9/26/22

6 Reasons Why You Need to Study the Bible by Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

 




https://thepreachersword.com/2020/12/10/6-reasons-why-you-need-to-study-the-bible/#more-18004

6 Reasons Why You Need to Study the Bible

In a recent article in Christian Headlines, Milton Quintanilla warns about the lack of Bible knowledge in 21st century America. Not just in our country, but in our churches.

Quintanilla quotes Dr. Thomas Schirrmacher, the newly elected secretary-general of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), who believes that biblical illiteracy is a growing, troubling trend in the global evangelical church today.

In an interview with The Christian Post, Schirrmacher explained that “beyond all theological differences, financial problems, and political questions”, “our biggest problem is that Bible knowledge is fading away.”

In the Western world, “more and more kids that come from evangelical families are not really rooted in the Bible,” and many end up departing from the faith, he asserted.

Young people, even those claiming to be Christians, Schirrmacher said, “only know about the Bible what they learned from their conversion” instead of growing deeper in biblical knowledge.

“The result is that people know much less and are more … much more open to secularism and strange things like the ‘health and wealth’ gospel,” he added.

Actually, the challenge to know God and His Word is an age-old problem. Jehovah laments through the Old Testament prophet Hosea, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”

We briefly offer these 6 reasons why you need to grow in your Bible knowledge with added links for your further study.

(1) The Bible is the Word of God.

The Scripture claims to originate from God. Paul affirmed, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim 3:16-17) The word “inspired” means “God-breathed.” It denotes divine activity.

Peter penned that “holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Pet. 1:20-21). And John claimed that his Revelation came from God through the messenger of an angel (Rev. 1:1-3). Indeed as Batsell Barrett Baxter states, “There is ‘an air of infallibility’ about the writings that make up the Bible.”

(2) The Bible affirms God’s presence in our lives

Some folks falsely claim we don’t need the Bible because we can feel God’s presence in our lives. But how do you know that? Who told you?

The Psalmist wrote, “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth” (Ps 145:18)

The Bible teaches us that “eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayers” (Ps 34:15; 1 Pet 3:12).

(3) The Bible declares God’s nature.

The goodness and greatness of God is demonstrated through his personality and attributes. God is love. Merciful. Forgiving. Compassionate. And holy. How do we know? The Bible tells us so! (Eph 2:4; Ps 99:9; Isa 55:7-8; Lev 11:44; Ps 86:15)

(4) The Bible reveals how to be saved from sin.

“What must I do to be saved?” This question is asked and answered in the book of Acts. Without the Bible, we know nothing of God’s plan, His purpose in Christ, and His offer of peace and pardon through the cross (Eph. 1-2).

(5) The Bible provides a blueprint for Christian living.

The Greatest Commandment to love God, the 2nd greatest command to love your neighbor and the golden rule would be unknown without the Bible. (Matt 22:37-40; 7:12). Practical guidelines for families, social relationships, and citizenship responsibilities are found in the Bible.

(6) The Bible informs us of our origin, purpose, and eternal destiny.

The Bible tells the story of creation in Genesis, why we are here on earth in Ephesians, and what God has planned for His people for eternity in Revelation. Without it we are groping in darkness and without a clue regarding our purpose.

There are many other important reasons why we need to read and study the Bible. But be assured that the Bible is able to make weak people strong spiritually through a knowledge of Him (Col. 1:9-14).

That’s why the apostle Paul exhorts us to read what God revealed to him through the Holy Spirit so we can understand His will for us (Eph. 3:1-6).

“Therefore do not be unwise {or Biblically illiterate} but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:17).

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman


Attributes of God by Dave Miller, Ph.D.

 








Attributes of God

AseityGod is independent and needs no one. Acts 17:25
EternalityGod is everlasting. He is without beginning or end. Exodus 3:14
Psalm 90:2
Isaiah 40:28
GraciousnessGod condescends to show us undeserved kindness. 2 Chronicles 30:9
1 Peter 2:3
HolinessGod is pure, morally perfect, and without spiritual defect. He is separate and distinct from everything and everyone in His moral and spiritual status.Exodus 15:11
Leviticus 19:2
Numbers 23:19 Habakkuk 1:13
1 John 1:5
ImmanenceGod’s presence is manifested in the world. Isaiah 6:3
Acts 17:28
ImmutabilityGod cannot change. He remains unchanged in His infinity–His nature, character, essence, and attributes. Psalm 102:27
Malachi 3:6
Hebrews 6:18
Hebrews 13:8
James 1:17
IncomprehensibilityGod is not able to be fully knownIsaiah 40:28
IncorporealityGod is spirit–not flesh. He is a spiritual Being. Luke 24:39
John 4:24
InfinityGod is limitless in His attributes.Psalm 90:2
Psalm 139:7-8
Matthew 19:26
Hebrews 4:13
JealousyGod possesses a zeal to protect that which is right, such as His relationship with His people. Exodus 20:5
Numbers 25:1-18
MercyGod often withholds deserved punishment/retribution. Nehemiah 9:31
Isaiah 55:7
Micah 7:18
OmnibenevolenceGod is all-loving–possessing a completely unselfish care and concern for what is best for the individual. 1 John 4:16
OmnipotenceGod is all-powerful–able to do anything that infinite power can do. Genesis 17:1
Job 42:2
Jeremiah 32:27
Matthew 19:26
Mark 10:27
OmnipresenceGod is aware of all that is happening everywhere, whether in the physical or spirit realm.1 King 8:27
Psalm 139:7-8
Proverbs 15:3
OmnisapientGod is all-wise.Romans 11:33
Romans 16:27
OmniscienceGod is all-knowing. He knows everything there is to be known. 1 Chronicles 28:9
Psalm 147:4
Matthew 10:29-30
Hebrews 4:13
OnenessGod is one and only, an essential unity, one in His divine essence–yet exists in three separate, distinct persons, forming the unified Godhead.Deuteronomy 6:4
Romans 1:20
Colossians 2:9
Matthew 3:16-17
Matthew 28:19
2 Corinthians 13:14
John 14:26
Patience/LongsufferingGod waits on and bears with people, giving them time to make the right decision. Psalm 103:17
Romans 2:4
1 Peter 3:20
2 Peter 3:9
Righteousness/JusticeGod is just, fair, and impartial. He shows no favor or bias. He is always right. Every one of His actions is proper and correct. Psalm 11:7
Acts 20:34
Romans 2:11
SovereigntyGod is the absolute, supreme authority, ruler, and controller of the material and spiritual realms. 1 Chronicles 29:11-12
Isaiah 45:18
Isaiah 46:9-10
Ezekiel–“sovereign LORD”
TranscendenceGod transcends all space/time and is not subject to its limitations. Isaiah 57:15
WrathfulGod possesses appropriate disdain for evil. His anger is unemotional, impersonal, judicial, and proper in magnitude and duration. Exodus 15:7
Ezra 9:14-15
Psalm 7:11
Romans 1:18
John 3:36

Published

Do you long to be with Christ? by Roy Davison

 











http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/061-withchrist.html

Do you long to be with Christ? We want to be with those we love.

One of the saddest things in life is to be separated from loved ones. If we cannot be with them all the time, we want to be with them when we can.

During holidays large sums are spent visiting those we love. Much automobile and air traffic is generated by those who travel great distances to spend some time with loved ones.

When I was very small, I travelled with my mother by train half way across the United States to visit my grandmother.

The saddest separation of all is death. That was the last time we saw her. She had a stroke and died shortly thereafter. She was a faithful Christian, however, so we look forward to seeing her again.

How can we have this assurance? Through the resurrection of Christ! He is the Redeemer in whom Job believed as he longed to be with God (Job 19:25-27).

Jesus came to restore our broken relationship with the Father so we may have an eternal relationship with Him. Jesus longs to be with His loved ones, and they long to be with Him.


Jesus wants His followers to be with Him forever.

He prayed: “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world” (John 17:24).

Knowing that he would be leaving His beloved disciples shortly, He assured them: “A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me” (John 16:16). “I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you” (John 16:22).

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:1-3).


How can we be with Christ forever?

We must have a good relationship with Him now to be with Him forever.


Christ died for us that we might live with Him.

“For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him” (1 Thessalonians 5:9, 10).


We must deny ourselves and follow Christ.

Because Jesus gave His life for us, we give our life to Him.

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it’” (Matthew 16:24, 25).

“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him” (John 14:23).

If we want to be with Jesus forever, we must be willing to suffer with Him: “and if children, then heirs - heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together” (Romans 8:17).


We must die with Christ to live with Him.

“This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him” (2 Timothy 2:11). By sharing in His death, we have His life in us as a foretaste of eternal life.

“Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:8-11).

“For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you” (2 Corinthians 13:4).

As Paul wrote: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:4-6).


We die with Christ through baptism.

We are united with Christ’s death, burial and resurrection through baptism.

“Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin” (Romans 6:3-6).

At baptism our sinful man is crucified with Christ. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and by the blood of Christ, our sins are washed away (Acts 22:16), and we rise from baptism to “walk in newness of life.” We have been “born again,” “born of water and the Spirit” (John 3:3, 5).

Previously, we were outside of Christ. Now we are in Him, a member of His body, the church: “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body” (1 Corinthians 12:13).

Paul reminds Christians: You were “buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead” (Colossians 2:12); “knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus” (2 Corinthians 4:14).


Christians commune with the body and blood of Christ.

Jesus gives this loving invitation: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with Him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20).

When we break bread on the first day of the week, we have fellowship with His body and blood: “Is not the cup of blessing that we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread that we break a sharing in the body of Christ?” (1 Corinthians 10:16 NET).

In the Lord’s supper we encounter the body and blood of Christ. We meditate on what He has done for us. In our mind we hear the blows of the hammer and feel the pain from the spikes that were driven into His hands and feet, knowing that He was bearing the punishment for our sins. Yet, we also rejoice when we think about the stone being rolled away and the triumphant Christ emerging from the tomb. We feel extremely close to Him and surrounded by His love. This fellowship with the body and blood of Christ is spiritual, intimate and profound.


Christians long to be with Christ.

As long as we are still in the flesh, our fellowship with Christ is limited, but we look forward to being with Him forever.

Although Paul wanted to serve his fellow saints, he longed to be with the Lord: “My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better” (Philippians 1:23 ESV). “So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:6-8).


He who remains faithful may walk with Christ in white.

“You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels” (Revelation 3:4, 5). “To overcome,” as used in Revelation, means to remain faithful until death.


After Christ returns, we will be with Him forever.

When Jesus comes again, we will be like Him: “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2).


We will appear with Christ at His coming.

“For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17).

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory” (Colossians 3:1-4).


We will reign with Christ.

“This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him. If we endure, we shall also reign with Him” (2 Timothy 2:11, 12).

“He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful” (Revelation 17:14).

“To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne” (Revelation 3:21).


What have we learned?

We want to be with those we love. Jesus wants His followers to be with Him. How can we be with Christ forever? He died for us that we might live with Him. We must deny ourselves and follow Jesus. We must die with Him to live with Him. We die with Christ through baptism. We commune with the body and blood of Christ at His table. Christians long to be with Christ. He who remains faithful may walk with Christ in white. When He returns, we will appear with Him, we will be with Him, and we will reign with Him forever.

We long to be with Christ! “O Lord, come!” (1 Corinthians 16:22). “The Lord be with you all” (2 Thessalonians 3:16). Amen.

Roy Davison

The Scripture quotations in this article are from
The New King James Version. ©1979,1980,1982,
Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers unless indicated otherwise.
Permission for reference use has been granted.

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)


“Flee from the midst of Babylon!” by Roy Davison

 











http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/062-flee.html

“Flee from the midst of Babylon!”

In the symbolic language of Revelation, Christians are commanded to distance themselves from false religions just like the Israelites were commanded to leave Babylon and restore true worship at Jerusalem.

“Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues” (Revelation 18:4).

When this was written, literal Babylon had lost its power two hundred years earlier, as predicted by Isaiah and Jeremiah. Thus, in Revelation, Babylon obviously refers to something other than the literal city.

Considering the seriousness of this warning, it is vital that we know what it means to come out of Babylon, so we can avoid her sins and her punishment.

To understand the imagery, we must examine Old Testament passages about Babylon and compare them with the warning in Revelation.


What is the historical basis for Babylon’s symbolism?


Babylon had a long history of rebellion against God.

Babel, the forerunner of Babylon, was one of the first cities built. Nimrod, who “began to be a mighty one on the earth” (1 Chronicles 1:10) founded Babel (Genesis 10:10).

The name “Babel” means “confusion” and originates from the confusion of languages, which halted the building of the tower of Babel (Genesis 11:9).


Babylon used political force to promote false religion.

“All the people, nations and languages” were commanded to worship Nebuchadnezzar’s gold image (Daniel 3:1-7).

Isaiah and Jeremiah predicted the ruin of Babylon as punishment for idolatry.

“Babylon is fallen, is fallen! And all the carved images of her gods He has broken to the ground” (Isaiah 21:9).

“Declare among the nations, proclaim, and set up a standard; proclaim, and do not conceal it - Say, ‘Babylon is taken, Bel is shamed. Merodach is broken in pieces; her idols are humiliated, her images are broken in pieces’” (Jeremiah 50:2).

Bel and Merodach were Babylonian idols. Merodach was the patron deity of Babylon, a sun god, often pictured with a dragon.

Israel went into Babylonian exile as punishment for her own unfaithfulness and idolatry. God allowed the temple to be destroyed because He was disgusted by the hypocritical worship being conducted there (Isaiah 1:13-15).

Because the temple was indispensable for Old Covenant worship, the Israelites could not worship God according to His word in Babylon. When their captors asked them to sing a song of Zion, they replied: “How shall we sing the LORD’s song in a foreign land?” (Psalm 137:4).


The Israelites were commanded to flee from Babylon.

To flee is to quickly get away from impending danger.

God used Babylonian captivity to bring Israel to repentance.

After 70 years of exile, the Israelites were allowed to return to Jerusalem, rebuild the temple, and restore Old Covenant worship.

Considering the many warnings, some must have preferred to stay in Babylon!

A messianic undertone is discernable in passages where Israel is commanded to flee from Babylon.

“Go forth from Babylon! Flee from the Chaldees! With a voice of singing, declare, proclaim ‘The LORD has redeemed His servant Jacob!’” (Isaiah 48:20). [See verses 12-22.]

“Depart! Depart! Go out from there, touch no unclean thing; go out from the midst of her, be clean, you who bear the vessels of the LORD” (Isaiah 52:11). [See verses 7-12.]

“‘In those days and in that time,’ says the LORD, ‘The children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together; with continual weeping they shall come, and seek the LORD their God. They shall ask the way to Zion, with their faces toward it, saying, “Come and let us join ourselves to the LORD in a perpetual covenant that will not be forgotten”’” (Jeremiah 50:4, 5). [For additional insight read chapters 50 and 51.]

“Flee from the midst of Babylon, and every one save his life! Do not be cut off in her iniquity, for this is the time of the LORD’s vengeance; He shall recompense her” (Jeremiah 51:6).

“We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed. Forsake her, and let us go everyone to his own country; for her judgment reaches to heaven and is lifted up to the skies. The LORD has revealed our righteousness. Come and let us declare in Zion the work of the LORD our God” (Jeremiah 51:9, 10).

“My people, go out of the midst of her! And let everyone deliver himself from the fierce anger of the LORD” (Jeremiah 51:45).

“Up, Zion! Escape, you who dwell with the daughter of Babylon” (Zechariah 2:7).

Observe that although God’s people in Babylon did not serve idols themselves, they were unclean and shared in her sins if they remained and did not go to Jerusalem to worship God according to His word.


What does Babylon represent in Revelation?

Babylon is first mentioned in chapter fourteen: “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication” (Revelation 14:8).

To know the meaning of Babylon, we must understand various symbols in Revelation. The dragon is the devil (Revelation 12:9). As in Daniel, beasts represent governments. To the first beast the devil gives “his power, his throne and great authority” (Revelation 13:2). A second beast, who resembles a lamb but speaks like a dragon, exercises all the authority of the first beast, and causes everyone on earth to worship the first beast (Revelation 13:11-14).

Under the influence of these two beasts, all the world worships the devil except those whose names are in the Book of Life: “All the world marveled and followed the beast. So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; ... All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:3, 4, 8).

There are only two classes: the saints of God and those who worship the devil. Only by the blood of Christ can one be conveyed from the power of darkness into the kingdom of God (Colossians 1:13, 14).

The second beast is “the false prophet” (Revelation 19:20). This beast is religious (religious authority) and is supported by the first beast (political authority).

Babylon is a symbolic representation of the false prophet, pictured as a harlot riding on a beast: “The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication. And on her forehead a name was written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH” (Revelation 17:4, 5).

The mystery is disclosed: “And the woman whom you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth” (Revelation 17:18).

When this was written, any reader would think of the Roman Empire. Thus Babylon (Rome) is a depiction of the false prophet. All religious and political rebellion against God is symbolized by the harlot and the beast she rides!

The harlot is not the literal city of Rome, but Rome as a symbol. Paul was a Roman citizen (Acts 22:27, 28). In his letter to the Romans, he did not tell them to leave the city.

Like ancient Babylon, Rome spread false religion by political force. After Augustus (27-14 BC) everyone was commanded to worship the emperor. Thus, like Babylon, Rome is a fitting symbol of all political and religious rebellion against God.

Babylon and Rome are the first and last of four kingdoms in Daniel that would be vanquished by God’s Kingdom (Daniel 2:31-45; 7:17-27).


How has Rome evolved in history?

The harlot on the beast was “drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus” (Revelation 17:6).

Because they refused to worship the emperor, Christians were persecuted by pagan Rome, especially under Nero, Domitian and Trajan.

Pagan Rome mutated into “The Holy Roman Empire” (“holy” is a gross misnomer) with emperors appointed by the pope. Otto I was appointed by Pope John XII in 962.

Through the centuries this unholy Roman empire murdered non- Catholics with the blessing of the popes. Among the thousands killed was William Tyndale, the English Bible translator. He was burned at the stake in Vilvoorde, Belgium on 6 October 1536.

The “Holy Roman Empire” was dissolved by Napoleon in 1806.

After a period of conflicting claims to jurisdiction, the Vatican City State was recognized as a sovereign state in 1929. This ended Rome’s direct political power over kings. Even so, most European and many South American countries have Catholic political parties, and via its hierarchy, the Vatican exercises authority throughout the world.

The Roman Catholic Church is a world-wide, politically organized, pagan religion whose adherents worship images, dead people (“saints”) and a living, speaking idol, blasphemously called “the Holy Father”. The Roman Catholic Church is the largest body that claims to be Christian.


Why is Babylon called a harlot?

In prophetic symbolism, harlotry and fornication represent unfaithfulness to God: “They played the harlot with other gods” (Judges 2:17). [See also Exodus 34:15, 16; Leviticus 20:5; Deuteronomy 31:16; Psalm 73:27; Judges 8:33; Jeremiah 2:20; 3:1; Ezekiel 16:15-17.] Babylon’s fornication represents spiritual corruption. Babylon corrupts the world religiously.


Why is Babylon called the mother of harlots?

Remember that these symbols include everyone on earth who is not in the Book of Life (Revelation 13:3, 4, 8).

The researcher, David B. Barrett, identified 19 major world religions subdivided into about 10,000 distinct religions, and 34,000 denominations in Christendom. Now that is real Babel!

The devil has created this Babylonian “confusion” so people will worship him rather than God. The devil’s shopping mall offers something appealing for everyone. Denominationalism, which views divergent forms of Christianity as tolerable, is a tool of the devil. He encourages you to join the church of your choice rather than God’s choice.

Babylon in Revelation cannot refer to the Roman Catholic Church exclusively, as is sometimes claimed, since everyone in the world, except those in the Book of Life, worships the devil via these two beasts.

But the Roman Catholic Church is definitely the major embodiment (daughter) of prophetic Babylon as successor of the Holy Roman Empire and as the largest, most influential, false form of Christianity.

But she is not alone. Various Protestant denominations are merely spin-offs of the Catholic church, retaining many of her false doctrines and practices. All man-made denominations are daughters of the harlot because, like her, they do not submit to Christ. All false religions in the world are daughters of the harlot for the same reason. Islam, which is spread by political and physical force, is certainly a “daughter” of Babylon.


God will punish Babylon because of her sins.

As God punished ancient Babylon, He will punish prophetic Babylon.

“And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath” (Revelation 16:19). Religious and political opposition to God earn His wrath.

“Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a habitation of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her” (Revelation 18:2b, 3a).

Babylon’s ruin results from God’s defeat of the false prophet and the beast, representing all false religions and godless authorities. “Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet. ... These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone” (Revelation 19:20).

Their patron, the devil, is also defeated: “The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever” (Revelation 20:10).

The unredeemed share the devil’s punishment: “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels’” (Matthew 25:41).


We too must flee from Babylon!

“Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities” (Revelation 18:4, 5).

How do we flee from Babylon to escape her punishment?

Various passages in the New Testament clarify this warning. “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you” (2 Corinthians 6:17). We may not participate in false religions or other forms of worldliness because that is spiritual fornication, uncleanness, unfaithfulness to God.

How can God’s people be in Babylon? Potential Christians and Christians associated with false religions must leave Babylon.

Among those called out of Babylon are people who will obey the gospel when they hear it.

Jesus told Paul: “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; ... for I have many people in this city” (Acts 18:9, 10). God had people in Corinth who would accept the gospel when they heard it. Paul’s preaching enabled them to escape from Babylon.

Among those called out of Babylon are also Christians who have compromised with “the lawless one” by being in denominations and religious organizations established by men rather than by Christ. The doctrine of such groups is always different from the doctrine of Christ, otherwise they would simply be a church of Christ rather than a human denomination.

Christians who associate with false forms of Christianity are trying to serve Christ in the camp of the antichrist! They think they can serve God although they worship with a denomination that deviates from the doctrine of Christ.

This is not possible because doctrinal soundness is essential to serving God. “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds” (2 John 9-11).

Anyone who preaches a gospel that differs from the original gospel is accursed (Galatians 1:6-9).

When we fellowship those who do not abide in the doctrine of Christ (even if we do not agree with them), we share in their evil deeds. “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues” (Revelation 18:4).

“Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols?” (2 Corinthians 6:14-16).

“Belial” means “the worthless one” or “the lawless one”. The lawless one includes many who say, “Lord, Lord,” but do not obey Christ. Jesus tells them, “depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” (Matthew 7:21-23). They have allowed themselves to be deceived by the lawless one because they lack love for the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:8-12).

The forces of religious evil called the “false prophet” and “Babylon” in Revelation, are called the “lawless one” by Paul and the “antichrist” by John. [See 1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 7.]

Since Israel returned from captivity, virtually no images have been worshiped by Jews. Yet, in describing the Jews of His day, Jesus said, “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men(Matthew 15:8, 9).

Here Jesus quotes Isaiah 29:13 which describes Israel in the run- up to Babylonian captivity! Although the Jews had restored the temple service, their spiritual condition was the same as before the captivity!

The disciples were concerned that this harsh statement had offended the Pharisees, the strictest denomination of the Jews, but Jesus replied, “Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch” (Matthew 15:13, 14).

“There is one body” (Ephesians 4:4), which is “the church” (Colossians 1:18). Thus, all religions and all denominations, which are not the church of Christ established by Him, constitute Babylon, are inspired by the devil, and will be uprooted by God.

If we are in a religious group of human origin, we must get out of it or we will be uprooted with it! We must serve God according to the faith “once and for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3), we must serve God according to the gospel that went forth from Jerusalem in the first century! We must “ask the way to Zion” and “declare in Zion the work of the LORD our God.”


God’s warning is abundantly clear.

“Flee from the midst of Babylon, and every one save his life! Do not be cut off in her iniquity” (Jeremiah 51:6).

“Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues” (Revelation 18:4). Amen.
Roy Davison

The Scripture quotations in this article are from
The New King James Version. ©1979,1980,1982,
Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers unless indicated otherwise.
Permission for reference use has been granted.

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

“Be baptized, and wash away your sins” by Roy Davison

 











http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/arise.html

“Be baptized, and wash away your sins”

These words were spoken to Paul after he had seen the Lord on the road to Damascus and after he had fasted for three days.

Paul, who was originally called Saul, was a prominent leader in the Jewish nation. He did not believe in Jesus. He thought Christians were violating the law of Moses.

“As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison” (Acts 8:3).

But something amazing happened.

“Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. And as he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ And he said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ So he, trembling and astonished, said, ‘Lord, what do You want me to do?’ And the Lord said to him, ‘Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.’ And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank” (Acts 9:1-9).

Many years later, Paul recounted what happened next: “Then one, Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good testimony with all the Jews who dwelt there, came to me; and he stood and said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that same hour I looked up at him. Then he said, ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth. For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord’” (Acts 22:12-16).

Let us examine this last verse: “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).

Ananias first asked Paul:

“Why are you waiting?”

Paul had seen the Lord. He had fasted. He believed in Jesus and realized that he had been wrong. It was time for action.

Years later, Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Many people who believe in Christ and are sorry for their sins, put off being baptized, even though they know it is a command of the Lord. In the book of Acts, which contains many examples of conversion, people were baptized immediately, as soon as they believed in Jesus. They did this because they knew that baptism is for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38) and to become a member of the body of Christ: “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body” (1 Corinthians 12:13). If you believe that Jesus is the Son of God and if you want to dedicate your life to God and be saved, “Why are you waiting?”

“Arise and be baptized!”

The word “baptize” is a transliteration of the Greek word “BAPTIDZO” which means to immerse or dip. Bible baptism is an immersion in water. Churches that sprinkle or pour a little water on people are not following the Bible. What they do is not baptism, it is not immersion. In reality they do not baptize people at all. Someone who has only received “sprinkling” or “pouring” has not obeyed the command to be “baptized”.

Notice also that it says: “Arise.” A valid baptism must result from a personal decision to repent of sin and follow Jesus. Peter told the crowd in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost: “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).

To repent means to turn away from sin and dedicate your life to God. A young child has not sinned, so cannot repent. He is innocent. He is not yet lost. How can he be baptized for the remission of sins?

When well-meaning parents have their babies “christened,” and think they are having them baptized, they are being deceived by false traditions that are contrary to the Word of God.

To turn away from sin and dedicate your life to God is something you must do yourself. No one can do this for you.

The Ethiopian eunuch, after hearing the gospel, asked Philip: “‘See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?’ Then Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ And he answered and said, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him” (Acts 8:36-38).

One may be baptized only if he believes that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and if he is willing to confess his faith. “For with the heart one believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation” (Romans 10:10). “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized.”

“And wash away your sins!”

Even though Paul saw the Lord on the road to Damascus and believed in Him, even though he had fasted for three days, his sins had not yet been washed away. That happens only when we are baptized into the death of Christ.

Paul explains this in Romans 6:3, 4. “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

The blood of Christ is the propitiation for our sins (Romans 3:25). Baptism provides access to His blood. By the efficacy of His sacrifice, our sins are washed away at baptism. Baptism, immersion, represents the burial and resurrection of Christ. We are baptized, we are immersed, into His death. Then we rise from the water to walk in newness of life, having been born again by the power of God’s Spirit.

“Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins.”

“Calling on the name of the Lord.”

The substance, water, has no magic power to wash away sins.

The power is from God. We call on the Lord for salvation by being baptized “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). “In the name of” means “by the authority of.” To be sanctioned and empowered by God, a baptism must comply with His word.

We appeal to God for salvation when we are baptized. Our parents cannot do this for us.

Baptism is not a cleansing of the body, but a request for a good conscience through the resurrection of Christ. In connection with Noah’s salvation through water, Peter says: “There is also an antitype which now saves us, namely baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21).

Baptism is not a meritorious work, but a gift of God that we receive, a “washing of regeneration” that cleanses us and saves us by the blood of Christ: “For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:3-7).

“And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord!” Amen.

Roy Davison

The Scripture quotations in this article are from
The New King James Version. ©1979,1980,1982,
Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers unless indicated otherwise.
Permission for reference use has been granted.


Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

Mark, the Power Gospel by Roy Davison

 










 

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/markthepowergospel.html

Mark, the Power Gospel

Powerfully and concisely, Mark tells “the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (1:1). The testimony of the Roman centurion at the cross expresses the theme of the book, “Truly this Man was the Son of God!” (15:38).


Mark and the other Gospels

The Gospels are four inspired accounts of the life of Christ. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Timothy 3:16); “for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21).

This explains both the similarities and the differences in the Gospels. The Holy Spirit is the Author of all four Gospels, so of course they are similar! There are differences because the Spirit moved four different men to write, each from his own perspective and with specific goals and primary audiences in mind.

The many Old Testament quotations in Matthew are persuasive for Jews and others familiar with the Old Testament. John’s intention was obviously to record information not found in the other Gospels (John 20:30, 31; 21:25). Luke, a Greek Physician (Colossians 4:14), addresses his narrative to “most excellent Theophilus” (Luke 1:3), a title appropriate for a Greek person of some standing. Mark’s emphasis on the power of Christ would impress the Romans. He gives the Roman coin equivalence of the widow’s two mites in 12:42, a ‘quadrans’.

Combined, the four Evangelists powerfully proclaim Christ to all people of all times!


Writer of the second Gospel

Although the writer is not specified in any of the Gospels, there is no reason to doubt the names historically assigned to each.

Numerous historical sources state that the second Gospel was written by John Mark, the son of Mary whose house was a place of prayer when Peter was in prison (Acts 12:12), the cousin of Barnabas (Colossians 4:10), and the fellow worker of Peter (1 Peter 5:13) and Paul (2 Timothy 4:11; Philemon 24).

He is designated as the writer by Eusebius in references from Papias, Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria and Origen (H.E. 2:15; 3:39; 5:8; 6:14, 25) and in the writings of Irenaeus (Against Heresies 3:10, 5) and Tertullian (Against Marcion 4:5). According to these authors, Mark based his Gospel on the eye- witness accounts of Peter.


Date of writing

There is no definite knowledge about the date of writing of any of the Gospels. The supplemental nature of John and historical references favor its being written last. Since Luke was written before Acts (Acts 1:1), which ends its narrative abruptly while Paul is at Rome in 62 AD, we surmise that Luke was written before that date. It is usually believed that Matthew and Mark were the first two Gospels written, but it is not known when, or, which was written first. Mark’s concluding statement, “And they went out and preached everywhere” (16:20) indicates that the gospel had been preached widely by the time he wrote. Historical references favor Matthew as having been written first.

Disputed ending

The last 12 verses of chapter 16 are missing from the earliest (almost) complete manuscripts of Mark, Codex Vaticanus (est. d. 325-350 AD) and Codex Sinaiticus (est. d. 330-360 AD). This can be explained, however, by the ease with which the end of an earlier scroll could have been broken off and lost before it was copied, resulting in a chain of incomplete manuscripts.

The above two manuscripts end with a conjunction, and in such an abrupt manner that something is obviously missing. “And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid” (Mark 16:8) is hardly how one would expect Mark to end his Gospel! Although Vaticanus lacks 16:9-20, it has a blank column after 16:8 indicating that the copyist left room for an ending he knew was lacking in his source.

Codex Alexandrinus (est. d. 400-440 AD) contains 16:9-20.

Christian writings much older than these manuscripts contain references to these verses, the oldest being by Justin Martyr (160 AD) in the First Apology, Chapter 45, “preached everywhere” from 16:20 and by Irenaeus (180 AD) who quotes all of 16:19 -“So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God” (Against Heresies 3:10, 5).

The testimony of the vast majority of NT manuscripts, which contain 16:9-20, cannot be set aside by two manuscripts, which - although old - are obviously defective at this location, as indicated by a blank column in one of the two.

For a detailed scholarly rebuttal of internal arguments presented against the authenticity of verses 9-20 see “The Style Of The Long Ending Of Mark” by brother Bruce Terry.


Interesting details

Although Mark is the shortest Gospel, it contains details not found elsewhere.

Although only four parables are included, one is not in the other gospels (4:26-29). Emphasizing the power of Christ, miracles comprise more than 20% of Mark with two of the eighteen not being mentioned elsewhere (7:32-37; 8:22-26).

More details are given than in Luke’s account about the calming of the storm (4:35-41) and than in Matthew’s account about the cursing of the fig tree (11:12-14, 20-24).

Mark mentions a young man who, while Jesus was being arrested, escaped by leaving his clothes behind (14:51, 52). Some wonder if this might have been Mark himself.


Emotions of Christ are described in greater detail

He “looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts” (3:5). “He marveled because of their unbelief” (6:6). “Then looking up to heaven, He sighed” (7:34). “But He sighed deeply in His spirit” (8:12). “When Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased” (10:14). “Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him” (10:21).


People’s reactions are told in greater detail.

“Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, ‘What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him’” (1:17).

After Jesus healed the man let down through the roof, “all were amazed and glorified God, saying, ‘We never saw anything like this!’” (2:12).

After Jesus walked on the water, “they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled” (6:51).

“Immediately, when they saw Him, all the people were greatly amazed, and running to Him, greeted Him” (9:15).

When Jesus told His followers what would happen to him in Jerusalem, “They were amazed. And as they followed they were afraid” (10:32).

After the three women saw an angel in the empty tomb, “They went out quickly and fled from the tomb, for they trembled and were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid” (16:8).

Such reactions are also in the other Gospels, but more details are given in Mark. In addition to the above, people ‘marveled’ (5:20; 12:17; 15:5, 44) and were ‘afraid’ (5:15; 9:6, 32).


Certain Jewish customs are explained.

Ablutions of the Pharisees and Jews are explained (7:1-4). The Roman coin equivalent, a quadrans, is given for two mites (12:42). It is explained that the Preparation Day is the day before the Sabbath (15:42).


Aramaic words are used and translated

Much more than in the other Gospels, Mark inserts the actual Aramaic words used on several occasions, which adds a warm, personal touch. Translation is included where needed.

Jesus called James and John “Boanerges” [Sons of Thunder] (3:17).

To the dead daughter of the ruler of the synagogue, Jesus said: “Talitha, cumi” [Little girl, I say to you, arise] (5:41).

A selfish son who did not want to help his parents would tell them: “Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban” [that is, a gift to God] (7:11).

As Jesus healed a deaf man, “He sighed, and said to him, ‘Ephphatha’, that is, ‘Be opened’” (7:34).

Rather than the standard Hebrew ‘Rabbi’ usually used, the Aramaic ‘Rabboni’ is used in dialogue by the man who wanted to be given his sight (10:51). It is also used by Mary in John 20:16.

“Hosanna” (11:9) is also used by Matthew and Luke.

In the garden, Jesus prays, “Abba, Father” (14:36).

On the cross, He prays, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” [My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?] (15:34). This is also found in Matthew.


A suggestion

Mark’s Gospel can be read aloud in an hour and twenty minutes. Some Lord’s day afternoon, why not gather the family around and take turns reading Mark’s Gospel aloud from beginning to end? It will strengthen your faith.
Roy Davison

[First published in the Gospel Herald, September 2012]

The Scripture quotations in this article are from
The New King James Version. ©1979,1980,1982,
Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers unless indicated otherwise.
Permission for reference use has been granted.

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT" Sins Of Intemperance by Mark Copeland

 








https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/flesh-and-spirit/fs_08.html

"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT"

Sins Of Intemperance

INTRODUCTION
  1. For several lessons we have focused on the "works of the flesh" listed in Ga 5:19-21
  2. We have broken them up into several categories, including...
    1. Sins of moral impurity (adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness)
    2. Idolatry and sorcery
    3. Infractions of the law of love (hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy)
  3. In this study, we shall end our study of the works of the flesh by considering two sins...
    1. They are "drunkenness" and "revelries", which can be classified as "Sins Of Intemperance"
    2. (Some of the oldest manuscripts do not include "murder", which probably would be best categorized as one of the "Infractions Of The Law Of Love")
  4. We shall also make an observation on the manner in which Paul concludes his list of the "works of the flesh"

[We begin by considering the two...]

  1. SINS OF INTEMPERANCE
    1. METHE (drunkenness)
      1. This word describes the state of intoxication due to alcohol
      2. The Bible is very strong in...
        1. Its condemnation of drunkenness - cf. 1Co 5:11; 6:9-10
        2. Its warning about the dangers of drinking - cf. Pr 20:1; 23:29-35
      3. What about "drinking" that does not lead to "drunkenness"?
        1. The level of alcohol in modern day alcoholic beverages makes it difficult to distinguish between the two
          1. Levels of alcohol are much higher today due to advanced distilling techniques
          2. Some of the strongest drinks in the past were not much stronger than our mild beers today, thus making it much easier to get drunk today
          3. In ancient Greece there was very little drunkenness, for the normal practice was to dilute two parts of wine to three parts of water
        2. The Christian is also bound by the principle of influence - cf. Ro 14:13-21
          1. Should Christians engage in an activity (social drinking) that contributes to...
            1. The number one drug problem in our country? (1 in 9 are alcoholics)
            2. The senseless killing of 25,000 innocent victims a year? (half of all driving related accidents involve driving under the influence of alcohol)
            3. An estimated 25% of divorces? (which God hates - Mal 2:16)
          2. The responsibility of the Christian regarding influence is clear - Ro 14:21; 1Co 10:31-33
            1. Only the insensitive and selfish Christian would try to justify engaging in social drinking today
            2. The mature Christian considers whether the practice glorifies God, and benefits his fellow man
    2. KOMOS (revelries, revellings, carousing)
      1. This word refers to feasts and drinking parties that were often extended till late at night and indulge in revelry
      2. Such behavior is condemned not only here, but also in Ro 13:12-14
      3. Some modern day forms of this sin would include what goes on at...
        1. Mardi Gras in New Orleans
        2. Many New Year's parties
        3. Some office Christmas' parties
        4. Some music concerts
      4. It does not require too much wisdom to see why such behavior is condemned
        1. How many friendships, marriages, etc., have been destroyed by unrestrained behavior that goes on at such functions?
        2. Even the "innocent" can often get caught up in the excitement and do something that ruins the rest of their life!
      5. In 1Pe 4:3-4, Peter states that...
        1. Such behavior as Christians is unbecoming
        2. The world thinks us strange for not engaging in such things

        [The world may think us strange because we refrain from such things as "drunkenness" and "revelries"; but as Peter goes on to say in 1Pe 4:5, all will have to give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

        It is in view of the Judgment that prompts Christians to take the "works of the flesh" seriously. And not just those specifically mentioned in Ga 5:19-21, but as Paul goes on to say...]

  2. "...AND THE LIKE"
    1. IMPLICATIONS OF CONCLUDING HIS LIST IN THIS WAY...
      1. His list is not to be taken as all inclusive
      2. The sins listed are to give us a basic idea of the kind of things we are to avoid
      3. We must apply discernment on many activities which may not be specifically condemned in the Scriptures
        1. Many people want a "Thou shall not..." for anything to be wrong
        2. But the Bible does not list everything that is wrong (if it did, you would have to carry it around in a wheel barrow)
        3. Instead, we are given basic principles of conduct, with some specific examples to illustrate such principles
        4. We are expected to exercise discernment concerning good and evil using the principles found in the Scriptures - cf. He 5:12-14
    2. DETERMINING THINGS THAT ARE "LIKE" THESE SINS...
      1. Today we are often faced with issues that may not be specifically mentioned in the Bible
        1. E.g., questions related to dancing, drugs, movies, music, smoking, television programs, etc.
        2. How do I know when something not specifically addressed is right or wrong?
      2. One helpful way is to compare the activity in question to the two lists found in Ga 5:19-23...
        1. Is the active "like" the works of the flesh?
        2. Or is it "like" the fruit of the Spirit?
      3. The better we understand these "works of the flesh" (as well as what constitutes the "fruit of the Spirit), the better we are to make decisions conducive to godly living
CONCLUSION
  1. Such has been the purpose of this study: to learn what sort of things constitute the "works of the flesh" so that we know what to avoid
  2. For remember what Paul has written...
    "Those who practice SUCH THINGS will not inherit the kingdom of God" (Ga 5:21)
  3. Whether it be one of those things specifically listed, or something "such like" them, the consequences will be devastating!
  4. One last note: the use of the word "practice" in the above verse implies that Paul is warning against those who persistently engage in such sins and refuse to repent...
    1. We have all been guilty of one or more of the things that can keep us out of the kingdom of heaven
    2. But by God's grace anyone can receive forgiveness, as implied in this passage:
      "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." (1Co 6:9-11)

If you are willing to give up the "practice" of such sins, you too can have your sins washed away! - cf. Ac 2:38; 22:16

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT" Infractions Of The Law Of Love - III by Mark Copeland

 








https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/flesh-and-spirit/fs_07.html

"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT"

Infractions Of The Law Of Love - III

INTRODUCTION
  1. In this study, we shall conclude our survey of those works of the flesh we have characterized as "Infractions Of The Law Of Love"
  2. As listed in Ga 5:19-21, they are eight in number and include such things as "hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy" (NKJV)
  3. We have already considered four of these eight...
    1. "hatred" (echthra) - hostility that one may harbor in one's heart toward another
    2. "contentions" (eris) - strife or quarreling that results from such hostility
    3. "jealousies" (zelos) - envy which casts grudging looks
    4. "envy" (phthonos) - envy which has arrived at hostile deeds
  4. As we consider the remaining four, we shall also summarize why these eight sins are properly included in a list that has such heinous sins as fornication, idolatry, sorcery, etc.

[Let's start by taking a closer look at...]

  1. THE FOUR REMAINING INFRACTIONS OF THE LAW OF LOVE
    1. THUMOS (outbursts of anger, wrath)
      1. This word describes...
        1. The blaze of temper which flares into violent words and deeds
        2. The explosive temper which is uncontrolled
      2. Not to be confused with...
        1. Righteous indignation, which is proper and controlled (e.g., the righteous indignation of God - Ro 2:4-11)
        2. Anger which is properly checked and not allowed to produce an occasion for sin - cf. Ep 4:26-27
      3. Some try to excuse their explosive tempers as simply hereditary...
        1. "That is just the way I am"
        2. "I am just a fiery Irishman, a hot Italian, etc."
        3. "It is human nature" ...but Christians, no matter what their "nature", are blessed to become partakers of "divine nature", and must therefore put away these things - cf. 2Pe 1:3-4; Ep 4:31-32; Col 3:8-11
    2. ERITHEIA (selfish ambitions, disputes, strife)
      1. This word describes a self-centered attitude in the doing of any work; for example...
        1. Working solely for money
        2. Seeking and holding political office purely for personal interests and ambition
        3. Doing the work of the Lord out of a desire for recognition, personal ambition, or rivalry
      2. It is used to describe those who were preaching Christ out of jealousy - cf. Php 1:17
      3. It is this word which describes those who create party divisions in the church...
        1. Who are acting out of vainglory and a desire to be first
        2. Rather than out of a true desire to stand for truth
      4. It is contrary to that "mind of Christ" described in Php 2:3-5
    3. DICHOSTASIA (dissensions, seditions)
      1. This word literally means "a standing apart"
      2. It describes a condition where all fellowship, all togetherness are gone
        1. This was the condition in the church at Corinth - cf. 1Co 3:3
        2. Paul taught we should mark those who cause such divisiveness - Ro 16:17
      3. Such dividedness may be due to:
        1. Personal division (where two people refuse to speak to each other)
        2. Class division (i.e., class warfare between the rich and poor)
        3. Party division (where devotion to party rises above devotion to principle)
        4. Racial division (e.g., Jew vs. Gentile, Greek vs. barbarian, white vs. black)
        5. Theological division (misusing labels and fixing them unfairly on others)
        6. Ecclesiastical division (church division, especially in the form of denominationalism)
      4. This sin is committed when we confuse...
        1. Prejudice with principle
        2. Unreasonable stubbornness with unwavering resolution
    4. HAIRESIS (heresies, factions)
      1. This word appears close in meaning to "dichostasia" (dissensions)
      2. As used in the NT, it most commonly denotes a body of people belonging to a particular school of thought or action
        1. Such as the "sect" of the Sadducees - Ac 5:17
        2. Or the "sect" of the Pharisees - Ac 15:5
      3. The early Christians were often accused of being a "sect" - Ac 24:5; 24:14; 28:22
      4. Peter used it to describe those false teachers who will bring in destructive divisions - 2Pe 2:1
      5. Thus it refers to divisiveness, especially that brought about by false teaching
      6. Only later in history did this word come to mean a belief or doctrine which is contrary to orthodoxy or the truth

      [Like the sins of "hatred, contentions, jealousies...envy", the four sins of "outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies" all contribute to disrupting the fellowship and unity that should be found in the body of Christ. That such is true may help us to appreciate...]

  2. WHY THESE SINS ARE INCLUDED IN THE WORKS OF THE FLESH
    1. BECAUSE OF WHAT JESUS DID ON THE CROSS...
      1. It is true that He died to reconcile man back to God - 2Co 5:18-21
      2. But also to reconcile man back to man in one body! - Ep 2:13-16
    2. BECAUSE WE ARE TO PRESERVE THIS RECONCILIATION...
      1. Not only the "vertical" reconciliation we have with God, which we preserve by living holy lives (which is why we must avoid sins of moral impurity)
      2. But also the "horizontal" reconciliation we have with one another, which we preserve by maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the body of peace - cf. Ep 4:1-3
    3. THEREFORE, INFRACTIONS OF THE LAW OF LOVE...
      1. Undo the work of Christ on the cross!
        1. Dare we commit sins of moral impurity to jeopardize our reconciliation with God?
        2. Then neither should we violate the law of love and jeopardize our reconciliation with one another!
      2. Are in direct violation to:
        1. The will of Christ concerning unity - cf. Jn 17:20-23
        2. The command of Paul concerning division - cf. 1Co 1:10-13
CONCLUSION
  1. Indeed, these "Infractions Of The Law Of Love" are serious offenses...
    1. Not only because they undo the work of Christ on the cross
    2. But because they can keep us out of the kingdom of heaven! - Ga 5:21
  2. We are not only to avoid these sins ourselves, but those who persistently engage in them...
    1. As instructed by Paul - Ro 16:17-18
    2. One reason for avoiding such is found in Pr 23:24-25...
      "Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go, Lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul."

How much better it would be to develop a friendship with Christ, to learn of His ways, and develop those qualities that constitute the fruit of the Spirit! - cf. Ga 5:22-23

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022