“I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.“
—Job 42:5
Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. Have you ever heard of something that you have not yet seen (i.e.: the Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, the Grand Canyon, etc.)? After reading this lesson’s Key Verse, understand that all through the Old Testament the people had heard God’s promise of One who would come. Nevertheless, they never saw Him with their own eyes, they had only heard of Him. In our lesson today, we will find that God kept His promise, and many people recognized just who it was they saw – Jesus, the Promised One.
Emphasis: Christians are to recognize that God kept His promises: He sent the “messenger” and gave Jesus to the world as a baby. Jew and Gentile alike recognized the Savior had been born. Moreover, Jesus grew: He waxed strong and increased in wisdom. Jesus had to strive to be what God expected Him to be – and we must, too!
Lesson Summary: After four hundred years, the silence from God ended. Angels began appearing to different people: Zacharias, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. Jesus, the Savior, was born.
In this lesson, we begin by remembering the birth of John the Baptist. The angel of the Lord told Zacharias just whom this child would grow up to be – the one who would “make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (see Luke 1:17). He was to be the “messenger” in the spirit of Elijah that would come to prepare the way for Jesus (see Malachi 3:1 and 4:5).
We then remember what we call the “Christmas Story.” But instead of just retelling it as we have done so many times before, we want to hear it anew in relation to our study of the Bible as a whole. We need to understand that it is not just another “Bible Story,” it is the fulfillment of the promise God made immediately after man sinned in the Garden (see Genesis 3:15). It is the same promise God consistently reminded His people in the Old Testament to watch and wait for.
God revealed the birth of Jesus, the Savior of the world, to more than just the people directly involved. The shepherds were watching their sheep when the angel of the Lord appeared to them in the night. God had promised Simeon that he would not see death until he witnessed the salvation of the Lord. Anna, too, waited at the temple for the promise from God. The wise men witnessed a new star in the sky and followed it until they met the new king. Although each of these saw Jesus, King Herod and the chief priests and scribes who heard the new king had been born did not take the time to go see for themselves.
Even today, there are many who hear that Jesus has come and is the only way for salvation, yet fail to go and see for themselves.
“And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.”
1 John 5:19
What is The Problem in the world today?
Sin. “And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness” (1 John 5:19). Those who belong to Jesus live in a world that lies in wickedness. Recognizing this, Christians are to warn those who do not know Jesus, while understanding that we are not to be a part of this world.
One must remember that God created man without sin. However, since sin entered into the world (when Adam sinned in the garden), all people have sinned and fallen short. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
Once we hear the problem, we often quit with that verse. However, the verses immediately following give the solution to this problem. “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24). One can be justified freely because Jesus came to take the penalty of that sin. Justified means “to render (that is, show or regard as) just or innocent: be righteous.” Who can be regarded as just or innocent? Any one who will just believe in Jesus.
How and why is this possible? “25. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26. To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus” (Romans 3:25-26). God sent His only Son, Jesus (remember John 3:16) to be a propitiation. Propitiation means “a place of conciliation, expiation, what the ancients called altar or place of sacrifice. It does not refer to the expiatory sacrifices themselves. Jesus Christ is designated not only as the place where the sinner deposits his sin, but He Himself is the means of expiation (expiation means ‘the act of making amends or reparation for guilt or wrongdoing: i.e. sin; atonement’)…” This is explained well in the following verse. “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus, who never sinned, took man’s sin, so that whoever trusts in this act (the expiation) can be made righteous.
Notice: It is a choice – to accept this gift or reject it. Do you remember what the Bible declares is the penalty for sin? “For the wages of sin is death …” (Romans 6:23). However, notice that there is an offering of eternal life. “… but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). This eternal life can only be obtained because of Jesus’ death on the cross for sin. Jesus paid the penalty for anyone who would just believe upon Him. The Bible is full of verses declaring that Jesus is the only Way. And if these few verses were the only ones that declared this truth, they would be enough.
Nevertheless, many choose to remain in that sin, refusing to believe what Jesus did for them. What happens to them? Jesus said, “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I amhe, ye shall die in your sins” (John 8:24). He also said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16). Damned means “to judge against, that is, sentenced: condemned.”
For those who choose to trust in Jesus’ expiation by His death, has everlasting life. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36). On the converse, those who reject Jesus will have the wrath of God upon them – forever.
It is as simple as this: “11. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” (1 John 5:11-12). If you have Jesus, you have life. If you choose to reject Jesus, you will not have life (having been judged, condemned to eternal death). “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8). It only takes unbelief to spend eternity in the “lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death”.
Have you chosen to believe, and then to warn any other unbelievers of the second death?
“These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:”
—John 17:1
Key Verse Thought: Read today’s key verse. Glorify means “to render the divine character and attributes of God.” This verse was the beginning of Jesus’ prayer in the garden just before He was arrested to die on the cross for the sin of mankind. In our study of the Old Testament, we understood that God had promised to send One into the world to restore the relationship between God and man. In this lesson, we will begin to understand that this person was revealed in the New Testament. It is Jesus. Therefore, it is with this verse that we will begin our study of the New Testament and understand why it was written.
Emphasis: It is important to understand how the New Testament fits and belongs with the rest of the Bible. The Old Testament is the just the beginning, and the completion is found in the New Testament. With the New Testament comes the fulfillment of the promise God made when man first sinned in the beginning.
Lesson Summary: In completing our study of the Old Testament, we found many promises left unfulfilled, and the beginning of a story without the ending. In this lesson, as we begin our study of the New Testament, we will understand that this part of the Bible answers many questions, and fulfills the promises God made.
First in our study, we will remember what happened in the four-hundred years between the Old and New Testaments. Next, we will learn how the New Testament is arranged, so that we can understand it better. Understanding how the New Testament fits will help us as we learn about the life of Jesus and the establishment of the church. Since this is an overview, the information will be very limited. We will study each book deeper as we come to them. In this lesson, the idea is to just become somewhat familiar with each book, their order, and the connection they have with one another.
Especially begin to understand: the hope of the “Promised One to come” found throughout the Old Testament is revealed in the New Testament as Jesus.
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”
Proverbs 14:12
Why do we not see a great revival in our day?
There is a great revival recorded in the Bible (see 2 Kings 22 – 23:28 and 2 Chronicles 34-35).
Notice what we see about young King Josiah in Second Chronicles. “For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father: and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images” (2 Chronicles 34:3). While Josiah was yet young, he began to seek after God, and then he began to purge the land of the false gods and religious practices. Read what this entailed: “3. … he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images. 4. And they brake down the altars of Baalim in his presence; and the images, that were on high above them, he cut down; and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images, he brake in pieces, and made dust of them, and strowed it upon the graves of them that had sacrificed unto them. 5. And he burnt the bones of the priests upon their altars, and cleansed Judah and Jerusalem. 6. And so did he in the cities …” (2 Chronicles 34:3-6). Not only did he break the idols and groves down, but he also broke them in pieces “and made dust of them.” They were utterly destroyed. Especially recognize that those things had to be eliminated (purged from the land). This is very important because the land had to be purged before reformations could begin.
While working on repairing the Temple, they found the book of the Law. Shaphan, the scribe, returned to the king and told him what the high priest had found. “… And Shaphan read it before the king” (2 Kings 22:10). What did the king do? “And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes” (2 Kings 22:11). Read what King Josiah understood once he heard the words of the book of the Law, “… for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us” (2 Kings 22:13b). The king recognized just how far from God the nation was living. He not only sought God, but he acknowledged the sin of this people and even their father’s before them.
King Josiah was a good king. Not only did he remove the wicked things from the land, but he also humbled himself before God when he heard the Law read. Although Josiah led one final revival in Judah, where the people sought God, they had forsaken God long enough that there was only room for discipline. God saw the people living in a continual state of wickedness. We can read of God’s longsuffering and extension of Judah’s kingdom because of King Josiah’s repentance and reforms (see 2 Kings 22:11-20). One thing significant thing we should understand is the importance of reading God’s Word. Once King Josiah heard God’s Word read, he understood and knew what God had expected from His people – and just how far they had fallen short.
We should also recognize that that time of renewal was not enough – for as soon as King Josiah died, the people reverted back to their idolatrous practices. See one important thing that they had forgotten: “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12). When the people chose to do what they wanted over faithfully obeying God’s commands, they lost their kingdom, riches, land, and many people died (Babylon besieged them and took many captive).
Now what should we learn from this example?
It was good for Josiah to seek God early in his life. “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me” (Proverbs 8:17). Just as Josiah removed and eliminated all of the old ways of their lives, utterly destroying them, understand what each person is to do once they have trusted in Christ: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Christians must remove all of the ways of their life before Christ and begin anew. It is very important to read the Bible. Reading God’s Word will bring that same repentance in our hearts and lives today. We too, must do as King Josiah did – depart from evil and do what is right.
Until we go back and read God’s Word, recognizing just how far from God our nation has gone, we will never understand what must be done to correct our problems. There has been no such time of national repentance (as in the days of King Josiah) in many years. Instead, the wickedness has become engrained in our society. Because of this, we should expect God’s judgment to fall upon us at any time.
Have you prayed that you wouldbe faithful to read God’s Word learning to depart from evil and choose to do what is right?
“Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.”
Isaiah 50:10
What can we do when nothing seems to make sense?
If you belong to Jesus and you feel as if you are walking in the dark, there is an important thing to be understood. Sometimes, Christians recognize that they are living a life pleasing to God, obeying His Word, yet one may still feel as if they are walking in darkness. See what Isaiah teaches us. “Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.” (Isaiah 50:10). This verse teaches that we can be serving and obeying God and still experience times of darkness where we do not understand what God is doing in our lives. It is then we are to understand that the Christian life will be difficult and often times very lonely.
It is in these times, as you hold fast to your profession of faith, you must remember the importance of trusting God. However, one will not always be able to understand what is happening. Remember what you should have learned in Proverbs. “5. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). We are to trust God. Just because something does not make sense to us now does not mean it will not make sense later. However, some things may never make sense to us on this side of heaven. “8. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9). Who am I to think I understand things better than God does? These words in Isaiah are a reminder that God knows all, and even when we do not understand, He knows.
Remember Job. He stood alone in his trying times. Neither his wife nor his friends understood or truly encouraged him during his difficult days (see Job 1:9 to remember his wife’s words).
When John the Baptist was in prison, he needed encouragement from Jesus (see Matthew 11:2-6).
Genesis chapter thirty-nine tells the story of a godly young man named Joseph. Joseph had not sinned against God. He had done nothing wrong; he was doing what was right. He was hated by his brothers, sold into slavery, and falsely imprisoned. He was completely innocent… this did not make sense! Nevertheless, throughout these trying times when Joseph did not understand, Joseph trusted God. He remained faithful to God. Moreover, the men around Joseph recognized God’s hand working in Joseph’s life.
Joseph did not fully understand what God was doing until Pharaoh called Joseph out of prison to interpret his dreams. It was at this time that Joseph began to understand God’s plan. God had placed Joseph in Egypt at that pivotal time in history. Joseph never forgot the dreams God had given him in his youth where the world’s resources and rulers would be at his feet (see Genesis 37:5-11). God never forgot them, either. Joseph’s dreams came to fruition in God’s perfect timing (see Genesis 41:38-44). Remember how Joseph explained these things to his brothers, years after they had sold him into slavery. “Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life” (Genesis 45:5). Joseph understood.
Sometimes God allows things to happen (we feel as if we are living in darkness) for a purpose that we may not understand at the time. Often times when trials come, things we do not understand, we are tempted to quit God. However, remember the following: “5. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. 6. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. 7. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. 8. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. 9. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth” (Psalm 37:5-9). God will bring us out in His time. Be willing to wait upon the Lord. God knows where you are. God has His schedule. Do not hurry God. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6) Wait upon the Lord, and He will exalt you in His time.
In the darkness, Joseph held onto what God had promised him. Keep in mind that some of the greatest saints in the Bible walked in darkness for parts of their lives, not fully understanding what God was doing. Darkness did not mean that sin had prevailed. These people simply trusted God and remained faithful. God was with Joseph.
As you serve Jesus, remember that there is coming a day when God will make everything right. Just because it does not make sense to you now does not mean it will not make sense one day. Trust Him.
Do you trust the Lord, remaining faithful, waiting for Him to make all things right?
“Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.”
Titus 2:12
Almost everyone remembers the conflicts between Esau and Jacob. There was a struggle between them even before they were born. “And the children struggled together within her …” (Genesis 25:22a). When Rebecca asked God why, read the reply. “And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger” (Genesis 25:23). This was the reason for the conflict. There where two peoples, or two nations, that were born to Isaac and Rebecca. Consider the following. Although they were twins, Esau was born first. They were about as opposite as twins could be. “And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents” (Genesis 25:27). It was not long before Esau revealed his true nature. It was proven throughout his life; even whom he chose to marry (see Genesis 26:34-35). “Which were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah” (Genesis 26:35).
One day, Esau came in from hunting, extremely hungry. Jacob was cooking some pottage (soup). Esau wanted this soup. “And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright” Genesis 25:31). We need to understand what this “birthright” is. The word birthright means “the firstling of man or beast; abstractly primogeniture: –birthright, firstborn.” Primogeniture means “the state of being the firstborn child. The right of succession belonging to the firstborn child, especially the feudal rule by which the whole real estate of an intestate passed to the eldest son.” Knowing this, read what Esau’s reply was. “And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?” (Genesis 25:32). Esau sold his birthright to Jacob – for a bowl of soup. Take note that he cared more for the temporary fulfillment of food for his stomach at that moment, more than a lasting heritage for him and his children. The Bible gives us a little insight here. “Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright” (Genesis 25:34). Despised means “to disesteem: – despise, disdain, contemn (contemptible), think to scorn, vile person.” Esau thought nothing of his birthright. Keep in mind that his grandfather, Abraham, had been given a promise of the Messiah who was to come (see Genesis 12:2-3; 22:18, John 8:56, Acts 3:25-26). The same Messiah promised to Adam and Eve in the garden (see Genesis 3:15). The promise would be fulfilled through either Esau or Jacob. From this incident, we should learn much about Esau. He was a carnal man. He thought nothing of the spiritual.
Later, we remember when Isaac is old and thinks he may die. He called in Esau, sending him to go prepare some venison for him, so that he could bestow upon Esau his blessing. Remember, we read in Genesis 25:23 that “…the elder shall serve the younger.” However, through deceit and trickery, Rebecca sent in Jacob to receive the blessing (read Genesis 27 to remember these events). Jacob received the blessing from his father, Isaac. “28. Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine: 29. Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother’s sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee” (Genesis 27:28-29). One must remember the promises given to Abraham (see Genesis 12:2-3). These promises would pass on to Jacob (the younger son) and his descendants.
Esau had proven through his rejection of his birthright and rejecting of the things of God that he was not a spiritual man. He thought more about the present comforts (food, land, wealth) than of the things of God. Read some insight we have of Esau in the New Testament. “16. Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. 17. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears” (Hebrews 12:16-17). He was a “fornicator” which relates to his rejection of spiritual things. Profane person means “profane, void of religion or piety, a person who lacks all relationship or affinity to God.” Understand how God sees Esau – one who had no relationship, or affinity, to Him. Esau never declared repentance (a change of his mind) for his choices in life, nor did he alter the course of his life to please God. He only wanted his father, Isaac, to “repent” (change his mind) in his decision to give the blessing to Jacob. Read what could have been if Esau had only sought after God and the things of God: “11. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12. Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:11-12). Because of the choices that Esau made in his life, rejecting God and the things of God, we understand the following declaration: “As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated” (Romans 9:13).
Esau had the choice.
Esau chose poorly.
Have you chosen to deny ungodliness and the things of this world, and instead to follow righteousness?
“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”
James 4:8
Repentance before God is very important.
From the call to Adam in the Garden of Eden (see Genesis 3:8-10), God has called for man’s repentance. This call comes when one’s heart is convicted of sin (when one recognizes the sin in their life), understanding the need for repentance. Repentance means “compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication reversal (of [another’s] decision); it is the understanding that one is to think differently or afterwards, that is, reconsider (morally to feel compunction).” This act is revealed when one asks God for forgiveness and then trusts in Jesus to take the sin away. “10. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. 12. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. 13. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him” (Psalm 103:10-13). We call this salvation, or becoming a Christian. (See http://biblicalpath.com/index.php/how-to-be-saved/ for more information). One then proceeds by allowing God to change that heart and life.
Nevertheless, because we still live in this world, all Christians sin. It is not right or good. However, it is important to turn from that sin immediately, asking God for forgiveness. Understanding that, a Christian should always live a life pleasing to the Lord. Right? More often than not, Christians harbor sin in their hearts. Sometimes unwittingly, sometimes on purpose, but all have sin that enters their hearts and lives (see Psalm 44:20-21). The important thing is to repent of that sin, asking God to cleanse that heart again. This should be a daily chore – to check one’s heart, making sure that sin is not hiding out there. But most Christians become so busy, they do not check their hearts daily. It is then that the sin begins to reside in the heart (most often unrecognized). This is dangerous because that Christian has allowed Satan to have influence in that life.
You may not know what is wrong, but you feel that something is not right in your spirit. You acknowledge that you have not been acting right in your life. Things are not going well for you, you know there is something that is off, but you just do not know what it is. When you recognize that something is just not quite right, you should pray and ask the Lord what it is. “5. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed” (James 1:5-6). When you do not know what you must do, read your Bible. It is then that God will reveal what the problem is and what must be done. When there is hidden sin in the heart, God will reveal it. It is then that one must repent. Yes, again! Repentance should be a constant in a Christian’s life – for we consistently fail to live a Christ-like life.
How do we truly repent? There is an order of repentance, and God gives it to us in His Word. “6. But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 7. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded” (James 4:6-8). It is at this point you ask the Lord what it is that you must do to correct the course of your life. How do you repent?
There are four movements to repentance: Submit, cleanse your heart, resist the devil, and draw near to God.
Understand that when God touches your heart, you need to submit unto Him. When you learn to submit to God, you are then able to submit to others. Until you submit to God, you will never submit to anyone else. God resists the proud. You then ask for forgiveness.
It is then that you realize that you have been listening to the devil and living in the way of the world (of which Satan is the temporary ruler: see Ephesians 2:2-10). This is the point that one must resist the devil and his ways. This is the second step. It is at this point that the devil will flee from you. When you resist him, he has no power over you. The only power he ever had over mankind was death. Jesus took the sting of death from Satan (removing that power away from him) when Jesus rose from the dead (see 1 Corinthians 15:54-58). Remember the devil has come to steal, kill, and destroy (see John 10:10). When one has Christ, the devil has no power over you – as long as you submit to the Lord. Therefore, we have no reason to fear the devil. However, one must remember that one cannot draw near to God unless you resist the devil. When one resists the devil, one is then able to draw near to God. That is the third thing one must do. It is then that God will draw near to you. What an encouraging promise!
Finally, cleanse your hands and purify your hearts. This is a reminder that once one recognizes the need for repentance, one must remove the sin from that heart and life. Then allow God to change that heart and life. Do not enter into that sin again (“ye double minded”). “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways” (James 1:8).
The call to repentance is throughout the Bible, even to the end in Revelation. “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17). – if you are thirsty come.
Do you check your heart, recognizing when you need to repent, enabling you to draw nigh to God?
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
Ephesians 6:12
There is a battle raging in this world. Although we see the evidence of it at times, it is mostly an unseen battle.
All Christians know the name of our enemy – Satan. Read how Jesus described him. “Ye are ofyour father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it” (John 8:44). He is a murder and a liar (at the very least!). We also understand Christians are to stand against “the wiles of the devil” (see Ephesians 6:11). Wiles means “the following, or pursuing of orderly, and technical procedure in the handling of a subject. Connected with evil-doing, a device, artifice, artificial method, or wile.” Satan is very strategic. We know he appears as an angel of light, he is a tempter, an accuser, and we are not to be ignorant of his devices. We need to recognize that there is spiritual good, and there is spiritual wickedness. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12). Take note that Satan is spiritual. Just because something is spiritual does not mean it is good. The following are examples that are popular today: horoscopes, necromancy, séances, ouija board, clairvoyance, mysticism, visions, and sometimes even dreams. And this is just a short list! There is spiritual wickedness. Christians are to test every spirit. We are not to believe every spirit, for some are evil and not of God. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).
Before we are introduced in the way to be victorious in this battle, read some initial instruction: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might” (Ephesians 6:10). Warning! One without Christ is powerless to match Satan or his devices. Remember, his goal is to steal, kill, and destroy. However, when one has trusted in Christ, that enables one to be victorious. Christians must remember that Satan has been defeated. Jesus defeated him when He conquered death. Satan is no match for our God. Christians must recognize that we cannot do it on our own – for we are to be “strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”
Why do we need to be constantly reminded of this?
Most Christians live in defeat. This happens because most Christians are not prepared for this battle. Christians must take on the whole armor of God. If you leave out any part of this armor, you leave an area of your life vulnerable.
Each Christian needs the following: “14. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:14-18).
Truth: Christians must live in truth in all areas. Remember that Jesus is truth. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). Satan often attacks with lies.
Breastplate of righteousness: this protects the vital organs, including the heart. “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23). Christians are to protect what goes into their hearts. Satan often attacks with the temptations of sin that may enter into the heart.
Gospel of peace: Unless you have the peace of Christ’s Gospel in your heart, you cannot stand sure and fight for the truth of God’s Word. With doubts in one’s mind, one cannot combat crises of life that come. One must stand in God’s Word.
Shield of Faith: to quench the fiery darts of the wicked. These darts most often are doubt. One must know the surety of one’s faith in Jesus. Know your Bible. (See John 5:39 and Acts 17:11.)
Helmet of salvation: If the head is wounded, nothing else works. A Christian is to have his mind set upon God and the things of God – not the world. When one is divided in thought, having a double mind, the Bible teaches that one is unstable in all of his ways. “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways” (James 1:8). (See also Isaiah 26:3.)
Sword of the Spirit (Word of God): “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). This is our only offensive weapon against Satan. Again, know your Bible.
Prayer: Before joining the battle, Christians must be in prayer. This supplies us with all we need. Remember, we do not understand the unseen, but God’s Spirit knows all and meets our needs accordingly. We just need to remember to make our prayers heard by Him.
To Watch: Remember what Jesus instructed: “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man” (Luke 21:36).
We are able to stand from the place of victory that was won by Jesus at Calvary. He is greater than Satan, the ruler of this world (for now!). Therefore, Christians have to “stand” and be strong in the Lord and the power of His might – for Jesus already won the war. This is what guarantees our victory.
Remember what Jesus said, “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad” (Matthew 12:30). Remember, you are not alone.
“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.”
1 Corinthians 1:27
The enemies were oppressing God’s people. The Midianites, Amelekites, and others came up against the Israelites. Israel became greatly impoverished because of this (see Judges 6:1-6). The Israelites cried unto the Lord. God sent words of encouragement, but He did much more than that. He sent one to deliver them from their enemies. This deliverer, Gideon, was one of the judges.
Gideon was an Israelite who hid in those days of trouble. He was threshing wheat, hiding it from the Midianites. “And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour” (Judges 6:12). Did Gideon, who was hiding, sound like a mighty man of valor? Gideon was then told to go and save Israel from the Midianites – for God was sending him. Nevertheless, read how Gideon saw himself. “And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house” (Judges 6:15). Gideon did not see himself as one who could do what God had asked of him. However, read the following encouraging words: “And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man” (Judges 6:16). Most people remember how great of a victory Gideon had over the Midianites with an army of only 300 men. “And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man’s hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers” (Judges 7:16). They took trumpets, empty pitchers, and lamps yet won a great victory. (Read Judges 6-7 too remember it all.) God did not see Gideon as he was. God saw how Gideon could be when Gideon trusted in God. God was with Gideon.
Paul understood that he had been called into salvation through Jesus Christ. But more than that, Paul understood that he was to spend his life going forth sharing the Gospel message of Jesus (see 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Paul stated that what was wisdom of God was foolishness to the world. “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe” (1 Corinthians 1:21). He declared that it was through the foolishness of preaching that the Gospel message was spread. Paul understood that the world considered him foolish, but he also recognized that God would use him to do mighty things for God. “26. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:27. But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty” (1 Corinthians 1:26-27). Paul became a great missionary who won many people to the Lord.
God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things for Him. Gideon was an ordinary man going about life, afraid like most people in his day. Yet when God called Gideon, declaring that He would be with him, Gideon was able to become a mighty judge who defeated the enemies. God declared that He would be with Gideon. When God calls a Christian to do something for Him, God will be with that one, helping that one. Read some confirmation of this fact we can find in the New Testament. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). God calls each Christian to walk according to the plan that He has for that life. God is going to help that Christian accomplish that task. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). God will use events to help Christians fulfill His plan.
We still have that same encouragement. God wants to use ordinary people who belong to Him. God has a plan for each Christian.
Have you taken time to find out just what it is that God has planned for you in these days?
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
2 Timothy 1:7
God has called Christians. First, unto salvation offered by His Son, Jesus, and then Christians are called to walk worthy. “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10). However, many have quit with the calling unto salvation. However, read how a Christian is to then live. “And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again” (2 Corinthians 5:15). Christians are called to live, not unto themselves, but for Jesus.
Why have many quit, just being content to be “saved”? For many, it may be the fear of what may come with the change of life that true salvation in Christ brings. First, one must die to self. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). There is a life change. The old life is gone, and a new life has begun. One that is to be centered on Jesus. What encouragement can we read about this fear? “7. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 8. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9. Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began” (2 Timothy 1:7-9). God does not want Christians to be afraid, but to recognize that God has a plan “according to his own purpose and grace” for each person who belongs to Him.
Do not think you are alone in this initial fear. Many are fearful – at first. However, God is good in that He encourages those who belong to Him. He reminds us that He will be with us, helping us accomplish the plan that He has for our lives. Read the small sampling of some encouragment found in the Bible.
God encouraging Jeremiah: “Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD” (Jeremiah 1:8).
God encouraging Moses: “And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain” (Exodus 3:12).
Moses encouraging Joshua: “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
God encouraging Joshua: “There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Joshua 1:5).
Jesus encouraging Paul: “16. But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 17. Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send the, 18. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Acts 26:17).
God’s encouragement for Christians today: “5. Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Hebrews 13:6).
When a Christian walks with the Lord, fulfilling the plan He has for that life, God will not only encourage, but also help that Christian. One should not be afraid of what “man shall do unto me”. What encouragement can we find when things do not seem to be happening according to how we may think they should happen? “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Do you walk with God, fulfilling His plan for your life, unafraid of what man may do?
