Month: January 2017

Household Rules #7

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

“Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God” (Colossians 1:25 KJV).

And, just what is this “dispensation of God which is given to [Paul] for [us]?”

You will recall that “dispensation” appears four times in the King James Bible (1 Corinthians 9:17; Ephesians 1:10; Ephesians 3:2; Colossians 1:25). It is the noun form of the verb “dispense,” meaning “to distribute or supply.” Friend, if it helps, think about when a pharmacist dispenses medication as per a doctor’s orders. In the Bible, a “dispensation” is a particular set of instructions (or “household rules”) that God gives to mankind for his faith and obedience during a particular time. God has not always dealt with man in the manner in which He deals with us today. Over time, God’s instructions to man change because man—not God—changes; we would do well to recognize and respect dispensational (transitional) boundaries.

For example, think about the Dispensation of Law God gave to Moses on Mount Sinai. It was dispensed to Israel to govern her social and religious life for over 1,500 years. Those strict “household rules” were temporary. Law faded off the scene during the Acts period, as our Dispensation of Grace was being given to Paul—see today’s Scripture and Ephesians 3:2. (There are other dispensations in Scripture, but we have neither time nor space to discuss those right now. Our purpose here is to simply see two dispensations—Law (given to Moses for Israel to follow) and Grace (given to Paul for us, all nations/Gentiles, to observe).

As with the rest of the Bible, God progressively revealed the Dispensation of Grace. In fact, all the information contained in the Books of Romans through Philemon was given to the Apostle Paul during a 30-year period. Jesus Christ first spoke to Saul of Tarsus at his conversion in Acts chapter 9, and ended that revelation a few years after the Book of Acts closed. The capstone of Pauline revelation is 2 Timothy, his final epistle, penned just before his execution. We had better be sure we are following the latest revelation from God. If we are giving attendance to Pauline doctrine, we are observing our “household rules….”

Household Rules #6

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

“Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God” (Colossians 1:25 KJV).

And, just what is this “dispensation of God which is given to [Paul] for [us]?”

Second Timothy 2:15 is the only verse in a King James Bible that tells us to “study” Scripture. (And you need a King James Bible to have that word “study!”) Not only so, 2 Timothy 2:15 also tells us how to study Scripture. We let the verse speak for itself: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Please draw your attention to the phrase, “rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Immediately after the exhortation to “study… rightly dividing the word of truth,” a warning appears in verse 16: “But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.” What are these “profane and vain babblings”—these evil, empty, nonsensical words—that we should avoid? Verses 17 and 18 do not leave us to wonder: “[17] And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; [18] Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.”

Since they did not “rightly divide the word of truth,” Hymenaeus and Philetus were guilty of a grave error. They said the “the resurrection is past already.” By doing this, they overthrew the faith of some Christians. The words “past already” in verse 18 convey the idea of a timeline or schedule. These hereticks claimed the Rapture (resurrection of Christians in the Church the Body of Christ) had already occurred. Their audience was forced to conclude that, with the Rapture passed, they were living in Israel’s prophetic program (the wrath of God, commonly called “the seven-year Tribulation”).

It was a most serious error. Hymenaeus and Philetus were not dividing the household rules God had given the Body of Christ through Paul, from the household rules God had given the nation Israel through her apostles and prophets. As professing “Christianity” shows us today, such a blurring or removal of dispensational boundaries still makes the Bible confusing and burdensome.

They had better heed today’s Scripture….

Household Rules #5

Monday, January 9, 2017

“Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God” (Colossians 1:25 KJV).

And, just what is this “dispensation of God which is given to [Paul] for [us]?”

The Lord Jesus Christ has entrusted Paul, “the apostle of the Gentiles” (Romans 11:13), with what the Bible calls “mystery” truth (Romans 16:25,26; 1 Corinthians 2:6-8; Ephesians 3:1-9; Colossians 1:23-29; et cetera). “Mystery” means God kept it hid in Himself until He revealed those secrets exclusively to Paul. Therefore, Paul is a very special servant (steward) of God in Scripture. Paul distributes to mankind—especially Christians, God’s people—what they need to know about God’s current dealings with them. Never forget it!

Sadly, in many local churches today, very little emphasis is placed on Pauline doctrine. His epistles, the 13 books of Romans through Philemon, are largely ignored. Whatever Scripture is read or expounded is usually from the “Old Testament,” especially the Four Gospels. Many church people are sincere when they say, “I follow Jesus’ words because He is our pattern.” Oh, but how they are so sincerely wrong!

Jesus’ earthly ministry is certainly God’s Word and work, but it was God’s Word and work before He revealed the mystery to the Apostle Paul! God has given us further revelation since Jesus’ earthly ministry. Even the Lord Himself, in John 16:12-14, predicted more Bible truth coming to Israel: “[12] I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. [13] Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. [14] He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.”

In addition to more divine revelation concerning Israel’s prophetic program (the penning of the Books of Hebrews through Revelation), God would deliver to all of mankind some un-predicted doctrine (Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon). He would dispense some “household rules” for all nations to follow—“the dispensation of the grace of God” given to the Apostle Paul….

Our latest Bible Q&A: “What was wrong with Leah’s eyes?”

Household Rules #4

Sunday, January 8, 2017

“Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God” (Colossians 1:25 KJV).

And, just what is this “dispensation of God which is given to [Paul] for [us]?”

Today’s Scripture carries the meaning of the Apostle Paul being given something—something deposited to him, something for our benefit, something for him to give to us. We read it again with the surrounding verses to gain additional insight: “[25] Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; [26] Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: [27] To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory….” Ephesians and Colossians are two sister epistles—each one a commentary of the other—so we should consult the parallel passage.

Ephesians chapter 3 says: “[1] For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, [2] If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: [3] How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, [4] Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)….” (The thought continues down into verse 9, but we will stop here and return to it later. For now, just pay attention to the fact that Paul’s “dispensation” has the full title of “the dispensation of the grace of God.” This Apostle has a very unique role in the Bible, and we should not overlook it!)

Thus far, we see that the Lord Jesus Christ—post-death, post-resurrection, and post-ascension—revealed some special information to the Apostle Paul. Paul was given that body of truth, previously unrevealed to mankind, so he could be God’s spokesman to make that truth known to all nations (“Gentiles”). Now, let us proceed to bring into account the ideas of steward and stewardship presented earlier….

Household Rules #3

Saturday, January 7, 2017

“Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God” (Colossians 1:25 KJV).

And, just what is this “dispensation of God which is given to [Paul] for [us]?”

In addition to oikonomia being thrice rendered “stewardship” in our King James Bible (Luke 16:2-4), it is translated four times as “dispensation.” We will now briefly highlight those four instances:

  • 1 Corinthians 9:17: “For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.”
  • Ephesians 1:10: “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:”
  • Ephesians 3:2: “If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:”
  • Colossians 1:25: “Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;”

Having familiarized ourselves with the above verses, let us us review the definition of “steward” once again: “the manager of household or of household affairs.” A more extended definition is as follows: “esp. a steward, manager, superintendent to whom the head of the house or proprietor has intrusted the management of his affairs, the care of receipts and expenditures, and the duty of dealing out the proper portion to every servant and even to the children not yet of age.” If necessary, go back to our earlier comments about Luke 16:2-4—the story of the steward being accused of unfaithfulness, or not properly managing his master’s goods.

With those definitions and Luke 16:2-4 in mind, we reflect on the Apostle Paul’s declarations in 1 Corinthians 9:17, Ephesians 1:10, Ephesians 3:2, and Colossians 1:25. Paul himself claims to be a “steward,” “the manager of household or of household affairs.” Exactly what is Paul managing? A household, yes—but whose household? Someone has designated Paul as the manager of His household. It is the God of the Bible Himself…!

Our first Bible Q&A for 2017: “Is a Christian a ‘poor testimony’ for taking medication?”

Household Rules #2

Friday, January 6, 2017

“Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God” (Colossians 1:25 KJV).

And, just what is this “dispensation of God which is given to [Paul] for [us]?”

One authority defines “steward” as: “(1) the manager of household or of household affairs; (2) esp. a steward, manager, superintendent to whom the head of the house or proprietor has intrusted the management of his affairs, the care of receipts and expenditures, and the duty of dealing out the proper portion to every servant and even to the children not yet of age; (3) the manager of a farm or landed estate, an overseer.” When the suffix –ship is added to “steward,” the result is “stewardship,” or “the office of a steward.” “Stewardship” is: “(1) the management of a household or of household affairs; (2) specifically, the management, oversight, administration, of other’s property; (3) the office of a manager or overseer, stewardship; (4) administration, dispensation.”

An important Bible study principle is “the rule of first mention.” Scripture’s first usage of oikonomia establishes its definition and tone. Hence, we look again at Luke chapter 16: “[1] And he [Jesus] said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. [2] And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward. [3] Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed. [4] I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.” Notice the issue of a “steward” and his “stewardship.”

If we take into account these lexicographical and biblical definitions, today’s Scripture becomes quite easy. A special oikonomia—or “dispensation”—has been committed to the Apostle Paul’s trust, just like a master would deliver a special set of rules to his chief servant so he could properly manage his household….

Household Rules #1

Thursday, January 5, 2017

“Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God” (Colossians 1:25 KJV).

And, just what is this “dispensation of God which is given to [Paul] for [us]?”

The word “dispensation” appears four times in a King James Bible—regrettably, it is nearly absent, or entirely omitted, from modern English versions. Why? Dispensational Bible study is a very detested system in theology, so theologians are quite eager to expunge “dispensation” from the English Bible text as much as possible! (We will flesh this out as we move along in future studies.)

Our 1611 translators took the Greek word oikonomia and rendered it four times in our “New Testament” Scriptures as “dispensation” (1 Corinthians 9:17; Ephesians 1:10; Ephesians 3:2; Colossians 1:25—today’s Scripture). On the three other occasions oikonomia appears, they translated it “stewardship” (Luke 16:2-4). The word oikos means “house, temple, household;” nomos is “law, rule;” the suffix –ia makes the noun nomos plural. Thus, oikonomia (pronounced oy-ko-no-me-ah) literally means “household rules.” What we want to do in our upcoming studies is let the Bible explain what all of this means. Just how does this affect us? And, how does it all relate to today’s Scripture?

Oikonomia first appears in the Bible in Luke chapter 16, so we should look at that passage first: “[1] And he [Jesus] said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. [2] And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward. [3] Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed. [4] I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.” (Notice the references to a “steward,” and the three occurrences of “stewardship,” oikonomia.)

Let us proceed to explaining this passage so it can help us better grasp today’s Scripture….

A Life That Will Please

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and 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” (Galatians 2:20 KJV).

Today’s Scripture tells us who alone can live a life pleasing in God’s sight!

Everyone does “good” deeds. Yet, doing “good” is not necessarily good. For instance, people often do “good” just to receive praise/reward, make up for their wrongs, feel good, et cetera. Furthermore, despite our “good” deeds, we have plenty more bad ones! Pride, lying, evil thoughts, being a false witness, and being contentious are some of the things the LORD hates (Proverbs 6:16-19).

Mankind cannot even keep 10 simple rules from God. However, religion continues to urge us to keep seven sacraments, utter various prayers, give assorted offerings and “tithes,” attend numerous feasts and festivals, and perform sundry other tasks to “hopefully” please God and avoid hellfire. Whether we attempt to keep a church’s laws, our laws, or God’s laws, our flesh is far too weak to ever measure up. Just look at what God’s religion did to Israel—how much worse some man-made religion does to us!

As Saul of Tarsus, the Apostle Paul was a Pharisee, a religious leader of Israel. He was a nitpicker concerning Law-keeping, and yet, after his soul salvation, he admitted that all of his religion was “but dung” compared to Jesus Christ’s righteousness (Philippians 3:3-11). Even for the Christian, to live a perfect life is impossible (read of Paul’s miserable existence in Romans chapter 7). Paul had to forsake his vain religion and learn today’s Scripture: the Christian life is NOT the performance of the Christian, but the Lord Jesus Christ living and working in the Christian, as the Christian walks in an intelligent understanding of God’s Word to him or her!

If we trust a Saviour who will save—the Lord Jesus Christ—and trust a Book that will teach—the King James Bible—we can redeem the year for the great God and our Saviour, “who loved [us], and gave himself for [us]!” 🙂

A Book That Will Teach

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

“Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (1 Corinthians 2:13 KJV).

Today’s Scripture tells us who alone we can trust to teach us God’s truth!

Once, I heard a minister give his self-proclaimed “prophetic” message about top headlines that would appear in the coming year. While he reassured his audience that he received this information directly from “the Lord” (?), he gave a disclaimer: “I do not know, but at the end of this year, we will see if what I say came to pass.” Unlike the inner impressions and hunches of this “Christian” preacher, the Holy Bible is infallible, and we can trust its information completely.

Long, long ago, God Almighty wrote a Book, and He preserved it through history through a multiplicity of manuscript copies, so that it could eventually be translated into English, so we could read it even today! (Of course, Satan, the master counterfeiter that he is, most certainly had his own manuscripts—they still circulate today as corrupt Bible translations.) God promised to preserve His words forever (Psalm 12:6,7; Isaiah 30:8; Matthew 24:35; 1 Peter 1:25). Consequently, every person will stand before Him one day to give account as to what he or she did with that Bible. Did we reject it in favor of counterfeits? Did we re-translate it to fit our denominational beliefs? Did we apply it to life by faith? Did we even read it at all?

As English-speaking people, we understand—or, at least, we should understand—that we can trust the 400-year-old King James Bible. Sadly, even in many church circles, we are often cautioned not to trust God’s preserved Word. Unfortunately, footnotes, study notes, and seminarians usually attempt to claim that authority by offering “better” readings or “better” manuscripts. Beloved, we can do without unbelieving textual critics and their “scholarship.” God does not need lost people to explain His Word to His children; He never did and He never will (1 Corinthians 2:14). Never forget that!

The Holy Spirit will teach us the King James Bible if we “read” (Ephesians 3:4), “study” (2 Timothy 2:15), and “consider” it (2 Timothy 2:7)!

A Saviour Who Will Save

Monday, January 2, 2017

“…Jesus Christ of Nazareth… Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:10,12 KJV).

Today’s Scripture tells us who alone can save man from the everlasting hellfire he deserves!

A frequent objection made against Christianity is that every religion has “good” members, and to ignore them and limit heaven to a few Christians is unfair. This is a defected notion. How does one arrive at a definite conclusion when there is no one standard to gauge everyone’s “goodness?” They are “good” according to whom, according to what standard? Remember, relative morality actually does not help the sinner—he may be a “better” sinner than another, but he is also a “worse” sinner than yet another, and whether “better” or “worse,” he is still a sinner!

The God of the Bible has a simple method for determining righteousness. Today, He sees two types of people—saints and lost people. While both groups were born in sins (Ephesians 2:1-3), “shapen in iniquity [in the womb]” (Psalm 51:5), and “condemned already” (John 3:18), only the saints have come to realize their lost state. Job asked in Job 9:2, “How should a man be just [righteous, acceptable] with God?” Saints have come to the acknowledgement that they needed God’s righteousness, that they had a massive sin debt that they could never satisfy, that their “righteousnesses are as filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6), that they could never possibly make themselves right before a holy God (He is the standard; Romans 3:23). The lost people, however, do not realize they are lost, for they believe their religious works “score points” with God and make up for their sinful deeds (2 Corinthians 4:3,4). They ignore the finished crosswork of Jesus Christ as sufficient payment for their sins (1 Corinthians 15:3,4).

Saints have come by faith to Jesus Christ, whose name literally means, “Anointed Saviour” (cf. Psalm 2:2; Matthew 1:21). As the writer of the book of Hebrews said, “[Jesus] is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him” (7:25). Literally, no world religion has such a “Saviour” as Jesus Christ!

NOTE: Friends and readers, remember this ministry’s financial needs throughout 2017. Let me stress to you that this ministry has grown significantly, so we do need faithful (monthly) funding to continue serving you this year. Whatever you can give is greatly appreciated! You can donate electronically (and securely) to us by visiting https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux. Contact me at arcministries@gmail.com if you want to give by personal check via “snail mail.” Also, please remember our 60 Bible Q&A booklets for sale at https://arcgraceministries.org/in-print/booklets-bible-q-a/. 🙂