The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #41

Monday, June 29, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

An invisible, spiritual battle is in progress. Ephesians 6:10-18: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;….”

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; ) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;…” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:12). “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier” (2 Timothy 2:3,4).

Children do not belong on the battlefield. Yet, denominational churches and other manmade institutions have produced spiritual kindergartners and Bible babies supposedly “fighting for the Lord.” These are not skilled in putting on the whole armor of God, so they end up severely wounded or slain….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #40

Sunday, June 28, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

First Corinthians 10:1,2 states: “Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;….” Israel’s numerous sins all stemmed from one principal problem. Their chief transgression was ignoring Moses, the LORD’S spokesman to them. Although the LORD God had identified the nation with Moses their leader, they disobeyed the Law (God’s words, hundreds of commandments, given to them through Moses on Mount Sinai). Likewise, Paul pointed out how the Corinthians rebelled against the words of grace that God had delivered them through Pauline revelation. Second Corinthians especially defends Paul’s apostleship. Christendom would do well to recognize this.

Standing in opposition to “castaway” (1 Corinthians 9:27), Christian service rejected of God (“adokimos”) because it did not pass the inspection, is the Christian service “approved unto” God (“dokimos”) of 2 Timothy 2:15. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” The ancient Greeks used these two words to signify impure and pure metals, a series of tests establishing either their worthlessness or their quality.

As God’s chief enemy, Satan (Hebrew, “adversary”) seeks to defile us in whatever ways he can, for such will render us unusable to God. Whether or not we have enough spiritual sense to recognize it, an invisible battle is being waged today—and we are a part of it. Observe: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles [methods, tricks, schemes, cunning craftiness] of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:10-12). Both our Corinthian and Galatian brethren fell (defeated) in this battle, so let us be mindful of what we need to “stand….”

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #39

Saturday, June 27, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

The Corinthians were childish Christians, their spiritual growth and development stunted because (like so many now) they did not follow the Pauline design for the edification of the believer in Romans 16:25,26. Wherefore, the Holy Spirit cautioned them in 1 Corinthians 10:1-14. To repeat Israel’s sins of lusting after evil things (verse 6), being idolatrous (verse 7), committing fornication (verse 8), tempting/challenging Christ (verse 9), and murmuring/complaining (verse 10), would surely result in becoming a “castaway,” a Christian whose service God rejects (1 Corinthians 9:27). The Corinthians were to be mindful of the evil world system around them, and walk by faith in the principles of grace as found in Romans to Philemon (Paul’s ministry, Christ’s heavenly ministry).

Whereas the Corinthians were the “lascivious” (loose, wild, crazy) group, the Galatians were the “ascetic” (strict, pious, self-righteous) crowd: both are the two extremes of human (sin) nature. Galatians 3:1-3 explains the predicament of the immature Christians of Galatia: “O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” Paul had preached to the Galatians with great clarity all about Christ’s finished crosswork (grace). Nevertheless, after listening to false teachers (Mosaic-Law-based doctrine), these saints of Galatia imagined their “flesh” (human performance) could somehow enhance or supplement the Holy Spirit’s work. This is works-religion, as in, “I can live the Christian life by keeping commandments, I am able to ‘help’ the Holy Spirit, I can work to earn/merit God’s favor.” Like their Corinthian brethren, the Galatians were incorporating junk material into their inner man. It was not Christ’s life, but Adam’s life. Even though it was Scripture (the Law of Moses), it was not Scripture “rightly divided” (2 Timothy 2:15).

Instead of being a “castaway” (1 Corinthians 9:27), we need to be approved unto God….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #38

Friday, June 26, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

The Corinthians had used (faulty) humanistic standards to appraise and question Paul’s apostleship or ministry, so the Holy Spirit in him responded: “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God” (1 Corinthians 4:1-5). Paul was not the least intimidated that these spiritual children had criticized him, for he knew the Lord would evaluate his service and reward him accordingly.

Instead of pointing out Paul’s alleged “faults,” the Corinthians were to make note of the following: “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). As an athlete (runner, boxer/wrestler, and so on) prudently diets, exercises, and trains to be physically fit to compete and win, so Paul made sure he walked according to the principles of grace (what he preached). Any careless conduct would result in him being a “castaway,” his Christian service unapproved of (rejected by) God.

Here, the Corinthians (and we) would do well to follow Paul….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #37

Thursday, June 25, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

“Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide [remain] which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire” (1 Corinthians 3:13-15). “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons” (Colossians 3:23-25). “Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:9,10).

Dear young reader, whenever someone states that “it does not matter” what we believe, or “it does not matter” where we go to church, or “it does not matter” what Bible version we use, or “it does not matter” what we teach, remember that he or she advertises Bible ignorance. If the Scriptures say what they mean (they do!), and mean what they say (they do!), then Almighty God distinguishes “good” Christian service from “bad” Christian service—and that service depends on the quality or worth of the underlying doctrine (re-read 1 Corinthians 3:9-15). At the Judgment Seat of Christ, the Lord Jesus will inspect our inner man, to check if our edifice is “up to code,” whether or not it meets His building requirements. Mark it well. What work looks mighty to man now, what work seems clever to man now, what work looks impressive to man now, might actually be condemned, ripped out, and burned up in that day! God uses His own standards, and those are completely different from man’s criteria….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #36

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

The saints at Corinth were the secular humanists of the Bible. How greatly they venerated man—worshipping human wisdom and obsessively pursuing pleasure/entertainment. Intellectualism or philosophy was their downfall, as numerous resultant sins further overcame their assembly. Since they were not thinking or behaving according to grace (the grace standard of Romans), the Holy Spirit reproved them, told them their faults. You can read all 16 chapters of 1 Corinthians and all 13 chapters of 2 Corinthians.

One word of warning from which we can profit is 1 Corinthians 3:9-15: “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed [be careful!] how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try [evaluate/test/assess] every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”

The Christians of Corinth are here reminded of the Judgment Seat of Christ, when Christ Himself (the Builder Inspector!) will one day expose and destroy all the garbage/worthless information (wood, hay, stubble) they built into their inner man. Only the edifice of sound Bible doctrine (gold, silver, precious stones) will remain, and just that will equate to a reward; everything else will be a loss of reward. Unfortunately, most of our churches and schools these last 2,000 years have placed more emphasis on attendance and revenue than they have on the quality of the information they teach. They have not learned this lesson of Corinth that they should have….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #35

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Remember, the God of the Bible purposes to build a house (“oikos”) of doctrine in our inner man (soul and spirit) as members of the Church the Body of Christ. “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord [by faith; verse 5], so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up [‘epoikodomeo’] in him, and stablished [stabilized] in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:6,7). Such edification, building up of a structure/edifice, will lead to us becoming, in practice, “the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15).

“In whom all the building [‘oikodome’] fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together [‘sunoikodomeisthe’] for an habitation [dwellingplace, house] of God through the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:21,22). “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are” (1 Corinthians 3:16,17). “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:19,20).

Mark this well. Take whatever religious/philosophical/theological system you want, and you can live according to that system’s values without their founders (Muhammad, Joseph Smith, Socrates, Buddha, Plato, Confucius, et cetera) living in and through you. HOWEVER, you cannot enjoy Christian living (grace principles) without Jesus Christ living in you! Hence, the goal of sound Bible doctrine is to have “Christ formed in you” (Galatians 4:19), the indwelling Holy Spirit working to make Jesus Christ’s life real in our lives. Therefore, it is so (!) extremely (!) critical (!) that we build the correct doctrine in ourselves and in those who hear us….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #34

Monday, June 22, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Recall how “oikodome” is translated various ways—“building,” “edify/edifying,” “edification.” A structure is raised, an edifice is under construction, or a house (“oikos”) is built up (“demo,” “to build”). Now, pay attention to Paul’s words here: “As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do” (1 Timothy 1:3,4). This “godly edifying” is “the building up of God,” edification in keeping with His plan.

We never worship Paul, for Paul is neither our God nor our Saviour, but Paul is our God’s minister (“servant”) and he is our Saviour’s apostle (“sent one”). Paul was entrusted with the blueprints of God’s current relations with man: “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. According to the grace [ministry/office/apostleship] of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder [‘architekton’], I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:9-11). Interestingly, even Peter recognized the special “wisdom” given to Paul, which Pauline Scriptures people were “wresting” (twisting, corrupting, distorting the meaning of) (2 Peter 3:15,16).

Bringing this all together, we have the following. Firstly, the God of the Bible has a scheme to build a house using doctrine (teaching worthy of our trust). Secondly, this doctrine describes His very life (hence, the doctrine forms a house, GOD’S house). Thirdly, if He is to fill us with His life, He must dispense or distribute that doctrine to us so we can believe it. Fourthly, He has delivered that doctrine to us via Paul’s apostleship. Fifthly, unless we place our faith in that Pauline information, no edifice of sound doctrine can be built in our inner man. The emphasis then is not only Christ’s earthly ministry (Matthew to John), but, rather, Christ’s heavenly ministry (Romans to Philemon)….

Father: A Godly Man

Sunday, June 21, 2026

“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4 KJV).

Since today is Father’s Day, we dedicate today’s devotional to the godly (Christian) fathers.

What is a godly father? Oftentimes, fathers are either too authoritative (very strict) or too carefree (little to no concern for their children). According to the Bible (today’s Scripture in particular), fathers must have a balance between setting boundaries and enforcing them, and refraining from being a heartless tyrant.

  • On one hand, the Christian father is to “bring [his children] up in the nurture of the Lord.” “Nurture” is simply defined as “caring for and encouraging their growth or development.” All too often, fathers (sadly) ignore this, usually being too rough, or even, apathetic (unconcerned).
  • On the other hand, the Christian father is to “bring [his children] up in the admonition of the Lord.” “Admonition” is simply defined as “authoritative counsel or warning.” He is to lovingly guide them in life, instructing them from God’s Word rightly divided.

A father is not simply one who procreates. God’s Word makes it very clear that they should serve a lifelong, active role in their children’s lives. A Christian man, especially a father, should be a godly man in beliefs as well as in deed. He needs to set an example for his children (especially his sons): it is his duty as an older Christian man to set an example for younger men.

He should be a hard worker, he should meditate on the things of God (the Bible), his speech should conform to sound Bible doctrine, he should be hospitable and caring, kind and loving, he should respect and love his wife, he should love his children, and he should be reserved and cautious in his actions.

Are you a Christian man or Christian father who desires to be the man God intends you to be in Christ Jesus? Place your faith in this sound Bible doctrine, and God will take care of the rest! Then, you will become the godly man described on the pages of Scripture.

*Adapted from a larger Bible study with the same name. The Bible study can be read here or watched here.

ARCHIVED: “What does the Bible say about fatherhood?”

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #33

Saturday, June 20, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Remember, “oikos” is Greek for “house” (cf. “oikonomia,” “house laws”). A kindred word is “oikodome,” as in “building/edifying,” erecting an edifice or structure or house; it is the opposite of tearing down. “For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification [‘oikodome’] and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:…” (2 Corinthians 10:8; cf. 2 Corinthians 13:10).

“Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify [‘oikodome’] another” (Romans 14:19). “Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification [‘oikodome’]” (Romans 15:2). “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying [‘oikodome’] of the body of Christ:… From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying [‘oikodome’] of itself in love…. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying [‘oikodome’], that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:12,16,29). “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry [farm], ye are God’s building [‘oikodome’]” (1 Corinthians 3:9). “Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying [‘oikodome’]” (2 Corinthians 12:19). See also “edification… edifying… edifying… edifying” in 1 Corinthians 14:3,5,12,26.

“In whom [Jesus Christ] all the building [‘oikodome’] fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:21,22). Edification involves building or constructing an edifice or structure of doctrine in the inner man (soul and spirit), that that doctrine be the means whereby we believers in Christ function as God’s house or dwellingplace. Such an assembly or configuration can transpire only if we are aware of and are using the “oikonomia” (house rules, building instructions, or dispensation!) currently in force….

NOTE: In order to bring you a special study tomorrow, we will temporarily break away from this devotionals arc….