The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Example

  • Ezekiel, a Watchman

    “So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.”

    Ezekiel 33:7

    God called Ezekiel five years after he had been captured from Jerusalem and carried into Babylon (see Ezekiel 1:1-2). God would send Ezekiel to warn His people of pending judgment for sin. “1. And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee. 2. And the spirit entered into me when he spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard him that spake unto me” (Ezekiel 2:1-2). Take note that God told Ezekiel to stand, giving him God’s Word, and he was then filled with God’s Spirit which would enable Ezekiel to do the task at hand. In that calling, like other prophets before him, he was warned that the people would not hear him. “But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto me: for all the house of Israel are impudent and hardhearted” (Ezekiel 3:7). Take note that God said they were “impudent and hardhearted.” Impudent means “powerful and able to resist. It can have a connotation of stubbornness, impudence, and being unyielding see Ezekiel 2:4; 3:7-8)”. Hardhearted means “inflexible, obstinate, hardened, stubborn of heart: the totality of man’s inner or or immaterial nature”. This sounds like it would be an extremely difficult task!

    Why would the people not hear? Then in turn, why would God not hear them?

    • “Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house” (Ezekiel 12:2). They were a rebellious people.
    • “Because they despised my judgments, and walked not in my statutes, but polluted my sabbaths: for their heart went after their idols” (Ezekiel 20:16).
    • “Therefore will I also deal in fury: mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in mine ears with a loud voice, yet will I not hear them” (Ezekiel 8:18).

    To add to the difficulty of Ezekiel’s task, God said Ezekiel would be dumb (unable to speak) for a period of time. “26. And I will make thy tongue cleave to the roof of thy mouth, that thou shalt be dumb, and shalt not be to them a reprover: for they are a rebellious house. 27. But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear: for they are a rebellious house.” (Ezekiel 3:26-27). Until Ezekiel could speak again, God had Ezekiel act out several signs of warnings (see Ezekiel 4-5). God let Ezekiel know that the dumbness would be removed. In the meantime, Ezekiel was one of the signs that was given to the Israelite people who were already in captivity. “In that day shall thy mouth be opened to him which is escaped, and thou shalt speak, and be no more dumb: and thou shalt be a sign unto them; and they shall know that I am the LORD” (Ezekiel 24:27). That dumbness of Ezekiel would be removed when Jerusalem was destroyed by Babylon. “21. And it came to pass in the twelfth year of our captivity … that one that had escaped out of Jerusalem came unto me, saying, The city is smitten. 22. Now the hand of the LORD was upon me in the evening, afore he that was escaped came; and had opened my mouth, until he came to me in the morning; and my mouth was opened, and I was no more dumb” (Ezekiel 33:21-22). God opened Ezekiel’s mouth so he could speak again.

    God called Ezekiel to be a watchman to the house of Israel. The first time, He was to give them a warning from God (see Ezekiel 3:16-27). Before God opened Ezekiel’s mouth, God called Ezekiel to give another warning, however it included a promise of restoration one day (see Ezekiel 33:22). “So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me” (Ezekiel 33:7). If Ezekiel was not faithful to declare God’s Word to the people, Ezekiel would be accountable for their lives (see Ezekiel 33:8-9).

    Christians live in a world today where most people do not want to hear about God. However, we can share the good news of Jesus with others. We should follow the example of Paul. “5. For our gospel came not unto you in word only …as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. 6. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: 7. So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. 8. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. 9. For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 10. And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:5-10). Paul not only shared the Gospel message, but lived a Christ-like life. The people heard, saw, and turned from idols to serve the living God by believing in Jesus. This faith in Jesus, delivers from the “wrath to come”.

    Do you live a life where others can see Jesus in you, then able to hear as you share the Gospel message?

    The Gospel Message

  • Exercise

    “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.”
    1 Timothy 4:8

    Paul wrote a letter to Timothy helping him understand better the Christian life. Not only was he to know the truth’s of God’s Word, but he was to live them out in his life. His life was to be an example for anyone whom he met of a Christ-like life. It would not always be easy, but Timothy was to remain faithful.

    Paul wanted Timothy to understand these things – for he was in a warfare. “18. This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; 19. Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck” (1 Timothy 1:18-19). Warfare means “military service; dangers; trials; a warfare; hardships.” Paul wanted Timothy to understand that it would not be easy, but that it would take much work – as a soldier in a battle having to deal with trials, hardships, and dangers.

    • Faith means “good faith; faithfulness; sincerity.” 
    • Conscience means “the testimony of the Spirit in man’s heart concerning his obligation to God; i.e.: good conscience means ‘conscious of integrity.’” 
    • Put away means “to thrust away from oneself; repel; reject; cast off.”

    Paul drew attention to the fact that “some” had not warred a good warfare but had put away the faith – not remaining faithful or sincere. Timothy had to be sure that not only was he to be careful in his teachings (making sure he was true to God’s Word), but that he was to never forsake the truths of God’s Word (as some obviously had), living a contrary lifestyle. When one declares that he is a Christian, telling others about Jesus becoming a vocal witness, and then turns and rejects the truths of God’s Word living a life contrary to what it teaches, then they have “made shipwreck.” For it would have been better if they had never declared they were a Christian. It does much damage to the body of Christ.

    To live a right Christian life is a warfare – a daily battle that must be won.

    Part of living a right Christian life is to know what the Bible teaches. More importantly, a Christian is to be able to defend the truths of God’s Word. Paul warned that there would be those who would depart from the faith. “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1). Here we find a warning that in the “latter times” some would “depart from the faith.” Depart means “of ones who stood away from God, never having belonged to Him; they stood away from believing; those who refuse to believe, who stand aloof, alone.” Instead of believing in Jesus and the truths of God’s Word, they will choose to believe in false teaching. These false teachings are to be refused. But more than that, right things (good doctrine) are to be taught. “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained” (1 Timothy 4:6). Christians are to constantly know and remember the truths of God’s Word so that when false teaching is heard; “thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ.” For that Christian will recognize and reject the false teaching. 

    What Christians are to do in preparation? “7. But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. 8. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:7-8).

    • Exercise means “to train in godliness.” 
    • Godliness means “… reverence and love of God’s character and the exercise of these affections in obedience to His will and devotion to His service is the principal and foundational part. When applied to the Christian life, it symbolizes a life that is acceptable to Christ. This involves both the attitude of the believer toward Christ who saved him and a manner of life. “Exercise thyself rather to godliness” does not come automatically, but is something into which one must put forth much effort. It is contrasted to physical exercise for it has a far greater and wider usefulness while physical exercise has limited usefulness.”

    Paul wrote what must be done to accomplish this. “12. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:12-13). Paul encouraged Timothy to continue – and not to let anyone undermine the work God had for him – even when people said he was too young to do the work God had for him. Anyone can live for and serve God – no matter what the age. Timothy was not only to tell others about Jesus, teaching the truths of God’s Word, he must live them as well. That goes for every Christian. Remember that each Christian is to live a life so that any who see them will recognize Jesus. Christians who are faithful to the truths of God’s Word, especially in lifestyle, are imperative.

    Do you exercise yourself unto godliness, living out the truths of God’s Word?

  • Examples for Believers

    “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity”
    1 Timothy 4:12

    We can remember back to some of Jesus’ Disciples. They recorded for us their eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ life. They understood the importance of just who Jesus is. They realized the importance of recording the life of Jesus. They had witnessed the events of His life – firsthand! They not only saw, but also understood and believed them.

    Read what John understood about the Word of God. “1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… 14. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:1, 14). He understood the Word of God was Jesus, who was made flesh (a human), which dwelt among them. The disciples learned from Jesus. Read why John wanted to share his eyewitness account. “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2. (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3. That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full” (1 John 1:1-4). John saw Jesus, recognized the truth He taught, and because of this, John followed Jesus.

     The followers of Jesus learned much from Him. They not only learned from Him, they then lived those things out in their lives. They began to teach others about Jesus. Paul became one who not only believed in Jesus, but he spent his life telling others about Jesus. One particular young man was Timothy. Paul gave Timothy some encouraging words by which many have been encouraged through the years. “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). Although Timothy was young, Paul encouraged him to be faithful. He was to be an example to all in every aspect of his Christian life.

    John knew Jesus and recorded things we must read to learn and grow in Him. Paul was another one who recorded many things we need to know about living a faithful Christian life. It is important to recognize those who know Jesus. This is part of learning how to understand and use the Word of God correctly. Christians are to recognize teachers today who know Jesus and share what they have learned from the Bible. There are many teachers in the world. We are to listen to the ones who truly know Jesus (are faithful Christians who believe the Bible is God’s Word), who teach the truth of Jesus, and live those principles out in their lives. “7. Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation … 17. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you” (Hebrews 13:7, 17). If they teach, living those truths of the Bible out in their lives, follow them.

    Do you recognize true teachers of God’s Word, and do you submit to their teachings?

  • Be Crucified with Christ

    “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

    Saul was the first king of Israel. He looked (physically) like a good king. However, his true nature was soon revealed. But the most devastating thing that happened, was that he chose to do what he wanted to do instead of fulfilling God’s Word. When he disobeyed God, and did not repent for that, Samuel told him that God was going to take the kingdom from him and give it to another – a man who would choose to please God more than himself.

    Saul saw the Philistines, the enemy, gather against Israel. Saul was afraid. When he inquired of the Lord (wanting help for the battle), the Lord answered him not. See why God does not answer those who choose to live for themselves instead of obeying God’s Word. “28. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: 29. For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: 30. They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.  31. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices” (Proverbs 1:28-31). God would not speak to Saul because Saul had chosen to disregard God in his life. It was at this point that Saul learned a Word from God (through Samuel, the prophet) that Saul and three of his sons would die in battle against the Philistines, and the kingdom would be given to David, one who would obey God and do His will.

    Saul, along with three of his sons, died in battle the next day. And David became the king of Israel.

    This should be a mighty example for anyone who chooses to do what they want to do instead of what God’s Word says they are to do. Because of Saul’s disobedience, he lost his life and his kingdom.

    The following verse should be foremost in our hearts and minds: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). I am not to do what I want, for I am crucified with Christ (this means that I put my selfish desires to death, choosing instead to please God). I am to live a life pleasing to God, by the faith I received because I believe in Jesus, God’s Son – the One who gave His life for me.

    Have you crucified your selfish desires to live a life pleasing to God?

  • Choose to do Good

    “Seek the LORD, and ye shall live …”
    Amos 5:6

    ‘The Israelites sinned against God when they forsook Him and worshiped creatures (golden calves, Baal, etc.). They also walked in the ways of the heathen (the wicked and idolatrous nations around) instead of walking in God’s Laws and statutes they had been taught. Notice that in the New Testament, Paul preached to people in the same condition. He warned that the wrath of God would fall upon those who knew the truth, but did not live it out in their lives: “18. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19. Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 21. Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23. And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25. Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen” (Romans 1:18–19, 21–25).’

    Notice that Paul portrayed a progressive departure from the truth of righteousness they knew. It was not a sudden departure. Search your heart to see if you are guilty of knowing the way of righteousness, yet not living in the truth of it. This is an important question for each Christian to consider!

    ‘What should we learn from Israel’s obstinacy? Jesus should be our ultimate example. “21. … [B]ecause Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22. Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 24. Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed” (2 Peter 2:21–22, 24). 

    When we know what is right, we should do it. “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17). Seek God if one is not sure — remember Amos’ plea, “Seek the LORD, and ye shall live …” (Amos 5:6). We should never sin away our lives — as Israel did. For, “… There is a sin unto death …” (1 John 5:16).’

    Have you chosen to do good and to seek the Lord?

    Excerpts from The Biblical Path of Life, Year Two Quarter One, Lesson 10; Shallum – Hoshea. www.biblicalpath.com