Category: sin

Earnest #3

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

“Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts” (2 Corinthians 1:21,22 KJV).

What exactly is an “earnest?” How is the Holy Spirit involved?

Moving to the final verses of chapter 4 of 2 Corinthians, and reading into chapter 5: “[4:16] For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. [4:17] For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; [4:18] While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

“[5:1] For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. [5:2] For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: [5:3] If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. [5:4] For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. [5:5] Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.”

Friend, do you have the same strength and energy you had when you were younger? In case you have not noticed, your physical body is wearing down with age. You can no longer do what you used to do. Also, you do not feel as good as you once did. The aging process is not pleasant, for the body daily grows frailer and more susceptible to disease, injury, and limitation. Finally, death occurs. How depressing! Thankfully, the good news is we are not perpetually bound to this “earthly house of this tabernacle.” In Christ, we are guaranteed new glorified bodies. At the resurrection, we will receive bodies immune to all sickness and debility. Yea, we have “the earnest of the Spirit” to prove it….

The Greatest Veteran

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

“Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it” (Colossians 2:14,15 KJV).

Today is Veterans’ Day in the United States, so let us especially thank the “Greatest Veteran of All Time.”

We thank veterans, living and departed, the often-forgotten men and women who risked their lives to secure our freedom. Just as we remember flesh-and-blood veterans who fought for our physical liberty, we reserve our worship and utmost respect for the least esteemed Veteran, He who secured our spiritual liberty.

“But thanks be to God, which giveth us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57). Through Christ’s finished crosswork on Calvary, we have eternal victory over sin, death, hell, and Satan. Everything that God has planned for us is dependent upon Christ’s victory at Calvary.

Jesus Christ nailed the Mosaic Law to His cross (today’s Scripture). His sinless blood covered our failure to obey God’s laws; Jesus’ righteousness annulled our unrighteousness (sin). Christ not only liberated us from sin and its penalty (the everlasting lake of fire), but today’s Scripture affirms He also triumphed over Satan himself!

Christ has “spoiled [destroyed] principalities and powers [Satan’s power], he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it [His cross].” Jesus Christ destroyed Satan’s plans. Through Christ’s cross, God has “delivered us from the power of darkness” (Colossians 1:13), Satan’s evil system of Ephesians 2:1-3.

During a recent cemetery visit, I noticed American flags flying above deceased veterans’ headstones. These individuals can no longer hear or regard our thanks, but Jesus Christ’s body is not decaying in some tomb. If there ever was a Veteran most worthy of our gratitude, it is our Lord Jesus Christ. Though He died in battle, allowing Himself to be executed on a Roman cross of shame and scorn, He resurrected. He is alive and well today, alive forevermore!

Saints, eternity will ring with our thanks to the Veteran worth thanking, the Lord Jesus Christ.

*Adapted from our 2010 Bible study, “The Greatest Hero.” The Bible study video can be viewed here.

Grip and Guard!

Monday, November 2, 2020

“Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us” (2 Timothy 1:13,14 KJV).

Christian friend, tightly grip and guard sound Bible doctrine… and never let it go!

A fellow wrote recently: “Over the years, I have watched so-called believers stray from solid exegesis to a feel-good teaching that won’t offend anyone. A former [denominational] friend told me one evening that I was offending people by carrying my Bible. My wife and I left that church soon thereafter because it was heading down the wrong road. The preachers seldom used the Scriptures.” Wow! Is that not a pretty graphic portrait of the entire professing “church?” It has utterly failed to obey today’s Scripture!

The Holy Bible is unquestionably offensive. It sets down specific standards for right and wrong behaviors and thoughts. Consequently, its presence aggravates those who are not “so narrow-minded.” People want to do what they want to do—but the Bible interferes. They wish to believe what they want to believe—but the Bible gets in the way. So, if they cast aside the Scriptures, or pretend like those Divine words do not exist, then they have warrant to proceed as they desire!

It is always tempting for the Bible-believing Christian to “tone down” the truth so as not to upset people who disagree with the Scriptures. However, in the grand scheme of things, this only hurts both parties. The Christian is revealed to be a coward. What he or she “believes” (?) is evidently not worth believing or sharing! As for the unbeliever, he or she was denied the whole truth that could have liberated him or her. Of course, if we are already shallow in the Scriptures—being more skilled in denominational doctrine—then it will be fairly easy for us to throw out the Bible entirely at some point. Sin always starts off little by little; doctrinal error follows the same pattern.

Howbeit, if we are truly interested in maintaining the spiritual health of ourselves and others, the Holy Ghost which indwells us will enable us to grip and guard sound Bible doctrine. It is our choice!

Coronavirus

Sunday, November 1, 2020

“For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now” (Romans 8:22 KJV).

Only temporarily….

Indeed, 2020 has been quite unpleasant for the world. The coronavirus (COVID-19) has brought many new expressions into everyday vernacular: “lockdown,” “distant/virtual learning,” “contactless curbside,” “social distancing,” “isolation,” “quarantine,” “pandemic,” “drive-thru only.” We all know the maxim: “stay six feet or two meters apart.” Handwashing is constant. People wearing gloves, masks, face shields, and gowns are everywhere. Video chats and telephone calls have replaced in-person meetings. Church buildings have been closed. Surgeries have been postponed.

Shipping delays and product shortages have ensued. Hugs and handshakes are limited—if ever. Family gatherings, including weddings and funerals, have been radically changed or cancelled. Business have closed—some permanently. Financial burdens are worsening due to unemployment. Motivated by alarmists and other sensationalists, consumers are stockpiling food and other goods. Families constantly at home has resulted in spousal and child abuse. Individuals are tired of being confined: they have no clubs, bars, casinos, movie theaters, or golf courses to frequent for entertainment. Isolation has produced loneliness, depression, and even suicide. How awful!

However, as the Bible says: “[18] For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. [19] For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. [20] For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, [21] Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. [22] For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. [23] And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. [24] For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? [25] But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.”

While our world looks hopeless, friends, let us remember the curse of sin will not last forever!

Not Made Perfect by the Flesh #5

Friday, October 30, 2020

“O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” (Galatians 3:1-3 KJV).

Can “the flesh” add anything to the Holy Spirit’s work? Nay, it cannot!

“I will be like the most High,” Lucifer boasted (Isaiah 14:14). As he told Christ, he desires worship: “All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me” (Matthew 4:9). Employing whatever sneaky means necessary, Satan accomplishes his goal. If he can counterfeit God’s actions, then people will be deceived and credit God. By attributing Satan’s work to God, man unwittingly worships Satan. It is an ingenious strategy, one seldom perceived!

Emotions mislead because the human heart is “deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9). While something may “feel” right, it may not actually be right. Feelings are fickle, changing with our circumstances. Therefore, we cannot use them to gauge truth and error. Adrenaline rushes come and go, so never should we confuse them with the permanent Holy Spirit. If we are externalists or formalists, we run the risk of faking at some point. For instance, if we observe people raising hands or dancing, peer pressure urges us to mimic them. The Holy Spirit is thus quenched and our flesh—namely, the fear of being “left out”—motivates the behavior. Satan smiles. Except for the rare Berean Bible student, no one is able to notice the error.

So-called “Christian revivals” are being held where protests, riots, lootings, and shootings have occurred. It is claimed, “The Devil is active, but God is moving!” Online videos show musicians hosting “Christian rock” concerts. Crowds—mainly young adults—raise their hands, jump, run, sing, sob, and pray. Supposedly, they are “coming to Jesus;” yet, a clear Gospel message is absent. When we compare their activities with the Scriptures, what is allegedly “God’s work” turns out to be a mockery of Jesus Christ. Remember, we are not made perfect by the flesh!

Bible Q&As #779 and #780: “Should Christians observe All Saints’ Day?” and “Should Christians observe All Souls’ Day?”

Not Made Perfect by the Flesh #4

Thursday, October 29, 2020

“O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” (Galatians 3:1-3 KJV).

Can “the flesh” add anything to the Holy Spirit’s work? Nay, it cannot!

The Galatians were preoccupied with the Law of Moses (cf. Galatians 4:21). Religious rules and regulations captivated them. They were deceived into believing their performance—their “flesh”—could somehow enhance their Christian life (cf. today’s Scripture). Did the Holy Spirit come to indwell these saints because of their religious works? No! Would He need their pious deeds to continue living in and through them? No! Sadly, today’s professing church is equally “foolish.” Nearly 20 centuries later, it still refuses to recognize rites, rituals, and ceremonies are incompatible with God’s grace! Like the Galatians not thinking clearly, we lack even basic spiritual common sense. We too have not let the Message of Grace renew our mind.

Philosophy and other vain speculations of lost (pagan!) people distracted the Corinthian believers. The first three chapters of 1 Corinthians are the Holy Spirit’s instructions to straighten out their confusion. Selfishness abounded in Corinth because spiritual ignorance flourished there. Whereas the Galatians were quite “strict” with their legalism, the Corinthians were quite “loose” with their sensuality. The Corinthians acted like spiritual babies because they also thought like spiritual babies. This too describes today’s professing church. Actually, the conundrums in 1 Corinthians parallel the chaos and confusion of modern “praise and worship.” Recall 1 Corinthians 14:40!

Instead of being thankful for the Message of God’s Grace—what the Holy Spirit has revealed in Pauline doctrine, Romans through Philemon—we unwisely believe we can improve the Christian life. Whether from Galatia or Corinth, we must learn the lesson: neither formalism (strict rules and regulations) nor fanaticism (no rules or regulations whatsoever) will ever replace the Holy Spirit’s work in grace believer’s heart. Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Why did Jesus offer Himself to Israel if He knew they would reject Him?”

Not Made Perfect by the Flesh #3

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

“O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” (Galatians 3:1-3 KJV).

Can “the flesh” add anything to the Holy Spirit’s work? Nay, it cannot!

When we hear of people “filled with the Holy Ghost” and “praising Jesus,” we should not automatically assume the Lord Jesus Christ is being honored. Lies are everywhere. We discern truth and error by considering Bible verses—especially Scripture “rightly divided” (2 Timothy 2:15). If anyone claims individuals “going wild” is a sign of praising the Lord, or masses acting ridiculous is evidence of the Holy Spirit being “poured out,” these are simply false claims. The Bible establishes the standard for Christian behavior. Yea, the Pauline Epistles, Romans through Philemon, show us what God the Holy Spirit is doing today.

“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). “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:20,21). In the Scriptures, we read of what the Holy Spirit is doing and not doing. He Himself is speaking through the Holy Bible.

If the Holy Spirit is working in a particular area, or He is operating in a specific person, this rule is always true: “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40). A lack of modesty and discipline means it is not the Holy Spirit! Again, Galatians chapter 5: “[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, [23] Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” The Holy Spirit produces “temperance,” self-control. If there is no restraint, it is man’s flesh and not God’s Spirit….

Judicial, Legislative, and Executive

Friday, October 23, 2020

“For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us” (Isaiah 33:22 KJV).

Absolute power corrupts absolutely… except in the case of the Lord Jesus Christ!

The United States Constitution created three branches of government—legislative, judicial, and executive. Congress, the legislative branch, makes laws: the Senate and the House of Representatives are located here. The judicial branch interprets those laws: this is the Supreme Court and other courts. The executive branch enforces those laws: the President, the Vice President, the Cabinet, and most federal agencies are located here.

Although brilliant, the plan shares a problem with all other forms of government throughout the world. That weakness is sin. No matter how educated, determined, eloquent, kindhearted, popular, or successful public officials are, none are sinless. Even if they are honest and hardworking, liars and loafers ruin the entire organization. Moreover, the selfish spirit of sin usually manifests itself. Instead of seeking the benefit of their citizens, those in public office are simply paycheck-collecting, power-hungry oppressors. Governing is for their own benefit; their constituents live in decay and squalor.

Praise the Lord, however! There is coming a day when sin will be finally—and permanently!—expelled from Earth’s governments. Today’s Scripture sees the Lord Jesus Christ functioning as the wise Law-interpreter (“judge”), the righteous Law-maker (“lawgiver”), and the benevolent Law-enforcer (“king”).

“And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins” (Isaiah 11:1-5).

Know, Reckon, Yield, Obey! #3

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:1,2 KJV).

Behold, the four keys to victorious Christian living as found in Romans chapter 6!

As it has been rightly stated, “Our Christian life will not operate on the basis of ignorance.” We must be educated in the Holy Bible rightly divided before we can live in accordance with it. Colossians chapter 2: “[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.” The key here is “as ye have been taught.” How sad it is that many church members are not taught—and, if they are “taught,” it is nothing but the opinions and traditions of men. Consequently, even the slightest push or pull from one “fad” doctrine or another is powerful enough to move them to an even less stable foundation.

There are many who accuse us of teaching “grace is a license to sin.” That is most definitely true in some groups, including certain alleged “grace circles,” but they are just as clueless of victorious Christian living as the denominationalists. Never, ever, ever, ever could we read Romans chapter 6 with any common sense and then conclude, “Grace does not care how I live. I will keep the same lifestyle before I came to Christ. No one will even know the difference between the ‘saved’ me and the ‘lost’ me!” Again, this is absolute ignorance, utter carelessness, and, unfortunately, it happens far too often than we care to think. Today’s Scripture again: “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. [The strongest possible “No” in English.] How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”

Saints, the Bible is clear. We are dead to sin, and we are alive unto God… and that is that! You “know” it. Now, “reckon” it to be true. After that, “yield” your body parts. Finally, as you “yield,” “obey” what you “know” and “reckon!” 🙂

Our latest Bible Q&A: “How does Jesus ‘live’ in our hearts?”

Know, Reckon, Yield, Obey! #2

Monday, September 28, 2020

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:1,2 KJV).

Behold, the four keys to victorious Christian living as found in Romans chapter 6!

The third step to successful Christian living is yielding—surrendering or conceding to the will of God as revealed in sound Bible doctrine. Keep reading: “[13] Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. [14] For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”

Last but not least, the final step to victorious Christian living is obeying—submitting to the will of God as revealed in sound Bible doctrine. Finish reading Romans chapter 6 for a review: “[15] What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. [16] Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? [17] But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. [18] Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

“[19] I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. [20] For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. [21] What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. [22] But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. [23] For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Let us now summarize this devotionals arc….

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Why did John the Baptist behave so strangely?”