The Biblical Path of Life is a clear and concise study that simplifies the understanding of how the Bible fits together as a whole. The lessons are organized into a few main points, with key verses explained helping one comprehend it better. It compares Scripture to Scripture, revealing that the entire Bible is to introduce one to Jesus and make known the need of Him in one’s life.
In this third year of this three-year study through the Scriptures, we continue our study of the New Testament (having completed the Old Testament in Year Two). After looking at the life of Jesus as recorded in the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, we reach the book of Acts. It is the only book in the New Testament division of History. As we learn about the early days of the church, the spread of the Gospel message is better understood. In those beginnings, thousands were saved at one time becoming disciples of Jesus. Once persecution began and people were killed for their faith, the Gospel message was spread into the known world, and the disciples of Jesus were called Christians. We will witness the great transformation of one of those persecutors as he, himself, became not only a Christian, but in our future studies we will learn that God used him, Paul, to write most of the books in the New Testament.
This study is for:
An individual,
A family,
A small-group Bible study, or
A Sunday School program for all ages.
The Bible is the most important thing we can to know, for it reveals what God expects from His people. In order to know how to live a Christian life that is pleasing to God, we must first understand what His Word says.
A Review for The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Two
“The Biblical Path of Life” brings the Bible to life as you learn how wonderfully everything fits together and how it reveals God’s plan through the ages for man’s redemption. Even though I have taught and/or been a student of this study for many years I am constantly learning new things each time I go through the study. “The Biblical Path of Life” has truly grown my faith and matured my walk with the Lord over the years. The Lord is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him!
“Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.”
Acts 26:28
The following tells of one time when Paul gave his personal testimony of when Jesus called upon him, and Paul answered that call, trusting in Christ. Recognize a simple pattern.
Paul briefly reminded them of the sinner he was,
He spent time explaining the specific call Jesus made to him,
He told of his personal response,
Then the particular job Jesus gave to Paul to accomplish with his life.
This is a good basis for anyone to use who will give a personal testimony. A personal testimony of when Jesus called upon one’s heart is pivotal in witnessing to someone else.
When given the opportunity, Paul gave his personal testimony before the rulers:
Paul briefly reminded them of the sinner he was:
“4. My manner of life from my youth, … that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. 6. And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: 7. … For which hope’s sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. 8. Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead? 9. I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10. Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. 11. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities” (Acts 26:4-11). Paul acknowledged that he was a sinner. He even worked against the spread of the Gospel message.
He spent time explaining the specific call Jesus made to him:
“12. Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, 13. At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. 14. And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue,Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 15. And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said,I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. 16. But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 17. Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 18. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Acts 26:12-18). While Paul was yet in sin, Jesus called upon him to be saved (“sanctified by faith that is in me”).
He told of his personal response:
“Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision” (Acts 26:19). Paul was obedient to the call. He was saved.
And then the particular job Jesus gave to Paul to accomplish with his life:
“20. But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. … 22. Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: 23. That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles” (Acts 26:20-23). Even though many wanted to kill Paul for obeying God’s command to go and tell the Gentiles about Jesus, Paul never quit.
We then read the response of Festus. “24. And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. 25. But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness” (Acts 26:24-25). Art beside thyself means “to be mad; to rave; a person who speaks and acts in such a way that they appear to others as being out of their mind.” Mad means “to rave as a maniac; madness; insanity.” Festus just thought Paul was out of his mind – crazy. Or did he? Festus did not treat Paul as a prisoner who was crazy. It is very possible that Festus felt the conviction of this Truth Paul declared, and he did not want to admit this Truth.
And then Paul invited Agrippa to respond to the Gospel message:
“26. For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. 27. King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. 28. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian” (Acts 26:26-28). What was Agrippa’s response? “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian” (see Acts 26:28). Instead, he rose up and went aside, agreeing that Paul had done nothing worthy of death – or even bonds (means “without freedom”).
Jesus called Paul, he believed and was saved, and then God sent him to preach Jesus – primarily to the Gentiles. He even spoke to rulers. His testimony of believing in Jesus allowed him to be a witness for Jesus so they could know how to be saved. His example is a good formula for anyone to use who will give their personal testimony of the time they trusted in Jesus. A personal testimony of when Jesus called upon one’s heart is pivotal in becoming a witness for Jesus.
Have you ever shared your personal salvation experience with anyone else?
“Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
Titus 2:14
There are a whole host of people in this world who claim to be Christians. However, there are even fewer who actually attain to live a Christ-like life. If each Christian would remember that Christ gave His life to redeem us, it should make a difference. But more than that, we are to become the “peculiar people, zealous of good works” that He has called us to be. “11. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12. Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13. Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14. Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:11-14).
The following hymn is a beautiful rendering of one’s heart. He obviously understood what is is like to not only desire to live a Christ-like life, but to acknowledge what it takes to do it. A full commitment from the heart.
Living for Jesus a Life That is True
Author: Thomas O. Chisholm (1917)
Tune: C. Harold Lowden
1. Living for Jesus, a life that is true, Striving to please Him in all that I do; Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free, This is the pathway of blessing for me.
Refrain: O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee, For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me; I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne; My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.
2. Living for Jesus Who died in my place, Bearing on Calv’ry my sin and disgrace; Such love constrains me to answer His call, Follow His leading and give Him my all.
3. Living for Jesus, wherever I am, Doing each duty in His holy Name; Willing to suffer affliction and loss, Deeming each trial a part of my cross.
4. Living for Jesus through earth’s little while, My dearest treasure, the light of His smile; Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem, Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.
The writer of this hymn understood that Jesus gave His life for him, thus making Christ his master. He recognized the importance of living a life pleasing to Jesus in all he did, willingly, wherever he was and in whatever he did, no matter what the cost. The author of this song was in good company. We can read of men in the Bible who declared themselves servants of Jesus Christ.
“Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ …” (Romans 1:1a).
“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ …” (James 1:1a).
“Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ …” (2 Peter 1:1a).
“Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ …” (Jude 1:1a).
Many others’ lives recorded in the Bible revealed that they were servants of Jesus, living lives that pleased Him in what they did. They were recorded as examples for us to follow. Some of the most amazing lives were recorded in Hebrews chapter 11. All of those looked forward to Jesus’ coming because of God’s promise. That kind of faith is difficult to understand, yet those listed lived lives pleasing to God understanding that He would send Jesus. Today, we know Jesus came, revealing God’s grace. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11). He then told us how to live for Him. “12. Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13. Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:12-13). Knowing how to live in this present world, we must remember why. “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14). Jesus gave Himself for us so that we could be a “peculiar people, zealous of good works.” We are to live lives revealing Jesus in this world.
Have you decided to not only claim to be a Christian, but become a servant of Jesus Christ, living a life that is true for Him?
“To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:”
Colossians 1:27
In the Old Testament, the Israelites were to reveal God to the world. All of the world was to recognize the Israelites belonged to God. One way this was revealed was that when the Israelites obeyed and followed God, they were blessed. However, when they walked contrary to God and His Word, the people would be cursed. This was displayed repeatedly in the Old Testament, especially during the times of the kings.
When David was king, Israel defeated many enemies and ruled over more land than any previous time in history. Remember how God described King David. “…to whom also he (God) gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will” (Acts 13:22). When David’s son, Solomon, became king, Israel became the wealthiest nation. Nevertheless, his son was foolish, forgot God, and the kingdom was divided. The nation of Israel did not recover during the Old Testament days. Instead, we discover a nation who, as a whole, continually forsook God, often walking contrary to God’s Word. The Israelites failed in their task to reveal God to the world.
In the New Testament, God sent His only Son to reveal Himself to the World. When Jesus came, He came to show God to the world. “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). Jesus not only showed the world the way in which God loved the world, but Jesus revealed God to the world.
However, He disclosed more than that. “6. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 7. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.” (John 14:6-7). Jesus then revealed what it takes not only to see God, but also to go and spend eternity with Him. Philip did not fully understand what Jesus was teaching him. “8. Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 9. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thouthen,Shew us the Father? 10. Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works” (John 14:9-10). Jesus, God in the flesh, came to because He is the only avenue to reach God. Israel in the Old Testament not only failed to reveal God, but also the way to God.
We can remember one of Jesus’ Disciples, John. He recorded for us his eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ life. He understood the importance of just who Jesus is. He understood the importance of recording the life of Jesus. John had witnessed the events of His life – firsthand! He not only saw, but he understood and believed them. Read why he 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 understood the importance of not only knowing Jesus, but telling others the importance of knowing Jesus. He, and many like him, revealed Jesus to their world.
Remember, “6. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). Philip did not fully understand at first. But because of Jesus and the testimony of those who understood, Christians today can now understand the importance of Jesus. Once we do, it becomes our job to become a living witness to our world. The Israelites failed in the Old Testament. The first Christians succeeded in telling others about Jesus, that many today are Christians because of their testimony. Paul reminded the people that he had told them of Jesus and they had believed (see Colossians 1:4-22), he reminded them that was his ministry. “27. To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 28. Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” (Colossians 1:27-28). Christians need to know that this should be our ministry as well. How are Christians doing today in the revealing of Jesus to those around us?
Are you a living witness that Christ is in you, the only hope of glory?
“So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.”
1 Thessalonians 1:7
Paul remembered the missionary journey that led to the establishment of the church at Thessalonica. “For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain” (1 Thessalonians 2:1). He also recalled the short amount of time they had there – for it was not enough to teach them all they needed to know. The book of First Thessalonians was written to the church at Thessalonica, which Paul established on his second missionary journey (see Acts 17). Remember that when there was an uprising incited by Jews who rejected the teaching of Jesus, Paul and Silas were sent away by night – keeping them safe. They were only there for three Sabbaths, but when the people at Thessalonica heard the Gospel message preached by Paul and Silas, enough of them believed that a church was established.
Read one of the most important things the people of Thessalonica did after they became Believers (Christians). “And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost” (1 Thessalonians 1:6). Followers means “an imitator.” They had heard Paul’s preaching, saw his response in a time of tribulation, and had imitated him in his words and deeds. Because of these things, they became followers of the Lord, suffering affliction, but with joy.
It is important to understand that putting one’s trust in Jesus is good (becoming a Christian), but it is just as important to put the principles of God’s Word into action in one’s life. It is then that God is able to work, and the world will see what God has done in the heart. Some call this putting one’s faith into action. Remember what faith means. Faith means “faith in Christ as able to work miracles, healing the sick; the means of appropriating what God in Christ has for man resulting in the transformation of man’s character and way of life – also called Christian faith.” Read what Paul recognized in these Believers. “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father” (1 Thessalonians 1:3). Not only had a church been established, but also the Christians at Thessalonica were living examples into the areas around. They had appropriated their faith in Christ into their lives, transforming their character and way of life. This revealed their Christian faith. “So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia” (1 Thessalonians 1:7). Because they were living examples, their testimony of the power of God unto salvation in their lives was so great that it spread – for others in the areas around heard of the change that had taken place in their lives: how they “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (1 Thessalonians 1:9).
Because of this, one can understand how the Church at Thessalonica became such great living examples. Compare I Thessalonians 1:3, 5-7 with what is recorded in James 2:17-18: “17. Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” James was teaching Christians that faith and works go hand in hand. This is to reveal Jesus to the lost world. Because faith is an issue of the heart (for one believes in the heart, then confesses with the mouth, see Romans 10:9-10), physical works are a necessity to show the world what has taken place in the heart. “19. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” (James 2:19-20). James wrote, “that faith without works is dead”. This is an indication of one who has only confessed with the mouth that they believe, but never truly believed in the heart – much like the devils. Understand that unless it is a “saving faith,” it is counterfeit. This kind of faith lulls people into a false security of eternal life.
James did not just teach that with faith comes works, he cited examples from the Old Testament that all would remember. See the example of Abraham. “21. Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22. Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23. And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” (James 2:21-24). By Abraham’s act of offering his son, Isaac, it revealed the faith he had had in his heart for all of those years. Abraham’s faith was “justified by works”, revealing his heart to all of the world.
The people in the church of Thessalonica had followed Paul and Silas’ teachings of Christ, appropriated their faith, and many around had recognized their Christ-like lives. This made them viable witnesses for Jesus.
Have you appropriated your faith in Christ, becoming a living witness, where others can recognize Jesus in you?
“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 1:16
This amazing hymn was written many years ago. However, the truths revealed were recorded much longer ago.
“Man of Sorrows! What a Name”
“Man of Sorrows!” what a name For the Son of God, who came Ruined sinners to reclaim. Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Bearing shame and scoffing rude, In my place condemned He stood; Sealed my pardon with His blood. Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Guilty, vile, and helpless we; Spotless Lamb of God was He; “Full atonement!” can it be? Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Lifted up was He to die; “It is finished!” was His cry; Now in Heav’n exalted high. Hallelujah! What a Savior!
When He comes, our glorious King, All His ransomed home to bring, Then anew His song we’ll sing: Hallelujah! What a Savior!
~ Words and tune by Philip P. Bliss, published 1875
The following verses in Isaiah 53 were foretelling of Jesus, the Saviour, who was to come:
“2. For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. 3. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. 8. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. 9. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. 10. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. 11. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.”
Read how Paul declared what Jesus did for him; one who was a sinner saved by grace. “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. 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. 17. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Timothy 1:12-17).
Have you recognized the Man of Sorrows who gave His life to save yours?
“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.”
1 Corinthians 1:27
The enemies were oppressing God’s people. The Midianites, Amelekites, and others came up against the Israelites. Israel became greatly impoverished because of this (see Judges 6:1-6). The Israelites cried unto the Lord. God sent words of encouragement, but He did much more than that. He sent one to deliver them from their enemies. This deliverer, Gideon, was one of the judges.
Gideon was an Israelite who hid in those days of trouble. He was threshing wheat, hiding it from the Midianites. “And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour” (Judges 6:12). Did Gideon, who was hiding, sound like a mighty man of valor? Gideon was then told to go and save Israel from the Midianites – for God was sending him. Nevertheless, read how Gideon saw himself. “And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house” (Judges 6:15). Gideon did not see himself as one who could do what God had asked of him. However, read the following encouraging words: “And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man” (Judges 6:16). Most people remember how great of a victory Gideon had over the Midianites with an army of only 300 men. “And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man’s hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers” (Judges 7:16). They took trumpets, empty pitchers, and lamps yet won a great victory. (Read Judges 6-7 too remember it all.) God did not see Gideon as he was. God saw how Gideon could be when Gideon trusted in God. God was with Gideon.
Paul understood that he had been called into salvation through Jesus Christ. But more than that, Paul understood that he was to spend his life going forth sharing the Gospel message of Jesus (see 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Paul stated that what was wisdom of God was foolishness to the world. “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe” (1 Corinthians 1:21). He declared that it was through the foolishness of preaching that the Gospel message was spread. Paul understood that the world considered him foolish, but he also recognized that God would use him to do mighty things for God. “26. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:27. But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty” (1 Corinthians 1:26-27). Paul became a great missionary who won many people to the Lord.
God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things for Him. Gideon was an ordinary man going about life, afraid like most people in his day. Yet when God called Gideon, declaring that He would be with him, Gideon was able to become a mighty judge who defeated the enemies. God declared that He would be with Gideon. When God calls a Christian to do something for Him, God will be with that one, helping that one. Read some confirmation of this fact we can find in the New Testament. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). God calls each Christian to walk according to the plan that He has for that life. God is going to help that Christian accomplish that task. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). God will use events to help Christians fulfill His plan.
We still have that same encouragement. God wants to use ordinary people who belong to Him. God has a plan for each Christian.
Have you taken time to find out just what it is that God has planned for you in these days?
“Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”
Philippians 4:9
Remember in the New Testament when Paul was preaching Jesus to those in Ephesus. For two years they won many to Jesus, and many miracles were done (many people were healed and evil spirits were cast out). However, along with that came some who were not Christians yet tried to do the works Paul had done (cast out evil spirits). When they tried, they were worse off than before because the evil spirits they had tried to cast out, instead came upon them (Acts 19:13–16). The new Christians in Ephesus recognized those who were not truly Christians and the results of falsely declaring so. One who trusts in Christ (becomes a Christian) has a nature change – becoming a new creature. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Read what happened next: “17. And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. 18. And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. 19. Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20. So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed” (Acts 19:17–20). Because the people recognized the difference between true salvation and a false practice, notice something very important. These people did not add Jesus to their other things (practices); they took their old things (curious arts means “black arts; or magic”) and burned them before all — it did not matter the financial loss. They destroyed them so that those things would not be a part of their lives anymore.
Understanding that there is a choice to be made by each individual (believe the Gospel message or reject it), it is important for that person who believes to have a nature change. Why? “21. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire” (2 Peter 2:21–22). When one chooses to disregard God’s Word, refusing the gift of Salvation by faith in Jesus, thereby ignoring the warnings of the consequences for sin (eternal death, see Romans 6:23), it reveals the nature of the heart. Just as the dog had the same nature of a dog and the pig the same nature of a pig, it reveals there was no nature change. It is the choice of any who hear the truth of the Gospel message to decide for themselves. “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 10:9-10). Believe in Jesus for salvation, thereby having a change of heart. Or, do not believe, remaining in that old nature. However, read the following warning: “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12).
Christians are taught in God’s Word to put the old things of our former life to death (see Colossians 3:5). Instead, we are to think upon good and right things (see Philippians 4:8). These things are taught in the Bible. “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you” (Philippians 4:9). Understand that while thinking on these things is very good, there is another step that must be taken. Christians must do these things. We find an important warning to all Christians who know what we are to do: “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17).
Many events in the Old Testament are instances for us to recognize when one makes a right choice, and when one makes a bad choice. King Jehu did many great works (including the removing of Baal worship, see 2 Kings 9-10) in Israel, the Northern Kingdom. However, we also saw his great failure. “But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the LORD God of Israel with all his heart: for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin” (2 Kings 10:31). His heart did not change which was revealed in his not walking in the “law of the LORD God of Israel”. For that, Jehu was not considered a good king. Just think what kind of a king Jehu would have been if he had sought God’s commands and changed his heart, and then led the nation to do the same.
Have you chosen to remain in that old nature, departing not from your sin?
Or
Have you had a change of heart, believing and confessing Jesus, and then doing what the Bible teaches?
“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?
“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?
