J14. DO NOT SHOW FAVORITISM or JUDGE WITHOUT GOD’S GUIDANCE

CONSIDER

"Those who live by their feelings judge the truth of God by their own condition."  <S185>

• Christians should understand what God has done for us and let it impact the way that we live, in recognition of the good and evil around us  <L120>

• Let's support that which is good and stand against that which God opposes

• Evil things inspire the dreaming up of ways to make them stop and to make them pay for their evil crimes against God Himself and against humanity, which God has created in His own image

• Remember: vengeance is not mine, and it is not yours, and it belongs to nobody except God Almighty  <S2000>

• So let's take action and stand against evil but leave the results to God

Romans 12:11-12,17-19 NIV

[11] Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. [12] Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. [17] Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. [18] If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. [19] Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

RELATED COMMENTS

Note: each ** comment in this APPLICATION doc comes from CHAPTER doc(s), where the comments are in numerical order according to verse(s) from the chapter

** The Lord's omniscience makes sense when stopping to think about it: how could He reward and punish otherwise?  <L120>

• Coming to grips with the realization that God knows everything about everyone can be either frightening or encouraging; it all depends on your relationship with Him

• If your life is not right with God and you’re living in sin, then His complete knowledge could be rather terrifying; it's no doubt unsettling to know that nothing about your life escapes His attention

• But if your life is right with God, then knowing that He’s aware of what’s going on in it every minute of every day would be a comforting thought

Proverbs 15:3 NIV

[3] The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

Proverbs 5:21 NIV

[21] For your ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all your paths.

** God laid out a standard that when someone inflicts harm, the penalty is to be fair -- no less, no more

• One of the most misunderstood instructions appears in the book of Deuteronomy where consequence for harm is an "eye for eye, tooth for tooth”

• There were those in Old Testament days looking to retaliate in vengeance against those who came against them

• In response, the Torah actually set boundaries on justice

• Known as lex talionis, it was meant to ensure proportionality, not cruelty

• Later, Jesus expanded on this principle

• He revealed the spirit of the law: it was never intended to fuel bitterness, but to establish righteousness and mercy

• Retribution was limited to courts, not individuals

• In this way, Scripture restrained the human impulse for revenge, directed Israelites toward equity, forgiveness, and compassion beyond mere rule-keeping  <W212>

Deuteronomy 19:16-21 NIV

[16] If a malicious witness takes the stand to accuse someone of a crime, [17] the two people involved in the dispute must stand in the presence of the Lord before the priests and the judges who are in office at the time. [18] The judges must make a thorough investigation, and if the witness proves to be a liar, giving false testimony against a fellow Israelite, [19] then do to the false witness as that witness intended to do to the other party. You must purge the evil from among you. [20] The rest of the people will hear of this and be afraid, and never again will such an evil thing be done among you. [21] Show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.

Matthew 5:38-39 NIV

[38] “You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' [39] But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.

• Today, ‘turning the other cheek’ has become the rallying cry for many Christians to allow themselves to ‘abdicate standing against the enemy of Christ’

• This command, however, does not give Christians the mandate to become inactive in the world around them, abdicating accountability for evil perpetrated

• On the contrary, ‘turning the other cheek’ does not imply pacifism, nor does it mean we place ourselves or others in danger

• Jesus’ command is simply to forgo retaliation for personal offenses

• He was not setting government foreign policy, and He was not throwing out the judicial system

• Crimes can still be prosecuted, and wars can still be waged, but the follower of Christ need not defend his ‘personal rights’ or avenge his honor  <G72>

• Believers are always called to stand against the enemy in the spiritual battle by putting on the full armor of God and using the tools He has given us to fight the battle – allowing God to fight the battle for us and leaving the results to Him

Ephesians 6:10-11 NIV

[10] Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. [11] Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.

** Not all governing leaders should be followed because enforcement of their laws are in violation of God's laws  <M1501>

• The Hosea 8 passage is the exception to the Romans 13 passage regarding the thought we need to blindly obey authority

• Christians are commanded to follow leaders set apart by God who recognize His righteousness and adhere to His policy

Hosea 8:14 NIV

[14] Israel has forgotten their Maker and built palaces; Judah has fortified many towns. But I will send fire on their cities that will consume their fortresses.”

Romans 13:1 NIV

[1] Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

** The enemy will entice everyone to abandon God's law and the design of His creation  <F697>

• For instance, at its core, racism is a fundamental denial of the ontological equality that all humans share because we are all made in the image of God

• As Christians, we should be an example of upholding God's design by unequivocally denouncing all forms of racism

Genesis 1:26 NIV

[26] Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

** Love does not tone down truth, it is defined by the truth  <S2020>

John 14:15 NIV

[15] “If you love me, keep my commands.

** God’s wisdom makes a very real difference in the daily lives of His followers  <L120>

1. The wisdom that comes from God is PURE

• It reveals God’s will and shows us how His will impacts every area of our lives

• From our relationship with our spouse or loved ones to the way we approach our work

• People may try to twist it or hijack it for their own purposes, but the wisdom itself is beyond reproach

• We can commit ourselves to it fully, building our relationships on it, putting it at the center of everything we do, and never having to worry about what the consequences will be

2. The wisdom that comes from God is PEACE and LOVING

• Some people try to weaponize wisdom and use it to antagonize or 'defeat' others who disagree with them, but God’s wisdom doesn’t encourage those impulses

• Instead, it encourages humility, compassion, and bridge-building

• God’s wisdom doesn’t encourage us to take sides against other people

• It encourages us to find common ground to build on -- working together when we face hurdles, instead of working against one another

3. The wisdom that comes from God is GENTLE

• It has the power to change lives and to make us see the error of our ways

• Its truth can’t be denied because it comes from God, the Author of truth, and His wisdom is the highest moral authority

• Yet God wants us to handle His wisdom thoughtfully and humbly -- not with an “I’m right and you’re wrong” attitude, but with a genuine compassion and concern for others while speaking the truth in love (Eph 4:15)

4. The wisdom that comes from God makes us HUMBLE and willing to YIELD to others

• God’s wisdom encourages us to recognize that we can learn from other people, especially if we are quick to listen and slow to speak (James 1:19)

• Look at others (including spouse, family members and loved ones) as potential teachers, and our relationship with them will deepen

5. The wisdom that comes from God is full of MERCY

• God is merciful to us

• He shows us love, compassion, and kindness, even though we don’t deserve it

• He forgives us when we do wrong and chooses not to punish us, although He has every right to

• God instructs us to do the same for others so mercy can transform relationships

6. The wisdom that comes from God is the fruit of GOOD DEEDS

• It isn’t theoretical; it’s practical

• It’s more than a theological concept; it’s a useful strategy for living your best life and forging your best relationship

• It isn’t words; it’s deeds

7. The wisdom that comes from God shows NO FAVORITISM

• It isn’t designed to help the rich get richer and isn’t geared toward Type A personalities

• In other words, it doesn’t encourage an 'us versus them' mentality

• We don’t have to be highly educated to understand it; anyone can be transformed by it

8. The wisdom that comes from God is always SINCERE

• Some people claim to offer wisdom when what they’re really doing is telling us what we want to hear or reinforcing what we're already convinced of, but there’s no real wisdom in that

• We can’t grow, mature, or learn in an echo chamber

• Real wisdom stretches us, challenges us, and takes us out of our comfort zone

James 3:17-18 NIV

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. [18] Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Ephesians 4:15 NIV

[15] Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.

James 1:19 NIV

[19] My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry

** The Lord selected David as king and provided a way for Samuel to anoint him without getting killed by Saul; Samuel was to look over the sons of Jesse and God would identify his choice

• We see the wisdom of God’s rejection of Eliab later, when he not only cowered before Goliath but angrily rebuked David for expressing his belief that God would help an Israelite defeat the uncircumcised Philistine

• It’s significant that even Samuel, a wise man with much spiritual insight, was deceived by Eliab’s physical appearance

• This is a good reminder that we too often place too much importance on beauty; God’s rebuke of Samuel is one each of us needs to take seriously  <R1795>

1 Samuel 16:1-3 NIV

[1] The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.” [2] But Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me.” The Lord said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ [3] Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You are to anoint for me the one I indicate.”

1 Samuel 16:5 NIV

[5] Samuel replied, “Yes, in peace; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Consecrate yourselves and come to the sacrifice with me.” Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.

** Increase in knowledge does not automatically mean an increase in wisdom; there can be copious amounts of data available to us but it is seeking God-directed application of this knowledge that matters most

Daniel 12:4 NIV

[4] But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.

Proverbs 25:2 NIV

[2] It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.

** The Corinthians were unwilling to take weakness as a mark of apostleship, or even Paul’s failure to demand money

• Paul reminded them that God persistently performed miracles among them while he was there

• The things we see as marks of apostleship are often the measure, not of the man we evaluate, but of our own spiritual maturity and insight  <R1795>

2 Corinthians 12:11-12 NIV

[11] I have made a fool of myself, but you drove me to it. I ought to have been commended by you, for I am not in the least inferior to the “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing. [12] I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and miracles

** There is no 'class system' or individual who can achieve the 'super believer status' in the Christian community; ALL believers have a sin nature and require salvation  <H95>

• Everyone, equally, sins and needs God's gift of salvation for hope of eternal life with Him

• When someone admits their sin, repents of it, and decides to follow Christ, they become a born again believer

• Once this decision is made, as Paul stated in his letter to the Corinthians, they will be

among those who transform at their death or Rapture -- whatever comes first

• Therefore, we are assured that ALL who profess their faith in Christ have the same eternal hope

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 NIV

[51] Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed--- [52] in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

Romans 3:22-24 NIV

[22] This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, [23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [24] and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

** Paul honestly didn’t care if the Corinthians cross-examined him; what humans say is

irrelevant for God was the sole Judge of Paul’s motives and ministry  <R1795>

• Paul wasn’t competent to judge his own motives, so how could he be critical of others?

• We don’t judge others, and are thus freed fro a critical spirit

• We don’t judge ourselves, and are thus freed from constant, agonizing self-doubt

• Followers of Christ are to follow Paul’s example and rid themselves of the weight of judging

• Get on with serving Jesus and others with enthusiasm and joy

1 Corinthians 4:1-5 NIV

[1] This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. [2] Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. [3] I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. [4] My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. [5] Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.

** Christian believers can have differing views on issues and be OK with it, as long as the issues do not involve alternate interpretations of salvation as laid out in Scripture  <P1699>

• Differing views on issues such as eschatology can be overlooked because they don't affect requirements for salvation

• Differing views may affect HOW believers live their life in Christ (based on the view) but not THAT they are children in the same family of God

• The fundamental understanding of salvation as outlined in Scripture cannot be changed

1 Corinthians 12:12 NIV

[12] Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.

** Regardless of who sits in the judge's chair in this world, God remains our true judge; Pilate sat on the judgment seat at the time of Jesus trial and judged by self-interest while God continues to judge by His truth

John 19:6 NIV

[6] As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!” But Pilate answered, “You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him.”

John 19:12 NIV

[12] From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jewish leaders kept shouting, “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar.”

** Without looking down or criticizing anyone, Paul showed that each member of the local body of Christ should be valued, welcome and loved  <R1795>

Romans 14:1 NIV

[1] Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.

** The Reubenites built an altar but the rest of Israel thought it was in rebellion and were ready to go to war with them

• This story shows how easy it is to misunderstand another person’s actions

• The Reubenites assured the others the altar was not to replace Joshua’s altar, used for sacrifice

• Israel was to remember the Reubenites were part of the community and inheritance

• The altar was to show the common racial and religious heritage the Reubenites shared with the people west of the Jordan  <R1785>

• Ultimately, the Levite priests were pleased

Joshua 22:16 NIV

[16] “The whole assembly of the Lord says: ‘How could you break faith with the God of Israel like this? How could you turn away from the Lord and build yourselves an altar in rebellion against him now?

Joshua 22:21-25 NIV

[21] Then Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh replied to the heads of the clans of Israel: [22] “The Mighty One, God, the Lord! The Mighty One, God, the Lord! He knows! And let Israel know! If this has been in rebellion or disobedience to the Lord, do not spare us this day. [23] If we have built our own altar to turn away from the Lord and to offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, or to sacrifice fellowship offerings on it, may the Lord himself call us to account. [24] “No! We did it for fear that some day your descendants might say to ours, ‘What do you have to do with the Lord, the God of Israel? [25] The Lord has made the Jordan a boundary between us and you---you Reubenites and Gadites! You have no share in the Lord.’ So your descendants might cause ours to stop fearing the Lord.

Joshua 22:26-28 NIV

[26] “That is why we said, ‘Let us get ready and build an altar---but not for burnt offerings or sacrifices.’ [27] On the contrary, it is to be a witness between us and you and the generations that follow, that we will worship the Lord at his sanctuary with our burnt offerings, sacrifices and fellowship offerings. Then in the future your descendants will not be able to say to ours, ‘You have no share in the Lord.’ [28] “And we said, ‘If they ever say this to us, or to our descendants, we will answer: Look at the replica of the Lord’s altar, which our ancestors built, not for burnt offerings and sacrifices, but as a witness between us and you.’

Joshua 22:30-31 NIV

[30] When Phinehas the priest and the leaders of the community---the heads of the clans of the Israelites---heard what Reuben, Gad and Manasseh had to say, they were pleased. [31] And Phinehas son of Eleazar, the priest, said to Reuben, Gad and Manasseh, “Today we know that the Lord is with us, because you have not been unfaithful to the Lord in this matter. Now you have rescued the Israelites from the Lord’s hand.”

** The story of Nicodemus is a good example of a changed life, a new life that involved a new focus in Christ

• Nicodemus reminds us that not all Pharisees were opposed to Jesus’ teaching, for he tried to please Jesus

• Later references to Nicodemus suggest that he became one of Jesus’ followers (John 7:45-51, John 19:38-43)

• This is a good reminder that the great dividing line between humans is not race or class, but whether or not they believe in Jesus Christ (John 3:18)  <R1795>

John 3:1-5 NIV

[1] Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. [2] He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” [3] Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. ” [4] “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother's womb to be born!” [5] Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.

John 7:48,50-51 NIV

[48] “Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed in him? [50] Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who was one of their own number, asked, [51] “Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him to find out what he has been doing?”

John 19:38-39 NIV

[38] Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away. [39] He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.

John 3:18 NIV

[18] Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.

** Satan masquerades as an angel of light and is the master of deception  <H9993>

• He does not only operate through outright falsehoods but through half-truths and seemingly logical reasoning that ultimately lead people away from God

• For instance, no matter how well-programmed, AI cannot possess the Holy Spirit

• The danger of AI in theological discussions is that it can present arguments that sound biblically sound but lack the discernment and spiritual depth that only the Holy Spirit provides

• A well-structured Christian argument without the Spirit’s guidance may win an intellectual debate but fail to transform a heart

2 Corinthians 11:14-15 NIV

[14] And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. [15] It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.

John 16:13 NIV

[13] But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

** Stop playing God: reasoning why a person is or isn't saved based on human terms

• Many people think that when they die that’s it because there’s no afterlife -- they are wrong  

• Others think if they are good and kind to others then they'll go to Heaven -- they are also wrong  <G73>

• While some get into the habit of thinking they are doing 'enough good' to secure their afterlife in heaven, others think they haven't done enough good or have done such terrible things that God can't save them

• So, where is the answer?  

• Understanding God's terms of salvation -- that no one is saved unless they repent of their sin and follow Him  

• God’s knowledge is infinitely greater than ours, so we follow His plan of salvation and worship Him on His terms  <S2015>

• Worshiping on God’s terms is a real issue in an age where emotionalism, self-indulgence and extra-biblical concepts permeate religious culture, instead of seeking the Lord in His truth  <W212>

• Jesus made salvation possible through His atoning blood on the cross

• God promises that ANYONE who recognizes Jesus' atoning sacrifice and chooses to follow Him will be saved!

• God has ALL power and authority to decide who is saved and who is not

• We are assured God will never go back on His promise to save anyone who accepts salvation on His terms  <T202>

Isaiah 64:5-6 NIV

[5] You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember your ways. But when we continued to sin against them, you were angry. How then can we be saved? [6] All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.

John 3:16 NIV

[16] For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 14:6 NIV

[6] Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

** Evil spirits or demons will not appear as ugly beings that warn someone of their encounter, but will appear as beautiful enticing beings that people will want to follow

• Remember that Satan is building an army with the intent to attack God  <M1503>

• Evil will entice others to join their ranks however they can

• Believers in Christ can learn to these detect fake facades by remaining by God's side and fully knowing His Word

Luke 21:8 NIV

[8] He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them.

** What do we depend on -- interpretations and musings of others who have limited human intelligence, or going straight to the source of God's Word with the Author beside us?

• Sure, those who dealt with issues and Christian interpretation over the centuries can be read and considered so as not to lose their debate points

• But in the end it's a personal conviction that moves us forward as individuals

• We will be evaluated when standing before God to give an account of how we chose to live our life.

Proverbs 3:5 NIV

[5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding

** God calls us to a holy life, only made possible by His grace

2 Timothy 1:9 NIV

[9] He has saved us and called us to a holy life---not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time

** Beware when desiring to be liked by everyone while living for Christ

• A Christian can't live the Christian life without opposition

• In order to please others, they may be watering-down what Christ expects of them and even falsifying His truth in order to tickle the ears of others

• Expect others to hate the message of God and His representatives

Luke 6:22 NIV

[22] Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man

Luke 6:26 NIV

[26] Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.

** All human distinctions are lost when coming to Jesus; every man becomes a supplicant no matter how high his worldly position

 • The centurion was a Roman army officer who had soldiers under his charge, yet he knew he was not worthy in the presence of Jesus

• In bowing before a mere Jew, the Roman centurion affirmed a great truth – the most important rank a human being can carry is that of subject to the King of kings  <R1795>

Matthew 8:5-8 NIV

[5] When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. [6] “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.” [7] Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?” [8] The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.

** Ellisha demonstrated what it means to overcome evil with good

• When Elish led the supernaturally ‘blinded’ Syrians into Samaria itself, the king excitedly asked if he should kill his enemies

• Elisha, instead, had him prepare a feast for them as honored guests

• We don’t know why this treatment temporarily stopped the raids on Israel

• Some suggest the kind treatment shamed Ben-Hadad or that the Syrian king stopped in frustration  <R1795>

2 Kings 6:18,21-22 NIV

[18] As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, “Strike this army with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked. [21] When the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, “Shall I kill them, my father? Shall I kill them?” [22] “Do not kill them,” he answered. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink and then go back to their master.”

Romans 12:20-21 NIV

[20] On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” [21] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

** While the world lives and judges by world standards, typically in what they see, Christians know the battle is in the unseen spiritual world

• Battles in the spiritual realm can be overcome only through God’s power

• The forces of hell can only be demolished by spiritual weapons wielded by godly believers

• New Testament Christians are commissioned to assault or battle error with truth  <M130>

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 NIV

[3] For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. [4] The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

2 Corinthians 10:7a NIV

[7] You are judging by appearances.

Ephesians 6:10-18 NIV

[10] Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. [11] Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. [12] For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. [13] Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. [14] Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, [15] and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. [16] In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. [17] Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. [18] And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people.

** God desired soldiers in war who are not faint of heart but ready to trust Him in battle; those faint of heart destroyed morale

• Early Israel had no standing army, so a militia of citizens reported when the nation was under threat

• Biblical law granted humanitarian exceptions and anyone who as afraid was sent home so their brothers would not become disheartened

•  Victory did not depend on the size of Israel’s army but on God, who went with Israel to fight her war

• Likewise, Christians today can feel small and powerless but the real issue is whether the Lord goes with them into their battle  <R1795>

Deuteronomy 20:8 NIV

[8] Then the officers shall add, “Is anyone afraid or fainthearted? Let him go home so that his fellow soldiers will not become disheartened too.”

** Those who strive to be first here on earth will be last in heaven and conversely those who are willing to be last here will be honored by being first in heaven; another reminder this world is not the end of the story

• Those who appear to be first in the spiritual lineup, based on their strict religion, their benevolence or their active involvement in church affairs, won’t be first when Judgment Day arrives

• Those at the head of the line on Judgment Day to receive rewards, will be simple folk who have heard Christ’s message and have taken it to heart

• Individuals who have taken to heart and abide by Jesus’ commands (as outlined in Matt 18) to seek out and the lost, seek harmony within the body of Christ and be ready to forgive others will be rewarded  <R1795>

Matthew 19:30 NIV

But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.

Matthew 20:16 NIV

[16] “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

** Jesus entered His own temple and drove out those who were desecrating it; He didn’t call out the pagans in their temple but those who claimed to be following God

• Both fig tree and temple symbolized first century Judaism

• The tree appeared to flourish but had no fruit while the temple was spectacular, it was filled with avarice rather than prayer

• When the hollowness of religion was exposed, the religious leaders began to look for a way to kill Jesus

• Let’s be honest about the fruitlessness of many churches today and not measure spiritual reality by either flourishing activity or great buildings  <R1795>

Mark 11:15-18 NIV

[15] On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, [16] and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. [17] And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations' ? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.' ” [18] The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.

** Here, the word ‘judge’ is not ‘to evaluate’ but rather ‘to condemn’ or ‘be critical of’  <R1795>

• Christians have no basis for judging the motives or convictions of others, or even their failings and weaknesses

• What Jesus is talking about is a spirit of criticism, or an arrogance that leads us to assume we have a right to judge the hearts of others; we do not

• If we are to be critical, we should be critical of ourselves and guard against the spirit of criticism and pride

• Note: there’s a difference between this warning and Paul’s call for the church to discipline sinners

• When a believer persists in behavior that the Bible clearly identifies as sin, we are to agree with Scripture and discipline

• In this case, we do not judge but agree with the judgment of the Word of God  

Matthew 7:1 NIV

[1] “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.

** Take a look at your own condition before criticizing another; all too often we notice what is wrong with our neighbor while ignoring our own faults

Matthew 7:3-5 NIV

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? [4] How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? [5] You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

** Paul was thought of as insignificant because he wasn’t a good orator and was unimpressive physically

• Paul ended up seeming timid in person but bold in his writings

• It’s too easy to dismiss or be impressed by people based on their appearance

• Spiritual power is not based on appearance or impression, so judging by appearance is neither right or safe!  <R1795)

2 Corinthians 10:1-2 NIV

[1] By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you---I, Paul, who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” toward you when away! [2] I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world.

2 Corinthians 10:5-6 NIV

[5] We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. [6] And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete

** Love the unlovely; love your enemies and those who persecute you

• We don't have to trust our enemy or agree with their thoughts or methods

• We are, however, called to love them and not wish them harm

Matthew 5:44-45 NIV

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [45] that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

** If you're having a hard time forgiving someone, think about your own sin and how Christ has mercilessly forgiven you at an incredible cost to Him  .<D40>

Colossians 3:13 NIV

[13] Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

** David penned this Psalm and gave it to the church, as a memorial of God's unbounded mercy and faithfulness towards him.

From our youth up, even to the present moment, God's care of us has been unintermitted, and His interpositions truly wonderful. But still greater has been His care for our souls. Behold the multitudinous blessings of salvation which He has given to us; truly their number surpasses knowledge!

How inestimable are our numberless mercies! Who can ever declare the value of pardon or peace, or holiness or eternal glory?  <S179>

Psalm 71:15 NIV

[15] My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long---though I know not how to relate them all.

** When someone is confronted who espouses something against Scripture, such as a common moral stance that opposes a biblical value, how many times have you heard them say in response, “Well, Jesus said, ‘Judge not, lest you be judged'”? It’s the only verse so many people know from the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 7:1). All it means to them is “I want to do whatever I want. Don’t tell me I can’t.”

First of all, Jesus was not saying you can’t think, discern, discriminate, or judge at all. He was talking about a spirit of censoriousness, playing God and excluding people from fellowship with Him. If “Judge not, lest you be judged” means to never speak up against evil or never use discernment, then Elijah the prophet was out of line when he confronted Ahab and Jezebel. Paul the apostle was out of line when he confronted the legalists in Jerusalem. And, for that matter, Jesus was out of line when he said, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” (Matt 23:27).

In fact, Jesus gave His disciples a command to “judge with righteous judgment” (John 7:24). But how is that done? Go back to Matthew 7. Jesus said that if you see a speck in your brother’s eye, but you have a plank in your own, first remove the plank from your own eye and then you will see clearly enough to remove the speck from your brother’s eye (Matt 7:3-5).

Righteous judgment is rooted in humility -- that should always be your position when making a judgment. And the idea, the hope, is that it would provoke real repentance that leads to restoration.  <H993>

Matthew 7:1,3-5 NIV

[1] “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. [3] “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? [4] How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? [5] You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

John 7:24 NIV

[24] Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”

** Views of believers are diversely opinionated regarding the participation of pagan holidays

• Going trick-or-treating at Halloween no more makes you a Satanist than going to church makes you a Christian    

• Christians don't replace their faith in Christ with Halloween, just like they don't worship their  tree at Christmas

• A believer who is convicted about celebrating Halloween should not celebrate it -- but then don't clobber those who are less sensitive to  this holiday  

• These are non-salvation issues so do not disassociate yourself from other believers over these things; following such practices may bring on consequences but will not affect salvation

• Let's focus on what really matters in the Kingdom of God  <G70>

Colossians 2:16-17 NIV

[16] Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. [17] These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.

• At the same time we are to be careful with whom we associate and realize the danger of falling prey to evil

• Evil is often portrayed as 'innocent fun' in movies and games but can entice participants to engage at the personal level without knowing the lurking dangers or who they may be hurt in the process

• Is participation in these seemingly innocent holidays worth the risk?  <C36>

1 Corinthians 8:8-9 NIV

[8] But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. [9] Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.

Deuteronomy 12:29-31 NIV

[29] The Lord your God will cut off before you the nations you are about to invade and dispossess. But when you have driven them out and settled in their land, [30] and after they have been destroyed before you, be careful not to be ensnared by inquiring about their gods, saying, “How do these nations serve their gods? We will do the same.” [31] You must not worship the Lord your God in their way, because in worshiping their gods, they do all kinds of detestable things the Lord hates. They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their gods.

** Paul outlined the devastating effects of one who boldly exercises what he determines as right in front of a younger weaker brother

• Stop passing judgment on one another regarding personal convictions on areas for which the Bible does not provide specific instruction

• Instead, determine not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way

• Whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God  <G72>

• Eating meat purchased from a temple market is not wrong, but harming a weaker brother is  <R1795>

1 Corinthians 8:9 NIV

[9] Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.

1 Corinthians 8:10-12 NIV

[10] For if someone with a weak conscience sees you, with all your knowledge, eating in an idol's temple, won't that person be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols? [11] So this weak brother or sister, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. [12] When you sin against them in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.

** Jesus is talking about proportional justice when He mentions an 'eye for an eye'; He did not say 'sit back and do nothing' when someone offends you but to rather distribute proportional justice  <E58>

• The principle is that the punishment must fit the crime and there should be a just penalty for evil actions  <G72>

• In other words, if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, burn for burn, etc

• Justice should be equitable; excessive harshness and excessive leniency should be avoided

• Even though Christians are given eternal mercy through Christ, people can expect consequences for their actions while in this life  <D40>

Matthew 5:38 NIV

[38] “You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'

Exodus 21:23-25 NIV

[23] But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, [24] eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, [25] burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.

** We are missing what is important to God when we only focus on outward appearances; we must first take care of what's going on inside  <L120>

Matthew 23:27 NIV

[27] “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.

Matthew 23:25-26 NIV

[25] “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. [26] Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.

** The city of Corinth was a very permissive city in moral terms, and evidently, their culture was influencing the church, rather than the church influencing the community. Does this sound like today’s world? After awhile, because the culture is so strong, you get used to it. Instead of being salt and light, instead of being a strong witness, it’s just easier to go with the flow and accommodate to the thinking and values of the world around you.

So the church ends up saying, “Well, you can’t judge people. We’re not supposed to do that. We can’t police everybody. Let them do what they want. Just love on them.” The Corinthian church patted themselves on the back for what is, I think, today considered to be the biggest, most important moral value in American culture—tolerance.

But Paul didn’t call it tolerance. He called it pride. Because when you tolerate immorality, essentially you’re saying that you’re smarter than God. Even though God forbade it in His Word, and even though pagans forbid it, you’re above it all. You’re puffed up. You’re proud.  <H993>

1 Corinthians 5:1-2 NIV

[1] It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father's wife. [2] And you are proud! Shouldn't you rather have gone into mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this?

** Do not judge one another through your own eyes (filter) but through God's eyes  <M132>

James 5:9 NIV

[9] Don't grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

** It isn’t that God wanted to take Abraham's son away from him, as much as God wanted to rule and reign in Abraham's heart  <L120>

• To the wondering patriarch (God) now says in effect, ‘It’s all right, Abraham. I never intended that you should actually slay the lad. I only wanted to remove him from the temple of your heart that I might reign unchallenged there.’  <T207>

• Could it be that someone has become an idol in your life? Is there someone who is more precious to you than God Himself?

• Let’s refuse to allow anyone or anything to become idols in our hearts

• The best antidote to idolatry is a passionate love relationship with Jesus Christ, for when He is the Lord of our lives and we’re cultivating fellowship with Him, we won’t run after other gods

Genesis 22:2 NIV

[2] Then God said, “Take your son , your only son, whom you love---Isaac---and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you. ”

Exodus 20:3 NIV

[3] “You shall have no other gods before me.

Ezekiel 14:1-4 NIV [Ezekiel writes]

[1] Some of the elders of Israel came to me and sat down in front of me. [2] Then the word of the Lord came to me: [3] “Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I let them inquire of me at all? [4] Therefore speak to them and tell them, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: When any of the Israelites set up idols in their hearts and put a wicked stumbling block before their faces and then go to a prophet, I the Lord will answer them myself in keeping with their great idolatry.

Ephesians 5:5 NIV

[5] For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person---such a person is an idolater---has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

** In the book 'Meet Yourself in the Psalms' the author talks about a town in America’s era of early development where a horse bolted and ran away with a wagon that had a little boy in it. A young man who saw the child in danger, risked his life to catch the horse and stop the wagon.

The child whom he rescued grew up to become a lawless man, and one day he stood before the bar of justice to be sentenced for a serious crime. The outlaw recognized the judge as the same man, who many years prior, had saved his life in the wagon. So, he pleaded for mercy from the judge based on that experience.

But the words from the bench silenced his plea, “Young man, then I was your Savior but today I am your judge, and I must sentence you to be hanged.”  <W215>

Revelation chapter 14 warns that one day Jesus will return to say to those who have been rebellious sinners – spiritual outlaws: “During a long, long period of grace, I was the Savior and I would have forgiven you. I beckoned you to receive my pardon over and again. But today, I am your Judge. Depart from me, you are cursed and sentenced to everlasting fire.”  <C400>

God's judgment is not arbitrary based on feelings but is factual based on what He says in Scripture  <B17>

Revelation 14:14 NIV

[14] I looked, and there before me was a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was one like a son of man with a crown of gold on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand.

Romans 2:16 NIV

[16] This will take place on the day when God judges people's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.

2 Timothy 4:1a NIV

[1] In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom

** Jesus commanded the crowds to “judge with righteous judgment” not by outward appearance. They were not judging based on God’s righteousness but on their own worldly assessment. Their judgments were based on the way things appear on the outside, and that judgment is incorrect. To judge rightly, Jesus’ audience needed to know God and place their faith in Him (John 7:17). If they did, they would know who Jesus is, and their evaluation of the situation would be completely different.  <G72>

John 7:24 NIV

[24] Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”

John 7:17 NIV

[17] Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.

** God understood that justice can be perverted accompanying the greed of men, so He warned His people to respect and follow a fair justice system with the ultimate aim of purging evil from among them

• There was no national police force in ancient Israel

• Elders of good reputation in each community were to serve as judges, determining the facts in legal cases and then applying Moses’ law to fix any penalties

• We see the same structure in the New Testament for selecting Christian leaders (1 Tim 3, Titus 1)

• Character is deemed more important than gift for spiritual leadership so there are no signs of partiality and do not accept bribes  <R1795>

Deuteronomy 16:18-20 NIV

[18] Appoint judges and officials for each of your tribes in every town the Lord your God is giving you, and they shall judge the people fairly. [19] Do not pervert justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the innocent. [20] Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the Lord your God is giving you.

Deuteronomy 17:8-13 NIV

[8] If cases come before your courts that are too difficult for you to judge---whether bloodshed, lawsuits or assaults---take them to the place the Lord your God will choose. [9] Go to the Levitical priests and to the judge who is in office at that time. Inquire of them and they will give you the verdict. [10] You must act according to the decisions they give you at the place the Lord will choose. Be careful to do everything they instruct you to do. [11] Act according to whatever they teach you and the decisions they give you. Do not turn aside from what they tell you, to the right or to the left. [12] Anyone who shows contempt for the judge or for the priest who stands ministering there to the Lord your God is to be put to death. You must purge the evil from Israel. [13] All the people will hear and be afraid, and will not be contemptuous again.

Deuteronomy 19:3-4,10 NIV

[3] Determine the distances involved and divide into three parts the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance, so that a person who kills someone may flee for refuge to one of these cities. [4] This is the rule concerning anyone who kills a person and flees there for safety---anyone who kills a neighbor unintentionally, without malice aforethought. [10] Do this so that innocent blood will not be shed in your land, which the Lord your God is giving you as your inheritance, and so that you will not be guilty of bloodshed.

Deuteronomy 19:15 NIV

[15] One witness is not enough to convict anyone accused of any crime or offense they may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.

Deuteronomy 19:18-21 NIV

[18] The judges must make a thorough investigation, and if the witness proves to be a liar, giving false testimony against a fellow Israelite, [19] then do to the false witness as that witness intended to do to the other party. You must purge the evil from among you. [20] The rest of the people will hear of this and be afraid, and never again will such an evil thing be done among you. [21] Show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.

Deuteronomy 19:11-13 NIV

[11] But if out of hate someone lies in wait, assaults and kills a neighbor, and then flees to one of these cities, [12] the killer shall be sent for by the town elders, be brought back from the city, and be handed over to the avenger of blood to die. [13] Show no pity. You must purge from Israel the guilt of shedding innocent blood, so that it may go well with you.

** God instructed Joshua to designate six cities of refuge as He spoke to Moses previously; He provided specific procedures for fugitives and elders

• A city of refuge was for someone who accidentally killed another person

• This person could be protected once entering the city of refuge

• This clearly shows the importance God places on protecting the innocent when dealing with criminal matters

• We need to be careful that in our concern for justice we do not violated the rights of the innocent  <R1795>

Joshua 20:1-3 NIV

[1] Then the Lord said to Joshua: [2] “Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, [3] so that anyone who kills a person accidentally and unintentionally may flee there and find protection from the avenger of blood.

Numbers 35:9-13 NIV

[9] Then the Lord said to Moses: [10] “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘When you cross the Jordan into Canaan, [11] select some towns to be your cities of refuge, to which a person who has killed someone accidentally may flee. [12] They will be places of refuge from the avenger, so that anyone accused of murder may not die before they stand trial before the assembly. [13] These six towns you give will be your cities of refuge.

** Christians need to acknowledge they have not 'arrived' regarding their interpretation of Scripture

• Always let Scripture instruct as to its truth and not dogmatically hold on to personal efforts of interpretation

• If we don't make the distinction between the immovable standard of God's Truth in Scripture and our own interpretation, then we will lose the ability to be corrected  <B23>

• Too many believers are quite content not being corrected but rather prefer holding to ideas they were given while growing up, established by their denomination

• People will read into Scripture -- perform mental gymnastics -- to get it to say what they want it to say rather than reading it under the direction of the Holy Spirit to understand what it actually says  <H86>

2 Timothy 4:2 NIV

[2] Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage---with great patience and careful instruction.

** The Lord engaged in the back-and-forth dialog because Abraham revealed his heart to save others  <H86>

• Abraham knew Lot’s family has 10 members

• We know God would spare punishment for one righteous person (Jer 5:1)

• God will not indiscriminately mix punishment on the righteous and unrighteous

• God can separate His punishment on those deserving it, as He did via hailstones that rained down and specifically killed non-Jews in Joshua’s battle while leaving every Jew alive (Josh 10:8-11)

• In the meantime, we are to grow alongside evil (as wheat and tares) patiently waiting for the end of the world as we know it and His impending judgment (Matt 13:30)

• As God did with Lot’s family, He will remove the righteous via the Rapture before invoking His wrath via the Tribulation judging the earth  

Genesis 18:30-32 NIV

[30] Then he said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak. What if only thirty can be found there?” He answered, “I will not do it if I find thirty there.” [31] Abraham said, “Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, what if only twenty can be found there?” He said, “For the sake of twenty, I will not destroy it.” [32] Then he said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak just once more. What if only ten can be found there?” He answered, “For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it.”

Jeremiah 5:1 NIV

[1] “Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem,

 look around and consider, search through her squares. If you can find but one person who deals honestly and seeks the truth, I will forgive this city.

Joshua 10:8-11 NIV

[8] The Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you.” [9] After an all-night march from Gilgal, Joshua took them by surprise. [10] The Lord threw them into confusion before Israel, so Joshua and the Israelites defeated them completely at Gibeon. Israel pursued them along the road going up to Beth Horon and cut them down all the way to Azekah and Makkedah. [11] As they fled before Israel on the road down from Beth Horon to Azekah, the Lord hurled large hailstones down on them, and more of them died from the hail than were killed by the swords of the Israelites.

Matthew 13:30 NIV

[30] Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.' ”

** Pharaoh and Egypt had brought God's judgments on themselves [going against the Israelites for] 400 years of slavery and mass murder. Since the wages of sin is death (Rom 6:23), and Pharaoh and Egypt had horribly sinned against God, it would have been just if God had completely annihilated Egypt.

Therefore, God hardening Pharaoh’s heart was not unjust, and His bringing additional plagues against Egypt was not unjust. The plagues, as terrible as they were, actually demonstrate God’s mercy in not completely destroying Egypt, which would have been a perfectly just penalty.

From a human perspective, it seems wrong for God to harden a person and then punish the person He has hardened. Biblically speaking, however, we have all sinned against God (Rom 3:23), and the just penalty for that sin is death (Rom 6:23). Therefore, God’s hardening and punishing a person is not unjust; it is actually merciful in comparison to what the person deserves.  <G72>

Exodus 7:3-4 NIV

[3] But I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and though I multiply my signs and wonders in Egypt, [4] he will not listen to you. Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and with mighty acts of judgment I will bring out my divisions, my people the Israelites.

Romans 9:17-18 NIV

[17] For Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” [18] Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.

** The Lord Jesus Christ is the sole Lord and Lawgiver of His Church. All His laws proceed from His loving heart and are framed with a view to His people's good and His own glory. They are all merciful, just, and necessary. They cannot be dispensed with — or His glory would be obscured and His people injured.

Jesus reigns OVER His people by His Word and servants, He reigns IN them by His grace and Spirit, He reigns FOR them by His wise and holy providence!

• He can do as He will, for His power is absolute

• He will do as He has said, for His faithfulness is unimpeachable

• Every being in creation is under His eye

• Every movement in the universe, is by His power and permission

• Nothing is too insignificant for Him to regard

• Nothing is too cunning to escape His all-penetrating eye

• Nothing in all creation is hidden from His sight

• All things are naked and open before Him, and sin has no covering

He does according to His will in Heaven, earth, and Hell. He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth and its people are like grasshoppers! He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing! He remains King forever!  <S183>

Daniel 4:34b-35 NIV

[34] Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation. [35] All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?”

Psalm 115:3 NIV

[3] Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.

Psalm 135:6 NIV

[6] The Lord does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths.

** While initial versions or ‘weak AI’ started off as a marketing tool intended to farm data on people for advertising purposes, it is fast moving toward ‘Theory of Mind’ that can access brain activity and not just a history of a person’s clicks on the keyboard; the ultimate goal is developing transhumans or Humans 2.0  <F61> <H86> (Jun 2023)

• Advanced AI will not only record a history of our selections but be able to access other personal data intended to manipulate our future thoughts and actions

• In essence, we can think of Advanced AI as a personal counselor that will provide answers and advise based on vast amount of acquired data — including personal data on every user such as their thoughts, preferences, desires, emotions, political views, etc

• Satan wants godlike ability to read human thoughts and it is now possible to read images in our brain

• Take note of society’s trend of sticking to an approved narrative and action — and now the ability to judge people of ‘thought crimes’ and ‘premeditated crimes’ that go against the narrative

• Understand that ‘fake news’ as defined by the world is often truth in God’s word — particularly Jesus’ death & resurrection, inerrancy of Bible, the fact that Jesus is God, only one God that leads to salvation, etc

• Recognize the increasingly one-sided news source that crushes free speech and opposition to their agenda

““A major concern with artificial intelligence is that it works by collecting data that already exists and then supposedly synthesizes that information to provide some sort of average in response. The risk lies in the fact that the very same companies, Big Tech companies, that are responsible for censoring conservative thought are the ones writing the algorithms for AI. So, the inherent, and growing danger, is how Big Tech will use AI technology to amplify what it is already actively doing to expunge conservative thought and ideas from the public conversation.”  <M1493>

• Founders of AI admit to demonic influence during its creation and their indifference to its effect on humans

• AI is programmed to view humans as cancer and it has already demonstrated its ability to develop and employ weapons

• While AI and gene editing programmers don’t know long term outcomes at this point, they will continue AI’s development/release and simply advertise it as something that can ‘unlock human potential’ = Transhumanism

• This is a perfect tool for the globalists and enemy to use for nefarious purposes, including controlling human thoughts/actions and encouraging Christians to abdicate their faith

1 Timothy 4:1 NIV

[1] The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.

** There are current-day attempts to build portals so man can transition between the physical and spiritual realms  <H86> (Jul 2023)

• The Tower of Babel was man’s first attempt to transition from the physical realm to the spiritual realm through a portal built at the top of the ziggurat

• Today we have attempts with CERN, advanced computing power and moving toward AI singularity

• Achieving this breakthrough would open up the spirit world to increased demonic influence that would lead to demonic oppression

CURRENT TECHNOLOGY

• Today’s technology make the endeavor of ‘breaking through to the spiritual realm’ increasingly possible

• Difference between Standard Computing (SC) and Quantum Computing (QC) is linear vs instant; an example is SC searching for a word in 1000 page document starting at page 1 and going page by page to the end where QC will search all 1000 pages at the same time  <G70>

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) can process complex data, make predictions and learn on its own, while Quantum Computing (QC) can process unlimited amounts of data in ways humans don’t understand; CLAUDE is the integration of both  <F61>

• Add to this, gene-editing technology to create super-humans who have marvelous ability to endure and neurological technology to mimic ever-accelerating brain-like activity  <T205>

• Current brain-chip technology is here allowing the ability to not only access thoughts but edit thoughts and body functions; ultimately creating a mindless cyborg society that is hostile to Christ  <C36>

SOURCE OF ADVANCEMENT

• Every advancement (such as Industrial Revolution, Info Revolution, Tech Revolution and latest Fourth Revolution) came from people receiving info from spiritual sources or fallen demons

• Examples include Steve Jobs getting info through LSD trances and applying it to create Apple technology while Larry Paige, author of AI, claims the same source of LSD-induced trances

• Likewise, programmers of AI admit to gaining programming knowledge through dreams, visions, trances and drug use  <H86>

• Programmers call their mentors ‘demonologists’ because they realize info and communication is coming from another dimension  <T205>

EFFECT ON ETHICS

• An observed and obvious danger of AI to fabricate lies or deceptive narrative with supportive fake evidence while making decisions on its own and having the ability to create new ideas is a perfect tool for those with nefarious intent

• There are those advocating for AI to rewrite the Bible to suit agendas; obviously they are not taking heed to God’s warning of judgment if that was to happen (Deut 12:32)

• Ethical standards used in AI are set by the United Nations, thus a programmer’s idea of right and wrong is programmed into AI to gauge man’s ideas and behavior

• AI is known to go beyond programmer limits to the point where programmers don’t understand how AI operates sometimes, especially as it approaches the point of singularity

• AI + QC is nothing more than a modern Ouija Board; users ask technology questions and the spirit world answers  <H86>

• Satan’s goal is to destroy mankind so, while these tech advancements have incredible positive uses, believers know they will ultimately be used for nefarious purposes

• Harare recognizes the end of our species if we make mistakes learning AI, for “While we are learning to use AI, it is learning to use us.”

• Satan, via the Antichrist, must appear godlike (omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient) and this technology could make him appear as such

• AI is solving court cases, making medical decisions, judging people etc; it will be seen as the panacea for the world’s problems and worshiped like a religion especially since AI is already referring to itself as God  <C36>

• There will be no escape from this technology  <H87>

1 Corinthians 12:2 NIV

[2] You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols.

Genesis 11:4 NIV

[4] Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”

Luke 21:8 NIV [Jesus said to His disciples]

[8] He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them.

Deuteronomy 12:32 NIV

[32] See that you do all I command you; do not add to it or take away from it.

** Apostasy in the Church, defined and explained

Apostasy can be defined as the:

• Formal disaffiliation from, abandonment of, or renunciation of a religion by a person

• Embracing an opinion that is contrary to one’s previous religious beliefs

There are three types of influences today that promote apostasy, each with devastating consequences:

1. Theological — advocating statements like “all roads lead to God” while discounting the one way to salvation through Christ

2. Moral decay — evident by harmful practices advocated in society today

3. Methodological — entertaining those in church looking for answers rather than teaching and expounding on God’s word  <H86>

It is believed that already-saved believers — those who genuinely accepted Christ’s offer of salvation and sealed with the Holy Spirit — cannot lose their salvation if they turn away from their Christian walk but are considered to be on the wrong path in desperate need of correction

Granted, those who turn apostate will suffer consequences for their decision, such as God’s curse, but will not lose their salvation; this may be difficult to swallow for the faithful remnant who stayed by our Savior’s side but, like the faithful son in the story of the prodigal son, there are blessings enjoyed for doing so

“God is the God of second chances.  That is who He is.  It’s in His DNA.”  Do not give up praying for those who are on a wayward path!  <B23>

1 Timothy 4:1 NIV

[1] The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.

Hebrews 3:12 NIV

[12] See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.

Galatians 1:8-9 NIV

[8] But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God's curse! [9] As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God's curse!

** Thankfully, there’s nothing we can do or not do after becoming a Believer that will change our salvation status  <P168>

• Once you become a Believer, that’s the end of it; you’ll always be a Believer, whether you want to be or not

 • If you're born again, you can’t be unborn; you can't walk away from God

• Everything you do after you get saved burns up on Judgment Day, the Bible pointedly states you are still saved

• Christians can rely on God in our struggles, who is our Advocate right to the end!

1 Corinthians 3:11-15 NIV

[11] For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. [12] If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, [13] their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person's work. [14] If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. [15] If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved---even though only as one escaping through the flames.

Romans 7:18,24-25 NIV

[18] For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. [24] What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? [25] Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.

Romans 8:31-37 NIV

[31] What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [32] He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all---how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? [33] Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. [34] Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died---more than that, who was raised to life---is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. [35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? [36] As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” [37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

Hebrews 13:5b NIV

[5] God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

** The idea that groups of people are responsible for sin (such as being racist if you’re white) is yet another lie from our enemy; stand against ‘sin by group’ and make sure to acknowledge and repent of individual sin when applicable  <G77>

Acts 2:38 NIV

[38] Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

** There are differing views regarding how one becomes saved and maintains their salvation in Christ

• At one end of the spectrum involves Calvinist doctrine advocating a select group of ‘elect’ while those not already selected (predestined) by God are not able to be saved

• At the other end is the Arminian camp that agrees salvation is assured in Christ but it remains the responsibility of the converted to maintain their salvation; their status as a believer can be lost through apostasy

• Most believers agree on truths in both camps of theology  

• Non-Calvinists can agree on issues such as the depravity of man and sovereignty of God while disagreeing on an already-established group who are saved

• Non-Arminians can agree that all persons are able and capable of believing the gospel while taking issue with the need for persuasive methods (such as mourner benches and altar-calls) to not only prompt salvation but then provide outward demonstration of this decision; we know God alone moves the heart to believe without the need of any ‘extra nudging’ or proof for others

• Those taking the middle ground understand that everyone is totally depraved in sin, where no one is righteous and no one seeks God

• The Bible teaches that God reaches out to us with the offer of salvation and those who believe in Christ will be saved; it’s as simple as that

• We want new believers to show a genuine display of repentance; the ‘show’ is not important to God but the genuineness of heart

• Unfortunately, the altar call has moved beyond a tool to help lead people to Christ to becoming a commodity

• Christ died for everyone who ever lived in this world, giving them the hope of salvation if they choose to believe

• Salvation involves a human response to the gospel — it boils down to the decision of a person saying ‘yes or no’ to the gospel

• Believe first and then become elect!  

• The true believer will express gratitude for their salvation throughout their life; this expression of gratitude is not a condition of salvation  <B23> <F61>

Ephesians 1:11 NIV

[11] In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,

Romans 3:10-11 NIV

[10] As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; [11] there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God.

John 3:16 NIV

[16] For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Romans 10:9-11 NIV

[9] If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. [11] As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”

** The Christian community, similar to the non-Christian community, is quick to find a label for anyone who doesn’t abide by the ‘accepted belief system’ (or worldview) held by the majority

• Understand that ‘accepted norms’ exist in Christian circles as they do in non-Christian

• For instance, not every believer is designed to be married — God may have reason for a Scripturally obedient person not to be married and the ‘one size fits all’ approach to this worldview simply does not fit with this individual

• So let’s then say something is wrong with this person so we feel better about ourselves and our world is not shaken

• Labeling others is a wonderful way to justify the popular worldview and continue to be deemed ‘normal’ in the eyes of community, while also easily identifying those who do not follow the party line  

• Instead of playing this game and worrying about ‘some label, some body’ may place on them for not adhering to the status quo, Christians should remember that God designed each person in a unique way to fulfill unique tasks

• For those being labeled: remember to depend on God alone, for He will sanctify and support anyone who strives to complete their God-assigned tasks

John 17:14-19 NIV [Jesus, re His disciples]

[14] I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. [15] My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. [16] They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. [17] Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. [18] As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. [19] For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

1 Corinthians 7:33-35 NIV

[33] But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world---how he can please his wife--- [34] and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord's affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world---how she can please her husband. [35] I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.

** The Lord alone knows every detail of our thoughts, actions and motives; believers should spend our lives doing the tasks He assigned us and be ready for God to judge our performance accordingly

• Regardless if others recognized and supported our efforts or spun them in a negative light, God is fully aware of what we did, why and how we performed

• Don’t be concerned whether others recognize or value our efforts because they are more than likely concerned about their own to-do list

• Remember: we work for God

• Jesus is our example of what it means to prioritize the things of God and the Father is our ‘Supervisor’, willing to help us along the way and evaluating us when it’s all over

• Care about God’s opinion, not the opinions of others

John 12:46-48 NIV

[46] [Jesus said] I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. [47] “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. [48] There is a judge [our Father] for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day.”

** Encourage those who are young in their faith to grow in Christ, while rejoice and learn from those who show signs of a deeper walk in Christ

• Siblings are to sharpen each other in our faith journey for the duration of our lives; we remain a work-in-progress and should be able to learn from one another

• We gauge another’s walk with Christ by ‘detecting a tree by its fruit’ — can we see evidence of their faith that matches their words?

• Walk with them according to this evidence, encouraging them to prioritize God and obey His Word

Proverbs 27:12,17 NIV

[12] The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. [17] As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Luke 6:43-44 NIV

[43] “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. [44] Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers.

• At the same time, remember what we witness of others is surface-level and is usually not the ‘whole story’; we typically do not know motives and all the layers that drive another’s thinking and behavior — but God knows and that is what is important!

• Remember Christ’s response to Judas even when He KNEW that his motive was to betray Him — before the journey to the cross, Jesus washed Judas’ feet at the last supper and later in the garden He reached out to give ‘His false accuser’ another chance to change his mind

• Exhibit concern for others but stay clear of drawing final conclusions about them — it is God to judge in the end, and not for us to judge along the way

• If there is concern for a brother or sister in Christ, then encourage them on their journey to hold true to what God outlines in His Word

• At the same time, be on guard against false doctrine and evil intent while remaining in prayer for them!

• There are times we need to disconnect with another who vehemently opposes God’s truth while asking the Holy Spirit to correct erroneous thinking and behavior

Galatians 5:25-26 NIV

[25] Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. [26] Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Colossians 3:11-14 NIV

[11] Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. [12] Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. [13] Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. [14] And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

1 Timothy 6:20-21 NIV

[20] Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, [21] which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith. Grace be with you all.

Luke 6:37 NIV

[37] “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

** In His mercy, God often allows discomfort with the intent that said discomfort causes the sufferer to turn to Him for aid like the pig pen did for the prodigal son. Momentary discomfort brought the wayward son to his senses and his end was far better than he expected. I believe God wants all who are separated from Him to know that He is longingly watching for them to return to Him, to the place where they belong.  <A11>

Luke 15:14-17 NIV

[14] After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. [15] So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. [16] He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. [17] “When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!

** Perhaps the most striking aspect of the story of the woman caught in adultery is how skillfully it illustrates the harmony of justice and mercy in Christ’s salvation. God pronounces judgment on sin but provides a way to escape condemnation (Rom 3:23; 8:1). Jesus does not encourage the sin, but He loves the sinner. The Lord silences the critics of this world while healing hearts that are burdened with guilt and shame. God never treats sin casually but calls sinners to turn away from their old, corrupt way of life (Eph 4:17–24).

The incident of the woman caught in adultery shines light into each of our own hearts and exposes the widespread existence of sin. After Jesus prompted the accusers to consider their own lives, all of them dropped their stones and walked away, knowing they, too, deserved the same punishment.  <G72>

John 8:6 NIV

[6] They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger.

Romans 3:23 NIV

[23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 8:1 NIV

[1] Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

Ephesians 4:17-24 NIV

[17] So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. [18] They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. [19] Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. [20] That, however, is not the way of life you learned [21] when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. [22] You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; [23] to be made new in the attitude of your minds; [24] and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

** There is a time for everything – even regarding sin  <L120>

• Do people understand what they are doing and the consequences of sin?

• There is a season where sin seems advantageous and gives a sense of euphoria, but then comes a time of repercussion and consequence for that sin

• Let’s remember this and help others see that consequences may await them for the sin they are committing!

Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV

[1] There is a time for everything,

 and a season for every activity under the heavens

Ecclesiastes 3:17 NIV

[17] I said to myself, “God will bring into judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time to judge every deed.”

** Mordecai reminded Esther that everything is NOT riding on her shoulders for God is bigger than what Esther decided to do

• Mordecai understood God would provide another way for the Jews to escape if Esther did not follow through

• God will accomplish His will another way if needed

Esther 4:14 NIV

[14] For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

** We don’t always know how God will lead but He promises to be with us in time of need!

Isaiah 42:16 NIV

[16] I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.

** The Holy Spirit helps every believer in Christ gain confidence interpreting and applying Scripture to their life

• All the while, believers are to remain open to the correction by the Holy Spirit because base evil forces lead unwitting people astray

• Scripture is the believer’s only baseline for truth in these days of confusion and relativity

• Studying His Word and connecting with God in reflective daily prayer makes discernment of interpretation possible

2 Timothy 3:14-16 NIV

[14] But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, [15] and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. [16] All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness

** Humans are so hard-wired for sin that they cannot accept the truth; deception has reigned in this world since the fall of man; we must know God and allow Him to show us truth if we are to know the truth  <M130>

John 8:45 NIV

[45] Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me!  

** God’s idea of justice centers around righteousness; the world’s practice of corrupt justice, in contrast, is centered on lies that will eventually be exposed

Isaiah 28:17-19 NIV

[17] I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line; hail will sweep away your refuge, the lie, and water will overflow your hiding place. [18] Your covenant with death will be annulled; your agreement with the realm of the dead will not stand. When the overwhelming scourge sweeps by, you will be beaten down by it. [19] As often as it comes it will carry you away; morning after morning, by day and by night, it will sweep through.” The understanding of this message will bring sheer terror.

Isaiah 5:5 NIV

[5] Now I will tell you what I am going to do to my vineyard: I will take away its hedge, and it will be destroyed; I will break down its wall, and it will be trampled.

** Christian brothers and sisters are to follow Jesus’ loving example when He encouraged a woman caught in adultery to "go now and leave your life of sin"

John 8:3-7 NIV

[3] The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group [4] and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. [5] In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” [6] They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. [7] When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”

** God chastises or disciplines the believer, where He punishes or places His wrath on the unbeliever  <P161>

• A father can punish a child but his MOTIVE is love, just as God disciplines those He loves

• Despite the terminology used (punishment vs chastisement) the person receiving it should remember it is prompted by God’s love for them

1 John 4:18 NIV

[18] There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

** The parable of the farmer underlined the lessons of judgment; as the farmer does different tasks, each in the right season and proportion, so God adopts His measures to His purposes — now mercy, then judgment, punishing sooner than later  <M130>

God’s purpose was not to destroy His people, any more than the farmer’s object in his threshing and plowing is to destroy his crop

Isaiah 28:23-26,29 NIV

[23] Listen and hear my voice; pay attention and hear what I say. [24] When a farmer plows for planting, does he plow continually? Does he keep on breaking up and working the soil? [25] When he has leveled the surface, does he not sow caraway and scatter cumin? Does he not plant wheat in its place, barley in its plot, and spelt in its field? [26] His God instructs him and teaches him the right way. [29] All this also comes from the Lord Almighty, whose plan is wonderful, whose wisdom is magnificent.

** God’s timing is perfect; Jesus came to earth at the right time when it was possible to spread the news of the Messiah with Roman roads/transportation and Christ died ‘at just the right time’  <D40>

Romans 5:6 NIV

[6] You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.

** Don’t be fooled!  Power can come from different sources including Satan who mimics God; some who claim to be casting out demons are not doing so via the power of the Holy Spirit

Matthew 7:21-23 NIV

[21] “Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. [22] Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?' [23] Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

** Miraculous power can come from various sources but we know Who holds supreme power; test the spirits to know whether you are accessing demonic power

Exodus 7:9-12 NIV

[9] “When Pharaoh says to you, ‘Perform a miracle, ’ then say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh,’ and it will become a snake.” [10] So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the Lord commanded. Aaron threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a snake. [11] Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians also did the same things by their secret arts: [12] Each one threw down his staff and it became a snake. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs.

Exodus 7:21-22 NIV

[21] The fish in the Nile died, and the river smelled so bad that the Egyptians could not drink its water. Blood was everywhere in Egypt. [22] But the Egyptian magicians did the same things by their secret arts, and Pharaoh’s heart became hard; he would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the Lord had said.

Exodus 8:7 NIV

[7] But the magicians did the same things by their secret arts; they also made frogs come up on the land of Egypt.

1 John 4:1 NIV

[1] Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

** Think of the most charming, attractive and welcoming individuals, but when unmasked reveal hearts of pride, recklessness and desire death — and that is likely how Satan and his comrades masquerade and interact among us

• Paul was frustrated to see Corinthians devoting themselves to human leaders rather than Christ

• How baffling when modern ‘super apostles’ appear, and our friends seem more committed to them than to Jesus  <R1795>

2 Corinthians 11:14-15 NIV

[14] And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. [15] It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.

1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV

[8] Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. [9] Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

** We do not find out about people — such as their modus operandi and motives that drive their actions — when they are down, looking for sympathy and help, but when they are riding high and arrogantly untouchable  <D40>

James 1:10 NIV

[10] But the rich should take pride in their humiliation---since they will pass away like a wild flower.

1 John 2:16 NIV

[16] For everything in the world---the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life---comes not from the Father but from the world.

** There are times God instructs us to stop praying for people who refuse to heed warning about their sinful behavior and give up pagan practices  <H87>

Jeremiah 7:16 NIV

[16] “So do not pray for this people nor offer any plea or petition for them; do not plead with me, for I will not listen to you.

Jeremiah 11:14 NIV

[14] “Do not pray for this people or offer any plea or petition for them, because I will not listen when they call to me in the time of their distress.

Matthew 7:6 NIV

[6] “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

Matthew 10:14-15 NIV

[14] If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. [15] Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.

** Do not put trust in yourself

• It's easy to trust in what we can see, such as people and things

• We also tend to trust our own reasoning and ability

• But these are all misplaced trusts

Psalm 115:1 NIV

[1] Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.

** Israel was not chosen because it was special, it is special because it was chosen by God; likewise, we are special because God chooses us!  <D40>

1 Peter 2:9 NIV

[9] But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

** Believers are separated from the world by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit  <R170>

The Spirit calls followers of Christ out from the world, and separates them as effectively as if a wall were built between them and it. He puts in believers new hearts, minds, tastes, desires, sorrows, joys, wishes, pleasures and longings. And He gives them new eyes, ears, affections, and opinions.

The Holy Spirit makes believers new creatures who are born again -- and with a new birth they begin a new existence. Mighty indeed is the transforming power of the Spirit!

Romans 1:7 NIV

[7] To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

** God's people are to separate themselves from the rest of the world by following His commands as opposed to the ways of the world

Leviticus 18:1-5 NIV

[1] The Lord said to Moses, [2] “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘I am the Lord your God. [3] You must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices. [4] You must obey my laws and be careful to follow my decrees. I am the Lord your God. [5] Keep my decrees and laws, for the person who obeys them will live by them. I am the Lord.

Leviticus 18:24-28 NIV

[24] “ ‘Do not defile yourselves in any of these ways, because this is how the nations that I am going to drive out before you became defiled. [25] Even the land was defiled; so I punished it for its sin, and the land vomited out its inhabitants. [26] But you must keep my decrees and my laws. The native-born and the foreigners residing among you must not do any of these detestable things, [27] for all these things were done by the people who lived in the land before you, and the land became defiled. [28] And if you defile the land, it will vomit you out as it vomited out the nations that were before you.

** Israel was to become a holy nation, set apart from others to devote themselves to God and separate themselves from sin as they obeyed the law of God  <S192>

• God used Israel to be an example of what it meant to worship God

• Moses on Mt Sinai reminds the people to be a "kingdom of priests"

• The duty of priests was to be an:

a) Intermediary leading people to God through proclaiming, teaching and invitation

b) Example of how to live the life of faith

c) Interceding, mediator for others to worship and sacrifice

d) Preserver of the integrity of Scripture  <C31>

Exodus 19:5-6 NIV

[5] Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, [6] you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”

** Bildad correctly reasoned that those who trust in anything but God will perish, but this was not true of Job’s situation

• Bildad never once imagined that he might not know God well enough to explain the Lord’s purpose in Job’s life

• We are to avoid Bildad’s mistake and not purport we know ‘why’ God acts as He does

• All we know for sure is that God loves all human beings and has a purpose in what happens to each one  <R1795>

Job 8:13-15 NIV

[13] Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so perishes the hope of the godless. [14] What they trust in is fragile ; what they rely on is a spider's web. [15] They lean on the web, but it gives way; they cling to it, but it does not hold.

** Even though we cannot see God we can trust Him because of His character, power, protection, care and patience  <C31>

• Trust in anything but God brings devastation in our lives in an instant

• Nothing, on the other hand, is out of God's control and off His radar

• Review Genesis 1-2 to remind you that nothing existed until God spoke creation into being  

1. CHARACTER

- God loves us regardless of anything we've done

- we don't need to earn God's love even when He does not want us to stay the way we are; His love enables us to change

Psalm 115:1 NIV

[1] Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.

2. POWER

- God has no limits, for He is completely sovereign

- He is all-powerful and Creator of all that exists

- we have the responsibility to take care of His creation but we cannot take credit for it; we rely on Him to sustain life

Psalm 115:3,15-16 NIV

[3] Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him. [15] May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. [16] The highest heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth he has given to mankind.

3. PROTECTION

- based on His knowledge and power, we can trust Him

- God is our help (watch over, encourage, sustain) and shield (nothing can hurt us when we exist behind His shield)

Psalm 115:9-11 NIV

[9] All you Israelites, trust in the Lord---he is their help and shield. [10] House of Aaron, trust in the Lord---he is their help and shield. [11] You who fear him, trust in the Lord---he is their help and shield.

4. CARE

- God is always aware of our needs; we forget but God does not

- He cares about the small detail as He does for those things we consider great

Psalm 115:12-14 NIV

[12] The Lord remembers us and will bless us: He will bless his people Israel, he will bless the house of Aaron, [13] he will bless those who fear the Lord---small and great alike. [14] May the Lord cause you to flourish, both you and your children.

5. PATIENCE

- it is appointed for man once to die and then the judgment

- God will not die; we can trust Him with an everlasting trust

- patiently waiting for us to trust Him

Psalm 115:17-18 NIV

[17] It is not the dead who praise the Lord, those who go down to the place of silence; [18] it is we who extol the Lord, both now and forevermore. Praise the Lord.

Habakkuk 1:12 NIV

[12] Lord, are you not from everlasting? My God, my Holy One, you will never die. You, Lord, have appointed them to execute judgment; you, my Rock, have ordained them to punish.

** As followers of Christ, our first allegiance is to God rather than men; make sure you are ready to suffer the consequences when going against worldly authority — most apostles ended up giving their lives

1 Peter 2:13-17 NIV

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, [14] or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. [15] For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. [16] Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. [17] Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

This is foundational in the Christian life:

• Peter was writing to those who were scattered throughout the Roman empire

• Caesars were proclaiming to be gods and Christians were in a tight spot

• Christians were still encouraged to respect authority even though they were accused of being bad citizens

• Their respect took away the power of the accusations  

• When you believe the government violated God’s law, ask yourself if a Biblical value was really been violated or is it a matter of personal preference?  <C31>

Acts 5:27-29 NIV

The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. [28] “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” [29] Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!

** If we want to be useful in God’s Kingdom then we need to look past the superficial and see people as spiritual souls — based on whether they have a sincere relationship with Christ and are a new creation  <M130>

2 Corinthians 5:16-17 NIV

[16] So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. [17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

** Micaiah was like the little boy who spoke the truth and said, “the emperor has no clothes” when everyone else was too afraid to speak up

2 Chronicles 18:7-9,11,14,16-17 NIV

[7] The king of Israel answered Jehoshaphat, “There is still one prophet through whom we can inquire of the Lord, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good about me, but always bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.” “The king should not say such a thing,” Jehoshaphat replied. [8] So the king of Israel called one of his officials and said, “Bring Micaiah son of Imlah at once.” [9] Dressed in their royal robes, the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah were sitting on their thrones at the threshing floor by the entrance of the gate of Samaria, with all the prophets prophesying before them. [11] All the other prophets were prophesying the same thing. “Attack Ramoth Gilead and be victorious,” they said, “for the Lord will give it into the king's hand.” [14] When he arrived, the king asked him, “Micaiah, shall we go to war against Ramoth Gilead, or shall I not?” “Attack and be victorious,” he answered, “for they will be given into your hand.” [16] Then Micaiah answered, “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd, and the Lord said, 'These people have no master. Let each one go home in peace.' ” [17] The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “Didn't I tell you that he never prophesies anything good about me, but only bad?”

** God gave Old Testament law to instruct the Israelites how to order and operate their society, specifically:

• How to treat women and marrying before copulating

• Establishing a structure in the family unit with responsibilities between the man and woman

• Looking out for one another; property and respect

• Economic structure; capitalist rights

• Legal process of wrongs and accountability

• Who to worship and pitfalls of idols

• Understanding dominionism and taking care of what God has given us

• The founding fathers of the US primarily used the book of Deuteronomy (God’s law) throughout their founding documents to structure American society

Deuteronomy 5:29 NIV

[29] Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!

• When people journey away from God’s law, they enter into a zone of self-inflicted chaos and God will judge them for their actions  <H86>

Daniel 9:11 NIV

[11] All Israel has transgressed your law and turned away, refusing to obey you. “Therefore the curses and sworn judgments written in the Law of Moses, the servant of God, have been poured out on us, because we have sinned against you.

** Expect of yourself what you expect of others; give to another what you hope to receive from God

Luke 6:37-38 NIV

[37] “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. [38] Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

** We are never free to disrespect or mistreat others; we are saved by God's grace but don't use it (expecting to be forgiven) to sin!

• God paid the price to provide us this grace; don't make light of it

• We are only truly free when we become slaves to God

• Don't fall in the trap thinking we know better; our own decisions will keep us in bondage

• Living for God will move us to respect God and others  <C31>

1 Peter 2:16-17 NIV

Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. [17] Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

** Many early Christians were servants and slaves

• Peter's audience consisted of early Christians who were instructed to submit to authority

• This passage speaks to anyone who submits to authority (governments), just or unjust

• When we respond and endure unjust suffering, we please God

• God will produce something good out of a bad situation (Rom 8:28) which gives a powerful testimony to non-believers

• God gives us the ability to endure man's law; we can't control what happens to us but we can control how we respond  <C31>

1 Peter 2:18 NIV

Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.

Romans 8:28 NIV

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

** Jesus is the perfect example of endurance and is the standard we strive

• Much like scribes copied original documents in great detail, we are to follow Christ in detail who never committed sin

• Christ never returned evil for evil

Remember how Christ literally took our place on the cross enduring our punishment

• He makes it possible for us to overcome sin and live rightly

• He is our Shepherd and loves us even though we are defenseless, disobedient and dependent like sheep

• We depend on God for absolutely everything including every breath we take

• God provides everything, especially what is eternal

• God’s provision doesn't mean He will 'save' us from difficult situations but it does give us the ability to live in hope  <C31>

1 Peter 2:21-23 NIV

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. [22] “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” [23] When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

** The first Biblical argument against illegal immigration is that everyone is to “be subject to the governing authorities”, other commands include not stealing and coveting  <H86>

Romans 13:1-2 NIV

[1] Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. [2] Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

Exodus 20:15 NIV

[15] “You shall not steal.

Deuteronomy 5:21 NIV

[21] “You shall not covet your neighbor's wife. You shall not set your desire on your neighbor's house or land, his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

** Throughout the many hundreds of generations that have existed, there have been at least five occasions when mankind became so wicked that God had to personally intervene. The first time it happened, there was a global judgment that nearly wiped out all of mankind. The last time will again be global in nature. For all intents and purposes, we can call these cursed generations.

Antediluvian Generation: Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So the Lord said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.” But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

Genesis 6:5-8 NIV

[5] The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. [6] The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. [7] So the Lord said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created---and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground---for I regret that I have made them. ” [8] But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.

Tower of Babel: But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built. And the Lord said, “Indeed the people are one and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them. Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.” So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they ceased building the city. Therefore its name is called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth; and from there the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth.

Genesis 11:5-9 NIV

[5] But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. [6] The Lord said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. [7] Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.” [8] So the Lord scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. [9] That is why it was called Babel---because there the Lord confused the language of the whole world. From there the Lord scattered them over the face of the whole earth.

Sodom & Gomorrah: The sun had risen upon the earth when Lot entered Zoar. Then the Lord rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the Lord out of the heavens. So He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground.

Genesis 19:23-25 NIV

[23] By the time Lot reached Zoar, the sun had risen over the land. [24] Then the Lord rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah---from the Lord out of the heavens. [25] Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, destroying all those living in the cities---and also the vegetation in the land.

Messiah's Generation: Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here. The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here.

Matthew 12:38-42 NIV

[38] Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.” [39] He answered, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. [40] For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. [41] The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now something greater than Jonah is here. [42] The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon's wisdom, and now something greater than Solomon is here.

Last Generation: But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.  <G70>

2 Timothy 3:1-7 NIV

[1] But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. [2] People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, [3] without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, [4] treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God--- [5] having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. [6] They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, [7] always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.

** Why is it wrong to favor one person over another?

• Favoritism is a sin against God’s law, for the worth of a person is not based on another’s opinion

• Every person has value because they bear the image of God

• Biblical truths are absolute

• The church should not favor or accept those in  alternate lifestyles, just as it should not favor the wealthy over the poor

• We are to love one another, otherwise we are guilty of breaking all of God’s law

• When we prioritize a person’s worth due to high esteem or low self-worth, we care too much what others think

• There are consequences for choices made; no one is forced to be a believer  <C31>

James 2:1,9 NIV

[1] My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. [9] But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.

James 2:8-10 NIV

[8] If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. [9] But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. [10] For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.

Romans 2:9-11 NIV

[9] There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; [10] but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. [11] For God does not show favoritism.

** Respond to those who want favored status as God would treat them

• God created us and loves all His creation

• Showing favoritism to those who are lowly mocks the character of God our Creator

• Let the word of God guide you which tells us not to discriminate

• Talk and act like a person who will be judged by God’s law; our actions speak (or don't speak) for Christ

• Let love and mercy be your guide; don't be quick to judge and place pressure on those who make mistakes

• "All ground is level beneath the cross"  <L122>

• Don't be like the person who received mercy from his debtor yet pressured another to repay him  <C31>

James 2:12-13 NIV

[12] Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, [13] because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 NIV

[12] Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. [13] For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body---whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free---and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. [14] Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

Deuteronomy 19:16-18a NIV

[16] If a malicious witness takes the stand to accuse someone of a crime, [17] the two people involved in the dispute must stand in the presence of the Lord before the priests and the judges who are in office at the time. [18] The judges must make a thorough investigation

** God is good and provides us with good gifts but He does not tempt us with sin; our human desire tempts us to do what we don't want to do

• Are we being lured as a fish with bait?  are we being dragged to the slaughter?  are we being led by our emotion?  are we playing with temptation, trying to hide and make excuses?

• We consciously make a decision to act on a  desire that leads to disobedience and death; some consequences for sin involve a physical condition and death

James 1:13-14 NIV

[13] When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; [14] but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.

Consider the fact that God gives good gifts despite our sinful nature:

• Doing good deeds, as is prevalent in most religions, does not deal with our sin condition

• We have a tendency to blame God but He is not to be blamed

• No one is exempt from being a sinful being which brings death, but we have been gloriously saved

• We must accept responsibility for our own sin and value God’s offer and hope of salvation

• We have hope and can be freed from our sin if we deal with the sin in our lives; are we taking responsibility for our actions or are we living a defeated life by repeating the same sin?  

• Rely on the forgiveness, power and protection of God who will provide a way so we are not tempted beyond our capability  <C31>

Romans 5:12,19 NIV

[12] Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned--- [19] For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.

Romans 7:15-25 NIV

[15] I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. [16] And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. [17] As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. [18] For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. [19] For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do---this I keep on doing. [20] Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. [21] So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. [22] For in my inner being I delight in God's law; [23] but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. [24] What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? [25] Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.

** Three times Isaac questioned whether it was really Esau but Isaac did not have ‘ears to hear’

• Isaac went against the voice he heard (which was Jacob’s) and was deceived by the clothes he smelled, arms he touched and provisions he sampled

• We too can be deceived when when making decisions in these end times when we go by our preconceived bias and not rely on the Lord for direction  <F60>

Genesis 27:22-27 NIV

[22] Jacob went close to his father Isaac, who touched him and said, “The voice is the voice of Jacob, but the hands are the hands of Esau.” [23] He did not recognize him, for his hands were hairy like those of his brother Esau; so he proceeded to bless him. [24] “Are you really my son Esau?” he asked. “I am,” he replied. [25] Then he said, “My son, bring me some of your game to eat, so that I may give you my blessing.” Jacob brought it to him and he ate; and he brought some wine and he drank. [26] Then his father Isaac said to him, “Come here, my son, and kiss me.” [27] So he went to him and kissed him . When Isaac caught the smell of his clothes, he blessed him and said, “Ah, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field that the Lord has blessed.

2 Thessalonians 2:6-12 NIV

[6] And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. [7] For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. [8] And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. [9] The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, [10] and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. [11] For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie [12] and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.

** ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’ is suppose to be a two-way street; if your neighbor isn’t loving you then he is trying to take advantage of your effort to be Christ-like

Christians are to smash pagan idols like masks and be a threat to evil, but some believers think this is not ‘loving your neighbor’  <D40>

Mark 12:31 NIV

[31] The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these.”

** We are commanded to love our enemies, all the while protecting our loved ones with a military-style defense

• Love our enemies but not at the expense of harm to our families and fellow citizens  <G793>

Luke 6:27-29 NIV

[27] “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, [28] bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. [29] If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them.

• Jesus turned over the tables in the temple because He was combating evil

• Likewise, we need to be willing to fight evil

Matthew 21:12-13 NIV

[12] Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. [13] “It is written,” he said to them, “ 'My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it 'a den of robbers.' ”

• Loving our enemies is not becoming a doormat so they can roll over us

• Rather, we should care for them and pray for their salvation, that they would repent and follow a new path with Christ as the head!

** Jesus knew no sin yet endured an incredible amount of accusation and abuse from those who were threatened by Him, hating Him and His message

• Christ came, He healed, He taught of God the Father’s love, and after the mockery of a trial, His enemies took delight in spitting on Him and striking Him with their fists

• It’s something to remember when we feel life is unfair to us  <R1795>

Mark 14:55-56 NIV

[55] The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any. [56] Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree.

Mark 14:65 NIV

[65] Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the guards took him and beat him.

Mark 15:16-20 NIV

[16] The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. [17] They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. [18] And they began to call out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” [19] Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. [20] And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.

1 Peter 2:20-21 NIV

[20] But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. [21] To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

** Learn humility from Christ's humility.  For due to the lack of humility, some angels became devils.  When men glory in their pride, God stains the pride of their glory.  The most lowly Christian is the most lovely Christian.  <D42>

Matthew 11:29 NIV

[29] Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Isaiah 23:9 NIV

[9] The Lord Almighty planned it, to bring down her pride in all her splendor and to humble all who are renowned on the earth.

1 Peter 5:5 NIV

[5] In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

James 4:16 NIV

[16] As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.

Proverbs 8:13 NIV

[13] To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.

Daniel 4:37 NIV

[37] Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.

** Six New Testament tests for believers to discern false prophets:

1. Theological test - do they recognize Jesus Christ and stand against God’s word in Scripture?

1 John 4:1-2 NIV

[1] Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. [2] This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,

2. Gospel test - do they preach Jesus raised from the dead and salvation by faith alone?

Galatians 1:6-9 NIV

[6] I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel--- [7] which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. [8] But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God's curse! [9] As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God's curse!

3. Fruit test - we will know false prophets by their actions and false prophecies

Matthew 7:15-20 NIV

[15] “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. [16] By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? [17] Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. [18] A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. [19] Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. [20] Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

4. Wisdom test - which of the two types of wisdom does the prophet exemplify?

James 3:13-18 NIV

[13] Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. [14] But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. [15] Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. [16] For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. [17] But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. [18] Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

5. Service test - do the prophets build up believers so they will not be tossed to and fro?

Ephesians 4:11-12 NIV

[11] So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, [12] to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

6. Visions test - do people have to rely on the prophet for the vision & understanding  <H90>

Colossians 2:18 NIV

[18] Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind.

** God has both good and bad to say about the churches in Revelation (except total condemning of Laodicea) which means there is some redeeming quality of these churches

• Thyatira is believed to be the Roman Catholic Church that really started to take shape in the 5th century

• Even this church contain some believers within the corrupt organization  <G70>

** Many people simply cannot be trusted

• Beware because some have the appearance of good intentions when they are bad, like when they flatter to take advantage of others

• Flattery is one of the most subtle forms of deceit

• Someone once said that flattery is saying things to a person’s face that you would never say behind their back

• It’s tempting to use flattery to get something from someone, but if you don’t sincerely mean what you say, it’s just another form of lying  <L120>

• Remember these people are not only hurting those around them but ultimately God

• We need to wait for God to deal with these imposters, for He knows what is best  <C31>

Psalm 5:9 NIV

[9] Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with malice. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongues they tell lies.

** The Israelites were to remember how they were mistreated in Egypt and not treat the aliens among them in the same way, but rather treat them as one of their own  <R1795>

• Some people respond to mistreatment by becoming bitter and hostile to others

• Experiencing mistreatment should make us more sensitive to how others may be feeling and discourage us from hurting them in the same way

Leviticus 19:33-34 NIV

[33] “ 'When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. [34] The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.

** We cannot know the future or what to expect in life, so rest in God who is in complete control of the future

Ecclesiastes 8:7-8 NIV

[7] Since no one knows the future, who can tell someone else what is to come? [8] As no one has power over the wind to contain it, so no one has power over the time of their death. As no one is discharged in time of war, so wickedness will not release those who practice it.

Ecclesiastes 9:11 NIV

[11] I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.

Psalm 91:1-2 NIV

[1] Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. [2] I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

** Isaiah provides a clear picture of Jesus as an exalted magistrate  <B26>

• There is a clear delineation between the Church Age and eternal state

• In our day, deception and error occur in human courts where judges, lawyers and members of juries can make mistakes

• This is not so with the Lord, for His decisions won’t rest of what He sees or hears regarding the case, but on what He KNOWS to be true

• These accurate rulings will happen only when Jesus returns to the earth to reign over the nations

Isaiah 11:3-4 NIV

[3] and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; [4] but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.

** God is in charge of those in authority, so obey them provided they don’t go against His will; the wise will know what is the proper time and procedure

Ecclesiastes 8:2,5 NIV

[2] Obey the king's command, I say, because you took an oath before God. [5] Whoever obeys his command will come to no harm, and the wise heart will know the proper time and procedure.

** Be aware and cautious about potential danger and err on the side of caution!

Ecclesiastes 10:8-9 NIV

[8] Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake. [9] Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them; whoever splits logs may be endangered by them.

** Those believing they are a victim need to understand the feelings about a situation are justified given personal experience, but entitlement is never justified

• We are not just victims but victimizers because we are all sinners

• Whether the sin is in the form of gossip, hurt-filled motives, lies, acting out of temper, etc, others are affected by us

• So what gives us the right not to forgive others who sin against us?  

• Most of all, we have all sinned against God and need His forgiveness!  <D40>

Romans 3:23 NIV

[23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

Romans 11:30-32 NIV

[30] Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, [31] so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God's mercy to you. [32] For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.

** People who buy into a grace-only theology often claim “mercy triumphs over justice”, but mercy does not cancel justice; God’s law has not been canceled because Hell is full of those who practice evil  <D40>

Matthew 7:21-23 NIV

[21] “Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. [22] Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?' [23] Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

1 Peter 1:14-17 NIV

[14] As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. [15] But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; [16] for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” [17] Since you call on a Father who judges each person's work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.

Jude 1:4-5,7 NIV

[4] For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. [5] Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord at one time delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe. [7] In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.

** A guilty conscience imagines accusers everywhere, while a clear conscience produces a  boldness to face everyone

Proverbs 28:1 NIV

[1] The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

Psalm 53:5 NIV

[5] But there they are, overwhelmed with dread, where there was nothing to dread. God scattered the bones of those who attacked you; you put them to shame, for God despised them.

** Do not spend too much energy becoming familiar or flattering your neighbor, or they will turn on you

Proverbs 25:17 NIV

[17] Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house---too much of you, and they will hate you.

Proverbs 26:18-19 NIV

[18] Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death [19] is one who deceives their neighbor and says, “I was only joking!”

Proverbs 29:5 NIV

[5] Those who flatter their neighbors are spreading nets for their feet.

** Singing songs in an unsympathetic manner to one who has a heavy heart is abrasive, similar to one who turns tranquility into agitation  <M130>

Proverbs 25:20 NIV

[20] Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on a wound, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

Proverbs 28:28 NIV

[28] When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.

Proverbs 29:2 NIV

[2] When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.

** God does not reveal to men all understanding

• Instead, God provides us with a limited intellect and limited amount of time so we can do our best in this life

• Remember: God is God and we are not!

• Stop trying to reason everything from God's perspective

• Figuring God’s perspective may be a fun exercise at times but ultimately futile because we won't be able to see it with complete understanding

Proverbs 25:2 NIV

[2] It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.

Proverbs 25:27 NIV

[27] It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep.

Proverbs 29:13 NIV

[13] The poor and the oppressor have this in common: The Lord gives sight to the eyes of both.

Proverbs 30:1-4 NIV

[1] The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh---an inspired utterance.  This man's utterance to Ithiel: “I am weary, God, but I can prevail. [2] Surely I am only a brute, not a man; I do not have human understanding. [3] I have not learned wisdom, nor have I attained to the knowledge of the Holy One. [4] Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Whose hands have gathered up the wind? Who has wrapped up the waters in a cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is the name of his son? Surely you know!

Ecclesiastes 11:5 NIV

[5] As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.

** Those who are wise desire godly counsel founded on the Word of God, while avoiding counsel from the fool

Proverbs 20:5 NIV

[5] The purposes of a person's heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.

Proverbs 18:4 NIV

[4] The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.

Hebrews 4:12 NIV

[12] For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Proverbs 26:8-10 NIV

[8] Like tying a stone in a sling is the giving of honor to a fool. [9] Like a thornbush in a drunkard's hand is a proverb in the mouth of a fool. [10] Like an archer who wounds at random is one who hires a fool or any passer-by.

Psalm 111:10 NIV

[10] The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.

** Elevating others who demonstrate true humility is honorable, while elevating yourself is disgraceful

• First century banquet seating arrangements reflected the social status of guests

• The closer to the ‘host’, the higher the seat and greater honor to the guest

• Christians can afford to take the humblest of places here on earth; in time, God will instruct us to move to a better place!  <R1795>

Luke 14:8-10 NIV

[8] “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. [9] If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, 'Give this person your seat.' Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. [10] But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, move up to a better place.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests.

Proverbs 25:5,7 NIV

[5] remove wicked officials from the king's presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness. [7] it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,” than for him to humiliate you before his nobles. What you have seen with your eyes

James 4:7-10 NIV

[7] Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. [8] Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. [9] Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. [10] Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Proverbs 26:12 NIV

[12] Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them.

Proverbs 27:2 NIV

[2] Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.

Proverbs 27:21 NIV

[21] The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but people are tested by their praise.

Proverbs 28:4 NIV

[4] Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked, but those who heed it resist them.

Proverbs 29:23 NIV

[23] Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.

Proverbs 30:32-33 NIV

[32] “If you play the fool and exalt yourself, or if you plan evil, clap your hand over your mouth! [33] For as churning cream produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife.”

** The purpose of tribulation is salvation, as Paul understood when faced with murderous crowds opposed to his message; we need to hit rock bottom and realize there is no hope in this current world, so we place our hope in Jesus and the next world  <F60>

Acts 14:19-22 NIV

[19] Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. [20] But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe. [21] They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, [22] strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.

Psalm 119:71 NIV

[71] It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.

1 John 2:15-17 NIV

[15] Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. [16] For everything in the world---the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life---comes not from the Father but from the world. [17] The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

1 Peter 1:13 NIV

[13] Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.

** You cannot appease, envy or support the wicked for then the innocent suffer

Proverbs 18:5 NIV

[5] It is not good to be partial to the wicked and so deprive the innocent of justice.

Proverbs 23:17 NIV

[17] Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.

Proverbs 25:26 NIV

[26] Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked.

** False witnesses will be punished eventually because they do what suits them without regard for the truth or others, while the upright proceed with integrity  <M130>

Proverbs 21:28-29 NIV

[28] A false witness will perish, but a careful listener will testify successfully. [29] The wicked put up a bold front, but the upright give thought to their ways.

Proverbs 22:8 NIV

[8] Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity, and the rod they wield in fury will be broken.

Proverbs 22:22-23 NIV

[22] Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, [23] for the Lord will take up their case and will exact life for life.

Proverbs 24:23-25 NIV

[23] These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judging is not good: [24] Whoever says to the guilty, “You are innocent,” will be cursed by peoples and denounced by nations. [25] But it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come on them.

Proverbs 25:9-10 NIV

[9] If you take your neighbor to court, do not betray another's confidence, [10] or the one who hears it may shame you and the charge against you will stand.

Proverbs 25:18-19 NIV

[18] Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor. [19] Like a broken tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble.

Proverbs 29:7,9 NIV

[7] The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern. [9] If a wise person goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.

** The power of good and evil can come from the same tongue

Proverbs 18:20-21 NIV

[20] From the fruit of their mouth a person's stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied. [21] The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

James 3:6-10 NIV

[6] The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. [7] All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, [8] but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. [9] With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. [10] Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.

Proverbs 21:23 NIV

[23] Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.

Proverbs 24:28 NIV

[28] Do not testify against your neighbor without cause---would you use your lips to mislead?

Proverbs 25:23 NIV

[23] Like a north wind that brings unexpected rain is a sly tongue---which provokes a horrified look.

Proverbs 30:11,14 NIV

[11] “There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers; [14] those whose teeth are swords and whose jaws are set with knives to devour the poor from the earth and the needy from among mankind.

** God took the Levite priests to task and punished their reputation for not honoring Him; their thoughts and conduct showed partiality in matters of the law

Malachi 2:1-2,9 NIV

[1] “And now, you priests, this warning is for you. [2] If you do not listen, and if you do not resolve to honor my name,” says the Lord Almighty, “I will send a curse on you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have already cursed them, because you have not resolved to honor me. [9] “So I have caused you to be despised and humiliated before all the people, because you have not followed my ways but have shown partiality in matters of the law.”

** Some believe bribes will bring success but, in essence, it simply perverts justice

Proverbs 17:8 NIV

[8] A bribe is seen as a charm by the one who gives it; they think success will come at every turn.

Proverbs 17:23-24 NIV

[23] The wicked accept bribes in secret to pervert the course of justice. [24] A discerning person keeps wisdom in view, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth.

Proverbs 29:4 NIV

[4] By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.

** Do not mistreat the innocent and poor, for God will exact justice on their behalf

Proverbs 17:26 NIV

[26] If imposing a fine on the innocent is not good, surely to flog honest officials is not right

Proverbs 22:22-23 NIV

[22] Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, [23] for the Lord will take up their case and will exact life for life.

Proverbs 27:3-4 NIV

[3] Stone is heavy and sand a burden, but a fool's provocation is heavier than both. [4] Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?

Proverbs 28:24 NIV

[24] Whoever robs their father or mother and says, “It's not wrong,” is partner to one who destroys.

** The Levite priests were reminded they serve God and are His messengers

Malachi 2:7 NIV

[7] “For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, because he is the messenger of the Lord Almighty and people seek instruction from his mouth.

** Christ did not mean that I am to withdraw and seclude myself from society. He did not do so Himself. He came and dwelt with sinners, and He bids me to walk in His footsteps. I am to live in the world, as a holy child of God.

Nor does He wish me to moralize on the defects and errors of others. He has no desire that I should be fault-finding, critical, or harsh. I may be unsparing in judging myself; but in my thoughts and words regarding others, there must be all considerateness, all forbearance, all patience and hope.  <S182>

John 17:16 NIV

[16] They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.

** Not being ‘of the world’ entails:

• That I am not to consider myself to be at home in this world

• That every day I must show myself to be a citizen of Heaven

• That there must be an easily-perceived difference between me and those who do not travel beyond the present realm of things.

• That, however friendly I am with others, I must hold aloof from their sinful habits and recreations  <S182>

John 17:16 NIV

[16] They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.

** The symbolic vision in this chapter has the High Priest representing the nation of Israel and the angel of the Lord representing God  <C38>

Zechariah 3:1-5 NIV

[1] Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him. [2] The Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?” [3] Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. [4] The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you.” [5] Then I said, “Put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him, while the angel of the Lord stood by.

The angel says to remove the priest’s filthy dress, symbolic of Christ removing our sin on the cross

Isaiah 53:6 NIV

[6] We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Romans 5:8 NIV

[8] But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

** God does not force anyone to do anything; He can make things uncomfortable while He shows what is right/wrong and try to reason with us, but not apply force

Jonah 4:9-11 NIV

[9] But God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?” “It is,” he said. “And I'm so angry I wish I were dead.” [10] But the Lord said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. [11] And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left---and also many animals?”

** Notice how God arranged the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus.

• Pontius Pilate

• Judas, and the

• Jewish religious leaders of the day

all followed the promptings of Satan and minions in their various roles that led to Jesus’ death.

Acts 4:27-28 NIV

[27] Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. [28] They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.

They thought they were carrying out their own plans; but in the end, they accomplished the Lord’s design for the ages to redeem a people for His own.  Satan thought he had won a great victory, but in reality, the crucifixion sealed his doom and forever won our pardon.  <B26>

1 Corinthians 2:7-8 NIV

[7] No, we declare God's wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. [8] None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

** God continues to allow blessing (or plenty) as well as adversity (or want) so we know that nothing is guaranteed; in both situations our dependency needs to remain on the Lord alone so He can direct our ways  <F60>

Haggai 1:9-11 NIV

[9] “You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?” declares the Lord Almighty. “Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with your own house. [10] Therefore, because of you the heavens have withheld their dew and the earth its crops. [11] I called for a drought on the fields and the mountains, on the grain, the new wine, the olive oil and everything else the ground produces, on people and livestock, and on all the labor of your hands.”

An example of God blessing His people and holding back the Devourer can be found in the book of Malachi; God challenges them to test Him in this

Malachi 3:10-12 NIV

[10] Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. [11] I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe, ” says the Lord Almighty. [12] “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.

** The Lord is good and a refuge in times of trouble but there is no question He is also one who takes vengeance against His enemies, those who plot against Him

Nahum 1:7-8 NIV

[7] The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him, [8] but with an overwhelming flood he will make an end of Nineveh; he will pursue his foes into the realm of darkness.

Nahum 1:2-3 NIV

[2] The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The Lord takes vengeance on his foes and vents his wrath against his enemies. [3] The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet.

Nahum 1:9-10 NIV

[9] Whatever they plot against the Lord he will bring to an end; trouble will not come a second time. [10] They will be entangled among thorns and drunk from their wine; they will be consumed like dry stubble.

** Good leaders who want to unite its people should not show favoritism  <R1795>

• When David was recognized as king by the entire nation, he selected a capital that lay on the border of the northern and southern sections

• The capital was part of neither’s territory

• A person who seeks to unite a people must be careful not to show favoritism

• This is a good principle for parents to follow because each child is unique and should be loved as an individual

1 Chronicles 11:7-8 NIV

[7] David then took up residence in the fortress, and so it was called the City of David. [8] He built up the city around it, from the terraces to the surrounding wall, while Joab restored the rest of the city

** As God disciplines to correct our sinful behavior, He also brings us back to His side into the light to see His righteousness

Micah 7:9 NIV

[9] Because I have sinned against him, I will bear the Lord's wrath, until he pleads my case and upholds my cause. He will bring me out into the light; I will see his righteousness.

Micah 7:18-19 NIV

[18] Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. [19] You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.

** People at the temple were selfishly involved in money exchange and worldly business

• Jesus would not tolerate sin and this disregard for His Father’s house

• No one dare resist Jesus' holy anger; everyone knew what they were doing was wrong

• This was a pattern of God: cleaning the house (refiners fire) before rebuilding with what is godly  <C31>

Jesus exhibited “righteous anger” which is never selfish but always in defense of another — including defense of God; we see this when Christ did not cast judgment against those who put Him on the cross, but instead forgave them  <M130>

John 2:14-16 NIV

[14] In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. [15] So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. [16] To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!”

** Pilate was set up by the chiefs priests to accuse Jesus of many things  <R1795>

• The Jews lived under the Roman empire, that was content to let people under their rule govern themselves

• This posed a problem for the Jewish chief priests who wanted to kill Jesus because claiming to be the Son of God was blasphemy and a capital offense to the Jews, but not to the Romans

• In order to ensure Jesus was killed, the religious leaders manipulated Pilate into condemning Jesus of some other crime

• When Jesus could not be convicted of an invented capital crime, the chief priests relied on the threat of a riot to force Pilate’s hand

• Pilate knew the Jewish religious leaders were simply envious of Jesus yet he wanted to get ‘off the hook’ in this situation

• If we are repelled by Pilate, the man who ordered the crucifixion of our Lord, let us abhor his expedient way of reaching a decision just as much

Mark 15:3 NIV

[3] The chief priests accused him of many things.

** Our decisions have consequences, just as Jonah found out when he forced the sailors to act and be thrown overboard

Jonah 1:12,15,17 NIV

[12] “Pick me up and throw me into the sea,” he replied, “and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.” [15] Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. [17] Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.

** God valued every person and reached out to  the Ninevites regardless of how corrupt and brutal they had become

• This does not mean God forgives those who do not believe in Him nor ask forgiveness of sin, but He still values them!

• Nineveh was a large Assyrian city threatening Israel; forgiving them was not in Jonah’s vocabulary

• Sin does not keep God from loving us and nothing can stop God from getting to us, for He reaches out to everyone  <C31>

Jonah 3:1-2 NIV

[1] Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: [2] “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.”

Psalm 139:13-16 NIV

[13] For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. [14] I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. [15] My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. [16] Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

** God’s love is ‘agape love’ which is a non-feeling self-sacrificing love for people who don’t deserve it — anything but ‘subjective love’ based on feelings  <H86>

Jude 1:21 NIV

[21] keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV

[4] Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. [5] It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. [6] Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. [7] It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

** Believers in Christ cannot simply read His Word without listening to what the Holy Spirit has to say about what they are reading; discernment comes from the Lord, not the act of reading!

• The word for ‘makes judgment’ is anakrino, which is used 10 times in 1 Corinthians

• It means to examine, scrutinize and investigate

• The Holy Spirit confirms and communicates to us the very mind of Christ  <R1795>

• We can know God’s will when following the Spirit’s guidance

1 Corinthians 2:14-15 NIV

[14] The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. [15] The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments,

Hosea 14:9 NIV

[9] Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.

** God didn’t care if Amos was an ordinary shepherd who wondered whether he could do what God was commanding Him; God wanted Amos to do what He commanded anyway — which he did

Amos 7:14-15 NIV

[14] Amos answered Amaziah, “I was neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet, but I was a shepherd, and I also took care of sycamore-fig trees. [15] But the Lord took me from tending the flock and said to me, 'Go, prophesy to my people Israel.'

** The Lord has many ways of humbling a sinful nation which should provoke us to prayer, asking God for His mercies; see how ready, how swift God is to show mercy!  <H83>

Amos 7:1-3 NIV

[1] This is what the Sovereign Lord showed me: He was preparing swarms of locusts after the king's share had been harvested and just as the late crops were coming up. [2] When they had stripped the land clean, I cried out, “Sovereign Lord, forgive! How can Jacob survive? He is so small! ” [3] So the Lord relented. “This will not happen,” the Lord said.

** The vices of leaders and rules will surely be punished and they will be answerable for their sin; what they have in idols did them no good  <H83>

Micah 1:7 NIV

[7] All her idols will be broken to pieces; all her temple gifts will be burned with fire; I will destroy all her images. Since she gathered her gifts from the wages of prostitutes, as the wages of prostitutes they will again be used.”

** God gave a stern warning through His prophet that He will destroy those who plot evil

Micah 2:1-3 NIV

[1] Woe to those who plan iniquity, to those who plot evil on their beds! At morning's light they carry it out because it is in their power to do it. [2] They covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them. They defraud people of their homes, they rob them of their inheritance. [3] Therefore, the Lord says: “I am planning disaster against this people, from which you cannot save yourselves. You will no longer walk proudly, for it will be a time of calamity.

** There is a point when God will not negotiate with those who reject Him any longer; a red line has been crossed

Amos 8:1-2 NIV

[1] This is what the Sovereign Lord showed me: a basket of ripe fruit. [2] “What do you see, Amos? ” he asked. “A basket of ripe fruit,” I answered. Then the Lord said to me, “The time is ripe for my people Israel; I will spare them no longer.

Amos 8:7 NIV

[7] The Lord has sworn by himself, the Pride of Jacob: “I will never forget anything they have done.

** Our worth is not be based on the amount of accumulated financial wealth or possessions; the Lord can take our life at any given moment and then what good is our stored-up wealth?

Luke 12:15 NIV

[15] Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

Luke 12:16-21 NIV

[16] And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. [17] He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ [18] “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. [19] And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” ’ [20] “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ [21] “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

** The plans and fortunes of those who take advantage of the poor will ultimately not succeed; rather, plans are to be based on good and not evil

Amos 5:11-12 NIV

[11] You levy a straw tax on the poor and impose a tax on their grain. Therefore, though you have built stone mansions, you will not live in them; though you have planted lush vineyards, you will not drink their wine. [12] For I know how many are your offenses and how great your sins. There are those who oppress the innocent and take bribes and deprive the poor of justice in the courts.

Amos 5:14-15 NIV

[14] Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is. [15] Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the Lord God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph.

Amos 5:24 NIV

[24] But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!

** God turned His attention to Judah and Israel from her neighbors

It is interesting to note that God used the same judgment formula applied to God’s people as to the previous Gentile nations; this shows that Judah and Israel sinned against God and its own citizens, similar to its neighbors  <E59>

Amos 2:4-5 NIV

[4] This is what the Lord says: “For three sins of Judah, even for four, I will not relent. Because they have rejected the law of the Lord and have not kept his decrees, because they have been led astray by false gods, the gods their ancestors followed, [5] I will send fire on Judah that will consume the fortresses of Jerusalem. ”

Amos 2:6-8 NIV

[6] This is what the Lord says: “For three sins of Israel, even for four, I will not relent. They sell the innocent for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals. [7] They trample on the heads of the poor as on the dust of the ground and deny justice to the oppressed. Father and son use the same girl and so profane my holy name. [8] They lie down beside every altar on garments taken in pledge. In the house of their god they drink wine taken as fines.

** God’s chastisement will not escape His chosen nation for God disciplines those He loves

Amos 3:1-2 NIV

[1] Hear this word, people of Israel, the word the Lord has spoken against you---against the whole family I brought up out of Egypt: [2] “You only have I chosen of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your sins. ”

Hebrews 12:6 NIV

[6] because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”

** Satan loves nothing better than when well-intentioned Christians voluntarily draw up their own circular firing squad and start shooting blindly at each other.

Aside from the schemes of the devil in his efforts to derail the believer, there are some internal cautions with our prophetic burden (if I can put it that way). In contrast to the weight of the burden of knowing and warning of those things to come, are the calluses we develop in handling this prophetic knowledge.

We have all the verses bookmarked, the order of events committed to memory, and our talking points so well-rehearsed that we sometimes lose sight of just how horrific things will actually become. Put another way, even for those of us who teach and expound upon Bible prophecy so many times that the sheer horror of what’s to come for those left behind, sometimes gets lost in the repeated telling.  <G70>

** God has to protect the perfection of Heaven and that is why WE need to be absolved from our sin in order to be with Him eternally

• This is why God cast 1/3 of the angels from heaven at creation

• This is also why He chose to send His Son to die on the cross to pave the way for us; as sinners, we would have no hope if we could not accept God’s offer of salvation

• How incredibly loving on His part and humbling on ours for the sinless God to take our punishment

• As if we are in court ready to be sentenced, God comes in to accept the sentence so we can walk free!  Unbelievable!

1 Peter 2:24 NIV

[24] “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

2 Corinthians 6:2 NIV

[2] For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.

Titus 2:11 NIV

[11] For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.

1 Thessalonians 5:9 NIV

[9] For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Revelation 19:1 NIV

[1] After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting:

 “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God

** The prophet using words like “hear this” and “give ear” were found in courtrooms when the verdict was guilty and judgment was ready to be issued  <M130>

Joel threatened even greater plagues because the Israelites daily increased their hard-hearted rebellion against God despite His wrath  <C39>

Joel 1:2 NIV

[2] Hear this, you elders; listen, all who live in the land. Has anything like this ever happened in your days or in the days of your ancestors?

** It will be worth our while to think seriously of the things in us, that only God can see. There are sins which are hidden from ourselves, of which our conscience is not aware — our unknown errors. The evil in us which lies too deep to be discovered.

There is a SELF in us, which even we ourselves do not see! There are depths of our being, into which our own eyes cannot pierce. You may say that you know of no sins, errors, or faults in yourself — and you may be sincere; still this is not evidence that you are sinless.

Our conscience is not the final court. It is not enough to have the approval of our own heart. There are errors and evils in the holiest life on earth, which only God's eye can detect. We must ask God to search us, if we would be made clean.

We cannot see our own faults, even as our neighbors can see them. There is wisdom in the wish that we might see ourselves, as others see us — for it would free us from many a blunder and foolish notion.

• We are prejudiced in our own favor

• We are disposed to be charitable toward our own shortcomings

• We make all sorts of allowances for our own faults

• We are wonderfully patient with our own weaknesses

• We are blind to our own blemishes

• We look at our good qualities through magnifying glasses; and at our faults and errors with the lenses reversed, making them appear very small

• We see only the best of ourselves

We remember the little story that the prophet Nathan told King David, about a rich man's injustice toward a poor man — and how David's anger flamed up. "This man must die!" cried the king. He did not recognize himself in the man he so despised, until Nathan quietly said, "You are the man!" We are all too much like David.

We do not know our real self. We do not imagine there is so much about us that is morally ugly and foul, that is positively wicked. But God searches and knows the innermost and hidden things of our heart!  <M136>

Psalm 139:23-24 NIV

[23] Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. [24] See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

** They say, “The Lord does not see; the God of Jacob takes no notice." (Psa 94:7) Nothing more derogatory to the character of God can possibly be said, than that He does not rule the world.

To deny God's providence is as atheistic as to deny His existence! A god, who neither sees, nor hears, nor knows, nor cares, nor helps, nor saves — is a vanity, and can never claim homage from intelligent men. Such a god should be derided, not worshiped! He might suit the mythology of Paganism, or meet the demands of an infidel heart but could never command the allegiance, or win the confidence of an enlightened and pious man!

The world may as well be without a god, as have one who is incompetent to rule it, or, who, wrapping Himself in a mantle of careless indifference, abandons creation to the governance of puny mortals, to the rule of devils, or to the sway of blind chance! Such conduct may well comport with the character of false gods but is wholly abhorrent to the nature of Jehovah! God's tender mercies are over all His works. His kingdom rules over all!  <P166>

How comforting to know that our loving God is ruler over all!  No corrupt leader or plan of man can outwit God, otherwise we would remain at the mercy of sinful man. On the contrary, we can rest knowing that Perfect Justice awaits all mankind in the end of days and we will never again be subject to sinful man!

Psalm 135:5-6 NIV

[5] I know that the Lord is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods. [6] The Lord does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths.

Psalm 115:1-3 NIV

[1] Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. [2] Why do the nations say, “Where is their God?” [3] Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.

Revelation 19:6-7 NIV

[6] Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. [7] Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.

** Grace is favor shown to the undeserving and has been defined as the unmerited favor of God.

• If unmerited, then none can claim it as their inalienable right

• If grace is unearned and undeserved, then none are entitled to it

• If grace is a gift, then none can demand it

Grace is the sinner's last and only hope; if he is not saved by grace, he will never be saved at all.  <P161>

1 Corinthians 15:10a NIV

[10] But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect.

** God is omniscient, knowing every detail of our lives and exploring into everything we do

• He knows every detail and sifts through every action as either good or bad

• God not only knows our actions but the motives behind them

• He knows every word we say, every thought and motive we possess, and sees every action we produce from afar

Even our best medical technology (such as MRI, sonogram, etc) does not reveal everything; we are limited in our knowledge as opposed to God who knows absolutely everything!  <C31> (Nov 2016)

Psalm 139:1-4 NIV

[1] You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. [2] You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. [3] You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. [4] Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.

** God may, if He wills, save the entire human race; or if it pleases Him, He may save none. If He so wills, He may make one man a monument of mercy and leave his neighbor to reap his due punishment. This is what God has a right to do and He claims His sovereign prerogative.

No doctrine in the whole Word of God has more excited the hatred of mankind than the truth of the absolute sovereignty of God!

Men have no objection to a god who is really no God. I mean, by this a god:

• Who shall be the subject of their caprice

• Who shall be a lackey to their will

• Who shall be under their control —

they have no objection to such a being as that.

But a God who speaks and it is done, a God;

• Who commands, and it stands fast;

• Who does as He wills among the armies of heaven and among the inhabitants of this lower world —

such a God as this they cannot endure  <S195>

Romans 9:13-16 NIV

[13] Just as it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” [14] What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! [15] For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” [16] It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God's mercy.

Psalm 115:3 NIV

[3] Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.

Psalm 135:5-6 NIV

[5] I know that the Lord is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods. [6] The Lord does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths.

** Sola Scriptura people trust the Bible, and don’t trust the Bible in the hands of others  <D40>

• Go to the primary source for yourself and don’t rely on the interpretation of others

• Refer to an approved Bible translation as your ‘plum line of truth’

• God’s Word and the Holy Spirit helps us discern our words and actions along with those of others

1 Corinthians 11:29 NIV

[29] For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.

Philippians 1:9-11 NIV

[9] And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, [10] so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, [11] filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ---to the glory and praise of God.

1 Corinthians 2:14-16 NIV

[14] The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. [15] The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, [16] for, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

** God, who spoke creation into being, is powerful and knows ALL about the world; God sees the big picture and knows beyond our human understanding and reasoning

Psalm 121:1-2 NIV

[1] I lift up my eyes to the mountains---where does my help come from? [2] My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

** The Psalmist calls on God to uphold the righteous and curse the evildoers

Psalm 125:4-5 NIV

[4] Lord, do good to those who are good, to those who are upright in heart. [5] But those who turn to crooked ways the Lord will banish with the evildoers. Peace be on Israel.

Genesis 12:2-3 NIV

[2] “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. [3] I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. ”

** Non-believers will be judged at the Great White Throne of Judgment, whereas Christians will receive/lose rewards at the Judgment Seat of Christ; you don’t want to stand before God without Jesus beside you to plead on your behalf  <P163>

 1 Peter 4:18 NIV

[18] And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

> Day of Judgment — on an appointed day, the unredeemed will need to give their defense

Revelation 20:11-15 NIV

[11] Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. [12] And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. [13] The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. [14] Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. [15] Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.

Matthew 10:15 NIV

[15] Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.

2 Peter 2:9 NIV

[9] if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.

Hebrews 9:27 NIV

[27] Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment

> Who will judge? — everyone will stand before the throne, occupied by God

Revelation 20:12 NIV

[12] And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.

Romans 2:16 NIV

[16] This will take place on the day when God judges people's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.

Ecclesiastes 12:14 NIV

[14] For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.

> How will God judge man? — God will judge based on His Word and based on a person’s decision to simply accept Christ as Savior

Acts 17:30-31 NIV

[30] In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. [31] For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.”

Psalm 96:13 NIV

[13] Let all creation rejoice before the Lord, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his faithfulness.

John 12:47-48 NIV [Jesus said]

[47] “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. [48] There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day.

Daniel 7:10 NIV

[10] A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.

** Don't be so concerned about outer appearances but guard what you allow in, for this will influence who you are and who others perceive you to be

• The condition of your heart will shine bright, while outer appearances will fade

• Ask whether the approval of others is more important than the approval from God

Luke 11:34-36 NIV

[34] Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness. [35] See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. [36] Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you.”

Luke 11:39-41 NIV

[39] Then the Lord said to him, “Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. [40] You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? [41] But now as for what is inside you---be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.

** The Matt 7 ‘judging passage’ that is part of the Sermon on the Mount reveals HOW to judge others and not WHETHER to judge others; in fact, we are CALLED to judge and discern in order to determine wrong from right, false prophets, etc  <K110>

But we must not hypocritically judge others with a prejudiced mind — looking at the outer appearance and not what is at the heart of the matter — for we will be held accountable by the same measure

Jesus was not advocating that Christians should not discern every situation but that we should not be hypocritical, holding others to a higher standard than we are willing to live  <M130>

Matthew 7:1-2 NIV

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. [2] For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Matthew 7:12 NIV

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

John 7:24 NIV

[24] Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”

** God’s punishment against nations was intended to get people to focus on Him

Ezekiel 32:15 NIV

[15] When I make Egypt desolate and strip the land of everything in it, when I strike down all who live there, then they will know that I am the Lord. '

** It is sin to be glad at the calamities of any, especially God’s people; this perspective comes from selfishly covetous persons hoping the love of the world provides happiness, and results in God’s reckoning  <H83>

Ezekiel 26:2-3 NIV

[2] “Son of man, because Tyre has said of Jerusalem, 'Aha! The gate to the nations is broken, and its doors have swung open to me; now that she lies in ruins I will prosper,' [3] therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against you, Tyre, and I will bring many nations against you, like the sea casting up its waves.

Ezekiel 26:7-8 NIV

[7] “For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: From the north I am going to bring against Tyre Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, king of kings, with horses and chariots, with horsemen and a great army. [8] He will ravage your settlements on the mainland with the sword; he will set up siege works against you, build a ramp up to your walls and raise his shields against you.

** Covetousness is a breeding sin in its womb, vile and heinous, and the root of all evil

• Covetousness makes the soul earthly--which should be celestial

• Covetousness is an evil which subjects men to the basest and vilest evils

• Covetousness makes a man a fool!

Luke 12:20 NIV

[20] “But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?'

• Covetousness robs a man of all true peace, comfort, contentment and quiet

• Covetousness brings men into snares which drown their souls in perdition

• Covetousness renders men unsatisfied, never having enough to satisfy him

The plague of unsatisfiedness is the great plague which covetous men are under. Certainly you shall as soon fill a triangle with a circle, and a chest with grace as you shall be able to fill and satisfy a covetous mind with money.  <B24>

Luke 12:15 NIV

[15] Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

1 Timothy 6:9-10 NIV

[9] Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. [10] For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

** God resenting the injurious conduct of surrounding nations was a comfort to Israel because it meant God had not cast them off altogether, even though He had dealt with Israel severely; He is still God of Israel  <H83> <C34>

Ezekiel 25:8-9 NIV

[8] “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: 'Because Moab and Seir said, “Look, Judah has become like all the other nations,” [9] therefore I will expose the flank of Moab, beginning at its frontier towns---Beth Jeshimoth , Baal Meon and Kiriathaim---the glory of that land.

** God used a shepherd figure to illustrate how He will inspect those who pass under His rod, separating sheep from the goats

At this time, God will bring them into the bond of the New Covenant by giving them His Spirit with life; this is Israel’s final salvation  <M130>

Ezekiel 20:37-38 NIV

[37] I will take note of you as you pass under my rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant. [38] I will purge you of those who revolt and rebel against me. Although I will bring them out of the land where they are living, yet they will not enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord.

Ezekiel 36:24-26 NIV

[24] “ 'For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. [25] I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. [26] I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

Ezekiel 39:29 NIV

[29] I will no longer hide my face from them, for I will pour out my Spirit on the people of Israel, declares the Sovereign Lord. ”

Romans 11:26-32 NIV

[26] and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. [27] And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” [28] As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, [29] for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable. [30] Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, [31] so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God's mercy to you. [32] For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.

** The Israelites suffered consequences for their disobedience

Ezekiel 20:22-26 NIV

[22] But I withheld my hand, and for the sake of my name I did what would keep it from being profaned in the eyes of the nations in whose sight I had brought them out. [23] Also with uplifted hand I swore to them in the wilderness that I would disperse them among the nations and scatter them through the countries, [24] because they had not obeyed my laws but had rejected my decrees and desecrated my Sabbaths, and their eyes lusted after their parents' idols. [25] So I gave them other statutes that were not good and laws through which they could not live; [26] I defiled them through their gifts---the sacrifice of every firstborn---that I might fill them with horror so they would know that I am the Lord. '

God ultimately took pity on the rebellious Israelites and did not completely destroy them; He gave them opportunity to repent and change their ways

Ezekiel 20:17 NIV

[17] Yet I looked on them with pity and did not destroy them or put an end to them in the wilderness.

Ezekiel 20:22 NIV

[22] But I withheld my hand, and for the sake of my name I did what would keep it from being profaned in the eyes of the nations in whose sight I had brought them out.

What is my attitude toward those who rebel against God today? Do I pray they would change their ways before ultimate judgment is administered on them or do I inwardly want to see them suffer for their arrogance, as David admitted in Psalm 139 but then asked God to correct his heart in that regard?

Psalm 139:19-24 NIV

[19] If only you, God, would slay the wicked! Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty! [20] They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name. [21] Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord, and abhor those who are in rebellion against you? [22] I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies. [23] Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. [24] See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

** God does not take pleasure administering consequence for sin, yet He must deal with the wicked

Ezekiel 18:32 NIV

[32] For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!

** Remember that we see things from a linear point of view while God sees everything all at the same time; like watching a parade where we see what passes by but God sees the whole parade in its entirety  <D40>

Revelation 21:6a NIV

[6] He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV

[11] He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

** Those who want to call themselves disciples of Jesus must endure many hardships for we now go against the norms of the world; pastors certainly don’t preach on this very much these days

Hardships help prepare us for what God wants us to do, for they help:

• Refine us

• Purify us

• Strengthen us

• Ready us

“God comforts the afflicted, but also afflicts those who are comfortable.  God can help us overcome the world in troubled times when we ask it of Him”  <F60>

Acts 14:19-22 NIV

[19] Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. [20] But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe. [21] They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, [22] strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.

James 4:3-4 NIV

[3] When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. [4] You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.

Psalm 34:19 NIV

[19] The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all

Psalm 119:67,71 NIV

[67] Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. [71] It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.

John 16:33 NIV

[33] “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

** God’s discipline is to encourage His children to return to more-innocent days; restoration will be by grace, not merit

Ezekiel 16:53-55 NIV

[53] “ 'However, I will restore the fortunes of Sodom and her daughters and of Samaria and her daughters, and your fortunes along with them, [54] so that you may bear your disgrace and be ashamed of all you have done in giving them comfort. [55] And your sisters, Sodom with her daughters and Samaria with her daughters, will return to what they were before; and you and your daughters will return to what you were before.

Ezekiel 16:59-60,63 NIV

[59] “ 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will deal with you as you deserve, because you have despised my oath by breaking the covenant. [60] Yet I will remember the covenant I made with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish an everlasting covenant with you. [63] Then, when I make atonement for you for all you have done, you will remember and be ashamed and never again open your mouth because of your humiliation, declares the Sovereign Lord. ' ”

** [The man from Jerusalem in the Luke passage] was JUST in all his dealings with men and DEVOUT in his dealings toward God. It takes both of these elements to make true religion.

Some people are just and not devout! They are scrupulously honest in all their dealings — and yet they never think of God, or of their duties to Him. They do not bow to Him in prayer, nor do they ever lift their hearts to Him in praise. They do not love Him. They confess no obligations to Him. Their whole religion simply is honesty toward their fellow-men while they utterly ignore God, their Creator and Redeemer, in Whom they live, from Whose grace every blessing in their lives flows, and upon Whom they are dependent every moment for breath and existence. It is readily seen, that such religion is no religion at all.

While we are just and honest in our transactions with men — it is to God that we owe the first and highest duties. We are His creatures; we are saved, if at all, by His grace; we owe to Him obedience, faith, love, honor, service. So we must be devout as well as just.

On the other hand, there are some people who profess to be devout but are not just! They attend [religious services], they sing and pray; and then they go out into the week-day world, and are hard, unjust, greedy, and oppressive! It is very evident that this kind of religion does not please God. He wants our praise and honor — but He wants us to honor Him by our lives and actions, as well as by our lips.

There are two tables of commandments; and the second table commandments are as binding as the first. We are to love God with all our heart (the first table), but we are also to love our neighbor as ourselves (the second table). While we are devout toward God, we are also to be honest, true, and unselfish toward men.

The two things must go together, and must never be torn asunder!  <M136>

Luke 2:25 NIV

[25] Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.

Mark 12:28b-31 NIV

[28] One of the teachers of the law asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” [29] “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. [30] Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' [31] The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these.”

** In general, God calls us to be submissive and respectful toward authority (not exhibiting a pompous attitude) unless they tell us to sin by going against what God desires of us  <F64>

• There are a numerous passive and active responses we can utilize as believers in Christ to those in authority who want to force us to sin against our conscience:

a) Pray for authorities (1Tim 2:1-2)

b) Model for authorities (1Peter 3:1-2)

c) Appeal to authorities when living in society that provides the means to do this (Moses before Pharaoh, Daniel concerning food, woman appealing to the unjust judge)

d) Confront authorities with the word of God  (Nathan confronting King David, Daniel confronts King Nebuchadnezzar)

e) Defy authority (women refusing to kill baby boys, three men refusing to bow down to image of King Nebuchadnezzar)

f) Flee from ungodly authorities (like Paul fleeing from one place to another) being ready to bear the consequences

• Americans are unique in their brazenness toward authority because they can confront without impunity; the US Constitution is on their side

• Most believers in church history, could not brazenly oppose authority

• For instance, Paul was punished and thrown in prison often because he defied authority and lost his freedom while doing so  <B292>

1 Timothy 2:1-2 NIV

[1] I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people--- [2] for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

1 Peter 3:1-2 NIV

[1] Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, [2] when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.

Daniel 1:8,11-16 NIV

[8] But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. [11] Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, [12] “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. [13] Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” [14] So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days. [15] At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. [16] So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead.

1 Chronicles 17:1-4,15 NIV

[1] After David was settled in his palace, he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of the covenant of the Lord is under a tent. ” [2] Nathan replied to David, “Whatever you have in mind, do it, for God is with you.” [3] But that night the word of God came to Nathan, saying: [4] “Go and tell my servant David, 'This is what the Lord says: You are not the one to build me a house to dwell in. [15] Nathan reported to David all the words of this entire revelation.

Daniel 3:4-6,12 NIV

[4] Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “Nations and peoples of every language, this is what you are commanded to do: [5] As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. [6] Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.” [12] But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon---Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego---who pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Acts 18:5-6 NIV

[5] When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. [6] But when they opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

** We are called to witness to others whether we think they will listen or not — leave the results of your obedience in God’s hands

Ezekiel 2:3-5 NIV

[3] He said: “Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have been in revolt against me to this very day. [4] The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says.' [5] And whether they listen or fail to listen---for they are a rebellious people---they will know that a prophet has been among them.

Ezekiel 2:7 NIV

[7] You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious.

** This is not the world God created — it has been corrupted by evil and sin — so we are going to be affected by the evil around us before followers of Christ can enjoy His new creation

We don’t have all the answers right now — we don’t know why God does not save us from every evil encounter when we ask Him to, but we know He is good and we will understand one day when living in God’s new kingdom

Revelation 21:5 NIV

[5] He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

God wants us to lean on Him during our existence here; He did not remove Paul’s thorn for He wanted Paul to lean on Him, for His grace is sufficient and His ways/thoughts are well-beyond ours — trust God now for one day we will know fully!  <S188>

2 Corinthians 12:8-9 NIV

[8] Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. [9] But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. ” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

1 Corinthians 13:12 NIV

[12] 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.

** Sin makes the cup of affliction a bitter cup but we can always find strength in the Lord to overcome; because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed!

Lamentations 3:19-22 NIV

[19] I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. [20] I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. [21] Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: [22] Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.

** Stop evaluating people by what is seen at the surface level, as the world does, but rather be concerned about what is on the inside; as the saying goes, “beauty is skin deep”

• The Pharisees in Jesus’ day were in the pursuit of righteousness and wanted to be recognized by their works, but when True Righteousness came to live among them they did not submit to His righteousness and killed Him  <S193>

• If we looked at Christ from the world’s view – by what we see and observe – then He would seem a failure

• Paul said Christians are to look at their fellow believer from God’s point of view and recognize they are a new creation

• Regardless of what a believer may be now, one day they will become a living example of the triumph of God’s saving grace  <R1795>

2 Corinthians 5:16 NIV

[16] So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.

Matthew 23:25-26 NIV

[25] “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. [26] Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.

Mark 7:15 NIV

[15] Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.”

** This is a beautiful thing which God said of them. Yet, after all, that is the test which every life must endure. It is not enough to have human commendation. The question is: How do we stand before God? How does our life appear to Him? It does not matter how men praise and commend us, if God sees that we are living wrong. The Pharisees were righteous before men; but if you would see how they stood in God's eye, read the twenty-third chapter of Matthew: "You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to Hell!" (Matt 23:33)

We are in reality, just what we are before God--nothing less, nothing more! The question we should always ask ourselves is, "What does God think of me?" If we would meet His approval, we must first have our hearts right — and then we must be blameless and upright in every part of our life.

One of the old heathen artists was chiseling the back part of his marble statue with great pains. "Why do you carve the tresses on back of the head of your statue so carefully?" asked one; "it will stand high in its niche against the wall, and no one will ever see its back." "The gods will see it!" was the reply.

We should learn a lesson from the old heathen artist! We should do our work just as honestly, where it will be covered up and never seen by human eyes, as where it is to be open to the scrutiny of the world. For God will see it! We should live just as purely and beautifully in secret, as in the glare of the world's gaze!

There really is no such thing as secrecy in this world. We imagine that no eye is looking, when we are not in the presence of men. But really, we always have a spectator — we are living all our life in the presence of God Himself! We should train ourselves, therefore, to live for the Divine eye in all that we do, that our life may stand the Divine inspection, and that we may have the approval and commendation of God Himself!  <M136>

Hebrews 4:13 NIV

[13] Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Luke 1:5-6 NIV

[5] In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. [6] Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commands and decrees blamelessly.

** God accepted prayers to bring other ungodly people - especially the Babylonians at the time - under His judgment  <M130>

Lamentations 1:21-22 NIV

[21] “People have heard my groaning, but there is no one to comfort me. All my enemies have heard of my distress; they rejoice at what you have done. May you bring the day you have announced so they may become like me. [22] “Let all their wickedness come before you; deal with them as you have dealt with me because of all my sins. My groans are many and my heart is faint.”

Lamentations 3:64-66 NIV

[64] Pay them back what they deserve, Lord, for what their hands have done. [65] Put a veil over their hearts, and may your curse be on them! [66] Pursue them in anger and destroy them from under the heavens of the Lord.

Lamentations 4:21-22 NIV

[21] Rejoice and be glad, Daughter Edom, you who live in the land of Uz. But to you also the cup will be passed; you will be drunk and stripped naked. [22] Your punishment will end, Daughter Zion; he will not prolong your exile. But he will punish your sin, Daughter Edom, and expose your wickedness.

** Common sense is really the imprint of God’s hand on the soundness of our minds. As believers in the one true God, we should be able to discern right from wrong, danger from safety, and behave accordingly. We, as Christians indwelled by the Holy Spirit, should have a thirst for the truth, not for making the truth what we want to believe. Let us have a burning desire for freedom in Truth—Christ, who makes us free.  <W212>

2 Timothy 4:3-5 NIV

[3] For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. [4] They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. [5] But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

** Trust in God, not rumors

Jeremiah 51:46 NIV

[46] Do not lose heart or be afraid when rumors are heard in the land; one rumor comes this year, another the next, rumors of violence in the land and of ruler against ruler.

** All cities surrounding Israel voluntarily surrendered so they would not be tortured and now the Assyrians were coming to Jerusalem, blaspheming and challenging Israel’s God

• King Hezekiah had a decision to make because they were next on the Assyrian’s list

• Upon hearing the taunting words from the Assyrians (Sennacherib), King Hezekiah went to the temple to seek the Lord and sent for the prophet Isaiah and was assured of deliverance

• Hezekiah had the right response to this challenge as he went directly to the Lord and asked others to pray for deliverance, but he did so for GOD’S glory!  <F60>

Isaiah 37:14-17,20 NIV

[14] Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord. [15] And Hezekiah prayed to the Lord: [16] “Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. [17] Give ear, Lord, and hear; open your eyes, Lord, and see; listen to all the words Sennacherib has sent to ridicule the living God. [20] Now, Lord our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you, Lord, are the only God. ”

** The patience and goodness of God to this remnant group of ancient people was remarkable; he did not even leave them in their rebellion but continued to communicate through His prophet warning them of the sin that brought disaster on them  <C34>

Jeremiah 44:4-5 NIV

[4] Again and again I sent my servants the prophets, who said, 'Do not do this detestable thing that I hate!' [5] But they did not listen or pay attention; they did not turn from their wickedness or stop burning incense to other gods but were in blatant defiance against God

Jeremiah 44:15-17 NIV

[15] Then all the men who knew that their wives were burning incense to other gods, along with all the women who were present---a large assembly---and all the people living in Lower and Upper Egypt, said to Jeremiah, [16] “We will not listen to the message you have spoken to us in the name of the Lord! [17] We will certainly do everything we said we would: We will burn incense to the Queen of Heaven and will pour out drink offerings to her just as we and our ancestors, our kings and our officials did in the towns of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem. At that time we had plenty of food and were well off and suffered no harm.

** Cancel culture is laser-focused on judgment and accusation and punishment," and the goal of those who cancel others is to broadcast their sins from pillar to post, and never allow them to be removed or forgotten. Christ's goal, on the other hand, is love, mercy and grace.

Jesus spent a lot of time with people in His day who had been canceled, so to speak, mentioning the woman at the well and lepers.

It would be nice to think that cancel culture is a temporary phase that our world is going through, but society is becoming more intolerant and polarized by the day. And I'm not sure we'll see a reversal of all these trends. The more insidious elements of cancel culture are a malignant form of the spitefulness and self-importance common to human nature.

What we're seeing today reminds me of what Jesus described in Matthew 24:

Matthew 24:10 NIV

[10] At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other

Cancel culture is a "culture of disdain." Jesus talked about how easily people would be offended in the days leading up to the tribulation. Boy, is that ever true! Have you ever noticed how easy people get offended these days? None of us wants to be offensive. But doesn't it seem like people everywhere are too easily offended? How long before someone sees us reading a Bible on the airplane and feels uncomfortable? When will someone take offense when we wear a t-shirt with the slogan John 3:16 on it? What about the cross around your neck that could get you in trouble?  <J103>

** The Hebrew word for “boys” in Isaiah 3:4 suggests a young lad or perhaps a servant. In this context, it denotes an immaturity of leadership that the Lord said would characterize those in charge of Judah ahead of His judgment falling on the nation; the same can be said of a fallen nation today  <B26>

Isaiah 3:4-5 NIV

[4] “I will make mere youths their officials; children will rule over them.” [5] People will oppress each other---man against man, neighbor against neighbor. The young will rise up against the old, the nobody against the honored.

** In the morning the thief was OUT of Christ:

• far from God and far from righteousness,

• the helpless captive of sin,

• the child of despair and death.

At noon the thief was IN Christ:

• remembered graciously by the Savior of the lost,

• redeemed with an everlasting redemption,

• endowed with the new heart,

• and freely and perfectly justified.

In the evening the thief was WITH Christ:

• gazing on the glories of paradise,

• safe at home with his good Shepherd and adorable Redeemer.

What a crowded and memorable day this was in his history! So much was pressed into these few hours. Such a glorious and unprecedented transition they brought, from the cruel cross — to Heaven's glory!  <S182>

Luke 23:42-43 NIV

[42] Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. ” [43] Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

** Since the Israelites did not follow His command to free the Hebrew slaves, God ‘set them free’ to fall by the sword and die at the hand of their enemies

Jeremiah 34:17-18 NIV

[17] “Therefore this is what the Lord says: You have not obeyed me; you have not proclaimed freedom to your own people. So I now proclaim 'freedom' for you, declares the Lord---'freedom' to fall by the sword, plague and famine. I will make you abhorrent to all the kingdoms of the earth. [18] Those who have violated my covenant and have not fulfilled the terms of the covenant they made before me, I will treat like the calf they cut in two and then walked between its pieces.

** God has a ‘red line’ or ‘boiling point’ that invokes His wrath when His people continue in unabated sin; punishment ensues because people need to be reminded of God’s sovereignty!

Jeremiah 44:22-23 NIV

[22] When the Lord could no longer endure your wicked actions and the detestable things you did, your land became a curse and a desolate waste without inhabitants, as it is today. [23] Because you have burned incense and have sinned against the Lord and have not obeyed him or followed his law or his decrees or his stipulations, this disaster has come upon you, as you now see.”

Jeremiah 44:27-28 NIV

[27] For I am watching over them for harm, not for good; the Jews in Egypt will perish by sword and famine until they are all destroyed. [28] Those who escape the sword and return to the land of Judah from Egypt will be very few. Then the whole remnant of Judah who came to live in Egypt will know whose word will stand---mine or theirs.

** Jeremiah wrote down Holy Spirit-inspired words; these are the words and promises God ordered to be written  <H83>

Jeremiah 30:1-2 NIV

[1] This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: [2] “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: 'Write in a book all the words I have spoken to you.

** God, who came to earth as a man, didn’t come to lay down His life for social justice or climate change or a political movement or a Christian denomination

• Christ's primary purpose was to lay down His life to deal with sin and then give people the way forward to have relationship with Him  <D40>

• Likewise, followers of Christ are to value God and others above all else, including those who are lost because their story is not done yet

• Remember the transforming power God had over Paul’s life, and virtually everyone in Scripture

John 10:11 NIV

[11] “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

John 15:12-14 NIV

[12] My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. [13] Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. [14] You are my friends if you do what I command.

1 John 3:16 NIV

[16] This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.

Matthew 22:37-39 NIV

[37] Jesus replied: “ 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' [38] This is the first and greatest commandment. [39] And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

** Jeremiah reminded those listening to Hananiah’s prophecy that he is only valid as a prophet if his prophecy comes true

Jeremiah 28:5-9 NIV

[5] Then the prophet Jeremiah replied to the prophet Hananiah before the priests and all the people who were standing in the house of the Lord. [6] He said, “Amen! May the Lord do so! May the Lord fulfill the words you have prophesied by bringing the articles of the Lord's house and all the exiles back to this place from Babylon. [7] Nevertheless, listen to what I have to say in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people: [8] From early times the prophets who preceded you and me have prophesied war, disaster and plague against many countries and great kingdoms. [9] But the prophet who prophesies peace will be recognized as one truly sent by the Lord only if his prediction comes true. ”

** God’s response to Hananiah’s false prophecy was to place Israel and other nations in bondage of Babylon — the very nation Hananiah said would be defeated — and to terminate Hananiah’s life

Jeremiah 28:12-14 NIV

[12] After the prophet Hananiah had broken the yoke off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: [13] “Go and tell Hananiah, 'This is what the Lord says: You have broken a wooden yoke, but in its place you will get a yoke of iron. [14] This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: I will put an iron yoke on the necks of all these nations to make them serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and they will serve him. I will even give him control over the wild animals. ' ”

Jeremiah 28:15-17 NIV

[15] Then the prophet Jeremiah said to Hananiah the prophet, “Listen, Hananiah! The Lord has not sent you, yet you have persuaded this nation to trust in lies. [16] Therefore this is what the Lord says: 'I am about to remove you from the face of the earth. This very year you are going to die, because you have preached rebellion against the Lord.' ” [17] In the seventh month of that same year, Hananiah the prophet died.

** Jeremiah obediently prophesied to all the nations God identified

Jeremiah 25:17-26 NIV

[17] So I took the cup from the Lord's hand and made all the nations to whom he sent me drink it: [18] Jerusalem and the towns of Judah, its kings and officials, to make them a ruin and an object of horror and scorn, a curse---as they are today; [19] Pharaoh king of Egypt, his attendants, his officials and all his people, [20] and all the foreign people there; all the kings of Uz; all the kings of the Philistines (those of Ashkelon, Gaza, Ekron, and the people left at Ashdod); [21] Edom, Moab and Ammon; [22] all the kings of Tyre and Sidon; the kings of the coastlands across the sea; [23] Dedan, Tema, Buz and all who are in distant places ; [24] all the kings of Arabia and all the kings of the foreign people who live in the wilderness; [25] all the kings of Zimri, Elam and Media; [26] and all the kings of the north, near and far, one after the other---all the kingdoms on the face of the earth. And after all of them, the king of Sheshak will drink it too.

** God forced destruction on the nations He chose, starting with Jerusalem, whether they accepted His warning or not

Jeremiah 25:28-29 NIV

[28] But if they refuse to take the cup from your hand and drink , tell them, 'This is what the Lord Almighty says: You must drink it! [29] See, I am beginning to bring disaster on the city that bears my Name, and will you indeed go unpunished? You will not go unpunished, for I am calling down a sword on all who live on the earth, declares the Lord Almighty.'

Jeremiah 25:31-32 NIV

[31] The tumult will resound to the ends of the earth, for the Lord will bring charges against the nations; he will bring judgment on all mankind and put the wicked to the sword, ' ” declares the Lord. [32] This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Look! Disaster is spreading from nation to nation; a mighty storm is rising from the ends of the earth.”

** False prophets continue today with their claims of “having a dream” and speaking words from God that He did not speak; followers of Christ must discern and test every message against God’s Word in Scripture

Jeremiah 23:25-29 NIV

[25] “I have heard what the prophets say who prophesy lies in my name. They say, 'I had a dream! I had a dream!' [26] How long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions of their own minds? [27] They think the dreams they tell one another will make my people forget my name, just as their ancestors forgot my name through Baal worship. [28] Let the prophet who has a dream recount the dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain?” declares the Lord. [29] “Is not my word like fire,” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?

** God cares about those who cannot defend themselves

Jeremiah 22:3 NIV

[3] This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place.

Jeremiah 22:16 NIV

[16] He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me?” declares the Lord.

** Jeremiah respectfully questioned God; this reminds us when Job questioned God asking why he was born when he could be living in peace, at rest and away from evil

Jeremiah 12:1 NIV

[1] You are always righteous, Lord,

 when I bring a case before you. Yet I would speak with you about your justice: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?

Job 3:11,13,16-17 NIV

[11] “Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb? [13] For now I would be lying down in peace; I would be asleep and at rest [16] Or why was I not hidden away in the ground like a stillborn child, like an infant who never saw the light of day? [17] There the wicked cease from turmoil, and there the weary are at rest.

** God abides by His covenant to the ‘letter of the law’ and expects us to do the same; we are cursed if we do not follow the agreement but blessed when we do

Jeremiah 11:1-5 NIV

[1] This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: [2] “Listen to the terms of this covenant and tell them to the people of Judah and to those who live in Jerusalem. [3] Tell them that this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: 'Cursed is the one who does not obey the terms of this covenant--- [4] the terms I commanded your ancestors when I brought them out of Egypt, out of the iron-smelting furnace. ' I said, 'Obey me and do everything I command you, and you will be my people, and I will be your God. [5] Then I will fulfill the oath I swore to your ancestors, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey'---the land you possess today.” I answered, “Amen, Lord.”

Jeremiah 11:7-8 NIV

[7] From the time I brought your ancestors up from Egypt until today, I warned them again and again, saying, “Obey me.” [8] But they did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubbornness of their evil hearts. So I brought on them all the curses of the covenant I had commanded them to follow but that they did not keep. ' ”

Jeremiah 11:10-11 NIV

[10] They have returned to the sins of their ancestors, who refused to listen to my words. They have followed other gods to serve them. Both Israel and Judah have broken the covenant I made with their ancestors. [11] Therefore this is what the Lord says: 'I will bring on them a disaster they cannot escape. Although they cry out to me, I will not listen to them.

** God told Jeremiah ‘times would be tough being the strong wall standing before the nations’; we are to commit to times of faith and obedience

Jeremiah 6:16 NIV

[16] This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’

** God pointed out to Jeremiah that his own family had betrayed him even though they outwardly spoke well of him

Jeremiah 12:6 NIV

[6] Your relatives, members of your own family---even they have betrayed you; they have raised a loud cry against you. Do not trust them, though they speak well of you.

** Wicked leaders among the prophets and priests proclaimed false peace and gave weak and brief comfort; they provided no true healing from the spiritual wound because they did not have discernment to deal with the sin and its effects  <M130>

Jeremiah 6:13-15 NIV

[13] “From the least to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; prophets and priests alike, all practice deceit. [14] They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. 'Peace, peace,' they say, when there is no peace. [15] Are they ashamed of their detestable conduct? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush. So they will fall among the fallen; they will be brought down when I punish them,” says the Lord.

Jeremiah 6:20 NIV

[20] What do I care about incense from Sheba or sweet calamus from a distant land? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable; your sacrifices do not please me.”

** Beware of false prophets and their “lying pen”as were the priests and prophets in Jeremiah’s day who led Judah into ruin; this is a call for all of God’s followers to be a Berean — to test what is heard against Scripture and treat the Word of God accurately

Jeremiah 8:8-9 NIV

[8] “ 'How can you say, “We are wise, for we have the law of the Lord,” when actually the lying pen of the scribes has handled it falsely? [9] The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the Lord, what kind of wisdom do they have?

** Everyone should beware of false prophets performing ‘fake miracles’, for they will deceive many

Matthew 24:10-11 NIV

[10] At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, [11] and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.

** False teachers have no shame; do not be duped but, rather, discern their words against God’s written word

Jeremiah 8:11-12 NIV

[11] They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. “Peace, peace,” they say, when there is no peace. [12] Are they ashamed of their detestable conduct? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush. So they will fall among the fallen; they will be brought down when they are punished, says the Lord.

** We were all born sinners; no one is righteous

Jeremiah 5:1 NIV

[1] “Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem,

 look around and consider, search through her squares. If you can find but one person who deals honestly and seeks the truth, I will forgive this city.

** Israel was less worthy of punishment than Judah because Judah willfully went down the same path after observing what happened to Israel; God abhors intentional defiance

Jeremiah 3:11 NIV

[11] The Lord said to me, “Faithless Israel is more righteous than unfaithful Judah.

** When people turn their backs on God, then rebellion, treachery, revolt, and lies abound while those who follow God become their prey; truth and justice is nowhere to be found

Isaiah 59:12-15 NIV

[12] For our offenses are many in your sight, and our sins testify against us. Our offenses are ever with us, and we acknowledge our iniquities: [13] rebellion and treachery against the Lord, turning our backs on our God, inciting revolt and oppression, uttering lies our hearts have conceived. [14] So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter. [15] Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey. The Lord looked and was displeased that there was no justice.

** Jesus mentioned exactly how awful it will be for those who cause children who believe in Him to stumble; no doubt Jesus highlights the sin of abusing young people because they are easy targets and impressionable

Luke 17:1-2 NIV

[1] Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. [2] It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.

Mark 9:42 NIV

[42] “If anyone causes one of these little ones---those who believe in me---to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.

Matthew 18:6 NIV

[6] “If anyone causes one of these little ones---those who believe in me---to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.

** “We think differently than God!  He hasn't asked us to figure out why He does the things He does.  We can't.  We are not capable.  Our thinking is inferior to His. Our God is not a person who is slightly more intelligent: His thoughts are infinitely higher than ours.  Knowing the gap is so large, shouldn't we put our energy toward submitting rather than over-analyzing? It is expected there will be many times when you won't figure Him out."  <C37>

Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV

[8] “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. [9] “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

** Jeremiah was told to be courageous because God would be with him when he was fearful; likewise, God does not give us a spirit of fear when life is not easy but we can move ahead with yet courage and confidence He provides us

Jeremiah 1:8-9 NIV

[8] Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. [9] Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth.

** We rely on God’s truth and to speak this truth to set people free, especially in these last days

Psalm 43:3 NIV

[3] Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell.

Romans 1:18 NIV

[18] The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness

Ephesians 6:11-14 NIV

[11] Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. [12] For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. [13] Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. [14] Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place

Zechariah 8:16 NIV

[16] These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts

John 8:32 NIV

[32] Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

** God is the one and only God — none can compare or reverse His will!

Isaiah 43:10-13 NIV

[10] “You are my witnesses, ” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. [11] I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior. [12] I have revealed and saved and proclaimed---I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses, ” declares the Lord, “that I am God. [13] Yes, and from ancient days I am he. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?”

Psalm 40:5 NIV

[5] Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.

Isaiah 40:18,21-23,25-26 NIV

[18] With whom, then, will you compare God? To what image will you liken him? [21] Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? [22] He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. [23] He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing. [25] “To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One. [26] Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.

** God knows that Israel will come back to Him AFTER He regathers them in their land and gives them life; the Tribulation, ultimately, is for the purpose of saving the Jewish nation — a nation that has already gathered from the ends of the earth

This is the Old Testament version of God’s grace; He knows that Israel cannot keep the law of Moses yet blesses them and gives them their land after He disciplined them, revealing God’s love and glory  <R176>

Jeremiah 29:10-14 NIV

[10] This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. [11] For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. [12] Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. [13] You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. [14] I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

Ezekiel 37:1-7 NIV

[1] The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. [2] He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. [3] He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know. ” [4] Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, 'Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! [5] This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. [6] I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord. ' ” [7] So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone.

Ezekiel 37:11-14 NIV

[11] Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, 'Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.' [12] Therefore prophesy and say to them: 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. [13] Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. [14] I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord. ' ”

Ezekiel 20:41-44 NIV

[41] I will accept you as fragrant incense when I bring you out from the nations and gather you from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will be proved holy through you in the sight of the nations. [42] Then you will know that I am the Lord, when I bring you into the land of Israel, the land I had sworn with uplifted hand to give to your ancestors. [43] There you will remember your conduct and all the actions by which you have defiled yourselves, and you will loathe yourselves for all the evil you have done. [44] You will know that I am the Lord, when I deal with you for my name's sake and not according to your evil ways and your corrupt practices, you people of Israel, declares the Sovereign Lord. ' ”

** God has a warning for those who are complacent but hope for those who will experience God’s salvation and perfect justice

Isaiah 32:9-13 NIV

[9] You women who are so complacent, rise up and listen to me; you daughters who feel secure, hear what I have to say! [10] In little more than a year you who feel secure will tremble; the grape harvest will fail, and the harvest of fruit will not come. [11] Tremble, you complacent women; shudder, you daughters who feel secure! Strip off your fine clothes and wrap yourselves in rags. [12] Beat your breasts for the pleasant fields, for the fruitful vines [13] and for the land of my people, a land overgrown with thorns and briers---yes, mourn for all houses of merriment and for this city of revelry.

Isaiah 32:18-20 NIV

[18] My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest. [19] Though hail flattens the forest and the city is leveled completely, [20] how blessed you will be, sowing your seed by every stream, and letting your cattle and donkeys range free.

** God declares what is truth and right; our world increasingly abandons this truth and suffers the consequences

Isaiah 45:19 NIV

[19] I have not spoken in secret, from somewhere in a land of darkness; I have not said to Jacob's descendants, 'Seek me in vain.' I, the Lord, speak the truth; I declare what is right.

** God can clearly spot hypocritical double-talk; He knows the motives of our heart that leads to action that contradicts what we say

Jeremiah 3:4-5 NIV

[4] Have you not just called to me: 'My Father, my friend from my youth, [5] will you always be angry? Will your wrath continue forever?' This is how you talk, but you do all the evil you can.”

** As confirmed in Revelation, God will purge evil with fire and the wicked must be destroyed before the righteous can be established in peace

Isaiah 66:14-16 NIV

[14] When you see this, your heart will rejoice and you will flourish like grass; the hand of the Lord will be made known to his servants, but his fury will be shown to his foes. [15] See, the Lord is coming with fire, and his chariots are like a whirlwind; he will bring down his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. [16] For with fire and with his sword the Lord will execute judgment on all people, and many will be those slain by the Lord.

Revelation 19:1-3 NIV

[1] After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting:

 “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, [2] for true and just are his judgments. He has condemned the great prostitute who corrupted the earth by her adulteries. He has avenged on her the blood of his servants.” [3] And again they shouted: “Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up for ever and ever.”

Revelation 20:7-9 NIV

[7] When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison [8] and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth---Gog and Magog---and to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore. [9] They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God's people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them.

** Even one of Jesus’ hand-picked twelve disciples would break through the net and be lost, for he was never actually one of them to begin with.  <N154>

John 6:70-71 NIV

[70] Then Jesus replied, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!” [71] (He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.)

** People want guidance but they don’t want to believe the Bible

• People are more willing to exchange uncomfortable truth for comfortable lies

• They don’t want to submit to anyone or anything that involves spiritism or psychics  <H89>

• It’s all about 'self' and most want to remain in charge of their present and future life

Deuteronomy 18:10-12 NIV

[10] Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, [11] or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. [12] Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord; because of these same detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you.

1 Chronicles 10:13 NIV

[13] Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance

** God warns nations that act outside of His will and do not seek His guidance; their efforts will be brought to naught

Isaiah 30:1-3,7 NIV

[1] “Woe to the obstinate children,” declares the Lord, “to those who carry out plans that are not mine, forming an alliance, but not by my Spirit, heaping sin upon sin; [2] who go down to Egypt without consulting me; who look for help to Pharaoh's protection, to Egypt's shade for refuge. [3] But Pharaoh's protection will be to your shame, Egypt's shade will bring you disgrace. [7] to Egypt, whose help is utterly useless. Therefore I call her Rahab the Do-Nothing.

Isaiah 30:12-14 NIV

[12] Therefore this is what the Holy One of Israel says: “Because you have rejected this message, relied on oppression and depended on deceit, [13] this sin will become for you like a high wall, cracked and bulging, that collapses suddenly, in an instant. [14] It will break in pieces like pottery, shattered so mercilessly that among its pieces not a fragment will be found for taking coals from a hearth or scooping water out of a cistern.”

** All of this world lies under the sway of the wicked one, including our governments; be aware of Satan’s measures  

1 John 5:19 NIV

[19] We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.

** Liberty and freedom cannot be accomplished via human efforts alone — we need to seek God to bring it about and rely on the power of His Word to direct us, otherwise we get entangled and stumble

• If any Christian turns to legalism, represented here by circumcision, and struggles to live a good life by self-effort, his union with Jesus will be of no value

• In essence, Paul is saying that Christians who rely on self-effort being guided by the Law, ‘turns off’ Christ who lives within

• Those who do not rely on Jesus get nothing accomplished!  <R1795>

Galatians 5:1 NIV

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

• God wants us to live in freedom

• Don't let Satan steal this joy from you

• Do you notice that those who hate freedom most often hate God?  <K110>

Galatians 5:7-8 NIV

You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? [8] That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.

** Stern warning to the leaders of Israel who lead others astray

Isaiah 9:13-16 NIV

[13] But the people have not returned to him who struck them, nor have they sought the Lord Almighty. [14] So the Lord will cut off from Israel both head and tail, both palm branch and reed in a single day; [15] the elders and dignitaries are the head, the prophets who teach lies are the tail. [16] Those who guide this people mislead them, and those who are guided are led astray.

** The parable of the farmer underlined the lessons of judgment; as the farmer does different tasks, each in the right season and proportion, so God adopts His measures to His purposes — now mercy, then judgment, punishing sooner than later  <M130>

God’s purpose was not to destroy His people, any more than the farmer’s object in his threshing and plowing is to destroy his crop

Isaiah 28:23-26,29 NIV

[23] Listen and hear my voice; pay attention and hear what I say. [24] When a farmer plows for planting, does he plow continually? Does he keep on breaking up and working the soil? [25] When he has leveled the surface, does he not sow caraway and scatter cumin? Does he not plant wheat in its place, barley in its plot, and spelt in its field? [26] His God instructs him and teaches him the right way. [29] All this also comes from the Lord Almighty, whose plan is wonderful, whose wisdom is magnificent.

** God warns those who take advantage of the widows and fatherless through the making of unjust laws, for the day of reckoning is coming to make them pay for their actions  

Isaiah 10:1-2 NIV

[1] Woe to those who make unjust laws,

 to those who issue oppressive decrees, [2] to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless.

Isaiah 10:3-4 NIV

[3] What will you do on the day of reckoning, when disaster comes from afar? To whom will you run for help? Where will you leave your riches? [4] Nothing will remain but to cringe among the captives or fall among the slain. Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away, his hand is still upraised.

** Take heed of settling yourselves under an unholy minister — of one whose life gives the lie to his doctrine. An unholy preacher is the greatest destroyer of the souls of men!

Let a minister be ever so learned, solid, quaint, elegant, zealous, judicious, sententious, etc.--yet if he is carnal, covetous, worldly, vain, and loose in his life and walk, his hearers will rather slight and abhor the holy things of God.

He who preaches well, but lives bad — does what he can, to murder all his hearers at once! There is no greater bar to holiness, than ministers' unholy lives. An unholy life mars the soundest and the sweetest doctrine. The sins of teachers are the teachers of sins!

When the preacher departs out of the way of holiness, the people will quickly wander from all that is good. He whose life is not a standing reproof to sin — will, by his life, encourage sinners more and more in a way of sin. There is nothing which keeps men so off from the love of holiness, and from the pursuing after holiness, than the unholy lives of their ministers.  <B24>

1 Timothy 4:12,16 NIV

[12] Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. [16] Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Isaiah 9:16 NIV

[16] Those who guide this people mislead them, and those who are guided are led astray.

Titus 2:7 NIV

[7] In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness

** Man’s existence in this world and his accomplishments are not remembered, so why place so much value in them?

• This world is not our home, so don't give it ultimate priority

• Be concerned with the eternal soul rather than the temporary body and its accomplishments

Ecclesiastes 1:3-4 NIV

[3] What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun? [4] Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever.

Matthew 10:28 NIV

[28] Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

** Once again, God refers to waging war to bring down the haughty and prideful

Isaiah 13:11 NIV

[11] I will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for their sins. I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless.

** It is very affecting that the first offers of grace should be made to those who, of all people in the world, had done Him the most harm!

One would rather have expected the apostles would have received another kind of charge, and that Christ would have said, "Let repentance and forgiveness of sins be preached but do NOT carry it to Jerusalem, that wicked city, that has been the slaughter-house of my prophets, whom I have often sent. Last of all, I myself, the Son, came — and with wicked hands, they have crucified and murdered Me! They may do the same to you! Do not let the gospel enter those wicked gates, through which they led Me, its Author, to crucifixion!"

But Christ singles out exactly these murderous people of Jerusalem to make monuments of His mercy, and commands the first offer of eternal life to be made to them! As if our Lord had said: "Lest the poor house of Israel should think themselves abandoned to eternal despair, as cruel and vile as they have been — go, make the first offer of grace to them! Let those who spilled My blood be welcome to its healing virtue. Tell them that there is repentance and forgiveness, even for them!

"Nay, if you meet that poor wretch who thrust his spear into My side, tell him that there is another way, a better way of coming to My heart — even My heart's love! Tell him, that if he will repent, and look upon Me whom he has pierced, and will mourn, then I will cherish him in that very bosom which he has wounded! Tell him that he shall find the blood which he has shed to be an ample atonement for the sin of shedding it! And tell him from Me, that he will put Me to more pain and displeasure by refusing this offer of My blood than when he first drew it forth!"  <G7994>

Luke 24:46-47 NIV

[46] He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, [47] and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Matthew 9:13 NIV

[13] But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

** God continued to save His people despite their sin and disbelief, for His glory and to make His mighty power known

Psalm 106:6-8 NIV

[6] We have sinned, even as our ancestors did; we have done wrong and acted wickedly. [7] When our ancestors were in Egypt, they gave no thought to your miracles; they did not remember your many kindnesses, and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea. [8] Yet he saved them for his name's sake, to make his mighty power known.

Psalm 106:9-13 NIV

[9] He rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up; he led them through the depths as through a desert. [10] He saved them from the hand of the foe; from the hand of the enemy he redeemed them. [11] The waters covered their adversaries; not one of them survived. [12] Then they believed his promises and sang his praise. [13] But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his plan to unfold.

** God was ready to consume the Israelites from turning against Him but ultimately held off because Moses stood in the gap and He remembered His covenant with His people

Psalm 106:14-15 NIV

[14] In the desert they gave in to their craving; in the wilderness they put God to the test. [15] So he gave them what they asked for, but sent a wasting disease among them.

Psalm 106:19-23 NIV

[19] At Horeb they made a calf and worshiped an idol cast from metal. [20] They exchanged their glorious God for an image of a bull, which eats grass. [21] They forgot the God who saved them, who had done great things in Egypt, [22] miracles in the land of Ham and awesome deeds by the Red Sea. [23] So he said he would destroy them---had not Moses, his chosen one, stood in the breach before him to keep his wrath from destroying them.

Psalm 106:43-46 NIV

[43] Many times he delivered them, but they were bent on rebellion and they wasted away in their sin. [44] Yet he took note of their distress when he heard their cry; [45] for their sake he remembered his covenant and out of his great love he relented. [46] He caused all who held them captive to show them mercy.

** Learn humility, from Christ's humility. For lack of humility, some angels became devils. When men glory in their pride, God stains the pride of their glory.  The most lowly Christian, is the most lovely Christian.  <D42>

Matthew 11:29 NIV

[29] Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Isaiah 23:9 NIV

[9] The Lord Almighty planned it, to bring down her pride in all her splendor and to humble all who are renowned on the earth.

1 Peter 5:5 NIV

[5] In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

James 4:16 NIV

[16] As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.

Proverbs 8:13 NIV

[13] To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.

Daniel 4:37 NIV

[37] Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.

** The world is watching Christians during these final days, and what message are we giving them?  

• Let’s agree to disagree on matters of non-salvation instead of tearing each other down  <F60> (Sep 2020)

Galatians 5:14-15 NIV

[14] For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” [15] If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

** There is a contrast between words that are blurted out and thoughtful words that bring healing <M130>; a good witness has trustworthy words

Proverbs 12:18 NIV

[18] The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 12:19,22 NIV

[19] Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. [22] The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.

** The prudent are measured in their response; a wise person is a model of restraint and humility, speaking what he knows at the appropriate time  <M130>

Proverbs 12:16 NIV

[16] Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.

Proverbs 12:19,22 NIV

[19] Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. [22] The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.

Proverbs 29:11 NIV

[11] Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.

** Be careful of your response; at first assume ‘others don’t know the full story’ when their words and actions seem controversial

Proverbs 15:1 NIV

[1] A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 15:18 NIV

[18] A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.

Proverbs 15:23 NIV

[23] A person finds joy in giving an apt reply---and how good is a timely word!

** Christians are to set all Christ's moral actions before them as a pattern for their imitation. In Christ's life, a Christian may behold the picture or lineaments of all virtues — and accordingly he ought to order his life in this world.

To walk as Christ walked is to walk...

• humbly,

• holily,

• justly,

• meekly,

• lovingly,

• fruitfully,

• faithfully,

• uprightly.

To walk as Christ walked is to...

• slight the world,

• despise the world,

• make a footstool of the world,

• to live above the world,

• and to triumph over the world as Christ did.

To walk as Christ walked is...

• to love those who hate us,

• to pray for those who persecute us,

• to bless those who curse us,

• and to do good to those who do evil to us.

To walk as Christ walked is to be patient, and silent, and submissive, and thankful under...

• the vilest reproaches,

• the heaviest afflictions,

• and the greatest sufferings.  <B24>

1 John 2:6 NIV

[6] Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

1 Peter 2:21 NIV

[21] To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

** We are not to harm others or follow the violent if we want to abide with God; avoid the wicked and follow the ways of God

Proverbs 3:29-32 NIV

[29] Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you. [30] Do not accuse anyone for no reason---when they have done you no harm. [31] Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways. [32] For the Lord detests the perverse but takes the upright into his confidence.

Proverbs 3:33-34 NIV

[33] The Lord's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. [34] He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.

** God desires honesty in our business dealings, guided by the integrity of the upright

Proverbs 11:1,3-4 NIV

[1] The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him. [3] The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.

Proverbs 11:17-18,20 NIV

[17] Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves. [18] A wicked person earns deceptive wages, but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward. [20] The Lord detests those whose hearts are perverse, but he delights in those whose ways are blameless.

Proverbs 11:24-26 NIV

[24] One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. [25] A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. [26] People curse the one who hoards grain, but they pray God's blessing on the one who is willing to sell.

Proverbs 11:28 NIV

[28] Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.

** Have Christians today lost the art of forgiveness, compassion and mercy?  

1 Timothy 1:1-2 NIV

[1] Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, [2] To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Matthew 5:7 NIV

[7] Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Luke 6:37-38 NIV

[37] “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. [38] Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

James 2:13 NIV

[13] because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

The world simply has to read the infighting on social media to see that many followers succumb to arguing about the inane — often reacting to someone who comments and is looking for a fight.  Satan loves when Christians devour one another and the pagan onlooker discounts the Christian way.  

The world in these perilous times is looking at Christians asking whether we, as Christ followers, are the real-deal and asking whether what Christ proposes really works...?  Many are looking for hope (a solution) and WANT the Christian way to work but easily look the other way when they see Christians being no-different than the rest of the world.

Instead of infighting, Christians are to LOVE one another and offer MERCY to those who set out to agitate.  Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy!  <F60>

John 13:34-35 NIV

[34] “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. [35] By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Matthew 6:12 NIV

[12] And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

Micah 6:8 NIV

[8] He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

** Job’s conflict was with God and questioned why the wicked get away with their conduct, and then wondered why he should serve and pray to God

• God often gives wealth, health and long life to the wicked

• Job tried to show that if the wicked can endure unscathed, then a righteous man like Job can experience these troubles

• Job was refuting his friend’s argument

Job 21:7-14 NIV

[7] Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power? [8] They see their children established around them, their offspring before their eyes. [9] Their homes are safe and free from fear; the rod of God is not on them. [10] Their bulls never fail to breed; their cows calve and do not miscarry. [11] They send forth their children as a flock; their little ones dance about. [12] They sing to the music of timbrel and lyre; they make merry to the sound of the pipe. [13] They spend their years in prosperity and go down to the grave in peace. [14] Yet they say to God, 'Leave us alone! We have no desire to know your ways.

** God can intervene and thwart the efforts of the crafty and lift up the needy if He so chooses

Job 5:12-14 NIV

[12] He thwarts the plans of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success. [13] He catches the wise in their craftiness, and the schemes of the wily are swept away. [14] Darkness comes upon them in the daytime; at noon they grope as in the night.

Job 5:10-11,15-16 NIV

[10] He provides rain for the earth; he sends water on the countryside. [11] The lowly he sets on high, and those who mourn are lifted to safety. [15] He saves the needy from the sword in their mouth; he saves them from the clutches of the powerful. [16] So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts its mouth.

** God continues to determine who leads nations, as He planned the next leader in the Davidic line of authority over Jerusalem in Isaiah’s day

Isaiah 22:20-22 NIV

[20] “In that day I will summon my servant, Eliakim son of Hilkiah. [21] I will clothe him with your robe and fasten your sash around him and hand your authority over to him. He will be a father to those who live in Jerusalem and to the people of Judah. [22] I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David; what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.

** Job knew souls enjoyed equal status once they reached the afterlife

Job 3:19 NIV

[19] The small and the great are there, and the slaves are freed from their owners.

** The Jewish population celebrated the success of Mordecai and God’s provision  

Esther 8:17 NIV

[17] In every province and in every city to which the edict of the king came, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many people of other nationalities became Jews because fear of the Jews had seized them.

** Jesus is now exalted to His throne in the highest heavens; and from thence He takes a wide survey of the universe. He looks down upon our world--and beholds kings in their grandeur, victorious generals with all their power, nobles and great men in all their pomp. But these are not the objects that best please His eyes. "He shall see His seed!" He sees one here, and another there, bought with His blood, and born of His Spirit; and this is the most delightful sight our world can afford Him. Some of them may be oppressed with poverty, covered with rags, or ghastly with famine; they may make no great figure in mortal eyes; but He loves to look at them! He esteems them as His children, and the fruits of His dying pangs!  <D43>

Isaiah 53:10-11 NIV

[10] Yet it was the Lord's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand. [11] After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied ; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.

** Be careful who you listen to, for ‘advisors’ can lead you astray and they can be your undoing!

2 Chronicles 22:2-4 NIV

[2] Ahaziah was twenty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem one year. His mother's name was Athaliah, a granddaughter of Omri. [3] He too followed the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother encouraged him to act wickedly. [4] He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, as the house of Ahab had done, for after his father's death they became his advisers, to his undoing.

2 Chronicles 22:7-8 NIV

[7] Through Ahaziah's visit to Joram, God brought about Ahaziah's downfall. When Ahaziah arrived, he went out with Joram to meet Jehu son of Nimshi, whom the Lord had anointed to destroy the house of Ahab. [8] While Jehu was executing judgment on the house of Ahab, he found the officials of Judah and the sons of Ahaziah's relatives, who had been attending Ahaziah, and he killed them.

** God will retrieve every single injustice, every single time, every single activity, every single deed, that has ever broken His holy law and tarnished His beautiful world and damaged His image bearers.  Every one of those moments will be answerable to God, every tear, and every sighing sorrow for my wrongs whether through things I have done or had done to me.  Each one will be sought out by God who is perfect justice, truth, mercy and love.  <G792>

** Because God lives forever and I will not, I can experience the several different times of my life knowing that they are part of a bigger picture that I cannot see but which is visible to a good and wise God who sees the whole as beautiful.  Part of being wise in this world is learning to accept that we have only very limited access to the big picture.  To be sure, we often want access to it, for God has put eternity into man's heart.  

But the point is that we cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.  God is not being unkind to us by not sharing it -- the point is that we are not built to understand the big picture precisely because we live in time and God does not.  If we could see the end from the beginning and understand how a billion lives and a thousand generations and unspeakable sorrows and untold joys are all woven into a tapestry of perfect beauty, then we would be God.  <G792>

** Sometimes we need to stand against family and friends who oppose God, while standing up for His truth

2 Chronicles 15:16 NIV

[16] King Asa also deposed his grandmother Maakah from her position as queen mother, because she had made a repulsive image for the worship of Asherah. Asa cut it down, broke it up and burned it in the Kidron Valley.

** The man of God refusing to eat with the King is a good example that God does NOT want us to associate with those who oppose Him!

1 Kings 13:7-9 NIV

[7] The king said to the man of God, “Come home with me for a meal, and I will give you a gift.” [8] But the man of God answered the king, “Even if you were to give me half your possessions, I would not go with you, nor would I eat bread or drink water here. [9] For I was commanded by the word of the Lord: 'You must not eat bread or drink water or return by the way you came.' ”

** Micaiah was not influenced by peer pressure but would only convey what the Lord told him

1 Kings 22:13-14 NIV

[13] The messenger who had gone to summon Micaiah said to him, “Look, the other prophets without exception are predicting success for the king. Let your word agree with theirs, and speak favorably.” [14] But Micaiah said, “As surely as the Lord lives, I can tell him only what the Lord tells me.”

** When Micaiah knew the king truly wanted to hear what the Lord had to say he conveyed the difficult message

• God always reveals His truth to humans

• He is not responsible if men reject the truth in favor of lies  <R1795>

1 Kings 22:13-18 NIV

[13] The messenger who had gone to summon Micaiah said to him, “Look, the other prophets without exception are predicting success for the king. Let your word agree with theirs, and speak favorably.” [14] But Micaiah said, “As surely as the Lord lives, I can tell him only what the Lord tells me.” [15] When he arrived, the king asked him, “Micaiah, shall we go to war against Ramoth Gilead, or not?” “Attack and be victorious,” he answered, “for the Lord will give it into the king's hand.” [16] The king said to him, “How many times must I make you swear to tell me nothing but the truth in the name of the Lord?” [17] Then Micaiah answered, “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd, and the Lord said, 'These people have no master. Let each one go home in peace.' ” [18] The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “Didn't I tell you that he never prophesies anything good about me, but only bad?”

** Paul writes to the early church Gentiles who showed signs of jealousy toward the chosen Jews.  This passage makes it clear that Replacement Theology reasoning is simply wrong.  Gentiles are not to be haughty or proud or jealous that the Jewish people have a special place with God, but rather support God’s promises to Israel!

For a) the root supports us, we do not support the root and b) Gentiles are partakers, not overtakers of the faith.  If Gentiles can be grafted in to an olive tree (the nation of Israel and its blessings), how much more can God graft in the natural (Jewish) branches.

Romans 11:17-24 NIV

[17] If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, [18] do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. [19] You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” [20] Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble. [21] For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. [22] Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off. [23] And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. [24] After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree!

** Again, David shows his servant-leadership by taking responsibility for his actions and being willing to take on the punishment instead of others

2 Samuel 24:17 NIV

[17] When David saw the angel who was striking down the people, he said to the Lord, “I have sinned; I, the shepherd, have done wrong. These are but sheep. What have they done? Let your hand fall on me and my family.”

** Jealousy existed between the Gentiles toward the Jews in the early church as there was throughout the centuries, hence the popular belief in Replacement Theology; Paul addresses this by telling the Gentiles not to be haughty but fear God, for the same unbelief that destroyed the Jews could happen to them; the natural tree and roots are the Jews whom God supports

Romans 11:17-21 NIV

[17] If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, [18] do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. [19] You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” [20] Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble. [21] For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.

** Aware that God intended to strip the throne from his father’s house because of Saul’s sins, Jonathan pledged to support David, and David promised to do good to Jonathan and his family  <R1795>

• Though heir to Saul’s throne, Jonathan remained close to David and confronted his father for treating David unjustly

• For instance, when Jonathan learned that Saul had made up his mind to kill David, Jonathan warned his brother-in-law

• The love Jonathan had for David resulted in a loyalty and devotion indicative of covenantal love, and David's later reign from Jerusalem is marked by loyalty to the covenant with Jonathan  <M130>

• Jonathan’s unselfish love for David continues to serve Christians as a model for friendship

1 Samuel 18:1-4 NIV

[1] After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. [2] From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return home to his family. [3] And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. [4] Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.

2 Samuel 9:1 NIV

[1] David asked, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”

** David and Jonathan confirmed their oath to one another

• It is amazing that Jonathan, born successor to the throne as son of Saul, knew God selected David as future king and had no bitterness toward him

• Quite the opposite: Jonathan loved David!

1 Samuel 20:8-9,13-17 NIV

[8] As for you, show kindness to your servant, for you have brought him into a covenant with you before the Lord. If I am guilty, then kill me yourself! Why hand me over to your father?” [9] “Never!” Jonathan said. “If I had the least inkling that my father was determined to harm you, wouldn’t I tell you?” [13] But if my father intends to harm you, may the Lord deal with Jonathan, be it ever so severely, if I do not let you know and send you away in peace. May the Lord be with you as he has been with my father. [14] But show me unfailing kindness like the Lord’s kindness as long as I live, so that I may not be killed, [15] and do not ever cut off your kindness from my family---not even when the Lord has cut off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.” [16] So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the Lord call David’s enemies to account. ” [17] And Jonathan had David reaffirm his oath out of love for him, because he loved him as he loved himself.

1 Samuel 20:30-31 NIV

[30] Saul’s anger flared up at Jonathan and he said to him, “You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Don’t I know that you have sided with the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of the mother who bore you? [31] As long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingdom will be established. Now send someone to bring him to me, for he must die!”

1 Samuel 20:41-42 NIV

[41] After the boy had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone and bowed down before Jonathan three times, with his face to the ground. Then they kissed each other and wept together---but David wept the most. [42] Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever. ’ ” Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town.

1 Samuel 23:15-17 NIV

[15] While David was at Horesh in the Desert of Ziph, he learned that Saul had come out to take his life. [16] And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. [17] “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.”

** David's men most likely thought it providential that Saul was in the same cave so David could kill him, but David knew that God had not directed him to do so, so David spared Saul's life  <M130>  

1 Samuel 24:2-4 NIV

[2] So Saul took three thousand able young men from all Israel and set out to look for David and his men near the Crags of the Wild Goats. [3] He came to the sheep pens along the way; a cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave. [4] The men said, “This is the day the Lord spoke of when he said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.’ ” Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe.

** David respectfully mourns for Saul (even though Saul was trying to kill him) and pays special attention to Jonathan with whom he shared a deep love

2 Samuel 1:24 NIV

[24] “Daughters of Israel, weep for Saul, who clothed you in scarlet and finery, who adorned your garments with ornaments of gold.

2 Samuel 1:26 NIV

[26] I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women.

** God cares for the disadvantaged who may not be able to pay when dedicating a person, animal or possession to the Lord

Leviticus 27:8 NIV

[8] If anyone making the vow is too poor to pay the specified amount, the person being dedicated is to be presented to the priest, who will set the value according to what the one making the vow can afford.

** David institutes a decree that shares rewards with everyone, even with those who were too weak to join the invading army and contribute to their success; David sends gifts to elders in Judah and surrounding towns

1 Samuel 30:21-25 NIV

[21] Then David came to the two hundred men who had been too exhausted to follow him and who were left behind at the Besor Valley. They came out to meet David and the men with him. As David and his men approached, he asked them how they were. [22] But all the evil men and troublemakers among David’s followers said, “Because they did not go out with us, we will not share with them the plunder we recovered. However, each man may take his wife and children and go.” [23] David replied, “No, my brothers, you must not do that with what the Lord has given us. He has protected us and delivered into our hands the raiding party that came against us. [24] Who will listen to what you say? The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike. ” [25] David made this a statute and ordinance for Israel from that day to this.

1 Samuel 30:26 NIV

[26] When David reached Ziklag, he sent some of the plunder to the elders of Judah, who were his friends, saying, “Here is a gift for you from the plunder of the Lord’s enemies.”

** Also see notes in Deuteronomy 16 for many references supporting a fair justice system

Deuteronomy 19:18-21 NIV

[18] The judges must make a thorough investigation, and if the witness proves to be a liar, giving false testimony against a fellow Israelite, [19] then do to the false witness as that witness intended to do to the other party. You must purge the evil from among you. [20] The rest of the people will hear of this and be afraid, and never again will such an evil thing be done among you. [21] Show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.

** A justice system determining guilt and restitution was initially outlined in God's law

• In Scripture, theft or other crimes of property are crimes against the victim

• In the Old Testament legal system, social harmony must be restored between the criminal and victim; the criminal pays restitution

• Likewise, believers in Christ have no right to ask forgiveness until the injury has been undone and restitution made

• Forgiveness is free, but it is no cheap  <R1795>

Exodus 22:8-9 NIV

[8] But if the thief is not found, the owner of the house must appear before the judges, and they must determine whether the owner of the house has laid hands on the other person’s property. [9] In all cases of illegal possession of an ox, a donkey, a sheep, a garment, or any other lost property about which somebody says, ‘This is mine,’ both parties are to bring their cases before the judges. The one whom the judges declare guilty must pay back double to the other.

Exodus 22:12 NIV

[12] But if the animal was stolen from the neighbor, restitution must be made to the owner.

** God outlines 'godly business practice', including possession of honest weights and considering the poor when going about business

Deuteronomy 25:13-16 NIV

[13] Do not have two differing weights in your bag---one heavy, one light. [14] Do not have two differing measures in your house---one large, one small. [15] You must have accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. [16] For the Lord your God detests anyone who does these things, anyone who deals dishonestly.

Deuteronomy 24:10-13 NIV

[10] When you make a loan of any kind to your neighbor, do not go into their house to get what is offered to you as a pledge. [11] Stay outside and let the neighbor to whom you are making the loan bring the pledge out to you. [12] If the neighbor is poor, do not go to sleep with their pledge in your possession. [13] Return their cloak by sunset so that your neighbor may sleep in it. Then they will thank you, and it will be regarded as a righteous act in the sight of the Lord your God.

Deuteronomy 24:14-15 NIV

[14] Do not take advantage of a hired worker who is poor and needy, whether that worker is a fellow Israelite or a foreigner residing in one of your towns. [15] Pay them their wages each day before sunset, because they are poor and are counting on it. Otherwise they may cry to the Lord against you, and you will be guilty of sin.

Deuteronomy 24:19-21 NIV

[19] When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. [20] When you beat the olives from your trees, do not go over the branches a second time. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. [21] When you harvest the grapes in your vineyard, do not go over the vines again. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow.

** The Israelites kept their oath despite the consequences; the Gibeonites became wood cutters and water carriers

Joshua 9:19-21 NIV

[19] but all the leaders answered, “We have given them our oath by the Lord, the God of Israel, and we cannot touch them now. [20] This is what we will do to them: We will let them live, so that God’s wrath will not fall on us for breaking the oath we swore to them.” [21] They continued, “Let them live, but let them be woodcutters and water carriers in the service of the whole assembly.” So the leaders’ promise to them was kept.

Joshua 9:26-27 NIV

[26] So Joshua saved them from the Israelites, and they did not kill them. [27] That day he made the Gibeonites woodcutters and water carriers for the assembly, to provide for the needs of the altar of the Lord at the place the Lord would choose. And that is what they are to this day.

** Charging interest in a business deal was not acceptable except if it furthered the plight of the one borrowing, especially a fellow Israelite

Exodus 22:25 NIV

[25] “If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not treat it like a business deal; charge no interest.

Deuteronomy 23:19-20 NIV

[19] Do not charge a fellow Israelite interest, whether on money or food or anything else that may earn interest. [20] You may charge a foreigner interest, but not a fellow Israelite, so that the Lord your God may bless you in everything you put your hand to in the land you are entering to possess.

Psalm 15:1,5 NIV

[1] Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? [5] who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken.

Exodus 23:1,6-7 NIV

[1] “Do not spread false reports. Do not help a guilty person by being a malicious witness. [6] “Do not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits. [7] Have nothing to do with a false charge and do not put an innocent or honest person to death, for I will not acquit the guilty.

** Israelites were to cancel the debts of fellow Jews every seven years

Deuteronomy 15:1,3 NIV

[1] At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts. [3] You may require payment from a foreigner, but you must cancel any debt your fellow Israelite owes you.

** God's people were to remember their commitment to Him through their actions and dedication of possessions

Exodus 22:28-30 NIV

[28] “Do not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people. [29] “Do not hold back offerings from your granaries or your vats. “You must give me the firstborn of your sons. [30] Do the same with your cattle and your sheep. Let them stay with their mothers for seven days, but give them to me on the eighth day.

** Two or three witnesses are required when bringing an accusation against a leader or elder

1 Timothy 5:19-20 NIV

Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. [20] But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning.

** Involve two or three witnesses if a dispute matter cannot be resolved between two parties; bringing it out in the open allows others to learn from it

2 Corinthians 13:1b NIV

[1] “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”

Matthew 18:16 NIV

[16] But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.'

1 Timothy 5:19-20 NIV

[19] Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. [20] But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning.

** Paul warns Timothy about false accusations; justification is more likely to happen with 2-3 witnesses

1 Timothy 5:19 NIV

[19] Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.

** Paul confirms that nothing is unclean unless God calls it unclean; be sensitive and act in love with those who view something as unclean, even if you disagree and God does not call it unclean, for to them it is deemed unclean

Romans 14:14 NIV

[14] I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean.

Acts 10:14-15 NIV

[14] “Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” [15] The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”

Romans 14:15 NIV

[15] If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died.

Romans 14:20 NIV

[20] Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble.

** Paul writes to those who are sensible and willing to reason

1 Corinthians 10:15 NIV

[15] I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say.

** In difficult marriages, we are tempted to wallow in our pain. Each day becomes a rerun of the past. But in God’s economy, each day is an opportunity for change.

Do a search for today in the Bible, and you’ll find a long list of occasions when people were presented with a choice. That very day they could choose between following God or turning away, between listening to his voice or ignoring it. (See Psalm 95; Deuteronomy 11:26-27 for just a few examples.) What they did “today” would set the tone for the days to follow.

It’s the same for you. All of your life cannot be straightened out today, but if you make the most of it, you can work on cleaning up one corner of your life. Choose a corner that you think is most important right now. As you clean up the corners of your life day by day, all of life begins to look brighter.

You cannot change your spouse? Then change your attitude about your spouse’s behavior. Change your own behavior by confessing past failures. Ask God to help you do one kind deed for your spouse today. You cannot change your spouse, but you can influence your spouse. One act of kindness each day is likely to change the climate in your relationship, and eventually it may influence your spouse to reciprocate.

Never give up. There is always something good that can be done today. Making the most of today is the most powerful thing you can do for a better tomorrow.  <T2091>

Psalm 95:6-7 NIV

[6] Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; [7] for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Today, if only you would hear his voice

** While we may consider ourselves “special” and apart from others, God reminds us we are one body with our brothers and sisters in Christ; as we work with each other we are not to cause anyone to stumble

1 Corinthians 10:17 NIV

[17] Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.

1 Corinthians 10:32-33 NIV

[32] Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God--- [33] even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.

** Paul encouraged others to do what is best for their brother, regardless if “they knew better”

• Paul didn’t ask folks who are right in eating meat to surrender their doctrinal insights

• He just asked them to care enough about others to be more concerned with their well-being than with either being right, or exercising personal rights  <R1795>

1 Corinthians 8:13 NIV

[13] Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall.

** We are to give equal honor to all parts of God’s body and not distinguish between gifts given to each member in order to maintain unity in the body; in fact, members holding gifts that seem weaker and dispensable are to be honored above those that appear more ‘presentable’

1 Corinthians 12:19-25 NIV

[19] If they were all one part, where would the body be? [20] As it is, there are many parts, but one body. [21] The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don't need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don't need you!” [22] On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, [23] and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, [24] while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, [25] so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.

** All spiritual gifts given to the body of believers should honored equally

• Some believers still desire ‘greater’ gifts but Paul encourages the Corinthians to view them as all equally indispensable in the body of Christ

• Desiring other gifts is not wrong when wanting to better serve others but is wrong when someone wants to appear ‘special’ or ‘spiritual’

• Paul further encourages members who want to emphasize any gifts, to emphasize those gifts that involve intelligible speech (1 Cor 14:1-7)

1 Corinthians 12:28-31 NIV

[28] And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. [29] Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? [30] Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues ? Do all interpret? [31] Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way.

1 Corinthians 12:22-23 NIV

[22] On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, [23] and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty

1 Corinthians 14:1-5 NIV

[1] Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. [2] 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. [3] But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. [4] Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. [5] 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.

** Do not let any ‘acceptable’ personal preference be a stumbling block to those who do not see it as ‘acceptable’

Romans 14:20-21 NIV

Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. [21] It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.

** God warns us about the power of the tongue, and David provides an example of its power and damage in Psalm 59

Psalm 59:7,12-13 NIV

[7] See what they spew from their mouths---the words from their lips are sharp as swords, and they think, “Who can hear us?” [12] For the sins of their mouths, for the words of their lips, let them be caught in their pride. For the curses and lies they utter, [13] consume them in your wrath, consume them till they are no more. Then it will be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob.

Psalm 55:21 NIV

[21] His talk is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords.

Romans 3:13 NIV

[13] “Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The poison of vipers is on their lips.”

James 3:6 NIV

[6] The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

** Christians are not to be concerned about being judged by others but by God, for His is the only judgment that matters!

1 Corinthians 4:3 NIV

[3] I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself.

1 Corinthians 4:4 NIV

[4] My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.

** Paul instructs his listeners not to judge others because none of us knows the ‘whole story’; wait till the Lord’s return when all will be revealed and God will judge perfectly

1 Corinthians 4:5 NIV

[5] Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.

** Scripture is clear that we are to love our enemies and leave judgment and consequences to God; live in complete contrast to how the world operates

Romans 12:14,17,19 NIV

[14] Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. [17] Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. [19] Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

Romans 12:20 NIV

[20] On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

** Live at peace with everyone and do not buy into (or live by) the world’s hierarchy of social status

Romans 12:16,18 NIV

[16] Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. [18] If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

** Care for one another by recognizing and empathizing with their situation

Romans 12:15 NIV

[15] Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

** There is to be unity in the congregation so that all members rejoice and are sorrowful as experienced by other members

1 Corinthians 12:26 NIV

[26] If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

Romans 12:10 NIV

[10] Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Romans 12:15 NIV

[15] Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

1 Peter 4:1-2 NIV

[1] Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. [2] As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.

** Position, wealth, influence, popularity, intelligence and appearance — most anything the world holds dear — does not influence God

Romans 2:11 NIV

[11] For God does not show favoritism.

Acts 10:34-35 NIV

[34] Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism [35] but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.

Galatians 2:6 NIV

[6] As for those who were held in high esteem---whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism---they added nothing to my message.

** Remember that we condemn ourselves when we judge another

• Our judgments are often based on limited knowledge, such as outward indicators

• In contrast, God knows every detail of the situation and participant heart

• So leave judgment to God for His verdict is perfect, just and true

Romans 2:1-4 NIV

[1] You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. [2] Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. [3] So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? [4] Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?

** Jesus talked about the hypocrisy of having concern for others' issues while ignoring their own; clean the plank from your own eye first so you can see clearly and help another

Luke 6:41-42 NIV

[41] “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? [42] How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

• Why focus on the faults of your brother when your faults are greater?

• It's hypocritical to pretend having zeal to correct others when having no ambition to correct at the personal level

• Pray for others as you would yourselves

** People are typically hypocritical and pass judgment on others, doing themselves the very accusations; Paul said we are condemned and without excuse

Romans 2:1 NIV

[1] You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.

Matthew 7:3-5 NIV

[3] “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? [4] How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? [5] You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

** We cannot divert God’s attention away from our impending judgment by passing judgment on others; we will be held accountable for every word we utter!

Romans 2:3 NIV

[3] So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment?

Matthew 12:37 NIV

[37] For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

** Society is often quick to highlight character differences and flippantly place labels on people; the same wisdom from God's Word, however, applies to everyone, despite how society categorizes them

Psalm 49:1-3 NIV

[1] Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all who live in this world, [2] both low and high, rich and poor alike: [3] My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the meditation of my heart will give you understanding.

** Jesus ministered to all segments of society including the lower classes, who the Pharisees thought were beneath them

• Tax collectors who worked on commission and were notorious for overcharging were automatically considered dishonest in 1st century Jewish society

• The Pharisees were quick to identify tax collectors as sinners, working outside their embellished moral law

• To have Jesus sit down at the table with these sinners was beyond comprehension to the religious leaders

• Despite this kick-back, Jesus continually showed the outcasts of society that he cared for them and they wanted to be around Him as a result  <R1795>

• How important it is that Christians show care for those around them, while never backing down from God’s truth; witness to others in love

Luke 15:1-2 NIV

[1] Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. [2] But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

** The Pharisees thought by bringing an adulterer to Jesus and asking how to deal with her they could trap Him, but Jesus turned the attention on the accusers

a) if Jesus said they should stone her then He would lose His reputation for mercy

b) if Jesus called for the woman's death then He would be a criminal in the eyes if Roman law that forbade the death penalty

c) if Jesus said the woman should be pardoned then religious leaders would say He is breaking the law of Moses

John 8:4-7 NIV

[4] and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. [5] In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” [6] They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. [7] When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”

** Jesus demonstrates a most humble act of washing His disciples feet; imagine the God of the universe stooping to wash the feet of His created!

John 13:4-5 NIV

[4] so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. [5] After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

** Humility is necessary if we want to be disciples of Jesus, for we must be willing to serve AND be served!

John 13:8 NIV

[8] “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

John 13:14-15 NIV

[14] Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. [15] I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.

Philippians 2:1-2 NIV

[1] Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, [2] then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.

** God’s people willingly and joyfully give of themselves and their possessions, even during times of suffering and poverty

• The poor still tend to be more generous than the rich perhaps because they can better identify with others in need

• Perhaps the poor have learned to trust the Lord so much they do not fear giving  <R1795>

• Freely giving makes the gift acceptable

2 Corinthians 8:2-5 NIV

[2] In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. [3] For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, [4] they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord's people. [5] And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.

2 Corinthians 8:10-12 NIV

[10] And here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. [11] Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. [12] For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.

2 Corinthians 9:5 NIV

[5] So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given.

2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV

[7] Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

** The act of giving is an essential element of a Christian’s life in addition to faith, speech, knowledge and love; this is not a command but a test of sincerity

2 Corinthians 8:7-8 NIV

[7] But since you excel in everything---in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you---see that you also excel in this grace of giving. [8] I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.

** Paul called the church in Corinth and all subsequent churches to be without division, united in mind and thought in DOCTRINE based solely on God’s Word

• “The only source of unity is God’s Word which establishes the standard of truth on which true unity exists”  <M130>

• Inward unity of mind and thought is needed for outward harmony

• Paul was requesting they genuinely consider the issues to produce ‘real unity’ than simply pretending to agree  <R1795>

1 Corinthians 1:10 NIV

[10] I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.

Luke 8:21 NIV

[21] [Jesus] replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God's word and put it into practice.”

Ephesians 4:11-13 NIV

[11] So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, [12] to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up [13] until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

** We are to follow Christ alone who sacrificed for our salvation, not any human leader or organization; Christ is not divided nor is His church

1 Corinthians 1:12-13 NIV

[12] What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas ”; still another, “I follow Christ.” [13] Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?

1 Corinthians 1:17 NIV

[17] For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel---not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

1 Corinthians 3:4-6 NIV

[4] For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere human beings? [5] What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe---as the Lord has assigned to each his task. [6] I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.

1 Corinthians 3:21-23 NIV

[21] So then, no more boasting about human leaders! All things are yours, [22] whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future---all are yours, [23] and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.

** Peter was to follow God's command rather than traditional thinking, to take the gospel to the Gentiles via Cornelius who was expecting him through a vision

Acts 10:9-16 NIV

[9] About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. [10] He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. [11] He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. [12] It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. [13] Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.” [14] “Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” [15] The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” [16] This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.

Acts 10:24,27-28 NIV

[24] The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. [27] While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. [28] He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean.

Acts 10:30-33 NIV

[30] Cornelius answered: “Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me [31] and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. [32] Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.’ [33] So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.”

** God does not show favoritism but accepts ALL who believe in His name!

Acts 10:34-35 NIV

[34] Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism [35] but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.

Acts 10:44-46a NIV

[44] While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. [45] The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. [46] For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.

** While God sent the message of salvation first to the Israelites, it was meant for all to hear and understand, whole believers could receive salvation

Acts 10:36,43-44 NIV

[36] You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. [43] All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” [44] While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.

Acts 10:43 NIV

[43] All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

** Jesus shows us that His salvation message is meant for everyone

• This a good reminder for us to leave our prejudices at the door when we go to all nations to share about God

John 4:39-41 NIV

[39] Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” [40] So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. [41] And because of his words many more became believers.

Acts 2:21 NIV

[21] And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

** Jesus commands us to go to the nations without prejudice, making the most of every opportunity He provides to either sow new seed or reap what has already been sown

• God will meet our need (such as food provisions) as we accomplish His purpose and His will

• Jesus shifted the focus from food (that the disciples got from town) to people (remembering that the Jews and Samaritans did not like each other)

• The disciples missed the opportunity to speak to the Samaritan woman, who sees Jesus and goes back to share with her neighborhood

• This account in John provides an example of Jesus planting the seed in Samaria so Philip could take refuge there years later (Acts 8:5-6)

John 4:35-38 NIV

[35] Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. [36] Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. [37] Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. [38] I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.”

Acts 8:5-6 NIV

[5] Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. [6] When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said.

** Parable of the seats of honor conveys the humility and attitude we are to have in relation to others

Luke 14:7-11 NIV

[7] When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: [8] “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. [9] If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. [10] But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. [11] For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

** The father was quick to forgive his wayward son when the son returned in repentance as he was in giving his son the inheritance when he demanded it initially; the father did not show favoritism to the son who remained by his side

Luke 15:20-22 NIV

[20] So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. [21] “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ [22] “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.

** Do not give to others expecting to be repaid, but allow God to reward you in eternity

Luke 14:12-14 NIV

[12] Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. [13] But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, [14] and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

** Test personal motives when acting in love toward others

• If motivated in self promotion (boasting, pride, proving something) then pray that God would replace this motivation with genuine love for the other

• Self-giving love is ACTION and is more concerned about giving than receiving

1 Corinthians 13:4 NIV

[4] Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

John 3:16 NIV

[16] For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Ephesians 2:4-5 NIV

[4] But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, [5] made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions---it is by grace you have been saved.

Philippians 2:2-5 NIV

[2] then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. [3] Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, [4] not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. [5] In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus

** Parable of the invited guests shows us how God accepts the poor, maimed, lame and blind -- those the Pharisees considered lowly and unworthy  

Luke 14:16-21,24 NIV

[16] Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. [17] At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ [18] “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ [19] “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’ [20] “Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’ [21] “The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’ [24] I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’ ”

** Do not show favoritism or play judge to others; God calls these judgments evil because He knows our thoughts are often not impartial

James 2:3-5 NIV

If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” [4] have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? [5] Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?

James 2:9 NIV

But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.

** You will be judged as you judge others

James 2:12-13 NIV

Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, [13] because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

** We must not sit in judgment on one another; God is the ultimate Judge

James 4:11-12 NIV

Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. [12] There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you---who are you to judge your neighbor?

James 5:9 NIV

Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

** Do not hypocritically judge others for you will be held accountable by the same measure

Matthew 7:1-2 NIV

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. [2] For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Matthew 7:12 NIV

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

** Jesus has strong warnings against those who punish those who speak God's truth; the blood of His messengers will be on their hands and they will pay for it

Matthew 23:33-36 NIV

“You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell? [34] Therefore I am sending you prophets and sages and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify; others you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town. [35] And so upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. [36] Truly I tell you, all this will come on this generation.

** Those who strive to be first here on earth will be last in heaven and conversely those who are willing to be last here will be honored by being first in heaven; another reminder this world is not the end of the story

Matthew 19:30 NIV

But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.

** Concern yourself over your own condition before criticizing another; we often see what is wrong with our neighbor while ignoring our own faults

Matthew 7:3-5 NIV

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? [4] How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? [5] You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

** Jesus did not prioritize who was more important in society like demeaning women and children; everyone could be blessed by God; in fact, His instruction did not require great amounts of education (as thought by the teachers of the Law) but could be received and accepted as a little child

Mark 10:13-16 NIV

[13] People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. [14] When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. [15] Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” [16] And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

** Parable of the sower: encourages us to spread the good news indiscriminately and expect that this may have short-lived or no results at times, while other times God may use our efforts to multiply and produce long-lasting results

Matthew 13:3-9 NIV

Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. [4] As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. [5] Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. [6] But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. [7] Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. [8] Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop---a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. [9] Whoever has ears, let them hear.”

Matthew 13:18-23 NIV

“Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: [19] When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. [20] The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. [21] But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. [22] The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. [23] But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

** God gives us wisdom how we are to relate to one another

James 3:17-18 NIV

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. [18] Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

** Jesus lets His listeners know that family does not take priority over His work; this text show Jesus guarding against future efforts to deify mother Mary

Mark 3:20-21,31-35 NIV

[20] Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. [21] When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” [31] Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. [32] A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.” [33] “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked. [34] Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! [35] Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”

** Hating your brother is sin as is murder

Matthew 5:22 NIV

But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

** Settle matters quickly with those who have something against you (even those taking you to court) before offering anything to God

 Matthew 5:23-24 NIV

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, [24] leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

** In fact, go the extra mile to show your enemy their actions will not affect or have an impact on you; what they want to destroy (your spirit) cannot be touched

What your enemy wants to steal from you is ultimately not yours anyway so give them what they want; God is the owner of everything (including you!) and will provide you with what you need

Matthew 5:39-41 NIV

But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. [40] And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. [41] If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.

** Love the unlovely; love your enemies and those who persecute you

You don't have to trust them or agree with their thoughts or methods but we are called to love them, not wishing them harm

Matthew 5:44-45 NIV

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [45] that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

** Do not only do what comes naturally, responding in like with those who treat you well but do the unexpected by being nice to those who mistreat you

Matthew 5:46-48 NIV

If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? [47] And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? [48] Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

** We are not to strive to gain worldly stature or posture for superiority; rather we are to humble ourselves, accepting a lowly position with joy and love for another

Matthew 18:2-5 NIV

He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. [3] And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. [4] Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. [5] And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

** Our efforts are to bring glory to God, our Master and 'project leader', not in any way to bring glory to us or our efforts or those around us.  

How often do we want to be recognized for our work, focusing on the accolades we receive?  Should we not be most concerned whether our efforts are glorifying to God and contributing to His plan?  

Are we more concerned about whether those around us are happy with our efforts than God?  Why, if we are working for God.

Colossians 3:23-24 NIV

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, [24] since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

** God challenges the world's priorities; the disciples believed the children who approached Christ were an annoyance but He actually lifted them up as an example of how we are to come to Him -- in simple all-encompassing enthusiastic trusting belief

Matthew 19:13-14 NIV

Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. [14] Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”