3:14. Put to death your earthly nature–your self–centeredness.
(FOR MANY WALK,…WHOSE END IS DESTRUCTION, WHOSE GOD IS THEIR BELLY,…WHO MIND EARTHLY THINGS.)–Phili 3:18–20. A person’s conversation should be centered in grace, in heaven, in the Word, and by the Spirit.
Col 3:12, 13–PUT ON THEREFORE, AS THE ELECT OF GOD, HOLY AND BELOVED, BOWELS OF MERCIES, KINDNESS, HUMBLENESS OF MIND, MEEKNESS, LONGSUFFERING; FORBEARING ONE ANOTHER, AND FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER.
Col 3:14–ABOVE ALL…THINGS PUT ON (LOVE), for if you have not love, you are nothing and shall perish. All that do not love, also do not know God. As a person puts off their old dirty cloths, and puts on new clean ones, so it is with a born again Christian. They need to put off the old worldly nature–the old man, and put on the new man WHICH IS RENEWED IN KNOWLEDGE AFTER THE IMAGE OF HIM THAT CREATED HIM,…WHICH AFTER GOD IS CREATED IN RIGHTEOUSNESS AND TRUE HOLINESS–ref Col 3:10 Eph 4:24.
We wish to begin this Bible study on Biblical love, with this verse. 1 Jn 4:6–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.
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).
Growing in Christ involves a great fight or struggle. Note God’s Word.
Eph 6:12–FOR OUR STRUGGLE (or wrestling) IS NOT AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD, BUT AGAINST THE RULERS, AGAINST THE AUTHORITIES, AGAINST THE POWERS OF THIS DARK WORLD AND AGAINST THE SPIRITUAL FORCES OF EVIL IN THE HEAVENLY REALMS–NIV. Note the word struggle.
Phili 1:30–SINCE YOU ARE GOING THROUGH THE SAME STRUGGLE (or conflict) YOU SAW I HAD, AND NOW HEAR THAT I STILL HAVE–NIV. Again note the word struggle.
Heb 12:4–IN YOUR STRUGGLE (or striving) AGAINST SIN, YOU HAVE NOT YET RESISTED TO THE POINT OF SHEDDING YOUR BLOOD.
Heb 10:32–BUT RECALL THE FORMER DAYS IN WHICH, AFTER YOU WERE ILLUMINATED, YOU ENDURED A GREAT STRUGGLE (or fight of afflictions) WITH SUFFERINGS–NKJ.
Note carefully, God’s Word. These describe what every true born again Christian will go through in order to grow–struggle, wrestle, fight, conflict, and striving. There is a war going on for your soul. It is between God and Satan, and you are in the center of the battlefield. There may be times you will feel like you have ropes tied to each arm and are being pulled apart. Satan may use every weapon against you that you can imagine: your own desires, your emotions, your hobbies, your lusts, your flesh, your thoughts, your fears, your hurts, your anger, your love, your pets, your friends, your relatives, including your own children, other people, your job, your vacations, your disappointments, your comforts, your self–confidence, your pride, your lack of self–denial, things you own or things you covet, beatings, imprisonment, the threat of death, and even your own children can all be weapons that Satan may use against you. Those that keep their focus and trust in Jesus will win this war. Those that do not, can expect defeat.
Before getting into the main message on love, please heed the following. 2 Tim 4:7,8–I HAVE FOUGHT A GOOD FIGHT, I HAVE FINISHED MY COURSE, I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH. HENCEFORTH THERE IS LAID UP FOR ME A CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. Regretfully, many do not keep the faith, when they are tempted in some way. Satan knows how to tempt people. He understands people’s emotions, the desires of people’s hearts, their addictions, and how to use fear tactics. He knows how to exploit them. For those that do not keep the faith, there is no crown laid up for them. There is only the second death. The more prosperous a person is in this world, the less prosperous he can be expected to be in following Christ. Are you willing to forsake and give up all for Christ, as He did for you?
Few Christians will FIGHT Satan according to God’s Word. All Christians are under a commandment to FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH. The words following these are–LAY HOLD ON ETERNAL LIFE–1 Tim 6:12. Note, it connects fighting against Satan with eternal life. All of us have areas of spiritual blindness that Satan knows how to exploit. Any one that will not admit this is already deceived. What good does all your Bible reading and studying do?–
if you remain a stubborn person,
if you are full of anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness,
if you have some hardness in your heart you won’t repent of,
and if you remain a person that is difficult to correct?
What good does all your Bible reading and studying do?–
if you remain a person that is not humble,
if you close yourself off from other brethren or are in a shell,
if you are a woman that does not submit to their husband, in the manner that the Bible teaches,
if you are a husband that does not love his wife,
and if you will not let the Word of God work in you to change you?
What good does all your Bible reading and studying do?–
if your thinking is that your way is the only right way,
if you will not consider your husband’s correction,
if you will not obey your preacher’s Biblical advice,
or if you get easily irritated when things don’t go the way you want them to go,
or if you have an accusing, critical, or judgmental attitude toward the brethren. Our wicked and deceitful heart finds many things to accuse the brethren of, yet we often ignore our own sins. We look at the mote that in other people’s eye, while ignoring the beam that is in our own eye. Stop accusing, or criticizing the brethren. Stop thinking evil toward the brethren. Purify your own heart, ye doubleminded–ref Ja 4:8.
Where do you draw a line with God??? What good is all your Bible reading, if you will not let it change you to be more like Jesus from the inside out???–and
what good is all your Bible reading,
if you will not conform to the image if Christ.
if you will not examine your attitude and ways in truth by God’s Word,
if you will not let God’s Word break up the hardness that is in you,
if your attitude is–“That’s just the way that I am and I do not want to change,” or “I can’t change.” If this is the case, you are spiritually in trouble. Jesus learned obedience. Obedience includes conforming to God. God, the Father was well pleased with His Son. Is He pleased with you? You also need to learn obedience. Can you admit that?
Refusing to change to be more like Jesus means that your Bible reading is nothing more than, gaining head knowledge. It is not working inside you to make you a different person. This is the way it is with most professing Christians. The Word is suppose to be in your heart, not just in your head.
Most Christians reach a certain level in their growth and then stop growing. They kind of stabilize and remain in their set ways or attitude for the rest of their lives. They never seem to make any forward progress. They are like an athlete that has potential, but never seems to get beyond a beginner’s level. They bring little fruit to perfection.
Because of a lack of humbleness and childlikeness toward correction and a lack of denying self, they can only grow in Christ to a certain point, and then they stop. Most become like a tree that bears little fruit or a flower that never fully opens. They become choked with Satan’s devices and wrong thinking. It is like they are stuck in a ditch and can’t get out. Ungodly thinking and attitudes are the same now as they were many years ago. This is not God's will. How can a person grow and change, if they refuse correction in their areas of blindness. Let me say that again. How can a person grow and change, if they refuse correction in their areas of blindness?
Can a baseball player advance that refuses to be corrected on the right way to hold the bat?
Can a soccer player advance that refuses to be corrected on the right way to kick the ball?
Can a runner advance that refuses to be corrected on the proper footwear to use?
Can a person drive a car safely, who only looks straight ahead and refuses to be corrected regarding the use of the rear view mirror?
Can a Christian grow in Jesus if they refuse Bible correction?
Note and heed God’s Word. Eph 4:15–But speaking the truth in love, MAY GROW UP into him in all things,…even Christ:
1 Pe 2:2–As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that YE MAY GROW thereby.
2 Pe 3:18–But GROW IN GRACE, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Note God’s Word: MAY GROW UP, YE MAY GROW, and GROW IN GRACE. To GROW IN GRACE is a command from God. Some may grow, but many others do not.
Regarding correction, as an athlete needs instruction from a good coach, so they can learn; so the Christian that runs the race needs the Word of God, the Holy Spirit, and a good preacher to correct him, when he gets off course.
But what a price the secretive Christian pays, as he carefully conceals from both people and his preacher what he is doing. He does not get corrected. He does his own thing and believes he is right. He ultimately may perish. As he has skillfully hidden certain things from those God has ordained to watch for his soul–so God may hide from him that he is on his way to death and hell. His desire is not to be corrected. And without correction, his soul may perish. Satan deceived him, as he does the whole world.
It is God’s will that you grow; and it is God’s will that you are able to grow. The question now becomes–will you let God change you? Will you deny yourself and pick up your cross and follow Him? Every Christian has the potential to grow up in Christ and to be much more like Christ than they are. So what stops them? Their own wrong thinking does. Satan uses the lack of self–denial, a lack of self–discipline, a wall the person may have put up, and the stubbornness that each person has against them. Satan has a stronghold in every person’s life that has to be broken. Satan uses a person’s own ungodly attitude against them. Selfishness, and my way, and my desires, and my hurts, and my private life are a person’s own enemies. Me, myself, and I are my own worst enemies. Love, denying self, humbleness, childlikeness, and meekness are a person’s friends.
Did you ever meet a wife that didn’t have some stubbornness toward her husband in some area? Did you ever meet a wife that was truly humble and could receive correction in all matters from her God–fearing husband, as Mary did? Job’s wife tempted him to curse God–ref Job 2:9. Abraham’s wife lied–ref Gen 18:15. Lot’s wife refused to obey God and became a pillar of salt–Gen 19:26. Rachel (Jacob’s wife) stole images that were her father’s–ref Gen 31:19. A virtuous woman is hard to find, and a Christian wife that is truly humble and easy to correct, that doesn’t have any stubbornness in her, may be even harder to find.
As a baseball or football player needs a good coach, so it is with a Christian. They sometimes need a good teacher to correct and point out to them the blindness that is in them that they don’t recognize. If they are hard to correct, their hope of growing is very limited. Many Christians have seen many other Christians that are just about the same now as they were 10 years ago. They have not grown in Christ at all. Are you one of them? Is some sin holding you back from growing?
Above all, you need the Holy Spirit, quickening the Word to your hearts and giving you understanding. You also need a good pastor that has cast the beam out of his own eye, that truly cares for the flock, to point out these things to you. But again, if you are hard to correction, what hope do you have? We all, at times, need help. God’s Word is clear that we are not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together as some do. That is especially true in this latter day generation, where the church is only lukewarm, when evil abounds all around us, and every form of worldly communication seems to be filled with evil and ungodly tolerance. The ways of the world are not the ways of God. Your wrong thinking and evil ways are not God’s ways.
And then there is the sin of gluttony. The Bible tells us in 1 Cor 6:20–…YE ARE BOUGHT WITH A PRICE: THEREFORE GLORIFY GOD IN YOUR BODY, AND IN YOUR SPIRIT, WHICH ARE GOD’S. 1 Cor 6:19–KNOW YE NOT THAT YOUR BODY IS THE TEMPLE OF THE HOLY GHOST…AND YE ARE NOT YOUR OWN? 2 Cor 13:5–EXAMINE YOURSELVES. Gal 5:17–FOR THE SINFUL NATURE DESIRES WHAT IS CONTRARY TO THE SPIRIT…THEY ARE IN CONFLICT WITH EACH OTHER, SO THAT YOU DO NOT DO WHAT YOU WANT (NIV). The sinful nature wishes to eat, and drink, and be merry, but this is not God’s way. The sinful nature wishes to eat foods that are good to the taste, but are bad for your health. Hear God’s Word, and do it. For it is written: 1 Cor 3:16,17–IF ANY MAN (that includes you) DEFILE (or destroys) (or causes to wither, spoil, or even corrupt) THE TEMPLE OF GOD (which is your body), HIM SHALL GOD DESTROY: FOR THE TEMPLE OF GOD IS HOLY WHICH TEMPLE YE ARE. Don’t deceive yourself. 1 Cor 3:9–YE ARE GOD’S BUILDING. 1 Cor 6:13–THE BODY IS…FOR THE LORD AND THE LORD FOR THE BODY. Do not fashion yourselves anymore, as you did before you were saved. Be as obedient children not going after sex outside of marriage, smoking, gluttony, alcohol, drugs, as you did in your ignorance. Be ye holy. And for those that will not obey, but make excuses, God says–AND WHY CALL YE ME LORD, LORD AND DO NOT THE THINGS WHICH I SAY?–Lk 6:46.
God laid down rules for Adam. God planted a garden. Every tree in the garden man could freely eat, except one–ref Gen 2. Afterwards, the serpent came, who was more subtil (or deceitfully clever) than any beast of the field. He used food to tempt Eve. He used the one single tree that God said not to eat of. Eve could eat of all the trees of the garden, except one; but she was not satisfied. She sinned. She tempted her husband, and he sinned. They died. How is it that people today have available to them thousands of foods, but they are not satisfied to eat the way God told them to. It is because THE EYES OF MAN ARE NEVER SATISFIED–Pv 27:20. It is because Satan tempts them to disobey God, and their deceitful heart willfully chooses not to live within the guidelines that God gave. How is it that when a father or mother gives guidelines to their children, for their good, that their EYE…MOCKETH AT HIS FATHER, AND DESPISETH TO OBEY HIS MOTHER–Pv 30:17. How is it that people can willfully disobey God’s Word, and then after wipe their mouth and say I HAVE DONE NO WICKEDNESS–Pv 30:20. Sex outside of marriage is sin. Smoking, drugs, drunkenness, and gluttony are all sin. Those that do these things should have godly sorrow and repent. Billions of people have died and perished to hell, yet man still wants to live in sin and rebellion against God’s commandments. They want to follow the voice of Satan rather than the voice of God, and they do not want to admit that they are living in sin.
Glorify God in your body and in your attitude. You are bought by the shed blood of Jesus. Stop being stubborn and stop now. Accusing the brethren is sin. Sowing discord among the brethren is sin. Gluttony is sin–ref Deut 21:20; Pv 23:2, 21; Mt 11:19; Lk 7:34.
Dressing indecently to sexually entice men is sin. Drunkenness is sin. God hates every evil way. Throughout the world many God–fearing Christian men and women do not have enough to eat. However, in America, many professing Christians (men and women) are overweight, far beyond what they should be. They do not glorify God in their body, but rather glorify sin, and excess, and a lack of self–denial through their gluttony. Their words say they love Jesus, but their great excess weight (which comes through gluttony in most cases) says the opposite; and oh, how some hate and despise correction from God’s Word regarding this subject.
Gluttony is sin. That needs to be said again. Gluttony is sin. These not only sin in their gluttony, but they often refuse to admit that gluttony is a sin against God. The satisfying of their lusts and appetite rules over them more than God. The sinful nature does not want to admit to sin. Many do not want to recognize their sinfulness. We need to recognize that we are sinful, before repentance can take place. Gluttony is a sin that many misled, deceived people brush aside, as not really very sinful. People further sin in their hardness to correction. It is very common, when God may send someone to correct a person with His Word, that the corrected person will lash out and accuse and have bad thoughts toward God’s servant. They may say, “You shouldn’t correct me that way. It’s none of your business. You don’t understand my situation.” Then their excuses begin to flow. They don’t see sin as sin. They don’t understand that the very words they are saying are from the thoughts that Satan is putting in their mind. Their sinful heart chooses to agree with Satan, just as Eve did. It is easier to deny sin, than it is to repent. It is easier to accuse those that correct you, than it is to admit you have done wrong. It is easier to lash out against others, than it is to lash out against yourself. It is easier to say the other person is wrong, than it is to say that you personally are wrong. Failing to be honest with yourself and admitting your sin, means you probably will not repent. Failing to admit the truth and repent means Satan has a stronghold in your life. Unrepentant people that make excuses are usually in other more serious sins than just gluttony. Their attitude in general is usually not being conformed to the image and holiness of God. Take heed, lest you perish from God’s way.
They further sin by refusing to obey the written Word of God, Himself who died for their sins. God has every right to tell the Christian how to live and what to do. God has every right to give His children guidelines on both food and clothing, and you have absolutely no right to refuse. Those that refuse are stubborn. They are rebellious. The way they eat does not please God. Their hardness to correction does not please God. Their lack of submission does not please God. Their lack of self–denial does not please God, and their lack of love for those that God’s sends to correct them does not please God. They should be thankful for correction. They should be thankful that God cares enough to send someone to let them know they are wrong. Yet, some may say, “I am going to eat the way I want, and God can not make me change.” When Satan gets this kind of a stronghold in a person, they are heading the wrong way spiritually. Many such people are in hell, crying out, “I am tormented in this flame. Oh, if I only had another chance to go back, I would obey God I never, never realized how serious my rebellion was in the eyes of a holy God.” Oh, that everyone hearing this or reading it could have ears to hear. Hear the word of God. Deut 21:20–…THEY SHALL SAY UNTO THE ELDERS OF HIS CITY, THIS OUR SON IS STUBBORN AND REBELLIOUS, HE IS A GLUTTON…AND A DRUNKARD. Pv 23:20,21–BE NOT AMONG THE WINEBIBBERS…AND THE GLUTTON. Note, those that are gluttons are in the same category as the drunkards. Woe to such that are also hard to correct and will not repent. Pv 23:1,2–WHEN THOU SITTEST TO EAT…CONSIDER DILIGENTLY WHAT IS BEFORE THEE: AND PUT A KNIFE TO THY THROAT, IF THOU BE A MAN GIVEN TO (GLUTTONY–NIV). Jesus was falsely accused of being a gluttonous man–ref Lk 7:24.
The bottom line is this. Most people that are way overweight, it is because they eat too much and/or eat too much of the wrong foods. If they would change their eating HABITS, (note the word HABIT), they would indeed lose weight and ultimately should feel much better, be healthier, and add years to their life. Does Satan have a stronghold in your life called food in excess or gluttony? Are you one of those deceived people that refuses to admit it is sin which needs to be repented of?
As a Christian, do not give yourself over to excess? Such are the ways of the world, but not of God. For it is written, Gal 5:17–FOR THE SINFUL NATURE (or the flesh) DESIRES WHAT IS CONTRARY TO THE SPIRIT,…THEY ARE IN CONFLICT (or contrary) WITH EACH OTHER, SO THAT YOU DO NOT DO WHAT YOU WANT (or wish)–NIV.
Regarding the overweight person that will not repent– – –know this. That your gluttonous, ungodly appearance speaks much louder than your words about Jesus. Don’t lie and say you love Jesus, when your very appearance says you will not obey His commandments. If you love Jesus, do what He says. Despite what some people say, in reality, most people love themselves and what pleases their appetite and personal desires more than they love Jesus and what pleases Him. That is one reason the Bible commands you to DENY SELF. Most people do not want to deny themselves. Neither do they want to give up doing the things that please their fleshly desires. Thus, they live the good life now and perish for eternity. Such are the ways of sinful man.
Repent of gluttony. Do it right now. Those that follow the ways of stubbornness can expect God’s chastising, which can include severe medical problems and many tears. People that smoke, people that are overweight through gluttony, take drugs, get drunk over and over, ultimately pay a severe price in their health, as they have given a place to Satan to attack them by being disobedient to God’s Word. The Christian glutton may say in his heart, I shall not suffer. God will not allow Satan to attack my health. Understand, God’s Word gives Satan permission to attack you, if you disobey His word. All too often, after Satan destroys a person’s heath, that bad health persists until the person dies. It becomes irreversible. Then the Christian cries and cries, but God will not hear. Warning to those that smoke, that are gluttonous and addicted to food, to the drunkard, to the drug addict, to any that are addicted to the things of this world. Hear the Word of God. Pv 1:25–33 (NIV)–SINCE YOU IGNORED ALL MY ADVICE AND WOULD NOT ACCEPT MY REBUKE…I WILL MOCK WHEN CALAMITY OVERTAKES YOU…WHEN DISTRESS AND TROUBLE OVERWHELM YOU. “THEN THEY WILL CALL TO ME BUT I WILL NOT ANSWER;…SINCE THEY…DID NOT CHOOSE TO FEAR THE LORD, SINCE THEY WOULD NOT ACCEPT MY ADVICE AND SPURNED MY REBUKE,…BUT WHOEVER LISTENS TO ME WILL LIVE IN SAFETY AND BE AT EASE, WITHOUT FEAR OF HARM.” From this moment on, if something happens to you that you could have prevented, you may wish to God for the rest of your life that you would have repented. God was trying to protect you, to warn you before something happened, but you refused to do it God’s way. You gave a place for Satan to attack you and now expect to pay the price. How blessed are those that with a right and pure heart, hear the Word of God regarding correction, and obey it.
Millions of people go to church, but few hear the Word of God being taught with authority, as Jesus and the apostles taught it. But even if they do go to one of the rare churches that preach the uncompromised Gospel, an even fewer number of them will personally correct their congregations for sin. And if the church does correct their people personally, because of the hardness of most people’s hearts, some people will run away to another church. There are many churches today that will teach what the people’s worldly nature wants to hear. It is written–2 Tim 4:3–FOR THE TIME WILL COME WHEN MEN WILL NOT PUT UP WITH SOUND DOCTRINE. INSTEAD, TO SUIT THEIR OWN DESIRES, THEY WILL GATHER AROUND THEM A GREAT NUMBER OF TEACHERS TO SAY WHAT THEIR ITCHING EARS WANT TO HEAR (NIV). Such do not understand in their heart that those that will not let Jesus (or the Word) reign over them, are in deep trouble spiritually. For it is written, Lk 19:27–BRING HERE THOSE…WHO DID NOT WANT ME TO REIGN OVER THEM, AND SLAY THEM…(NKJ). When a person gives their life to Jesus, that is exactly what they are suppose to do. They are to give the total and complete control of all their life to Jesus. They are to deny their self and let the creator of all things reign over them. Beware, for it is written: 1 Sam 15:23–FOR REBELLION IS AS THE SIN OF WITCHCRAFT, AND STUBBORNNESS IS AS INIQUITY AND IDOLATRY. BECAUSE THOU HAST REJECTED THE WORD OF THE LORD, HE HATH ALSO REJECTED THEE. Note REJECTED THE WORD…HE…REJECTED THEE.
And for those few that love Jesus enough to obey His Word, for those that love His Word of correction and want to be more like Jesus, it is written: Mt 5:8–BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART: FOR THEY SHALL SEE GOD. Lk 11:28–BLESSED ARE THEY THAT HEAR THE WORD OF GOD, AND KEEP IT. Ro 4:7–BLESSED ARE THEY WHOSE INIQUITIES ARE FORGIVEN, AND WHOSE SINS ARE COVERED. Rev 22:14–BLESSED ARE THEY THAT DO HIS COMMANDMENTS, THAT THEY MAY HAVE RIGHT TO THE TREE OF LIFE, AND MAY ENTER IN THROUGH THE GATES INTO THE CITY.
Reading God’s Word, over and over, is of little value, if a person will not conform to what they are reading by the power of God. It is of little value, if it goes in one ear and out the other. It is of little value, if it goes into your head but not into your heart. It is of little value to you, if you will not truthfully examine yourself and repent.
Beware, lest the devil takes the Word of God out of your heart–ref Lk 8:12.
Satan knows what thoughts to put in your mind, so you will follow your fleshly desires and ignore God’s Word. He understands your worldly desires far better than you do. He knows how to plant excuses in your thoughts, so you will believe you are doing the right thing, even though you are not. Hell has billions of people that were positive they were doing right, when they were in disobedience to God’s Word. Are you doing the same thing by ignoring the sin of gluttony, or smoking, or drugs, or drunkenness? Are you following the wrong thinking that says you are not doing wrong? Are you lying to yourself in saying, “I just can’t do that?” Is your heart pure before God? Are you trying to follow holiness?
These wrong thoughts, which your deceived heart agrees with, then become your own thoughts that hinder and stop your growth. Smoking is sin. Taking drugs is sin. Drunkenness is sin. Sex outside of marriage is sin. Gluttony is sin. Sin leads to death, but forgiveness comes with repentance. Obedience leads to righteousness. Do not walk after the flesh. Do not live after the flesh, for those that do shall die. The carnal or worldly mind is hatred against God. It will not submit to God’s Word. Those that are led by God’s Spirit are the true sons of God. Present your body a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, and be not conformed to this world, which includes gluttony. Do not make provision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof, which includes gluttony–ref Ro 13:14. Submit to God. Submit to God’s Word, and resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Note Ja 4:7,8,10–SUBMIT YOURSELVES THEREFORE TO GOD. RESIST THE DEVIL, AND HE WILL FLEE FROM YOU. DRAW NIGH TO GOD, AND HE WILL DRAW NIGH TO YOU. HUMBLE YOURSELVES IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD, AND HE SHALL LIFT YOU UP. If you are involved in the sin of misusing drugs, smoking, drunkenness, gluttony, or sex outside of marriage, you are not being led by God’s Spirit. You are not being led by God’s Word. And those of you that make excuses to justify yourself are in even deeper sin. The people that lie to themselves are in deep spiritual trouble. God is saying to you right now–REPENT. Don’t follow those that have gone before you to the place of torment called hell. Love God with all your heart, and obey Him. The disobedient say they love God, but what they do, testifies that they lie.
Six questions each Christian should ask himself:.
1–What is the center of my universe? Is it the things of this world? Is it the cares, or lusts or pleasures of this world or riches? Is it the people of this world, relatives, or my children? Or is it Jesus? Nothing should come before Jesus and His calling. Life is a test. Which do you think about the most? Is it Jesus and His Word and His works?
2–Do I want to grow in Christ?
3–Do I really want to be corrected and change?
4–Do I really want to be more like Jesus?
5–Am I childlike to correction? or do I make excuses and say, "You just don't understand?" and thus I cast down God's correction.
6–Do I love the person that God sends to correct me with His Word?
Can I pray these words in truth: Jere 10:24–O LORD, CORRECT ME, BUT WITH JUDGMENT; NOT IN THINE ANGER, LEST THOU BRING ME TO NOTHING.
Can I also pray this? O Lord, give me a right attitude when I am corrected. Give me an attitude of love, of meekness, of humility, of thankfulness and repentance. O Lord, may I not have an attitude of excuses, of answering back again, of justifying myself, of hardness, of anger, and of resentment. For all these are not the fruits of the Spirit, of repentance, of changing and becoming more like Jesus.
Sometimes, when a person is corrected, their bad attitude toward the correction and toward the one that God sent to correct them is worse than what they are actually being corrected for.
And to the preacher, God says: 2 Tim 4:2–PREACH THE WORD; BE PREPARED IN SEASON AND OUT OF SEASON; CORRECT, REBUKE AND ENCOURAGE (NIV).
Jesus is correction. It is His very Words that correct us, rebuke us, and will judge us.
If you are uncomfortable, it’s because you are under conviction. If you do not feel convicted for your sins, then you are in big spiritual trouble. When your sin is pointed out to you, you can expect Satan to put in your thoughts some ungodly reason why it does not apply to you, or some excuse to make God’s correction worthless, or some wicked thought that keeps you from repenting. According to your heart, you may have godly sorrow and choose to repent, or you may be in a state of denial regarding your sin. You may reject God’s correction and totally ignore it. Should you do this, how can you grow spiritually? This needs to be said again. If you do this, how can you grow spiritually?
In this lukewarm church age, tolerance abounds among so–called Christian churches that obey not the Gospel. But know this: pretending there is no difference between right and wrong, good and evil, the clean and unclean is living a lie. When Jesus Christ returns at the time of Armageddon; it is written: Isa 42:13–15–THE LORD SHALL GO FORTH…LIKE A MAN OF WAR: HE SHALL…ROAR; HE SHALL PREVAIL AGAINST HIS ENEMIES. I HAVE LONG TIME HOLDEN MY PEACE; I HAVE BEEN STILL, AND REFRAINED MYSELF: NOW…I WILL DESTROY AND DEVOUR AT ONCE. In one day the earth shall be cleansed. Those that rejected Jesus shall be terrified, and men’s hearts will fail them for fear. It is the great and terrible day of the Lord, and that time is drawing closer. Fear God, and depart from evil.
For those that think they are in the light and think they are spiritual, know this. The closer a person is to the light, the more he can see the dirt. The closer you are to Jesus, Who is holy and Who is the Light, the more you can see your own wickedness and sin. The further away you are from the light, the harder it is to see your own wickedness and sin.
Paul put it this way: Ro 7:24–O WRETCHED MAN THAT I AM! WHO SHALL DELIVER ME FROM THE BODY OF THIS DEATH? Paul considered himself among the worst of all sinners for he persecuted the church of God; yet God saved him. He can save you also, if you are willing.
For those with the deceived thinking that they can continue practicing sin, yet go to heaven, it is written: BUT IF, WHILE WE SEEK TO BE JUSTIFIED BY CHRIST, WE OURSELVES ALSO ARE FOUND SINNERS, IS THEREFORE CHRIST THE MINISTER OF SIN? GOD FORBID!–Gal 2:17.
When change is necessary, not to change is destructive. To repent, change, and to grow is necessary for all of God’s children. Failure to do so could effect your eternal destination.
It is written: 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. Trust in Jesus. Love God, love the brethren, keep His commandments and live.
Correction and changing. There are two critical things that have to be considered for a person to be conformed to the image of Christ. Being conformed to the image of Christ 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 of them to help them make that change. Two–a 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.
2–Choose life and blessing, not death and cursing
Deut 30:19–I CALL HEAVEN AND EARTH TO RECORD THIS DAY AGAINST YOU, THAT I HAVE SET BEFORE YOU (1) LIFE AND DEATH, (2) BLESSING AND CURSING: THEREFORE CHOOSE LIFE, THAT BOTH THOU AND THY SEED MAY LIVE.
3–Love–What is Godly love?
and What it does or does not do
What is love? It does not work any ill to his neighbour. It fulfills the law. It is serving one another. It is the number one fruit of the Spirit. It is dying a horrible death for someone you love. It is being willing to die for another.
What is Godly love? 2 Jn 6–…THIS IS LOVE, THAT WE WALK AFTER HIS COMMANDMENTS.
What is Godly love? Gal 5:22–24–…THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS #1–LOVE.
What is Godly love? Jn 15:13,14–GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS, THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS.
What is Godly love? Ro 13:10…LOVE IS THE FULFILLING OF THE LAW.
What does Godly love do? Gal 5:13–15–…BRETHREN,…BY LOVE SERVE ONE ANOTHER.
What does Godly love do? 1 Cor 13:4–CHARITY (or love) SUFFERETH LONG.
What does Godly love do? 1 Cor 13:4–CHARITY (or love) IS KIND.
What does Godly love do? 1 Cor 13:4,6–CHARITY (or love)…REJOICETH IN (or with) THE TRUTH.
What does Godly love do? 1 Cor 13:4,7–CHARITY (or love)…BEARETH ALL THINGS (or always protects).
What does Godly love do? 1 Cor 13:4,7–CHARITY (or love)…BELIEVETH ALL THINGS (or always trusts).
What does Godly love do? 1 Cor 13:4,7–CHARITY (or love)…HOPETH ALL THINGS (or always hopes).
What does Godly love do? 1 Cor 13:4,7–CHARITY (or love)…ENDURETH ALL THINGS (or always perseveres).
What Godly love does not do? Ro 13:10–LOVE WORKETH NO ILL TO HIS NEIGHBOUR.
What Godly love does not do? 1 Cor 13:4–CHARITY (or love) ENVIETH NOT.
What Godly love does not do? 1 Cor 13:4–CHARITY (or love) VAUNTETH NOT ITSELF (or does not boast).
What Godly love does not do? 1 Cor 13:4–CHARITY (or love)…IS NOT PUFFED UP (or is not proud).
What Godly love does not do? 1 Cor 13:4,5–CHARITY (or love)…DOTH NOT BEHAVE ITSELF UNSEEMLY (or is not rude).
What Godly love does not do? 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).
What Godly love does not do? 1 Cor 13:4,5–CHARITY (or love)…IS NOT EASILY PROVOKED (not easily angered).
What Godly love does not do? 1 Cor 13:4,5–CHARITY (or love)…THINKETH NO EVIL.
What Godly love does not do? 1 Cor 13:4,6–CHARITY (or love)…REJOICETH NOT IN INIQUITY (or does not delight in evil–NIV).
The greatest of the fruits of the Spirit is this: 1 Cor 13:13–AND NOW THESE THREE REMAIN: FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE. BUT THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE.
The results of love is: 1 Cor 13:8– CHARITY (or love) NEVER FAILETH.
4–Love—God’s love for man
This is God’s love for man–Jn 3:16–FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD, THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE.
Titus 3:3–4–…WE OURSELVES…WERE SOMETIMES FOOLISH, DISOBEDIENT, DECEIVED, SERVING DIVERS LUSTS AND PLEASURES, LIVING IN MALICE AND ENVY, HATEFUL, AND HATING ONE ANOTHER. BUT AFTER THAT THE KINDNESS AND LOVE OF GOD OUR SAVIOUR TOWARD MAN APPEARED.
Ro 5:8–BUT GOD COMMENDETH HIS LOVE TOWARD US, IN THAT, WHILE WE WERE YET SINNERS, CHRIST DIED FOR US.
1 Jn 4:11–BELOVED,…GOD SO LOVED US.
Eph 2:4–…GOD,…HIS GREAT LOVE WHEREWITH HE LOVED US.
Eph 5:25–CHRIST…LOVED THE CHURCH, AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR IT.
1 Jn 3:1–24–BEHOLD, WHAT MANNER OF LOVE THE FATHER HATH BESTOWED UPON US, THAT WE SHOULD BE CALLED THE SONS OF GOD.
1 Jn 3:16–HEREBY PERCEIVE WE THE LOVE OF GOD, BECAUSE HE LAID DOWN HIS LIFE FOR US:
Jn 15:13–14–Christ’s LOVE is this. GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS, THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS.
1 Jn 4:9,10–IN THIS WAS MANIFESTED THE LOVE OF GOD TOWARD US, BECAUSE THAT GOD SENT HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON INTO THE WORLD, THAT WE MIGHT LIVE THROUGH HIM. HEREIN IS LOVE, NOT THAT WE LOVED GOD, BUT THAT HE LOVED US, AND SENT HIS SON TO BE THE PROPITIATION (or atoning sacrifice) FOR OUR SINS.
God’s love for man from His Word is this:
God sent His only begotten Son into the world for us
He gave His only begotten Son for us
The kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared.
While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
He laid down His life for us.
The greatest love is that a man lay down his life for His friends and we are called His friends
Christ gave Himself for the church, for us
He gave us everlasting life.
We might live through Him.
He is the propitiation (or atoning sacrifice) for our sins.
God’s great love is that we should be called the sons of God
The Scriptures used in this text are primarily the ones that use the word love. However, illustrations of God’s love go far beyond these few Scriptures. These include His love to us from before the time He created us; also from the time He prayed for us while He was yet on this earth; also from the time He sacrificed himself for us, which includes this present time and on to eternity. For it is written: 1 Cor 2:9–EYE HATH NOT SEEN, NOR EAR HEARD, NEITHER HAVE ENTERED INTO THE HEART OF MAN, THE THINGS WHICH GOD HATH PREPARED FOR THEM THAT LOVED HIM.
1 Jn 4:16–WE HAVE KNOWN AND BELIEVED THE LOVE THAT GOD HATH TO US. Do you know and believe in your heart that God loves you? Note the words: 1 Jn 4:16,17–THE LOVE God has TO US, and GOD IS LOVE. (1)–WE must know…THE LOVE THAT GOD HATH TO US. (2)–WE must…believe THE LOVE GOD HATH TO US.
Rev 3:19–AS MANY AS I LOVE, I REBUKE AND CHASTEN. Why does God rebuke and chasten or correct those He loves? He seeks for them to repent of all things, both large and small; to be transformed more and more; to have both their actions and thinking to be like His; and to be more and more conformed to His image. He wants His saints to ultimately be both holy and perfect. It is a long process of which some of His saints resist every step of the way, because they want their own life and own way. Ultimately some get what they want, but the end thereof is death. Most people want to go to heaven, but they do not want to be totally transformed to be like Christ. For a person to be totally like Christ is to have no life of their own. It is being totally transformed. It is complete self–denial. It is completely dying to yourself. It is being dead and buried with Christ. It is coming out into the newness of life. It is being totally CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST. It is CHRIST living in you and through you. THE LIFE WHICH I NOW LIVE IN THE FLESH I LIVE BY THE FAITH OF THE SON OF GOD, WHO LOVED ME, AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR ME. I DO NOT FRUSTRATE THE GRACE OF GOD–ref Gal 2:20,21. Those people reading or hearing this message–how much will you continue to resist God, as He tries to transform you to His image and His thinking? How much will you continue to frustrate the grace of God? How much longer and how much more will you continue to resist the Holy Spirit? Beware, for God said: MY SPIRIT SHALL NOT ALWAYS STRIVE WITH MAN–ref Gen 6:3.
Eph 1:4–…HE HATH CHOSEN US IN HIM BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD, THAT WE SHOULD BE HOLY AND WITHOUT BLAME BEFORE HIM IN LOVE.
Jn 14:21–HE THAT…(KEEPETH) MY COMMANDMENTS,…HE…SHALL BE LOVED OF MY FATHER, AND I WILL LOVE HIM.
Eph 3:19–…THE LOVE OF CHRIST,…PASSETH KNOWLEDGE,
5–Love—God loves them that love Him
Pv 8:17–I LOVE THEM THAT LOVE ME; AND THOSE THAT SEEK ME EARLY SHALL FIND ME.
Eph 1:4–…WE SHOULD BE…BEFORE HIM IN LOVE.
6–Love—A minister’s love for his flock
2 Cor 2:4–Paul writes regarding his love for the brethren: FOR OUT OF MUCH AFFLICTION AND ANGUISH OF HEART I WROTE UNTO YOU WITH MANY TEARS; NOT THAT YE SHOULD BE GRIEVED, BUT THAT YE MIGHT KNOW THE LOVE WHICH I HAVE MORE ABUNDANTLY UNTO YOU.
2 Cor 12:15–…I WILL VERY GLADLY SPEND AND BE SPENT (or expend myself) FOR YOU (for your souls); THOUGH THE MORE ABUNDANTLY I LOVE YOU, THE LESS I BE LOVED. Note that this is to the Corinthian church. It may be said that today’s lukewarm church is the same in some ways but even worse. The more a minister loves the people of His flock, the less the lukewarm flock loves their minister, especially when he corrects them. Correction is a sign of love, but people with a corrupt mind and wayside heart despise and reject correction. They make self justifying excuses which makes God’s correction have no meaning. Their corrupt hearts and thoughts make God’s correction become null and void, so they do not change.
2 Jn 1:1–THE ELDER UNTO THE ELECT LADY AND HER CHILDREN, WHOM I LOVE IN THE TRUTH. This is an example of how all ministers should be regarding their flocks.
2 Jn 3–John said: GRACE BE WITH YOU, MERCY, AND PEACE,.IN TRUTH AND LOVE. This is an abbreviated salutation from an elder to the church: Grace, mercy, and peace comes from the Father and Son in truth and in love.
Jude 1–2–JUDE,…TO THEM THAT ARE SANCTIFIED…PRESERVED…AND CALLED: MERCY UNTO YOU, AND PEACE, AND LOVE, BE MULTIPLIED. This is an abbreviated salutation from an elder to the church.
Phili 1:16–17–THE ONE PREACH CHRIST…SINCERELY,…OF LOVE. This is one way a minister is to preach to his flock.
Paul was obviously very worried about the Thessalonians, that their faith might have failed. They were going through much afflictions and tribulations. He could no longer wait. He sent to them to find out about their faith. He was worried that Satan had tempted them and that all his work that he had invested in them, regarding the Gospel, had been for nothing. But then, 1 Thes 3:6…TIMOTHEUS CAME FROM YOU UNTO US, AND BROUGHT US GOOD TIDINGS OF YOUR FAITH AND CHARITY (or love), AND THAT YE HAVE GOOD REMEMBRANCE OF US ALWAYS, DESIRING GREATLY TO SEE US, AS WE ALSO TO SEE YOU. The evidence that they were still walking with God was (1) their faith, (2) their love, and (3) their desire to see Paul again. Paul was greatly comforted and experienced great joy when he heard this good news, even though he himself was undergoing afflictions and distress–ref 1 Thes 3:7. This comfort and joy was so great that he said, FOR NOW WE LIVE IF YE STAND FAST IN THE LORD–1 Thes 3:8. When a minister of God loses one of his flock to the tempter, the hurt and anguish he experiences is great. The anguish it can cause him can be so bad that is can be like losing his wife, a child, or his parents. This is love. This is love that the world does not understand, but those in Christ do understand.
7–Love—A flocks love for their minister
2 Cor 8:7,8–(Paul writes) IN YOUR LOVE TO US, SEE THAT YE ABOUND IN THIS GRACE ALSO. I SPEAK…TO PROVE THE SINCERITY OF YOUR LOVE.
2 Cor 8:23,24–…TITUS, HE IS MY PARTNER AND FELLOWHELPER CONCERNING YOU:…THEY ARE THE MESSENGERS OF THE CHURCHES, AND THE GLORY OF CHRIST. WHEREFORE SHEW…TO THEM, AND BEFORE THE CHURCHES, THE PROOF OF YOUR LOVE.
1 Thes 5:12–13…BRETHREN,…KNOW (or respect, or recognize) THEM WHICH LABOUR (or work hard) AMONG YOU, AND ARE OVER YOU IN THE LORD, AND ADMONISH YOU;…ESTEEM (or hold) THEM VERY HIGHLY IN LOVE FOR THEIR WORK’S SAKE AND BE AT PEACE AMONG YOURSELVES.
Note God’s commands:
Those that work hard and are over you in the Lord, know them.
Those over you in the Lord and admonish (or correct) you, know them
Those over you in the Lord such as your minister, love them very highly.
Be at peace with those over you in the Lord and among yourselves.
A flock’s love for their minister is reflected in these words.
1 Thes 3:6…TIMOTHEUS CAME FROM YOU UNTO US, AND BROUGHT US GOOD TIDINGS OF YOUR FAITH AND CHARITY (OR LOVE), AND THAT YE HAVE GOOD REMEMBRANCE OF US ALWAYS, DESIRING GREATLY TO SEE US. A flock should have love for their minister, a good remembrance of their minister, and a great desire to see their minister (or overseer).
8–Without Biblical love I am nothing. Salvation is not possible
1 Cor 13:1–3–THOUGH I SPEAK WITH THE TONGUES OF MEN AND OF ANGELS, AND HAVE NOT CHARITY (or love), I AM BECOME AS SOUNDING BRASS, OR A TINKLING CYMBAL.
AND THOUGH I HAVE THE GIFT OF PROPHECY, AND UNDERSTAND ALL MYSTERIES, AND ALL KNOWLEDGE; AND THOUGH I HAVE ALL FAITH, SO THAT I COULD REMOVE MOUNTAINS, AND HAVE NOT CHARITY (or love), I AM NOTHING.
AND THOUGH I BESTOW ALL MY GOODS TO FEED THE POOR, AND THOUGH I GIVE MY BODY TO BE BURNED, AND HAVE NOT CHARITY (or love), IT PROFITETH ME NOTHING.
1 Jn 3:1–BEHOLD, WHAT MANNER OF LOVE THE FATHER HATH BESTOWED UPON US. 1 Jn 3:10–HE THAT LOVETH NOT HIS BROTHER…(IS NOT OF GOD). The Bible has clearly shown that God has bestowed His love upon us, yet if God’s love is not in a person, they are not saved–ref 1 Cor 13:3.
1 Jn 4:20–IF A MAN SAY, I LOVE GOD, AND…LOVETH NOT HIS BROTHER…HOW CAN HE LOVE GOD…? God’s Word clearly shows even if a person says he loves God, but he does not love his brother in Christ, then he cannot be saved. Such a person is a liar. Their thinking is Biblically wrong. They are not going to heaven. A person that does not love his brother also does not love God.
1 Jn 4:12–…IF WE LOVE ONE ANOTHER, GOD DWELLETH IN US. In reverse, we may also say if we do not love one another—God does not dwell in us and we are not saved.
As it is written: EVERY ONE THAT LOVETH IS BORN OF GOD AND KNOWETH GOD, BUT HE THAT LOVETH NOT, KNOWETH NOT GOD–1 Jn 4:7,8. The person that does not love the brethren does not know God. They are not saved.
Yet, 1 Jn 2:15–…IF ANY MAN LOVE THE WORLD, THE LOVE OF THE FATHER IS NOT IN HIM. A person cannot love this world and have the love of God in him.
9–Love—God’s Word offends some
plus Israel
Will these words offend some people? Does it offend some, if they are shown through God’s Word they are going to perish to the lake of fire? The answer is clearly yes. Some people that are living a lie and lying to themselves and some of the lukewarm should certainly be offended; as it is written:
Mt 13:21–YET HATH HE NOT ROOT IN HIMSELF,…BECAUSE OF THE WORD,… HE IS OFFENDED.
Jesus had just spoken God’s Word to the people. Then it is written in Mt 15:12:…THEY WERE OFFENDED IN HIM.
Jesus had just spoken God’s Word to the Pharisees. Mt 15:12–THEN…HIS DISCIPLES,…SAID…KNOWEST THOU THAT THE PHARISEES WERE OFFENDED, AFTER THEY HEARD THIS SAYING?
Lk 7:23–Jesus said: BLESSED IS HE, WHOSOEVER SHALL NOT BE OFFENDED IN ME (or My Word). Jesus is the Word.
The Bible does offend many that are not walking with Jesus as they ought. As a result of hearing God’s Word, some try to block their ears, some try to drown out God’s Word in some way, some refuse to listen, some change radio or TV stations, some leave the church, some go to churches where Jesus is on the outside, some make excuses, some mock, some murmur, some justify themselves, some lie and accuse, some become hostile, some want to kill the followers of Christ, and some do persecute and even kill those in Christ. Some people, politicians, news media, judges, courts, schools, colleges, businesses, and many others try to remove God’s Word and the name of Jesus from wherever they find it–even including Christmas.
Let’s be blunt. Can a person not love their brother in Christ and be saved? No. That love must be in truth and in deed, not in word alone.
Can a person not love God and be saved? No. That love must be in truth and in deed, not in word alone.
Can a person be against the Jewish nation which is Israel and be saved? No. It is written
Gen 32:28–THY NAME SHALL BE CALLED NO MORE JACOB, BUT ISRAEL: FOR AS A PRINCE HAST THOU POWER WITH GOD AND WITH MEN, AND HAST PREVAILED.
Gen 27:26,29,33–ISAAC SAID…MY SON. LET PEOPLE SERVE THEE, AND NATIONS BOW DOWN TO THEE: CURSED BE EVERY ONE THAT CURSETH THEE, AND BLESSED BE HE THAT BLESSETH THEE…ISAAC…SAID,…YEA, AND HE (Jacob which became Israel) SHALL BE BLESSED.
Deut 15:6–…THE LORD THY GOD BLESSETH THEE, AS HE PROMISED THEE:…THOU SHALT REIGN OVER MANY NATIONS, BUT THEY SHALL NOT REIGN OVER THEE.
Gen 12:3–4…I WILL BLESS THEM THAT BLESS THEE, AND CURSE HIM THAT CURSETH THEE: AND IN THEE SHALL ALL FAMILIES OF THE EARTH BE BLESSED. SO ABRAM DEPARTED,
Num 24:9–10–AS A GREAT LION: WHO SHALL STIR HIM UP? BLESSED IS HE THAT BLESSETH THEE, AND CURSED IS HE THAT CURSETH THEE. BALAK SAID UNTO BALAAM, I CALLED THEE TO CURSE MINE ENEMIES, AND, BEHOLD, THOU HAST ALTOGETHER BLESSED THEM THESE THREE TIMES.
There are many people and churches that are against Israel for a variety of reasons. Woe to them. Such are not walking with the God of the Bible. They are in darkness and they do not know where they are going.
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).
10–Love—Commandments and requirements. Love God with all...
Take good heed to yourself: Love the Lord with all thine (1) heart, with all thy (2) soul, with all thy (3) strength (or might) and with all thy (4) mind. These words are to be in your heart.
Deut 6:5,6–AND THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH (1) ALL THINE HEART, AND WITH (2) ALL THY SOUL, AND WITH (3) ALL THY MIGHT. AND THESE WORDS, WHICH I COMMAND THEE THIS DAY, SHALL BE IN THINE HEART.
Lk 10:27–28–THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY (1) HEART, AND WITH ALL THY (2) SOUL, AND WITH ALL THY (3) STRENGTH, AND WITH ALL THY (4) MIND;…THIS DO, AND THOU SHALT LIVE.
Mt 22:37,38–JESUS SAID UNTO HIM, THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY (1) HEART, AND WITH ALL THY (2) SOUL, AND WITH ALL THY (4) MIND. THIS IS THE FIRST AND GREAT COMMANDMENT.
Mk 12:30–AND THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY (1) HEART, AND WITH ALL THY (2) SOUL, AND WITH ALL THY (4) MIND, AND WITH ALL THY (3) STRENGTH: THIS IS THE FIRST COMMANDMENT.
Eph 6:24–…LOVE OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN SINCERITY.
Eph 3:17–THAT CHRIST MAY DWELL IN YOUR HEARTS BY FAITH; THAT YE, BEING ROOTED AND GROUNDED IN LOVE. This is the depth that your love should be for God. Your love for God and the brethren should be your root. You should be rooted in love. It should be what you are grounded in. We may also say that the person that perceives they have sinned little, will love little. For it is written, in Lk 7:40–49–…JESUS…SAID UNTO…SIMON, I HAVE SOMEWHAT TO SAY UNTO THEE. AND HE SAITH, MASTER, SAY ON. THERE WAS A CERTAIN CREDITOR WHICH HAD TWO DEBTORS: THE ONE OWED FIVE HUNDRED PENCE, AND THE OTHER FIFTY. AND WHEN THEY HAD NOTHING TO PAY, HE FRANKLY FORGAVE THEM BOTH. TELL ME THEREFORE, WHICH OF THEM WILL LOVE HIM MOST? SIMON…SAID, I SUPPOSE THAT HE, TO WHOM HE FORGAVE MOST. AND HE SAID UNTO HIM, THOU HAST RIGHTLY JUDGED. AND HE TURNED TO THE WOMAN, AND SAID UNTO SIMON, SEEST THOU THIS WOMAN? I ENTERED INTO THINE HOUSE, THOU GAVEST ME NO WATER FOR MY FEET: BUT SHE HATH WASHED MY FEET WITH TEARS, AND WIPED THEM WITH THE HAIRS OF HER HEAD. THOU GAVEST ME NO KISS: BUT THIS WOMAN SINCE THE TIME I CAME IN HATH NOT CEASED TO KISS MY FEET. MY HEAD WITH OIL THOU DIDST NOT ANOINT: BUT THIS WOMAN HATH ANOINTED MY FEET WITH OINTMENT. WHEREFORE I SAY UNTO THEE, HER SINS, WHICH ARE MANY, ARE FORGIVEN; FOR SHE LOVED MUCH: BUT TO WHOM LITTLE IS FORGIVEN, THE SAME LOVETH LITTLE. AND HE SAID UNTO HER, THY SINS ARE FORGIVEN. AND THEY THAT SAT AT MEAT WITH HIM BEGAN TO SAY WITHIN THEMSELVES, WHO IS THIS THAT FORGIVETH SINS ALSO? Again, it may be said that if a person does not believe they have sinned much, then they also will not believe they have been forgiven much; and thus they will love God and the brethren little. The closer a person is to the light, the more they can see the dirt. The closer a person is to Jesus, the more sinful they can see they are; and thus they will love even more. The more a person understands God’s Word, the more they should see their sin. The more a person sees their sin, the more they should love God and the brethren. The carnal or worldly–minded person should love little.
1 Jn 4:19–WE LOVE HIM, BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US.
11–Love God a requirement
Deut 10:12,13–AND NOW, ISRAEL, WHAT DOTH THE LORD THY GOD REQUIRE OF THEE, BUT TO LOVE HIM.
Deut 11:1–THEREFORE THOU (1) SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD.
Deut 11:22–23–…I COMMAND YOU, TO DO THEM, (1) TO LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD.
Deut 19:9–…I COMMAND THEE THIS DAY, TO (1) LOVE THE LORD THY GOD.
Deut 30:16–…I COMMAND THEE THIS DAY TO LOVE THE LORD THY GOD.
Deut 30:19,20–…(I)LOVE THE LORD THY GOD.
Jos 22:5–BUT TAKE DILIGENT HEED TO…LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD.
Jos 23:11–TAKE GOOD HEED THEREFORE UNTO YOURSELVES, THAT YE LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD.
Ps 31:23–O LOVE THE LORD, ALL YE HIS SAINTS.
Eph 1:4–…WE SHOULD BE…BEFORE HIM IN LOVE.
Deut 10:12–13–AND NOW, ISRAEL, WHAT DOTH THE LORD THY GOD REQUIRE OF THEE, BUT TO (1) FEAR THE LORD THY GOD, TO (2) WALK IN ALL HIS WAYS, AND (3) TO LOVE HIM, AND TO (4) SERVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH (a) ALL THY HEART AND (b) WITH ALL THY SOUL, TO (5) KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD, AND (6) HIS STATUTES, WHICH I COMMAND THEE THIS DAY FOR THY GOOD?
Deut 11:1–THEREFORE THOU (1) SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD, AND (2) KEEP HIS CHARGE, AND (3) HIS STATUTES, AND (4) HIS JUDGMENTS, AND (5) HIS COMMANDMENTS, ALWAY.
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.
Deut 30:19,20–.(1) LOVE THE LORD THY GOD, AND THAT THOU MAYEST (2) OBEY HIS VOICE, AND THAT THOU MAYEST (3) CLEAVE UNTO HIM.
Jos 22:5–BUT (A) TAKE DILIGENT HEED TO (a) DO THE COMMANDMENT AND (b) THE LAW, WHICH MOSES THE SERVANT OF THE LORD CHARGED YOU, TO (1) LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND TO (2) WALK IN ALL HIS WAYS, AND TO (3) KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS, AND TO (4) CLEAVE UNTO HIM, AND TO (5) SERVE HIM WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL.
Jos 23:11–TAKE GOOD HEED THEREFORE UNTO YOURSELVES, THAT YE LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD.
1 Jn 4:20–IF A MAN SAY, I LOVE GOD, AND HATETH HIS BROTHER, HE IS A LIAR: FOR HE THAT LOVETH NOT HIS BROTHER WHOM HE HATH SEEN, HOW CAN HE LOVE GOD WHOM HE HATH NOT SEEN?
1 Jn 5:3–FOR THIS IS THE LOVE OF GOD, THAT WE KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS. Evidence that we love God is that we keep His commandments. A person that does not keep God’s commandments as he ought, also does not love God as he ought.
How can we love God as the Bible commands? It is written:
2 Thes 3:5–AND THE LORD DIRECT YOUR HEARTS INTO THE LOVE OF GOD.
Jn 17:26–AND I HAVE DECLARED UNTO THEM THY NAME,...THAT THE LOVE WHEREWITH THOU HAST LOVED ME MAY BE IN THEM, AND I IN THEM.
Ro 5:5–THE LOVE OF GOD IS SHED ABROAD IN OUR HEARTS BY THE HOLY GHOST WHICH IS GIVEN UNTO US.
2 Tim 1:7–FOR GOD HATH…GIVEN US THE SPIRIT…OF LOVE.
As a result of having the Spirit of love, it is written:
2 Cor 5:14–FOR THE LOVE OF CHRIST CONSTRAINETH (or compels) US, (or has hold of us–JNT)
12–love your brothers and sisters in Christ
When God’s word refers to the brethren, or your sisters and brothers, it means those in Christ. It reflects the family of God. A person’s eternal family are those in Christ. How little many so–called born again people understand, who their true family and true Father really are.
God’s Word is very clear. If you do not love one another whom you have seen, how can you possibly love God whom you have not seen? No matter how badly you feel you are being treated by a brother or sister in Christ, you are under command to love them and to deal with the situation in a biblical way.
Jn 13:34–35–A NEW COMMANDMENT I GIVE UNTO YOU, THAT YE LOVE ONE ANOTHER; AS I HAVE LOVED YOU, THAT YE ALSO LOVE ONE ANOTHER. BY THIS SHALL ALL MEN KNOW THAT YE ARE MY DISCIPLES, IF YE HAVE LOVE ONE TO ANOTHER.
2 Jn 1:5–AND NOW I BESEECH THEE, LADY, NOT AS THOUGH I WROTE A NEW COMMANDMENT UNTO THEE, BUT THAT WHICH WE HAD FROM THE BEGINNING, THAT WE LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
Jn 15:12–14–THIS IS MY COMMANDMENT, THAT YE LOVE ONE ANOTHER, AS I HAVE LOVED YOU.
Jn 15:17–THESE THINGS I COMMAND YOU, THAT YE LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
1 Jn 3:23–…THIS IS HIS COMMANDMENT, THAT WE SHOULD…LOVE ONE ANOTHER, AS HE GAVE US COMMANDMENT.
Ro 13:8–OWE NO MAN ANY THING, BUT TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER: FOR HE THAT LOVETH ANOTHER HATH FULFILLED THE LAW.
Paul looked for the brethren’s love one to another along with faith in Jesus Christ as evidence of salvation as it is written Eph 1:15–…I HEARD OF YOUR FAITH IN THE LORD JESUS, AND LOVE UNTO ALL THE SAINTS. Note it did not say love to some saints, but love to all saints.
Col 1:4–WE HEARD OF YOUR FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS, AND OF THE LOVE WHICH YE HAVE TO ALL THE SAINTS.
1 Thes 4:9–BUT AS TOUCHING BROTHERLY LOVE…YE…ARE TAUGHT OF GOD TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
LOVE AS BRETHREN (or brothers). (All of you)–1 Pe 3:8
LOVE ONE ANOTHER WITH A PURE HEART FERVENTLY–1 Pe 1:22
LOVE ONE ANOTHER: FOR LOVE IS OF GOD; AND EVERY ONE THAT LOVETH IS BORN OF GOD, AND KNOWETH GOD–1 Jn 4:7. We might say that everyone that does not love, is not born of God.
LOVE ONE ANOTHER; AS I HAVE LOVED YOU–Jn 13:34
LOVE ONE ANOTHER.(BUT AS TOUCHING BROTHERLY LOVE…YE…ARE TAUGHT OF GOD TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER–1 Thes 4:9
LOVE ONE ANOTHER–Jn 15:17
LOVE ONE ANOTHER–Ro 13:8
LOVE ONE ANOTHER–1 Jn 3:11
LOVE ONE ANOTHER–1 Jn 4:7
LOVE ONE ANOTHER–1 Jn 4:11
SERVANTS OF GOD. …LOVE THE BROTHERHOOD–1 Pe 2:16,17.
…BROTHERLY LOVE…YE…ARE TAUGHT OF GOD TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER–1 Thes 4:9.
(LOVE). BRETHREN,…THEM WHICH…ARE OVER YOU IN THE LORD, AND ADMONISH YOU;.ESTEEM THEM VERY HIGHLY IN LOVE FOR THEIR WORK’S SAKE–1 Thes 5:12,13
1 Jn 3:10,11,14–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. FOR THIS IS THE MESSAGE THAT YE HEARD FROM THE BEGINNING, THAT WE SHOULD LOVE ONE ANOTHER. WE KNOW THAT WE HAVE PASSED FROM DEATH UNTO LIFE, BECAUSE WE LOVE THE BRETHREN. Many claim they love the brethren in Christ, but from the way they treat them, it is clear their words are not true. God’s Word is clear. No matter how much a person believes they are saved, if they do not love their brother in Christ, they are not saved. God’s Word needs repeating–HE THAT LOVETH NOT HIS BROTHER. …IS NOT OF GOD. He is not saved. He is not born again.
1 Jn 3:23–…THIS IS HIS COMMANDMENT, THAT WE…LOVE ONE ANOTHER, AS HE GAVE US COMMANDMENT. AND HE THAT KEEPETH HIS COMMANDMENTS DWELLETH IN HIM, AND HE IN HIM.
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. God’s Word is comparing a person that will hear those of God (perhaps correcting him), with one that will not hear those of God (perhaps correcting him). The first follows the Spirit of truth, thus is saved; while the other follows the spirit of error. Interestingly, the very next verse after these words (which show we can know who has the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error) is this: 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 clearly connect biblical love for the brethren with the Spirit of truth, being born again, and knowing God (or salvation). Reversely, these also clearly connect a lack of biblical love for the brethren with the spirit of error and not knowing God (or not being saved).
1 Jn 4:11–BELOVED, IF GOD SO LOVED US, WE OUGHT ALSO TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
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 as evidence of God dwelling in us and salvation.
1 Jn 4:20–IF A MAN SAY, I LOVE GOD, AND…LOVETH NOT HIS BROTHER…HOW CAN HE LOVE GOD.?
1 Jn 4:21–AND THIS COMMANDMENT HAVE WE FROM HIM, THAT HE WHO LOVETH GOD LOVE HIS BROTHER ALSO.
1 Jn 5:1–EVERY ONE THAT LOVETH HIM THAT BEGAT LOVETH HIM ALSO THAT IS BEGOTTEN OF HIM. Everyone that truly loves God, that begat, does love the children of God also which is his brothers,
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
2 Jn 5–A…COMMANDMENT…WHICH WE HAD FROM THE BEGINNING, THAT WE LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
2 Jn 6–AND THIS IS LOVE, THAT WE WALK AFTER HIS COMMANDMENTS.
2 Jn 6–THIS IS THE COMMANDMENT, THAT (we love one another),…YE SHOULD WALK IN IT.
Eph 5:25–HUSBANDS, LOVE YOUR WIVES, EVEN AS CHRIST ALSO LOVED THE CHURCH, AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR IT. This is a command.
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). God goes on to tell us:
1 Tim 4:12–BE THOU AN EXAMPLE OF THE BELIEVERS, IN (1) WORD, IN (2) CONVERSATION, IN (3) CHARITY (or love), IN SPIRIT, IN (b) FAITH, IN (c) PURITY. Between 1 Tim 1:5 and 4:12 God gives us a vitally important command and message. Be an example of the believers in 6 areas. In word, conversation, love, spirit, faith and in purity. He tell us to love out of a pure heart, a good conscience, of sincere faith: in spirit, in faith, and in purity.
Note God is not talking about works or service. He is talking about attitude. It is much easier to serve God than it is “to” change our attitude to be more like God. It is the attitude of a person, which comes out of their heart, that is all important. There are many that serve God, but their attitude is like a bad apple, a sour pickle, or thorns. Their attitude affects people around them like leaven. One person has an angry or cold attitude, and then it rubs off on others around them. One person accuses another, and the other accuses them back. All of a sudden, many people begin to have a negative attitude. Then, when an unsuspecting person walks into the building, the atmosphere is so negative, it is like a fog that has blinded many people’s hearts and minds. People with a bad disposition don’t realize how their attitude can affect others around them.
Many people, when they come to Christ, bring with them rejection and many unpleasant childhood experiences and memories. Others bring bad memories and experiences from adulthood. Satan then uses these bad memories and experiences from the past, which are laid up in a person’s heart, to hinder them from growing to be more like Jesus. They try to give their life to Jesus, but they also disobey God’s Word by hanging on to their past. Ten years goes by, but their attitude changes very little. They serve God, but many people do not want to be around them, because of their carnal attitude. Some talk way too much, while others are like a clam. They keep viewing and doing things through the sunglasses of their past. One might ask, “How is this possible, if they read God’s Word diligently?” It is because they refuse to conform to the image of Christ. They keep remembering their past. They may have problems understanding God’s love for them, as their earthly father never showed them love, or mistreated them, or deserted them. They may blame God for something horrible that happened to them. They feel great rejection from the past, because of something that happened. As they hear of God’s love, their thoughts go back to the lack of love by their father, or feelings of rejection, or the death of a loved one, or other hurts. They hang on to these memories. They refuse to let them go. They will not obey God’s Word that tells them what to do, mainly, Phili 3:13–15–BRETHREN,…THIS ONE THING I DO, FORGETTING THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE BEHIND, AND REACHING FORTH UNTO THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE BEFORE. I PRESS TOWARD THE MARK FOR THE PRIZE OF THE HIGH CALLING OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS. LET US THEREFORE, AS MANY AS BE PERFECT, BE THUS MINDED. A person that refuses to allow God to transform their mind (their attitude, their thinking, their actions) to be like Jesus is a person that will not grow in Christ. Remember Lot’s wife? She looked back when she was commanded not to. She perished. Lot did not look back. He lived.
Then there are those that feel rejection from their past. They are angry. Some are chatterboxes. They want to be the center of attention. They want to be noticed. They want to be loved, yet because of their ungodly attitude, they turn people off. They can’t cease from talking about themselves, their experiences, things they have seen, ideas they have, their feelings–because if they do, then they feel rejection. Deep down, they don’t want to change. They don’t want to be like Jesus, if it means they have to humble themselves. Meekness is something they don’t understand. These also will not obey God’s Word and let Christ reign over them to change them. They will not conform to the image of Christ. They look back. They remember their past, their rejection, their hurts, their loneliness. Their heart is a hurting heart, and they will not let it be healed by Jesus, through submitting to Him and obeying His Word.
In some cases these people may be sick. Yet if they submit to Jesus in all ways, it is not uncommon for some of these sicknesses to disappear.
Again note God’s Word. God's will for each of us is to love out of a pure heart, a good conscience, of sincere faith, in faith, in spirit, and in purity. Examine yourself, and repent. The ways of the church age we are now in is tolerance and conformity. The way of God is that Jesus LEARNED OBEDIENCE by the things which He suffered, and we are to be a partaker of Christ’s sufferings and suffer with Him–ref Eph 5:25.
Few people that name the name of Christ, in this biblical lukewarm generation, understand they no longer belong to themselves. They are bought for a price. They belong to Jesus. God owns them. They are to glorify Him. They are to deny self and follow Him. They are no longer to do the things that they want to do, rather they are to do what Jesus wants them to do and with a Christ–like attitude. They are no longer to go where they want to go, but go where Jesus directs them to go. They are a chosen vessel. God wants to transform them from being like the world to being as Jesus is–even to the point of death. Jesus is to reign over them. From before the foundation of the earth, God has ordained the works for each of His people to do. Remember, many are called, but few are chosen. Many resist God’s calling. Few submit. Many will not follow and serve God as He directs. A few will. As a follower of Jesus, you are to give the control of your life over to Jesus. God is to direct your life. As it is written, in Lk 19:27–BUT THOSE MINE ENEMIES, WHICH WOULD NOT THAT I SHOULD REIGN OVER THEM, BRING HITHER, AND SLAY THEM BEFORE ME. Mal 3:18–THEN SHALL YE RETURN, AND DISCERN BETWEEN THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED, BETWEEN HIM THAT SERVETH GOD AND HIM THAT SERVETH HIM NOT.
He that has ears to hear, let him hear.
Eph 5:25–HUSBANDS, LOVE YOUR WIVES, EVEN AS CHRIST ALSO LOVED THE CHURCH, AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR IT. This is a command–Ro 8:17
1 Pe 4:8–AND ABOVE ALL THINGS HAVE FERVENT (or deep) CHARITY (OR LOVE) AMONG YOURSELVES.
Col 2:2–(My purpose is) THAT THEIR HEARTS MIGHT BE COMFORTED (or encouraged), BEING KNIT (or joined) TOGETHER IN LOVE. Note the words HEARTS COMFORTED…BEING (joined) TOGETHER IN LOVE.
1 Thes 3:12–13–AND THE LORD MAKE YOU TO INCREASE AND ABOUND IN LOVE ONE TOWARD ANOTHER.
IF WE LOVE ONE ANOTHER, GOD DWELLETH IN US, AND HIS LOVE IS PERFECTED IN US–1 Jn 4:12. God’s love being perfected in us is directly tied to being saved and loving one another. This is one reason we see God’s love not being perfected in many. it is because of their insincere love for the brethren. A person cannot belittle and accuse the brethren, over and over, yet still love them with sincere love. Such is a deceitful heart.
1 Jn 3:18–MY LITTLE CHILDREN, LET US…LOVE (the brethren–v16) IN…DEED AND IN TRUTH.
Many Christians have a double mind. Will God do it, or will He not? Does God hear me, or does He not? Does God really care and love me, or not? Probably all Christians have a double mind at some stressful time. Despite God’s Word telling us what He will and will not do and God’s requirements, we still doubt Him and may question His Word.
The Bible speaks of people that are double minded and unstable. Their faith is like a wave being driven and tossed with the wind–ref Ja 1:6,8. Such do not please God–ref Ja 1:7. God commands them to purify their hearts–ref Ja 4:8. God’s medicine to do this and overcome this double–mind is:
1–Draw near to God.
2–Cleanse your hands–repent.
3–Purify your hearts.
4–Stop laughing and start crying.
5–Turn your joy to heaviness.
6–Humble yourself.
How do we purify our souls? God gives us the answer. Obey God’s Word unto sincere love of the brethren.
1 Pe 1:22–SEEING YE HAVE PURIFIED YOUR SOULS IN OBEYING THE TRUTH THROUGH THE SPIRIT UNTO UNFEIGNED (or sincere) LOVE OF THE BRETHREN, SEE THAT YE LOVE ONE ANOTHER WITH A PURE HEART FERVENTLY. LOVE ONE ANOTHER DEEPLY, FROM THE HEART (NIV). Obeying the truth–the Bible, leads to purifying your soul through the Spirit, which enables a person to have sincere love for the brethren. A born again Christian is to deeply and fervently love the brethren from and with a pure heart.
Note the key words:
7–PURIFIED…IN OBEYING
8–OBEYING…THROUGH THE SPIRIT
9–THROUGH THE SPIRIT UNTO (sincere) LOVE OF THE BRETHREN
10–LOVE ONE ANOTHER WITH A PURE HEART (deeply)
11–LOVE…THE BRETHREN.(deeply)
God’s Word also tells the person with an impure heart:
12–Acts 15:9–GOD…PURIFYING THEIR HEARTS BY FAITH.
13–Heb 9:13,14–Regarding purifying the flesh, THE BLOOD OF CHRIST,…(purifies) YOUR CONSCIENCE FROM DEAD WORKS TO SERVE THE LIVING GOD?
14–1 Jn 3:2, 3–EVERYONE WHO HAS THIS HOPE IN HIM (that we shall be like Him when He appears), PURIFIES HIMSELF, JUST AS HE IS PURE.
Four key words to purify the heart of double mindedness: hope, obey, love, faith.
This is the remedy for purifying your heart and overcoming having a double mind that doubts God.
2 Pe 1:5,7–…ADD TO YOUR FAITH…(LOVE).
2 Pe 1:5–10–…ADD TO YOUR FAITH…BROTHERLY KINDNESS. In other words, be kind to your brother in Jesus.
Ro 12:10–BE KINDLY AFFECTIONED (or devoted) (TO ONE) ANOTHER WITH BROTHERLY LOVE. (KJV, NKJ)
Ro 12:10–IN HONOUR PREFERRING ONE ANOTHER. HONOR ONE ANOTHER ABOVE YOURSELVES–NIV IN HONOR GIVING PREFERENCE TO ONE ANOTHER (NKJ)
Phili 2:3–DO NOTHING OUT OF (strife), SELFISH AMBITION OR VAIN CONCEIT (or vainglory), BUT IN HUMILITY CONSIDER OTHERS BETTER THAN YOURSELVES–(NIV)
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