Category: sin

Brother’s Keeper? #7

Monday, September 9, 2024

“And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9 KJV).

Let us learn the import of Cain’s reply….

Now, read the verses that follow today’s Scripture: “[10] And he [the LORD God] said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground. [11] And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand; [12] When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth. [13] And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear. [14] Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me.” Behold, after learning his punishment, Cain had more pity on himself than he had on his own poor brother whom he so viciously murdered! (With Cain, it is still about self, self, self, and there is still no accountability or admission of guilt!)

Keep reading: “[15] And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him. [16] And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden. [17] And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch.” God ordered Cain to be a wanderer (quite a strict penalty for a farmer, by the way). Nevertheless, Cain settled down in one place and founded a city (the first one in Scripture)—more defiance or rebellion, more sin, more selfishness! He continued to set a poor example for those around him.

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

Brother’s Keeper? #6

Sunday, September 8, 2024

“And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9 KJV).

Let us learn the import of Cain’s reply….

By studying how the three members of the Godhead interact with each other, we can learn how our Creator designed our life to be. God the Son (Jesus Christ) glorifies, or brings praise to, God the Father: “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (John 14:13). Not only does God the Son glorify the Father, God the Father glorifies God the Son: “These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:…” (John 17:1). God the Holy Ghost glorifies God the Son: “He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you” (John 16:14).

Each of the three members of the Godhead do not glorify each other. Instead, they seek the benefit, wellbeing, or profit of the other two. Selfless living is indeed God’s life—and that is exactly how Christian living works because Christian living is literally Christ living! “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification [building up]” (Romans 15:1,2). “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient [profitable, advantageous, beneficial]: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth” (1 Corinthians 10:23,24). “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (Philippians 2:4).

Cain, however, was sinful and selfish. Read today’s Scripture again. Not only did he not tell the truth about knowing where his brother Abel was (he knew Abel was dead!), Cain was unconcerned about Abel’s disappearance when questioned. He tried to rationalize his actions with these coldblooded words: “Am I my brother’s keeper [guardian, protector, caretaker]?” As in, “How should I know where he is? Is his vanishing any worry of mine?”

Actually, Cain was his brother’s keeper….

Saints, please remember this work of the ministry requires monthly financial support to operate (Galatians 6:6; Philippians 4:16-17; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Those who prefer electronic giving can donate securely here: https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux. Anyone who wishes to donate by regular mail can visit https://333wordsofgrace.org/contact-us-mailing-address-for-donations/ for details. Thanks to all who give to and pray for us! Unfortunately, since our ministry audience is so large and our ministry staff is so small, I can no longer personally respond to everyone. Thanks so much for understanding in this regard. 🙂

Living Defensively #8

Sunday, September 1, 2024

“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,…” (Ephesians 5:15 KJV).

What is the sense of “walk circumspectly” here?

Dear friend, if you have operated or ridden in a motor vehicle, you will certainly recall instances of erratic drivers—speeding, sideswiping, swerving into your lane or off the road, failing to negotiate sharp curves, tailgating, rear-ending, running red lights or stop signs. Only a naïve person believes the roadway is safe for drivers and pedestrians. Unless we pay attention to what we are doing while driving and what others are doing while driving, we will collide with them and they will hit us.

We should be on the lookout especially for impaired drivers, those intoxicated with alcohol or using illegal drugs. Likewise, we ourselves had better not be inebriated with false doctrine in the Christian life: “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;…” (Ephesians 5:18). Provided we are under the Holy Spirit’s influence in word and deed, we are safe from the spiritual threats of life in a fallen, sin-cursed world—including protection from those under the influence of erroneous doctrine (false teaching). “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles [tricks, schemes] of the devil…. 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” (Ephesians 6:11,13).

The average professing Christian has absolutely no idea what spiritual perils await—but he or she will find out in due time! They will get into a wreck and sustain scrapes and bruises, or a broken arm or leg, or perhaps a major head concussion or broken neck or back. For the rest of their spiritual life, they will hobble or remain paralyzed, barely getting by. Listen to them as they talk about spiritual matters or pray. They have such a distorted view of Bible doctrines. There are more questions than answers, more weakness than strength, more doubt than faith, more illness than health. If we hang around them and their denominational systems long enough, we too will find ourselves in a spiritual sickbed… or perhaps a casket!

Live defensively… “walk circumspectly!”

Living Defensively #7

Saturday, August 31, 2024

“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,…” (Ephesians 5:15 KJV).

What is the sense of “walk circumspectly” here?

Ephesians 5:17 adds, “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” Instead of “fools,” we are “wise” (today’s Scripture). We “understand what the will of the Lord is.” What is the Lord doing today? We go to Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon. If we do by faith what God Himself is doing, we are automatically doing His will. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1,2).

“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;…” (Colossians 1:9-11).

Yet, the vast majority of church members and professing Christians do not understand the Lord’s will for their life because they are depending on man’s wisdom and are doing man’s will. “But I trust the scholars” seems to be the motto of most of our churches and schools. Those esteemed as “Bible scholars” are typically people who know little to nothing about the Bible—instead, they are Greek scholars, Hebrew scholars, Latin scholars, church history scholars, denominational scholars. Their misinformation is then taken into the hearts and minds of Christians as though it was God’s life and light… when it was not. No wonder there is no Divine wisdom or power in our churches and schools and homes, and sin and ignorance beset us time and time again. We must live defensively, vigilantly, prudently—“walk circumspectly.”

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

A Father’s Gift #8

Thursday, August 22, 2024

“He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32 KJV).

Let us learn about Father’s gift….

Read Colossians 2:3-9: “[3] In whom [Christ, verse 2] are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. [4] And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. [5] For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. [6] As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: [7] Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. [8] Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. [9] For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”

In Christ, we find all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (verse 3). However, someone can trick us with nice-sounding words, offering us counterfeit wisdom and knowledge to replace God’s wisdom and knowledge (verse 4). Paul recognizes the Colossian saints, mature believers, need to continue with their stedfastness (stability) of their faith in Christ (verse 5). Having received Christ Jesus the Lord by faith, they are to walk in Him similarly—by faith (verse 6). They should be rooted and built up in Him, growing and being edified or strengthened in sound Bible doctrine, Christians who have been taught, filled with gratitude to God (verse 7). How they should guard against love of human wisdom, empty lies, manmade religious tradition, legalism and works-religion—which do not align with Christ (verse 8)! In Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead physically—God in human flesh (verse 9).

Now, Colossians 2:10: “And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:….” We lack nothing in Christ (today’s Scripture)—but Satan’s evil world system would have us believe we need something outside of Christ (and His words to us, preserved in Scripture). Maybe it is an experience, a feeling, a ritual, a rite, a ceremony… a distraction….

A Father’s Gift #7

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

“He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32 KJV).

Let us learn about Father’s gift….

Reading through Paul’s 13 epistles, Romans to Philemon, we can assemble a list of at least 120 spiritual blessings that we have in the Lord Jesus Christ (yes, I counted!). These are free to us by God’s grace, all that He can do (and is willing to do) for us through Christ’s finished crosswork.

For example, we need our sins sent away—and that is our “forgiveness” through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:7; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 1:14; Colossians 2:13; Colossians 3:13). Yet, we are frequently taught in religion that God will not forgive sins unless we confess them directly to Him in prayer or to some religious leader. First John 1:9 has been ripped from its dispensational, Israeli context! Or, we need acceptance—what we have in God’s beloved Son (Ephesians 1:6). Still, religious tradition dictates we had better endure (persevere!) in holy living and good works or God will not let us into Heaven because we have “lost our salvation.” Legalistic, or Law-based, verses are isolated from their Jewish contexts (Hebrews 6:4-6; Hebrews 10:26-31; James 2:14-26; et cetera). As another example, we need eternal life—and in Christ we have God’s life, communion with Him, thereby avoiding spiritual death and second death in Hell and the Lake of Fire. Nevertheless, religion pressures us to eat holy meals, join denominations, participate in water baptisms, to receive eternal life. Statements are carelessly pulled from John 6:52-58, Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38… more failure to rightly divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

These are just three of the hundreds of ingenious ways Satan deceives people with false doctrine in “church” (not penitentiaries, skeptics’ conventions, science classrooms, or nightclubs!). We dare not forget Colossians 2:8: “Beware [Watch out!!!] lest any man spoil [rob, steal from!] you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” There is no more lethal weapon of the Devil than spiritual error—doctrinal perversion, works-religion, man’s wisdom, and the like.

Let us now contemplate Paul’s communication to Colosse….

Two Exclusions #4

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

“Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith” (Romans 3:27 KJV).

Of what two “exclusions” in the Bible should we be aware?

With it made abundantly clear our religious works are not enough to impress God (Romans 3:9-20), Paul reveals the Gospel of the Grace of God in an expanded form.

While not employing these exact words, religious people everywhere still express this general attitude: “No, I do not want God’s grace, all that He is free to do for me through Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection as sufficient payment for my sins. Instead of the ‘Jesus-based acceptance system,’ I prefer to perform or work to receive God’s blessings, the ‘Law-based acceptance system.’ I can be just as good as Jesus!”

Notice the other “exclusion,” in Galatians chapter 4, verse 17: “[9] But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? [10] Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. [11] I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain…. [17] They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. [18] But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you. [19] My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, [20] I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you. [21] Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?”

The entire Book of Galatians compares and contrasts works-religion and God’s grace. False teachers with their Law-based acceptance system had led the Galatians away from Paul’s special ministry and message. They were also shutting out Paul’s (grace) influence from their assemblies, excluding these saints from their Apostle. Whether challenging or denying or counterfeiting his apostleship (as in 1 Corinthians 9:1-3; 2 Corinthians 10:10-12; 2 Corinthians 11:13-23), or promoting their bondage to rules and regulations (see Galatians 5:1-12; Galatians 6:12-15), the false teachers motivated the Galatians to abandon Pauline doctrine.

Beware, friends: many such dangerous people lurk in Christendom today. We had better exclude them and their teaching from our lives, or we have no (!) hope or prayer of surviving Satan’s deception!

Saints, please remember this work of the ministry requires monthly financial support to operate (Galatians 6:6; Philippians 4:16-17; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Those who prefer electronic giving can donate securely here: https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux. Anyone who wishes to donate by regular mail can visit https://333wordsofgrace.org/contact-us-mailing-address-for-donations/ for details. Thanks to all who give to and pray for us! Unfortunately, since our ministry audience is so large and our ministry staff is so small, I can no longer personally respond to everyone. Thanks so much for understanding in this regard. 🙂

Two Exclusions #3

Monday, August 5, 2024

“Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith” (Romans 3:27 KJV).

Of what two “exclusions” in the Bible should we be aware?

With it made abundantly clear our religious works are not enough to impress God (Romans 3:9-20), Paul reveals the Gospel of the Grace of God in an expanded form.

Romans 3:21-28, today’s Scripture situated in context: “[21] But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; [22] Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: [23] For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; [24] Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: [25] Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; [26] To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. [27] Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. [28] Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”

See today’s Scripture again. The “law [principle] of faith” (trusting Christ, not our works, to save us from our sins) nullifies or cancels boasting. No one can brag “look what I did” or “see how devoted I am to my religion.” Boasting is “excluded,” shut out of the situation and conversation, for only faith in Christ’s perfect crosswork at Calvary gives anyone a right standing before God.

Howbeit, the religious man will not so easily relinquish his self-righteousness or readily admit his performance in works-religion is insufficient. He in his pride will not only hold fast to his traditions (no matter how wrong they are), he will rebel against these principles of grace by teaching others to join or remain in his works-religion. This leads us to the other “exclusion” of which we should be vigilant….

Two Exclusions #2

Sunday, August 4, 2024

“Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith” (Romans 3:27 KJV).

Of what two “exclusions” in the Bible should we be aware?

Throughout the Book of Acts (when Romans, today’s Scripture, was composed), Paul constantly met people who tenaciously clung to some type of law-based acceptance system—whether self-righteous Jews with the Law of Moses, or self-righteous Gentiles with their rules and regulations of heathen religious systems. Paul himself, as an unsaved Pharisee named Saul of Tarsus, had trusted in his own flesh or religious performance.

“…[We] have no confidence in the flesh. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:…. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith…” (Philippians 3:3,4,8,9).

In the context of today’s Scripture, the ground becomes level at the foot of Calvary’s cross. Verses 9-11,19,20: “[9] What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; [10] As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: [11] There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God…. [19] Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. [20] Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” All Jews and all Gentiles are unable to be perfect, to make themselves right in God’s sight—and that is what sin is!

Almighty God has thus eliminated all boasting in His courtroom….

Two Exclusions #1

Saturday, August 3, 2024

“Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith” (Romans 3:27 KJV).

Of what two “exclusions” in the Bible should we be aware?

After laying out His case against the sinful, Hell-bound Gentiles or nations in chapter 1 of Romans (see verses 18-32), the Holy Spirit through Paul proceeds to condemn sinful Israel in chapter 2.

Romans chapter 2: “[1] Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. [2] But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. [3] And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?… [17] Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, [18] And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; [19] And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, [20] An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law…. [23] Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?”

Observe the “boast” in verses 17 and 23. As Paul knew quite well, a “Law-keeping” Jew contended, “I have my good works, my God-given religion, so I do not need Jesus. The Gentiles need Jesus, but not I because I am ‘not as bad as’ they are.” Verse 17 describes this as “rest[ing] in the law.” Actually, though a Jew (unlike a Gentile) could claim Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, his ultimate father (like a Gentile) was Adam (a sinner)—and, by Adam, they all had the Devil as father (John 8:44)! Re-read Romans 2:1-3. Every Jew accusing a Gentile of being a “sinner” was guilty of the same evil deeds.

The Gospel of the Grace of God, as presented in the opening chapters of Romans, reduces everyone (Gentile and Jew) to stand on one level, all sinners facing God’s eternal judgment….