Archive for the ‘Bible Study’ Category

Spiritual Training 12 November 2014

Posted: November 12, 2014 in 1 Corinthians, Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Speaking in Tongues, Spiritual Gifts, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Under Gods Command

(Gifts of Prophecy and Tongues)

1 Corinthians 14:10-20 Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker is a foreigner to me. So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church. For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding. Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an inquirer, say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since they do not know what you are saying? 1You are giving thanks well enough, but no one else is edified. I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue. Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults. In the Laws it is written:  

 “Through men of strange tongues and through the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me,”

Up to this point, Paul has been explaining that the gift of speaking in tongues was of no value to the congregation as a whole, only to the person who speaks to God in the unknown language. But if the person also has the gift of interpretation, the tongue could be used in public worship if the one praying (or someone else with the gift of interpretation) would then interpret what has been said. That way, the entire church would be edified by this gift.

Lets Bring it Home: There is a proper place for the intellect in Christianity. In praying and singing, both the mind and the spirit are to be fully engaged. When we sing, we should also think about the meaning of the words. When we pour out our feelings to God in prayer, we should not turn off our capacity to think. True Christianity is neither barren intellectualism nor thoughtless emotionalism. See also Ephesians 1:17, 18; Philippians 1:9–11; Colossians

Spiritual Training 10 November 2014

Posted: November 10, 2014 in 1 Corinthians, Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Under Gods Command
(Gifts of Prophecy and Tongues)

1 Corinthians 14:6-12 Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker is a foreigner to me. So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church. 

As musical instruments must play each note in order for the music to be clear, so Paul says words preached in the hearers’ language are more clear and helpful. There are many languages in the world (14:10), and people who speak different languages can rarely understand each other. It is the same with speaking in tongues. Although this gift is helpful to many people in private worship, and helpful in public worship with interpretation, Paul says he would rather speak five words that his hearers can understand than 10,000 that they cannot.

Lets Bring it Home: Paul confronted the self-oriented use of the gift of tongues. Spiritual people must be careful not to pursue self-development at the expense of broken, lost people. When we give too much attention to our own needs, ideas, and spiritual expression, we may push aside the Spirit’s true desire and abandon those who need encouragement. Follow Paul’s advice and make encouraging and edifying others the highest goal.

Proverbs 10:13 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: November 10, 2014 in Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 10, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Under Gods Command

Proverbs 10:13 – Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.

Your degree of folly or wisdom is known by your speech. A man with understanding has wise speech that helps others; a man without understanding speaks foolishly and benefits no one. You cannot hide your character for long. You cannot deceive others forever. You will be exposed (Pr 26:26; Eccl 5:3; 10:3). And if your speech indicates you are a fool, the best treatment for you in the wisdom of God is a good beating (Pr 18:6; 26:3).

Notice the proverb closely. The first clause identifies a man with understanding as one who speaks wisely. The second clause gives the instruction to beat the man who does not have understanding. The parallelism of the proverb teaches two principal lessons: (1) your speech proves whether you have understanding or not, and (2) corporal punishment is appropriate for those who speak foolishly and forwardly. The ellipsis – missing words – at the end of the second clause, “and speaks foolishly,” is understood by the first clause.

God and Solomon gave you precious wisdom. Here is advice for life on how to measure the hearts of men and also how to treat them. Good men with wise hearts convey knowledge, godly counsel, and sound wisdom; and they do it in a gracious and loving way. Fools with profane hearts babble about their opinions and little problems in life; they complain about most everything; and they do it in an odious and irritating manner.

What precious wisdom! Wicked persons love to say, “You do not know my heart. I am a good person. I have understanding.” But these are lying excuses to justify their ungodly speech and/or actions. One of the chief lessons of Proverbs is to identify character by speech (Pr 10:19,21,32; 12:13; 14:3,7; 15:7; 16:2; 17:7,27-28; 18:7; Eccl 10:12). The Lord Jesus Christ also emphasized this definite connection (Matt 12:33-37).

Reader! Does your speech prove you a fool or a wise man? It is easy to tell. Can you justify your speech from the Bible? Do you have more friends than you can manage? Do others hold you in high esteem? Do others often seek your advice? If you can answer all four questions positively, you are a wise man. If several of the questions get negative answers, you are a fool! Confess your folly to God. Beg Him for help to control your lips.

Reader! Do others consider you gracious or odious, kind or cutting, helpful or hurtful, cheerful or critical, sober or sarcastic, loving or laughing, judicious or jesting? Honest answers to these contrasts reveal your character. Humble yourself before God. Cut your words in half. Cut your volume in half. Do not speak without something important to say. Study before you speak. Be gracious and positive, always! Praise someone, now!

Your degree of worldliness or spirituality is also known by your speech. It is easy to be an enemy of Jesus Christ – all you have to do is care about the things of this world (Matt 6:24; Phil 3:18-19; Jas 4:4; I John 2:15-17). How can you spot an enemy of Jesus Christ? Listen. They talk about jobs or business, health, politics, or current events. Though you listen carefully, you never hear Christ praised, doctrine exalted, or fervent thanksgiving.

Furthermore, your degree of love or hatred for others is revealed by your words. If you love other saints, which is the greatest evidence of eternal life, you will always be saying good things to them, for them, and about them. The person who is often guilty of backbiting, complaining, slandering, talebearing, or whispering is not only a fool, but also a child of the devil (John 8:44; I Cor 3:3; Titus 3:3; Jas 3:14-18; I John 3:1-19).

Corporal punishment is the best treatment of a person with a foolish tongue (Pr 26:3). If that person is your child, then you can train him in the way he should go with the rod and reproof (Pr 22:6; 29:15). If it is a prospective spouse, end the relationship! If it is a friend, you can easily find new and better friends (Pr 9:6; 13:20; 14:7). Choose wise men with wise speech for your companions, for they will make you better (Pr 22:11; Ps 119:63).

Proverbs 7:4-5 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: November 7, 2014 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 07, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Under Gods Command

Proverbs 7:4-5 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your kinsman; 5) they will keep you from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words

It is God’s blessing to have a wife as your life companion and lover (Pr 18:22; 19:14; Gen 2:18; Eccl 9:9; Heb 13:4). Any other woman, though you may know her, though you may want her, is a stranger. She cannot be your companion or lover. She is an outsider, a foreigner, to your marriage. Solomon warned long and loud against the sin of adultery.

Sexual sin is a great threat to wisdom, success, and prosperity. It corrupts and enslaves body and soul (Pr 5:20-23; 7:22-27). History reveals the destroyed lives of men, who did not reject the advances or availability of a woman outside their marriages. From princes to paupers, men have been seduced and sacrificed by adulteresses (Pr 23:27-28; 31:3).

What is a strange woman? Solomon used this description to describe an adulteress or whore, a woman that you have no right before God or men to have sex with (Pr 2:16; 5:3,10,20; 6:24; 7:5; 20:16; 22:14; 23:27,33; 27:13). Jephthah was the son of a strange woman, because his father conceived him with a prostitute (Judges 11:1-2).

How is she strange? Does it only apply to liaisons with unknown partners? No, the word is used to describe a woman with whom you have no rights for intimate companionship or sexual pleasures. She is outside your marriage. She is a foreigner to your bed. She belongs to another man, either father or husband. You have no marital rights to her.

Where is she found? Anywhere, today! Street prostitutes and hired escorts are extreme examples. Women’s liberation and Hollywood give every woman the right to sex, so she is in the office, the neighborhood, the gym, or even church. The perilous times of the last days turn even Christian girls and women into whores (II Tim 3:1-5; II Pet 2:10-19).

Consensual sex is a lie – your Creator God has not consented! It does not matter that she is willing, wanting, or eager. The King of heaven is angry, jealous, and provoked. Do not call it a “victimless” crime! The Lord is a victim of your moral rebellion. And there are always other victims to sexual sins, even if you are too selfish or stupid to consider them.

Flattery is her tool. Men are helpless before the seductive and smooth praise of a whore (Pr 2:16; 5:3; 6:24; 7:21). Here are two lessons: men must avoid communication with flirting women, and wives should praise their husbands. Proverbs are dark sayings, and every bit of wisdom should be extracted from them for you to maximize success in life.

Godly men will strictly guard exchanges with women other than their wives in person, by phone, by email, or by text. Wise men are not moved by the lying words of liars, and there is hardly a greater liar than an unfaithful woman. She hides death and hell by her adoring and intimate words (Pr 2:18; 5:4-5; 7:27; 9:18). Prudent men know she has told others the same things in the past and will tell yet others in the future.

Christian wives will adore and praise their husbands, so the flattery of whores will not affect them as much. Paul commanded wives to reverence husbands (Eph 5:33). Peter illustrated a wife’s spirit by Sarah calling Abraham lord, even in her thoughts (I Pet 3:6; Gen 18:12). Loving a husband, a duty of wives (Tit 2:3-5), includes loving him verbally. When was the last time you told or wrote your husband about the great man, provider, and lover he is? If he is not, then find those good things he is and tell him passionately.

Solomon diligently tried to warn his son (Pr 7:1-3). You have this personal warning from the wisest man on earth in writing. How well will you listen? Wisdom, success, and prosperity are impossible, if you allow strange women a place in your life. You must hate her in pornography, movies, advertisements, the gym, the office, or your church. Get a wife and love her today (Pr 5:15-20). A good wife is better than any ten whores.

Spiritual Training 07 November 2014

Posted: November 7, 2014 in 1 Corinthians, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Under Gods Command 

1 Corinthians 14:1-5 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.

Prophecy may involve predicting future events, but its main purpose is to communicate God’s message to people, providing insight, warning, correction, and encouragement.

The gift of speaking in a tongue was a concern of the Corinthian church because the use of the gift had caused disorder in worship. Speaking in tongues is a legitimate gift of the Holy Spirit, but the Corinthian believers were using it as a sign of spiritual superiority rather than as a means to spiritual unity. Spiritual gifts are beneficial only when they are properly used to help everyone in the church. We should not exercise them only to make ourselves feel good.

Paul’s words to the Corinthians about tongues and prophecy have much to say to our generation. Many Christians struggle with the discussion of tongues. Paul would clearly say that no one should put down those Christians who speak in tongues, and those who speak in tongues should not disparage those who do not. Paul makes several points about speaking in tongues: (1) It is a spiritual gift from God (14:2); (2) it is a desirable gift even though it isn’t a requirement of faith (12:28–31); (3) it is less important than prophecy and teaching (14:4). Believers need unity and love. The enemy is not each other but the sinful world, Satan, and our selfish, sinful desires. But Paul would have another word for today: “I would like every one of you to speak in tongues.” Although Paul himself spoke in tongues, he stresses prophecy (preaching) because it benefits the whole church, while speaking in tongues primarily benefits the speaker. Paul would encourage us to be so in tune with the Spirit that his messages of comfort, encouragement, and edification would be heard in our congregations today.

Lets Bring it Home: Make sure your actions are encouraging and edifying.

 

Proverbs 6:28 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: November 6, 2014 in Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 06, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Under Gods Command

Proverbs 6:28 Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being burned?

Here is a beautiful proverb – short, powerful, wise, memorable. The question is simple; the answer is simple. No! It is impossible to walk on hot coals and not burn your feet!

Profane skeptics accuse God of ignorance, but devil-possessed aborigines or modern “fear-conquerors” that protect their feet with numerous safety measures are ignored here. If these pagans want to bark against the Bible here, let us prepare the coals! They will believe! We will introduce them to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego!

The context is fornication – sexual intimacy with other than your spouse (Pr 6:20-35). It is impossible to fornicate without suffering for it. The sin of adultery is a heinous crime, and it has horrible and far-reaching consequences (Pr 6:29-35). And these terrible results cannot be avoided any more than fire will not burn your feet. Be forewarned, reader!

Such a lesson flies in the face of modern wisdom and entertainment. Psychologists today suggest adultery to revive dull marriages, and Hollywood promotes fornication as the most common, natural, and certain pleasure in life. Sitcoms, advertisements, movies, and serials all teach incessantly that fornication is wonderful and without harmful consequences. What a lie! Satan, the spirit of Hollywood, wants to take you to hell!

But the Creator has spoken, “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge” (Heb 13:4). Jehovah created sex and all its associated pleasures, but He designed its maximum enjoyment for a monogamous relationship of one man and one woman committed by marriage covenant before Him.

Samson thought he could walk on sexual coals, but Delilah stole his strength and left him blinded and chained to grind for the Philistines. David did not think he would be burned either, but his short tryst with Bathsheba cost him dearly for the rest of his life. Profane Amnon craved his sister, but the event horribly disappointed him and cost him his life.

Joseph is a hero, for when he saw and felt the fire, he ran as far and as fast as he could. He knew that even though she greatly desired him, there would be hell to pay with God and men. He chose the certainty of a false accusation rather than the lying promise of stolen pleasure. He knew he would be burned if he stayed, so he ran from the fire.

The rule is simple: if you play with fire, you will get burned. Moses said, “Be sure your sin will find you out” (Num 32:23). Do not lie to yourself. God will not be mocked. If you compromise His rules, especially in sexual sins, you will suffer horribly for it.

There may be short-term pleasure in sin (Heb 11:25), but the long-term consequences crush and grind that little pleasure into oblivion. You will never remember the pleasure when the horrible consequences of your folly burst into flames. Then it is too late to turn back! You are scarred! You have wrecked relationships! Your reputation is ruined! Your enemies have claims against you! Former friends hate you! Your soul is defiled! And the woman’s husband cannot be appeased no matter what you do (Pr 6:29-35)!

Dear reader, are you playing with fire? Pornography? Romance novels? Lustful thoughts? Marital discontentment? A relationship with the other sex that warms more than your spirit? Each of these sins is playing with fire. You will be burned. Repent, and run away!

How do parents keep children from getting burned? They make them stay far away from fire. And the Heavenly Father does the same. He says, “Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away” (Pr 4:15). Solomon warned against lust in your heart and the sight of your eyes (Pr 6:25). Fear of this great danger will not allow television, music, movies, books, magazines, texting, tweeting, or any other sexual temptation that could start a fire.

Matches themselves cause little damage; it is the fire they kindle that can burn everything in its path, so parents keep matches from children. Paul, who knew the burning danger of concupiscence, or sexual lusts (Rom 7:8), told you to avoid even the possibility of a fire (Ro 13:14). You do this by staying away from even those things that might start a fire.

Ignore this simple lesson to your own peril. Fire burns; burns are horribly painful; they leave ugly and miserable scars. Get away now, before it is too late! Throw away all the sexual matches and lighter fluid in your house! Get all combustible material outside! Stay far away from any person who tempts your heart or any thing that leads you to sexual sin.

If you are single, seek a godly spouse by wise means (I Cor 7:2,9). If you are married, build the intimate part of your marriage and kill any discontentment or bitterness (I Cor 7:3-5; Col 3:19; Pr 5:19). The danger here, in your degenerate society, is great. Make sure you are using God’s primary means to avoid this temptation and its consequences.

And then pray after the example of the blessed and sinless Lord Jesus Christ, “Lead us not into temptation.” For who can resist the power of this temptation? Only by the power of the Holy Spirit can a Christian hope to walk in sexual integrity before the Lord.

Neither can Jesus Christ’s churches play with fire without getting burned. The great whore herself, the mother church of Rome, has committed fornication with the world for 1500 years. Her religion is one of spiritual debauchery and abominations. You are commanded to reject such religious affiliations and not touch the unclean things (II Cor 6:14-17; Rev 18:4). God’s true churches must reject the embrace of the world and turn far away from her worldly beauty and flattery. It is impossible to enjoy her lying pleasures without God’s jealousy and judgment soon burning you up (Heb 10:30-31; 12:28-29).

Spiritual Training 06 November 2014

Posted: November 6, 2014 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Luke, Personal Growth, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Under Gods Command

Luke 12:47-48 The servant who knows his master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded, and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.

Here is one that hits home Hard, and we wonder why we got so many issues in our life, it’s because some of us know better. How many times we tell our children “You know better than that “and spank them on the backside, especially after you already given instructions. Same goes for us today with the Lord. We know better! So once someone brings something to our attention that we are doing wrong, we need to Pray and ask God to take it away. Something’s are easy, but some need the power of God because of our weakness, but we have to give it to him.

Jesus has told us how to live until he comes: we must watch for him, work diligently, and obey his commands. Such attitudes are especially necessary for leaders. Watchful and faithful leaders will be given increased opportunities and responsibilities. The more resources, talents, and understanding we have, the more we are responsible to use them effectively. God will not hold us responsibly for gifts he has not given us, but all of us have enough gifts and duties to keep us busy until Jesus returns.

Lets Bring it Home: Once God had told you, be prepared for more blows in your life for not being obedient to His word. And we wonder why we have so many issues in our life.

Spiritual Training 05 November 2014

Posted: November 5, 2014 in 1 Corinthians, Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Under Gods Command (LOVE)

1 Corinthians 13:08-13 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror, then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 

When Paul wrote of knowing “fully,” he was referring to when we must see Christ face to face. God gives believers spiritual gifts for their lives on earth in order to build up, serve, and strengthen fellow Christians. The spiritual gifts are for the church. In eternity, we will be made perfect and complete and will be in the very presence of God. We will no longer need the spiritual gifts, so they will come to an end. Then, we will have a full understanding and appreciation for one another as unique expressions of God’s infinite creativity. We will use our differences as a reason to praise God! Based on that perspective, let us treat each other with the same love and unity that we will one day share.

Paul wrote that love endures forever. In morally corrupt Corinth, love had become a mixed-up term with little meaning. Today, people are still confused about love. Love is the greatest of all human qualities and is an attribute of God himself (1 John 4:8). Love involves unselfish service to others. Faith is the foundation and content of God’s message; hope is the attitude and focus; love is action. When faith and hope are in line, you are free to love completely because you understand how God loves.

Lets Bring it Home: Does your faith fully express itself in loving others?

Proverbs 05:22 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: November 5, 2014 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 05, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Under Gods Command

Proverbs 5:22 The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast.

Solomon warned about sexual addiction 3000 years ago. Psychologists have only recently stumbled on it. Having warned his son about sexual sins and God’s punishment of them (Pr 5:1-21), Solomon added the sober warning of being bound by those sins for total destruction (Pr 5:22-23). Pleasures of sexual sins for a season may imprison you for life!

The context is plain and simple – sexual intimacy with anyone but your legitimate spouse (Pr 5:1-21). The man of this proverb is a fool that rejected the warnings and proceeded to sin with another woman. His sexual iniquities will take hold of his body and spirit, and he will be held in the chain-like shackles of his sexual sins. They will capture his very soul.

Sexual sins captivate a person’s soul more than others. Alcohol may lead to drunkenness and a chemical addiction, but fornication can lead to obsession with immoral thoughts and activity. Men who sin sexually are seldom recovered (Pr 2:18-19; 5:5-13; 6:26-35; 7:22-27; 9:17-18). Only God’s glorious grace can deliver a man from this bondage.

Sexual sins are also addictive in how they demand more and more stimulus to provide the original thrill. A voyeur seldom remains a voyeur. Few men are content with moderate pornography; they progressively seek more extreme and graphic images in order to feel the same level of sexual and sinful thrill of their first experiences with it.

Pornography itself is a case study in this progressive degeneration. What was called pornography 40-60 years ago is vastly different from pornography today. The difference is remarkable! Fools who began with female nudity in their teens must explore sodomy, bestiality, and pedophilia in their forties to get the same kick! And instead of improving marital pleasure, as their hearts lie to them, it destroys marital ability and satisfaction.

Young man! Older man! This proverb is as true as gravity. If you play with fantasies, pornography, fornication, or sodomy, you will destroy yourself. Your own sins will capture and imprison your soul. You will be unable to free yourself. You will never again love God, your wife, or godly living without a miracle from heaven. And God has not promised you or any other fornicator such a gracious and undeserved deliverance.

Consider Samson. He had good parents, was a Nazarite for life, was fearless of other men, and judged Israel twenty years. Samson lusted after Philistine women for their looks (Judges 14:1-3; 16:1), until he was helpless with Delilah. In spite of obvious intentions to destroy him, she was his omnipotent master (Judges 16:4-21). Why did he not catch on? Was he insane? He was a slave to sexual obsession. He ended up blind and a suicide.

Consider Amnon. He had good parents, was the firstborn son of King David, had the true religion of Jehovah, and could have had any eligible woman in Israel. But he sexually fantasized about his sister Tamar until he was sick with obsession for her. His addiction to this fantasy led to violently raping her, consequently hating her, and justifiably being killed by her brother Absalom (II Sam 13:1-39). He was a bond slave to fantasies.

Consider Solomon. He wrote Proverbs. He wrote this proverb. But women destroyed his life (I Kgs 11:4-13). How did it happen? He first married out of the Lord, against God’s command (Deut 7:1-6; I Kgs 3:1). He then became polygamous, also against God’s command (Deut 17:17; I Kings 11:1-3). His love of female variety became his sexual obsession, until he had 1000 women, which destroyed his life (Eccl 7:26-29).

Man! If you play with fantasies, pornography, fornication, or friendship with a woman not wholly the Lord’s, you are a flattering fool. You are a fool, because you have rejected God’s warnings. You are a flattering fool, because you have lied to yourself that you can get away with it. You will soon hate your pet sin, which will destroy you (Ps 36:2).

You are a fool to think you can escape your sin and its punishment by repenting later, for you are in perfect bondage to your lusts; you will neither be able nor willing to set yourself free. If you do escape sexual diseases, the rage of a jealous husband, or the sentence of the judge, you will be infallibly overtaken by the righteous judgment of God.

There is no greater bondage than a child of God who cannot repent and find joy and peace with his Lord. Do you hear me, sinner? He cannot repent! Why can he not repent? Because he has become a slave to his lusts, and his own heart is in the death throes of sinful thoughts and actions. Every time you allow a sinful thought or action in your life, you twist another sinful strand into the cords that will bind you in your sexual sins.

If you are playing with fantasies, pornography, or a sinful relationship, get away now. Flee youthful lusts, Paul would say (II Tim 2:22). Do not go near any place or thing that tempts you to sin sexually (Pr 4:15; 5:8; Ps 101:3; Rom 13:11). Pluck out your right eye or cut off your right hand rather than play with sexual sin, Jesus would say (Mat 5:28-30).

If you are addicted to a sexual sin, your case is not hopeless, but you will never free yourself by your means or strength. You must cut off the sin violently, totally, now! Repent with these words (Job 33:27-28). Beg God’s power in Jesus’ name to deliver you from sin, sex, and Satan. Humble yourself to a spouse, a parent, or a pastor with every condemning detail. Pursue God’s worship in public and private with your whole heart.

Nothing is too hard for the Lord Christ! You can read that harlots went into the kingdom of God before religious Pharisees (Matt 21:31). Paul told of many sexual sinners at Corinth, “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (I Cor 6:11).

Proverbs 04:26 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: November 4, 2014 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs, Proverbs 04, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Under Gods Command

Proverbs 4:26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. 

Wise men do not let life happen to them. They act with careful thought and sober reflection. They plan and manage their lives. They choose wise goals and the means to achieve them, and they compare their progress to them. Other than rare acts of God they cannot avoid, they control and direct their circumstances to serve them, not vice versa.

Rather than bouncing from one goal or direction to another, prudent men fix their lives in one steady course. They discipline all aspects of their lives toward their chosen goals. They carefully consider every part of life. They question, evaluate, and muse upon each choice they make to keep their overall objective before them and steady progress to it.

Reader, where are you going? Ponder the path of your feet. Is getting older all you are doing? Is life happening to you, rather than you directing it? Your daily and weekly routines should have a solid purpose and noble objective. Or are you on a treadmill – in a rut – not making any progress? Step back. Ponder the path of your feet. Examine yourself (II Cor 13:5). Consider your ways (Hag 1:5). Commune with your own heart (Ps 4:4).

What does it mean to ponder? It means to weigh a matter mentally, to consider it carefully, to think about it, to muse over it, and to meditate upon it. Most are too busy with too much noise and activity to stop and think soberly about their lives. Instead of musing, they seek amusements – activities designed to stop all thinking. Instead of self- and life-examination, they chase more entertainment. Instead of thinking, they drown out internal conversation with television, movies, music, drinking, or drugs. What folly!

Instead of quiet time to reflect on their lives, they have radios in their cars, televisions in their homes, and cell phones in their pockets. “God is not in all his thoughts” (Ps 10:4). They do not know where they are going, why they are going in a certain direction, or the consequences of it. They are victims of circumstances rather than managers of them. They are foolish and will be punished as surely as gravity causes things to fall downward.

But wisdom cries, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Ps 46:10). “Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah” (Ps 4:4). “I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search” (Ps 77:6). “But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him” (Hab 2:20). These are the activities of wise and holy men.

It is the fool who lives without thinking, walks without meditating, and chooses his path without pondering. Christians are called to walk circumspectly – examining their path from all angles! Only by this discipline can they understand and apply God’s will to their lives (Eph 5:15-17). It is your duty to make straight paths for your feet (Heb 12:13).

Another error keeps men from pondering their lives – most of their pondering is about others! It is the wicked, self-righteous hypocrite that ponders the lives of others instead of his own. He comforts himself in his sins by trying to identify as many as possible in others (Luke 18:9-14). Jesus condemned worrying about the mote in another person’s eye while you have barn beams in your own. This activity is the opposite of self-examination, and it proves a person to be the opposite of the righteous and wise – it proves him a fool.

What should you ponder? Are you walking with God and growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ? Are you bearing much spiritual fruit? Are you forgiving, loving, and serving all others to keep the second commandment? Is your marriage what it should be? Do you have activities in your life that create temptation and lead to sin? Are you single minded for the kingdom of God? Do you live with eternity in view? If you were to die today, would Jesus Christ find you in the way of righteousness?

Is your life leading toward the holy objective of pleasing Jesus Christ? Does your path on Sundays include a faithful church where all doctrine and practice matches the Scriptures? Are your priorities consistent with those Solomon lists in this book? Do you read, meditate, pray, and sing in private on a regular basis? Ponder the path of your feet.

Father, have you pondered the path your wife and children are taking? It is your duty before God to lead, guide, and correct them into the right way of the fear of the Lord (Ps 34:11). The true measure of your duty and love is to prepare and perfect them to meet the Lord Jesus Christ. Are you helping them keep their feet in the pathway of righteousness?

What keeps you from pondering the path of your feet? Whatever it is, it is not worth the danger of wandering out of the way of understanding and ending up in the congregation of the dead (Pr 21:16). “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Pr 14:12; 16:25). And reader, if you do not ponder your ways, the LORD is pondering them, especially your sexual ways (Pr 5:21). Do not neglect or forget this sacred duty to ponder your feet!

God Jehovah of the Bible calls you like He did Abraham. “And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect” (Gen 17:1). Will you answer the call?

If you answer this call, the LORD will send you visible and invisible teachers. “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left” (Is 30:21). Do you obey your teachers?

The psalmist said, “I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies” (Ps 119:59). Reader, will you join the psalmist in this frequent duty of pondering your life? “Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD” (Lam 3:40). Make it a part of your daily exercise in prayer (Ps 139:23-24).

Your flesh, the world, and Satan will daily lay snares in the way. You will face many even today. They will try to tempt and trap you in your thoughts, in your speech, in your relationships, in your job, and everywhere else. It is your duty to consider your ways carefully and avoid those snares. It is your duty to turn away, quickly, from every tempting and threatening situation (Pr 4:14-15; Rom 13:14; II Tim 2:22).

After pondering the path of your feet, it is your duty to fix and secure all your ways in the fear of the Lord. How do you identify the fear of the Lord for your life? By the Holy Scriptures! They are the lamp for your feet and the light for your path (Ps 119:105). The sure rock of Christ’s sayings must be the foundation of your house (Matt 7:24-27; II Pet 1:19-21). Establish – fix and settle permanently – all your ways in the Lord. And the grace of God is able to bless you toward this glorious life (I Pet 5:10; I Thess 3:12-13).

True disciples, the true children of God, continue in the word of Christ (John 8:31). They are not moved away from the hope of the gospel, but rather continue in the faith grounded and settled (Col 1:23). And it is by this confident and established perseverance in the truth that you show you are the true brethren of the Lord Jesus Christ (Heb 3:6,14).

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