Category: human viewpoint / human wisdom / philosophy

Wisdom for Life #1

Sunday, June 22, 2025

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7 KJV).

Today’s Scripture is true wisdom for life….

A professing Christian wrote these so-called “words of wisdom:” “Life is precious, live life to its fullest, be kind, be gentle, place your trust in the Lord… or whatever your belief is, but believe in something good….” This is typical of watered-down Christendom. Half-truths are more dangerous than lies because a little truth is enough to convince many that the rest of the statement has to be true. Indeed, life is precious, we should live life to its fullest, we should be kind and gentle, and we should place our trust in the Lord.

However, we simply cannot agree with, “place your trust in the Lord… or whatever your belief is, but believe in something good.” The folly at the end detracts so much from the potency of the prior words; trusting in the Lord and trusting in someone/something else is antithetical. Being open to belief systems not founded on the Lord is to blatantly contradict the Bible. Read today’s Scripture again: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” If we do not trust in the LORD wholeheartedly—trust Him in our soul totally—then we automatically lean to our own understanding (trusting in ourselves to some degree). To place our faith in someone or something other than the LORD is foolish, especially since we are not perfect. Moreover, if it is not of the LORD, it is not good.

“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” These “ways” are courses of life or modes of action. If we desire, God will point us where to go—which path to take, what we should do, and so on. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16,17).

Let us consider this further.…

Neither Length Nor Fervor, But Clarity #7

Friday, May 16, 2025

“For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God” (1 Corinthians 2:11,12 KJV).

Let ministers depend on the Spirit of God as they deliver their sermons, and not rely on the (limited, weak) energy of the flesh!

Observe: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Colossians 3:16). “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;…” (Ephesians 5:18,19).

The Word of Christ must dwell in us richly if we are to be filled with the Holy Spirit, for the Spirit of God never operates apart from the Word of God. If the Word of Christ does not dwell in us richly, we are automatically not under the control of the Spirit of God—meaning we are under the control of our flesh. The flesh is man’s efforts, man’s resources in Adam, and the flesh of man and the Spirit of God always oppose one another. Carefully read Galatians 5:16-26 and Romans 8:1-14.

As he himself confessed in Philippians 3:6, Saul of Tarsus was a “zealous” man in Acts chapters 7–9. He ruthlessly persecuted the Messianic Church, Israel’s believing remnant. Like his apostate nation, he had a “zeal toward God” (Acts 22:3; Romans 10:2), but it was all done in the energy of the flesh—ignorance. No amount of Adamic struggles and strivings can ever even begin to replace God’s mighty power working in the inner man (as Paul himself came to understand in Romans chapter 7 and Philippians chapter 3).

Our faith should be resting in an intelligent understanding of God’s “rightly divided” Word (2 Timothy 2:15), especially a mastering of Paul’s epistles of Romans to Philemon, God’s words to and about us in this the Dispensation of Grace (Ephesians 3:1,2). Such clarity will carry far more weight in eternity than verbosity and fervency!

Neither Length Nor Fervor, But Clarity #6

Thursday, May 15, 2025

“For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God” (1 Corinthians 2:11,12 KJV).

Let ministers depend on the Spirit of God as they deliver their sermons, and not rely on the (limited, weak) energy of the flesh!

Upon hearing Apollos’ incomplete and inaccurate spiritual information, Aquila and Priscilla did not overlook it: “And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly” (Acts 18:26). They took Apollos aside and taught him privately, instead of embarrassing him in public.

That which was lacking in Apollos’ Bible understanding, they filled it with the Bible teaching they received from Paul himself earlier in the chapter (verses 1-3). Apollos learned about the events which had followed the baptism of John the Baptist—Christ’s earthly ministry (including His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension), the coming of the Holy Spirit in Acts chapter 2, the fall of Israel in Acts chapter 7, and the salvation and commissioning of the Apostle Paul in Acts 9. Apollos subsequently became a Bible teacher who communicated with great clarity, becoming an asset to Paul’s ministry (Acts 18:27,28; Acts 19:1; 1 Corinthians 3:5,6; 1 Corinthians 16:12; Titus 3:13).

Unfortunately, unlike Apollos, too many ministers are unwilling to be taught “the way of God more perfectly.” Over all these years, I have met them. They are smug in, and comfortable with, their religious tradition, ignorance, and lies. “Scholarship,” man’s wisdom, man’s praise, and entertainment mean more to them than truth, God’s wisdom, God’s praise, and sound doctrine ever will! Lacking any care to know, they have no interest in being confused by facts. If so, they are preaching and teaching in the energy of the flesh. It is not the Holy Spirit working in and through them, but another spirit, so they are better off saying nothing in “the Lord’s name.”

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

Neither Length Nor Fervor, But Clarity #5

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

“For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God” (1 Corinthians 2:11,12 KJV).

Let ministers depend on the Spirit of God as they deliver their sermons, and not rely on the (limited, weak) energy of the flesh!

The vast majority of professing Christians—leaders and congregants alike—are affiliated with at least one denomination, cult, sect, or theological system. Either they are on the membership rolls, or they frequent the services, or they have read the books, or they have graduated the religious schools. These groups are the product of non-dispensational Bible study. They are all failed attempts to understand and enjoy the Bible—some have a little more light than others, but all languish in extensive ignorance and darkness.

A classic example of non-dispensational ignorance in ministry is Apollos, featured in Acts chapter 18: “[24] And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. [25] This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. [26] And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.”

This Bible teacher or preacher, Apollos, was “eloquent”—precise, persuasive, and beautiful words poured from his lips. He was “mighty in the scriptures”—powerful in his Hebrew Bible education. “Instructed in the way of the Lord,” he “spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord….” Bold Apollos was “fervent in the spirit”—excited, passionate, enthusiastic. The bad news is, “…knowing only the baptism of John.” Apollos’ understanding of the Bible timeline was outdated, for the latest information he had was a 20-year-old message from John the Baptist!

Indeed, Apollos was fervent and long-speaking, but clarity was lacking….

Neither Length Nor Fervor, But Clarity #4

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

“For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God” (1 Corinthians 2:11,12 KJV).

Let ministers depend on the Spirit of God as they deliver their sermons, and not rely on the (limited, weak) energy of the flesh!

Verbose (wordy) discourses and homilies are not necessarily spiritual or godly. Prolific writing does not automatically glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. Preachers, priests, pastors, teachers, and professors can speak with such eloquence, magnificence, or intelligence, and their spirit can become so excited that their voices boom—but is that the Spirit of God… or the flesh of man?

“Ramble” means “talk or write at length in a confusing or inconsequential way.” Nothing of any real meaning is communicated. Additionally, people are even more ignorant (unknowing) having listened to or read it—and they would have been better off hearing complete silence or looking at a blank page. This precisely describes much of the supposed “Christian” teaching, preaching, and writing these last 20 centuries. We need only glance at the tens of thousands of pitifully-ignorant little groups—cults, sects, denominations, social-clubs, and theological systems all under the banner of “Christendom”—to realize how monumentally great the disconnect is between man’s spirit and God’s Spirit!

Verses 4 and 5, the context of today’s Scripture: “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” When Paul arrived at Corinth in Acts chapter 18, he made sure he did not employ the wisdom of men when he preached to these Corinthians. Such philosophy was central to Greek culture, and orators (professional speech-makers) stated their position in such a clever way that their good words and fair speeches persuaded their audience to adopt their views. Paul was mindful that this wisdom of men was not the wisdom of God, and faith can rest only in the wisdom and power of God….

Neither Length Nor Fervor, But Clarity #3

Monday, May 12, 2025

“For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God” (1 Corinthians 2:11,12 KJV).

Let ministers depend on the Spirit of God as they deliver their sermons, and not rely on the (limited, weak) energy of the flesh!

An old cliché goes, “The Bible sheds a lot of light on commentaries!” This is said in jest, of course, since commentaries ought to shed light on the Bible. Just why do commentaries frequently make the Bible more confusing and complicated? They are the product of the “natural” (lost) man and/or the “carnal” (fleshly Christian) man! Very rarely is the “spiritual” man (a Christian led by the Spirit of God) writing or speaking about the words of God. It is this spiritual man who is connected to the same Holy Spirit who moved holy men of God to write the Holy Bible (1 Corinthians 2:15,16 cf. 2 Peter 1:20,21).

If someone is struggling to teach the Bible, or struggling to comprehend it, the following factors must be considered. Firstly, the teacher might be thinking in the energy of the flesh. Secondly, the student may be thinking in the energy of the flesh. It could even be a combination of both teacher and student leaning toward the flesh instead of toward the Spirit. Check today’s Scripture again, then read the verses immediately following: “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. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (verses 13,14).

For example, take any book about the Bible—a commentary—and read it. Where you see sound Bible doctrine, that was where the author had yielded to the Holy Spirit. Where you see false doctrine, that was where the writer was under the influence of the flesh….

Neither Length Nor Fervor, But Clarity #2

Saturday, May 10, 2025

“For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God” (1 Corinthians 2:11,12 KJV).

Let ministers depend on the Spirit of God as they deliver their sermons, and not rely on the (limited, weak) energy of the flesh!

Generally, both unbelievers and Christians are inclined to depend on their own resources in Adam in an attempt to pursue and identify truth. If they study enough “scholarly” journals, attend plenty of religious seminars, enroll in an abundance of philosophical classes, and/or think long and hard by themselves for a sufficient time, they assume they will eventually “see the light” and arrive at some sense of meaning or purpose, and finally get peace. This is to be expected of unbelievers, but not of Christians.

“This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:…” (Ephesians 4:17-21).

When Christians adopt the “vain” (empty, worthless, profitless) and “darkened” (dimmed, obscured) and “blind” (sightless) position of unbelievers, they have rendered themselves pagans practically because they are isolated from the words of the Holy Bible that the Holy Spirit uses to teach (1 Corinthians 2:13). They know about the Bible, they are aware of what others say about it, but they do not have any personal faith in it. Amazingly, this is even where many seminary professors are—yea, the very people “training” the majority of our preachers, teachers, and missionaries, who will then go out upon graduation and add to the confusion….

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

Neither Length Nor Fervor, But Clarity #1

Friday, May 9, 2025

“For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God” (1 Corinthians 2:11,12 KJV).

Let ministers depend on the Spirit of God as they deliver their sermons, and not rely on the (limited, weak) energy of the flesh!

A dear brother in Christ observed many years ago: “The Devil cares not how long or how fervently a minister preaches—just as long as no one understands what he is talking about. High-swelling words that people cannot understand will not result in conviction for sin. The Gospel of God’s salvation should be presented in words so simple that a child can understand. Jesus used simple, understandable words when He preached, and we should follow His example. Thereby will the message of saving grace be expressed in words that anyone can understand.”

Since the vast majority of “Bible” colleges, “Christian” universities, and seminaries (Bible cemeteries) are founded upon secular principles and humanistic worldviews, it is no surprise their graduates are more versed in the words and wisdom of men than in the words and wisdom of God. That was the primary transgression of the Corinthian church. Philosophy, loving man’s wisdom, was fundamental to Greek culture. Read Paul’s speech to Athens, near Corinth, in Acts 17:22-31. There was unfathomable spiritual ignorance, and thus, extensive idolatry, there. “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,…” (Romans 1:20-22).

The Athenians were the result of God leaving man to himself. Man left to himself is “ignorant” (without knowledge) of the things of God (today’s Scripture; cf. Acts 17:29,30). God must send His Holy Spirit to teach people, but it is all the more unfortunate when ministers themselves are not under the leadership of the Holy Spirit either….

The Awareness of a Temporary Earth

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

“And, Thou, O Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: they shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; and as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail” (Hebrews 1:10-12 KJV).

On this Earth Day, let us not confuse the creation with the Creator!

Today, people worldwide celebrate “environmental awareness.” According to the secular, naturalistic worldview, our planet and its sun could last many more billions of years. They claim that we have done so much damage to our planet—climate change, overpopulation, deforestation, pollution, et cetera—that we must change our attitude toward “mother earth” and change our lifestyles before we destroy her and civilization as we know it! You can sense the zeal in their message, can you not? While these people are sincere, they are wasting all of their time, energy, and resources on a temporary planet.

Let us be very clear that the Lord Jesus Christ placed man on the earth, especially the Garden of Eden, to “dress it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15). Adam was to take care of the Earth: he was God’s representative, God’s king, who had a divine commission to rule this planet for God’s glory (Genesis 1:26-28).

It was not long, however, before Satan distracted mankind from understanding God’s purpose for him. Adam began to focus on himself: like Satan, he began to “worship and serve the creature more than the Creator” (Romans 1:25). Thus began man’s continual downward spiral into spiritual ignorance. He would continually worship himself, as we well know today.

Today’s Scripture reminds us that, because of sin, this creation will pass away. The Lord Jesus Christ, however, will live forever. Why worship that which is temporary? It makes no sense! The Lord Jesus Christ gave you life, not the pagan goddess “mother earth.” Environmental awareness? Indeed, be aware that our world is temporary, as God will one day create “a new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1).

Something in Which to Glory!

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

“As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Galatians 6:12-14 KJV).

In what shall we glory? About what shall we boast? In what shall we find value?

Religion produces people who enjoy bragging all about their “dedication to God.” “Look what I did—the ceremonies in which I have participated, the many prayers I faithfully recited daily, how much I put in the collection plate, see how many pleasures I gave up to please God! Come, see how much I love Him!” Dear friends, the Apostle Paul found great value in something—but that something was not what he did. All that human flesh can accomplish pales in comparison to the work in today’s Scripture.

As Lent begins, the time when religionists temporarily (a mere 40 days) relinquish some pleasant food or activity, let us remember that our performance is often non-performance. Once we place ourselves on that treadmill of “do, do, do,” we are guaranteed to fail at some point. Human flesh is simply too weak to maintain 100 percent—that is sin! Even concerning one rule, we cannot keep it perfectly. We mess up eventually.

If ever we believe that our puny works are worth bragging about, let us remember the words of the Apostle Paul in today’s Scripture. While some boast in their religiosity (in the passage, the Judaizers applauding their rite of physical circumcision), and such denominationalists today urge us to obey their church’s instructions so they too may boast in our ability, let us eschew such foolishness. Being imperfect, all their works do not measure up to Christ’s finished crosswork. At Calvary, we find the only sacrifice that will ever please the God of the Bible. If we must boast, let us brag that He did what we could never, ever do!

See our archived Bible Q&A: “Should Christians observe Lent?”