The Book of Romans, Part 24 – Preach the Gospel

[Study Aired January 15, 2024]

Rom 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 
Rom 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 
Rom 10:16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 
Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Rom 10:18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. 
Rom 10:19 But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you. 
Rom 10:20 But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.
Rom 10:21 But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people. 

In Romans 10:14-21, Paul emphasizes the crucial role of preaching and spreading the Gospel. He raises a series of questions highlighting the interconnectedness of faith, belief and the need for preachers to proclaim the message. The passage emphasizes the importance of hearing the word of God, which is essential for faith to take root. Despite the widespread proclamation of the Gospel, not everyone has obeyed its message. Paul draws on the Old Testament, quoting Isaiah and Moses, to illustrate that God’s plan extends beyond Israel to include the gentiles from all nations. The passage concludes with a poignant reminder of God’s persistent outreach to a disobedient Israel. This study will explore the significance of actively sharing the Gospel and the universal invitation for all to embrace faith in Christ.

Rom 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 
Rom 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 

Paul quotes Isaiah 52 1-12.:

Isa 52:1-12 Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean. Shake thyself from the dust; arise, and sit down, O Jerusalem: loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion. For thus saith the LORD, Ye have sold yourselves for nought; and ye shall be redeemed without money. For thus saith the Lord GOD, My people went down aforetime into Egypt to sojourn there; and the Assyrian oppressed them without cause. Now therefore, what have I here, saith the LORD, that my people is taken away for nought? they that rule over them make them to howl, saith the LORD; and my name continually every day is blasphemed. Therefore my people shall know my name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am he that doth speak: behold, it is I. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the LORD shall bring again Zion. Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the LORD hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem. The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD. For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the LORD will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your rereward.

Rom 10:16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 

Isa 53:1-12 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Rom 10:18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
Rom 10:19 But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you. 
Rom 10:20 But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.
Rom 10:21 But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.

Christ came to preach the gospel to the Jews first and was rejected and put to death. He changed the law, and they were not able to hear the truth of Christ’s words. The Father sent His Son to show the way of salvation. His own kinsmen were not given the ability to understand the message of Christ. He spoke in parables for the purpose of causing deafness and blindness in them.

Mat 13:10-15 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

Paul desires for his kinsmen of the flesh to seek salvation, but it is not meant to be. He has been chosen to preach the message of the gospel to the gentiles. He understands that the scriptures must be fulfilled. Paul is our example of preaching to the nations. We also desire for our kinsmen to be saved in this age. We are to share the gospel with anyone that desires to hear it.

Psa 96:1-13 O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth. Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts. O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth. Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.

Our sharing of the word today may not produce fruit in this age, but in the ages to come fruit will be produced. We are commanded to preach the gospel to every creature.

Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

The Book of Romans, Part 23 – Continuing Down the Romans Road to Salvation

[Study Aired December 26, 2023]

Rom 10:1 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
Rom 10:2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 
Rom 10:3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 
Rom 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. 
Rom 10:5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. 
Rom 10:6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) 
Rom 10:7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)
Rom 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 
Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 
Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 
Rom 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 
Rom 10:12  For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 
Rom 10:13  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 

As we continue our study of Romans in chapter 10, it is crucial to frame our review within the broader context of the relationship between Christ’s teachings, as articulated especially in Matthew chapter 5, and the reflections of Paul in Romans 1-9. Christ addresses the essence of the law, emphasizing its continuity and fulfillment through His arrival. This sets the stage for a shift from a mere physical adherence to the law towards a deeper, spiritual worship. Paul, in his writings in Romans 1-9, lays the groundwork by unraveling the universal predicament of mankind’s sinfulness and the insufficiency of observance of the law of Moses for justification. Both Christ and Paul converge on the theme of righteousness exceeding mere external compliance and underscore the transformative power of faith, paving the way for a spiritual understanding of worship that transcends ritualistic traditions.

Against this backdrop, Romans chapter 10 emerges as a pivotal segment in Paul’s discourse. This chapter serves as a bridge between the foundational principles established in the preceding chapters and the practical implications of faith in Christ. In Romans 10, we witness Paul delving into the significance of faith in salvation and the proclamation of the Gospel. As we review the verses of this chapter, it is essential to discern how Paul’s teachings align with Christ’s call for an inward transformation and the surpassing righteousness that comes through faith. Together, Matthew 5 and Romans 1-9 provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the profound shifts that underscore the transition from a legalistic, physical worship to a spiritual worship grounded in the redemptive work of Christ.

The following is a comparison between Christ’s teachings and Paul’s teachings.

The Purpose of the Law and Fulfillment

Matthew 5:17-18 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 

Rom 2:12-16 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

Gal 3:21-25 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

How is the law fulfilled?

Rom 13:8-10 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

Gal 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Jas 2:8-10 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

Internal Righteousness

Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Romans 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference.

Circumcision of the Heart

Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Romans 2:29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

The Universality of Sin

Psa 53:1-3 To the chief Musician upon Mahalath, Maschil, A Psalm of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good. God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God. Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

Mat 9:11-13 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

Transformation of the Heart

Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Rom 5:8-10 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

The Call to Perfection and Holiness

Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Romans 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

In Jesus’ teachings, a recurring theme emerges, emphasizing not the nullification but the fulfillment of God’s laws. This aligns with Paul’s insights in Romans, where he conveys the concept of judgment, asserting that everyone, irrespective of their familiarity with God’s laws, will face judgment. This means it’s not just about understanding God’s laws, but actually putting them into action. This idea matches with what Jesus talks about when He discusses doing what is right. Moreover, when Jesus talks about nurturing a pure heart, this goes along with Paul’s discussion on the necessity of an internal spiritual transformation, indicating a complete change within our inner man. Both narratives underscore that authentic righteousness surpasses external adherence to rules and necessitates a genuine transformation of the heart. Paul’s assertion that faith in Jesus is crucial for alignment with God parallels with Jesus’s commentary of excelling in following God’s laws. These narratives converge on a central message of living out faith, prompting a change in both heart and conduct. The call for perfection by Jesus and Paul’s encouragement to pursue righteousness and holiness through faith, collectively point toward a changing pattern — a transition from adherence to a physical law to an embrace of a spiritual law. Lastly, the all-encompassing theme of love, particularly for those who may not reciprocate it, underscores a unified lesson on faith, virtue, and compassion, implying a profound transformation from a law rooted in physical observance to one grounded in a spiritual understanding.

Rom 10:1 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
Rom 10:2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
Rom 10:3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
Rom 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

Paul is restating his hope for his “kinsmen in the flesh”. He knows that in the ages to come they will be saved but he desires them to repent of the old and accept the new now if the Lord wills.

Rom 9:3-5 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.

Rom 10:5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. 
Rom 10:6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) 
Rom 10:7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)
Rom 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 
Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 
Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Rom 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Who shall ascend up to heaven? Who shall descend into the deep? We do not have to go anywhere to find Christ. If you are Christ’s, then He is dwelling within you.

Luk 17:20-21 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answ ered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

Rom 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

There is no difference between the Jew and the Greek according to the flesh. We are all sinners and must be changed in order to enter into the kingdom of God.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

Joh 3:3-8 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 

Going back to an earlier study in Romans discussing the doctrine of “The Romans’ Road”. We now have seen all the verses involved in this doctrine. Here are the verses.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

All we have to do is call upon the name of the Lord, and we shall be saved. Of course, I speak as a fool if you take this in the literal sense. What is “calling upon the name of the Lord?” Our way of life is how we call upon the name of the Lord. Christ in us will cause us to walk differently than the rest of mankind. We will lay down our lives for each other, which is the ultimate sacrifice. The trouble with this doctrine is they truly do not believe that everyone will call upon the Lord and be saved. The scriptures say differently.

Isa 45:23-25 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed. In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.

As we know this is all done in its proper order.

Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Rom 2:9-11 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God.

1Co 15:20-26 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

The Book of Romans – Part 2, The Just Shall Live by Faith

[Study aired June 20, 2023]

Rom 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; 
Rom 1:10 Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. 
Rom 1:11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; 
Rom 1:12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. 
Rom 1:13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. 
Rom 1:14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. 
Rom 1:15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. 
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 
Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

In these verses from Romans 1:9-17, the apostle Paul continues his introduction to the Romans and expresses his deep concern and heartfelt longing for the believers in Rome. He begins by affirming that God is his witness, as he serves with his spirit in the declaration of the gospel of God’s Son, Jesus Christ. Paul’s commitment to sharing the good news is evident as he mentions the believers in Rome without ceasing in his prayers.

Paul expresses his desire to visit the Roman believers. He desires to strengthen their faith and establish them firmly in their walk with God. His intention is not merely to satisfy personal curiosity or fulfill a casual desire, but rather to impart a spiritual gift to them. 

1Co 12:1-11 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

Although Paul had intended to visit Rome on previous occasions, he was hindered thus far. Nevertheless, his purpose remains steadfast: to bear fruit among the believers in Rome, just as he had done among the Gentiles in other places. Paul recognizes his debt to all people, whether Greek or Barbarian, wise or unwise, emphasizing his obligation to spread the gospel to every person, without distinction.

In verse 16, Paul boldly declares his unwavering conviction in the power of the gospel. He proclaims that he is not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the very power of God that brings salvation to all who believe. This message of salvation is not limited to a specific group but extends to both Jews and Greeks. It is through faith in Christ that this power is revealed, and it is through faith that the righteous shall live.

Verse 17 further expounds on the righteousness of God, which is unveiled through the gospel. The righteousness of God is made known from faith to faith, indicating a progression and deepening of faith. Paul references the Old Testament, quoting the prophetic words, “The just shall live by faith.” This serves as a foundational truth, emphasizing the significance of faith in our lives as believers.

In these verses, Paul’s deep love for the believers in Rome. His longing to visit them, share spiritual gifts is driven by his understanding of the power of the gospel and the righteousness of God revealed through faith. These verses set the stage for the message of Romans, highlighting themes of faith, the power of the gospel, God’s righteousness, and the universal reach of salvation.

The phrase “The just shall live by faith” is mentioned at least three times in scripture. Three signifies the process of spiritual completion through judgment. Paul’s message to the Romans is a message to the elect of God firstly and extends to all men in the ages to come. We as the elect are given to seek judgment now so that our process of spiritual growth will cause us to become a king and priest in the kingdom of heaven. Faith is the only way we will complete this process and this faith is not of our own but a gift of God.

Habakkuk 2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Galatians 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Rev 1:4-6 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 

The above verses emphasize the theme of salvation by faith, rather than through our works or us follow the law. They highlight that true righteousness and a self-sacrificing life in God are not achieved through personal actions or self-righteousness. Instead, they emphasize the transformative power of faith in God and His regenerative work.

The righteous find life by living in faith and trust in God’s provision, not in our own abilities. Salvation and justification come solely through God’s grace, received as a gift by faith, and are not based on our efforts or boasting. These verses convey the essential truth that righteousness, justification, and a disciplined life in God are obtained through faith alone, emphasizing the central theme of salvation by faith in the face of God’s righteous judgment and the insufficiency of our works.

Galatians 2:16 yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

Philippians 3:9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith.

Galatians 3:11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Mark 8:34 And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

Romans 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

This self-sacrificial life is a response to the grace of God and is characterized by presenting our bodies as living sacrifices to God. It is through faith in Christ that we are united with Him, crucified with Him, and transformed to live a new life in Him. The grace of God disciplines us, causing us to live a godly life.

Tit 2:11-14 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching [chastening] us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

1 Corinthians 11:32: But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we will not be condemned along with the world.

1 Timothy 1:20: Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme.

Hebrews 12:6-7 For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, and He scourges every son whom He receives. It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness.

Revelation 3:19: Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.

Even our Lord suffered in the flesh, setting the example for us to follow.

Act 26:22-23 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

Let’s read our featured verse again.

Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Living by faith, according to Scripture, living with a deep trust in God, reliance on His promises, and obedience to His Word. It involves having complete confidence in God’s faithfulness and actively applying His principles in our daily life. Here are a few Scriptures that highlight the concept of living in faith:

Heb 10:31-39 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.  But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

Hebrews 11:6: And without faith, it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

These verses show how important faith is in our lives as believers. Living in faith means trusting in God’s goodness, relying on His promises, and showing our faith through obedience and good actions. It is an active and life-changing way of living that recognizes God’s control and depends on His guidance. Being obedient to the Law of Christ and expressing love for His body is the only way we will rise in the first resurrection.

John 14:15 If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

John 15:10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.

Romans 13:8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.

Galatians 5:14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

Galatians 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Ephesians 5:1-2 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

James 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

James 2:8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing well.

Paul’s message to the Romans is a message of love. It is not the love of the world as taught in Babylon. The love we receive from the Father through Christ is filling up the afflictions in our bodies that are left behind of Christ. We will live a life of being hated by those who hate the doctrine of Christ and because we will not participate in the affairs of the world.

Col 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church: 

Joh 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

2Ti 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 
2Ti 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
2Ti 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
2Ti 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

Here are our verses for our next study:

Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 
Rom 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 
Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 
Rom 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 
Rom 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
Rom 1:23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
Rom 1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
Rom 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

Act 17:18-34  Whom You Ignorantly Worship, Him Declare I Unto You

[Study Aired June 18, 2023]

Act 17:18  Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.
Act 17:19  And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?
Act 17:20  For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.
Act 17:21  (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)
Act 17:22  Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.
Act 17:23  For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
Act 17:24  God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
Act 17:25  Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
Act 17:26  And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
Act 17:27  That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
Act 17:28  For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
Act 17:29  Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.
Act 17:30  And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
Act 17:31  Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
Act 17:32  And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.
Act 17:33  So Paul departed from among them.
Act 17:34  Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

Paul has just fled Berea because the unbelieving Jews of Thessalonica had come to Berea and stirred up opposition to Paul and his message about the gospel of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the salvation He brings to mankind.

For the sake of context, I will begin with the last two verses of our last study:

Act 17:16  Now while Paul waited for them [Silas and Timothy] at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.
Act 17:17  Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.

Paul [“as his manner was” (vs 2)] went “to the Jews first” and reasoned with them. Nothing is said about how those in the synagogue there in Athens received the gospel. All we are told is “he… disputed… in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons. Here in Acts 17:17 these words are added… “and in the market daily with them that met him.”

We have already been informed that Paul also shared “the decrees of the apostles and elders at Jerusalem”, which decrees came out of the Jerusalem conference that was held to determine whether the Lord required the Gentiles to be circumcised. Paul and Silas shared these decrees with those they were teaching:

Act 16:4  And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.

That conference was called to settle the question of whether Gentiles needed to be circumcised and keep the law of Moses. The decision made at that conference was that the Jews still needed to be circumcised and keep the law of Moses, but the Gentiles were given “no such commandment.”

Here is that “decree”:

Act 15:22  Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, [“the whole church included Peter, Paul and Barnabas] to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
Act 15:23  And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:
Act 15:24  Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:
Act 15:25  It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
Act 15:26  Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Act 15:27  We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.
Act 15:28  For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
Act 15:29  That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
Act 15:30  So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:
Act 15:31  Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.

When exactly did Paul and Silas deliver these decrees to the churches? Let’s read it again so we can know and remind ourselves that Paul and Silas, both being physical Jews, were keeping the law of Moses even while “delivering the decree” that the Gentiles ‘keep no such commandment’:

Act 16:4  And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.
Act 16:5  And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

On this second journey, Paul and Silas are preaching the gospel in many cities that have no church to which they can deliver the decrees of the apostles and elders at Jerusalem. All the cities they visit after leaving Pisidian Antioch have no Christian congregations with whom they can share the decrees from the apostles. If the question of the Gentiles needing to be circumcised had presented itself, then there would be no doubt Paul would have shared the decrees of the apostles and elders in Jerusalem to settle that question. However, there was no church yet established there in Athens. Therefore, that very controversial point was not an issue while Paul was in Athens waiting for Silas and Timothy to come to him from Berea. What we are instead told is:

Act 17:18  Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.
Act 17:19  And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?

Here is Strong’s definition of the meaning of an “Areopagite”:

G698
Ἀρεοπαγίτης
Areopagitēs
ar-eh-op-ag-ee’-tace
From G697; an Areopagite or member of the court held on Mars’ Hill: – Areopagite.

BT+ adds this:

– Transliteration: Areopagites
– Phonetic: ar-eh-op-ag-ee’-tace
– Definition:

a member of the court of Areopagus, an Areopagite

Being brought before the Greek Areopagus is like being brought before the Jewish Sanhedrin. Both are courts, but the Sanhedrin was always an adversarial court of the followers of Christ. The Areopagus court was not at all adversarial, and like curious Pilate, the Gentile Roman ruler who was “determined to let [Christ] go” (Acts 3:13), these Gentile Athenian judges are also simply curious about the new doctrine they are hearing Paul proclaim.

Act 17:20  For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.
Act 17:21  (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)

This is an affliction which is common to us all. We all want to be the first person to learn “some new thing” so we can share it with others. It is a true blessing to see the Truth for the first time, but we must be on our guard against making ourselves the center of attention, as the young damsel in Philippi did. Christ, who is the Truth, must always be the center of our attention and our dedication.

Col 1:15  Who [Christ] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
Col 1:16  For by him [Christ] were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Col 1:17  And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
Col 1:18  And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Col 1:19  For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

Paul kept Christ at the center of everything He taught, even as he was speaking to an audience who “spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing”:

Act 17:22  Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.
Act 17:23  For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

Paul gives us a good example of how we, as the Lord provides us opportunity, should engage with the world. We, too, can and should use the world’s own words to begin a dialogue about Christ, and we should never shy away from the opportunity to witness for our Lord:

2Ti 4:1  I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2Ti 4:2  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
2Ti 4:3  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; [“speaking smooth things” (Isa 30: 8-11)]
2Ti 4:4  And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
2Ti 4:5  But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Alluding to the Athenian monument “to the unknown God”, Paul uses their own words as a segue to preach Christ and His gospel to these pagan Athenians:

Act 17:24  God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
Act 17:25  Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

As Christ told the woman at the well, the time has come when God does not want men building “a house for God” as one mega-minister did. The time has come to realize what the true “temple of God” is and to worship Him in spirit and in Truth:

Joh 4:19  The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.
Joh 4:20  Our fathers [the northern ten tribes who rebelled against Rehoboam] worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
Joh 4:21  Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
Joh 4:22  Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
Joh 4:23  But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
Joh 4:24  God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

1Co 3:16  Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

Act 17:26  And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

Everything that happens on this earth is “before appointed” by God; both the good and the evil. Even the apprehension and crucifixion of Christ was “before appointed… [and] “determined before to be done”:

Act 4:26  The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.
Act 4:27  For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
Act 4:28  For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

Eph 1:11  In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

Act 17:27  That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

Like Saul of Tarsus and the man whom Christ healed of being born blind, we all must first come to see and acknowledge our spiritual blindness and “feel after Him” before we will be given eyes that see or ears that hear Christ and His words, because the natural man is born spiritually blind:

Joh 9:40  And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?
Joh 9:41  Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin [and spiritual blindness] remaineth.

Act 9:8  And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
Act 9:9  And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

Rom 11:8  (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.

At His appointed time the Lord removes our blindness as He did from the man who was born blind and as He did from Saul of Tarsus, and then we begin to see as He sees and to understand as He understands:

Eph 1:18  The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
Eph 1:19  And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

Paul encouraged these Athenians, as types of us, to begin to come out of their default blindness and begin to acknowledge the hand of God in the affairs of this age:

Act 17:28  For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

Here Paul once again alludes to “[their] own poets”, who had said, “We are also His offspring.” According to John Gill’s commentary, two Greek poets had made this statement. One was Aratus who was from Solis, a city near Tarsus, the hometown of the apostle Paul. The other was a Greek named Cleanthes who taught at Athens. By quoting their own poets, Paul disarms them and introduces them to Christ. If the spirit then sees fit to cause it to do so, the Lord’s word will take root in their lives. The Truth always puts down its roots in the lives of a remnant:

Act 17:29  Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.

Paul is addressing pagan Athenians and telling them that even their own poets have rightfully acknowledged that we are God’s offspring. Those Greek poets agree with the Bible, which reveals that mankind is indeed “the offspring of God”:

Gen 1:26  And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Gen 1:27  So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

Psa 82:6  I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.

Luk 3:38  Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.

Like our original father, the first Adam, we are all “children of the most high” (Luk 3:38). Even at the time that we “are of [our] father the devil” (Joh 8:44), we are still the sons of God because God is “the father of spirits” both good and bad:

Heb 12:9  Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

“We are His offspring” and we are “in the Potter’s hand” even in our carnal unconverted condition while the Lord is in the process of making us a new vessel:

Jer 18:4  And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.

Jeremiah 18:4 accords with Paul’s statement to these Athenians telling them they are “the offspring of God”. It also agrees with Luke who tells us that the “first Adam”, the original “vessel of clay”, was also “the son of God”:

Luk 3:38  Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.

It is by the Lord’s own design that the vast majority of the English translations have mistranslated both Genesis 2:26-27 and Jeremiah 18:4. The verbs in both are in the Hebrew ‘qal stem’. The Hebrew qal stem is the same as the Greek aorist tense, which always indicates that the statement made is true, but it is not yet completed.

Here is a much better translation of Genesis 1:26-27:

Gen 1:26 And saying is the Elohim, Make will We humanity in Our image, and according to Our likeness, and sway shall they over the fish of the sea, and over the flyer of the heavens, and over the beast, and over all land life, and over every moving animal moving on the land.
Gen 1:27 And creating is the Elohim humanity in His image. In the image of the Elohim He creates it. Male and female He creates them.

What we are being told is that God is in the process of making man in His image and after His likeness, and these “clay vessels” we now occupy are just the first step in that process.

Paul explains this process in these words:

1Co 15:44  It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
1Co 15:45  And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
1Co 15:46  Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.
1Co 15:47  The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
1Co 15:48  As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
1Co 15:49  And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

The Lord wants us to know that Adam’s transgression was not something He had not anticipated. Quite to the contrary, Adam’s transgression was the inevitable result of his natural condition and his clay and dust composition. Adam could not possibly have done anything other than transgress the Lord’s commandments because the “one lawgiver” (Jas 4:12) had installed a “law of sin” in Adam’s flesh which made him err from the Lord’s ways (Isa 63:17).

Here is what the ‘first Adam’ was contending with:

Rom 7:18  For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
Rom 7:19  For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
Rom 7:20  Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Rom 7:21  I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
Rom 7:22  For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
Rom 7:23  But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

There is in the natural man “the law of sin which is in [our] members”. There is but “one lawgiver who is able to save and able to destroy”:

Jas 4:12  There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

Act 17:30  And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

God “winked at… the times of this ignorance” because it was He who worked and ordained a ‘time of ignorance’ in the life of every man. Spiritual vision is absolute unadulterated “foolishness” to our natural man:

1Co 2:14  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

God made all things for Himself, yes, even the wicked for the day of evil. Yet He has also devised means that even His banished will not be expelled from Him:

2Sa 14:14  For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him [1Co 15:22].

Pro 16:4  The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

In the end, all mankind will be dragged to God through His fiery judgments. The fiery judgment which is now on the house of God and the final white throne judgment, which will drag all men to Christ:

1Ti 2:4  Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

1Jn 2:2  And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

Act 17:31  Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

Christ’s resurrection from among the dead is His “assurance” to “all men” that he will also “raise us up… in the third day.”

Hos 6:2  After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.

1Co 6:14  And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.

2Co 4:14  Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.

The doctrine of the resurrection of the dead is foolishness to our natural man.

Act 17:32  And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.

Paul was not led by the spirit to spend a lot of time in Athens, but a remnant had heard and believed his witness, including one of the judges of the Areopagus, a man named Dionysius, a woman named Damaris, and others:

Act 17:33  So Paul departed from among them.
Act 17:34  Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

Nothing is said at this point about Silas and Timothy coming to be with Paul in Athens. However, we learn in 1 Thessalonians that Silas and Timothy had indeed joined Paul in Athens, and that it was from Athens that Paul had sent Silas and Timothy back to check in on and minister to the churches of Macedonia including the church in Thessalonica right after being “shamefully entreated… at Philippi”:

1Th 2:2  But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention [The unbelieving Jews in Thessalonica greatly withstood Paul to the point that he was forced to flee for his life to Berea].

1Th 2:14  For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
1Th 2:15  Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:
1Th 2:16  Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

The persecution of Christ and His Christ indicates that the wrath of God is upon those who do so.

It is in telling these Thessalonians of his great desire to see them again, that we learn Silas and Timothy had indeed come to Athens and had been there with Paul before Paul left Athens for Corinth:

1Th 2:17  But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.
1Th 2:18  Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.
1Th 2:19  For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

This is how we should all feel toward each other. We are each other’s “hope [and] joy [and] crown of rejoicing.”

1Th 2:20  For ye are our glory and joy [We are to each other “our glory and joy”].

Verse 20 is the last verse of chapter 2 of 1 Thessalonians, but there were no chapters when Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, and these are his very next words:

1Th 3:1  Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;

This verse in conjunction with Acts 18:5, informs us that Silas and Timothy had both come to Paul while he was in Athens. It was from Athens that Paul had immediately sent Timothy and Silas back to check on and encourage the churches in Macedonia.

1Th 3:2  And [from Athens] sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:
1Th 3:3  That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.
1Th 3:4  For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know [Act 14:22].
1Th 3:5  For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

Paul had sent Timothy back to Thessalonica while he was still in Athens. Our next chapter will fill in some blanks and let us know that he had also sent Silas back to Macedonia. He had apparently left Athens alone and had gone to Corinth, and that is where “Silas and Timotheus” had returned to be with Paul:

Act 18:1  After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;
Act 18:2  And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.
Act 18:3  And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.
Act 18:4  And he reasoned in the synagogue [“To the Jew First”] every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.
Act 18:5  And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.

There it is! Paul himself tells us in 1 Thessalonians 3:1-2 that he was still in Athens when he sent Timothy to the Thessalonians. Acts 18:1-5 tells us Paul was in Corinth when Silas and Timothy returned with a good and encouraging report of the churches in Macedonia. Paul was in Corinth when he wrote this first epistle to the Thessalonians.

1Th 3:6  But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:
1Th 3:7  Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:
1Th 3:8  For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.

Meditate upon these words. Paul longed to see the saints, and the saints longed to see Him.  Reading of the love these early saints had for one another, and how they earnestly desired to get to see each other, should cause us to thank the Lord and rejoice in the Lord’s incredible provisions every time we look at our computer and see “our own flesh” (Isa 58:7), “Jesus of Nazareth” (Act 22:8), from all around the world right there in front of us. We have this great blessing, and by this blessing we also are comforted in all our afflictions. Never take this blessing for granted. Never permit this blessing to become a thing for which you do not show the Lord your great appreciation.

Psa 107:21  Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
Psa 107:22  And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.

Even Zoom was invented for us because “all things are for your sakes” (2Co 4:15), and our gathering together as we do is a precursor to the ultimate fulfilling of this prophecy of our Lord:

Mat 24:31  And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

Mark adds “the earth” to the equation:

Mar 13:27  And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.

2Co 4:15  For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

Gospels In Harmony, Part 138 – The Eighth Day We Become New Creatures

Mark 16:14 Luke 24:31-43 and John 20:19-31

[Study Aired May 9, 2023]

Luke 24:31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. 
Luke 24:32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? 
Luke 24:33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, 
Luke 24:34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. 
Luke 24:35 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.
John 20:19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
Luke 24:37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
Luke 24:38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
Mark 16:14b and (he) upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
Luke 24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
John 20:20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
Luke 24:41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
Luke 24:42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
Luke 24:43 And he took it, and did eat before them.
John 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
John 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
John 20:23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
John 20:24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
John 20:25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. 
John 20:26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
John 20:27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
John 20:28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
John 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
John 20:30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was arrested and sentenced to death by crucifixion by the Roman authorities, with the support of the Jewish leaders who felt threatened by His teachings. Jesus was stripped, beaten, and mocked before being nailed to a cross, where he died after several hours. His body was taken down and placed in a tomb, which was sealed with a large stone.

On the third day, Jesus’ tomb was found to be empty, and He appeared to the women first, then to His disciples. He had risen from the dead, fulfilling the prophecies, demonstrating His divine nature. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has triumphed over sin and death, providing a path to salvation for all who believe in Him.

Now Thomas tells the disciples that he would not believe them until he “touched” Jesus. In a previous study we saw that Christ could not be “touched” until he had ascended to the Father, showing us there is a proper order of salvation. Having ascended to the Father, Christ now sits on the right hand of God and was given all power and authority to rule “the elect” of the kingdom of God. Christ is now opening the eyes of his disciples. 

Luke 24:31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. 
Luke 24:32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? 
Luke 24:33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, 
Luke 24:34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. 
Luke 24:35 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.

Jesus opened their eyes and vanished out of their sight. At this time the disciples do not understand the significance of His vanishing. They still believed the kingdom of God being set up on the earth was imminent. Their eyes being opened was only the beginning of many years of coming to understand Christ’s true message of ruling the things of the spirit and not the things of the flesh.

1Co 15:35-44 But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body. All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:

Continuing with our verses. 

John 20:19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
Luke 24:37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
Luke 24:38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
Mark 16:14b and (he) upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
Luke 24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

What is Christ’s meaning when he says “spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have”? Is Christ contradicting what Paul said in Corinthians 15? Christ is not contradicting Paul. At this point the disciples are not able to understand the “things of the spirit.” We all have to experience the flesh before we can experience the spirit.

1Co 15:42-50 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

Why would Christ “upbraid them” if he knew they would not believe.

Mark 16:14b and (he) upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

He did this to show the elect of God that it is through much tribulation we enter into the kingdom.

Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

Christ tries again to get them to believe. They still will not believe.

Luke 24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
John 20:20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
Luke 24:41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
Luke 24:42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
Luke 24:43 And he took it, and did eat before them.
John 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
John 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
John 20:23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

Now Thomas, doubting Thomas as he is nicknamed, definitely does not believe Christ is risen from the dead.

John 20:24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
John 20:25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. 
John 20:26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
John 20:27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
John 20:28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
John 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
John 20:30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus Christ was arrested, sentenced to death by crucifixion, and buried in a tomb. On the third day, His tomb was found empty, and He appeared to His disciples, showing them the wounds on his hands and side. Although initially afraid and unsure, the disciples recognized Jesus and were overjoyed. He ate with them, opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and gave them the Holy Spirit to empower them to spread the good news of his resurrection. Even Thomas, who initially doubted, eventually saw and believed. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and death and provided a way for all who believe in him to have eternal life.

2Co 5:14-17 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Gospels In Harmony – Who Betrays Jesus?

Mat 26:3-5, 14-16, Mark 14:1-2, Luke 22:1-6

[Study Aired October 12, 2021]

Luk 22:1 Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.
Mar 14:1 After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread:
Mat 26:3 Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,
Mat 26:4 And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him.
Mat 26:5 But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.
Luk 22:2b for they feared the people.
Luk 22:3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
Luk 22:4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.
Mat 26:15 And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.
Luk 22:5a And they were glad,
Luk 22:6 And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.

In our last study Christ said, “Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.” Our verses in this study tell us that it is the chief priests, the scribes and the elders of the people that conspired to kill Christ.

Luk 22:1 Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.
Mar 14:1 After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread:
Mat 26:3 Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,
Mat 26:4 And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him.
Mat 26:5 But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.
Luk 22:2b for they feared the people.

“They feared the people?” If they were justified in their accusations, why would they fear the people? This is a fulfillment of the following scriptures:

Psa 2:1-3 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

They feared the people, so they needed someone close to Christ to betray him.

Luk 22:3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
Luk 22:4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.
Mat 26:15 And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.
Luk 22:5a And they were glad,
Luk 22:6 And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.

Satan entered into Judas. Did Satan enter into Judas by his own will? This is what the world teaches. The world teaches if we are evil by our own “choices” then Satan has free reign within us. The world uses the following verses to convince their followers that Satan and themselves have freewill. The world also says their followers can even control Satan.

Jos 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Jas 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

1Pe 5:6-9 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

The scriptures are used in such a way we will be deceived. Let’s see what the scriptures say about our so-called free will.

Joh 6:70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?

Joh 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that what soever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Rom 8:20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,

Eph 1:3-6 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

We have no freewill. Christ has chosen everyone to do what they do, whether it be evil or good, so that the scriptures may be fulfilled. Judas was chosen to be the betrayer. He is a type and shadow of the time in our walk when we deny Christ and follow the doctrines of the world, selling his doctrines for thirty pieces of silver. Another way of seeing this is losing our first love.

Rev 2:1-5 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

As we know, Judas is not able to repent and do the first works and is removed. Judas represents our old man which cannot repent and therefore must be removed. The thirty pieces represent the process of judgment of the flesh, and the silver represents repentance.

Going back to our first verses in the study, we see when this takes place in our lives.

Luk 22:1 Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.
Mar 14:1 After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread:

The feast of unleavened bread, beginning with the passover, was two days away. This represents the time we received the witness of Christ in the negative sense. We received the message of another Jesus. The messengers appeared as angels of light but were full of darkness. Paul shared the following message so we can be aware of what happened to us during this time in our walk.

2Co 11:1-15 Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles. But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things. Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely? I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service. And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself. As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia. Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth. But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 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.

As we look back at our journey, we are able to see clearly and understand that the process of salvation begins as us being the betrayer so that our old man can die. This fulfills the scriptures within us.

Gen 2:16-17 And Jehovah God commanded the man, saying, Eating you may eat of every tree in the garden; but of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil you may not eat, for in the day that you eat of it, dying you shall die. (LITV)

Even though we are commanded not to eat “of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil” that is exactly what we do so that our old man is killed. This is the only way to life and the only way we can serve God.

Eze 18:1-9 The word of the LORD came unto me again, saying, What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge? As I live, saith the Lord GOD, ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel. Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die. But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right, And hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, neither hath defiled his neighbour’s wife, neither hath come near to a menstruous woman, And hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment; He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man, Hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord GOD.

Joh 12:23-26 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

We all betray Jesus. This is nothing we do ourselves, but it is done so that we can gain life. Christ sent Satan to us so He could lay down His life for us.

Joh 10:14-18 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

Hello Mike,

I hope all is well in the Vinson family.

Got a question. Do you think there are books missing from the Gospel? I was scanning through YouTube the other day and listened to what seems to be the lost book of Thomas.  Do you feel it’s deceiving or possibly not truth? It was a narrator reading it.  It sounded pretty interesting but unsure of the truths.  Your enlightenment would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you again, and talk with you soon.

YBIC,
G____

Hi G____,

Thank you for asking about the “gospel of Thomas”.

I took the time to listen to a reading of this book, and I read along with the man narrating it.

In that reading the ‘Christ’ of this ‘gospel of Thomas’ says, “I am not your teacher.” This entire book, and that doctrine in particular, is in direct contradiction to everything said in 1 Corinthians 12 about how the body needs all of its members and about how “God has placed in the church” all the various functions of that “one body… the hand… the foot”, etc. The point being made is that we need each other and are not, as the gospel of Thomas would have us to believe, sufficient unto ourselves.

The more I listened, the clearer it became that this ‘gospel’ points inwardly indeed, but not to “Christ within you the hope of glory’, but to you within you the hope of glory and of life.

This is the typical gnostic teaching that you are your own savior simply because this book teaches that all knowledge of what is needed to find salvation is all within you and is of yourself independent of anything outside of you.

The gospel of Thomas does not mention the death and resurrection of Christ simply because the gospel of Christ places the spotlight on Christ Himself and our need for a savior Who is not innately within you.

All New Age Gnosticism, which is what this ‘Gospel of Thomas’ is, places “the creature” at the center of the universe, just as the scripture warns against doing:>

Rom 1:25  Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

Such a self-centered message as is in this book, sounds so very “spiritual”, and indeed it is:

Eph 2:2  Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

So the voice of Christ who said clearly…

Joh 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

…is not to be found in the gospel of Thomas. What is abundantly clear in that gospel is the absence of the name of Jesus as our Savior, and the doctrine that you can simply say of yourself ‘I am the way, the truth and the life… my salvation is all within me separate and independant of Him’.

Christ actually tells us:

Joh 10:4  And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
Joh 10:5  And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

You asked:

Do you think there are books missing from the Gospel? I was scanning through YouTube the other day and listened to what seems to be the lost book of Thomas.  Do you feel it’s deceiving or possibly not truth? It was a narrator reading it.  It sounded pretty interesting but unsure of the truths.  Your enlightenment would be greatly appreciated.

Having given this question very great consideration both in Ambassador College and even since, I do not believe the holy spirit has lost any book which we need and must have. Even secular scholars all agree that the apostle Thomas had nothing at all to do with this spurious book claiming his name. They all agree that it was written hundreds of years after the death of the apostles.

Yes, indeed! This is a book of great deception because it sounds so very spiritual and because it is so very contrary to the doctrine of Christ that He, and He alone, is “the door to the sheepfold” and there is no other way than Himself. It is deceitful because it teaches that you need no one but yourself to come to know the Father, while Christ teaches:

Joh 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Joh 17:3  And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

I hope these words do indeed serve to “enlighten” your understanding of what is the voice of our Lord.

YbiC, Mike

Psa 149:1  Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints. 
Psa 149:2  Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. 
Psa 149:3  Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. 
Psa 149:4  For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation. 

The title of our study is found in the last verse of this Psalm 149 where God describes the honor that will be given to the saints who will be used to show mercy to all of God’s people, a mercy that will unfold through judgement that must first come upon the household of God, and culminates in the lake of fire with “the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God”. God’s elect are being prepared today “to execute upon them the judgment written“.

Rom 11:32  For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. 

1Pe 4:17  For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 

God has concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all, and those who obey not the gospel of God in this age are those who are not being shown that mercy. God’s mercy is God’s goodness that leads us unto repentance and is described as “the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering” that we are not to despise. It is for our sakes that the world is blinded and not given to see the relationship that we have with the cross of Christ, which is the altar that we continue to eat at and that the world has been blinded to being able to see by the god of this world.

Rom 2:4  Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 

Heb 13:10  We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.

2Co 4:4  In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 

We praise God today because we can “commit the keeping of their [our] souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator” and know that we are suffering “according to the will of God”. It is God’s will that we suffer and fill up what is behind of the afflictions of Christ for his body’s sake, which is the church so that we can go unto maturity and rule and reign under Jesus Christ (Col_1:24 , 2Ti_2:12). 

Col 1:24  Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body‘s sake, which is the church: 

2Ti 2:12  If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: 

This Psalm is filled with words that describe the praise of God’s saints for the judgement that has come upon us in this age, and the “high praise” to God that we offer to Him for the honour of being sanctified and made to be His workmanship or vessels of honour who are “meet for the master’s use”. God’s purpose for us is to train us up through the chastening grace and faith that we receive as His sons (Heb 12:6, 1Jn 3:1) so that we can “Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance”, another way of saying spiritual works in this age that we must be careful to maintain, and God willing we will! (Tit 3:8). 

2Ti 2:21  If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. 

2Ti 2:22  Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

1Co 6:3  Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? 

Mat 3:8  Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:

Initially we bring forth those fruits within ourselves as the body of Christ and first fruits of God, but the end result of our growth is to be used to help “Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance” in the lives of everyone else who will come up in the second resurrection, to enter into the kingdom of God through the elect who are represented by the pillars in the temple. God will use His “priests of God and of Christ” to bring humanity into the intimate and loving and eternal relationship with God the Father and Jesus Christ and His body.

Rev 3:12  Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. 

Rev 20:6  Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. 

Eph 2:6  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 

Without judgment in the earth, mankind will not learn righteousness, and even still learning of God’s righteousness does not preclude that someone will continue in it (Joh 8:31-32). That will be very clearly evidenced with anyone who only knows Christ after the flesh or with a fleshly relationship, not yet having God’s holy spirit within them which will be the case during the thousand year reign (Isa 26:9,  Rom 8:9).

Judgment, or the learning of righteousness for the world, will begin with a rulership that will not deviate from God’s word in the least (Mat 5:19). That strict adherence to the law of Christ will set the stage for the destruction of all flesh at the end of the thousand year reign when Satan is loosed for a season and all of the law-keeping of mankind is revealed to have not been accomplished through the righteousness of Christ but via their own wisdom and power (Php 3:9). 

With Christ’s spirit in us today, the least is greater than John the baptist (Luk 7:28), and the earnest relationship (Eph 1:14) we have with Christ now will lead to our entering into the fullness of that relationship in Christ at the first resurrection (Rom 3:10, Joh 17:21). God’s elect are the only ones during the thousand-year reign who can be said to be called “great in the kingdom of heaven” simply because true greatness to God is being able to obey all the commandments of God. That can only be accomplished perfectly through those who have gone on to perfection in the first resurrection (1Jn 1:8, Herod Luk 13:32 , John Luk 7:22, Rev 22:14).

The thousand-year reign of the saints under Christ is a baptism by water given by the saints, and typified by John the baptist’s baptism in his day, but it is the baptism of fire that will change the hearts and minds of mankind (Mat 10:28) so that humanity can bring forth “fruits meet for repentance” being now able to reflect the mind of Christ in all they say and do after they have “suffered a while” as God uses the elect to judge the great unwashed masses to “make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle” you. That is the purpose of the great white throne judgement (1Pe 5:10, Rev 20:11-15).

This Psalm 149 reminds us that we have great reason to rejoice, and again I say rejoice, because the true witness, Jesus Christ, has made His bride ready so that she can “give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready” (Rev 19:7). This honor of being made ready “have all his saints“, and is the reason the idea of praising the Lord is mentioned so often in this Psalm and many other sections of scripture.

Rev 19:7  Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

Psa 149:1  Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints. 

It is within “the congregation of saints” (Luk 17:19-21) that the LORD within us is going to hear “a new song” (2Co 5:17, Mat 13:16, Col 1:27), and that song is one of praise (or boasting)H1984 [H8761] for the sanctification process He is accomplishing through each member of Christ’s body that helps keep the whole body healthy (Eph 4:16). Just prior to being demanded of the Pharisees where the kingdom of God is, Christ said these words in regard to the wholeness that is found within the body of Christ where the kingdom resides in earnest today (Luk 17:19-21).

Luk 17:19  And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole. [What makes us whole is our faith which is manifested through the many members that make us whole or one body, Christ’s body (Luk 17:5-10, Rom 12:1-10, Col 1:24].

Rom 12:1  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 

Rom 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. [“as he will” – 1Co 12:11]
Rom 12:3  For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 
Rom 12:4  For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 
Rom 12:5  So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 
Rom 12:6  Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; [Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.] 
Rom 12:7  Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 
Rom 12:8  Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. 
Rom 12:9  Let love be without dissimulation[^G505]. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 
Rom 12:10  Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; [Php 2:3]

Col 1:24  Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church: [Eph 5:26-30]

Luk 17:20  And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: 
Luk 17:21  Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. 

2Co 5:17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 

Mat 13:16  But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.

Psa 149:2  Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. 

It is the “Israel” of God who is rejoicing “in him that made him” (Eph 2:10) and the “children of Zion” who are “joyful in their King” (Rev 15:3). 

Eph 2:10  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 

Rev 15:3  And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.

Israel and Zion are the symbols that represent God’s elect who are joyful to know that the mind of Christ our King is abiding in us via the holy spirit of God (Col 1:27).

Gal 6:16  And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

Oba 1:21  And saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD’S. 

1Co 2:16  For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Revelation 4:8-11 witnesses to the truth that one day all of mankind will know God can do what He wants with that which is His own starting with the “four beasts” that each has “six wings” (24 wings), and that He makes His strength perfect first through the elect who are those kings and priest who “cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power” (Eph 1:11, Rom 9:21). 

Rev 4:8  And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: [“But blessed are your eyes“] and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
Rev 4:9  And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, 
Rev 4:10  The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 
Rev 4:11  Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created 

Psa 149:3  Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. 

Praising God “in the dance“ and singing praise unto him with “timbrel and harp” are statements that signify that our relationship with Christ will produce harmony in the body of Christ as we are led by the holy spirit and grow in our understanding of this dance of tried faith which God has called the elect to be the first to learn.  We lay down our life trusting in His faithfulness and in His will to be accomplished in our life by His power, learning to say with Christ “nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done” (Luk 22:42). The reverberation of a “timbrel and harp” are symbols of this beautiful witness that sounds forth from the body of Christ. 

Jer 31:4  Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: thou shalt again be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry.

Jer 31:13  Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow. 

Rom 8:14  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 
Rom 8:15  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 

Eph 1:12  That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 

Isa 52:7  How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! 

Rom 8:16  The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

Psa 149:4  For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify^{H6286 [H8762]} the meek with salvation.

God is beautifying “the meek with salvation” first, and “the LORD taketh pleasure in his people” through that process of bruising us (1Jn 4:17) knowing that He can and will bring us to ultimately rejoice for the suffering which we endure for His body’s sake, words that were uttered in type and shadow via Moses found in Hebrews 11:26-27. 

Isa 53:10  Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. 

Deu 24:20  When thou beatest thine olive tree, thou shalt not go over the boughs^{H6286 [H8762]} again: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow. [(Gal 6:10) there is the inward stranger, fatherless and widow in our midst, and the outward as well, and we do good unto all men knowing we are doing this unto Christ, unto those who are beloved for the gospels sake (Rom 11:28).

Col 1:24  Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church: 

Heb 11:26  Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. 
Heb 11:27  By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. 

Moses’ meekness typifies who the bride of Christ will become (Num 12:3, 1Pe 3:4, Zep 2:3, Mat 5:5, Gal 6:1, Col 3:12, Jas 3:13, 1Pe 3:15) and can only come about as a result of the trials that the LORD enables us to endure as Moses did for our sakes to show us that pattern (2Co_4:15). His death at 120 years (Deu 34:7) signifies that progression of trials [tribulation 40, times three 40+40+40] that are needed in our life as we learn that the LORD’S spirit “shall not always strive with man” but will for the symbolic 120 (Gen 6:3). In the morning, or as we die daily, the Lord’s strength will be made perfect through our weakness so we can endure until the end and be saved by putting off our flesh, which is a lifelong process and why 40 is mentioned three times (Mat 23:12).

2Co 4:15  For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

Deu 34:7  And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated. 

Gen 6:3  And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. 

Mat 24:13  But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

In order for God’s elect “To execute upon them the judgment written“, we are going to need to grow in the fruit of the spirit called “meekness” (Gal 5:22-23), knowing that the judgment upon us in this age is for that very reason so that we can be always ready “to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear“. All the fruits of God’s holy spirit are matured through Christ who gives that increase that can only manifest or be made perfect through God’s judgments unfolding in our lives.

1Co 3:6  I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

1Jn 4:17  Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 

Meekness is not weakness, but is rather another critical part of the foundation God is forming within the bride of Christ through His spirit, so we can boldly proclaim the true gospel at any moment to anyone who asks “you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (Eph 6:19). The word fear in the statement “meekness and fear” reminds us through this section of scriptures who it is we are to fear and who it is we are not to fear.

Luk 12:5  But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. 

Heb 11:26  Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. 
Heb 11:27  By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. 
Heb 11:28  Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

The rest of that chapter in Hebrews 11 discusses the acts of faith that typify the certainty of our deliverance through Christ who reconciled us to God by His death and is saving us with His life within us which gives us the power to overcome any and all fear of what men can do to our flesh. 

1Jn 4:17  Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 
1Jn 4:18  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Rom 5:10  For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 

Mat 10:28  And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 

Next week, Lord willing, we will look at the last five verses of Psalm 149 that speak of the great joy that will be ours as a result of the Lord judging us in this age, which judgement is typified by Jacob wrestling with a man through the night (Gen 32:24). 

There will be joy in the morning (Psa 30:5) and “high praises” for the workmanship of God that will prepare His bride “To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people“. It is because of that judgment being accomplished in our life today, and promised to come to an end (1Pe 4:17, Rev 15:8, Php 1:6), that the saints can “be joyful in glory“. 

The glory in which we have joy is being given the ability to obey God and overcome in this life and glorify Him with that obedience just as Christ did (Heb 5:8, 1Jn 4:17). That overcoming process we’ve been looking at in this study is brought about by the judgment God is bringing upon the church today, and we “give honour to him” (Rev 19:7) because we know that it is the Lord who is working this great work within us today both to will and to do of His good pleasure (Php 2:13) which is to bruise us for a very glorious purpose of then exalting us into positions of honor in the first resurrection because of the suffering we endured through Christ until the end of our life (1Pe 4:17, etc).

1Co 6:3  Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? 

Rev 20:6  Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. 

2Ti 2:12  If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: 

Rom 8:18  For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 

Mat 24:13  But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Next week’s verses:

Psa 149:5  Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds. 
Psa 149:6  Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand; 
Psa 149:7  To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; 
Psa 149:8  To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; 
Psa 149:9  To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD. 

[Study Aired April 2, 2020]

Psa 148:1  Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the LORD from the heavens: praise him in the heights. 
Psa 148:2  Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts. 
Psa 148:3  Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light. 
Psa 148:4  Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens. 
Psa 148:5  Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created. 

Praising God is another way of saying we give glory to God, and glory is an ongoing is-was-and-will-be event in the lives of those with whom God is working as we go from “glory to glory” or obedience to obedience, glorifying God or praising Him more perfectly every day (Php 2:12-15, 2Pe 1:19, Mat 5:16) with all that we say and do. It is through Christ that we’re given to bring every thought into subjection (2Co 10:5-6), glorifying God through the process. Through Christ we are being set free (Joh 8:36) so that we can endure until the end through Him (Psa 148:1, 2Co 3:18, 1Co 10:31, Mat 24:13, Php 4:13).

2Pe 1:19  We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: [Col 1:27]

Mat 5:16  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Psa 148:1  Praise^H1984 ye the LORD. Praise ye the LORD from the heavens: praise him in the heights.

H1984 BDB Definition:
1) to shine
1a) (Qal) to shine (figuratively of God’s favour)
1b) (Hiphil) to flash forth light
2) to praise, boast, be boastful
2a) (Qal)
2a1) to be boastful
2a2) boastful ones, boasters (participle)
2b) (Piel)
2b1) to praise
2b2) to boast, make a boast
2c) (Pual)
2c1) to be praised, be made praiseworthy, be commended, be worthy of praise
2d) (Hithpael) to boast, glory, make one’s boast
2e) (Poel) to make a fool of, make into a fool
2f) (Hithpoel) to act madly, act like a madman

2Co 3:18  But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

1Co 10:31  Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

God’s elect are those who are “counted worthy to suffer shame for his name” in this age (Mat 10:22) and are “having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled”. There is a spirit of rejoicing and giving praise to God for that knowledge of knowing we are being counted worthy to suffer for Christ, as these following verses demonstrate revealing the patience and faith of the saints which is glorifying God as we bear those stripes of rejection for the world’s sake: (1Pe 4:12-14, Act 5:41, 1Pe 4:13, 1Pe 5:10, Act 16:22-25, Rom 8:18, 1Pe 2:20)

It is the “Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word” (vs 8) that are governed by God and used to typify His power which judges God’s elect today (1Pe 4:17). He is working everything on the earth and in our heavens to that end, and so we are told “his glory is above the earth [the church] and heaven” (vs 13), meaning he is working it all — the “Fire, and hail [Isa 28:17]; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word” according to the counsel of His will (Eph 1:11) — and it is by God that all things consist, whether that part of His creation is being perfected in this life through judgment or not (Col 1:17, Rom 8:21-28).

Rom 8:21  Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God [each man in his order 1Co 15:23].
Rom 8:22  For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
Rom 8:23  And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. [Eph 1:12]
Rom 8:24  For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
Rom 8:25  But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. [Luk 21:19]
Rom 8:26  Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Rom 8:27  And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Rom 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. [Rom 5:5]

God’s elect are not separate from His creation being in the world but not of it (Joh 17:15-16, Joh 15:19), and are spoken of in the last verse of this Psalm 148 as those who also give glory to God because he “exalteth the horn of his people“, giving us power to overcome and filling us with praise and thanks for the obedience He is working in our lives, blessing us (1Pe 3:9) to be “a people near unto him“, with the joy of that relationship expressed so well in this earlier Psalm (Psa 126:1-6):

Psa 126:1  A Song of degrees. When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.
Psa 126:2  Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.
Psa 126:3  The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.
Psa 126:4  Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.
Psa 126:5  They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. [Col 1:24]
Psa 126:6  He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. [The sheaves explained in Leviticus as being Christ and His Christ mentioned in our last study (Lev 23:10-18)]

It is because of that close proximity, “a people near unto him” (vs 14), we have been blessed to have with God and His Son that we can worship them in spirit and in truth and go “from glory to glory”. It is also our communion in Christ found at the altar which is the cross where we are bound (Psa 118:27) where we will receive that power from on high, expressed as “He also exalteth the horn of his people“(Joh 17:3, Joh 4:23, Heb 10:22-25, Heb 4:16, Heb 10:20, Mat 27:51).

Heb 10:22  Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
Heb 10:23  Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
Heb 10:24  And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Heb 10:25  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Heb 4:16  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Heb 10:20  By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; [The new and living way is with the body of Christ his flesh Eph 5:30, Col 1:24].

God’s power changes and establishes us for “ever and ever” (vs 6). God spares nothing for His children (Rom 5:10), and so we see even those who don’t believe and who have been blinded by the god of this world are experiencing that for our sakes as well (2Co 4:4, 2Co 4:15-16). They are holy “the lump also” (Rom 11:16) meaning they are set apart for their specific role that is working together in our heavens for good because of God’s goodness being shown to us in this age (Rom 2:4, Rom 8:28).

Rom 11:16  For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.

2Co 4:15  For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
2Co 4:16  For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

Rom 2:4  Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

Rom 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

God declares the end from the beginning in this Psalm and uses the heavenly hosts as a type of the elect who praise God, or give glory to God. Just as the physical sun, moon and stars are coursing about in a predestined direction, so the life of God’s children are also being directed and guided by the One through whom all things consists “whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven” (Col 1:17-20, Isa 45:7).

Col 1:18  And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Col 1:19  For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
Col 1:20  And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Isa 45:7  I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.
Isa 45:8  Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it.

As we look at these verses with the inward intent in which they were primarily to be understood, we can see God’s mighty hand throughout the entire process of our lives, and that is why we give praise and thanks to Him, because “great is thy faithfulness” to carry out all the decrees that have been written in the hearts and minds of His people. The figurative language of this Psalm helps us remember His greatness and love toward the body of Christ where all things are working for the good for those who love God and were called according to His purpose (Rom 8:28).

There is a “hope of glory” being explained throughout God’s word, and we come together often to remind each other of that glory, of that praise which is ongoing and unfolding in the lives of His people. It is in “the hope of the gospel…which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven” that we can “continue in the faith grounded and settled“, and as this section in Colossians goes on to declare, it will be through the suffering and affliction we endure together as a body of Christ which will enable us to “continue in the faith grounded and settled” (Col 1:24, 1Pe 5:10-11, Col 1:23-24, Col 1:27-28).

Col 1:24  Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:

1Pe 5:10  But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
1Pe 5:11  To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Col 1:23  If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; [2Pe 1:19]
Col 1:24  Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:

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.

Keeping under our own bodies results in our taking the lower seat and remaining entreatable, actions that in turn keep us under our own body, the body of Christ which we are (1Co 9:27). We need every joint that supplies in love (Eph 4:16) and the safety that is found in a multitude of counsellors, and by examining ourself as the starting point as to whether we’re in the faith or not (2Co 13:5) we have the right foundation that makes it possible for us to be subject unto the rest of the body as unto Christ (Rom 12:4-5, Eph 5:21, 1Jn 4:1, 2Co 10:5).

Psa 148:1  Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the LORD from the heavens: praise him in the heights. 
Psa 148:2  Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts. 
Psa 148:3  Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light. 

It is “the heavens” and “all his hosts” and “the sun and moon” and “the stars of light” that are praising God and working together for a good purpose that God has purposed within the body of Christ created to be the first fruits who first trusted Him and “praise him” in a spirit of truth and love.

Rom 8:28  And we know that all things [“the heavens” and “all his hosts” and “the sun and moon” and “the stars of light“] work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

1Pe 2:9  But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Joh 4:23  But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

Eph 1:12  That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

The reason we live is to worship God, our loving Father who has given us all things through Christ, the one through whom we are accepted and able to bring all those typical elements of the heavens into subjection unto him [“the heavens” and “all his hosts” and “the sun and moon” and “the stars of light“] being far above them all through Christ.

1Jn 4:8  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

Rom 8:15  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Col 1:16  For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: [Psa 148:5]

Eph 1:21  Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
Eph 1:22  And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
Eph 1:23  Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

1Co 3:21  Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; [Psa 148:5]
1Co 3:22  Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;
1Co 3:23  And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.

Psa 148:4  Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens. 
Psa 148:5  Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created.

These next verses speak to the order of God’s spiritual creation that is typified through the physical creation [What are the Three Heavens?]

It is the “heavens of heavens” and “ye waters that be above the heavens” that typify the elect of God who “praise him” for the witness of Christ in our lives, the spirit that bears witness that we are the children of God (Rom 8:16).

The “heavens of heavens” is a place reserved today for those who have God’s spirit in this earnest relation where we worship Him in spirit in truth being raised in heavenly places in the third heavens typified with these words “ye waters that be above the heavens“.

Eph 1:14  Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Eph 2:6  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Of that group of  true believers to whom God is giving the power to continue in the truth, we are told “Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created“, reminding us that we are here today by the grace and faith of Christ and were created for this purpose to show forth praise unto God who are the first fruit workmanship of his hand that “were created” and  called to have this confidence that what God has started in us He will finish.

Rom 8:31  What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
Rom 8:32  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
Rom 8:33  Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.
Rom 8:34  Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Rom 8:35  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Rom 8:36  As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Rom 8:37  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Rom 8:38  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Rom 8:39  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Php 1:6  Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Next week, Lord willing, we will look at the last nine verses of our study which point to that hope filled message of what God is doing within His little remnant who are blessed today to continue to “Praise ye the Lord” for His wonderful works to the children of men.

Psa 148:6  He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.
Psa 148:7  Praise the LORD from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps:
Psa 148:8  Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word:
Psa 148:9  Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars:
Psa 148:10  Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl:
Psa 148:11  Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:
Psa 148:12  Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:
Psa 148:13  Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.
Psa 148:14  He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the LORD.

[Study Aired November 21, 2019]

Psa 138:1  A Psalm of David. I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. 
Psa 138:2  I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. 
Psa 138:3  In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul. 
Psa 138:4  All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth. 
Psa 138:5  Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD. 
Psa 138:6  Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off. 
Psa 138:7  Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me. 
Psa 138:8  The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands. 

This section of scripture, a letter written to the Philippians from Paul (Php 1:1-30), helps bring to life the words of this particular Psalm, as it reminds us how blessed we are to “let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ” spoken of in Phillipians 1:17.

God is preparing the bride of Christ at the end of this age (Rev 19:7) as He did in the days of “Paul and Timotheus” who were servants of Jesus Christ who had come to Philippi to acknowledge “all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons”. In like manner, David was rejoicing in the strength God was providing for him and prophesied what would happen inwardly to the elect of God who are blessed today to hear the voice of the true Shepherd stated this way in this Psalm: “All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth” (Mat 13:16, 1Jn 4:6).

Php 1:1  Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

Php 1:27  Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

We see the array of help God provided for the body of Christ in those opening words just read in Philippians 1:1 and how it would be by favor shown to the church, along with the peace and every good and perfect gift that comes from above from our Father of lights (Jas 1:17), that the ‘many members’ of Christ’s body are used to minister to each other. God will continue to bring us into remembrance of each other for the sake of Christ, making prayers and requests for one other with joy as He moves the circumstances of our lives with that “one spirit” and one mind which is “striving together for the faith of the gospel”. That is what God is doing with His workmanship which is being created in Christ Jesus unto good works (Eph 2:10, Eph 1:4).

Our fellowship is “in the gospel from the first day until now”, and we are called to be “confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Php 1:6). That in itself is reason enough to “praise thee with my whole heart” as we learn how He makes His strength perfect in weakness (2Co 12:9).

This psalm begins with high praise and worship toward God “for thy loving kindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name” and the correlation of His strength being made perfect through our weakness is immediately made at the beginning of the Psalm where these words are uttered: “In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.” It is that strength God gives us which makes it possible for His word to be magnified within us, above all our earthly concerns, giving us peace that passes all understanding (Php 4:7).

God’s workmanship, His children, are called to have a conscience that is not condemned in itself:  “in nothing terrified by your adversaries” (Php 1:28), within or without (1Jn 2:1, 1Jn 4:4, 1Jn 4:18), but rather we are given the mind of Christ which is a mind of power, love and soundness (2Ti 1:7) that causes us to “stand fast in one spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel” as we “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Php 3:14). These verses speak about the workmanship or circumstances God is in the process of building through Christ (Php 1:7-19), and the fruit of that workmanship is described in Philippians 2:1-7.

Php 1:7  Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart [Mat 6:21]; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
Php 1:8  For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. [more in regard to what God’s workmanship looks like (Php 2:1-7)]
Php 1:9  And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; [growing beyond just partaking of herbs or just being nourished on the milk of the word receiving strong meat in time being able to rightly divide and judge a matter (Heb 6:1, Mat 23:23, Heb 5:14)]
Php 1:10  That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; [Rev 20:6]
Php 1:11  Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. [1Pe 2:9, Jas 1:18]
Php 1:12  But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
Php 1:13  So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;
Php 1:14  And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Php 1:15  Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
Php 1:16  The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
Php 1:17  But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
Php 1:18  What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
Php 1:19  For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

Php 2:1  If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
Php 2:2  Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
Php 2:3  Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Php 2:4  Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Php 2:5  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Php 2:6  Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Php 2:7  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

The workmanship of God is accomplished by our giving an accounting of our sins, acknowledging as first fruits that “he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world”. God’s love is perfected by keeping His word and abiding in it through this life, and we are being sanctified in this age “for his name’s sake” (Joh 17:17, 1Jn 2:3-12). John concludes in 1 John 2:12 as he started in that same chapter: “And he is the propitiation for our sins” which is “for his name’s sake“.

Joh 17:17  Sanctify them [those who first hear the word of God and give an accounting] through thy truth: thy word is truth.

1Jn 2:12  I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.

1Jn 2:2  And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

Psa 138:1  A Psalm of David. I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. 
Psa 138:2  I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. 

A good example of these verses being fulfilled in the new covenant is with Paul on Mars Hill where he met the Athenians who had itching ears and needed to hear some new thing all the time (2Ti 3:7, 2Ti 4:3, Act 17:21-27).

2Ti 3:7  Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

2Ti 4:3  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

Act 17:21  (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)
Act 17:22  Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.
Act 17:23  For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. [“before the gods will I sing praise unto thee“]
Act 17:24  God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
Act 17:25  Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
Act 17:26  And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
Act 17:27  That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

To stop being an Athenian^{G117  G116} we must acknowledge all these devotions, or idols of our hearts, we set up from Babylon, who like Athena, the “Goddess of wisdom”, reflects our first position in the flesh of being ever searching and never coming to the knowledge of the truth.

G117
– – Definition: Athens = uncertainty

1. A famous city in Greece, the capital of Attica, and the chief seat of learning and civilisation during the golden period of the history of Greece

 

G116
– Origin: plural of Athene (the Goddess of wisdom, who was reputed to have founded the city)
– TDNT entry: None
– Part(s) of speech: Noun Location

When we do “praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee” and “worship toward thy holy temple [1Co 3:16], and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name“, it is only because God has been dragging us out of Babylon (2Co 6:17, Joh 6:44) to worship the one true God in spirit and truth (Joh 4:24), or “THE UNKNOWN GOD” whom we witness to a world that does not yet know Him and are hid in (Col 3:3, Col 1:27).

1Co 3:16  Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

2Co 6:17  Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
2Co 6:18  And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Joh 6:44  No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Joh 4:24  God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Col 3:3  For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

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:

Psa 138:3  In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul. 
Psa 138:4  All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth. 
Psa 138:5  Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD. 

The “day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul” is the day when God brings me to my wits’ end and I come to acknowledge my blindness and need for him to continually deliver me from myself  (Psa 107:2-8).

Psa 107:2  Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
Psa 107:3  And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.
Psa 107:4  They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in. [no Athenian^{G117  G116} city founded on the wisdom of men]
Psa 107:5  Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.
Psa 107:6  Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.
Psa 107:7  And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.
Psa 107:8  Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! [Luk 15:17-23]

That is the time when “All the kings of the earth [within me] shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth” [1Jn 4:6, Mat 13:16].

It is because of those wonderful works unto the children of men that we “give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever” (Psa 107:1), expressed this way in verse five: “Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD“.

Psa 138:6  Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off. 
Psa 138:7  Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me. 
Psa 138:8  The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands. 

These last three verses of Psalm 138 are filled with hope, describing the grandeur and power of our great Father in heaven with these words: “Though the LORD be high“, reassuring us that regardless of His mighty authority or sovereign hand over all aspects of His workmanship (Eph 1:11), yet “hath he respect unto the lowly” and being a just God “the proud he knoweth afar off” meaning He knows our sinful state and will deliver us from it (Luk 2:12, Zec 9:9, Php 2:6-10, Mat 23:12, 1Jn 4:17, Psa 51:1-3, Isa 1:18, Psa 103:12).

Luk 2:12  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. [As he is, so are we in that lowly state.]

Zec 9:9  Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.

Php 2:6  Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Php 2:7  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Php 2:8  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Php 2:9  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
Php 2:10  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

Mat 23:12  And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

1Jn 4:17  Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

We “walk in the midst of trouble” by virtue of the fact that we are in the flesh (Job 14:1), and yet our hope is that “thou wilt revive me [Joh 6:63, 1Co 15:31]: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies [within and without Mat 10:16, 2Co 13:5, Jas 1:23], and thy right hand shall save me [Eph 2:6, Mar 16:18-19, Col 1:27]”.

Job 14:1  Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.

Joh 6:63  It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

1Co 15:31  I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

Mat 10:16  Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

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?

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:

Eph 2:6  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Mar 16:18  They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Mar 16:19  So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

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:

The last verse of our study tonight (Psa 138:8) gives us the greatest reason to rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice (Php 4:4) because: “The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me” on the third day (Luk 13:32) and His mercy will prevail: “thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever” (Rom 11:11, Rom 11:16, Rom 11:18-20, Rom 11:30-31).

Luk 13:32  And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.

Rom 11:11  I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.

Rom 11:16  For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.

Rom 11:18  Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.
Rom 11:19  Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.
Rom 11:20  Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear.

The workmanship of His hands which is now bound to the altar [Psa 118:27] will be accomplished, and he will “forsake not the works of thine own hands” [Mar 10:39, Isa 49:15, Php 1:6] , not for our sakes but for his name’s sake [1Jn 2:12].

Psa 118:27  God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar. [Gen 22:9, Heb 13:3]

Gen 22:9  And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.

Heb 13:3  Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them [Col 1:24]; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body [Rom 12:5].

Mar 10:39  And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:

Isa 49:15  Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.

Php 1:6  Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you [Eph 2:10] will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

1Jn 2:12  I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.

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