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We humans are tri-partite (3 part) beings (1 Thess.5:23-24). We are a spirit, that has a soul, and lives in a body. The body is the house and contains the five senses. The soul is basically the mind, will, and emotions. And the spirit is where the Spirit of God resides in the born-again person’s life, it also serves as the place where the conscience resides, which is the voice of the human spirit. 

The person who is not a child of God has a dead spirit (Eph. 2:1,12) and is in darkness without the life of God, having no hope in this world. But when they make Jesus their personal Lord, they are born again in their spirit (John 3:3,6). The Spirit of God comes to live in their human spirit and assures them that they are a child of God (Romans 8:9, Romans 8:16). 

Every person has a conscience, whether or not they are a child of God. But it can only operate correctly when the mind is renewed to the Word and Spirit of God (Romans 12:2, Ephesians 4:23).

The scribes and Pharisees brought a woman, who had committed adultery, to Jesus to see what He would do. He wrote on the ground and John 8:9 says, “…being convicted by their conscience went out one by one.” 

The Apostle Paul when giving testimony to Felix said that he always “…strived to have a conscience without offense toward God and man” (Acts 24:16). Paul also said that the Gentiles who do not have the law are a law unto themselves, “their conscience also bearing witness and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them…” (Romans 2:15) Paul further said in Romans 9:1 “I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit.” In Paul’s teaching to the Romans, he admonished them to be subject to earthly authorities, …” not only because of wrath but also for conscience sake”(Romans 13:5).

Scripture also reveals that one can have a:

 Good Conscience (1 Tim.1:5, 1:19).

A pure conscience (1 Timothy 3:9).

Seared Conscience (1 Timothy 4:2).

Conscience cleansed by the blood (Hebrews 9:14). 

And Hebrews 9:22 “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” I submit that when one is born again the blood of Jesus cleanses his conscience from all the impurities of the past that may have been part of it. That is one reason why the new convert needs to immerse himself in the Word of God to allow his mind to be renewed along with what has happened in his spirit.

The Bible further says in Ephesians 1:7, “In Him, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace.”

Colossians 2:13-14 “And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us, and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the Cross.”

Hebrews 9:26 says, “He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world, but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.”

1 John 3:5, “And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him, there is no sin.”

WHY IS THERE STILL SIN CONSCIENCENESS?

Hebrews 10:1-4 says, “For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. But in those sacrifices, there is a reminder of sins every year.  For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.”

The animals sacrificed under the Law could never cleanse from sin, it merely covered them for a year. But in Jesus’ sacrifice, they are not only covered, but we are cleansed, and the sins are forgiven, as the conscience is cleansed!

I suggest that the reason many Christians still have a conscienceness of sins is that they have not renewed their mind with the Scriptures given above and others like them in the New Testament. 

When our sins are forgiven, they cease to exist. God does not remember them anymore (Isaiah 43:25). They are cast into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:9). and He put them behind His back (Isaiah 38:17).

The only time we should be aware of our sins is when our conscious speaks to us about having done something wrong. Then, we should immediately thank God for His forgiveness and cleansing and begin declaring the promises of the Word of God. Since we are now the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21) begin to speak this as it renews your mind.

The Scripture says in John 16:7, “And when He has come, He will convict the WORLD of sin, and of righteousness and of judgment.” I submit for your consideration, that the Holy Spirit convicts the sinners of their sin, but for the disciple of Jesus, it is his conscience that makes him aware of wrongdoing, as long as it is not seared by disobedience to the Word of God.

1 Peter 5:1-4

So I exhort the elders among you seems at first unrelated to the previous section, but the word so or ‘therefore’ (oun) suggests that this section follows logically on from the previous one. It is likely that the thought of judgment beginning from the house of God (4:17) prompted Peter to focus on the need for purity of heart before God in relationships among those in the church, beginning with the leaders of the church. This pattern may even have been suggested by Ezekiel 9:6, from which Peter borrowed the language about judgment beginning ‘from the house of God’, for there it says, ‘So they began with the elders who were before (lxx: in) the house.’ The connection is: since purifying judgment is beginning with God’s house, and especially with the leaders of God’s house, therefore I exhort the elders among you. Lest he seems to be too haughty in this prediction of judgment, Peter immediately classes himself with the elders: as a fellow elder. This lets the elders know that he thinks of himself as one of those with whom judgment will begin—even he, an apostle, is not exempt, nor should any among his readers think themselves too important or too sanctified to be exempt. Moreover, as he is about to encourage them to be ‘examples’ to the flock (v. 3), so he demonstrates in the next phrase how he himself is willing to be an example for those leaders to whom he writes. While it is remarkable that Peter the apostle would take the less exalted title ‘fellow elder’ to speak to elders, it is even more remarkable that he should describe himself as a witness of the sufferings of Christ. Had he said ‘witness of the resurrection’ it would have been a claim for the truthfulness of his message (as in Acts 2:32; 3:15; cf. 1:22). Even ‘witness of his transfiguration’ would have been a claim to authenticity (cf. 2 Pet. 1:16–18). But ‘witness of the sufferings of Christ’ bluntly recalls, for Peter and for anyone familiar with the details surrounding Christ’s crucifixion, the most painful episode in Peter’s life—for we remember just what kind of ‘witness’ Peter was: one whose courage failed and who three times denied that he even knew Christ (Matt. 26:69–75). Why does Peter recall this? Probably to demonstrate that restoration even from grievous sin is possible with Christ (cf. Paul’s similar use of his life as an example of restoration totally by grace, 1 Tim. 1:16), and thus to encourage in the elders a humble willingness to be penitent for sin rather than a hypocritical pride and an unwillingness ever to admit to doing wrong. The fact that Peter is also a partaker in the glory that is to be revealed shows that full restoration from sin is certainly available through Christ. This phrase could refer to Peter’s presence on the Mount of Transfiguration, when the cloud of God’s glory overshadowed those with Jesus (Matt. 17:1–8; cf. 2 Pet. 1:16–18), but had he meant this he would probably have said something like, ‘as well as a witness of the glory that was revealed’. The fact that he mentions this partaking in glory after he mentions his witnessing of the sufferings of Christ, and the fact that he says the glory is still to be revealed, suggests that he is thinking of the future glory that will come to believers when Christ returns (note this theme in 1:7; 4:13; 5:4, 10). Peter is an ‘elder’ who has sinned, repented, been restored, and will share with Christ in glory. He can rightly ‘exhort’ any elder in whose life there is sin likewise to repent and be restored before God’s disciplinary refining fire reaches him. On another level, the reference to Christ’s sufferings may also function as a reminder to the elders that just as Christ was willing to suffer for them, so they should be willing to endure hardship and suffering for the sake of those in their churches (cf. the note on the function of 3:18 in its context). Yet in the context of Peter’s speaking about himself as a fellow elder/witness/partaker in glory, the primary emphasis of this phrase does not seem to be on Christ’s example but on Peter’s own experience. 2. Peter exhorts the elders, Tend the flock of God that is your charge. There is a play on words since the verb tend (poimainō, ‘serve as shepherd, serve as pastor’) and the noun flock (poimnion) come from the same root. We could translate, ‘Shepherd the sheep of God’. The verb Peter uses is the same one Jesus used when he said to Peter, Tend (poimainō) my sheep’ (John 21:16). The phrase that is your charge is more literally ‘that is among you’. At this point the rsv mg. adds exercising the oversight, a phrase which translates the verb episkopeō, ‘functioning as overseer (or bishop)’. The phrase should be included in the text here (so niv, ‘serving as overseers’; the three main manuscripts omitting it are all from one geographical area, while those including it are diverse in location, and several are also quite early). The combination of the term ‘elder’ with the verbs related to ‘pastor’ and ‘bishop’ (‘overseer’) in such close connection in verses 1 to 2 is good evidence that the terms ‘pastor’, and ‘bishop, overseer’ were interchangeable during the New Testament period. Peter now tells the elders how they are to act, listing three sins to which elders are especially prone and three antidotes to which they should give attention. Calvin introduces this section with a perceptive summary: In exhorting pastors to their duty, he points out three vices, especially which are often to be found, namely sloth, desire for gain, and lust for power. Not by constraint but willingly means not doing the job simply out of obligation or because ‘someone has to do it’, but because the elder has freely and willingly chosen to carry out this valuable work (cf. 1 Tim. 3:1). The phrase in the rsv mg. as God would have you (literally, ‘according to God’, meaning ‘according to God’s will’) is also well attested in ancient manuscripts and should be included in the text (so niv, nasb). No one should be pressured into accepting a church office which he does not really want to have—God wants our ungrudging service, and he will provide another solution. An elder is to serve not for shameful gain but eagerly. The word translated eagerly places somewhat more emphasis on a positive emotional desire to do the work, whereas ‘willingly’ in the previous phrase simply focused on the element of unconstrained or free choice, the decision of the will that one will do the work. It may be questioned whether the prohibition against serving for shameful gain means one should never engage in church-related work in order to earn money, or whether it means one should not do it in order to earn money ‘shamefully’ (i.e. with greedy or selfish motives, or by dishonest or unfair practices). The second view seems preferable, both because Peter says shameful gain, not just gain, and because Scripture elsewhere indicates that it is right at least for some elders (probably those whose source of income or full-time work is their eldership activities) to earn money from this work (1 Tim. 5:17–18)—therefore, the desire for such earnings must be correct also, at least as part of their motivation. Yet the contrast is not: ‘not for shameful gain but for honest gain’, but a much higher one: ‘not for shameful gain but eagerly’. Greed and selfish interest are so near at hand in all human hearts that especially in this work they must be constantly guarded against. 3. Not as domineering over those in your charge but being examples to the flock shifts attention from inward motivation to outward behavior. But even here attitude is determinative, for an elder greedy for power over others will ‘domineer’, delighting in the use of his authority and seeking to increase, preserve or flaunt it. By contrast, the elder who seeks not his own status but the edification of others (cf. Phil. 2:3–4, 5–8, 20–21; Matt. 23:11) will strive continually to make his life an ‘example’ to others, a pattern to imitate. The term translated domineering (katakyrieuō) means ‘forcefully ruling over, subduing’, and can carry the nuance of a harsh or excessive use of authority (note its use in Matt. 20:25; Mark 10:42; Acts 19:16; also lxx Gen. 1:28; 9:1; and, in the context of military conquests, Num. 21:24; 32:22, 29; Ps. 110:2, etc.). The word always seems to involve bringing something into subjection by the use of force, whether physical, military, or political. Here Peter forbids the use of arbitrary, arrogant, selfish, or excessively restrictive rules. He implies that elders should govern not by the use of threats, emotional intimidation, or flaunting of power, nor generally by the use of ‘political’ force within the church, but rather by the power of example whenever possible. Nevertheless, verse 5, in commanding others to ‘be subject’ to the elders, implies that they have genuine governing authority in the church, and that at times they can give directions which the church ought to obey. (Paul’s use of his own authority as an apostle, especially in 2 Corinthians and Philemon, is a profitable example for study.) Although we may already recognize that God himself is our example to imitate (Eph. 5:1) and that Jesus is our perfect example for a human life pleasing to God (1 Pet. 2:21; 1 John 2:6; etc.), we are probably surprised to find how often the early Christians expected all their leaders to live in a way which others could imitate as well: they did not have to be perfect in order to be examples to the flock. Paul frequently urged others to imitate his example (1 Cor. 4:16; 11:1; Phil. 3:17; 4:9; 2 Thess. 3:7–9), and told both Timothy (1 Tim. 4:12) and Titus (Titus 2:7–8) that they were to live as examples of the Christian life to others (cf. Heb. 6:12; 13:7). Thus all in leadership positions in the church should realize that the requirement to live a life worthy of imitation is not optional—it is a major part of the job, challenging though such responsibility may be. Moreover, those who select church leaders should realize that academic excellence and administrative or financial skills do not automatically qualify one for leadership in the church (as they would for leadership in the university or business worlds). Recognizing that one has such responsibility should never engender pride, but rather a continual humility in the awareness that the sin remaining in one’s heart is still hateful, and that any growth in holiness of life has only come about by God’s grace. Indeed, to take pride in one’s own spiritual progress would be to set exactly the wrong example for others. Those who like Paul cry out, ‘Who is sufficient for these things?’ (2 Cor. 2:16b) are most likely to set the best example, for, as Peter himself says in this context, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble’ (v. 5b). Those in your charge has been thought by some to indicate that each elder had certain individuals assigned to him to care for, but there is not enough evidence to conclude this. The expression could just mean ‘your shares or portions of responsibility’ before God. 4. Peter promises no earthly reward but rather directs the elders to look beyond this present world: And when the chief Shepherd is manifested you will obtain the unfading crown of glory. When elders are viewed as shepherds, as they are here, it is natural to call Christ the chief Shepherd (the term occurs only here, in the NT, but cf. 2:25; also Heb. 13:20; Matt. 26:31; John 10:11–16). When [he] is manifested means ‘when he is made visible, when he appears’, and thus refers to the time of Christ’s visible return to earth. At that time (and not even at death: see note at 1:7), Peter says, you will obtain the unfading crown of glory. Crown (stephanos) is used of a victor’s crown or ‘wreath’ in athletic contests (1 Cor. 9:25), or a golden crown given by a Roman general to soldiers most valiant in battle (Josephus, War 7.14), or a crown worn by a king (2 Sam. (lxx 2 Kgs) 12:30; cf. Rev. 6:2; 14:14). In every case it is a sign of special honor, given not to all but only to those worthy of particular public recognition, commonly as a reward for some kind of unusually meritorious activity. Such an idea would fit this verse, where Peter mentions this unfading crown of glory specifically when speaking to ‘elders’, and when speaking of a reward which is given in the age to come, following after a description of righteous conduct in the exercise of the office of elder during this life. Moreover, the term glory carries the nuance of outwardly visible evidence of honor. Finally, the ‘twenty-four elders’ in Revelation have ‘golden crowns’ (Rev. 4:4) which they cast before God’s throne (Rev. 4:10)—even though these are not identical to the elders in local churches to whom Peter is writing, the ‘crowns’ there are none the less marks of honor said to be possessed by particular individuals, not by all. There are other passages of Scripture which suggest that some kind of ‘crown’ will be given to all believers (2 Tim. 4:8; Jas 1:12; Rev. 2:10; 3:11). Yet in these passages the ‘crown’ seems to be a metaphor for the heavenly life in general. The ‘crown’ of righteousness’ in 2 Tim. 4:8 which the Lord will give not only to Paul but ‘also to all who have loved his appearing’ (i.e. all believers) probably means ‘righteousness, which will be like a crown’. Similarly, the ‘crown of life’ in Jas 1:12; Rev. 2:10; cf. Rev. 3:11) is probably ‘eternal life in heaven, which is a reward like a crown received at the end of a race’, 1 Corinthians 9:25 implies that all believers should strive to obtain an ‘imperishable’ crown, but in the context it may also be viewed as a heavenly reward not for all believers but only for those who have continued through life faithful and obedient to God in a way worthy of special reward (cf. 1 Cor. 9:24, and note degrees of reward in 1 Cor. 3:12–15). 1 Peter 5:4, then, seems to indicate that elders in local churches should fulfil their office in ways pleasing to God, not in order to obtain honor or wealth in this life, but to obtain a special reward, an unfading crown of glory, when Christ returns (cf. note at 1:7). In churches today this should be the reward which elders work for, but it often is not.

Wayne A. Grudem, 1 Peter: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 17, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1988), 192–198.

OUR SINS FORGIVEN

To forgive is defined by the dictionary as to ‘grant pardon for or remission of an offense, to give up all claims on or remit a debt or obligation, to cancel all liability.’  This definition covers many areas of life beyond the financial. For the disciple of Jesus, what comes to mind first is the fact that through the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross ALL our sins have been forgiven!

Colossians 1:14 “In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.”

“Paul, then, is asserting in shorthand form that in Christ, the true Israel, the true King, the one whom God loves, God’s people are rescued from the dark power that has enslaved them and are brought into all the blessings of membership in the new covenant. Chief among these blessings is the fact that sin has been dealt with. God’s people are to thank him that they are indeed his people, qualified for inheritance (v. 12), delivered from sin’s grim tyranny (v. 13), and redeemed through his Son (v. 14). This statement (and its further application in vv. 21–23) must have considerably clarified for the young Christians in Colosse exactly what it was that had happened to them in their conversion, and why it had been necessary.”The price was paid, the debt canceled from all sin past, present, and future! This is good news! 

Freedom from sin consciousness is part of forgiveness ( Heb.10:1-4).

“The deduction made from the repetition of the offerings is their inadequacy. If perfection had been achieved the offerings would have stopped, which they did not under the old system. What the offerings did was to offer cleansing for sins committed since the last offering, but they could do nothing about sin, the root cause. All worshippers under the old system knew they had not been finally cleansed (kekatharismenous). Again the emphasis here falls on once, in contrast, to continually in verse 1. It is the finality of Christ’s atoning work for the perfection of his people which is in mind by way of contrast. Consciousness (syneidēsin) of sin is brought about by the constant reminder of man’s need in the repeated sacrifices, the exact opposite of the effect of Christ’s offering, which leads to the blotting out of sin (cf. 9:26).

This function of the Levitical offerings as a reminder of sin year after year vividly demonstrated their inadequacy to effect a permanent removal of sin and its consequences. Every offering that was made testified to the inadequacy of the previous offering and reminded the worshipper that another similar offering must follow. The sense of responsibility for sin was thus kept alive. The same word is found in the institution of the last supper in describing it as a memorial to the death of Christ, a reminder of the complete release from sin through that death. The superiority of this Christian reminder over the Levitical sacrifices is vivid. The latter sacrifices, which were ordained by God, were thus intended to prepare the way for that perfect offering which could effectively deal with the consequences of sin on a permanent basis.” Oh, that we would live continually in the freedom provided by His forgiveness!

FORGIVEN, WE MUST FORGIVE

Col.3:13 “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” To forgive others for their offenses toward us is to follow in the steps of Jesus (1 Pet.2:21). It allows us to treat others the way He has treated or loved us. As we do this, we are participating positively in the law of reciprocity (sowing & reaping). Which is a law, like gravity, that affects positively or negatively every person on the earth. (Read Gal.6:7-10). Another new covenant law is found in Romans 8:2 which says, “ because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” The forgiveness from God through Christ is total by virtue of His grace shown to us at the Cross. “In Him, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” Eph.1:7 NKJV. God is not petty, meaning, He did not forgive us on the Cross and then later withdraw that forgiveness because of present disobedience.

If a disciple of Jesus does not forgive those who offend him, he is sowing to the flesh which eventually will bring forth a harvest of “torturers” (NKJV Matt.18:21-35). The context is natural business dealings and does not indicate that God is brutal to His disciples. The torturers are humans who retaliate against us because of what they believe we deserve, and while God is not the doer of it, He permits it to get our focus back on Him because we have not obeyed His Word and Spirit,

Jesus from the Cross showed us how to respond to those who offend us, when He said, “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they do.”

However, often we are prone to handling them like this:

1. Nurse it.
2. Re-hearse it.
3. Curse it.

When we should be forgiving it! Because Jesus has forgiven us totally of all our sins, offenses, malice, gossip, hatred, false accusations, etc. and He considers us righteous by imputing and imparting His righteousness to us!

1 Thess. 4:13 “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus (coming with thousands of the saints-Jude 14) those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming (parousia)(1) of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call (last trumpet- 1 Cor.15:52) of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up (harpazo) (2) together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.(3) 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.”

1 Thess.5:1 ” Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, (apparently he had taught them about this when he was there) 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief (4)in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. (5) 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober (self-controlled). 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober (self-controlled), putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath (6)but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), 1 Th 4:13–5:11.

1 Appearing, or Second coming of the Lord.

2 Snatched, often translated rapture.

3 From this time on always in His presence.

4 Only comes as a thief to those who do not know the Lord.

5 To the believers, He is not coming as a thief.

6 The believers are not or ever be appointed to receive the wrath of God because it has already been poured out on Jesus through the Cross. (Romans 8:1-2, John 3:17-18) But believers can be living during the time God’s wrath is poured out on the earth yet not be subject to it. Ex. Israelites in Egypt.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT. WILL WE BE SURPRISED OR WORKING AND WATCHING FOR HIS RETURN?

Psalm 23 says, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

As we begin to examine this Psalm of David, we need to first define what a shepherd is. The dictionary defines a shepherd as a man employed in tending, feeding, and guarding sheep; one charged with the religious care and guidance of others: Pastor; to escort or conduct.

As we can see from this definition, it could be a person who is doing a ‘secular’ job or one in ecclesiastical ministry. Anyone who owns, or is a manager of a business, who has concern for his workers, is in a real sense a shepherd. He may not stand in the leadership ministry of a pastor but he is actually pastoring those individuals.

From the short list of shepherds mentioned earlier, we notice that they were not priests or pastors in any official sense but ordinary people who took care of sheep and people entrusted to their care.

Now let’s take a closer look at this Psalm. 

Verse One – The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

“The Lord is my shepherd…” Obviously, David was well acquainted with shepherding. He was a shepherd who knew the importance of having a shepherd. He knew that he needed a ‘good’ shepherd who loved, provided for, and protected the sheep. The character and integrity of the shepherd determine the quality of care given to the sheep!

At some point, he made an intentional decision that Jehovah (Yahweh) would be his shepherd. Making that decision, no doubt, changed the trajectory of his life. Perhaps it should be said here that having a human shepherd (under shepherd) does not nullify the need to have the Lord as one’s shepherd!

To have the Lord as our shepherd requires that we have Him as our Savior (John 3:3,5, Romans 10:9-10). To enjoy the fullness of His forgiveness, etc. will require that He is Lord over all facets of our life. It will require that we are in fact His disciple.

“…I shall not want.” It is unfortunate that the way we use the word ‘want’ obstructs what is said here. It might be better understood if we said, ‘I shall not be in need or lack.’ There is a big difference between our needs and wants! And in our materialistic society today, we need to make that difference very clear.

Another statement by David makes this clearer. Psalm 34:9-10 says, “Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want (lack) to those who fear Him. The young lions lack and suffer hunger, but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.”

Yet another psalm, from the sons of Korah, says in Psalm 84:11, “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”

If one has the Lord as his shepherd, then everything he needs will be provided for by his shepherd. People are a lot like sheep. Left to our own devices we make wrong decisions and can get into a lot of trouble. We often have the mistaken idea that we know how to live our lives, without intervention from others or God. To have this mentality is a sure indication that trouble is on the horizon! In fact, the prophet Jeremiah said this in Jeremiah 23;10, “O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.”

If Jesus is our shepherd, then this verse indicates that everything we need will be provided in and through Him. Ephesians 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.” 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.”

THE MESSAGE paraphrases this verse like this: ‘God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing.’

Verse Two:  He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.

He makes me lie down in green pastures… According to Philip Keller it is almost impossible to get sheep to lie down unless four requirements are met. 

• Free from fear.
• Free from friction with others.
• Free from torment from flies & ticks.
• Free from hunger.

It was and is difficult to find lush pastures in the Middle East. There are lots of stones, and brush, but very little green grass unless it is irrigated. It was the shepherd’s job to find those places where green grass could be found. It is our Shepherd’s job to do the same for us, and He has done so by His work on the Cross because of His great love for us. 

As mentioned above, just as sheep have a difficult time laying down in green pastures, so do God’s sheep today unless the fears are mitigated. Our Shepherd knows that, so He has provided freedom for us. 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” We are instructed 109 times in the Bible ‘do not fear.’

Forgiveness toward those who offend us allows great freedom. Physical, mental, and emotional healing provides freedom in those realms, while His great provisions for us give us freedom from hunger! Our Shepherd knows what we need and He has abundantly provided for it!

He leads me beside the still waters… Sheep are easily spooked. There are many natural predators, such as coyotes, wolves, bears, and wild dogs. The shepherd would try to get his sheep near a quiet, flowing stream. His presence would be known by the sheep and they could graze, drink, and rest in peace. The shepherd was always on the lookout for any danger in the area. He often would spend all night on guard when predators were near. He had lots of money, effort, time, and energy invested in his sheep. They were important to him, he loved them as if they were pets.

Verse Three: He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

He restores my soul… Keller mentions that often sheep would get weighted down with dirt, and sand in their wool, to the degree that if he were to fall into a crevice he would not be able to get up. There is an old English term for this, it is known as a ‘cast’ sheep. His feet would be moving, while he was laying on his back, but he could not roll over and get up. If he is left there for a long period of time he will die. 

This phrase shows us the need for a shepherd to come along and lift that sheep upright out of the ditch. He is restored to his previous position. Many of us have fallen into crevices in life and could not get up by ourselves, but our Great Shepherd, or one of His under-shepherds, comes to our rescue and restores us! This proves to us that all sheep need a shepherd.

He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. As David mentioned in Psalm 5:8, “Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your path straight before my face.” Many obstacles stand in the way of all of us as we attempt to follow the Lord. The enemy of our soul puts them there to lead us astray as he attempts to kill, steal and destroy us. But our Chief Shepherd knows the way around, through, or over them. He leads us in the way of righteousness, which is always in our best interest and His as well.

Verse Four: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death… All of us are constantly in the valley of the shadow of death. The enemy camps near us at all times, as he looks for opportunities to invade our homes, families, mind, body, and spirit. BUT our shepherd is always on the lookout for us. He knows our enemy! He has dealt with him for millennia. He knows all his tactics, and plans. Our Shepherd always has exactly what is needed to protect, and provide for us, EVEN in the valley of the shadow of death. We have no legitimate reason to fear.

I will fear no evil; for you are with me… You may recall that David said earlier in Psalm 3:6, “I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.” Or, perhaps, Psalm 27:1-3, which says, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, my enemies and foes, they stumbled and fell. Though an army may encamp against me; my heart shall not fear; though war may rise against me, in this I will be confident.” David could say and believe all this because he had the Lord as his Shepherd! So can we, if He is our Shepherd.

Your rod and staff, they comfort me. The rod was used to fight off the enemy, the staff was used to lift up a sheep if he fell into a crevice. David, no doubt, had used these implements frequently. Our Shepherd, Jesus, has an arsenal of possible weapons to use against our enemy. Remember: He defeated Satan through the Cross and the Resurrection. He has the keys of death and of hell! 

As David thought on the rod and staff, he was greatly comforted. So will we be as we become closer to the Lord and realize all that He has provided for us?

Verse Five: You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies… This speaks of the Shepherd’s provision for the sheep even in difficult times. God’s provision isn’t just for the good times when everything is going well. He provides for us even in times of disobedience. Example: The Israelites wandering in the Wilderness for forty years because of their disobedience to God. Yet, He fed them, guided them, and did not let their clothes wear out.

You anoint my head with oil… This was common practice if a sheep got parasites in its ears or wool. Perhaps the sheep got a cut on the legs or belly, the shepherd would clean the wound and pour in oil – usually olive oil – to cleanse and bring about faster healing. To be anointed with oil indicated the sheep was special to the Shepherd. Psalm 92:10 says, “But my horn (strength) you have exalted like a wild ox; I have been anointed with fresh oil.” Being anointed with fresh oil also indicates sonship and ownership.

My cup runs over. God’s blessings are so abundant that we cannot contain them! This speaks of a continual flow of blessings and provision. This sounds a lot like what the prophet Malachi prophesied about those who tithe and give offerings. Malachi 3:10c says, “…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.”

Verse Six: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Surely… without a doubt. Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. The Shepherd’s goodness and mercy will continuously be in my life as long as I live. If the Lord is our Shepherd, we can enjoy the same thing. This indicates that the shepherd would protect, give provisions, and guide the sheep for as long as they lived.

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. This is saying that we are part of the shepherd’s family. We will take up permanent residence there. He will have oversight over us. He is our owner, Lord, and Master. We belong totally to Him.

Oh, what a blessing and joy it is to know that the Lord is our Shepherd. He has everything under control. He knows everything about us and loves us unconditionally. He is always with us, provides for us, and protects us. We have no reason to fear because He is constantly involved in every aspect of our life!

We often think of “faith” as being a New Testament concept but it is spoken of numerous times in the Old Testament. Reading Hebrews 11 reveals that the ancients are said to have faith, being faithful, and having faithfulness.

Hebrews 11:1 defines faith “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” While the OT saints did not have the Spirit of God within, nor written Scripture as we do, they often had supernatural visitations via His voice, angels, or theophany or Christophany.

In Genesis 15:6 the Bible says that Abram “…believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.” Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph exercised faith in God and did great exploits- Hebrews 11:3-22 before the Mosaic law was given. Then we find that many others, living under the Mosaic law also did great exploits for God – Hebrews 11:23-40.

And we, who live under the New Covenant, are told in 2 Corinthians 5:7, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” Galatians 3:11 says, “But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for the just shall live by faith.” Galatians 2:20 also says, “…the life that I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” And Hebrews 10:38 “Now the just shall live by faith, but if anyone draws back my soul has no pleasure in him.”

Faith in God is the God-given ability (Ephesians 2:8) to believe what He has said in His Word to the point that we can act on it, without any further external help. Although the Scripture does indicate the Spirit of God bears witness to us of the things promised in it (Romans 8:16-17).

The bottom line for New Covenant believers today is to believe what the Word of God says, obey it, and listen to the voice of His Spirit within, who always speaks and acts in line with the Word of God. And we will do these things because we believe, trust in, and know God that is and is a rewarder of those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

Just as basketball players play basketball, football players play football, teachers teach, preachers preach, and politicians play politics! From the time they get into office, they continue to make contacts, raise money, manipulate onto committees, etc. so they can be re-elected to another term or get a more influential position. And in the process of doing that, they often lie to one another, and the general public, about issues. These types of things are not just what is seen externally but reveal what is IN the heart (Mark 7:18-23). “…For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34). And this is true of all of us regardless of status in society!

So, what should we do? I have some suggestions.

1. We need to be born again (John 3:3-6). When that occurs, the old way of life is dead (Galatians 2:20), sins forgiven (Ephesians 1:7), given Jesus’ righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21), and now we have a relationship and fellowship with Jesus as Lord!
2. Begin the process of renewing your mind with the promises of the Word of God – the Bible. Romans 12:1-2, Ephesians 4:23, Ephesians 1:3, 2 Peter 1:3-4.
3. Get to know the Lord experientially by prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit. Receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4).
4. Get involved (and I do not mean just getting your name on a church membership list) in a Bible-believing and practicing congregation. These things will help get you started on a lifetime of service to God and humanity so that you are no longer “playing” in your occupation but fulfilling your vocation (calling) that pleases God! All of us, regardless of status in life, need to know what the Lord desires from us and do it! Live a life fulfilling His plan and purpose for us. If we do this, we will experience satisfaction, fulfillment, peace, and joy and have a sense that God is pleased with us. We need to get our identity from Him (we will find that in the New Testament) and allow Him to develop characteristics that He has already placed within us. We are who He says we are, and we can do what He says we can do! Never forget that! And do not permit the world around you to mold you into something other than God’s plan!

Here is a teaching I did some time ago that is still appropriate for today.

Introduction: Perspective affects everything. How we were raised, taught in school, and learned through experiences affects our perspective on things. The same can be said about those Jews who were trying to get the Galatian Christians to go back under the Mosaic law. 

Three highlights of the Mosaic covenant were: Circumcision, Sabbath-keeping, and Dietary laws.

Each of these was an indication that one was a keeper.

The place of each of these in the New Covenant:

Circumcision – Romans 2:28-29 “For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh, but he is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter, whose praise is not from men but from God.”

Sabbath keeping – Ezekiel 20:12 “Moreover, I also gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between them and me, that they might know that I am the Lord who sanctifies them.”

Ezekiel 20:20 “Hallow my Sabbaths and they will be a sign between me and you, that you may know that I am the Lord your God.

Dietary laws – Romans 14:6 “He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks, and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat and gives God thanks.”

5 Questions

1. Who has deceived you? “O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified?”
2. Did you receive the Spirit through the law? “This only I want to learn from you. Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?”
3. Are you so foolish? “Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?”
4. Have you suffered so many things in vain? “Have you suffered so many things in vain – if indeed it was in vain?”
5. Is the supernatural by law or faith? “Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?”

FOUNDATIONAL TRUTH

Those who are of faith are sons of Abraham and are blessed in him.

A. The Mosaic law brings a curse.

“For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse, for it is written “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.” vs.10

“But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for the just shall live by faith.” vs 11

‘’Yet the law is not of faith, but the man who does them shall live by them.” vs.12

Justification in the sight of God is by faith alone – in the sight of man we need to see an outward change. James 2:22,24

B. Redeemed from the curse by Jesus’ Sacrifice

“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree)”

 Curses can be summarized by 3 things – Deuteronomy 28

• Poverty
• Sickness
• Premature death

C. Blessings of Abraham & and the Promise of the Spirit

 “That the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” vs.14

Genesis 12:3 “I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you, and in you, all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

HOW A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD GIVES POWER TO HIS WORD IN US

INTRODUCTION

In the 1960s through the 1980s, and today as well, there was and is an emphasis on the power of our words, specifically the need for us to speak the Word of God. This turns out to be both a good thing and not so good thing many times. 

When people would believe and speak what the Word of God said they often got what they desired. While others would think there was some sort of magic power in the spoken word itself without realizing there must be a relationship between them and the power behind the Word of God, namely, God Himself. As a result of not having a proper relationship with God, many were confused, hurt, and disillusioned when what they said did not happen.

I do not find in the Bible that we are given the right to speak anything we want to speak without a relationship with God. Or that we can indulge the flesh for anything without God’s input on it. Suppose one wants a million dollars and he believes if he says it often enough God is required to give it to him. Or he wants a certain type of car or house and expects God to give it to him simply because he said it.

If one is abiding in God and His Word abides in the person, there may be times when God, by His Spirit, may lay it on the heart of the person to ask for something beyond the ordinary. This has often happened and still does today,

The key is to have an ongoing, intimate relationship with the Lord and a familiarity with the Word of God, specifically the New Testament promises!

FOUNDATIONAL NEW COVENANT TRUTHS

Ephesians 1:3 “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.”

2 Peter 1:3-4 “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 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.”

OUR TEXT: Proverbs 18:21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

GOD CREATES WITH HIS WORD

We see this illustrated in Genesis 1 where He spoke and the world came into existence. 

Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”

Let’s walk through the times when God spoke in the creation and various things happened which shows us the power of His Word.

Genesis 1:3 “Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.”

Genesis 1:6 “Then God said, “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.”

Genesis 1:9 “Then God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so.”

Genesis 1:11 “Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth”; and it was so.”

Genesis 1:14 “Then God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night, and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years;”

Genesis 1:20 “Then God said, “Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens.”

Genesis 1:22 “And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.”

Genesis 1:24 “Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind”; and it was so.”

Genesis 1:26 “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.”

Genesis 1:28 “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.”

Genesis 1:29 “And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you, it shall be for food.”

Jesus is the Word. The Father decreed it and the Word spoke it into existence.

John 1:1-4 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God.  All things were made through Him, and without Him, nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.”

Hebrews 1:1-3 says, “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;  who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,”

Colossians 1:16-18 says, “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him, all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.”

Creation reveals the triune Godhead, three personages in a relationship in total agreement. When one speaks or acts they are all involved.

God’s Word in us is powerful.

John 6:63 says, “It is the Spirit who gives life, the flesh profits nothing. The words I speak to you are spirit and they are life.”

John 14:10 says, ‘Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority, but the Father who dwells in Me does the works.”

John 15:7 says, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”

The power of our words on the Human level.

Prov. 10:11 “The mouth of the righteous is a well of life, But violence covers the mouth of the wicked.

Prov.10:19-21 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.

The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; The heart of the wicked is worth little. The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of wisdom.

Prov.11:11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

Prov.12:6 The words of the wicked are, “Lie in wait for blood,” But the mouth of the upright will deliver them.

Prov.12:13-14 The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, But the righteous will come through trouble. A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, And the recompense of a man’s hands will be rendered to him.

Prov.12:18-19 There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health. The truthful lip shall be established forever, But a lying tongue is but for a moment.

Prov.12:25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.

Prov.13:2-3 A man shall eat well by the fruit of his mouth, But the soul of the unfaithful feeds on violence. He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.

Prov.14:3 In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride,  But the lips of the wise will preserve them.

Prov. 15:1-2 A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. 

The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.

Prov.15:4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life,  But perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

Prov.15:7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, But the heart of the fool does not do so.

Prov.15:26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, But the words of the pure are pleasant.

Prov.15:28 The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.

Prov.16:23-24 The heart of the wise teaches his mouth And adds learning to his lips. Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.

Prov.18:4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook.

Prov.18:6-8 A fool’s lips enter into contention,  And his mouth calls for blows. A fool’s mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul. The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body.

Prov.18:20-21 A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth; From the produce of his lips, he shall be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.

Prov.21:23 Whoever guards his mouth and tongue, Keeps his soul from troubles.

Prov.26:20-22  Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife. The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body.

New Testament Statements

Matt.12:34 Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good, and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

Mark 7:17-23 “When He had entered a house away from the crowd, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable. So He said to them, “Are you thus without understanding also? Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him,  because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?”  And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man.  For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.  All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”

Basic Principle 

Romans 6:9-10  But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down from above) or, “ ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).  But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach):  that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation.

Applicable to Everything else.

Mark 11:22-24 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God.  For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.  Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

Other New Testament Statements.

John 6:63 “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.”

Ephesians 5:6 “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.”

1 Thessalonians 4:18 “Therefore comfort one another with these words.”

How to Speak to one another in the Church.

Ephesians 4:25 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another.

Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification that it may impart grace to the hearers.

Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.

Meditate on these things.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.

Good reasons to speak the Word of God.

Matthew 8:7 “The Centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that you should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.”

Matthew 12:36 “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it on the day of judgment.”

 Acts 4:29-33 “Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word,  by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.  And with great power, the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.

Acts 14:3 “Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.”

Practical applications to real-world situations.

1. What does the Word of God say about it?

2. What are the limitations of this promise?

3. Read – re-read – meditate on it until it gets down into your spirit. James 1:21-22 “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves,”

4. Bathe the Word in prayer. Fellowship with the Lord. The more in step we are with Him, the more consistent we will see answers to our prayers along with needs being met.

When your prayers or confessions are not answered.

Right relations in the home.

1 Peter 3:7 “Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.”

Humility.

1 Peter 5:6-7 “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

Resist Satan.

1 Peter 5:8-9 “Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.”

Faith or Presumption?

Presumption is presuming God will do something rather than knowing it from His promises. Faith knows He will because He specifically said it.

Abide in the Vine.

John 15:7 “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”  This a relationship

REMINDER–

God is Sovereign.

God is all-knowing.

God has a plan & purpose.

Introduction: 1 Thess.5:23-24 “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit, soul and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.”

Today I want to put emphasis on the mind. We will look at some things about the brain and other things that make up the human mind. Then we will look at some things about the soul & spirit that affect our mind, and then how we can renew or change our mind to think as God thinks!

1. THE BRAIN

• Every thought has a corresponding electrochemical reaction in the brain.
• At any moment your brain is creatively performing about 400 billion actions, of which you are only conscious of about 2000.
• When you feel happy, your brain has released specific types of chemicals called endorphins.
• Research shows that about 87% of illnesses can be attributed to your thought life.
• Medical science has directly linked emotions, such as depression, to an increased risk of cancer and heart disease.
• If you have been repeatedly verbally abused by someone at work, or sexually abused as a child, all the thoughts associated with those experiences will release negative chemicals. Included in them is a hormone called CRH. People who commit suicide have 10 times as much as those who do not. CRH travels to the pituitary gland and stimulates the release of ACTH, which races to the adrenal gland, on top of the kidneys and it releases cortisol and adrenaline.
• On the other hand, if you have been appreciated and praised a lot the body releases chemicals, among which is endorphins.

• You have about 100 trillion neurons and each is capable of growing up to 70,000 branches. That is enough storage space for three million years. At the end of each neuron there are branches called dendrites which continually receive and integrate information coming from the five senses.
• Whether your thoughts, emotions and attitudes are positive or negative, they are represented in the body as electrochemical reactions. You are made up of two systems: chemical (endocrine system) and electrical (nervous system). That means the currency of your body is electromagnetic energy and chemicals. Both these are involved with every thought, attitude and actions that occur in your body!
• Dr. Caroline Leaf in WHO SWITCHED OFF MY BRAIN calls thoughts a breeze through the trees.

2. THE MIND

• The mind is more than the brain. If you remember our circles representing the spirit, soul and body, you will remember that the soul contains the mind.
• The mind is made up of the brain with all of its parts, but also includes attributes of the soul – will & emotions. It also contains intuition from the human spirit (Soul & Spirit make up the inner person – 2 Cor.4:16).
• Rom.12:2 “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 will of God.”
• Eph. 4:23 “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind.”

3. RENEWAL FROM WITHIN

• We are born from above – John 3:3, “Most assuredly I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.”  John 3:5 “…unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God.” 2 Cor.5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” John 3:6 “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”
• We are told to put off the old and put on the new. Eph.4:22, “that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,” Eph.4:24 “and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.”
• Read – Memorize – Declare what the Word of God says. As you do this you are solidifying it in your soul and brain. When you hear something but you do not do anything with it within 24-72 hours, your glial cells in the brain erase that piece of information.
• Cultivate hearing in your spirit. The Spirit of God lives in your spirit. He speaks from there, often from intuition, and encourages us into action. (Elijah – 1Kgs.19:12)
• Forgive those who have offended you. Matt.6:14-15 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Forgiving other people has a positive effect on the brain – endorphins – to hold unforgiveness, anger and resentment causes the brain to hold things like adrenaline, and cortisol stays in the body too long and they cause negative things to happen to the body.