Category: Exhortation

No One Can Come, Really?

On By TimIn Exhortation, John 061 Comment

No one can come to Me unless the Father who has sent Me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.

John 6:44

I had a hyper-Calvinist quote this to me recently. He then gets on his preacher mode and says: “There are several arguments/interpretations of this verse.”

The first point, is that logical fallacy. He is building a straw man he will dutifully attempt to destroy. He pitched it this way: “(B)ut the truth is simple. Coming here is believing(.)”

This kind of thinking is very flawed. But it is the kind some use to prop up the fatalism expressed in their understanding of this verse. Oh, they may argue and say this is determinism. But that is the proverbial lipstick on the pig of fatalism. It may be dressed up, but it is still fatalism.

The fallacy exists because their beliefs do not reconcile. Truth always reconciles.

Simply put… Coming is coming… And believing is believing. Neither are compulsory, and coming doesn’t mean one believes. That is why the conjunction exists between the two separate ideas. One comes to Jesus, and one must believe, too. They are not the same. Simple elementary school language lessons reveal this. But the tricksters are taught to use flowery religious language to obscure the truth.

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me shall never hunger, and whoever believes in Me shall never thirst.

John 6:35

Jesus is speaking to a crowd that was already drawn to Him by the Father. He is explaining that point to them. They were in His presence on account of the Father’s drawing. And they came to Him at least twice, according to the context. They came to Him, saw Him, and even spoke with Him. Yet something is missing.

But I told you that you have seen Me, and yet do not believe.

John 6:36

Yet oddly, they don’t believe. So Jesus debunks the reformers’ fatalism the right there. Jesus goes further. He upends the idea that coming is believing. And frankly any other reformed notion centering on the text in John 6.

All whom the Father gives Me will come to Me, and he who comes to Me I will never cast out.

John 6:37

Reading the entirety of John 6, it is clear that all of those that came to Jesus that day were not ever turned away by Him. They left of their own accord and in disbelief.

For I came down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. This is the will of the Father who has sent Me, that of all whom He has given Me, I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day.

John 6:38–39

Jesus is telling them that if they don’t believe Him, it’s on them. Because all things are given to Jesus, He’s not going to lose any… And He alone has the power of resurrection. This should not be a surprise to anyone who knows and honors the Father Who has the power of life and death. There is not a human that Jesus will not raise… Some to life, others to perdition, and He has already told them that in another place before they came to Him in Capernaum.

“Do not marvel at this. For the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come out—those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.

John 5:28–29

But just because one comes to the Son and even sees and hears Him… Does not mean one has eternal life. One must do something with what they see and hear.

This is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

John 6:40

In case you are not able to understand exactly what Jesus is saying, the Jewish folk present at that time did. Their reaction is recorded for our edification.

The Jews then murmured about Him, because He said, “I am the bread which came down from heaven.” They said, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How is it then that He says, ‘I have come down from heaven’?”

John 6:41–42

They know His claim is to be the very God of their Fathers. They struggled at that because of the legalism inherent in their beliefs. They could not quite grasp the truth, even though their Scriptures plainly spoke it. A Son is given. He shall be called Mighty God, Everlasting Father. He is rightly expecting them to expect Him, God in flesh!

Jesus therefore answered them, “Do not murmur among yourselves. No one can come to Me unless the Father who has sent Me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.

John 6:43–44

In other words: You are here in My presence because I, the Father have drawn you here. I Am (He,) because nobody else raises people from the dead.

It is written in the Prophets, ‘They shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and has learned of the Father comes to Me.

John 6:45

You should know this!

Not that anyone has seen the Father, except He who is from God. He has seen the Father. Truly, truly I say to you, whoever believes in Me has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. The bread which I shall give for the life of the world is My flesh.”

John 6:46–51

It’s necessary that you do something, other than just coming to Him, seeing Him, and hearing Him.

Don’t let a reformer (whether Calvinist or Arminian) twist this text to say something it does not. They will try to teach it is from a god with stingy grace only available to a few chosen people, the rest this God sends to perdition. What this text is showing, and the entire macro level view of John 5 through John 6 is the lavish and extravagant love of the Father to save anyone who wants it.

To understand takes one back to the lesson of the loaves from when Jesus fed these people earlier. Though all of them ate until they were glutted there were twelve baskets left over. The extravagance in providing for their needs left nobody wanting, and what is leftover is not wasted.

Go Boldly

On By TimIn Exhortation, Galatians 03Leave a comment

“Even Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Therefore know that those who are of faith are the sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel in advance to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” So then those who are of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.” Galatians 3:6-9

Those who are of faith are the sons of Abraham. Much has been spoken of a so-called spiritual or true Israel. This is just the well-worn nomenclature of dogma. What I mean is that those terms are contrivances. They are made-up, but sound Biblical. They are not. As with much of Scripture, there are manifold applications. Many of these focus on the chosen people, which is Israel. But Paul is demonstrating something greater in that promise God made to Abraham and his Seed. That is, that God would justify all peoples by faith, including the Gentiles.

“For all who rely on the works of the law are under the curse. For it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the Book of the Law, to do them.” Now it is evident that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, for “The just shall live by faith.” But the law is not of faith, for “The man who does them shall live by them.” Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law by being made a curse for us—as it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”—so that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” Galatians 3:10-14

If you are relying on the commandments or other laws delivered to Israel as a measure of how well you perform every day… You’re doing it wrong. In fact, if that is the measure—that is how you justify your own behavior—you’re cursed! None of us can do it. Paul quotes Habakkuk 2:4, The just shall live by faith. He is telling us here how to live.

As Christians, having already been redeemed from the curse, we ought to live in the promise of faith. Often, we are stymied and waylaid by our own failures. And that, for far too long than we need to be. This is just a trap of the adversary, who will not miss a chance to neutralize us, sidelining us from the race set before us. We end up wallowing in and glorifying our own sin.

“Brothers, I am speaking in human terms: Though it is only a man’s covenant, yet if it is ratified, no one annuls or adds to it.” Galatians 3:15

Let’s talk turkey, as they say. A covenant is not changed by anyone. Once validated, the covenant exists. Think of it like a Last Will and Testament. Once a will has been ratified and the testator validates it by passing on, no one can cancel it or add conditions to it. The covenant exists between the testator and his heir(s.) A mediator, usually called an executor, ensures the covenant is put into effect. Though we know, in human terms, the covenant is often contested—at law. (This is really something profound.)

“Now the promises were made to Abraham and his Seed. He does not say, “and to seeds,” meaning many, but “and to your Seed,” meaning one, who is Christ.” Galatians 3:16

Paul is telling us that God is making a covenant with Abraham and One Other. It isn’t to many, and not necessarily a nation. It is to the Messiah.

“And this I say, that the law, which came four hundred and thirty years later, does not annul the covenant that was ratified by God in Christ, to nullify the promise. For if the inheritance comes from the law, it no longer comes from the promise. But God gave it to Abraham through a promise.” Galatians 3:17-18

Do you see how the covenant – that promise—to Abraham supersedes the law in so many ways?

First, it came before the law. The inheritance, the land, the blessing, etc., is to Messiah.

“What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, until the Seed should come to whom the promise was made. And it was ordained through angels by the hand of a mediator.” Galatians 3:19

Here we see another difference between the law and the covenant. Whereas the covenant was made by God, the law came by angels and a mediator, Moses. It was to a particular people, in a particular location, at a particular time. It served a purpose. Paul will explain in some detail.

“Now a mediator is not a mediator for only one party, but God is one.” Galatians 3:20

This statement proves difficult. I think Paul is showing another distinction that separates the law and the covenant. Whereas the law came by a mediator between two parties, making at least three… The covenant to Abraham was made by One to the Heir. The Heir is also God. (And if we can extend this hint of three, the executor would be the Holy Spirit, see Ephesians 1:13-14.)

“Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? God forbid! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, righteousness would indeed come through the law. But the Scripture has confined all things under sin, that the promise through faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.” Galatians 3:21-22

Sin existed before the law. It existed before the covenant. In Romans 11:32, Paul says that “For God has imprisoned them all in disobedience, so that He might be merciful to all.”

You might think that this was punishment. Paul clearly has stated that those under the law are cursed. If a law had been given that could give us life, then certainly righteousness would come through it. Righteousness comes another way, by covenant.

“But before faith came, we were imprisoned under the law, kept for the faith which was later to be revealed. So the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” Galatians 3:23-24

The purpose of the law was as a tutor… A guardian of sorts. It was to point us to Messiah.

Think back to Leviticus; all the offerings were to point out our deficiencies. The remedy by offering of animal blood didn’t cleanse. It was the faith that did. Again, the just shall live by faith. The law was to teach us to look toward Christ. But there was always a gruesome reminder of what sin brings. The end of sin is always death. The soul that sins, it shall die. That is not the law. It was the purpose of the law. When we sin, we must turn to Christ by faith.

In practicality, before Jesus… Israelites had to give sacrificially, of the sweat of their hands. If a live offering, it was killed at the altar. But before it was killed, an Israelite had to travel, sometimes a considerable distance. And it was always with a mediator between man and God. What the law teaches is where we need to go for justification. It has always been to Jesus.

“But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.” Galatians 3:25

Hallelujah!

“You are all sons of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, and there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:26-29

Stop living in defeat. Stop looking back toward sin. Confess, and keep going. Note the condition: If you are Messiah’s, you are no longer cursed under the law. Stop measuring yourself by it. You do not have to have your bags packed for the guilt trip. It isn’t necessary. Provision has been made for your journey already (see 1 John 1:9.)

Instead, go boldly! Just as you are instructed, go into all the world and make disciples.

Who is Like God?

On By TimIn Exhortation, Psalm 113Leave a comment

Praise the Lord!
Praise, O you servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore. From the rising of the sun to its going down, the Lord’s name is to be praised. The Lord is high above all nations, and His glory above the heavens. Who is like the Lord our God,
who dwells on high, who looks down on the things that are in heaven and on the earth?

Psalm 113:1–6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Who, exactly, is like God?

His name is worthy to be praised at all times. There is no power above Him. There is no authority over Him.

But consider that last verse, “who looks down on the things that are in heaven and on the earth(.)”

Another translation puts it this way:

who ⌊condescends to look at⌋ what is in the heavens and in the earth?

Psalm 113:6 — W. Hall Harris III et al., eds., The Lexham English Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012)

We start to see a hint as to what is really happening. The note for the bracketed phrase in that translation says the meaning of it is “makes low to see.”

Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!

Psalm 113:6 — The Holy Bible: King James Version

The translators of the King James see clearly what is happening. The exclamation point tells us to pay attention.

The idea given is that any time that God deals with His creation, whether in heaven or earth, He humbles Himself. He has to do that. Nevertheless, it is a part of Who He is. He loves His creation so much that He humbles Himself to take part in it.

I want you to keep that point in mind.

He raises up the poor out of the dust and lifts the needy out of the ash heap, to make them sit with princes, even with the princes of His people. He gives the barren woman a dwelling, making her the joyful mother of children.
Praise the Lord!

Psalm 113:7–9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

He raises up the poor out of the dust and lifts the needy from the ash pit. That’s us. Each of us humans is made from the dust of the ground, and in ourselves, we are condemned in the place of burning. He lifts us out of that to sit with princes!

It gets better. The barren have a place and can bear fruit. Each of us that understands how God has humbled Himself can share that Good News with others, bearing children for the Lord Himself.

But who, exactly, is like God?

Can I say… You and I are. Any time we set aside our own desires to help another, we are like God. For most who do it, it is perceived as small gesture, if even that. Yet each of us can help another with the gifts we have. In that ministry, those others who receive also have opportunity to minister to others, maybe even the one ministering to them!

When we take in a stranger, clothe and feed someone who is homeless… When we lift someone from a place of despair, even if it is only for a moment. In that way, each of us are like God.

This isn’t to make you feel superior in anyway, but just to encourage you to continue helping. It may not be visible to others, but your Heavenly Father has humbled Himself to see it. Just as you had to humble yourself to see the need in others.

And like God ministers to us, we minister back to Him by praise.

Praise the Lord!

God Asks Questions

On By TimIn Daily Walk, Exhortation, Genesis 16Leave a comment

Genesis 16:7–8 (MEV): The angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness. It was the spring on the way to Shur. And he said, “Hagar, Sarai’s maid, where have you come from and where are you going?”
And she said, “I am fleeing from the presence of my mistress Sarai.”

I love the patterns established in Genesis. This particular exchange leads us back to God seeking Adam and Eve after they sinned.

Genesis 3:8–13 (MEV): Then they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. The Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”
He said, “ I heard Your voice in the garden and was afraid because I was naked, so I hid myself.”
And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?”
The man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.”
Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What have you done?”
And the woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

There is a simplicity here that is often overlooked. When God seeks a lost one, one that has sinned, He seeks them out. Let’s remember that all of this happens before the law was given and before Jesus came. God seeks the sinner in order to restore the broken relationship.

When He finds the one, He gently leads to the problem by asking a question. He’s not asking for information, there is another purpose to His questions.

In each of these examples, God asks a question and it is followed by a confession of sin.

Oh, I know some of you are going to scoff. You’re going to say that there is no contrition or sorrow in the responses… As if feelings have anything to do with a confession of truth.

Sometimes just a simple acknowledgement of our foibles in the presence of a Holy yet loving God is all that is needed. We don’t have to pound our chests, or cry rivers of tears. A simple confession saying this is the problem is the first step to conquering the problem together.

When you sin, don’t wait until you actually feel sorrow or remorse for what you did. Go to your Heavenly Father and confess it. He’s waiting.

Commanders and Servants aren’t Nothing

On By TimIn 2 Samuel 19, Exhortation, Love2 Comments

Then Joab came to the king in his house and said, “Today you have shamed the faces of all of your servants who saved your life today, as well as the lives of your sons and daughters, the lives of your wives, and the lives of your concubines, by loving those who hated you and hating those who love you. You have shown today that commanders and servants are nothing to you. I know that if Absalom were alive instead today and all of us were dead, then this would be right in your eyes. Now go out and speak reassuringly to your servants, for I swear by the Lord that if you do not go out, no man will stay with you this night, and this will be worse for you than any calamity that has come against you from your youth until now.”

2 Samuel 19:5–7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

David is the man after God’s own heart. Yet throughout the accounts of his adventurous life, it is easy to see his shortcomings.

In the text above, David is mourning his son Absalom. Absalom had treacherously usurped the kingship from his father. David seems to do something wrong, and compound wrongs on to that. This was a day of victory for Israel, but the mourning from the king looks like histrionics.

Enter brave Joab.

Joab courageously confronted the king with a different perspective to get his eyes drawn off of his own belly button. He wanted the king to know how his mourning dishonored the work of his servants in defeating the king’s and the nation’s enemy.

Joab did not mince words. He spoke plainly.

And it was enough to move David.

So the king arose and took his seat in the gate, and the people were all told, “The king is sitting in the gate.” So all the people came before the king, but the children of Israel had fled, each to his tent.

2 Samuel 19:8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The lesson here is two-fold.

First, from David’s perspective… Life sucks. It brings all sorts of troubles. This wasn’t a one-off occurrence, but the culmination of years of shenanigans from David’s children. They brought him a fair share of despair.

Consequently, our focus tends to draw inward in those moments. All of us have a tendency to think of only ourselves and our sorrow.

I’m not saying to not have sorrow or to mourn. There are seasons for those things. But I am certain there are others that rely on us. Yes, take time to mourn. But no amount of mourning is going to fix what happened. A prolonged season of it may also hinder a celebration of the good that is worked. Remember how God works all things for good to those who love Him.

Don’t become so bogged down in self-introspection that we don’t see the real world of people that surround and support us.

Second, when we serve others like Joab, we see the reality from a different perspective… We may have to have a frank conversation with our leaders.

As any of us may find ourselves in a leadership role, when something like this happens we need to be careful to not take offense. Sure, the words used might be frank and seemingly brutal.

Joab served the king. He didn’t want to harm the king. He wanted David to have a balanced view. And to do that will require humility from all parties involved.

In closing, be like David a man after God’s own heart. Also, be like Joab, not unwilling to correct an injustice when it is in our ability to do so.

Hang Up on the Hangups

On By TimIn Encouragement, Ephesians 04, Exhortation, Freedom, Justification, SinLeave a comment

Do not give place to the devil.

Ephesians 4:27 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Paul is speaking of giving the enemy rights. He has no way to bother you unless you give him permission and grant him the right.

What do I mean by right?

This could trigger some uncomfortable feelings.

Think about something that happened to you when you were young, something you remember clearly. Do you instantly become overwhelmed by the feelings of that situation?

It could be good, but might most likely not be. In that case, the feelings of fear and anxiety come… Especially with traumatic events. The feelings can be crippling.

Sometimes those feelings come because of something we’ve done and now regret. A feeling of guilt can obliterate a person.

These crippling feelings of guilt, fear, anxiety, despair, and/or others can create a cascading physiological response with an adrenaline surge. Which may lead to something that grieves the Holy Spirit.

These things the enemy uses as a foothold. It’s a place to gain access. And if we are not aware of that fact we can be blindsided. I know. It happens to me.

None of us are made to fear. We are not made to have guilt. Paul gives ample remedy for how to avoid giving rights away.

But what of those things in the past?

Knowledge is a firmer foundation than emotion.

You can renounce them. You can renounce how they make you feel. You can renounce the control they have over your emotions. Do it out loud, to God. For whatever it is that overwhelms you, whether you are the victim or not. Allow God to take the feelings, the anxiety, and the fear away. Read the rest of the text beginning at Ephesians 4:1 into Chapters 5&6. Learn how to put on the new nature and live in victory.

You can do it, by taking the first step.

Don’t be sidelined. Don’t be a spectator. Stand firm!

Give to the Lord, O Mighty Ones

On By TimIn Exhortation, Psalm 029, Worship1 Comment

“Give to the Lord, O mighty ones,
give to the Lord glory and strength.
Give to the Lord all the glory due His name;
worship the Lord in the beauty of His holiness.”

Clay Hecocks – “His Holiness“

I start with a paraphrase of a psalm turned into praise lyrics. This was something we used to sing in church some time ago. It has a gorgeous melody. I think it was written by Clay Hecocks. (Listen here: His Holiness.)

It was one of my favorite things to sing at church. I hope I can explain it well enough. (Don’t believe what I write. Check it out for yourself, Acts 17:11. Read the references and above them and below them.)

Let’s start with the text from the psalm.

Give to the Lord, you heavenly beings,
give to the Lord glory and strength.
Give to the Lord the glory of His name;
worship the Lord in holy splendor.

Psalm 29:1–2 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This has many levels of meaning, and it is centered around the Hebrew phrase beneha elim translated to heavenly beings. In some translations, the term sons of God is used. That is also correct given the Hebrew phrase.

That phrase hints back to Job, where a similar Hebrew phrase is used beneha elohim.

Recent scholarship thinks the term elohim describes a class of beings that includes the Most High God. This is similar to the English word gods that denotes a class of beings, with the capitalized singular form God meaning the Most High. (Of note, the Hebrew elohim is always a plural, even when used as a proper noun Elohim as a name for the Most High.)

These elohim are part of the family of God present in His mountain (garden of Eden.) They are His divine council written of in psalm 82. That psalm points to something wrong happening in this council. Something that rocked the foundations of the earth. God will eventually judge these in the council and condemn them to die “like men.”

Can you imagine what that would be?

I think the Bible points to the insurrection that occurred in the garden and God’s necessary enslavement of the creation to futility. In today’s language, the term is entropy.

The purpose of His council is outlined in the first two verses of David’s psalm. Give to the Lord the glory due His name.

They failed at that task. God could create more beings for His council. But did it in what may seem is a peculiar way. Peculiar, because there’s nothing else like it.

The Adoption

You are all sons of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:26 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Paul begins an important point in one sentence that he will elaborate upon. He sums it up this way…

God sent forth His Son, born from a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth into our hearts the Spirit of His Son, crying, “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a servant, but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Galatians 4:4–7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I hope that your mind is making connections here. Not much is ever said about this, though it is an important concept to grasp.

There was an insurrection. Some of those members of the divine council fell miserably. Jude says they left their first estate. (Think of the impetus for the flood in Genesis 6. I am purposefully being vague to leave you some crumbs for your own pursuit.)

Back to what Paul is saying of… The adaption. We Christian saints of this age have a unique purpose. We are called sons of God.

Could it be we replace the failed members of the divine council?

I think so. There are far too many references. The Bible says we will judge angels. Look at that psalm 82… Who is it that judges angels?

I’m not saying we will be God. But somehow, someway, we have such an intimate relationship within the Godhead. Jesus said it.

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word, that they may all be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You. May they also be one in Us, that the world may believe that You have sent Me. I have given them the glory which You gave Me, that they may be one even as We are one: I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfect in unity, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

John 17:20–23 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus speaks of an intimate unity just as He has with the Father, “May they also be one in Us.” Furthermore, it says Jesus gives us the glory that the Father gave Him. The significance of that statement ought to rock your socks off!

I am the Lord, that is My name; and My glory I will not give to another, nor My praise to graven images.

Isaiah 42:8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This isn’t a contradiction. Paul is correct in saying we are adopted sons. We are joint-heirs. What Jesus gets, we get.

I can’t even begin to fathom such things. But that’s what is there… Plainly. It short-circuits my brain because I have no real concept of all that it entails.

This isn’t pantheism. It isn’t panentheism. (Search engines are friends.) This isn’t me saying we are going to be God. But we are destined for something intimately special with God because of Jesus.

Give to the Lord, o mighty ones. That’s going to be us believers. Give to the Lord glory and strength. From Whom did we get glory and strength?

Give to the Lord all the glory due His name. Worship the Lord in the beauty of His holiness.

Your Song is More Beautiful

On By TimIn Daily Walk, Encouragement, Exhortation, Job 35, WorshipLeave a comment

But none says, ‘Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night, who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth, and makes us wiser than the birds of heaven?’

Job 35:10–11 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Have you considered that God has taught you more than He has any other beast on Earth?

Seriously consider how beautiful the song of a bird is. God has taught you more than that bird. The songs you make are going to be better. It doesn’t matter if they are sung in the night or day, in gladness or despair. Even if out-of-tune, that song is going to be far more precious than the song of any bird.

None of us ever have to wonder where God is.

What Your Behavior Accomplishes

On By TimIn Exhortation, Job 35, SinLeave a comment

If you sin, what do you accomplish against Him?
Or if your transgressions are multiplied, what does it do to Him?
If you are righteous, what does it give Him?
Or what does He receive from your hand?

Job 35:6–7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Elihu asks Job a series of probing questions. These questions drive at something rather poignant to consider. God doesn’t need your sin. And He doesn’t need your good behavior.

Just because that is true, doesn’t mean we get to do what we want to do when we want to do it because we want to do it as a right. Look at how it continues.

Your wickedness may hurt a man like you,
and your righteousness may profit a son of man.

Job 35:8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

That’s exactly the point. Your actions don’t affect God. But they do affect others around you.

See then that you walk carefully, not as fools, but as wise men, making the most of the time because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Ephesians 5:15–17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In other words, pay close attention to what you do and the way you comport yourself. You are being watched by others. You may not think your life has much impact, but it does. Most of it is in ways you may never know here. (I’ve been reminded of this just today before I read this part of Job.)

Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, wisely using the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you should answer everyone.

Colossians 4:5–6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s part of what Jesus taught us to do. Second, to loving God is to love others as we love ourselves. A big part of loving both God and others is denying ourselves.

And we do it to have an opportunity to make an eternal impact.

Being Ready for Spiritual Warfare

On By TimIn Armor of God, Children, Daily Walk, Employees, Employers, Encouragement, Ephesians 06, Exhortation, Fruitfulness, Gifts, Husbands, Justification, Relationships, Spiritual Warfare, WivesLeave a comment

Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Ephesians 6:10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In my reading, it occurred to me that what we consider to be the epitome of preparation for spiritual warfare as being Paul’s description of the armor we must wear. These are his final thoughts on the subject. In order to understand the necessary function of the armor and to be able to trust it doesn’t work without all of the other preceding things that are the foundation for it. We must roll back a few chapters to understand.

Corporate Life at Church

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, exhort you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you were called. With all humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another in love, be eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Ephesians 4:1–3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Paul says lots about corporate fellowship. It’s the start, to walk in a manner worthy of our calling. We are to do it in patience, meekness, and humility. We are to bear one another in love. Paul is not saying we bear the heathen in love, but one another. And with it, we ought to be eager to keep the unity of the Spirit.

I cannot help to think how easy it is for us to break fellowship for the slightest things. People will leave churches because the church ain’t going their way. Someone will be asked to leave a church because he doesn’t toe the line. We don’t bear well with each other as corporate bodies. I’d dare say that in our churches we are sorely fit to do any sort of spiritual warfare.

There is one body and one Spirit, even as you were called in one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Ephesians 4:4–6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The essentials are in Spirit. We divide in the flesh. We just keep these things in mind.

But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.” (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that He also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is also He who ascended far above all the heavens that He might fill all things.)

Ephesians 4:7–10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There is more here than I am going to speak about, but I will leave that for you to search on your own. What we have spiritually is from Jesus Himself. He gave the gifts to each of us in the exact measurements we needed to fulfill our purpose in the body.

All of us are needed in fellowship. Our local bodies are ill-equipped if we remove ourselves from fellowship, or even kick someone out. Each of us is essential.

He gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, for the equipping of the saints, for the work of service, and for the building up of the body of Christ, until we all come into the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, into a complete man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so we may no longer be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about with every wind of doctrine by the trickery of men, by craftiness with deceitful scheming.

Ephesians 4:11–14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

What gifts we each possess are for the equipping of the saints. Often these giftings are used for self-edification and aggrandizement. They are given to us for others, to equip them. It’s the work of Jesus to which we are called. I can assure you that you know someone who has attached one or more of these titles to the beginning of their name. That doesn’t edify others in the least.

We are to help each other become complete. We are to desire to grow. This is a message and critical foundation for spiritual warfare. If each of us is not now rightly in a fellowship of believers who trust us and whom we can trust, we aren’t prepared for any kind of warfare.

But, speaking the truth in love, we may grow up in all things into Him, who is the head, Christ Himself, from whom the whole body is joined together and connected by every joint and ligament, as every part effectively does its work and grows, building itself up in love.

Ephesians 4:15–16 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We need that trust because sometimes there is going to be something we’re not going to want to hear. It’ll be hard to stomach if we don’t trust that the person who speaks it has our best interests before his. It’s necessary. As the whole body must be joined together to effectively work and grow. None of us can do it alone.

Therefore this I say and testify in the Lord, that from now on you walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their minds, having their understanding darkened, excluded from the life of God through the ignorance that is within them, due to the hardness of their hearts. Being calloused they have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.

Ephesians 4:17–19 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The unsaved operate in self-imposed ignorance. They refuse to believe. They scoff. It hardens them. Just like a callous on the hand, it becomes a place where there is no feeling. It cannot feel the comfort of warm soap and water. It cannot feel the sharp edge of a razor blade. The unbeliever is in the same predicament unable to feel the things that are good, and the things that may be dangerously deadly. The more a callous is rubbed, the larger and harder it grows.

That’s the sensuality that Paul is speaking about. It takes more of the same old thing just to feel it, yet it makes the hardness even harder. That’s the sensuality of sin.

But you did not learn about Christ in this manner, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off the former way of life in the old nature, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that you put on the new nature, which was created according to God in righteousness and true holiness.

Ephesians 4:20–24 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s a new way of life we must put on. Jesus teaches us we don’t have to keep doing the same old chase that never satisfies.

Look at the contrast, without Jesus, it’s seeking sensations, what pleases us personally. That’s the essence of lust. That’s why the Bible uses the term. It’s not just sexual. It is a seeking to satisfy our own desires.

We are to live differently, to renew our minds.

Therefore, putting away lying, let every man speak truthfully with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. Be angry but do not sin. Do not let the sun go down on your anger. Do not give place to the devil. Let him who steals steal no more. Instead, let him labor, working with his hands things which are good, that he may have something to share with him who is in need.

Ephesians 4:25–28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We are to operate truthfully. It means to stop taking from others. Instead, be prepared and ready to give something.

Let no unwholesome word proceed out of your mouth, but only that which is good for building up, that it may give grace to the listeners. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you are sealed for the day of redemption.

Ephesians 4:29–30 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Watch what we say. Make sure that it benefits others. Our eternity is secure. There is nothing anyone can do to steal that from any of us… Not even our own actions. None of us have to operate in our former ways.

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outbursts, and blasphemies, with all malice, be taken away from you. And be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.

Ephesians 4:31–32 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Let all the bad stuff be removed. This is telling us that we ought to be willing to give these to God.

Bitterness gets a place when we don’t forgive. Bitterness always gives rise to the enemy. Don’t even give it a place.

Personal Life Everywhere

Therefore be imitators of God as beloved children. Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself for us as a fragrant offering and a sacrifice to God.
And do not let sexual immorality, or any impurity, or greed be named among you, as these are not proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse joking, which are not fitting. Instead, give thanks. For this you know, that no sexually immoral or impure person, or one who is greedy, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Ephesians 5:1–5 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We have our example. Imitate God as the children of Him we are. Walk in love Paul says. Sometimes we overlook the idea of love in mind. It’s sacrificial. It gives of itself even unto death.

Don’t practice sexual immorality or other impurities.

Don’t be greedy. That’s a hard one. Each of us wants to be first in line. Few of us want to wait until last.

Watch the language we use. Change the way we talk to be thankful, first to God from Whom good things come, but for others around us.

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them.

Ephesians 5:6–7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Be careful who we listen to and associate with. It’s not that we shouldn’t hang around with them, but we are not to participate in the inane things other unbelievers do.

For you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light— for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth—proving what is pleasing to the Lord. And do not have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness; instead, expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things are exposed when they are revealed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”

Ephesians 5:8–14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We all have our previous lives. We all walked in darkness. Now instead of just walking in darkness, we are light. That is light in the Lord. It’s a new identity. Walk in it, proving it.

We ought not to do those things we used to do. Instead, we expose them. Things that are exposed lose their power and control. Secrets are by nature things not out in the light.

See then that you walk carefully, not as fools, but as wise men, making the most of the time because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Ephesians 5:15–17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Time is short. Don’t waste it on things that have no eternal benefit. We live in evil times. It’s been like that since Adam was expelled out of the Eden of God.

Do not be drunk with wine, for that is reckless living. But be filled with the Spirit.

Ephesians 5:18 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Don’t substitute the world’s spirits for the Holy Spirit. Be sober-minded.

Speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Give thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, being submissive to one another in the fear of God.

Ephesians 5:19–21 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

These are the things to center our minds on, renewing them. It’s a personal endeavor we must always be cognizant of pursuing. It’s a choice we make every moment of every day. It’s difficult to engage in any form of spiritual warfare if we’re not walking in the light we are.

Interactions with our Spouses

Wives, be submissive to your own husbands as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, just as Christ is the head and Savior of the church, which is His body. But as the church submits to Christ, so also let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.

Ephesians 5:22–24 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is not a hierarchy thing or a master-slave relationship. But there is an established order of things. Husbands aren’t the master. Wives aren’t slaves.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it, that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, and that He might present to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish. In this way men ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord cares for the church. For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones.

Ephesians 5:25–30 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The admonition is to the husbands. It is necessarily so. The whole idea is to not drift off into some misogynist mindset where a man operates as king of his castle.

No. This is teaching us that the wife ought to be elevated to not just the same treatment as a husband would treat himself, but just a bit higher. The husband is to give himself just as Jesus did. It’s totally selfless.

“For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall be one flesh.”

Ephesians 5:31 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is for both parties in a marriage. When two people get married, their family is the two in the marriage (and children.) It’s great to have moms and dads, brothers and sisters. But your spouse is your family first and foremost. It goes without saying that the word most needs emphasis.

If mom interferes with our spouse… Side with the spouse. He or she is family. That is what Paul is saying. This is the proper order.

It doesn’t mean we cannot do things with our parents and siblings, but to insist on having every Thanksgiving or other holiday celebrations with them and dragging our spouse along can lead to problems. Even trying to be fair is difficult. Establish your own family traditions. And do the extended family things once in while.

Leave mom and dad and cleave to our spouse. It is difficult to engage in spiritual warfare if we are married and do not cleave to our spouse. Two are one. We need them.

This is a great mystery, but I am speaking about Christ and the church.

Ephesians 5:32 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

A good marriage becomes a great apologetic.

However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Ephesians 5:33 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

A final admonition for a happy marriage. A husband that loves his bride sacrificially, with a bride who respects him.

Behaving as Children

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with a promise, “so that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”

Ephesians 6:1–3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is pretty much self-explanatory.

Proper Parenting

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:4–5 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It is the job of the parents to pass on their faith.

Relating to Your Employer

Servants, obey those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of your heart, as to Christ, not serving when eyes are on you, but as pleasing men as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good thing any man does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is enslaved or free.

Ephesians 6:5–8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

As an employee, we are to work for our manager as one would work for Jesus. After all, He is Who we are working for ultimately.

Our work should be the same even when others aren’t watching. That means no running off into the bathroom to check our phone or goofing off in the back of the storeroom.

By doing that, not only do we receive a paycheck from the employer, our good deeds earn eternal rewards. The sincerity of our hearts may be the thing that makes an unbelieving employer become a believer.

Managers Relating to Employees

And masters, do the same things for them, no longer threatening, knowing that your Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.

Ephesians 6:9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Do the right thing for those who work for us. Pay them fairly. Treat them rightly, just as we expect to be treated by Jesus.

Finally Brethren

Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Ephesians 6:10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We come to the text which opened the post. It’s long. But it is necessary.

Before we can even endeavor to don the armor of God, we need to shore up every single one of these areas of our lives. If they are not secure and rightly done, there is an opportunity for the enemy.

Don’t just concentrate on the armor, but concentrate on all of the preparation that comes before and is a foundation for it.