Author: Pastor Carroll Parish

SEX WAS GOD’S IDEA

Many people have the idea that sex, even within marriage, is somehow dirty and repulsive. All of us see through the lens of our experiences, education, and beliefs. That is why we must renew our minds according to the Word of God (Romans 12:2)

God gave His purpose for sex when He created mankind. Notice also that it was created before the Fall in the Garden of Eden. Sex was part of the five-fold mandate God gave to Adam and Eve.

Genesis 1:26-28 “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping that creeps on the earth.’ So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” 

When God made Adam and Eve in His image. He gave them authority over His creation. He blessed them and told them to be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, subdue it, and have dominion over it. To do this, they would need lots of other humans to help them. This was His initial purpose for procreation. The pleasure side of it is further revealed in the Song of Solomon, which is outside what we are discussing here.

Genesis 2:24 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” A man leaving his parents’ house and cleaving to his wife allows them to become one flesh. I often suggest when doing pre-marital counseling that the couple needs to become ‘one flesh’ in the proper order. This involves coming together on all three realms of their existence; spirit, soul, and body – and it needs to happen in that order.

When God created mankind, He created them male and female as previously quoted. This was before the Fall. After the Fall, He says in Genesis 5:2 “He created them male and female, and blessed them and called them Mankind in the day they were created.”

Humans began to use their sexuality in ways that God never intended. They corrupted it. Their passion knew few boundaries.

Genesis 6:5 says, “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” This was one of the reasons for the Flood that covered the earth.

LAWS OF SEXUAL MORALITY

Because of the debauchery of fallen humanity, God gave strict instructions on what was and what was not acceptable. 

Leviticus 18:22-25 “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman, it is an abomination, nor shall you mate with any animal, to defile yourself with it, nor shall any woman stand before an animal to mate with it. It is a perversion. Do not defile yourselves with any of these things; for by all these, the nations are defiled, which I am casting out before you. For the land is defiled; therefore, I visit the punishment of its iniquity upon it, and the land vomits out its inhabitants.” Homosexuality, and sex with animals were forbidden. God said that this type of behavior defiled those individuals, the nation, and the land. Doing a Bible study on the things that defile the earth is very enlightening.

JESUS AMPLIFIES THE IMPORTANCE OF MONOGAMOUS MARRIAGE

Matthew 5:27-28 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, you shall not commit adultery, but I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Jesus is saying that lust in the heart is on par with the actual physical act of sex.

Matthew 5:31-32 “Furthermore it has been said, whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce, but I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.”  It becomes apparent that this passage, tells us that divorce can be acceptable where sexual immorality has occurred, and 1 Corinthians 7:10-16 reveals that if a Christian is deserted by their spouse because they are a Christian, then it may also be acceptable. But beyond these two, marriage is to remain in place as long as the couple lives.

God reveals to us that He is not happy with divorce. Malachi 2:16 says, “For the Lord God of Israel says that He hates divorce, for it covers one’s garment with violence,” says the Lord of hosts. “Therefore take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously.” Sex outside of marriage, sexual immorality while married, and homosexuality are specifically addressed in Scripture.

Each of these is detrimental to marriage as God has ordained it.

IMMORALITY IN THE CHURCH

While Christians have a perfect standing before God but are often imperfect in behavior, sexual immorality, in one form or the other, is often manifested in the Church. This occurred in the church in Corinth. And the Apostle Paul had this to say in 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father’s wife!  And you are puffed up and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you.  For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed.  In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” 

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 says, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived, neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” Know this, when one repents, he is forgiven and cleansed of whatever his sins may have been (1 John 1:9).

Left undealt with immorality spreads like a virus. Paul instructed them to use a form of Divine discipline, known as church discipline, to purge it out of the church. This is often overlooked by the modern church of today. Nonetheless, when exercised, it accomplishes its purpose of producing purity in the Body.

In the fifty-two years of pastoral ministry, we have had to use church discipline on five occasions, related to sexual immorality in the church. Sometimes it has been received redemptively and at other times the couple has simply chosen to resist the work and Word of God.

PRINCIPLES OF SEX IN MARRIAGE

The Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 7:2-5 “Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.  Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise, the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.  Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”

He tells us that it is important to have compatible sexual relations between a husband and his wife. He says that each of them is not their own, but their body belongs to the other. He agrees with short periods of time when they refrain from sexual activity while seeking the Lord, but then they should come back together so that they are not overcome by Satan’s temptations.

What the Apostle Paul is saying to the church at Corinth is opposed by those who say, ‘it is my body and I can do what I want with it.’ Those who say this are refusing to accept 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 which says, “Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

Hebrews 13:4 “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled, but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” When the writer of Hebrews says that marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled he means in those cases where they are united according to what has been said previously in Scripture.

LOVE AND RESPECT

Ephesians 5:33 “Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” The two things mentioned in this verse will make all of married life much more pleasant, especially the sexual relationship. The Apostle Paul specifically tells husbands to love their wives as he does themselves and then tells the wife to see that she respects their husband.

 Women in general have a greater tendency to love than men. To be loved is one of their greatest needs. Men, on the other hand, need to be reminded to express God’s love to their wife. The wife is told to respect her husband. This is his greatest need. And it is something that wives often struggle with.

If a husband loves his wife as Christ loves the church, she can more easily respect him. And if the wife respects her husband, he can more easily love her as Christ loves the church.

So, how does this relate to their sexual relationship? Where there is love and respect in the marriage, they become a great foundation for the relationship in everything. Any sexual problem can be worked out in the best interest of each of them.

As a result of the fall in the Garden of Eden, all of humanity has been born with a propensity to sin and rebel against God (Rom.3:9-18). But because God had a plan for mankind, He sent Jesus to be our sacrifice to pay the purchase price to redeem us back to God (John 3:16). On the Cross Jesus proclaimed that IT IS FINISHED (John 19:30) as He died. By this, He was declaring that through the Cross (death, burial, and resurrection) the price was fully paid for all those who would believe in Jesus (Acts 16:31, Rom.10:9-10).

In the message of redemption is found everything we need to be fully freed from all the results of the Fall. Some of which will be entered into in this life and the rest in eternity future. But for the present, I am most concerned that we understand what is available in this life so that we can be and do all that He has assigned to us.

We have been blessed with every spiritual blessing. Eph.1:3 says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” Notice He “has” blessed us. It has already been done.

2 Peter 1:3-4 says, “As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” Notice “has given” and “have been given.”

Every redemptive thing has been accomplished from God’s side, the provision has been made. This means that when a sinner hears the message of salvation Jesus does not have to go to the Cross again, be buried, and rise from the dead. These were done once and for all time. The sinner needs to believe in Jesus, turn from his sin (repent), and make Jesus his Lord. By doing this, He receives the benefits of the new birth (John 3:3,5).

In the same way, if one is sick he can call on the Lord for healing which has already been provided for him (Isa.53:4-5, 1 Pet.2:24, Matt.8:16-17). Jesus has already done everything that is needed to provide healing for our bodies. It just needs to be appropriated by faith. He has provided everything we need for life and godliness!

There are some things, however, that are reserved for the future. For example, the last enemy to be destroyed is death (1 Cor.15:26). The price has been paid for it through Jesus’ resurrection but the time for it is not yet. Healings that occur now are all temporary. They will no longer be needed when we have a glorified body at the resurrection (1 Cor.15:35-55). The same power that raised Jesus will also raise us up (1 Cor.6:14, 2 Cor.4:14). That resurrection power is already working in us (Rom.8:11).

Knowing these things should cause us to quit begging God to do certain things. There is no need to ask God to be with you today (1 Jn.4:4) because He always is! There is no need to ask for His grace & mercy, it has already been given. What we should do is to read His Word to ascertain what has already been provided and simply thank Him for them, thereby appropriating them into our life today.

What if someone were to tell you that they knew of something that was more valuable than any mineral, house, land, money, or position? And what if they told you that it was free and instantly available to you? What if this thing would benefit you in all areas of your life? Would you be interested in knowing more about it? Would you want some of it in your life? Would you want to tell everyone about it? If you answered yes to any of these questions then read on because that is what this article is about.

We will be looking at several things about wisdom. We will see its great value, availability, and power. We will investigate how one receives it and appropriates it in daily life. We will be looking specifically at the first few chapters in the book of Proverbs as well as passages from other places. We will look at Solomon’s use of wisdom, how he received it and how at the end of his life he turned from it. We will look at several individuals in the Bible who had great wisdom and how it affected them. 

WISDOM – WHAT IS IT?

Proverbs 1:1-7 “The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding, to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion — A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,  to understand a proverb and an enigma, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

In these verses, there are three words that are significant to our study and they appear numerous times in the book of Proverbs. They are knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. Let’s look at their definitions. 

Knowledge – to perceive with certainty, to understand clearly, to have a clear and certain perception of truth, fact, or anything that exists.

He is saying that for one to have knowledge of something means that he has a perception of something that exists. The Scriptures give us more help with understanding knowledge in the following passages.

Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” While knowledge can be gained from many sources, the best place to begin is with a holy fear (awe) of the Lord. If one’s relationship with the Lord is weak or does not exist, the knowledge he has will be incomplete because it is void of a proper foundation. A relationship with the Lord allows the person to interpret what knowledge he has gained in the context of God’s knowledge thereby expanding it to its fullest.

Proverbs 2:6 “For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding;”

Listening to God and His Word is a perfect place to get the knowledge and wisdom that we all desire. 

Proverbs 20:15 “There is gold and a multitude of rubies, but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.” Knowledge is more precious than gold and rubies.

Proverbs 22:17 “Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge;” The only knowledge that is beneficial is knowledge applied! To have a head full of facts is useless if not applied to situations in life. In fact, as the following Scripture shows, to have knowledge without love is to become proud and arrogant.

1 Corinthians 8:1 “We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up (arrogant) but love edifies (builds up).”

Understanding – the faculty of the human mind by which it apprehends the real state of things presented to it, or by which it receives or comprehends the ideas which others express and intend to communicate. Many have knowledge of facts or bits of information but do not comprehend what it means. I remember from high school that pi is 3.14 but knowing that is meaningless to me now. In my life, it serves no useful purpose. 

We have understanding when we comprehend, grasp, or get our minds around what is being presented to us. God wants us to have an understanding of Him and His plan for our life. The following Scriptures should help us with this.

Job 32:8 “But there is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding.” This passage shows us that the breath or spirit of God gives us understanding. No doubt, this is the best place to get the understanding in life that we need.

Psalm 111:10 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.”

Psalm 119:104 “Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.” 

Proverbs 2:1-5 “My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.

These three passages show us how to get understanding. It is found in God’s Word.

Proverbs 4:7 “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.” For wisdom to be productive it needs understanding as a companion. One may have the wisdom of something but little or no understanding about it, and if so, the potential of wisdom will not be experienced.

Ephesians 1:18 “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,” The Apostle Paul is praying for the Ephesian  Church that they would have spiritual understanding to know the hope of their calling in God. He prayed that they would know their inheritance in God and His inheritance in them. Many Christians know they are born again, and that they have a home in Heaven after they die, but have very little understanding of their position in Christ now in this life.  Understanding God’s Word is what gives us that assurance.

Wisdom – the right use or exercise of knowledge; the choice of laudable ends, and of the best means to accomplish something.  Another definition that I heard was the ability to live life skillfully.  

When thinking about wisdom, one of the first Biblical characters who comes to my mind is Moses.  Scriptures say in Acts 7:22, “And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and deeds.” At this point in his life, he was not living in Divine wisdom but that wisdom he had gained while growing up in Egypt. This points out an important truth about wisdom which is: wisdom can be either Godly or Worldly!  It can be gotten from natural means or supernatural means!

Another person referred to in the Old Testament who had great wisdom was Bezalel. The Scripture says in Exodus 31:1-5, “Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: ‘See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship.’” Notice that natural wisdom was imparted supernaturally by the Spirit of God to Bezalel. It can still work that way today!

The premier example of one who lived in wisdom was Jesus Christ. The Prophet Isaiah, while speaking about the Messiah who would come, said in Isaiah 11:2, “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.” We see the fulfillment of that prophecy in Luke 2:40 which says, “And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.” Jesus needed wisdom to be the Son of God, Messiah, Savior, and Lord. If He needed it, how much more do we?

THE VALUE OF WISDOM

Proverbs 4:7 “Wisdom is the principal thing: therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get  understanding.”

A person who sees life from God’s perspective is never left to himself or his circumstances. He is not easily fooled by the world system or evil people. He has the ability to see through the problem to the power behind it. 

Some Reasons Why We Need Wisdom

We need wisdom because of deception. The Scriptures tell us that deception will be rampant in the last days. Some will think they are doing a service to God while killing believers. Others will think that they are doing nothing wrong while breaking the commandments of God. Their understanding will be blinded. They are not seeing things from God’s perspective.

We need wisdom because of fear. Fear is also a characteristic of the last days. Because of an inability to see beyond the immediate circumstance, we often allow fear to control our decisions. But with wisdom, we can know how to use the knowledge we possess.

We also need wisdom to grow up spiritually. Just as a child acts like a child, with limited understanding and wisdom, so those who are spiritually immature often act like children (1 Corinthians 13:11). But with wisdom, those circumstances no longer keep us in bondage.

Wisdom Will Keep You

Proverbs 2:10-12 ‘When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you, to deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perverse things,’ Proverbs 2:16 “To deliver you from the immoral woman, from the seductress who flatters with her words,”  Wisdom allows you to see through the veneer that evil men and women often project. 

The Value of Wisdom

Proverbs 3:13-18 “Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain more than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. Length of days is in her right hand, in her left-hand riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who retain her.”

Look at the comparisons made in these verses:

• Better than silver. The last report I saw showed silver to be worth over $21 per ounce.
• Better than fine gold. Gold was recently selling for over $1240 per ounce.
• More precious than rubies. Rubies known as the king of gemstones often sell for over $100,000.

All of the things that we may think are valuable are nothing when compared to wisdom from God.

Notice some other things that come with wisdom:

• Long life.
• Riches and honor.
• Pleasantness.
• Peace.
• Tree of life.
• Happiness.

Sure seems like something we should pursue!

Other Benefits of Wisdom

Proverbs 4:7-12 “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you; she will bring you honor when you embrace her.  She will place on your head an ornament of grace; a crown of glory she will deliver to you.” Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, and the years of your life will be many. I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in the right paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble.”

If God is at work but we don’t know what He is doing we often become restless and confused. But with understanding, we can be at peace until the final verdict is in. Wisdom and understanding, although different, are very complementary to each other.

Notice the following:

• Promotion is given.
• Honor you.
• Give you grace.
• Give you a crown of glory.
• Your steps will not be hindered.
• You will not stumble.

Sounds like one who lives in the wisdom of God will have a victorious life!

Solomon

Solomon ascended to the throne after his father David. He realized that he was in a very difficult position. He exhibited great humility when God appeared to him in a dream asking what he wanted God to do for him. Notice the following passage:

1 Kings 3:5-14 ‘At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?” And Solomon said: “You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great kindness for him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge these great people of Yours?” The speech pleased the LORD, that Solomon had asked this thing. Then God said to him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days. So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”

Because he asked for wisdom and an understanding heart, God gave it to him plus the other things that he did not ask for. 

1 Kings 4:25 “And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, each man under his vine and his fig tree, from Dan as far as Beersheba, all the days of Solomon.”

1 Kings 4:29-30 “And God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding, and largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore. Thus Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the men of the East and all the wisdom of Egypt.”

1 Kings 4:32 “He spoke three thousand proverbs, and his songs were one thousand and five.”

1 Kings 4:34 “And men of all nations, from all the kings of the earth who had heard of his wisdom, came to hear the wisdom of Solomon.”

Is wisdom profitable in this life? I think Solomon would give a hearty “yes”!

AVAILABILITY OF WISDOM

God is involved, in one way or the other, in all that we do. He is either leading us with His Word and Spirit or He is attempting to do so. He is trying to get us to seek out and receive His wisdom in the decisions we are making and the directions we are going. He wants us to live out of His wisdom. He wants us to live life skillfully, and victoriously. 

Innate Desire for Wisdom

From creation, there has been a desire in us for wisdom. Eve expressed this in the Garden of Eden when she saw the forbidden tree. Notice Genesis 3:6, “So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.”

That same desire for wisdom was expressed by Pharaoh in Egypt when Joseph told him about the seven years of plenty and the seven years of famine and what should be done to prepare for them (Gen. 41:39).

When Moses was going to appoint leaders over the Israelites he told the congregation to find men who were full of wisdom (Deut.1:13).

When the first-century church was preparing to appoint deacons, the requirements were that they should have a good reputation, and be full of the Spirit and wisdom (Acts 6:3).

Availability of Wisdom

Whatever God commands or desires for us He makes available to us. If He wants us to live in His wisdom then He makes it readily available. What kind of God would He be to demand something yet refuse to provide it for us? Proverbs 1:20-23 says, “Wisdom calls aloud outside; she raises her voice in the open squares.  She cries out in the chief concourses, at the openings of the gates in the city she speaks her words: ‘How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge. Turn at my rebuke; surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.’”

The gates of the city were where the city fathers and chief business people sat. It was known as the place where important decisions were made. It was looked upon as the place of wisdom. Here in this passage, Solomon is telling us that in these places wisdom is crying to be heard. It is available in daily life. Certainly, it is available in church on Sunday, but it is equally available on Monday or any other time of the week! 

Ways to Get This Wisdom

• A multitude of Counselors – Prov.24:6
• Mentor – 2 Thess.3:7,9
• Life experience – Matt.7:24
• Gift of the Spirit – 1 Cor.12:8

You can get wisdom by consulting with someone who has successfully navigated through the situation that you now face. You can have someone mentor you. Or you can get wisdom through the school of life by living. Or you can get wisdom through a gift of the Spirit which we will talk about in the next section.

What Happens If Wisdom Is Refused

The following verses show that if we refuse God’s wisdom that has been made available to us, He will basically leave us to ourselves and we will suffer the consequences of that decision. Proverbs 1:24-33

“Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded,  because you disdained all my counsel, and would have none of my rebukes, I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes like a storm, and your destruction comes like a whirlwind when distress and anguish come upon you. “Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD, they would have none of my counsel and despised my every rebuke. Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled to the full with their own fancies. For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.” 

Sad but so often experienced by many people. One of the worst things that God can do to us is to leave us alone and let us do as we please!

Companions of Wisdom

Proverbs 8:12-21 says, “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge and discretion. The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength. By me kings reign and rulers decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, all the judges of the earth. I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me. Riches and honor are with me, enduring riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yes than fine gold, and my revenue than choice silver.  I traverse the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice, that I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, that I may fill their treasuries.”

Notice several things that are mentioned in this passage that are companions to wisdom. They are prudence, knowledge, discretion, counsel, strength, understanding, riches, righteousness, justice, wealth, and a full treasury. So, wisdom is not just for wisdom’s sake, it comes as a full package. It is associated with these other things that God also wants to be in our life. The reason they are included is that He wants us to live in such a way to advance His Kingdom. All of these things are necessary to do so.

Seek For Wisdom

The promise was made in verse 17 of the previous passage that “I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me.” It is up to us to seek wisdom. It is available but not automatically in our life. The promise is that if we seek diligently we will find wisdom. 

What Keeps Us From God’s Wisdom

• Not seeking it.
• Living according to what the senses tell us.
• Having no understanding – Prov.4:7

We are told to get wisdom and with all our effort to get understanding. For wisdom to be most productive, we need its companion which is understanding. 

The Limitations of Wisdom

It cannot keep us from the consequences that occur when we reject it! Solomon was the wisest man on earth as has been shown in previous passages. Yet, later in life, he turned from that wisdom. This occurred over time as he made alliances with heathen kings. As part of those agreements he often took the heathen king’s daughter as his wife. He accumulated several hundred of them. The Scripture says that they turned his heart away from God. Close to the end of his life he looked back and recorded the following remarks, Ecclesiastes 1:16-17 “I communed with my heart, saying, “Look, I have attained greatness, and have gained more wisdom than all who were before me in Jerusalem. My heart has understood great wisdom and knowledge. “And I set my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is grasping for the wind.”

Ecclesiastes 2:10-11 “Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, for my heart rejoiced in all my labor; and this was my reward from all my labor.  Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done and on the labor in which I had toiled, and indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun.”

If this is possible for one as great as Solomon, it is certainly possible for you and me. We must seek and accept the wisdom that God makes available to us. Wisdom without a relationship with the Lord is limited, unfulfilling, and can be abused. It appears that later in life Solomon no longer held himself accountable to the same standard as he did in the early years. 

THE GIFT OF THE WORD OF WISDOM

God has wisdom about everything. Since He is Lord and Creator, He knows everything about everything. As we seek Him and make ourselves available to Him, He can give us the wisdom we need on any subject. He will allow us to see things from His perspective.

While Divine Wisdom May Come Through a Natural Means – A Gift of a Word of Wisdom Comes Supernaturally

In 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, the Scripture mentions nine gifts that are often referred to as Charismatic grace gifts. Three of them reveal something – a gift of the word of knowledge, gift of the word of wisdom and discerning of spirits – three are power gifts – gifts of healing, gift of miracles, gift of faith – three are vocal gifts – a gift of prophecy, gift of tongues and the interpretation of tongues. 

In that list, we have the gift of the word of wisdom. This gift shows us how to use knowledge correctly. While wisdom about a natural thing or something spiritual can be gained through study, counsel from a friend, or life experience, the gift of the word of wisdom comes supernaturally. It is a fragment of God’s overall wisdom about a specific thing. It is imparted by the Spirit of God internally in the person’s spirit. It may come through the study of the Scripture, dream, vision, as a result of the anointing of the Spirit, in connection with one of the other gifts of the spirit, or a knowing in your spirit, etc. Regardless of the way it comes, it is the Holy Spirit who is giving it.

Biblical Examples

I have chosen two examples to illustrate how it works. 

Elisha – The king of Israel, Judah, and Edom were in league against the Moabites. As they came to meet the Moabites they had no water. They were very discouraged for it seemed that God had delivered them into the hands of the Moabites. Jehoshaphat, the king of Israel, asked for a prophet. They brought him to Elisha. As the musicians played, the anointing of God came on Elisha and he said in 2 Kings 3:16-19, “Thus says the LORD: ‘Make this valley full of ditches.’ For thus says the LORD: ‘You shall not see wind, nor shall you see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, so that you, your cattle, and your animals may drink.’ And this is a simple matter in the sight of the LORD; He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand. Also, you shall attack every fortified city and every choice city, and shall cut down every good tree, and stop up every spring of water, and ruin every good piece of land with stones.” The next morning when the Moabites looked down into the valley they saw ditches full of water. Because of the way the sun was shining on the water it looked like blood. They assumed that the three kings’ armies had gotten into a fight and killed many of their soldiers and ran to the camp to get the spoils. When the Moabites got to the camp the soldiers of Judah, Israel and Edom rose up against them and defeated them.

This particular gift of the word of wisdom also contained a word of knowledge. This happens frequently. We often separate the gifts for purposes of definition, but in actuality, they often work together. God through Elisha told them what to do and how to do it. He imparted that information when the anointing of God moved on Elisha. The power of God was at work and caused the Moabites to see the water as red.

Agabus – Acts 21:10-14 says, “And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit,’ So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'” Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.”

Whereas the gift of the word of knowledge works primarily in the past and present; the gift of the word of wisdom works in the present and the future. And since it is in the present and the future, we see a bit of prophecy expressed through it. God was showing Paul what he would face in Jerusalem thereby giving him time to prepare himself for it. 

Two Types of Wisdom

James 3:13-17 “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above but is earthly, sensual, and demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.”

Notice that there is a great difference between the two types of wisdom here. The wisdom of the world comes from a heart that has envy and selfish ambition. James says it is earthly, sensual, and demonic. The results are confusion and every evil thing. On the other hand, the wisdom that comes from God is pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy, and good fruits, without partiality and hypocrisy. 

A good tree brings forth good fruit. What is in the heart will be seen outwardly. If you know the type of person you are dealing with, you can expect that the wisdom he will bring forth will be consistent with his character.

Praying for Wisdom

Ephesians 1:15-19 “Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.” Paul is praying for the Ephesian believers that they might have a spirit of wisdom and revelation to comprehend what God has done for them and what His expectations are for them. This prayer should be prayed by each believer today that He would do the same thing for us.

James 1:5-7 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubt, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord.” What should we do if we find we need greater wisdom?  Ask God for it! Too often we go to other places first and then as a last resort, we come limping to God! This passage says that He gives wisdom liberally and will not rebuke you for asking, no matter how many times you ask.

Godly Wisdom Demonstrates the Gospel

1 Corinthians 1:18-24 “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.” Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”

1 Corinthians 2:1 “And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God.”

1 Corinthians 2:4-5 “And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.”

Paul lets the Corinthians know that while he could have come to them with the world’s type of wisdom he refused to do so. He knew that the world’s wisdom would not bring them to Christ. The world’s wisdom is devoid of the power of God. It can only entertain, not reform. Had he come to them in human wisdom their faith would have been in it instead of the power of God.

Asking is only Half of It

If we need wisdom we are told to ask for it in faith. But that is only half of what we need to do. The other half is acting in faith. Supernaturally imparted wisdom will accomplish nothing until it is acted upon. James 1:22 tells us that we need to be “…doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” James 2:17 “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” We pray for wisdom and God gives it. We step out in faith and use the wisdom given and the will of God is accomplished!

The term ‘triage’ means to sort. In a hospital waiting room, they sort out who is most serious and needs to be seen first. Not all our theological or eschatological beliefs are of equal importance. Some are essential to salvation and others are speculative.

For example, one must believe in Jesus (John 3:16) and His sacrifice on the Cross and Resurrection to be saved (Rom.10:9-10, 1 Cor.15:1-4). One’s end-time beliefs have nothing to do with the New Birth experience.

There are some Biblical beliefs that are of great importance but do not affect our salvation. For example, the formula used in water baptism, or whether or not one receives the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, or laying on of hands for the sick. Important, yes; essential for salvation, no. 

JESUS IS COMING AGAIN

In the book of Revelation I found seven statements that Jesus is coming soon (Rev. 1:3, Rev.3:11, Rev. 22:6, 7, Rev.22:10, 12, Rev.22:20). But ‘soon’ is a relative term. This was said over two thousand years ago and it has not happened yet. But I am convinced that it is a true statement and may happen soon.

TIME, TIMES, HALF TIME, 1260 DAYS, 42 MONTHS, 3 ½ YEARS

These are terms found in the book of Revelation also (Rev.11:2, 3, Rev. 12:6, 14, Rev.13:5). Understanding how these times fit into the return of the Lord will affect when and how we believe He will return.

There are three major beliefs about when Jesus will return. They are premillennial, post-millennial, and amillennial, with some differences. Most of the early church fathers were premillennial such as Papias, Irenaeus, and Justin Martyr with the caveat that Jesus was coming before the millennium but after the tribulation and before the wrath of God would be poured out. Augustine, Martin Luther, and John Calvin were amillennial, believing the millennium was not to be taken literally. Jonathan Edwards, Charles Finney, and most of the leaders of the Second Great Awakening were postmillennial. Many modern theologians also hold the postmillennial position, such as F.F. Bruce, D.A.Carson, Robert Gundry, William Lane, George Eldon Ladd, J. Howard Marshall, Leon Morris, and Merrill Tinney. 

Each of these three positions has some merit and you can find Scripture passages that hint at it. We most often interpret end-time events by what we have been taught or how we interpret what is happening in our world today – which I believe to be one of the least accurate ways to interpret Scripture. Do you remember 88 REASON WHY JESUS IS COMING IN 1988? Date setting has always been wrong and continues to be so. The Bible is clear that no one knows the season, day, or hour when Jesus will come (Acts 1:6-7, 1 Thess.5:1-11).

It would probably be helpful if we would re-read the New Testament end-time Scriptures as if we were reading them for the first time without any preconceived notions. 

Some people have built their whole ministry on this one subject matter, and woe to the person who disagrees with their positions! Relax! Give others some grace on this topic. 

What we believe about the end times is important but should not be the basis for fellowship among Christians because there is much about it that we do not know. We could even call our beliefs of the end time as ‘tertiary’ or third-level beliefs.

Jesus is definitely coming again! Be ready! If He doesn’t come in our lifetime, He is still coming! If He comes before the tribulation, in the middle, or at the end of it, He will still come! If He comes for us in death, so be it! In any case, we will see Him face to face (Rev.22:4, 1 Cor.13:12).

God gave Adam & Eve a beautiful residence – the Garden of Eden in which to live. They would care for and guard it against intruders (Gen.2:15). There were two special trees mentioned, the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Gen. 2:9). They were specifically told they could eat from all the trees except the fruit of the knowledge of the good and evil tree. However, Satan tempted them and they yielded to the temptation and ate from the tree (Gen.3:1-6). As a result of that, all humanity since has been born with a propensity to sin and desires to do our own thing (Rom.5:6-21). They never got to eat the fruit of the tree of life because they were driven out of the Garden (Gen.3:24). 

The Tree of Life

There are a few other mentions of the tree of life in the Bible. They include:

Wisdom is said to be a tree of life to those who take hold of her (Prov.3:18).

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life (Prov.11:30).

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life (Prov.13:12).

A wholesome tongue is a tree of life (Prov.15:4).

Overcomers will eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God (Rev.2:7).

In the New Jerusalem “In the middle of the street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” (Rev. 22:2).

“Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life and enter through the gates into the city” (Rev.22:14).

Other Fruit of the Fall

Childbirth pangs (Gen.3:16).

Earn a living through toil (Gen:17-19).

Broken fellowship with God (Gen.3:22-23).

Murder (Gen.4:8).

Corruption and Violence (Gen.6:11-12).

Noah’s Flood (Gen.7-8).

Division of languages (Gen.11:6-8)

And all other types of sin that we are all too familiar with!

The Good News

Jesus loved us so much that He was willing to take our sin upon Himself and die for us and as us (John 3:16, Rom.5:8). The old man is dead and we are a new creation in Christ Jesus (2 Cor.5:17-21). The Cross of Calvary has become our Tree of Life for through it we have eternal life in the present and the future.

To get a more complete view of our future, read Revelation chapters 21-22.

Some of the things waiting for us are: 

He will wipe away every tear from our eyes. There will be no more death, sorrow, or crying. There will be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. All things will be made new. Access to the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. There will be no more curse. The redeemed will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. There will be no night there. They will not need lights, for the Lord God gives them light and they shall reign forever and ever!

The thing we need to do now is to make sure that Jesus is our Savior and Lord!

THE APOSTLE PAUL’S ESCHATOLOGY

1 Corinthians 15:23-26 “ But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.  Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power.  For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.”

1. He is coming for his own.

1 Corinthians 15:50-54 “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption.  Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—  in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

1. He is coming quickly – in the twinkling of an eye.

Romans 5:9 “Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.”

1. No wrath for the believer.

1 Thessalonians 1:10 “and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.”

1 Thessalonians 5:9 “ For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

1 Thessalonians 3:13-17  “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this, we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.  For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”

1. Dead saints raised, living saints taken up.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-9 “But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you, yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.  For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes 

upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.  You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.  For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.  For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,”

1. His coming as a thief in the night to unbelievers.

2.  To the saints it will not be as a thief.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 “Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you,  not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come.  Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time.  For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason, God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

1. Falling away first.
2. Man of sin to be revealed.
3. Mystery of lawlessness already working.
4. Lawless one consumed when He returns.
5. Strong delusions on non-believers.

1 Timothy 4:1-5 “4 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; 5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.”

1. Some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits.
2. Seared conscience.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 “3 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,  having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!”

1. Perilous times.
2. Lovers of self.
3. Having a form of godliness but denying its power.

2 Timothy 4:1-5 “I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

1. Many will not endure sound teaching.
2. Be watchful.
3. Do the work of evangelism
4. Fulfill your ministry.

 SHEPHERDING IN TIMES OF DIFFICULTY

When we look at Psalm 23 we see a good picture of how a relationship should exist between sheep and the Good Shepherd.

Now we will look at Ezekiel 34 which will give us a picture of some under-shepherds who are not doing their job of caring for God’s sheep and how He will respond to them.

Irresponsible Shepherds

Ezekiel 34:1-6 “And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God to the shepherds: “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks?  You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool; you slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the flock.  The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost, but with force and cruelty, you have ruled them. So they were scattered because there was no shepherd; they became food for all the beasts of the field when they were scattered.  My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and on every high hill; yes, my flock was scattered over the whole face of the earth, and no one was seeking or searching for them.”

The Word of the Lord that came to Ezekiel pointed out several things that revealed how irresponsible these shepherds were.

• Selfish. They feed themselves instead of the sheep.
• You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with their wool.
• You have not strengthened the weak.
• You have not healed the sick nor bound up the broken.
• You have not brought back those that were driven away. 
• You have not sought out the lost.
• You have used force and cruelty on the sheep.
• The sheep were scattered because you did not shepherd them.

These are serious indictments against Israel’s shepherds. But it does not stop there. Many of those statements could be said about the shepherds who pastor God’s people today. And if that is true, it helps to explain much of the division that exists in the Body of Christ. It also explains why the church is so weak and sickly. Many are fighting for their spiritual life and have few resources to do the work of God assigned to them. Many good pastors spend most of their time with the sick sheep with very little time to do anything else to advance God’s kingdom.

What is God going to do about it? Listen to verse 10. “Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will require My flock at their hand; I will cause them to cease feeding the sheep, and the shepherds shall feed themselves no more; for I will deliver My flock from their mouths, that they may no longer be food for them.”

God is going to judge them in this lifetime. God says He is:

• Against these shepherds.
• I will require the flock at their hand. The shepherd is held responsible for the sheep.
• I will take the flock from them.

I get the idea that Jehovah is serious about His flock! He is equally serious about how His shepherds treat them.

The True Shepherd

Ezekiel 34:11-16 says, ‘For thus says the Lord God: “Indeed I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out.  As a shepherd seeks out his flock on the day he is among his scattered sheep, so will I seek out My sheep and deliver them from all the places where they were scattered on a cloudy and dark day.  And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land; I will feed them on the mountains of Israel in the valleys and in all the inhabited places of the country.  I will feed them in a good pasture, and their fold shall be on the high mountains of Israel. There they shall lie down in a good fold and feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel.  I will feed My flock, and I will make them lie down,” says the Lord God.  “I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away, bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick; but I will destroy the fat and the strong, and feed them in judgment.”

Listen to what Jehovah says He is going to do about it:

• I will search for my sheep.
• I will deliver them from the places where they were scattered.
• I will bring them back to their own land.
• I will feed them on the mountains of Israel.
• I will feed them in good pasture.
• They will lie down in a good fold and feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel.
• I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away.
• I will strengthen what was sick.

You know it is serious when God steps in to displace those He has called and anointed to be His shepherds.

This is not only applicable to those shepherds and those of today but includes a prophetic element about how God will restore the nation of Israel in the end times.

The Sheep have Responsibility too.

Ezekiel 34:17-24 says, ‘And as for you, O My flock, thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I shall judge between sheep and sheep, between rams and goats. Is it too little for you to have eaten up the good pasture, that you must tread down with your feet the residue of your pasture—and to have drunk of the clear waters, that you must foul the residue with your feet? And as for My flock, they eat what you have trampled with your feet, and they drink what you have fouled with your feet.”  ‘Therefore thus says the Lord God to them: “Behold, I Myself will judge between the fat and the lean sheep. Because you have pushed with side and shoulder, butted all the weak ones with your horns, and scattered them abroad, therefore I will save My flock, and they shall no longer be a prey; and I will judge between sheep and sheep.  I will establish one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them—My servant David. He shall feed them and be their shepherd.  And I, the Lord, will be their God, and My servant David a prince among them; I, the Lord, have spoken.”

The sheep do not get by with their rebelliousness either. Notice some of the things He says to them:

• I will judge between sheep and goats.
• You have eaten the good pasture and trampled the rest down. 
• You have drunk the clear water and fouled up the residue with your feet.
• You have pushed with your side and shoulder and butted the weak ones and scattered them.
• I will establish one shepherd over them and he shall feed them. 
• He calls David His servant and a prince. Which no doubt is prophetic of Jesus Himself.

Perhaps some of the sheep’s behavior has been learned from the shepherds, but much of it reveals their own rebelliousness also.

Having been a Pastor for over 57 years, I have seen many church members get upset over something and sow further discord in the Body before they left to go somewhere else and do the same thing there.

God help us!

God’s Promises.

Ezekiel 34:25-33 says, “And I, the Lord, will be their God, and My servant David a prince among them; I, the Lord, have spoken. “I will make a covenant of peace with them, and cause wild beasts to cease from the land, and they will dwell safely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods. I will make them and the places all around My hill a blessing, and I will cause showers to come down in their season; there shall be showers of blessing.  Then the trees of the field shall yield their fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase. They shall be safe in their land; they shall know that I am the Lord when I have broken the bands of their yoke and delivered them from the hand of those who enslaved them.  And they shall no longer be a prey for the nations, nor shall beasts of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and no one shall make them afraid.  I will raise up for them a garden of renown, and they shall no longer be consumed with hunger in the land, nor bear the shame of the Gentiles anymore. Thus they shall know that I, the Lord their God, am with them, and they, the house of Israel, are My people,” says the Lord God.’  “You are My flock, the flock of My pasture; you are men, and I am your God,” says the Lord God.”

Notice the promises Jehovah makes to His people:

• I will make a covenant of peace with them.
• I will make them a blessing.
• There shall be showers of blessing.
• Trees will yield their fruit,
• They shall be safe in their land.
• They shall no longer be prey to the nations.
• I will raise up for them a garden of renown.
• They shall know that I, the Lord their God, am with them.
• They shall know that they are my people.
• You are my flock, the flock of my pasture. And I am your God.

Some of these promises have already come to pass, but more are slated to occur in the future – specifically in the last days. 

So, how does this relate to sheep and their shepherd? God is a God of grace, mercy, and forgiveness. If the shepherds have sinned, there is forgiveness and restoration. And the same is true of sheep. If they have been rebellious, they can repent and be restored. None of us are flawless. Just forgiven! Jehovah is Lord of His sheep and His shepherds. Each of them has a part to perform in His kingdom. We should be working together to do the work assigned to each of us to do.

copied from my book THE SHEPHERD AND HIS SHEEP available on Amazon

INTRODUCTION

When we think about keys, we think about someone with the authority to open or close things. The Prophet Isaiah prophesied that Eliakim would be put in a place of authority with keys to open and close. Isaiah 22:22 says, “The key of the house of David I will lay on his shoulder; so he shall open, and no one shall shut, and he shall shut, and no one shall open.” 

The resurrected Lord said in Revelation 1:18, “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.”

Revelation 3:7 says, “And to the angel (messenger or pastor) of the church in Philadelphia write: These things says He who is holy, He who is true, He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts and shuts and no one opens.”

Jesus, during His ministry on earth, told Peter and the disciples, “And I give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” That authority to open and close, bind and lose still exists in the Church today. However, it is so powerful that few bother to use it, even though it has been freely given to us by our Lord Jesus, too often we know very little about it.

Generosity

Proverbs 11:24-25 tells us something about being generous, “There is one who scatters, yet increases more, and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.” We learn that being generous leads to blessings! 

Proverbs 22:9 says, “He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor.”

Isaiah 32:8 says, “But a generous man devises generous things, and by generosity, he shall stand.”

It is far better to be generous than stingy; one leads to blessing and the other leads to poverty in all areas of life.

The 4 T’s

• Time – whatever time we have on earth is a gift from God, but we are responsible for how we use it. Each of us has 24 hours in a day which comes to 1440 minutes and 86,400 seconds. We can be stingy or generous with our time in the service of our King.
• Talents – abilities that God has placed within us. Although they are God-given, we decide how we will use them; for selfish things or for advancing the kingdom of God.
• Truth – the truth will set you free (John 8:32) when you adhere to it. Knowing the truth and obeying it are not the same thing. The truth you know and do will bring forth what it promises.
• Tithe – the Israelites were required to bring tithes and offerings as a sign of worship to God. When they obeyed they were blessed. When they disobeyed they were rebuked. 

Each of us is responsible to be generous with these four things in all areas of our life. We can be selfish and use what God has given for self-advancement, or we can use them for the glory of God and His kingdom. What will it be?

THE TITHE

Most people, Christians included, have an aversion to indiscriminately giving away their money. When it comes to giving to charities or the Church, they are hesitant to do so. Why is that? In some cases, it is because in the past the funds have been misused or abused. Or perhaps their pastor or favorite tele-evangelist has emphasized giving to the point that it has turned them off.

So, what are we to do? The best place to get real answers is from the Word of God – the Bible. In this book, we will examine what it has to say about tithing and giving beyond the tithe. Giving – not to twist God’s arm to make Him do something He doesn’t want to do – but to obey the basic tenets of Scripture about how to obey Him and be blessed while doing so.

Some Christians don’t tithe because they say it is just part of the Mosaic law that has no importance for us today. But actually, tithing predates the law.

Genesis 14:18-20 says, “Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. And he blessed him (Abram) and said: “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” And he (Abram) gave him (Melchizedek)) a tithe of all.” 

Hebrews 7:4 says, “Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils.”

Hebrews 7:5-9 says, “And indeed those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, though they have come from the loins of Abraham; but he whose genealogy is not derived from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. Now beyond all contradiction, the less is blessed by the better. Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives. Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak.”

Just as Abraham’s faith predates the Mosaic law, so does the principle of giving a tithe. Neither of those was done away with simply because Jesus fulfilled the law. But both are re-emphasized in the New Covenant.

Here are some other Scriptures related to tithing that was part of the Mosaic law.

Leviticus 27:30-31 “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s. It is holy to the Lord. If a man wants at all to redeem any of his tithes, he shall add one-fifth to it.”

Deuteronomy 26:;12-13 says, “When you have finished laying aside all the tithe of your increase in the third year – the year of tithing – and have given it to the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, so that they may eat within your gates and be filled, then you shall say before the Lord your God; I have removed the holy tithe from my house, and also have given them to the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, according to all your commandments which you have commanded me; I have not transgressed your commandments, nor have I forgotten them.”

2 Chronicles 31:5-6 says, “As soon as the commandment was circulated, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of grain and wine, oil and honey, and of all the produce of the field; and they brought in abundantly the tithe of everything. And the children of Israel and Judah, who dwelt in the cities of Judah, brought the tithe of oxen and sheep; also the tithe of holy things which were consecrated to the Lord their God they laid in heaps.” 

Malachi 3:8-12 says, “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed you?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house, and try me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts. “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” says the Lord of hosts.”

They were told to bring a tithe from their harvests so that the priests and Levites would have food to eat. They were, at different times throughout the year, to bring lambs for sacrifice. When they obeyed they prospered, when they rebelled God used various ways to rebuke them.

Notice what was promised to them if they obeyed; “I will open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.”

Notice what else God promised, “I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field.”

Did God literally do these things? Yes, over and over again.

After Malachi, there is a period of time when there was very little, if any, visitation of the Lord. We call this the Intertestamental period.

While the Moral law of God (Ten Commandments) remains in force today, the Ceremonial law with its types and shadows has been fulfilled through Jesus’ work on the Cross. In Luke 16:16 Jesus said, “The law and the prophets were until John, since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it.”

John the Baptist appeared on the scene preaching “Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). Jesus preached the same, “Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17,23).

The message of the Kingdom that they and others in the New Testament preached brought forth a new way of living. No more blood sacrifices are needed! Ceremonies or feast days no longer were required. Because of the Cross, where Jesus gave His life, the burial, resurrection, ascension, and Pentecost bring us into a relationship with Jesus that is not based on pictures and shadows, but a relationship with Him because He now lives within us (1 John 4:4). But, being a tither and generous giver is the same in both Covenants!

FIVE KEYS

Jesus commended tithing. Matthew 23:23 says, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law, justice and mercy and faith. These ought you to have done, without leaving the others undone. Jesus approved of their consistency in tithing but not putting it before other things.

The New Testament is not just about the tithe. Tithing is the place to start in our giving, it is not the end. One has not really given until after first tithing.

Luke 6:38 says, “Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Jesus said this in the context of the law of sowing and reaping. In a nutshell, this is the teaching about giving in the New Testament.

Jesus showed the religious crowd that heart attitude is important too. Luke 21:1-4 says, “And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.” 

In addition to these, I will mention five keys that will help us with that attitude.

Key # 1 – Place of Ownership

We need to realize that we are not our own. As Christians, we belong to God. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” All that we are or ever will be belongs to Him. His redemption is total. It positively affects everything, even our possessions. Our mentality should be that we will use our possessions to advance His Kingdom. It begins with a tithe and continues on to various ways of giving to do it.

Key # 2 – Place of Repentance

Repentance breaks the yoke off our lives. Repentance is more than crying and begging God for forgiveness. It means to change one’s mind & heart about self, sin, and God. If one repents, he changes the direction he is going and goes 180 degrees in the other direction.

Repentance is often needed, not only for salvation but for service. Too many Christians fail to obey God by not tithing and not practicing generous giving of their finances to advance His Kingdom.

Too often we are generous when it is something we want, but stingy with God and His Kingdom. Such an attitude calls for repentance.

Key # 3 –  Place of Obedience

Obedience brings forth fruitfulness. Deuteronomy 8:18-20 says, “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. Then it shall be, if you by any means forget the Lord your God, and follow other gods, and serve them and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish. As the nations which the Lord destroys before you, so you shall perish, because you would not be obedient to the voice of the Lord your God.” Being disobedient does not produce good fruit! 

Over and over again we see in the Old Testament how Israel disobeyed God and suffered many rebukes from the prophets God sent them. If they did not repent, calamities of all types would occur. God would often lift His hand of protection and allow the evil armies around them to invade the land. When they repented and obeyed what He had said, He would deliver and bring His blessings once again to them. Most of these types of things could have been avoided if they had simply obeyed God in the beginning.

Key # 4 – Place of Sacrifice

Sacrifices we make, while we are obeying God, increase influence. When we look at individuals who have sacrificed much to serve God, they have a great influence on our lives. Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6:19-21, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Obedience to God will cause us to make sacrifices often. Why? Because the flesh wants what it wants! To sacrifice means that we willingly give up what we want to do to be able to do what He wants us to do. And when it comes to tithing, giving offerings, and being generous, sacrifices will have to be made.

Key # 5 – Place of Generosity

Generosity is the place where blessings abound! Remember the law of reciprocity or sowing and reaping?

The Apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, “But this I say; He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver.

He continues on in 2 Corinthians 9: 10-11, “Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.”

Jesus said in Luke 6:38, Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” 

Tithing is giving a tenth back to God from what you have received. Generous giving begins where tithing ends and becomes a seed that is sown that will bring forth an abundant harvest in the future!

Martin Luther said, “There are three conversions necessary, the heart, the head, and the purse.”

Billy Graham said, “A checkbook is a theological document, it tells you who and what you worship.”

CAN GOD’S BLESSINGS BE BOUGHT?

NO. 

Why would we want to buy what we have already been given? Ephesians 1:3 says, “…we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.”

2 Peter 1:3 says, “As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life ad godliness…”

Psalm 103:1-5 says, “Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases. Who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s”.

Psalm 104:24 says, “O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom, you have made them all. The earth is full of your possessions.”

Notice Proverbs 3:9-10, “Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the first fruits of all your increase. So your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.”

From these and similar passages we can see that God is not against possessions or money. But we do need to keep the right perspective and attitude toward them.

We should not attempt to deceive God. We see two people, Ananias and Sapphira, who tried that and it did not turn out well for them! They both died under Divine Judgment (Acts 5:1-11).

Simon, the sorcerer, tried and failed also. Acts 8 tells us that when the gospel was preached in the city of Samaria great numbers of people professed faith in Jesus. Simon did too. Later he saw supernatural things happening and wanted the power to do them. Notice verses 18-20, “And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, ‘Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.’ But Peter said to him, ‘Your money perish with you because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money.’”

Peter, by the ability of the Holy Spirit, dissected Simon’s problem. He told him “your heart is not right in the sight of God.” He further encouraged him to repent. He revealed that Simon was “poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.”

You cannot buy salvation. 

You cannot buy healing.

You cannot buy the peace of God or any of the fruit of the Spirit. 

You cannot buy the Holy Spirit or any of His gifts.

You cannot buy a ministry.

We should not try to Barter with God either.

There are examples of people in the Bible who laid a fleece before the Lord to determine His will. Sometimes it seemed to work well for them.

A good example of this is Gideon (Judges 6:36-40). But before attempting to do the same thing, we need to consider the covenant under which Gideon lived and that he did not have the Holy Spirit living in him as we do today under the New Covenant. We have the written Word of God; we have the Holy Spirit and the witness of His Spirit in us (Romans 8:9,11,16, 1 John 4:4). We don’t need to do this. In fact, on some occasions, it may be dangerous to do so.

We should be on guard against covetousness.

Luke 12:15 says, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”

Your life is more than houses, lands, money, position in society, clothes, cars, entertainment, etc. Your life is a gift from God, it is to be used in His Kingdom.

Let’s look at the instruction the Apostle Paul gave to his disciple Timothy. 1 Timothy 6:6-10 says, “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” Notice, he did not call money evil, but the love of money.

Paul also mentioned in 1 Timothy 3:3, 8 that leaders in the church must guard against a wrong attitude toward money. He said to Bishops that they must “not be greedy for money…”

He also said to Deacons that they also should “not be greedy for money…”

From these statements, it appears that both Pastors and Deacons would be in a position to handle money and must have a right view of it.

It is possible to have great possessions and large sums of money but still retain the right attitude about it. In Acts 4:32-37 we find a time in Jerusalem where the believers were in unity. No one thought of his possessions as being only his. There were no unmet needs in the Body. Those who had excess possession would sell them and bring the money to the Apostles who then distributed it to those in need.

So, what are we to do when we face a financial need?

Read the promises of the Word of God, some of which are found in this little book.

Take a position of victory. See yourself as a person who has the victory, not one trying to get it. The way you get to this is by reading and meditating on the Scriptures that tell you who and what you are IN Christ.

Make positive statements from those Scriptures. Such as: 

“Greater is He that is in me than he that is in world.” 

“My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory.”

“I am blessed with everything that I need to do the will of God.”

“Need and want are under my feet because I am seated with Christ in heavenly places.”

“Satan and all his helpers were defeated by Jesus’ Cross experience. Since they are under Jesus’ feet they are under mine also.”

Then, begin to praise God for meeting your need. 

I do not see these things as formulas to get blessings, but a lifestyle that is natural because of who you see yourself to be in Jesus. When it becomes natural, you get to the place where your faith is high and you know, even as you are doing them, that the need WILL be met!

Final Thoughts

When it comes to praying for specific things, we need to know how and why God responds to our requests. I have given a few things for us to consider.

1. God cannot act contrary to His nature. For example, God is love and everything He does will be done out of love. 

2. We never have to ask God to do what the Word says He is. For example, God is merciful. We never have to ask God to be merciful to us or others because He always is whether we realize it or not. Another example: ‘God supply my needs.’ He already has even though we may not see it yet.

3. We never have to beg God for anything He has promised. We need only to ask in faith to appropriate it. 

4. Jesus is never going to the Cross again. He has already done everything necessary for us to live a victorious life in the present and the future. “It is finished.”

5. Jesus is actively involved in our life on a daily basis via the Holy Spirit who lives in us. He is both imminent (near) and transcendent. Understanding this is where the rubber meets the road. We often do not ‘feel’ God’s presence and are tempted to believe that He has left us or is unconcerned for us. No, He lives IN us! Jesus said He would never leave or forsake us. Believe it!

At this time of year, we often stop to remember and be grateful for all of God’s blessings on our lives. I believe this thankfulness should encompass more than a day but become a lifestyle.

FIRST

I am thankful for Jesus Christ and His work on the Cross & Resurrection whereby our salvation is provided. I am glad that He has died both for and as me and forgiven all my sin! And that He has given the Holy Spirit as our Guide, Companion, and Power for daily living while serving and worshipping Him!

SECOND

I am thankful for my family, both the family I was born in and the family that I have now. I am thankful for my siblings: Luther, James, Leonard, John, Linda, Lois, & Dorothy. And my mom and dad, Eva & Jim Parish. I am grateful for the upbringing, discipline, and teaching we got in their family.

I am thankful for my wife, Debbie, and the 53 years we have been married. I am thankful for Tim and Paul our sons, who are godly men, serving the Lord with their families. Tim’s wife, Marlene, and their sons, Nathaniel, Graham, Elijah, and Aidan. Our great, grandchildren Theo & Rosie. Paul’s wife, Mitsi, and their children include Luke, Ethan, Ruby, and Beau. All living for and serving the Lord in some capacity!

THIRD

I am thankful for the churches we have had the privilege to serve over these last 57 years. Specifically, New Life Church here in Louisville for the last 41 years. I am grateful for the Godly people He has put in our life who are great encouragers to seek God in greater ways than ever before.

FOUR

I am thankful for the blessings of our country and the freedoms it offers in the midst of many challenges.

FIVE

I am thankful for life itself. While doing short-term mission work in foreign countries I faced some potentially dangerous circumstances that could have ended my life, but God intervened and we suffered no harm! And the same could be said about some situations here in the USA. Life is precious and I am grateful to the Lord for it.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY, GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!

As we begin to look at our text, there are some considerations that need to be examined. 

• Who did the translation, one person or a team of translators? If one person did it, there is a high risk of preconceived ideas being brought into the text. This is a risk with a team as well, but not as likely as when one person is doing it. 
• Reliability of the manuscripts. Do the manuscripts used have a good number of copies that are in agreement?
• The difficulty of going from one language to another. In every language, there are lots of idioms that are commonplace and are difficult to say in another language, specifically, in a few words.
• What did the text mean to the first-century readers? Their context may be difficult to ascertain since we are far removed from it.
• What does it say to us today? We should be on guard lest we interpret Scripture through our culture, experiences, or preconceived ideas. 

Having said this, let’s begin to look at our text.

OUR TEXT FROM SEVEN TRANSLATIONS:

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. NKJV

 And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. AMP

We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him. They are the ones God has chosen for his purpose, CEV

Moreover, we know that to those who love God, who are called according to his plan, everything that happens fits into a pattern for good. J.B. Phillips

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. NAS

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. NIV

We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are chosen to be a part of His plan. NLV

After looking at the text in Greek, my preference is the New International Version, which I believe to be the most accurate and meaningful.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. NIV

As we unpack this verse, we discover there are four great truths that we should examine.

• We know.
• That in all things.
• God works for the good.
• Of those who love Him and are responding to His call.

In the following, we will look at corresponding passages that will shed light on these statements.

DOES GOD HAVE MANY WILLS?

Life seems to lead all of us into situations where we have to ascertain what is the best course of action. We pray, ask for counsel from a friend, read the Bible, and often still are unsure what God wants us to do.

For us to be convinced that all things are working out for our good, we must know what the will of God is.

Not everything that happens to us is God’s will! The world system is against us. Acts 2:40 says, “And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse (evil) generation.” 1 John 2:15-17 also says, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life- is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” John 10:10 says, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly.”

Romans 12:2 says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

The way this verse is translated leaves us with the idea that God has two or three different wills. It has often been said that He has a permissive will and a perfect will. Many of us were raised in churches where this was taught. But is this what the Bible teaches?

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-His good, pleasing, and perfect will.” (NIV) Notice that the word ‘will’ is singular.

 I have yet to find any mention in the Bible of God having different wills on the same subject.

As we review the Scriptures, we find that God has a specific will and plan for us. For example: notice 1 Thessalonians 4:3, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification…”  Very specific.

Colossians 4:12 says, “Epaphras…laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete (fully assured) in all the will of God.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” It is always the will of God to give Him thanks.

Galatians 1:4 says, “Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present age, according to the will of our God and Father.” It is the will of God for us to overcome this world system.

Hebrews 10:36 says, “For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.” It is the will of God that we always receive the benefits of God’s promises.

1 Peter 4:2 says, “That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.” It is the will of God that we do the will of God!

1 John 2:17 says, “And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 

As we evaluate our circumstances, we often see that there are multiple paths we could take. Which one will be the most productive? Which one will God bless? How can I know what to do?

All of us have been there. What if there was someone who had been here before us who knows what we should do? There is! God sees the end from the beginning, and He knows everything in between. He knows everything that is involved in either of the paths that we could take. But since He only wants what is best for us, He will direct us in that path. Can we choose to do otherwise? Yes. But there is sure to be heartache if we take the path that is outside the will of God!

Can Satan attack us when we are in the will of God? Certainly. The apostle Paul and the saints mentioned in Hebrews 11 are proof of that! Many saintly people living today are also proof of it.

Are difficulties indicators of being either in or out of the will of God? No, they are not. If you live a godly life you are subject to Satan’s attack and persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12 says, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”  Proverbs 18:15 says, “And the way of the transgressor is hard.” KJV

How can we discover the will of God for our life? First and foremost, we can find it in the Bible. It is full of commands, statements, and illustrations of the will of God. We are told in Colossians 3:15, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful.” The Holy Spirit leads us into the will of God. He never leads us outside the will of God! Prayer can also help us discover the will of God. Ephesians 6:18 says, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.”

We will find that we can step out in bold faith when we know what God’s will is even when there are still questions left unanswered.

But we know that when we do the will of God, He will be working, in everything, for our good!

DOES GOD OVERRIDE OUR WILL TO GET HIS WILL ACCOMPLISHED?

In this article, we are primarily referring to events and scriptures from the New Testament to ensure that we do not get Old Covenant experiences mixed with New Covenant teaching.

The Apostle Peter gives us some insight on this question when he says in 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” Yet we know that many die daily without having made Jesus the Lord of their life. Because they have rejected what Jesus provided for them on the Cross, they have brought condemnation upon themselves. John 3:16-19 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil.”

We are made in the image and likeness of God. Genesis 1:26 says, “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth’.”  He has free will and He gave the same to us. As part of the inner man we have a will that can choose what our beliefs and actions will be. We can accept or reject the teaching of the Bible. We can choose to obey or disobey what it says. If we disobey we will suffer the consequences of that choice. Does God ever give up on us and stop loving us? No, definitely not.

Our text says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” NIV

All the time the individual is rejecting the love of God, He is still working in the realm of the unseen to cause circumstances, people, and His Spirit to bring them into His will. Since He knows what is best for each of us all that He does is for our good, both for now and in eternity.

Because we do not see God doing anything outwardly does not mean that He is not at work. Even when we have prayed and sought His face with no immediate response, this does not mean He has said no to our request. He is still working, do not stop believing His word. This is where faith comes into the picture. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Will we ever understand everything that is going on? Perhaps not, on this side of Heaven. Deuteronomy 29:29 says, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of the law.”  God does have some secret things that He has chosen not to reveal at this present time. The Apostle Paul was shown some things that he could not reveal. 2 Corinthians 12:4 says, “How he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.” 

The Apostle Paul quoted Isaiah 64:4 when he wrote to the saints in Corinth in 1 Corinthians 2:9 where he said, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” Usually, we stop reading there and say ‘we will find out when we get to Heaven.’ But read on and see that this refers to now. 1 Corinthians 2:10 says, “But God HAS revealed them to us through His Spirit.  For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep (secret) things of God.”  Verses 11 and 12 continue on to say, “For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so, no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we HAVE received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that WE MIGHT KNOW THE THINGS THAT HAVE BEEN freely given to us by God.’ Yes, there will be many things that we will know or understand until we get to Heaven. But there are many more that we could know now if we realize it is God’s will for us to know them, He has put them in the control of the Spirit who lives IN us now. 

God wants us to know what His will is. He wants us to live in it completely. The only things that He is keeping from us are things that He knows we are not yet able to handle. As we mature spiritually He can then reveal more to us. He is working to get us to the place to reveal lots of them to us.

DOES GOD’S FOREKNOWLEDGE CONTROL OUR DECISIONS?

One of the attributes of God is His knowledge of everything and everyone, the past as well as the present and the future. If He had less than that He would not be God. He has given each person a will whereby he can make choices according to his desires.

Does He approve of all our choices? No. But He still allows us to make them, even when He knows that they will be injurious to us.

When speaking to a group of Jews who rejected His Lordship, John said about Jesus in John 1:11, “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.” Jesus said in John 5:40, “And you are not willing to come to me that you may have life.” They wanted to hold to their religious traditions instead of the radical change of direction that would have been required of them to believe in Him. The same is true today with many people.

To do good research on a text, we need to see what is said before and after it so that we can see it in context. Romans 8:26-27 says, “Likewise the Spirit helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”

Several things stand out to me in verses 26-28:

• God knows more about us and our circumstances than we do.
• We often don’t know how or what to pray.
• The Spirit makes intercession for us.
• He makes intercession according to the will of the Father.
• We know that in all things God is working for our good.
• We love God and are called to do His purpose for our life.

Now we can see that He was addressing a specific class of people, namely, those who love God and are called to do His purpose.

To look at it in a little more depth, I quote from my book THE GOSPEL OF GRACE pages 84-87.

“J. B. Phillips says, ‘Moreover we know that to those who love God, who are called according to His plan, everything that happens fits into a pattern for good.’ I have never been convinced that everything that happens to us is working for our good. But I believe that in everything that happens God is working for our good. Satan is out to kill, steal, and destroy us. But our heavenly Father has purposed that we live in His abundant life! God has a plan for every life. He has gifted every one of His sons and daughters with a call to be His Ambassador. 2 Corinthians 5:20 says, “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us; we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” His grace has enabled each one to do the assignment He has given them to do. Ephesians 3:7 says, “Of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.” Ephesians 4:7 says, “But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” Too often we have interpreted the term ‘calling’ to mean only a Pastor or Evangelist but every Christian has a calling. 

“What is God doing while we are facing the challenges of life? He is working in the unseen realm to get people and situations where they need to be so His will can be accomplished. He is also working in our soul and spirit realms to perfect character while bringing forth the fruit of the Spirit. James 1:4 says, “But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” And He will continue doing that all our life.

“For whom He foreknew, He also predestinated to be confirmed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover, whom He predestinated these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom he justified, these He also glorified (Romans 8:29-30).

“For those whom He has known beforehand He has also predestined to bear the image of his Son, that He might be the eldest in a vast family of brothers; and those whom He has predestined He also has called; and those whom He has called He has also declared free from guilt, and those whom He has declared free from guilt He has also crowned with glory. (WEY).

“God is taking us somewhere. In these verses, we see a progression from that point in eternity past when He conceived the plan for His creation all the way to eternity’s future after the consummation of the ages. God is never taken by surprise nor put in a situation where He does not know what is going on or what will happen! From his foreknowledge, He has determined that each of His children should be conformed to the image of Jesus. He has called each with a heavenly calling. When they make Jesus their Lord, they were justified and glorified even though parts of it will be entered into in the future.”

From this, we can see that God’s foreknowledge, callings, etc. in our text is specific to those who love God and are fulfilling His call in their life.

God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. In this text he is not talking about God’s foreknowledge related to every person but those specifically who love God.

BRINGING OLD COVENANT CONCEPTS INTO THE NEW COVENANT

Too many of us live on the wrong side of a personal Pentecost. We have believed that the Day of Pentecost was a historical event but that it has little significance for today. And as a result of that, we live powerless lives.

In the same way, many try to interject Old Testament teachings into the New Testament and interpret the Gospels, and Epistles accordingly.

The Apostle Paul dealt with this problem in the Galatian churches. There were Christians who had come out of Judaism and faced persecution and hard times because of it. When they were tempted to go back, he said to them in Galatians 5:1, “Stand fast in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”

The writer of Hebrews also dealt with similar concerns. In referencing Jesus as our High Priest, he said in Hebrews 6:22, “By so much more Jesus has become surety of a better covenant.” Hebrews 8:6-7 also says, “But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which is established on better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second.”

The Old Testament contains history, prophecy, and poetry, and is full of types, shadows, and prophecy related to Jesus. But now that Jesus has come we do not need to live under the Mosaic law anymore. Jesus was the fulfillment of the law.

I have a picture of my wife on my desk. When she is not around I can look at it for it reminds me what she looks like. But when she is in the house with me, I do not need to look at the picture; I can see her in person.

So, what does all of this have to do with our text? Many people read Romans 8:28 and they see hardships, trouble, sickness, premature death, etc. as something they have not been redeemed from and use this passage as an excuse to stay in their circumstances with little faith that they can ever be in a better place. These are things that the law brought, but we have been redeemed from the curse of the law! Galatians 3:13-14 says, “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written: ‘curse is everyone who hangs on a tree,’ that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”

Romans 8:1-3 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, for the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His Own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin; He condemned sin in the flesh.”

Our text says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” No matter what you are facing, our God is constantly working in the spirit realm to bring to pass the very best for you! Read the promises of the Word that tell you who you are and what you possess in Christ Jesus. Live under the terms of the New Testament. Forget what society says you are, believe what the Word says you are. ‘You are who He says you are, and you can do what He says you can do.’