The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Walk

  • That I May Know Him

    “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.”

    Philippians 3:10

    The New Testament tells us much of Paul and his ministry. When one reads the New Testament, Paul’s life stands out. Most remember that he led three missionary journeys spreading the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ, before he was taken as a prisoner to Rome. Remember how he often referred to himself. “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God” (Romans 1:1). He was an amazing servant. Paul understood that God sent him to share the Gospel message (see Acts 9:15, 20:24).

    Although God was able to do much through the life of Paul, Paul understood something very important. Philippians tells us a bit about Paul. His understanding of who he was and what was important should be an example for all Christians. “Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more” (Philippians 3:4). If there was ever a man who could attain salvation by works of righteousness, it would be most difficult to beat Paul. He gives a listing of all of his worldly and religious achievements that should have gained him salvation if that was how salvation could be attained:

    • “5. Circumcised the eighth day,
    • of the stock of Israel,
    • of the tribe of Benjamin,
    • an Hebrew of the Hebrews;
    • as touching the law, a Pharisee;
    • 6. Concerning zeal, persecuting the church;
    • touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.” (Philippians 3:5-6).

    These seven things were such religious attainments in his day, one would think he was bound for heaven. However, he learned salvation could not be acquired by works. Read what he wrote in a letter to Titus: “5. 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; 6. Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7. That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:5-7). Paul understood that it did not matter who he was or what he had achieved in his life. Salvation did not come by works of righteousness that he could do. It only came by the mercy and grace of Jesus. “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).

    Beyond the understanding that nothing Paul could do could have earned him salvation, he recognized something important. 7. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,” (Philippians 3:7-8). He had to forsake everything that he was and thought he should be to follow Christ. He had to die to his old life. “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).

    In this new life, Paul explained what was important. “9. And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10. That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death” (Philippians 3:9-10). Paul understood his righteousness was through “the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God”. What better righteousness could one ever want or need?! However, because of this righteousness which is of God, Paul understood that this enabled him to know Him. He wanted “the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord” (see Philippians 3:9). This knowledge can only come when one chooses to make Jesus Lord in that life. Paul understood this. Paul decided that he wanted to know Him. “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 3:13-14). Paul spent his life getting to know his Lord, Jesus, personally. He pressed on toward the mark, forgetting what was behind understanding that he had not apprehended. As good as he was, Paul understood the importance of continually reaching to attain the things Christ wanted for his life. He wanted to know Jesus more, and the more he knew Him, the more Paul wanted to serve Him. Because Paul forsook who and what he was, trusted in Jesus Christ, making Him Lord of his life, Paul became a mighty servant for Jesus. He not only shared the Gospel Message of salvation available only through Jesus, but he was able to write down much of the New Testament. In those writings, we find out how to know Jesus. As we know Jesus better, we understand and accomplish the things God has planned for our lives. “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).

    Have you trusted in Christ for salvation?

    Have you made it your desire to know Jesus more, then enabling you to understand the plan He has for your life?

    Learn how to trust Christ for salvation.

  • Crossroads

    “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

    There are choices to be made everyday. Some choices are minor with few consequences. Others have major ones. However, many people do not seriously consider the most important choice that will be made: one’s destiny after death. There are only two choices, heaven or hell. The way is clearly explained in the Bible, yet most do not take the Words to heart. Read what Jesus said: “28.… for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29. And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:28-29). Jesus taught them the only good work that one could do to inherit eternal life. “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). Each person is given the opportunity to make that choice. To reject or believe in Christ.

    After one accepts Christ, the next important decision is to choose whether or not one will live a faithful Christ-like life. There are many examples of people in the Bible who have made a definitive decision to walk with Jesus, daily. One great example is Peter.

    While Jesus walked on this earth, Peter (along with the other disciples) readily walked with Jesus. When Jesus was arrested, Peter was the one who wielded the sword, cutting off the ear of the servant of the high priest (see Mark 14:47 and John 18:10). However, just a few verses later we read as Peter denies even knowing Jesus. “But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak” (Mark 14:71). Peter had a decision to make. When he was questioned as to whether or not he knew Jesus, Peter denied Him. He was challenged about his faith in Jesus. We can read that initially, Peter failed miserably. We should be grateful that this was not a lasting failure.

    When Jesus rose from the dead, the women were specifically instructed to go tell Peter. “But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you” (Mark 16:7). Peter met Jesus in Galilee. Jesus spoke to Peter, and He gave Peter a chance to make a better choice. “So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him,Feed my lambs” (John 21:15). Three times Jesus asked Peter. Three times Peter declared that he loved Jesus. Jesus had a job for Peter, if he would only follow Jesus. Peter had a decision to make – was he finished following Jesus with all of the turmoil surrounding Him and His death? Or did Peter want to fully commit his remaining life to follow Jesus, obeying His commands? Peter not only declared he loved Jesus, but as we begin the book of Acts, we find Peter became quite the leader and preacher of the Gospel Message (see Acts 1:15-26; 2:14-40). After that first amazing sermon, “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41).

    Peter had come to a crossroad in his life. Initially, he denied Jesus. However, when given a second chance Peter fully committed to following Jesus. “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 had faced a great trial of his faith in Jesus. He chose to make his faith in Christ his faith. He understood how precious that faith in Jesus truly was, and Peter endured. At that crossroad, when Peter chose to continually walk with Jesus, he chose to make it his faith regardless of what others did. He remained faithful throughout the rest of his life. Peter was an apostle of Jesus, yet he was a servant as well. He recognized that he had a precious faith only through the righteousness of God and Jesus Christ (see 2 Peter 1:1).

    In the book of 1 Peter, Peter wrote about the importance of being obedient to Jesus, not living as he had once lived when he was ignorant of the things of God. Instead, Peter recognized the value of denying himself and choosing instead to become holy in his life. He believed it was important for him to live each and every day in the fear of the Lord (see I Peter 1:14-17). Fear means “a good connotation as in a godly fear; reverence.” Peter encouraged other Believers to do the same.

    Do you have the precious faith that comes only through the righteousness of Jesus Christ?

    Have you come to the crossroad of life, choosing to deny yourself and instead to follow Jesus?

  • Who are You?

    “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

    Romans 8:1

    Are you a natural man? The natural man see the things in this earth. Decisions are based upon what is seen or felt. Usually, one considers the abilities one has to accomplish things. The natural man is in the likeness of Adam. “1. This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him; 3. And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth” (Genesis 5:1, 3). Did you notice something in those verses? When God made man, He made him in God’s image. However, after man sinned in the garden, his children were after his image – no longer perfect, but now sinful men. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12). Everyone is born as a sinner. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). However, there is hope. “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous” (Romans 5:19). Adam disobeyed God, bringing sin upon all of mankind. God gave One who was perfect, His only Son, who was obedient to God. “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8). Jesus paid the penalty for sin – for anyone who would just believe. “16.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. 17.For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:16-18). That is the only work one can do to have the penalty for sin removed. “Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent” (John 6:29). Believe on Jesus.

    Once one believes on Jesus, having the condemnation of sin removed, we are taught to do something different. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:1). One can no longer walk in the flesh as a natural man. We are taught to walk after the Spirit. There is a difference. When one has committed that life to Jesus, there is a change of thought and direction. “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit” (Romans 8:5). This Christian chooses the things of the Spirit.

    Why is this so important? “6. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God… 8. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” (Romans 8:6-9). Each person must look into their heart and life to see if they have truly given that life to God by accepting Jesus. It is then one receives His Spirit, enabling one to live a life that is “spiritually minded”. Without Christ, one remains a natural man, unable to please God, for “they that are in the flesh cannot please God.”

    Once you know without a doubt you belong to Jesus and are “spiritually minded”, there is another question that must be asked. Are you a growing Christian? “1. And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 3. For ye are yet carnal…” (1 Corinthians 3:1-3). One who is not a growing Christian can only understand the simplest things about the Bible and the Christian life. To grow, one must read God’s Word and exercise that Christian life. Remember what Paul told Timothy: “6. 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. 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 4:6-8). Christians are to be “nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine” and exercise unto godliness which is “profitable unto all things”. Choose to be a spiritual Christian, nourished in faith and good doctrine, and then exercise unto godliness.

    Who are you? A natural man who cannot please God?

    Or

    Are you a spiritual man who is nourished on God’s Word and exercises unto godliness?

    How to become a spiritual man: How to be saved

  • Faithful Daniel

    “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

    2 Timothy 2:15

    Daniel was faithful to God throughout the captivity days of Judah in Babylon. Not only did God give him the gifts of wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and interpreting dreams, but God also gave him many visions of what would happen in the future.

    Daniel read God’s Word that had already been recorded. As he read Jeremiah 25:11-12, he understood that it was a confirmation of a prophecy from Leviticus 26:33-35. He realized that God had promised that after seventy years, the captivity in Babylon would end, and God’s people would get to go home (see Daniel 9:2). Daniel also recognized that the captivity was because of the people’s sin. When Daniel read God’s plan, he understood God’s will for him. He did what God said to do; he prayed for forgiveness of sin. Read how his prayer began. “3. And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: 4. And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments; 5. We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments” (Daniel 9:3-5). Read Daniel 9:3-21 for the entire prayer. It was important that Daniel was in God’s will (to immediately repent and pray) so that he would be in a position for God to reveal Himself to him. It is after this prayer that God revealed to Daniel some of the most specific details about God’s plan of redemption.

    After recognizing that Daniel was a great student of God’s Word, we should realize that this was imperative in his understanding of what God was doing in his life and the life of his nation. The more he read God’s Word, the more God revealed understanding to Daniel. Daniel knew that God had a plan, and His plan would come to pass. Daniel is probably the most outstanding character of the Old Testament, yet we have recorded Daniel’s personal confession as he threw himself upon the mercy of Almighty God. The more holy a person is, the more that one will be more conscious of his unholiness. It is then one humbles himself completely before God. This is the condition one must be in to truly hear from God and recognize the plan God has for that life.

    Daniel understood God was moving in the lives of His people. He could do nothing to help, but he recognized the importance of praying according to God’s will. We are to recognize that God has a plan in this day. Although we might not see anything we can do in it, we do have a personal responsibility to pray that God’s will is done in all things. It may be then that God can reveal His specific plan for you.

    See only a few of the things that we should learn from the life of Daniel:

    • to be faithful to speak God’s Words to others;
    • to not compromise our walk with the Lord;
    • to trust God’s protection of our life while we serve Him;
    • to be faithful to read God’s written word (the Bible), knowing that God will reveal Himself and His plans to His people.

    Christians must be very careful to not become guilty of spiritual pride – too proud to confess our sin. It is necessary to continually examine our lives and make sure there is nothing hindering our fellowship and communion not only with God, but with His people. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Remember David. Although he sinned greatly (recorded for us to recognize), he had learned to repent and say “I have sinned” and he was known as a “man after God’s own heart” (see 1 Samuel 13:14 and Acts 13:22).

    Throughout the Bible, we recognize a principle that the more we study God’s written Word, the more God gives us of His revelation. The more we exercise ourselves in knowing His will, the more He reveals His will to us. God reveals Himself and His plans to those who belong to Him – just as He did to Daniel. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). (See also 1 Corinthians 2:12-13.) Today, we need to read the Bible for answers.

    The events in lives of people recorded in the Bible are nothing if we do not turn them into personal examples of how God expects each and every one of His children to live. We can read about Daniel, acknowledging that God was able to use him mightily to reach kings of enemy nations, revealing God to them – all because Daniel was committed to reading God’s Word and to walk with God, daily.

    Daniel was truly a mighty example of a man who consistently walked with God.

    Do people recognize you as one who studies God’s Word and consistently walks according to His plan?

  • Allow God to Work in You

    “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure”

    Philippians 2:13

    Jeremiah was of the lineage of the priests, yet God ordained Jeremiah as a prophet before he was even born. Jeremiah spoke during the days of the last five kings of Judah. While Josiah was king, he began eliminating idolatry and cleaning out the Temple. While repairing the Temple, a copy of the Law was found. King Josiah read the law, leading Judah to one final time of repentance and reformation. King Josiah was the last good king.

    There were many good things happening in the land of Judah when God called Jeremiah. However, the days were not always good. The final four kings of Judah were terrible men! They led the people away from God and into idolatry. Jeremiah spoke during these years as well. Jeremiah preached until they were carried away captive during the reign of King Zedekiah. This tells us that God called Jeremiah during the final years of Judah’s existence. He prophesied for the final forty years of their time in the land of promise before Jerusalem was destroyed and the Temple burned.

    However, there is something especially unusual that we read at the beginning of the book of Jeremiah. “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5). God called Jeremiah to be His prophet before God even formed him in the womb, and God had already sanctified him. Sanctified means “to pronounce clean; consecrated (set apart) to God.” The word ordained means “putting forth a voice.” God had set Jeremiah apart to serve Him by speaking God’s Words to the nations (including us today).

    However, like most people, Jeremiah’s initial response was, “Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child” (Jeremiah 1:6). Most people feel quite inadequate when God calls upon them to do something for Him – but keep in mind that God also knew you before you were formed in the womb (see Psalm 139:13-16 for an understanding of this). Moreover, if God did not know you could do it, He would not have asked. (“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” Philippians 2:13.)

    God responded to Jeremiah much as He would probably respond to any who think they cannot do what God called them to do. (Think back to Moses for a minute; remember, he too, did not think he could do what God asked. Nevertheless, review God’s response in Exodus 4:10-12.) Read what God said to Jeremiah. “7. But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. 8. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD. 9. Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth” (Jeremiah 1:7-9). God called, prepared, sent, and promised to be with Jeremiah. God encouraged Jeremiah just as he had encouraged many before him.

    The messages God gave Jeremiah to speak were often difficult for him to deliver, but we can read from God’s Word that Jeremiah was always faithful. He delivered messages calling Judah to repent and return to God. He was not even afraid to speak the words of God to the kings of the land. Jeremiah prophesied for over forty years.

    We are to remember what the Bible teaches. God never gives us anything to do that He will not help us complete, if we will only trust Him (just like Jeremiah and many other people in the Bible).

    • Read how Moses encouraged Joshua who was to lead: “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
    • Remember that God encouraged Joshua. “There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Joshua 1:5).
    • Paul encouraged Timothy, a young preacher in the New Testament. “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).
    • Even today, we are encouraged. “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Hebrews 13:6).

    God is not limited. If God calls someone, no matter their age, God can use them. “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). We are to recognize the call God has upon our lives and remain faithful to Him and the commands He gives us through His Word, the Bible. God will probably never give us a task as difficult as Jeremiah’s, yet we are still to be faithful. Be encouraged to make it your goal to allow God to work in you and do of His good pleasure.

    Have you recognized the plan God has for your life, and are you allowing God to work in you?

  • Learn to Walk Faithfully

    “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:”

    Colossians 2:6

    Christians are to understand that once becoming a Christian there must be a moving forward in the Christian life. It begins with a consistent walk, becoming established in the faith. “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). Reading the Bible, is a great place to learn how to walk as a Christian (see 1 Peter 2:2). Then, one begins to grow in that Christian life.

    Paul compared the Christian life to a race. “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). These verses instruct that a Christian life is to be continually 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. “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 3:13-14). Paul 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 also reminded Christians that scoffers will come. “3. Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4. And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation” (2 Peter 3:3-4). Scoffers means “to deride; to mock; a mocker, scoffer, spoken of impostors or false prophets.” Not only will there be mockers, impostors, and false prophets, but also there will be men who question Jesus’ promise of returning for the church. Nevertheless, read the assurance we find in God’s Word. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Jesus will come again, but He is waiting for any, and all who will, to be saved. Remember also what Paul wrote: “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). See also: “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8). There is even a crown for Christians who love Jesus’ appearing.

    These teachings are not new, just reminders. “17. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:17-18). Grow means “to exceed; increase.” God’s Word is full of warnings: to beware, and to not be led away by error, or even by complacency (remember: “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip” Hebrews 2:1.) Instead, Christians are called to continually “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” When one grows in grace, that life is transformed. This then causes that Christian to love and seek after God and the things of God. By growing in the knowledge of Jesus, one is continually moving forward in that relationship. That is what Peter was encouraging Christians to do. Read the warning for one who does not grow (or ceases to grow): “But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins” (2 Peter 1:9).

    Christians are to understand that once becoming a Christian, they are not finished – for there is a growing process that must take place. Remember also the examples we have in Peter and Paul. Paul understood that he became the mighty man of God he was because of the grace of God (see 1 Corinthians 15:10). However, it also took the labor of Paul to endure, thereby growing in Christ.

    Remember: A Christian is never to stop growing in the Lord.

    Have you progressed in your Christian life, becoming more like Christ?

  • Forgiveness and Mercy

    “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.”

    Psalm 86:5

    King Josiah was a good king. He chose to do what was right. We can read that he was even compared back to King David, and that Josiah “turned not aside to the right hand or to the left” (see 2 Kings 22:2). Turned not aside means “being faithful to God; to veer neither to the right nor to the left.” But see what other information we are given in Second Chronicles. “For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father …”(2 Chronicles 34:3). It is because he sought God while he was yet young that set the course for his life.

    The nation of Judah had just endured two of their worst kings: Manasseh and Amon. Because of the sins of King Manasseh, God declared the people would be judged, allowing only a remnant to be saved (see 2 Kings 21:9-16). However, because King Josiah sought God and led the people to seek after God, the judgment was delayed for a time.

    What was it about Josiah that spared him and caused God to delay his judgment?

    Josiah became king when he was only eight years old, and in the eighth year of that reign he began to seek after God. In the twelfth year of his reign, he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem (and even into Israel in the north) from the idol worship by destroying the idols and their places of worship (see 2 Chronicles 34:3-7). In the eighteenth year of his reign, he sent men to repair the house of the Lord (the Temple). While they were repairing the Temple, the priest “found a book of the law of the LORD given by Moses” (2 Chronicles 34:14b). When this book was read to the king, he rent his clothes. Read why he did this: “for great is the wrath of the LORD that is poured out upon us, because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD, to do after all that is written in this book” (2 Chronicles 34:21b). Although it was in King Josiah’s heart to seek after God, making many great reformations and even repairing the Temple, when Josiah heard what was written in God’s Word, he recognized they deserved God’s wrath. He wanted to hear from God. God revealed that Jerusalem and Judah would be destroyed for her great sin before God, but God had a special word for King Josiah because he inquired of the Lord. “27. Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD. 28. Behold, I will gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace, neither shall thine eyes see all the evil that I will bring upon this place, and upon the inhabitants of the same. So they brought the king word again” (2 Chronicles 34:27-28). God spared King Josiah from the judgment to come because Josiah humbled his heart before God.

    Did you notice that the king was not spared because of all of the great deeds and reformations that he made trying to please God? The king was in the process of bringing the people back to the worship of God after eliminating the idol worship. However, when the king heard God’s Words from the Law of Moses (the first five books in the Bible), then he recognized the sin against God. Immediately, King Josiah repented: “humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD.” It was then that God heard and spared Josiah.

    Understanding the importance of hearing God’s Word, King Josiah called together all of the people, great and small, and read to them God’s Word. “And the king stood in his place, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, and his statutes, with all his heart, and with all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant which are written in this book” (2 Chronicles 34:31). Josiah’s heart was changed. He walked after the Lord.

    Recognition of sin came to King Josiah when he heard God’s Word read, and he then displayed true repentance. Josiah then recognized what he must do. He had to seek God: “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee” (Psalm 86:5). It was then he understood God’s forgiveness and mercy.

    Jesus taught the importance of God’s Word: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life” (John 5:24). Without hearing the Word of God, no one would know to believe upon Jesus to have everlasting life or how to then please God in this world. Read what else Jesus declared. “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39). The Bible is all about Jesus.

    Read your Bible.

    Then you will be able to tell others what the Bible has to say.

    Have you committed to reading the Bible every day, recognizing the importance of God’s Word?

  • What is Required

    “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”

    Micah 6:8

    Micah was an Old Testament prophet. He called the people to “hear” God’s Words that God gave Micah to deliver. He warned the people that God saw their sin, and judgment was coming because of habitual sin. Micah spoke mainly to Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah. King Hezekiah heard the message from God delivered by Micah, and this prompted King Hezekiah to make great reformations in Judah (see Jeremiah 26:18). Because Hezekiah sought God during those days, God defeated the Assyrian army for them (see 2 Kings 18-19).

    Like many prophets before him, Micah reminded the people where they had failed, calling for the people to repent and to have a right relationship with God. Recognize just how foul the people’s understanding of God had become. “6. Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? 7. Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” (Micah 6:6-7). They honestly had become so influenced by the bad kings (think of King Ahaz who offered his son as a sacrifice to the god Molech), that they actually believed God would accept the sacrifice of a firstborn child to gain forgiveness from God. By asking these questions of God, they revealed their hearts toward God.

    It would be good to remember back to King Saul. He thought the offering was more important than obeying God’s Word. Samuel reminded him that it was a right heart, not outward actions that God wanted. “And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22). These thoughts help us understand the Old Testament viewpoint that religious ritual devoid of spiritual reality and a life that is dedicated to the Lord is worthless (see Psalm 40:6-8; Isaiah 1:10-20).

    What does God want? What does He require? God had already told them what He required of them – they had just chosen to disregard God’s commands. “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8). This is the same message God had preached to the people from the beginning of time. All God expects from His people is for them to walk humbly with Him. Remember the following: “4. Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: 5. And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 6. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7. And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (Deuteronomy 6:4-7). After reading how far the people had gotten from God, can you understand why God wanted them to constantly talk about His commands and teach them to their children? Then they would constantly be reminded of what God’s Words were. Even with the Law in the Old Testament, the people did not understand that they could not become a righteous person in and of themselves. “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith” (Galatians 3:24). All of the Law was to reveal that they were a sinful people who had nothing to offer, but deserved the penalty of death before a Holy God. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

    Remember Cain. He rose up and killed his brother because God did not accept his sacrifice. Cain had a religious ritual, but he did not have a spiritual reality – coming before God with a true heart. God saw Cain’s heart (which was revealed to us by the killing of his brother). Where does this leave one?

    Remember what Jesus said when the people asked what work they needed to do. “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). Later, Paul and Silas tell a man what to do when he asks: “30. And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31. And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:30-31). Faith is the opposite of works. One must believe on Jesus because He is the one who paid the penalty for sin (His death on the cross), enabling one to be saved. It is then, and only then, that one is able to do what God requires: “to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God” (see Micah 6:8). When you read Galatians 5:22-23, this explains that these actions are only enabled by the Holy Spirit which is given to one when they are saved.

    Have you trusted in Jesus, enabling you to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

    How to be Saved

  • Know the Way and Live in It

    “For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish”

    Psalm 1:6

    As you read through Israel’s history during the divided kingdom, one cannot help but notice how important it is to God that He be kept first in one’s life and even in the nation. At any point in Israel’s history, the kings could have sought God (remember the prophets constantly preached for the people to seek God!). The kings of Israel could have remembered God’s laws and commandments — and kept them. Instead, we read that they continued in the sin of Jeroboam I, who made Israel to sin. When the kings led the people to sin against God, He sent prophets to cry out to seek God; to return to Him. However, because they did not, the nation was not in favor with God. Read the following verses to remember this: “1. My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: 3. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: 4. So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man” (Proverbs 3:1, 3–4).

    As you continue reading through the history of Israel, keep in mind that none of the kings of Israel were considered good because they led Israel to sin against God. Read what is recorded in Proverbs that they should have known: “He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him” (Proverbs 11:27). Because they sought mischief, they got it. Mischief means: “bad; wicked; evil; of inferior quality.”

    Since we are to learn from history, we must notice the progression of sin in the nation Israel. One of the best examples of this progression is in Psalm 1. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful” (Psalm 1:1). Recognize what we are NOT to do: First, walk with sinners, then stop and talk with them, and finally to sit with them. Understand that desiring sin and walking with sinners begins with lust. Lust means “a strong desire; a longing; to satisfy carnal appetites.” Read what James 1:14–15 says, “14. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”

    Instead, read on in Psalm 1 to learn what one should do. “2. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” (Psalm 1:2-3). Understand what happens when one does not do as one should. “4. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish” (Psalm 1:4-6).

    Remember the turning point in the nation Israel, the point from which they did not return: when they refused to hear the Word of the Lord from the prophets of God. Even with all of the warnings, we found they did not return to God, but “… walked in the statutes of the heathen …” (2 Kings 17:8). God had no choice but to fulfill His promise of discipline and judgment upon His people.

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

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

    The following is an important question for each Christian to consider:

    Have you searched your heart to see if you are guilty of knowing the way of righteousness, yet not living in the truth of it?

  • The Righteous Have Hope

    “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”

    Colossians 3:2

    Ecclesiastes was written by King Solomon, the man who had it all – riches, fame, a rich heritage, a personal relationship with God, and wisdom beyond measure. However, because King Solomon had not learned how to restrain his desires, he discovered that they were the cause of all of his vanity and vexation. Vanity means “anything that is futile or worthless”. Vexation means “something that disturbs or annoys; to trouble seriously”. King Solomon recognized the fool he had become in turning from God. Even with all of his wisdom, he did not have the answers of life. In Ecclesiastes chapter nine, he revealed that he learned there are two kinds of people: wicked or righteous. God takes care of the righteous, but all people will one day die. Only the righteous have hope (of eternity in heaven with Jesus).

    An important thing to consider is that the teachings of Ecclesiastes present the philosophy of Man under the sun (of which Solomon referenced many times in chapters 1-8). He presents the inevitable conclusions by man, not the Christian’s worldview nor the representation of God’s viewpoint. One must remember that Solomon wrote as a man who chose to live his life apart from God as he tried to be happy.

    Read Ecclesiastes 9:1–5. [Note: In brackets there are some thoughts and suggestions for the verses.]

    “1. For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before them” (Ecclesiastes 9:1). [As Solomon continued to consider the vanity of life, he saw that the righteous, the wise, and their works were in God’s hand. “For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?” (Deuteronomy 4:7).]

    “2. All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath” (Ecclesiastes 9:2). [There are two groups of people laid out here—the righteous and the wicked. We find “things” happen to all people, whether they are righteous or wicked.]

    “3. This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead” (Ecclesiastes 9:3). [Life is not fair. Everyone will die.]

    “4. For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion” (Ecclesiastes 9:4). [The righteous “joined to all the living” are those who have been saved and have Jesus in their hearts. There is a hope. See Solomon’s faith in what we now know. “19. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:19–22).]

    “5. For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten” (Ecclesiastes 9:5). [Because Christians realize this world is temporary, there is a life after. “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). The lost (those apart from Christ) do not understand or believe this. Also consider the following: “6. Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7. (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 8. We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:6-8).]

    Solomon set out to declare these truths to all generations that followed him, and we should adhere to these truths. He recognized what many today still do not understand—this life is not what we should be living for. There is a life of “the living” that we should desire to be a part of, but we also should warn the rest of the world (just as did Solomon). “15. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: 16. To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?” (2 Corinthians 2:15–16). We must be encouraged to be a “savour of life unto life.”

    The world and Christianity are far apart. Remember how a Christian is to view life: “1. If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:1-2).

    Have you set your affections on things above, recognizing that this world is temporary?