The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Excerpt

  • Peter Grows

    “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”

    2 Peter 3:18

    The following is an excerpt from “The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Two” Lesson 6:

    “During the time Peter stayed with Simon a tanner, Peter was taking that time of rest and retreat where he prayed. Recognize that God was ready to teach Peter something he needed to learn. While Cornelius’ men were on the way to Simon’s house, where was Peter? ‘… Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour‘ (Acts 10:9b). While Peter was praying, he became hungry, and fell into ‘a trance‘. Trance means “a sacred ecstasy or rapture of the mind beyond itself when the use of external senses are suspended and God reveals something in a peculiar manner.” Peculiar is exactly what we see. Read Acts 10:10-16 where Peter sees a sheet full of animals come down from heaven. God showed this to him three times, telling him to rise, kill, and eat. Nevertheless, Peter argued with God that the animals were unclean. However, God told him not to call common what God had cleansed. ‘Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate‘ (Acts 10:17). Peter had no idea what this meant, but while he ‘doubted in himself‘, men were at his door, asking for him. ‘19. While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. 20. Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them‘ (Acts 10:19-20). Sometimes one does not learn what God wants them to learn – at first.

    “See what Peter learned as he obeyed God’s instruction. What did he do? ‘Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?‘ (Acts 10:21). Read what they said to Peter. ‘And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee‘ (Acts 10:22). The men stayed with Peter, and the next morning went together to Caesarea – to see Cornelius. Read what Cornelius had done while he was waiting. ‘And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends‘ (Acts 10:24). Cornelius called is friends and family to his house. Not only would he hear the Gospel message that was promised to him, but his family and close friends would also hear and have opportunity to respond.

    “Peter was really a special man used by God, but take note of his heart as you read the following verses. ‘25. And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. 26. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man‘ (Acts 10:25-26). Peter understood, and wanted these people to understand, that it was not Peter who was to be worshiped. God, and God alone, is to be worshiped (see Exodus 34:14).

    “Recognize what Peter learned from the vision God had showed him. ‘And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean‘ (Acts 10:28). That is why Peter went to see Cornelius.

    “Cornelius told Peter what had happened to him (see Acts 10:30-33), ending with the following. ‘… Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God‘ (Acts 10:33b). All of the people present wanted to know what they must do to be saved.

    “Peter reiterated what he had said before, about God teaching him that Peter was not to call any man common or unclean. You can almost see the light bulb going off in his head, as he was beginning to understand what God was trying to teach him. ‘34. Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35. But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him‘ (Acts 10:34-35). Worketh means “figuratively, to do, commit, practice.” Righteousness means “that righteousness which has regard to God and the divine law; internal, where the heart is right with God, piety toward God, and hence righteousness, godliness, i.e.: faith acceptable to God.” Peter was recognizing that he was there to tell these people about Jesus. He then proceeded to preach Jesus (see Acts 10:36-42). Specifically read Peter’s final words in this testimony, as from one who was a witness to what Jesus had done. ‘To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins‘ (Acts 10:43). What did it take to be saved? To believe on the name of Jesus, where the heart can become right with God.”

    As Peter recognized that Jesus came to save anyone who would believe, by faith, in Him (see Romans 10:8-13), he grew in his Christian life. “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18). Peter encouraged Christians to continue to grow.

    Do you continue to grow in your Christian life?

    Do you know one who needs to believe in Jesus by faith?

    How to be Saved

  • In My Heart

    “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”

    Psalm 119:11

    Excerpt from The Biblical Path of Life – Year One Quarter Four, Lesson 6:

    “Walk in the Law of the Lord (Psalm 119):

      “Just as Moses reminded the people of God’s Law as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, we must know God’s Word as we walk in a Christian life. Then we can be as Psalm 119:1 tells us—“Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.”

      “Notice these words: blessed means “happy”; undefiled means “blameless; upright in one’s conduct.” Who else have we studied that God called upright or perfect? Noah (see Genesis 6:9), Job (see Job 1:1), God told Abraham to be (see Genesis 17:1), God told His people to be (see Deuteronomy 18:13), as well as David (see 2 Samuel 22:24). These men (and God’s people) were blessed when they walked with God (Job was even blessed doubly when he continued with God through his trials).

      “Notice the first verse begins with blessed (which also means “happy”), referring to the one who walks in the “law of the Lord.” This is completely contrary to what we learn in the world today. Many times, we are taught that “rules are impossible to follow, so why try?” How about “rules are only guidelines” or “rules were made to be broken”? Do these sound familiar? These sayings teach us something contrary to what God’s Word teaches us. Psalm 119 teaches us that to be blessed (happy), we must walk in the law of the Lord.

      “Read Psalm 119:2–11. These verses encourage us to seek God with our whole heart (119:2). We are to respect all of His commandments (119:6). Psalm 119:4 tells us we are to keep God’s precepts (laws) diligently (meaning “wholly; speedily”). It does take work.

      “How can we do this? Read Psalm 119:9–11. Listen, seek God with your whole heart, don’t wander (stray from God’s commands), and hide God’s Word in your heart until it becomes a part of who you are. Be encouraged to read the rest of Psalm 119. Let it be an encouragement to those who truly seek to know and please God; to seek God’s heart (remember David?). This principle must be our hearts’ desire in order to walk with God. This Psalm was written by one who truly loved God and did not find His Law laborious. We should be happy to walk in God’s Law.”

      After reading the previous excerpt, consider that the main theme of Psalm 119 is the Word of God. Notice the descriptions of God’s Word given in the following verses: “1. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. 2. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. 3. They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. 4. Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently. 5. O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! 6. Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. 7. I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. 8. I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly. 9. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:1-9). In reading these verses, one can consider the multifaceted characters of the Word of God. See the following list of words which are frequently used for God’s Word throughout Psalm 119:

      • Law: (most frequently) means “teaching” whether it is the wise man who gently instructs a son, or God patiently teaching Israel. It is here we find just what God requires.
      • Testimonies: is as a witness emphasizing the content of God’s Word.
      • Precepts: a mandate from a superior (God) regarding the duties of those under Him (mankind).
      • Statutes: “to engrave” which implies permanent and unchangeable regulations.
      • Commandments: this word assumes the authority of the commander and the inherent necessity of obeying the content of the charge given.
      • Judgments: ordinances; decisions God has made as a judge in order to make earthly behavior conform to heavenly standards.
      • Word: God’s revelation; promises and revelations from the mouth of God.

      Having recognizing the importance of these words, one should understand the significance of obeying God’s Word (all of the Bible). “Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments” (Psalm 119:6). As we learn the importance of obeying God’s Word and living it out in our lives, we can learn how to abide in Christ. “And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming” (1 John 2:28).

      It is at this point we should acknowledge the importance of the following verse: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). God’s Word is to become a part of who we are.

      Have you chosen to hide God’s Word in your heart until it becomes a part of who you are?

    1. Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs

      “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

      (Colossians 3:16)

      The following is an excerpt from “The Biblical Path of Life – Year One Quarter Four”, Lesson 2:

      “Many of the Psalms were written when different men approached God in prayer because of circumstances surrounding them. You can see instances of great sorrow, admitted sin, repentance, hope and trust in God, faith, and a great love for God. Throughout Psalms, man’s prayers from the heart turn to singing in that prayer, ending with man praising God, revealing that the Psalms are not only prayers from the heart but songs as well. Some were written in praise and adoration of who God is versus who man is. So many of these hymns are rich in Israel’s history. If we know the history, we will better understand the circumstances surrounding many of these songs.

      “In the book of Psalms, we find God is infinite, sovereign. Yet despite man’s failings, God still communicates with man, and allows man to communicate with Him…

      “One of the most important things we can recognize from the first book of Psalms is the recognition of God and His dealings with mankind. Not only does God care about man, but He is in constant contact with him. We will look at Psalm 8 to help us understand just one recorded instance of God’s specific love and care for man. “3. When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; 4. What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? 5. For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. 6. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: 7. All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; 8. The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. 9. O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8:3–9).

      “David began by reflecting again on God’s creation of the world. Such power; how could God even consider any dealings with man, let alone have a one-on-one relationship with man? (Visited here means “an action on the part of God which produced a profitable result for His people. The first time that word was used was in Genesis 21:1 when God ‘visited’ Sarah. She conceived the promised son, Isaac, when she was very old.”) God chose to reveal Himself to the people who became the nation Israel, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. He chose this family—Abraham and his wife, Sarah, who had no children—and gave them a child to show Himself mightily to them and to all of the world.

      “David then recognized that God made mankind just “a little lower than the angels.” Not only that, but He “crowned him with glory and honor.” God made man very special. He even gave mankind dominion over the creatures of the world (see Genesis 1:26; 9:2).

      “David ended this acknowledgement of God’s choosing to have a special relationship with man with these words: “O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8:9).”

      Understanding these things, consider the following verse: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Colossians 3:16). The following definitions can help in the understanding of this verse.

      • word of Christ: “refers to the revelation that Jesus brought into the world, which is undiscoverable except by God and the Scriptures”.
      • wisdom: “practical wisdom; sound judgment; good sense”.
      • teaching: “to advise or put in mind, as a tutor would do”.
      • admonishing: “to caution or reprove gently; to warn”.
      • hymns: “a song sung in praise to God”.

      This verse should help us understand the importance of reading and understanding the Psalms recorded so long ago for us. The Psalms are so much more than just songs sung as praises to God, by they are also to instill wisdom and good judgment in our hearts and minds to teach us how to live lives pleasing to God.

      Have you taken time to read and understand the Psalms, understanding that God wants to have a special relationship with you?

    2. A Divided Kingdom

      “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.”

      Proverbs 12:15

      The following is an excerpt from “The Biblical Path of Life” Year Two, Quarter One – Lesson 1:

      “… We must remember what God had told King Solomon before he died: because he had allowed his heart to be turned from God to idols, God would rend the kingdom away from his son – all but two tribes. His son would only be allowed to rule two tribes because of the promise God had made to David. “13b. … I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever. 15. But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee. 16. And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever” (2 Samuel 7:13b, 15–16). Even before King Solomon died, he knew and understood that his son would only be allowed to rule over two tribes. God had already chosen Jeroboam to rule the other ten tribes (see 1 Kings 11:29–37).

      “When the people came together to make Rehoboam king, Jeroboam and all of Israel came and spoke to Rehoboam. They wanted Rehoboam to lighten the burden that King Solomon had placed upon the people. If he would lighten that burden, the people would serve him. Rehoboam sought counsel; first from the old men who had advised King Solomon, and then with the young men he had grown up with — his friends. The old men’s counsel was to lighten the burden upon the people. The young men’s advice was to make the people’s burden much heavier. Read 1 Kings 12:3–19 for the complete events. Especially take not of 1 Kings 12:19: “Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the LORD, that he might perform his saying….” From that verse, we understand this was God’s plan — the people would revolt against Rehoboam, but we can also understand that is was because of the foolishness of Rehoboam’s decision. “So Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day” (1 Kings 12:19).

      “It was at this time in history that the kingdom divided becoming two separate kingdoms — the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah). Rehoboam ruled over the Southern Kingdom, Judah (containing only two tribes) because that was the tribe from which Rehoboam, Solomon, and David came. Jeroboam ruled over the Northern Kingdom, Israel, which were the remaining ten tribes.

      “In the New Testament Jesus tells us, “And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand” (Mark 3:24).

      “A Deeper Path: After learning of King Rehoboam, we can see that one of the foolish things he did that cost him the majority of his kingdom was taking the wrong counsel. He chose the counsel of his friends instead of the counsel from the older, wiser men who had counseled his father. Read some of the words his father had written before Rehoboam even became king — words Rehoboam had probably read, or at the very least, had heard:

      • “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). Do you think Rehoboam would have lost most of his kingdom if he had taken the older men and the people’s counsel?
        • “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise” (Proverbs 12:15).
        • “Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end” (Proverbs 19:20).
        • Do you remember what we learned in Psalm 1:1a? “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly …”

      “… We continue learning about King Rehoboam in 1 Kings 14:21-31. King Rehoboam began to reign when he was 41 years old, and he reigned 17 years in Jerusalem “… the city which the LORD did choose out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there …” (1 Kings 14:21). And Judah did evil in the sight of the Lord. They continued worshiping idols and “… they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel” (1 Kings 14:24b). In the fifth year of King Rehoboam’s reign, Shishak, king of Egypt, came up against Jerusalem and stole the treasures of the king’s house and all of the shields of gold that King Solomon had made. Another interesting thing to note: “And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all their days” (1 Kings 14:30). King Rehoboam died, and his son, Abijam, reigned in his stead. Abijam ruled Judah for three years. The next king was Abijam’s son, Asa (see 1 Kings 15:8).

      “A Deeper Path: See the fool Rehoboam became in disregarding his father’s teachings. Remember that we learned that much of the Proverbs was written from a father (King Solomon) as instruction to his son (Rehoboam). “7. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. 8. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: 9. For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck” (Proverbs 1:7-9).”

      Do you learn from history, recognizing the importance of seeking counsel from God’s Word?

    3. Paul’s Encouragement and Warning

      “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.”
      Romans 15:1

      Excerpt from Y3Q2 Lesson 10: Paul’s Third Missionary Journey:

      “The leaders in the church of Ephesus, of whom Paul had called to himself to speak, needed to realize that Paul would no longer be there physically to rely upon. They had to step up and take care of God’s church. “… 27. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. 28. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:25-28). Paul had done the job God had given him to do: he declared to all of the people the counsel of God (counsel means “God’s purpose, or plan”). He had taught them. Knowing that Paul would not be able to return to them, these men had to be prepared. “29. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:29-30). They must not only be prepared themselves, but they must take care of, and prepare, the church over which they were the leaders. Not only would some (“grievous wolves”) come in and try to destroy new Christians, as well as the church, but also there would be leaders arise that would be filled with “perverse things” (perverse things means “perverted; corrupt; vicious; or ‘to turn aside divine truth’”). Some leaders would try to cause people to follow them – not Jesus. What were they to do? “31. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. 32. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified” (Acts 20:31-32). They were to do just as Paul had done – for he had lived his life as an example. Paul warned that after teaching the new Christians how to live a Christian life (following Jesus), they would then have to warn the people, day and night, of these “grievous wolves” who would come “speaking perverse things” and to recognize them. Also, see what else Paul revealed. “I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Support means “to take hold of another mutually as by the hand; i.e. figuratively to support from falling as by the hand; to support, help, assist.” Weak means “without strength, powerless; weak; to be afflicted, distressed as by want, oppression, calamity, and such.” Newer Christians (as well as newer churches) need extra support, for they are weak in their new Christian life. Many new Christians (and even some older ones) are often afflicted and distressed by their want (things they desire, or want, as opposed to things God would have for them), or even what seems to be a calamity in their life. Paul warned that these people needed “support from falling as by the hand,” or assistance, from stronger Christians.

      “After teaching them face-to-face one last time … one cannot help but recognized the impact that Paul had upon these Christians’ lives. These people loved Paul for the life he had lived, faithfully teaching them the things of Jesus.

      “A Deeper Path: It is the responsibilities of church leaders to help new Christians (those who are “weak”) grow in Christ. However, it is not only the responsibility of the leaders, but it is the duty of all Christians. See the following verses. “1. We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification” (Romans 15:1-2). That are strong means “one who is strong, firm, fixed, established” – referring to the things of Christ. Infirmities means “to be weak or powerless; the result of being weak: i.e. referring to the scruples which arise by being weak in the faith of Jesus.” As Christians, we are not to please ourselves, for we must always remember that there are newer Christians who may not understand the things we do – for a newer Christian may not always know what the right thing to do in a situation is. It is the responsibility of every Christian to live a life according to God’s Word, so that newer Christians are not confused. We are to live a life that is right “for his good to edification.” Good means “good, in respect to operation or influence on others; i.e.: useful, profitable, beneficial.” Edification means “building as a process; i.e.: edification, spiritual profit or advancement.” Christians are to live lives that cause other Christians to become better Christians by living a life that pleases Jesus.”

      Do you live a Christian life that helps newer Christians understand how to please Jesus, growing stronger?