Category: Pauline Dispensationalism / Dispensational Bible Study

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]!” 🙂

Redeem the Year!

Sunday, January 1, 2017

“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:15-17 KJV).

What great advice for 2017!

Despite 2,000 years of Bible schools and seminaries, 2,000 years of a completed Bible canon, 2,000 years of Bible reading in churches, several decades of “Christian” television and radio, and just over a decade of widespread use of “Christian” websites, how sad that Bible ignorance is still quite extensive (it is as if God never gave His Word to start with!).

Frankly, the Church the Body of Christ needs to wake up! The verse previous to today’s Scripture says, “Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light” (verse 14). Paul, loosely quoting Isaiah 60:1, reminded us that the spiritual ignorance that gripped Israel in Isaiah’s day seized Christians in his day—and it still grips Christians 20 centuries later. Feel-good sermons, enjoyable “worship” services, and rites, rituals, and ceremonies will NOT solve this problem—they exacerbate it!

“[God] will have all men to be saved…” (1 Timothy 2:4a). Do you want this New Year to count for God’s glory? First, you need to get saved from sins and hell! You need to become a Christian by trusting in and relying on Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection as sufficient payment for your sins (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). That is only part of God’s will for you, for 1 Timothy 2:4b continues, “[God] will have all men… to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” Now, God’s will for your Christian life is daily, personal Bible study to renew your mind, so your faith in those verses can cause God to work in your life—it will be His life, thus making you “perfect [spiritually mature], throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16,17).

Today’s Scripture urges us to buy back the time Satan has robbed from God (time created for God’s glory). By faith, we need to make that time glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by applying His Word, particularly Paul’s epistles of Romans through Philemon, to our lives. Have a good year in Christ! 🙂

You can download our free “One-Year Bible Reading Schedule.”

See our archived Bible Q&A: “What Scriptural advice can you give me for the New Year?”

By the way, I recently wrote and released a 45-page special Bible article, “The 2016 United States Presidential Election: A Bible-Believing, Grace Perspective.”

The Misunderstood Messiah #5

Friday, December 30, 2016

“Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God” (John 8:41 KJV).

Did you ever notice the magnitude of the insult put forth toward Jesus Christ in today’s Scripture?

Once Christ replied with sound doctrine (verses 42-47), Israel’s religious leaders simply resorted to name-calling again (verse 48): “Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?” A Samaritan was half-Jew/half-Gentile, and “the Jews [had] no dealings with the Samaritans” (John 4:9). Notice Jesus was insulted twice more—they called Him a “Samaritan” and “devil possessed.” Throughout the rest of John chapter 8, Israel’s religious leaders continue arguing with Jesus and nearly stone Him to death (verse 59)!

Why did Jesus not simply “zap” these religionists and instantly throw them into hellfire? They belittled and blasphemed Him several times in this one account, and then attempted to murder Him, but rather than Jesus killing them with His spoken word (which would have been justified), He only conversed with them. Why?

Remember, when the Apostles James and John saw how the Samaritans refused to accommodate Jesus, they asked Him if He wanted them to call down fire from heaven and consume those sinners, He replied, “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them” (Luke 9:55,56). This First Coming of Christ was His “meek and lowly” coming: He did not come to judge man’s sins, but to die for them!

Even today, God is still not pouring out His wrath on wicked mankind (2 Corinthians 5:19), creatures who still snicker at Jesus Christ, deceive others in His name, persecute His saints, ignore His Word, and “rub His nose” in their sins. Lost mankind is wasting God’s grace and mercy that He is offering so freely. When His grace is finally exhausted, the undiluted wrath that has accumulated will finally be poured out (His Second Coming). May we trust Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour now so we have our sins forgiven now, lest we face that angry, righteous God in judgment (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9)!

For more information, you may also see our archived Bible Q&A: “Did God ‘rape’ Mary?”

For What Saith the Scriptures?

Thursday, December 15, 2016

“For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness” (Romans 4:3 KJV).

Today, our Bible Q&A website, “For What Saith the Scriptures?,” celebrates its third anniversary!

A question rarely asked in Christian circles, “What saith the scripture?” is found twice in the Bible—today’s Scripture, and Galatians 4:30, “Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.”

God’s will for our lives is summed up in 1 Timothy 2:4, “[God our Saviour] Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” There are two issues here—soul salvation from sins and everlasting hellfire, and soul salvation from false teaching unto sound Bible doctrine. Firstly, God wants everyone to become Christians by trusting in and relying exclusively on His Son Jesus Christ and His finished crosswork at Calvary as sufficient payment for their sins. Secondly, God wants Christians to trust in and rely on the grace doctrines found in Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon.

Amazingly, both occurrences of “What saith the scripture?” have a special application to us—each instance correlates to one of the issues in 1 Timothy 2:4! The question “What saith the scripture?” in today’s Scripture uses the Bible to answer the question of soul salvation from sins and everlasting hellfire (faith instead of works, “all men to be saved;” 1 Timothy 2:4). The question “What saith the scripture?” in Galatians 4:30 uses the Bible to answer the question of soul salvation from false teaching unto sound Bible doctrine (grace instead of legalism, “come unto the knowledge of the truth;” 1 Timothy 2:4).

For these past three years, we desired you to have a clear understanding of how to have forgiveness of sins and justification unto eternal life, and for you to have a clear understanding of what God’s Word has to say about issues in your Christian life. We were honored to serve you in this additional capacity; thank you for the prayer and support this past year. As always, we welcome your Bible questions, and hope to serve you in that way for years to come! 🙂

Our 2nd-to-last Q&A for 2016: “Why did God want to kill Moses in Exodus 4:24?”

P.S.—If FWSS has helped you in your personal Bible study these last three years, you may show your gratitude by donating to our PayPal account: https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux. Or contact me at arcministries@gmail.com to learn how to give by “snail mail.” This past February, we were pleased to announce the launch of a print (booklet) version of FWSS. To purchase any of these 60 booklets, visit https://arcgraceministries.org/in-print/booklets-bible-q-a/. New booklets are forthcoming next year!

Joy to the World! #1

Sunday, December 11, 2016

“Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise” (Psalm 98:4 KJV).

The first verse of the classic Christmas carol highlights today’s Scripture.

“Joy to the world! The Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.”

English hymn writer Isaac Watts (1674–1748) wrote his beloved Christmas carol after reading today’s Scripture. Psalm 98, with Psalm 96, is actually one of the “new song” psalms. These songs will literally be sung at Jesus Christ’s coronation, when Father God crowns Him as King over all, and when He reigns over all creation. Psalm 93:1, “The LORD reigneth….” And, Psalm 96:10-13: “Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth…. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad… Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice Before the LORD: for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.” And, Psalm 97:1, “The LORD reigneth….” Finally, Psalm 99:1, “The LORD reigneth….”

Why the rejoicing? The crown that Adam lost back in the Garden of Eden thousands of years earlier (Genesis 1:26-28); the crown that Satan had ever so long as “the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2) and “the god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4); the crown that Satan offered the Lord Jesus if He bowed and worshipped him (Matthew 4:8-10; Luke 4:5-8); through His crosswork, Jesus Christ has won it back for Father God’s glory! See Hebrews 2:5-9 and Philippians 2:5-11.

God’s earthly program to exalt Jesus Christ as King over Earth is currently delayed. He is doing something different today. Just as Jesus Christ will reign over Earth throughout eternity, He will also rule over the heavenly places. The heavenly places are where we fit in as members of the Church the Body of Christ. Yes, there will be great rejoicing in Heaven and on Earth. The universe’s world systems—Heaven and Earth—will be completely revamped and Satan will be removed from power!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Which counts the most—how you start, or how you finish?”