The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Faith

  • What will He Find?

    “I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?”

    Luke 18:8

    Jesus told a parable about a woman who persistently cried to a judge day and night to “Avenge me of mine adversary” (see Luke 18:1-5). The judge would not, but after time passed, the judge agreed to avenge her “lest by her continual coming she weary me.” Because the woman repeatedly asked this of the judge, he granted her request. Jesus said to hear what the unjust judge said. Jesus wanted the people to understand something important.

    Jesus had just been teaching His disciples of the end times, and His coming kingdom (see Luke 17:20-37). He wanted them to know what was expected of them. God hears His people, and He will avenge them of their adversaries – if only they will ask it of Him. Do Christians have adversaries? We all know Satan is our Adversary (1 Peter 5:8). We are instructed to cast all of our cares upon Him (Jesus) (see 1 Peter 5:7), and then we are able to recognize that our adversary, the devil, is trying to destroy us. We are able to cast our cares upon Jesus through prayers. “And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?” (Luke 18:7). God desires that we take our requests to Him. Jesus is declaring that God’s people are to pray, with faith, that God will hear and answer, and Christians are to persevere in those prayers. We know that there are many adversaries – especially in the world today. Many Christians are persecuted and oppressed revealing a great need for prayer in these days “… but the prayer of the upright is his delight” (Proverbs 15:8b). Often times in Scripture, we are encouraged to ask for what we need. Remember what Jesus said, “Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 18:19). God will hear our prayers. Yet often times, we fail to pray. However worse than that, we fail to pray correctly. There is something very important that Jesus is looking for in Christians. “Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak” (Mark 14:38). Jesus spoke the same thought in Matthew and Luke. In John, Jesus prayed this prayer for his disciples: “14. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil” (John 17:14-15). In these words, Christians are to understand that in our spirit, we are ready to be the best Christian we can be. Yet temptation is ever before us to fail in that respect. Jesus prayed that Christians would be kept from the evil that is in this world.

    The end of the parable about the widow and the unrighteous judge ends with this though. “I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8). At the end of time, when Jesus returns, will He find anyone of faith on the earth? To better understand what this means, read what the word faith means. Faith means “appropriating what God in Christ has for man resulting in the transformation of man’s character and way of life; marking various predominant traits of Christian character as arising from and combined with Christian faith; meaning Christian knowledge.” Honestly, are there many “Christians” living this kind of faith in our world today? Have many Christians appropriated what God has for us, resulting in the transformation of our character and way of life?

    Remember what Paul wrote as an encouragement on what it is that a Christian is called to do: “12. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you” (Philippians 3:12-15). We must forget the things behind and press forward to the “high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” We must live in faith, “appropriating what God in Christ has for man resulting in the transformation of man’s character and way of life.”

    Do not be discouraged.

    Be transformed, by faith, into what Christ wants you to be in Him.

    Have you appropriated what God in Christ has for you, resulting in the transformation of your character to be like Jesus?

    http://biblicalpath.com/index.php/how-to-be-saved/

  • Precious Promises

    “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

    2 Peter 1:4

    As Peter began this second letter, read how he introduced himself. “Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:1). Also, take note to whom this letter is written: Christians.   

    • Like precious means “equally precious or valuable.”
    • Faith means “appropriating what God in Christ has for man, resulting in the transformation of man’s character and way of life (a.k.a. Christian faith, Christian doctrine, gospel); meaning the doctrines received and believed; all that Christianity stands for.” 

    All who become a Christian are saved in exactly the same way – only through faith in Jesus. However, with that faith is to come a transformation of one’s character and way of life. This is what Peter was calling to mind in his readers. He was affiliating himself with them in like faith, character, and lifestyle. This laid the foundation for what he wanted to teach them.

    God gives the power to live a Christian life. “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:3). According as means “implying quality, character, circumstances as known in any personal thing; something which is a matter of belief or opinion.”  By this, we understand that Peter is talking about something Christians have, or they should know they have: that is, God’s divine power that has given us all things we need for the Christian life (“all things that pertain unto life and godliness”). We find the “knowledge of him” in the Bible.

    Understand the two things into which God called Christians:

    • Glory means “spoken of that which excites admiration to which honor is ascribed as in the divine perfections as manifested in the power of God.”  
    • Virtue means “superiority or being pleasing to God; moral excellence; perfection; goodness of action.” 

    Recognize that God has called Christians, and they are to be excited about the prospect of being able to become more like Jesus, which is pleasing to God. Moreover, Peter called to mind God’s promises to His people. “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Peter 1:4). Christians are to “be partakers” because of these promises. God gave many, but think of two specific promises: His Son, Jesus, who was promised from the beginning of time, and the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, who would comfort and teach Christians until Jesus returns (see John 14:26). Remember what we should have learned in Second Corinthians. “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1). (See also John 14:21-23). The message has not changed. Christians are compelled to become more like Jesus – not like the world. 

    As Peter continued, he wanted them to understand that once becoming a Christian, one was not finished – for there is a growing process that must take place. Recall to memory what we should have already learned about Christianity: Paul compared it to a race. See the following to remember this. “24. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27. But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). Notice that it implies a continual moving forward, striving for the goal at the end. With that moving forward, Paul said he kept his body in subjection. He understood the importance of keeping his life true to the Word of God so that he would never lose that Christian testimony. However, he also understood it took much work, and he knew it was a continual process of moving forward in his relationship with Jesus. See the following to remember this. “12. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12-14). He continually moved forward in his growth in Christ. Have you ever heard the saying that “if you are not moving forward, you are moving backward”? It is very true. If Christians do not continually read their Bible, pray, and live according to God’s Word, they digress in that growing process, becoming ineffective Christians.

    Peter and Paul both recognized the importance of Christians continually striving to become more like Christ.

    Have you made a commitment to strive to become more like Christ?

  • Faith, More Precious than Gold

    “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”

    1 Peter 1:7

    Peter was one of the most well known of Jesus’ twelve disciples. After Jesus’ resurrection, he became one of the great leaders of the church. We can learn much about that ministry in the first twelve chapters of Acts, where thousands of people were saved, and the church was established.      

    In the book of First Peter, Peter wrote a letter to the Christians who had left their homeland, scattering into the countries around. Remember the persecution that had begun (see Acts 8:1; 11:19). Peter wrote words of encouragement to them along with words teaching them more about the Christian life.  

    Peter began by reminding them of the hope that is only found in Jesus’ resurrection. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).

    • Lively means “to live, have life; of things living, lively, active, and enduring opposed to what is dead or inactive.” 
    • Hope means “those who experience the hope of salvation through Christ, eternal life, and blessedness.” 

    It is only through this “lively hope” of eternal life (by salvation only through Christ) that gives Christians the strength to live a life pleasing to Jesus while here on earth. This “hope” is to give Christians a confidence that people of this world do not have. With that hope, Christians (God’s children) have a promise of inheritance. “To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4). Remember the promise that Christians have been given of eternal life in heaven with Jesus. Do you remember that “inheritance incorruptible”? Remember what Romans teaches us. “17. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:17-18). We should remember the promise of inheritance with Jesus, in Heaven.

    In addition, recall the promise that God will be with those who belong to Him, and will take care of them. “Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:5). Notice that it takes “faith”. One day, Christians (because of their faith unto salvation) will live in Heaven with Jesus, forever. See what Jesus said that is recorded in the book of John. “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand” (John 10:28). Christians are promised eternal salvation.

    With that promise, Christians are to rejoice – no matter what. “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations” (1 Peter 1:6).   

    • Manifold means “variegated; many-colored.” 
    • Temptations means “a trial in which God brings His people through adversity and affliction in order to encourage and prove their faith and confidence in Him.” 

    Understand that as Christians there will be many trials that will be endured. Remember what Jesus said in the book of Matthew. “11. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you” (Matthew 5:11-12). However, with those trials, the confidence and faith in God will be strengthened.

    Why are trials necessary? They prove a Christian’s faith. “7. That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8. Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9. Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:7-9). Fire purifies gold, just as trials purify a Christian’s faith, preparing them to be presented “unto praise and honour and glory” when Jesus returns for His people. It is then that Christians will receive the promised reward of eternal salvation. Remember something else that Jesus said that is recorded in the book of John. “Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” (John 20:29). Although no one today has physically seen Jesus, because of the written Word of God (the Bible), we have the ability to hear and believe upon Jesus (see Romans 10:9-10).

    Can your faith withstand the trials, making you more Christ like?

    Or

    Do you need to believe upon the One (Jesus) of which you have not yet seen?

    http://biblicalpath.com/index.php/how-to-be-saved/

  • A Warning from a Watchman

    “Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.”
    Ezekiel 3:17

    God called Ezekiel to be a watchman. “Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me” (Ezekiel 3:17). He was called to warn the Israelites during their captivity in Babylon. God gave Ezekiel the words that needed to be spoken to God’s people. The people of Judah had to understand that they were being disciplined for their rebellion against God and His Word.      

    The most important message Ezekiel had for God’s people was that although Israel had sinned, and they were under the chastisement of God, He would reveal Himself to them. “11. … I will judge you in the border of Israel: 12. And ye shall know that I am the LORD: for ye have not walked in my statutes, neither executed my judgments, but have done after the manners of the heathen that are round about you” (Ezekiel 11:11b-12). They had not obeyed or walked with God. However, God left a promise for the future of Israel. He promised to gather them together again and give back to them the land of Israel. At that time, the people would take away the detestable things and all of the abominations (Ezekiel 11:16-18). When this happened, read what God would do for His people: “And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 11:19). What would happen once they had a heart of flesh? “That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God” (Ezekiel 11:20). God not only wanted them to understand the chastisement (for not walking according to God’s commands), but He promised them a change of heart so they could obey His commands. Throughout the book of Ezekiel, Ezekiel was to remind the Israelites that God wanted them to be His people, and He would be their God.              

    Why was this message so important?

    Sin had so engrained itself into the Israelites at that time that most of the people no longer realized they were sinning against God and His Law, for their hearts had become hard. In the Old Testament, the Israelites’ understanding was darkened – they just did not get it. “Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart” (Ephesians 4:18). Blindness means “callousness or hardness.” Their hearts had become hardened to the guilt of sin. They thought they were living just fine.

    Why is it important for us to know this? Do Christians still have the same problem today? Is sin so engrained in our hearts and lives that we do not even realize how much sin is present in our lives? Are our hearts hardened to sin? What are Christians to do? In Ezekiel, God told His people that he would take the stony heart out and give them a heart of flesh. It was only then that they could walk with God and keep His Word. It was then that they would be God’s people and He would be their God. Without a change of heart, God’s Word cannot be written in one’s heart.  How can one’s heart be changed? “8. But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:8-10). God’s Word tells us that by faith in Jesus, believing in the heart, Jesus can save, changing the heart.

    After conviction of sin and by belief in Jesus, God will give one a heart of flesh instead of a stony heart. “3. Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. 4. And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward” (2 Corinthians 3:3-4). When God’s Law (the Bible) is in our heart, the Spirit of the Living God constantly reminds us when have disobeyed God’s Word. It is then that we are convicted of sin, and our heart’s desire will be to eliminate sin from our lives and live pleasing to God.

    A Christian cannot continue to live a sinful life, for because Christ is in a Christian’s heart and life, sin cannot be tolerated. The Spirit will convict. If that Christian does not correct, there will be discipline (see Hebrews 12:5-8). If one professes to be a Christian and continues in sin, that lifestyle betrays the heart – for it does not belong to Jesus (see 1 John 3:8-10). 

    Have you heard the warning of the Watchman, heeding the warning to not rebel against God’s Word?

  • Through Faith Understand

    “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.”
    Hebrews 11:3

    “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). This verse has appeared in prominent places on many plaques or posters. However, have you ever considered what these words actually mean? To what faith is this verse referring?

    Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen means “that persuasion is not the outcome of imagination, but it is based on fact; such as the reality of the resurrection of Christ, and as such it becomes the basis of realistic hope.” Many people who lived in Old Testament times believed that Jesus would come (because God had made that promise). Although they did not live to see the fulfillment of that promise, they lived lives declaring they believed that promise: a life of faith. Consider what Jesus said when He was speaking to the religious leaders in the book of John. “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad” (John 8:56). Jesus, Himself, recognized Abraham as one who looked forward to His coming. This kind of faith led to the comment in the next verse: “For by it the elders obtained a good report” (Hebrews 11:2). Not only do we understand these people lived believing the promises God made, by faith, today we know that Jesus came – just as God promised.

     However, the following verse is often overlooked: “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear” (Hebrews 11:3). The fact that God created the heaven and the earth from nothing in six days and rested on the seventh is challenged in our world today. Other theories are taught, yet none of them has been proven. God, Himself, declared that He created all. “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). This is the first thing that He declared to us. This is the first step of faith. If one does not believe that God created the heaven and the earth, how will one ever believe the rest of the Bible? It is interesting to note that this fact is reiterated right here in Scripture, helping us understand the importance of believing all of the Word of God. This first step of faith will allow one to begin to understand that God loved His creation (man) so much, that He willingly sent His Son, Jesus, to restore the relationship broken by man’s sin. 

    Those people recorded in the eleventh chapter of the book of Hebrews, believed, by faith, that God created the world. This was the first step of faith. They were then able to believe God’s promises by faith. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). We find a great list of people who diligently sought God and lived by faith. Many names listed should be quite familiar: Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and many others. While reading that listing of faithful men and women from the Old Testament, there are interjections by the writer, helping understand the importance of faith. Remember that the people of faith from the Old Testament believed the promise that God would send One, Jesus, who would bring reconciliation between man and God.

    Each of the people on that list diligently sought God, trusting that God would reward them for their faithfulness to Him, for they looked forward to Jesus’ coming. “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (Hebrews 11:13).

    • Persuaded means “to be convinced; to believe.” 
    • Embraced means “to welcome; to receive gladly – referring to the promises.”

    These people lived by faith. Read how we are to understand this active participation of faith in one’s life by the following verses: “6. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7. Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:6-7).

    • faith means “a knowledge of, assent to, and confidence in certain divine truths, especially those of the Gospel, as produces good works.”
    • stablished means “to turn resolutely in a certain direction; strengthen.”

    One must actively become “stablished” in that faith.

    Chapter eleven of Hebrews is often called the “Hall of Faith” because of the many Old Testament men and women who were commended for this faith. They believed God and His Word. These men and women can help one understand the importance of trusting in Christ, who came as God promised, to restore the life that had been lost because of sin. Not only that, but because of their faith, Christians can look back to their perseverance, lending strength in unsure times.

    Have you taken the first step of faith, believing that God created the heaven and earth, enabling you to trust in God’s Son, Jesus?

    Do you remember those who were commended for their faith, allowing them to encourage you in your Christian life?

    http://biblicalpath.com/index.php/how-to-be-saved/

  • Be Followers, Not Slothful

    “That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
    Hebrews 6:12

    Hebrews was written to the Jewish people who had trusted in Christ but were having a hard time letting go of the practice of their old religious system. They were called to die to the old way of life and learn to walk with Jesus in this new life. (See how it is described in Ephesians: “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” Ephesians 4:24.) However, the people were not growing in their Christian faith. Instead, they wanted to return to the old ways.

    After reminding them of the obedience of Jesus, the writer of Hebrews called upon Believers not to digress in their Christian walk. There was much for them to learn. These words were recorded for Christians to learn from today as well. “11. Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. 12. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat” (Hebrews 5:11-12). It is a shame, but most Christians are “dull of hearing.” Dull means “slothful; sluggish.” Hearing means “of hearing doctrine taught and receiving it with faith.” Many Christians are ignorant of the Word of God, and instead of being able to teach others, they have to be taught, again and again, the simplest things that are written within God’s Word. The writer of Hebrews compared this to one who is like a baby: one who can only drink milk, as opposed to one who is mature and can handle strong meat. “13. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:13-14). Exercised means “to train in godliness.” Each Christian is to train in godliness, then being able to grow by the “strong meat” of God’s Word, making one capable of discerning good and evil.

    The basic foundational truths were not to have to be continually rehashed. “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God” (Hebrews 6:1). Once one learns the basics of the Gospel message and doctrine, they should not have to be dealt with again. They were to grow into maturity: 

    • Salvation comes through faith – one has to believe Jesus died for man’s sin, and that salvation is by grace, not of works (“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified” Galatians 2:16);
    • that one must die to the old way of life (“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost” Titus 3:5), (see it also pictured in baptism: see Romans 6:3-8);
    • the Holy Spirit is then imparted to every believer (“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise” Ephesians 1:13);
    • there is eternal life in heaven for all who have trusted in Jesus (“12. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God” 1 John 5:12-13);
    • all will one day stand before the judgment seat of God (“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” 2 Corinthians 5:10).    

    One should not have to be continually reminded of these foundational truths once one trusts in Jesus, having assurance of salvation in Christ (not a religion or religious system that one follows). Instead, these truths must be built upon, enabling one to handle the “strong meat” of the Word of God. It is then we are able to have our “senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

    When a Christian needs encouragement to grow in their Christian life, one need only turn to the pages of Scripture that is full of examples of those who chose to walk with God. “That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (Hebrews 6:12).

    Are you “dull of hearing”, or are you striving to grow to maturity by learning to handle the “strong meat” of God’s Word?

  • Maintain Good Works

    “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.”
    Titus 3:8

    Paul won Titus to the Lord. Titus went with Paul on a missionary journey, and he left Titus in Crete to help organize the churches on that island. Paul wrote a letter to help Titus. Paul described the kind of behavior expected of Christians. He encouraged them to remember the importance of knowing that their salvation was a gift of God, and it was not something they could gain by doing works. Christians were to maintain good works, living a right life in Christ. Titus was to teach the basics of Christian living, and to beware of false teachers in the church.

    To understand good works, it is important to remember what Jesus taught. “28. Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29. Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent” (John 6:28-29). The only work one can do to gain salvation is to believe in Jesus, whom God sent. Once Christians understand this, we can begin to understand just what “good works” a Christian is to maintain. Paul explained it well.

    Paul began his letter to Titus. “Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness” (Titus 1:1).  

    • According means “… i.e.: the teaching that is directed toward godliness.”
    • Faith means “… the means of appropriating what God in Christ has for man that results in the transformation of man’s character and way of life; i.e.: Christian faith, or a firm and confiding belief in Jesus and His Gospel.”
    • Elect means “referring to those who are effectively called into salvation.”
    • Acknowledging means “the knowledge which very powerfully influences the form of religious life; a knowledge laying claim to personal involvement …” 

    Paul wanted Titus to understand this teaching of a lifestyle after godliness, which can only come to one who has trusted in Jesus by faith. “8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9. Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). When one has been saved because of this faith in Jesus, it is important to then appropriate that faith by allowing God to transform that life from the inside out: “that results in the transformation of man’s character and way of life.” Remember what Paul wrote in the book of Romans. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2). Paul was encouraging a Believer (Christian) to be changed (transformed), becoming acceptable unto God and His will for that life. That life is now “powerfully influenced” to become more Christ-like (a life after godliness). These good works are not the basis of a Christian’s salvation, but the evidence of one’s salvation.

    Paul wrote, not only as a Christian who served God, but also as one whose life had been so influenced by the truth of the Gospel of Jesus that it had changed his life – drastically. “5. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us … 7. That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men” (Titus 3:5-8). This is how each Christian is to live. One of the reasons the book of Titus was written was to encourage Christians to live godly lifestyles. It should be the desire of each Christian (as those who are “God’s elect”), to allow one’s faith in Christ to transform completely his or her way of living. It is then that a Christian’s life can be good and profitable, bringing others to Christ.

    Paul also gave a warning about the kind of men that were leading the churches in Crete. Titus was to correct them: “15. … unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. 16. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate” (Titus 1:15-16).

    • Pure means “clean or pure in a spiritual sense from the pollution and guilt of sin.” 
    • Defiled means “to tinge; pollute; defile; to be polluted, corrupt.”
    • Unbelieving means “one who disbelieves the gospel of Christ; an unbeliever; an infidel.”
    • Abominable means “detestable; that which is an abomination to God.”
    • Disobedient means “unwilling to be persuaded; unbelieving.”
    • Reprobate means “unapproved; unworthy; spurious; worthless; in a passive sense meaning disapproved, rejected, cast away.”

    These claim to know God, but because of their disobedience to God’s Word (unbelief), they are considered “abominable, and disobedient,” and a “reprobate.” This kind of a leader, one who is unwilling to change, will have his “every good work” rejected or cast away. When one is unbelieving (in Christ through faith), and profess to know God, their “works” (lifestyle) reveals the truth. Paul wrote to correct this kind of leadership in the church at Crete.

    Do your good works reveal the evidence of your salvation?

    Or

    Do your works reveal you are a reprobate?

  • 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?

  • Mercy, Grace, Faith, and Love

    “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”
    1 Timothy 1:15

    Paul wrote to Timothy, who was a leader at the church in Ephesus, giving him instructions and warnings. Some people had already begun not only to turn from God’s Word, but were leading others away from God’s Word as well. Those people were talking foolishly, babbling (called “vain jangling”), and yet they wanted to be teachers of God’s Law (see 1 Timothy 1:6-7). They had no idea what God’s Law was, what it meant, or what they really believed themselves. Paul warned that it was wrong to let people such as this become teachers. Because they did not know or understand God’s Law, they could not possibly convey the importance of why God had given the Law. “8. But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; 9. Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, 10. … and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; 11. According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust” (1 Timothy 1:8-11). We are to understand that the Law was given to reveal the sin in mankind so that they could recognize the glorious Gospel message (see Romans 3:20). Gospel means “the Gospel plan of salvation, its doctrines, declarations, precepts, promises; the Gospel of God of which God is the Author through Christ.” People who did not understand that God’s Law was given to reveal sin, thereby making known the need for salvation, could not be trusted as teachers of something they not only did not understand, but also had not experienced for themselves. These people have not received the gift of salvation offered, by grace, which frees one from the confines of the Law.  

    Paul never forgot from whence he had come. He understood and remembered that he was a sinful man whose sin was revealed by that Law. He was thankful that he had been forgiven and placed into the ministry of proclaiming the Gospel message. “12. And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13. Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 1:12-14). Just because one breaks God’s Law does not mean they will be condemned. Paul had once done it “ignorantly in unbelief.” Understand what he recognized.

    • Paul understood that he had obtained mercy. “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us” (Ephesians 2:4).
    • He recognized the abundant grace that God bestowed upon him. “That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:7).
    • God then extended the gift of faith, which must be received. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).
    • Finally, Paul understood the love with which God loved him. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

    Read what Paul then understood: “15. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting” (1 Timothy 1:15-16). There was a specific time in Paul’s life when he recognized that Jesus had come “to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” Note that Paul recognized that he was a sinner, but that he had obtained mercy from Jesus. After Paul received the gift of salvation by faith, he then understood that he was to be a “pattern.” Pattern means “a pattern or example.” Paul believed that if Jesus could save him, a chief sinner (remember he was complicit with murder; see Acts 7:58), Jesus could save anyone who would believe in Him by faith. It is this kind of person who can be entrusted to teach God’s Word. Teachers of God’s Word must remember they have been entrusted with the truth of the Gospel message. The salvation message cannot change. “10. Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead. … 12. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” Acts 4:10, 12).  

    Has your life become a pattern, revealing the mercy, grace, faith, and love bestowed upon you through salvation by Jesus?

  • To Live is Christ

    “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
    Philippians 1:21

    Paul wrote a letter to Philemon. Philemon was a Christian and a fellow laborer with Paul and Timothy. “Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints” (Philemon 1:5). Philemon was a faithful Christian, and Paul acknowledged the love and faith revealed in his life. Paul prayed for him. “6. That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 7. For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother” (Philemon 1:6-7). Paul specifically wrote Philemon of the importance not only telling of others of his faith in Christ, but he also encouraged him to live a life of faith. By living a life that pleased Christ, he was to understand that it encouraged other believers. This is important for Christians to recognize today, too.

    Previously, Paul had written words of encouragement to help the church at Philippi to live more Christ-like. These words are just as important for Christians, today. “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment” (Philippians 1:9). Christians are called to love fellow Believers. However, it is important to understand a few things. The following definitions will help understand what Paul was trying to help them understand.

    • Knowledge means “the knowledge which enables one to avoid error.”
    • Judgment means “knowledge based upon experience; to become cognizant of; experiential knowledge which is or becomes naturally manifold.”

    It is important to avoid error, and often times that comes from becoming aware of situations. He wanted them to know God’s Word and become Christ-like enough to be able to avoid certain things.

    In these things, Paul wanted them to continue growing as they had. Why? “That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ” (Philippians 1:10).

    • Approve means “to put to the proof, or examine by examining and judging; to distinguish.” 
    • Sincere means “to discern.”

    Paul wanted the Christians at Philippi to recognize the things that really mattered “things that are excellent.” By knowing them, they would be able to live more Christ-like, self-checking and discerning right from wrong, without failing. Because Paul loved them, he wanted to encourage and teach them. Each Christian is called to continue to grow in Christ.

    Paul understood that the people at Philippi were concerned for Paul and his safety. The things that had happened to Paul, although they appeared to be bad, Paul understood that they were actually good. Remember when Paul was in Philippi: he cast a spirit of divination out of a young girl, healing her, and it cost him a beating and imprisonment. Nevertheless, that imprisonment, dealt with in the right spirit, was beneficial for a man and his family who came to know Jesus. Because Paul and Silas praised God through song, and the jailer heard, they were able to be a witness to him. Once the jailer heard about Jesus, he was saved and his house. Paul wanted the Philippians to recall this event. “12. But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; 13. So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; 14. And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear” (Philippians 1:12-14). As we have learned, that was not the only time Paul was beaten or imprisoned. However, any thing that happened to Paul that the world would call “bad” or “unlucky,” God used it to further the Gospel message in the way Paul responded in each situation. Instead of becoming afraid of what man could, or would, do to him, he became bolder in speaking out for Jesus – “without fear.”

    Paul was a mighty example. Read what he not only believed, but also lived: “20. According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. 21. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:20-21). Instead of choosing what he wanted for his life, he chose to live his life for Jesus.

    Have you chosen to live for Christ, that in nothing you shall be ashamed?