No Man Is An Island Part 2

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Audio Links

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Video Links


No Man Is An Island – Part 2

As I went about studying for the second part of this bible study, “No Man Is An Island”, I was given a clearer understanding of just who it is we are and to whom it is we are sent. Indeed, we are sent to a dying and diseased world both within and without. What is most interesting to me is that there is a constant battle that is raging on with most of the outside world unaware as to exactly what is happening in their and everyone else’s lives.

 

Oftentimes, I catch myself unaware of how easily my focus tends to become fixated on what is externally happening versus what is happening internally to both those I am in contact with and within myself. This also applies to all those I frequently just observe in the world around me. We are always to try the spirits, but I am increasingly aware of just how weak I am in keeping my “spiritual senses” focused on the things which are right before my eyes. Indeed, it is impossible for me or you or anyone to do this or anything at all without Christ working it all in us. With that, I start this study.

 

 

Strength

 

2Co 12:9  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

 

2Co 12:10  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

 

For when I am weak, then am I strong, when I am dead then am I alive, when I become a fool, then am I wise, and when I am blind then see I

Physically speaking, when we wish to acquire strength we must use something that requires a certain amount of resistance or opposition. For example, if I want to make my muscles stronger I can simply lift some weights and over time the resistance of those weights will allow my muscles to increasingly condition themselves to be able to handle that amount of weight a lot easier. If I stop lifting those weights, then my muscles will, with time, revert back to the natural state they were in when there was no resistance there to make them stronger.

Given that thought, we can more clearly see why Paul is so passionate about “glorying in his infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon him”. I pray that is the case for all of you. If you re- read verse 12:10 of 2Corinthians you might think it strange that I would pray that for you and myself, but it is ONLY in our trials and tribulations that we can remain in that state of “spiritual strength training”. The grace of Christ, the chastisement of Christ, will be there if we are given trials and tribulation. With those trials we become much more apt to pray as we ought thereby doing the will of God.

Jas 1:22  But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Jas 1:23  For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

Jas 1:24  For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

 

1Th 5:14  Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

1Th 5:15  See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

1Th 5:16  Rejoice evermore.

1Th 5:17  Pray without ceasing.

1Th 5:18  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

1Th 5:19  Quench not the Spirit.

1Th 5:20  Despise not prophesyings.

1Th 5:21  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

1Th 5:22  Abstain from all appearance of evil.

1Th 5:23  And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1Th 5:24  Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

1Th 5:25  Brethren, pray for us.

 

 

It is in the trying of our faith that we are shown just what we are, and without that trying we would simply revert back to what is natural, the beast on the throne. Thus, with our trials also comes our ability to relate to ALL of MANKIND because it is only by the grace of God that we are given the ability to say that we understand both what is happening in us and in and to all others who are simply unaware that God is working out ALL THINGS after the council of His own will, including all the things going on in their and our lives.

 

“Mind” Over “Matter”

If no man is an Island entire of himself, then what and who is he? We are all brothers and sisters. We are all collectively created from the same Lord Jesus Christ, but there are distinctions of who it is we are in various parts of our individual walks.  Paul often spoke about the mystery of the Gospel of Christ, the hope of glory, Christ in you.  These distinctions come in the form of acknowledgement of who it is “we” and “they”, “us” and “them” are.  Indeed, the “us” and “them” is all of us collectively, but at different parts of our walk, Lord willing, the “us” and “we” is more prominent than the “them” and “they” within our own selves.  In fact, the “us” and “we” MUST be dominant within our own selves, and when that happens via the Holy Spirit, we then are in a spiritually minded position to try the spirits to know whether they are of God.

Col 1:25  Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;

Col 1:26  Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

Col 1:27  To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Col 1:28  Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

Col 1:29  Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

 

Rom 6:14  For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

 

This very topic had been a constant struggle for me to grasp until the mercy of the Lord allowed the “dust to settle” as it were and let the Holy Spirit put this topic to rest in my mind. All men are my brothers, and when I say men I am speaking about mankind, but it is also those same brothers who want to kill the “us” in me and us. Didn’t Paul speak about this same conundrum to the Corinthians and in many other epistles? He did indeed. Here is an example:

 

2Co 12:15  And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.

 

2Co 12:21  And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.

 

2Co 13:5  Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

2Co 13:6  But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.

2Co 13:7  Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.

 

It is the “us” in me that condemns the “them” in me but by so doing, the “us” in me is also condemning the “they” in them.  We appear as reprobates because it is the US in us that condemns the “them” in them. Here is the scriptural way it is said:

 

Php 3:15  Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

Php 3:16  Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

Php 3:17  Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

Php 3:18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

Php 3:19  Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

Php 3:20  For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

 

1Jn 3:16  Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

 

Joh 9:34  They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.

 

1Jn 2:19  They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

 

It is these same brothers that are indeed false apostles. Of course, they do not think of themselves as false apostles, and they are VERY sincere in what they teach and believe, the same as we are/ were when we teach/ taught false doctrine. It takes the spirit of God to cause us to first see our error, and then REPENT OF IT, as Php 3:15 shows…..”God shall reveal even this unto you”.

An unconverted Peter was a good example of this when Jesus Christ called him Satan! Peter was sincere in his belief, but Jesus Christ called him out on the spot. This is VERY revealing on how we should deal with those who are clearly the enemies of the cross of Christ, especially those enemies WITHIN OURSELVES.  It is in this very story that Christ tells us to pick up OUR cross. It is this cross that we die daily on to the things of this world and also the same cross where we are RAISED again a new creature. That is why Paul instructs us to EXAMINE YOURSELVES.

 

2Co 11:13  For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

2Co 11:14  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

2Co 11:15  Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

 

Mat 16:20  Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.

Mat 16:21  From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

Mat 16:22  Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.

Mat 16:23  But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

Mat 16:24  Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

 

“Their works” and Christ’s works are how we know the difference. They ARE our brothers, but they are also the messengers of Satan because they profess the things that be of men, unknowingly and knowingly sometimes. Can you picture Peter here rebuking Jesus here? Truly, Peter was Satan at this point in time when he rebuked Jesus the Christ.

 

It is the Cain, Esau and Saul in us, who are attempting to kill the Able, Jacob and David in us. In like manner it is that same spirit of Cain, Esau and Saul in others who are attempting to kill their brother in US.  Of course, this example applies both physically and spiritually.

 

Notice that in verse 21 “began Jesus to shew unto his disciples”, then verse 22 Peter rebukes Christ, Christ then calls Peter Satan in verse 23, and then finally “said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” There is a type and shadow here that show us in our walk.

 

First Christ calls and chooses us to be his disciples as he did with Peter, verse 21. Then, we being called disciples have our deadly wound healed and revert back to what it is we are naturally before being called and chosen, a beast , verse 22. We are rebuked and later repent as Peter did, and then we are finally disciples INDEED, verse 24 where Christ again “says unto his FAITHFUL disciples”. They are faithful because they deny themselves, take up their cross and follow Christ.

 

This is the pattern that separates the earthly church brothers, those who mind the things of men and the world/ earthly versus those spiritual brothers who mind the things of God, the true bride, the new Jerusalem, the new man, the new creature.

 

Jesus the Christ

 

Where does knowing and loving our brother come into all of this? Well, that is the “end- game” in all of this. Christ gave us in a very matter- of- fact way how we are to treat our brother. Paul tells us in his epistles just who our brothers are and how we are to treat them, as did all the epistles. The forgiveness the we share with others, the forgiveness that we are to show to others, is that same forgiveness that was shown to US. One of the biggest points that I feel is lost a lot of times is that that brother in US, our carnal minded brother who seeks to take our life, needs that forgiveness too. That brother is non- other than the antichrist. It isn’t that which is outside a man which defiles him, but that which is WITHIN.

 

Mar 7:15  There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.

 

1Jn 2:21  I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

1Jn 2:22  Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.

 

Act 4:26  The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.

 

Rev 11:15  And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

 

Rev 12:10  And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

 

It is no small thing to forgive. It is surely hardest to forgive ourselves, but by doing so it is made manifest that we are accepting the sovereignty of God in all things, including those things that we need forgiveness of that the Lord has caused to come about in our lives. It is no accident that in Rev 12:10 we see “his Christ” and right afterwards we see “the accuser of our brethren is cast down”.  Salvation and strength, strength EXERCISED to be such, the kingdom of God and the ANNOINTING of the Christ all happen as the accuser, Satan and his messengers, stand accusing us to God. This is happening ALL THE TIME.

 

Act 9:24  But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

 

And our defense is?

 

Rev 7:14  And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Rev 7:15  Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.

 

We are told just where it is that we serve God. It is WITHIN. We do this in his temple, and his temple is in heaven and heaven is IN US. So, our brothers are within us firstly, and then our brothers are those who are external to us who both have the mind of Christ now and those who don’t have the mind of Christ now. However, we MUST distinguish between the two. We must be able to discern who it is we are dealing with on a regular basis. When we have done it to the least of THESE, we have done it to Christ whether they know Christ is dealing in their lives or not.

Gal 6:10  As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

 

There are those brothers who are called and chosen, but then there are those who are called, chosen AND faithful. Those who are faithful are those who have the same mind and ARE NOT the same brother who was simply chosen as Judas was. Yes, we call them brothers and they are, but they are also NOT of the same repentant mind which Peter showed when he wept bitterly. One brother goes on to commit suicide while the other brother goes on to be faithful in his walk with the Lord.

 

We are simply not able to look on outward appearances to know the differences. We know if someone has the same mind by trying the spirits and what fruit is wrought by and in that person. It is only Christ who gives the increase, and we know them by their fruits.

 

1Co 3:7  So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

 

Mat 7:19  Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Mat 7:20  Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Mat 7:21  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

 

Are we to judge who this is or isn’t? Absolutely.  The judgment comes not from our understanding or perception, but from the Word of God and the mind of Christ. “Let this mind be in you” tends to exclude all those who this mind is NOT IN. It is indeed our brothers who will be saying Lord, Lord and not some other person out on the street who is denied access to the kingdom of Heaven. Those folks will also be denied, but we are specifically told it is those who are bidden to the wedding who won’t come. It is our very brothers in Christ who will not endure to the end. Can we know who that will be ultimately? No, we can and do not know, but that still does not excuse us from marking them that mark contrary to the mind of Christ.

 

Rom 16:17  Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

 

Php 3:16  Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

Php 3:17  Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

Php 3:18  (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

Php 3:19  Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

 

Doctrine is extremely important to having the mind of Christ. It is the doctrine of Christ that we are weighing against what our brothers are saying. It is not me, or you or any who we are trying and judging but the spirit and mind in that person whom we are trying and judging. If it is you or I doing the judging them we have missed the mark and need to repent.  It is the foolishness of this preaching that is used of God to save them that believe, but belief itself is not the measure by which we mark them that walk or do not walk according to the doctrine of Christ.

 

1Co 1:21  For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

Mat 7:28  And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:

 

Mat 22:33  And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine.

 

Mar 1:22  And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.

 

Joh 7:16  Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.

Joh 7:17  If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

Joh 7:18  He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.

 

1Ti 6:1  Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.

 

If doctrine were not important why does Christ, from his own lips, link doctrine directly with the will of God? “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine”. Doctrine is so important, in fact, that we are to separate ourselves spiritually from those who are contrary to the cross of Christ in their doctrine, having another Jesus and therefore another mind. We are not told to physically separate ourselves from those same people given that Christ himself regularly gives us the example that we should be around those same people. Light shines on and around things, but light cannot be light unless there is darkness to contrast it. We are the light of the world and cannot be hid.

 

Tit 3:9  But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

Tit 3:10  A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

Tit 3:11  Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.

 

This act of rejecting a person is simply turning them over to satan for the destruction of the flesh. When someone is subverted, they have already been overthrown, they have already been conquered and because of that they will sin and in so doing they condemn themselves.

 

1Co 5:5  To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

1Co 5:6  Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

1Co 5:7  Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

 

We must always be alert and willing to try the spirits and that admonition only comes from the Word of God and the examples that we are given to use. It is all there in the Word of God to be used to be a helper of their and our joy, to be used to exhort, edify and comfort.

 

1Co 14:3  But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

 

Conclusion

 

In this brief study over the concept of no man being an island, we have covered several physical examples that we have which point to us all being connected, yet there are differences in each phase of who and what we are to each other. While it is true that we are all brothers, we all have our various offices in the body, as given by the Lord.  In the Word of God we have numerous admonitions which tell us to make sure that when we say Lord, Lord we are indeed speaking to the one Lord Jesus Christ and not to another Jesus. We can only know this by having the mind of Christ and obeying His doctrine.

 

It is true that we all have our appointed time to worship false prophets, idols of our heart, and many of the “200 thousand thousand” doctrines which blot out the sun. That is why we must fervently pray that the Lord give us eyes to see through the darkness which He has caused to come into our lives and blind us. When we have come to the place where we have seen the error of our ways, let us repent immediately and ask for forgiveness. The Lord will answer us accordingly, and when we repentfully acknowledge that it is not us but Christ in us who is doing everything, then we can begin, Lord willing to walk after the examples of righteousness, holiness, and blamelessness which is our example in Jesus  Christ.

 

Joh 7:18  He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.

 

Let us only speak of the things of the Spirit. Let us speak of the things of the mind of Christ, and pray we do not seek obedience to ourselves in that we seek to follow our own wisdom, understanding and knowledge. When we seek to be obedient to Christ and God the Father, we must diligently seek to know His mind on all matters; thus, being given election freely by the Word of God.>

Other related posts