11/28/22

Blush by Gary Rose

 

The Boswell Sisters

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oslbxm1MA9E

 


 Bing Crosby

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2EVdxXBatU

 

The other day I was speaking with a Christian friend and at the mention of her male friend, she blushed; how innocent, how very special! Most people do not blush anymore and that is a shame. Frankly, I had never even thought about blushing being a characteristic of a Christian, but the more I think about it, the more appealing it is to me. Blushing denotes innocence and an openness which equates with honesty. Very high attributes for every Christian! Almost immediately, I thought of an old song, but couldn’t remember the exact title ( only a few words ). Today, I searched and found several renditions of the song ( “The object of my affection” ) and selected one toward gentlemen and another towards a lady.


I wondered if the word “blush” was used in the Bible and upon searching found several; here they are...


Jeremiah 6:15f ( World English Bible )

15 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time that I visit them, they shall be cast down,” says Yahweh.

16 Thus says Yahweh, “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, ‘Where is the good way?’ and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’

note: see also Jeremiah 8:12.


Ezra 9 ( WEB )

5 At the evening offering I arose up from my humiliation, even with my garment and my robe torn; and I fell on my knees, and spread out my hands to Yahweh my God;

6 and I said, “My God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to you, my God; for our iniquities have increased over our head, and our guiltiness has grown up to the heavens.


We see the Scriptures, there are two responses to sin; acknowledgment or denial. The rebellious heart will deny God and gladly accept sin, but the good heart will grieve over their actions and seek forgiveness from the Almighty.


Now, I have come to the conclusion that blushing is a good thing. May whoever reads this blog always have a good heart and never be afraid to blush!


 

Is It Racist to Oppose Homosexuality? by Dave Miller, Ph.D.

 

 https://apologeticspress.org/is-it-racist-to-oppose-homosexuality-5911/
 
 
 
 Is It Racist to Oppose Homosexuality?

One favorite ploy by those who wish to advance the homosexual agenda in America is to compare opposition to homosexuality with the discrimination of African Americans that has characterized some portions of the American population. If you oppose the legalization of homosexuality and favor a ban on same-sex marriage, you are “just like racists who oppressed blacks in the South.”

The Bible certainly teaches very clearly that the mistreatment of one’s fellow human beings is sinful, and that God makes no distinction between humans on the basis of skin color, ethnicity, or nationality (e.g., 1 Samuel 16:7; Acts 17:26; Romans 2:11,28-29; James 2:1ff.; 1 Peter 1:17). However, behavior is a different matter. Homosexuality, by definition, entails acts that a person performs as the result of the exercise of human choice.

Notice that one’s ethnicity has nothing to do with behavior or choice. If a person’s skin is light or dark, the decisions that he or she makes is not the inevitable result of that genetic factor. Behavior is determined by non-genetic factors—including past experiences, parental and peer influence, education, and culture. A Hispanic is not more or less likely to behave in a certain way simply because of his or her genetic makeup. One whose gene pool is Hispanic is not more or less likely to prefer, say, a tamale, than one whose genetic makeup is Caucasian. Such persons will possess preferences that have arisen from sources and circumstances other than their genetic background.

In stark contrast, however, sexual appetites/preferences have nothing to do with genetic makeup. They are the result of environment, experience, culture, and other factors that can mold and shape individuals in their personal decision-making processes. The sexual inclinations and tendencies that a homosexual insists that he inherently “feels” are no different from the feelings and inclinations that a pedophile possesses in his sexual attraction to children, or that a murderer feels with regard to his violent tendencies. The “feelings” for all three are quite obviously real; but it is a mistake to assign those feelings to any underlying genetic cause. And it is biblically and morally unacceptable for the individual to act on such feelings. Here is the essential difference between ethnicity and homosexuality. African Americans and Caucasions cannot alter their skin color. But they can alter their behavior. And so can homosexuals.


Published

“Love your neighbor as yourself” Leviticus 19:18 by Roy Davison

 

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/047-neighborlylove.html

“Love your neighbor as yourself”
Leviticus 19:18

Jesus says this is the second greatest commandment in the law (Matthew 22:39).

Neighborly love includes foreigners: “And if a stranger dwells with you in your land, you shall not mistreat him. The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself” (Leviticus 19:33, 34).

James calls this the royal law! “If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you do well” (James 2:8).

Why is this command great? Because all of God’s commandments are based on love.

We owe a debt of love to all. Paul writes: “Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ‘You shall not covet,’ and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law” (Romans 13:8-10). “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” (Galatians 5:14).

Neighborly love is based on fairness. Jesus says: “And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise” (Luke 6:31); “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12).

Loving our neighbor as ourselves means that we treat him as we want to be treated. This form of love is based on our mutual humanity. Eve “was the mother of all living” (Genesis 3:20). God “has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth” (Acts 17:26). “For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself” (Romans 14:7).

We are all members of one family, the human race. We are part of a greater whole; we share a common humanity. Thus we ought to love others as we love ourselves and treat others as we want to be treated.

“He who despises his neighbor sins” (Proverbs 14:21). The evil slave who demanded full payment from his fellow, after he himself had been forgiven a huge debt he could never repay, was asked by his master: “Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?” (Matthew 18:33). We owe love to others because of God’s love for us.

We are commanded to empathize with our fellow man, to participate in the feelings of others. “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

“Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Execute true justice, show mercy and compassion everyone to his brother’” (Zechariah 7:9).

The law of love is an essential component of ethics, not a substitute for ethics, as is claimed by some. Something built on love may not be torn down in the name of love. Since Gods commands are based on love, they may not be pushed aside in the name of love.

God is the sovereign interpreter of the law of love. He created man. He knows what is good for man and for society. His applications of the law of love are found in the Scriptures.

We need guidance from God to know how to love our fellow man. As John says: “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments” (1 John 5:2, 3).

We are able to love others as we should, only when we love God and keep His commandments. Loving God and obeying His commands is an essential ingredient of love for others.

Someone who claims that love allows him to disregard moral principles and commandments of God, does not really love others, but is trying to excuse selfish, unloving or unscriptural behavior.

How did Jesus answer a lawyer who knew God’s requirement but was looking for a loophole?

“And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, ‘Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’ He said to him, ‘What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?’ So he answered and said, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’ And He said to him, ‘You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.’ But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’” (Luke 10:25-29).

This lawyer knew he should love his neighbor, but he wanted a limited circle of neighbors!

Jesus, the Master teacher, responded to his question, “Who is my neighbor?” with one of the most powerful stories ever told.

“A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?”

The lawyer replied: “He who showed mercy on him.”

Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise” (Luke 10:30- 37).

Did you notice that Jesus did not answer the lawyer’s question, but asked him a more important question? “So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” (verse 36).

The question is not, “Who is my neighbor?” but “What kind of neighbor am I?”

If we want to inherit eternal life, we must be compassionate, merciful and helpful, like the good Samaritan. We must love our neighbor.


What have we learned?

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself” is the royal law, the foundation of all of God’s commandments on how to treat others. Love is a debt we owe to all because of God’s love for us.

Neighborly love is based on fairness and our mutual humanity. As members of one human family we ought to love others as we love ourselves and treat others as we want to be treated. Love does no harm to a neighbor.

We can love others as we should, only when we love God and keep His commandments. We need God’s guidance to know how to love others.

“What kind of neighbor am I?” is the question.

To inherit eternal life, we must be compassionate, merciful and helpful.

“The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:29-31). Amen.
Roy Davison

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

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

“Love your enemies” by Roy Davison

 

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/048-loveyourenemies.html

“Love your enemies”

These amazing words were spoken by Jesus on a mountainside in Galilee some 2000 years ago.


What is an enemy?

An enemy is hostile: he hates you, wants to harm you, and actively seeks ways of damaging you and your interests.

In open warfare an enemy tries to kill you, or failing that, to destroy your livelihood.

In mutual warfare, both sides are enemies of each other and try to kill each other and to destroy each other’s infrastructure. Both sides use the hostile acts of the other to justify their own hostilities.

Most of us can thank God that we have never lived in a war zone. We cannot even understand how thankful we should be that we were not in Nanking in December of 1937 when foreign solders murdered 200,000 civilians, or in London during the blitz of 1940 and 1941, or in Dresden in February of 1945, or in Hiroshima or Nagasaki in August of 1945.

Yet, everyone must deal with enemies.

It might be hostility at work or at school. It might be hostility from neighbors or from people of a different race, tribe, social group or religion. It might be hostility among relatives.


Enemies are not easy to love!

Yet Jesus says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:43-48).


Did Jesus have enemies?

The Messiah would be “despised and rejected by men” (Isaiah 53:3). “After these things Jesus walked in Galilee; for He did not want to walk in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill Him” (John 7:1). Jesus told His followers that enemies would “mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him” (Mark 10:34). “Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people assembled at the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, and plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill Him” (Matthew 26:3, 4).

While dying on the cross, Jesus prayed: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34).


Yes, Jesus loved His enemies.

Actually, He loved us while we were His enemies: “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life” (Romans 5:6-10).


Who was victorious at the cross, Jesus or His enemies?

Followers of Christ “do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).

Being a Christian is not for cowards. To follow Christ, we must be willing to fight to the death. But “the weapons of our warfare are not carnal” (2 Corinthians 10:4).

In carnal warfare generals are appointed who know how to win battles. Soldiers must obey orders. They hope their general knows what he is doing. A worldly soldier tries to stay alive by killing.

We have a General who really does know what He is doing. His strategy is simple, but it requires tremendous bravery: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). A soldier of Christ loves his enemies and “Love does no harm to a neighbor” (Romans 13:10).


There is one enemy we may not love!

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world” (1 Peter 5:8, 9).

“Love your enemies” is a command to attack, to conquer evil with good!

When the devil throws hatred at us, it is a trick. He wants us to pick it up and throw it back.


Jesus issues His soldiers good weapons.

First, we protect ourselves with the shield of faith, which enables us “to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one” (Ephesians 6:16). Hatred bounces off the shield of faith.

Then we attack! We wield “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17).

We use the ‘stun gun’ of love. Jesus loved His enemies. And the words of the Roman centurion who crucified Him, reverberate through the centuries, “Truly this Man was the Son of God!” (Mark 15:39).


Our Commander knows how to be victorious!

“Love your enemies!” Overcome evil with good! “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:4, 5).

“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” (Revelation 19:11-16).


Our King is victorious over evil.

How are we to treat enemies according to the Word of God?

Even the old covenant commands kindness to enemies.

“If you meet your enemy’s ox or his donkey going astray, you shall surely bring it back to him again. If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying under its burden, and you would refrain from helping it, you shall surely help him with it” (Exodus 23:4, 5). It is acknowledged that you may not want to help him, but that you must anyway.

“If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for so you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the LORD will reward you” (Proverbs 25:21, 22).

Paul quotes this passage when he tells us how to treat enemies. After saying: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2), he lists ways to do this, including: “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse” (Romans 12:14). “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. Therefore ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:17-21).


What does the King of kings say about treatment of enemies?

“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also” (Luke 6:27-29).

Jesus says this to those ‘who hear’. Many refuse to listen.

A Jewish rabbi, who was quite familiar with the New Testament, said to a Christian: “Jesus taught many good things, but I can never accept that I must offer the other cheek when someone hits me. That’s not human!” The Christian replied: “I agree. That’s not human, that’s divine!”

“Love is of God” (1 John 4:7). Christians are empowered to love the humanly unlovable because “the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:5).

“But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back” (Luke 6:32-34).

Jesus wants our love to be altruistic. The genuineness of love is proven when it is undeserved. Its power is stunning when it is unexpected. Repeatedly showing God’s love to an enemy may undermine his hatred and draw him to the light. Even if it does not, good vanquishes evil in the end.

“Love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful” (Luke 6:35, 36).

Jesus wants us to be like the Father who sent His Son to rescue His enemies. Jesus loved us when we were His enemies. Following His example, we love our enemies, and with His help, triumph over evil by doing good. Amen.

Roy Davison

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

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

“The love of Christ compels us” 2 Corinthians 5:14 by Roy Davison

 

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/049-compelledbylove.html

“The love of Christ compels us”
2 Corinthians 5:14

What does it mean to be compelled by the love of Christ?

A Christian serves God with heart and soul, moved by the love of Christ.

In this context, the word translated ‘compels’ [συνέχω] means to powerfully urge along a line of conduct. Force is not involved, but some impulse is so great that it evokes a strong intellectual and emotional inclination to respond appropriately. In this case, the impulse is the love of Christ, which is so immense that it demands a response as complete and radical as His love for us.

Paul is explaining the compelling force in his own life. His aim is to please God and to persuade others (verses 9-11). The motivating force is the love of Christ: “For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again” (2 Corinthians 5:14, 15).

What if someone gave his life to save your life? Would you be thankful? Without his help, you would be dead.

What if He saved your life so you could live for ever? Jesus saved our life. In gratitude, we live for Him. We are compelled by the love of Christ.


How can we know the love of Christ?

We must know about the love of Christ before it can be a compelling force in our lives.

Paul prayed that his fellow Christians might truly know the love of Christ: “For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height - to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:14-19).

As small children, many of us sang, “Jesus loves me! This I know, for the Bible tells me so.” This song was written by Anna Warner in 1860 for a novel by her sister, Susan Warner. In the book, a Sunday school teacher sings ‘Jesus loves me’ to a dying child. The melody and refrain were added by William Bradbury two years later.

Yes, we learn about the love of Christ through the Scriptures.

How do we know someone loves us? By what he gives us and does for us. What has Jesus given us and done for us?


Because He loves us, Jesus gave Himself for us.

“And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma” (Ephesians 5:2); “who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24); “who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works” (Titus 2:10).

The vicarious, substitutional sacrifice of Christ was the driving force in the life of Paul. “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).


Because He loves us, Jesus died for us.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). “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). “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us” (1 John 3:16).


Because He loves us, Jesus gave us the word of God.

When praying for His followers, Jesus said, “I have given them Your word” (John 17:14). “For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me” (John 17:8). “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (John 17:17).


Because He loves us, Jesus gave us the right to become sons of God.

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:12, 13).

To become a child of God, one “must be born again” (John 3:7), “born of water and the Spirit” (John 3:5).

This is not a physical birth. It cannot be achieved by man’s will in his own way.

It is a spiritual birth, accomplished only by the will of God in His way through His word. “Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth” (James 1:18), “having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God” (1 Peter 1:23).

Because He loves us, Jesus gave us the word of God through which we can become children of God if we believe. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).

Notice that a believer is not automatically a child of God, but is given the right to become a child of God.

Many never perfect their faith by appropriate obedience. See James 2:22 where it says that Abraham’s faith was made perfect by works. “Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue” (John 12:42). “Faith only” is dead faith (James 2:14-26).

To become a child of God, a believer must obey the gospel (Romans 10:16; 2 Thessalonians 1:8; 1 Peter 4:17) which includes publicly confessing Christ (Matthew 10:32; Romans 10:10), repentance (Luke 13:3; Acts 3:19) and baptism for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38) to be saved (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21).

“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” (Titus 3:4-6).

Because He loves us, Jesus gave us the right to become sons of God by being born again, “born of water and the Spirit” (John 3:5). “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1).


Because He loves us, Jesus intercedes for us.

“We have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 2:1, 2).

“Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died - more than that, who was raised - who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us” (Romans 8:33, 34 ESV).

“He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32 ESV).

What love can be greater than this? Jesus paid the penalty for our sins and now He intercedes with the Father on our behalf!

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, ‘For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:35-37 ESV).

Christians experience the hardships of life like everyone else. In addition, they are opposed and persecuted by the enemies of God in heaven and on earth.

Yet, we are never separated from the love of Christ: “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38, 39 ESV).


Because He loves us, Jesus wants us to be with Him.

“And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. 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 17:22-24).


The whole Bible helps us understand the love of Christ.

These passages about the love of Christ show only the tip of the iceberg. Read the Gospels, and study the New Testament to learn more about His love.


How are we affected by the love of Christ?

We no longer live for ourselves, but we live for Him who died for us. We walk in love, live for righteousness, and are zealous for good works. We accept the words of God. We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Nothing can separate us from His love, and we will be with Him for ever.


Is the love of Christ the mainspring of our life?

May our motives and priorities enable us to say with Paul: “The love of Christ compels us!” 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
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"GROWING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST" With Active Good Will Towards All by Mark Copeland

 








https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/growing-knowledge-jesus-christ/know_09.html

"GROWING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST"

With Active Good Will Towards All

INTRODUCTION
  1. As noted throughout this series, growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ involves the development of a Christ-like character...
    1. A development that requires diligence
    2. A character that includes eight graces working together in spiritual harmony
  2. This Christ-like character is developed through...
    1. Building On Faith (faith)
    2. Striving For Excellence (virtue)
    3. Increasing In Knowledge (knowledge)
    4. Controlling The Self (self-control)
    5. Bearing Up Under Trials (perseverance)
    6. Seeking To Please God (godliness)
    7. Loving The Brethren (brotherly kindness)
  3. But this "spiritual construction project" is not complete without the addition of love...
    1. Which serves as the epitome of Peter's list of graces
    2. Which must be something special, for it is often exalted above other graces
      1. Exalted above faith and hope - 1Co 13:13
      2. Given first place in what constitutes the fruit of the Spirit - Ga 5:22
      3. To be adorned "above all" the graces mentioned by Paul - Co 3:14

[What is "love", and how is it any different than "brotherly kindness"...?]

  1. THE DEFINITION OF LOVE
    1. THE GREEK WORD IS AGAPE...
      1. One of four Greek words translated love
        1. philia - the love of close friends or brothers
        2. storge - the love of family
        3. eros - carnal or sexual love
        4. agape - love which seeks the highest good of others
          1. Not just friends, family, or brethren, but even enemies
            - cf. Mt 5:44
          2. Thus it is a higher form of love than "brotherly kindness" (love of brothers)
      2. It can be said that agape love:
        1. Does not depend upon the one being loved as having earned such love
        2. Is not an exclusive love (brothers only), but an all-embracing benevolence
        3. Is not an uncontrolled reaction of the heart, but a concentrated exercise of will
        4. Is a caring love, one which becomes involved in the needs of others
        -- Perhaps the simplest definition is the one often given: "active good will"
    2. BEST EXEMPLIFIED BY THE FATHER AND THE SON...
      1. God the Father demonstrated agape love
        1. His love for sinners is completely undeserved by them - Ro 5:8
        2. Naturally, His love is called a "great" love - Ep 2:4-7
      2. God the Son demonstrated agape love
        1. By laying down His life for us - 1Jn 3:16
        2. There is no "greater" love - Jn 15:13
        -- Truly the Father and the Son have exemplified "active good will" towards all!

      [Since the Father and the Son have shown "active good will" towards all, we should not be surprised that it is required of those who would be Jesus' disciples...]

  2. THE DEMAND OF LOVE
    1. NECESSARY TO BE SONS OF GOD...
      1. Jesus commanded His disciples to love their enemies - Mt 5: 43-44
      2. In showing "active good will" to our enemies...
        1. We will be like our Father in heaven - Mt 5:45
        2. We will be different than those who love only their friends - Mt 5:46-47
        3. We will be perfect (complete) in the area of love and mercy, even as our Father in heaven is perfect (merciful) - Mt 5: 58; cf. Lk 6:35-36
        -- Jesus expects us to follow God's example of "active good will" towards all!
    2. NECESSARY COMPONENT TO THE CHRISTIAN LIFE...
      1. The atmosphere of the Christian life ("walk in love") - Ep 5:2
      2. The garment of the Christian ("put on love") - Col 3:14
      3. The motive of Christian service ("done with love") - 1Co 16:14
      4. The glue of Christian unity ("knit together in love") - Col 2:2
      5. The controller of Christian liberty ("through love serve one another") - Ga 5:13
      -- Every facet of our lives is to be governed by "active good will" towards all!

    [As important love is to the Christian life, we can appreciate why Paul says "the greatest of these is love" (1Co 13:13) and "above all these things put on love" (Col 3:14). So how do we go about putting on love, or adding it to brotherly kindness...?]

  3. THE DEVELOPMENT OF LOVE
    1. LET THE FATHER TEACH YOU...
      1. The Thessalonians had been taught by God - cf. 1Th 4:9-10
      2. How does the Father teach us to love?
        1. By virtue of His character
          1. God is love - 1Jn 4:8
          2. His grace, mercy, longsuffering and abundant goodness are indicative of His love - cf. Exo 34:5-8
        2. By virtue of His example
          1. He sent His only begotten Son - 1Jn 4:9; Ro 5:8
          2. He sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins - 1Jn 4:10
          -- As the Father "so loved us", let us learn to love others! - 1Jn 4:11
    2. LET THE SON TEACH YOU...
      1. "By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us" - 1Jn 3:16
      2. "Walk in love, as Christ also loved us..." - Ep 5:2
      3. "Love one another, as I have loved you" - Jn 13:34
      -- Contemplate how Jesus died for you, and you will learn the meaning of love!
    3. LET THE APOSTLES TEACH YOU...
      1. Paul described what love is - 1Co 13:4-8a
      2. Paul prayed for His brethren regarding love
        1. For the Thessalonians - 1Th 3:12
        2. For the Ephesians - Ep 3:17-19
        3. For the Philippians - Php 1:9
        -- Through diligent study of the Word, and fervent prayer, our love will abound still more and more!

      [And finally, some concluding thoughts regarding...]

  4. THE DEMONSTRATION OF LOVE
    1. DEMONSTRATING OUR LOVE TOWARD GOD...
      1. Some may think we ought to show our love by:
        1. Shouting if from the rooftop
        2. Declaring it on bumper sticker ("Honk if you love Jesus!")
        3. Doing whatever they think pleases God
      2. Proper demonstration of love toward God means:
        1. Keeping His commandments - cf. Jn 14:15,21; 1Jn 5:3
        2. Loving the brethren - 1Jn 4:20-21; 5:1
        -- Do we really love God? Then keep His commandments!
    2. DEMONSTRATING OUR LOVE TOWARD MAN...
      1. Begins with keeping the commandments of God ourselves - 1Jn 5:2
      2. Not limited to friends and loved ones - Mt 5:43-48
      3. Helping to meet their needs - 1Jn 3:16-18
      -- Do we really love our fellow man? Then love in deed and in truth!
CONCLUSION
  1. As we come to the end of our study, what have we learned about "Growing In The Knowledge Of Jesus Christ"...?
    1. It requires effort ("giving all diligence") - 2Pe 1:5,10
    2. It requires an ever-increasing growth in Christ-like qualities - 2Pe 1:8
      1. Building on faith (faith)
      2. Striving for excellence (virtue)
      3. Increasing in knowledge (knowledge)
      4. Controlling the self (self-control)
      5. Bearing up under trials (perseverance)
      6. Seeking to please God (godliness)
      7. Loving the brethren (brotherly kindness)
      8. With active good will towards all (love)
  2. Is the effort worth it? Indeed it is, for as we grow in this knowledge...
    1. The grace and peace of God is multiplied - 2Pe 1:2
    2. All things pertaining to life and godliness are provided - 2 Pe 1:3
    3. We can avoid spiritual myopia and spiritual amnesia - 2Pe 1:9
    4. We will never stumble so as to fall - 2Pe 1:10
    5. We will have an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom - 2Pe 1:11

Therefore I pray that in some way our study has encouraged us to be diligent in supplying these eight graces of Christ-like character in an ever-increasing measure to our lives, mindful of Peter's final admonition:

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen." - 2Pe 3:18
Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022


"GROWING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST" Loving The Brethren by Mark Copeland

 








https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/growing-knowledge-jesus-christ/know_08.html

"GROWING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST"

Loving The Brethren

INTRODUCTION
  1. Growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ has an inward focus as evidenced by...
    1. Building upon one's personal faith
    2. Striving for excellence as an individual goal
    3. Increasing one's own knowledge
    4. Controlling the passions and desires of the self
    5. Bearing up under trials with a positive attitude
  2. It also has an upward focus...
    1. With the addition of godliness
    2. I.e., a pious conduct based upon a desire to be pleasing to God
  3. Then there is the outward focus...
    1. With the addition of brotherly kindness - 2Pe 1:7
    2. Followed with the addition of love - 2Pe 1:7
    -- Both affecting how we act towards other people

[In this study we will direct our attention to brotherly kindness, certainly a necessary element in developing a Christ-like character...]

  1. THE DEFINITION OF BROTHERLY KINDNESS
    1. THE GREEK WORD IS PHILADELPHIA...
      1. A compound involving two words:
        1. "phileo" (love)
        2. "adelphos" (brother)
      2. It literally means "the love of brothers"
    2. AS USED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT...
      1. It describes the love which Christians cherish for each other as brethren (Thayer)
      2. Christians were charged to display this virtue - He 13:1
      3. They were to increase in it more and more - 1Th 4:9-10
      4. They had been purified for this very purpose - 1Pe 1:22
      5. Ro 12:10 reveals that it is through brotherly kindness we can have "kind affection" toward one another

      [It is brotherly kindness, therefore, that provides a true sense of family in our association as members of the Lord's body. Why is such love of the brethren important...?]

  2. THE DEMAND OF BROTHERLY KINDNESS
    1. NECESSARY TO KNOW GOD...
      1. Without sincere love for brethren, any claim to know God or love Him is impossible - cf. 1Jn 4:7-8,20-21
      2. If we truly desire to know God (and grow in the knowledge of Jesus), then it is essential to develop brotherly kindness!
    2. NECESSARY TO BE JESUS' DISCIPLES...
      1. Jesus made love for brethren an identifying mark by which the world can know we are His disciples - Jn 13:34-35
        1. Right doctrine is certainly important - 2Jn 9
        2. But the world pays little attention to what is perceived as minor doctrinal differences
        3. What people do notice is love in a world filled with hate
        4. Especially when such love is observed among individuals who come from various social, economic, and racial backgrounds
      2. Any attempt to proclaim New Testament Christianity...
        1. Will fail to appeal to those in the world
        2. Unless it is accompanied by a visible demonstration of true brotherly kindness among Christians!
    3. NECESSARY TO ANSWER JESUS' PRAYER FOR UNITY...
      1. Unity among brethren is also very important, as indicated in the prayer of Jesus - Jn 17:20-23
      2. The unity made possible through the cross of Christ is maintained as we endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace - Ep 4:3
      3. Crucial to that endeavor is "bearing with one another in love" - Ep 4:2
        1. There will be times when brethren sin against one another
        2. Where brotherly kindness prevails there will also be forbearance and forgiveness
        3. This provides time for repentance and reconciliation necessary to remain united
      4. Unless we develop brotherly kindness, churches will be prone to split at the earliest indication of conflict!

      [I trust that we see the importance of adding brotherly kindness. How does one go about doing this...?]

  3. THE DEVELOPMENT OF BROTHERLY KINDNESS
    1. REQUIRES PURITY OF SOUL...
      1. Brotherly kindness can easily be misdirected, especially in a sex-crazed society
      2. Through obedience to the gospel, our souls are purified - 1 Pe 1:22-23
        1. We have been born again by incorruptible seed
        2. Sincere and fervent love of the brethren is now possible
        -- If we desire true brotherly kindness, make sure that we have purity of soul!
    2. REQUIRES BEING TAUGHT BY GOD...
      1. Those taught by God need little to be said - cf. 1Th 4:9-10
      2. The Father teaches the meaning of love through the giving of His Son - 1Jn 4:9-10
      3. The Son demonstrates true love by the example of His sacrifice - 1Jn 3:16
      -- The more we reflect upon the love and sacrifice of Jesus, the sooner we understand the true meaning of brotherly kindness - cf. Jn 13:34
    3. REQUIRES SPENDING TIME WITH BRETHREN...
      1. This I have gleaned from personal experience
        1. The more I am around people...
        2. The more I come to know them personally...
        3. The more I share experiences with them (both good and bad)...
        -- The easier I find it to "fall in love" with them!
      2. It is not much different than with one's own physical family
        1. I had no choice who my three physical brothers would be
        2. But as we experience life together our love and appreciation for one another deepens
        -- I find it to be the same with my brethren in Christ; spend time together!
    4. REQUIRES PRAYING FOR BRETHREN...
      1. This also is gleaned from personal experience
      2. Pray fervently for your brethren, especially those with whom you may have a personality clash
      3. It is hard to remain angry or maintain a strong dislike for someone when you spend time praying for them
      -- "Pray for one another" (Jm 5:16), and there will be brotherly kindness!

      [Finally, a few thoughts about...]

  4. THE DISPLAY OF BROTHERLY KINDNESS
    1. AS IT AFFECTS OUR ATTITUDE TOWARD BRETHREN...
      1. Brotherly kindness will lead one to be considerate
        1. A brother who is strong will be considerate of his weak brother - Ro 15:1
        2. Where a brother may have liberty in Christ, he is willing to limit that freedom if it is beneficial to the spiritual well-being of his brother - 1Co 8:13; Ga 5:13
      2. Brotherly kindness that will lead one to be cautious
        1. About what they say about them - Jm 4:11a
        2. About judging a brother - Jm 4:11b-12
    2. AS IT AFFECTS OUR SERVICE TOWARD BRETHREN...
      1. Brotherly kindness will lead us to truly care for one another - 1Th 5:14
        1. To warn the unruly, to comfort the faint-hearted
        2. To uphold the weak, to be patient with all
      2. Brotherly kindness will prompt us to pursue the right things - Ro 14:19
        1. Things that make for peace
        2. Things by which we may edify one another
CONCLUSION
  1. As we give thought to...
    1. What it means to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ
    2. What it means to develop a Christ-like character
    -- May we appreciate the importance of developing a strong love for the brethren!
  2. We may think that we have a strong love for the brethren...
    1. Indeed we might
    2. But we need to always increase more and more! - cf. 1Th 4:9-10

And so may this prayer be fulfilled in us:

"...may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints." - 1Th 3:12-13

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"GROWING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST" Seeking To Please God by Mark Copeland

 








https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/growing-knowledge-jesus-christ/know_07.html

"GROWING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST"

Seeking To Please God

INTRODUCTION
  1. Remember that growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ requires...
    1. The development of eight graces
    2. In conjunction with each other
    3. With all diligence
    -- Where we gradually produce a Christ-like character
  2. Reasons to grow in this knowledge include...
    1. Grace and peace are multiplied in this knowledge
    2. All things pertaining to life and godliness are provided through this knowledge
    3. Spiritual myopia and amnesia are avoided by this knowledge
    4. We will never stumble if we abound in this knowledge
    5. An abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom will be ours!
  3. Thus the development of a Christ-like character...
    1. Begins with the foundation of faith (conviction and trust)
    2. To which we add the quality of virtue (striving for excellence)
    3. Manifested by increasing in knowledge (regarding God's will)
    4. To which we add the grace of self-control (mastering one's desires and passions)
    5. Along with the perseverance to bear up trials and temptations
  4. As we continue with our text (2Pe 1:5-8), we see that we are to add godliness....
    1. Note that it is connected with perseverance
    2. We shall observe that this is a very logical connection

[As we've done previously, let's first seek to discern the meaning of the word...]

  1. THE DEFINITION OF GODLINESS
    1. THE GREEK WORD IS EUSEBIA...
      1. Literally, it means "to worship well", "to be very devout"
      2. Vine describes it as denoting "that piety which, characterized by a God-ward attitude, does that which is well-pleasing to Him"
      3. ISBE describes it as "character and conduct determined by the principle of love or fear of God in the heart"
      -- We might summarize it as pious conduct done with a desire to please God
    2. CONTRASTED WITH HYPOCRISY...
      1. There is pious conduct or godliness that is hypocritical
        1. Against which Paul warned - 2Ti 3:1-5
        2. Displayed by those who are "lovers of pleasure" rather than "lovers of God"
          1. Such piety or godliness is just an outward form
          2. Done only to be seen by others, to impress them, for the purpose of self-glorification
        3. Against which Jesus warned - Mt 6:1-18
      2. True godliness is characterized by a "God-ward attitude"
        1. I.e., seeking to be seen and approved by God, not man
        2. Devoted to the will of God, desiring to please Him
        -- Unless we have this "God-ward attitude", any act of piety is simply hypocrisy
    3. CONNECTED WITH PERSEVERANCE...
      1. Perseverance (bearing up under trials) is commendable, if done for the right reason - cf. 1Pe 2:18-20
      2. The right reason to persevere is godliness!
        1. Persevering out of a desire to please God
        2. Not to please man or ourselves

        [Therefore it is essential that we add godliness to perseverance, or we will be bearing up under trials for all the wrong reasons! There is more to be said about...]

  2. THE DEMAND FOR GODLINESS
    1. NECESSARY TO BE A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST...
      1. Remember that godliness is pious conduct done with a desire to please God
      2. Jesus had this desire to please His heavenly Father - Jn 8:29
      3. If we are to be Jesus' disciples, we must seek to please God, not men - Ga 1:10
      4. The apostles' taught the disciples that they might please God - 1Th 4:1-2
      -- Unless it is for the purpose of pleasing God, all our piety is in vain!
    2. PROFITABLE FOR ALL THINGS...
      1. Paul wrote how godliness was profitable for all things - 1 Ti 4:7-8; 6:6
        1. Profitable for the life that now is - cf. Mt 6:33; Mk 10: 28-30
        2. Profitable for the life to come - cf. Mk 10:30; Ro 6:22
      2. Peter wrote of how it was beneficial in view of the things to come - 2Pe 3:10-14
        1. The universe, the earth, and all its works will be destroyed
        2. For this reason we should focus on holy conduct and godliness, which gives promise of the life to come (the new heavens and new earth)
        -- Godliness is the only true wealth worth striving for!
    3. A SOURCE FOR POWER...
      1. Paul warned about those with a form of godliness, but denying its power - 2Ti 3:5
        1. Implied is that there is true godliness
        2. And this true godliness contains "power"
      2. Indeed, if our conduct pleases God, He empowers us!
        1. He works in us as we strive to do His will - Php 2:12-13
        2. He strengthens us by His Spirit in the inner man - cf. Ep 3:16
        3. With a power beyond comprehension - Ep 3:20
        4. Enabling us to stand strong in the strength of His might - Ep 6:10-13
        -- Do we desire power from God in our daily living? Then godliness is necessary!

      [How does one go about the task of "adding" godliness to their life...?]

  3. THE DEVELOPMENT OF GODLINESS
    1. REQUIRES EXERCISE...
      1. As Paul counseled Timothy - 1Ti 4:7-8
        1. Just as physical exercise provides benefit for healthy living
        2. Even more so, spiritual exercise provides benefit for godly living
      2. The type of spiritual exercise needed - cf. 1Ti 4:12-16
        1. Set a good example for others
        2. Give attention to reading (esp. the Word of God), exhortation, doctrine
        3. Make good use of your abilities and opportunities
        4. Focus your efforts on such things, and your progress will be evident
        -- As Peter would say, it requires "giving all diligence" - cf. 2Pe 1:5
    2. REQUIRES ABSTINENCE...
      1. From disputes and arguments over words - 1Ti 6:3-4
      2. From men who wrangle over words - 1Ti 6:5
      3. From materialism and the love of money - 1Ti 6:6-10
      -- Yes, we must flee these things, all the while pursuing godliness! - 1Ti 6:11

    [Finally, a few thoughts about...]

  4. THE DISPLAY OF GODLINESS
    1. WE MUST GUARD OUR MOTIVES...
      1. Many people are pious, having a form of godliness, but for the wrong reason
        1. They view it as a means of gain - cf. 1Ti 6:5
        2. For some, to get wealthy
        3. For others, to get healthy
        4. For others, to get popularity
      2. There is only one proper motive for pious conduct
        1. To please God!
        2. This is the motive that pleases God
        -- The display of true godliness will be for one reason, to glorify God!
    2. WE MUST NOT DENY ITS POWER...
      1. Some have a form of godliness, but deny its power - cf. 2 Ti 3:5
        1. They think that they can do it on their own
        2. They do not acknowledge the need for God's help
      2. As we seek to be godly, we must acknowledge God's help - cf. Ph 4:13
        1. By His grace we can become what He wants us to be
        2. By His Spirit we can become godly - cf. Ro 8:13-14
        -- What degree of true godliness we may attain, is possible only with God's help!
CONCLUSION
  1. It is God's desire that we live godly lives, and for this end we are told to pray: "...that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence." - cf. 1Ti 2:1-3
  2. It is our desire to please Him that sanctifies our conduct...
    1. Making our efforts holy conduct
    2. Rather than self-righteous acts done to earn salvation, impress others, or some other personal gain
  3. Can we see why we must add godliness as we seek to grow in the knowledge of Christ?
    1. As we strive for excellence (virtue)...
    2. As we increase in knowledge...
    3. As we display self-control...
    4. As we bear up under trials (perseverance)...
    -- It is godliness (pious conduct seeking to please God) that ensures that our efforts will not be for the wrong reasons

May we therefore add godliness to perseverance as we seek to grow in both grace and knowledge while waiting for our Lord's return:

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ," - Tit 2:11-13
Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022