“The first man is of the earth, earthy:
the second man is the Lord from heaven” Part 4

(Pro 20:27-30)

[Study Aired October 30, 2025]

Pro 20:27  The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.
Pro 20:28  Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.
Pro 20:29  The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.
Pro 20:30  The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.

“The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD”(Jer 18:1) explains why the first man Adam must be earthy in order to become the second man, the Lord from heaven (1Co 15:43-47). We are marred and formed in sinful flesh by God’s hand (Psa 51:5), the same hand that has determined that we are His workmanship (Eph 2:10), which will have light come out of darkness (2Co 4:6) as we go from glory to glory, via the ripping of the veil (2Co 3:18).

1Co 15:43  It is sown in dishonour, it is raised in glory, it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power,
1Co 15:44  It is sown a body of the soul, it is raised a body of the spirit; if there is a body of the soul, there is also of the spirit:—
1Co 15:45  Thus, also, it is written—The first man, Adam, became, a living soul, the last Adam, a life-giving spirit.
1Co 15:46  Howbeit, not first, is the body of the spirit, but that, of the soul,—afterwards, that of the spirit.
1Co 15:47  The first man, is of the ground, earthy, the second man, is, of heaven:

2Co 4:6  For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

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.

He makes it a new vessel (2Co 5:17-18, Rev 21:5) “so he made it again another vessel”, not a better marred vessel, but a brand new creation in Christ, otherwise it would be necessary to continue to know Christ after the flesh (2Co 5:16). As we know, Christ must increase and we must decrease (Joh 3:30) so we can go onto perfection on the third day (Luk 13:32) if God will permit (Heb 6:3). This is the process that is hidden from the world and explained in these words in scripture as being, “as seemed good to the potter to make it.”.

All men will be saved, in a specific order [one of two resurrections] and so we read this other “as seemed good” statement that refers to God’s elect, found in (Luk 10:21), “for so it seemed good in thy sight”.

Luk 10:21  In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.

Going from ‘the first earthy man to the second man the Lord from heaven’ is also expressed in these words, “And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit”. With that subject in mind, we’ll look at the last few verses of Proverbs 20, which help us understand how this process of going unto perfection is being accomplished in the lives of God’s children.

Pro 20:27  The spirit^H5397 of man is the candle^H5216 of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

A closer examination of this word “spirit^H5397” will reveal to us how man’s spirit can only be enlightened by “the candle of the LORD” (Psa 18:28) that searches the inward parts of our belly, where judgement is taking place in the lives of God’s children that is now bringing forth rivers of living water. God’s purpose for mankind is also unfolding according to the counsel of His own will who works all things (Gen 7:11, Joh 7:38, Ecc 1:11). “The candle of the LORD” makes manifest all that is within us, turning darkness to the Light.

Psa 18:28  For thou wilt light my candle^H5216: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.

Joh 7:38  He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

The living waters that break forth from the elect happen as a result of our foundations being broken up through judgement (1Pe 4:17), typified with these words, “the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened”(Gen 7:11). When judgement occurs in our lives (1Pe 4:17) our heavens are opened and the first man Adam and all the beasts of the field are drowned in a lifetime of baptisms, little and by little (Exo 23:30, Gen 7:20). In this dispensation of grace for God’s elect, those chastening and scourging experiences of our life are carefully orchestrated and accompanied with the faith of Christ and God’s love that is shed abroad in our hearts (Rom 5:5), so we can be strengthened to obediently go through this process and be witnesses of how His power accomplishes His purpose in the body of Christ (Rom 8:28).

Gen 7:20  Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered. [the earth, earth, earth that we are completely drowned through judgement (fifteen = 5×3)]

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.

Eventually in God’s perfect timing, the elect will break the foundations of this world (Rev 11:15), and the word of God will fill the world as the oceans are filled with water (Hab 2:14), not to preserve humanity but rather to drown the first marred Adam with the word of God, a word that will be rejected, revealing the stubbornness of flesh that cannot obey God from the heart unless there is a miraculous change of heart, which will only happen in the lake of fire (Eze 36:26).

Eze 36:26  A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

The word will go forth from the body of Christ, those who have already had their lives judged and their foundations broken up, and those rivers of living water that come forth from the body of Christ will not return void (Isa 55:11) when all the world will be judged in the second resurrection, lake of fire, great white throne judgement (Mat 12:37, Rev 20:14-15).

Isa 55:11  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Mat 12:37  For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Rev 20:14  And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
Rev 20:15  And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

It is through God’s judgement of our flesh that we are drawn out of many waters. He troubles our hearts with much tribulation/darkness (Act 14:22) in order to bring us to cease from sinning (2Pe 2:14). Now we are learning obedience by the things we suffer, following Christ’s example by his power and might so that we can be obedient unto death, even the death of a cross (How we are drawn out of many waters Php 2:7-8, Gal 2:20, 1Jn 4:17).

Just to make clear that this use of the word “spirit” in this verse has everything to do with judgement, we’ll look at these following verses and the context in which the word “spirit” is being used. Notice the same language being used to describe what happens when God uses man’s spirit [from God] as a candle in the following verses (Gen 2:7, 2Sa 22:13-18, Psa 18:13-16, Job 4:8-9).

H5397 spirit   neshâmâh   nesh-aw-maw’
From H5395 (“to blow away; destroy”); a puff, that is, wind, angry or vital breath, divine inspiration, intellect or (concretely) an animal: – blast, (that) breath (-eth), inspiration, soul, spirit.

BDB Definition:
1) breath, spirit
1a) breath (of God)
1b) breath (of man)
1c) every breathing thing
1d) spirit (of man)
Part of Speech: noun feminine
A Related Word by BDB/Strong’s Number: from H5395

Gen 2:7  And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath^{H5397(From H5395; a puff, that is, wind, angry or vital breath, divine inspiration, intellect or (concretely) an animal : –blast (that) breath(-eth) inspiration soul spirit)} of life; and man became a living soul. [marred in the hand of the Potter]

1Co 15:43  It is sown in dishonour, it is raised in glory, it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power,
1Co 15:44  It is sown a body of the soul, it is raised a body of the spirit; if there is a body of the soul, there is also of the spirit:—
1Co 15:45  Thus, also, it is written—The first man, Adam, became, a living soul, the last Adam, a life-giving spirit.
1Co 15:46  Howbeit, not first, is the body of the spirit, but that, of the soul,—afterwards, that of the spirit.
1Co 15:47  The first man, is of the ground, earthy, the second man, is, of heaven:

2Sa 22:13  Through the brightness before him were coals of fire kindled.
2Sa 22:14  The LORD thundered from heaven, and the most High uttered his voice.
2Sa 22:15  And he sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and discomfited them.
2Sa 22:16  And the channels of the sea appeared, the foundations of the world were discovered, at the rebuking of the LORD, at the blast^H5397 of the breath of his nostrils. [we discover in God’s time that we are beasts marred in the hand of the Potter, created that way with that spirit from God that cannot do the right thing (Ecc 3:18)]
2Sa 22:17  He sent from above, he took me; he drew me out of many waters;(Joh 6:44, Psa 107:29-30)
2Sa 22:18  He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them that hated me: for they were too strong for me.(Rom 7:24-25)

Psa 18:13  The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire.
Psa 18:14  Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them.
Psa 18:15  Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O LORD, at the blast^H5397 of the breath of thy nostrils. [we discover in God’s time that we are beasts, that are marred in the hand of the Potter (Ecc 3:18)]
Psa 18:16  He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters.(Joh 6:44, Psa 107:29-30)

Job 4:8  Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.
Job 4:9  By the blast^H5397 of God they perish, and by the breath of his nostrils are they consumed.

The spirit of man is clearly given to us of God. God is sovereign over all that He is working in each man’s life and gives us and uses  “the  candle of the LORD” to bring to light “all the inward parts of the belly”, the darkness within man that must be ‘consumed’.

That spirit that God has given us ‘goes in a way that seems right to us and leads to death’, which is how God works with the first man Adam who is naturally set on a course of spiritual self destruction (Ecc 1:11, Pro 14:12, Pro 16:25, adding to the equation that mankind does not know the way, we also have Satan who is the god of this world who has deceived all the world. What chance does all flesh have of doing the right thing without God? Answer: None 2Co 4:4).

Pro 20:28  Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.

Our hope of glory is that the king, Jesus Christ (Col 1:27), is preserving our kingship through mercy and truth within us (Psa 89:14-15, Rom 2:4, Joh 8:32-36), and his throne which we are seated on, in heaven (Gen 41:40, Eph 2:6-7), is being upholden by mercy as we go through this life learning how ‘mercy triumphs over judgement’ (Mat 5:7,  Jas 2:13).

Psa 89:14  Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.
Psa 89:15  Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.

Joh 8:35  And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
Joh 8:36  If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Eph 2:6  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
Eph 2:7  That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. (Gen 49:26)

Mat 5:7  Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Jas 2:13  For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. (Rev 12:5, Rev 2:27, Mat 25:24)

Binding mercy and truth on our hearts (Pro 3:3-4) is something that only God can accomplish within us as we are delivered from our Adamic nature, by being given power to cleave unto Christ and the crown of life that has been promised to all those who are granted to do so in this age (Rev 3:11, Jos 23:8, Rev 11:3, Joh 18:9).

Pro 3:3  Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
Pro 3:4  So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

Rev 3:11  Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Jos 23:8  But cleave unto the LORD your God, as ye have done unto this day.

Joh 18:9  That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.

It is God’s throne within His children that is being upholden by mercy, a mercy and love so great that it transforms us from our former conversation into citizens of heaven (God’s mercy Rom 5:10, Rom 12:2, Php 3:20), and now we are as good soldiers and ambassadors for Christ (Isa 16:5, 2Ti 2:3).

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.

Isa 16:5  And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness.

His merciful ways are being fulfilled in the body of Christ who will show the same mercy to the rest of the world one day, having been upholden first, and blessed to be preserved through the truth (Psa 37:27-32) that judges us through Christ who is the King who upholds the kings and priests we are becoming, “Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none” (Heb 4:16).

Psa 37:27  Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.
Psa 37:28  For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; (Heb 13:5) they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
Psa 37:29  The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.
Psa 37:30  The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.
Psa 37:31  The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.
Psa 37:32  The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.

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.

Pro 20:29  The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.

We all start off knowing Christ after the flesh, or as ‘young men in our strength’, even if we are physically senior in age. Physical age has no bearing on spiritual maturity, which is what is being typified in this proverb.

The “glory of young men is their strength” is one of the categories found in these verses where Paul writes, “I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one” (1Jn 2:11-17). We are indeed overcoming the wicked one, but that does not mean that we have obtained (Php 3:12-14), or even that we are mature sons who now no longer know Christ after the flesh. All of these stages in our walk in the Lord reveal that there is a process that we all must go through to come to a point where we become a more a mature son, typified by this part of the verse, “and the beauty of old men is the gray head”.

The “beauty of old men is the gray head^H7872” is typical of the more mature Christian, and again has nothing to do with physical age or having gray hair, but rather having matured so that we no longer know Christ after the flesh (Lev 19:32, Pro 16:31), as we did in our spiritual youth being yet carnal babes in Christ (2Co 5:16).

Lev 19:32  Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head^H7872, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.

Pro 16:31  The hoary head^H7872 is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.

Gray hair is a symbol that speaks of spiritual maturity in the one who is being led by the Lord as their head (Rev 1:14) [Christ who is our head (Col 1:18, 1Co 11:3)] as we’re glorified in those things that He does through us, no longer taking glory for any of it (1Co 4:7, Rom 3:27, Php 2:12-13). We are more prone to think above what is written when we are young in the faith (1Co 4:6), however God is faithful and merciful toward the elect, and will deliver us from ourselves and bring us unto maturity in Him (Php 1:6), by little and little (Exo 23:30), through judgement (Isa 30:18).

1Co 4:7  For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?

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:

Exo 23:30  By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land.

Isa 30:18  And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.

Pro 20:30  The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly^H990.

The evil within us is conquered by the stripes that are inflicted on the inward parts of the belly, the belly being the place of the womb which is typical of the church where the manchild is being formed through much tribulation ,“stripes the inward parts of the belly”.

H990 belly  beṭen  beh’-ten
From an unused root probably meaning to be hollow; the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything: – belly, body, + as they be born, + within, womb.

We cease from sinning when we suffer and it takes these stripes to bring about that change in each member of the body of Christ (1Pe 4:1, Heb 12:6). The good news is that Christ took those stripes upon himself as our high priest so that we can be comforted with the comfort that He can bring us in our darkest hour. Our trials are therefore for each other and will serve to make us more effective in ministering to one another as a joint that supplies in love (Isa 53:4-5, 1Pe 2:24, 1Jn 4:17, Eph 4:16). “The blueness^H2250 of the wound” symbolizes for us that this is a work of grace in the lives of God’s elect that requires the holy spirit to accomplish this “cleansing away evil”(Joh 8:36).

Isa 53:4  Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
Isa 53:5  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^H2250  we are healed.

H2250 chabbûrâh    chăbûrâh
From H2266; properly bound (with stripes), that is, a weal (or black and blue mark itself): – blueness, bruise, hurt, stripe, wound.

Joh 8:36  If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

The first and last verse of our study today explain to us how the Lord is going to do away with the Adamic nature within us [the natural first man Adam who is marred in the hand of the potter]…

Pro 20:27  The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

Pro 20:30  The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.

…and as we have seen it is through His judgements that our loving Father will receive us, providing a way to escape the “law in my members” so that we can endure to the end through Jesus Christ (Pro 20:27, Pro 20:30, Rom 7:24-25).

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.
Rom 7:24  O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
Rom 7:25  I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

Matthew 5:27–48 The Sermon on the Mount, Part 2

[Study Aired March 31, 2025]

Introduction

Today’s study focuses on the Lord’s reforms of the Law of Moses, as He brings in the Law of the Spirit of Life. As we are aware, the changing of the Levitical priesthood must be accompanied by the changing of the law. Jesus did not come from the tribe of Levi but the tribe of Judah, of which Moses never spoke of a priest coming from that tribe. In Hebrews 7:11 we are told that because the law of Moses, with its attendant Levitical priesthood was not perfect, there was the need for a new priest after the order of Melchisedec to come, and His coming ushers in a change of the law.  

Heb 7:11  If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? 
Heb 7:12  For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. 
Heb 7:13  For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. 
Heb 7:14  For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. 
Heb 7:15  And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, 
Heb 7:16  Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. 

Today’s study therefore focuses on the seventh commandment, which deals with adultery, the law pertaining to divorce, the third commandment which focuses on retaliation and finally, on the law of brotherly love.

Adultery

Mat 5:27  “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 
Mat 5:28  But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 
Mat 5:29  If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. 
Mat 5:30  And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.

Here we see Jesus as the Reformer with His reforms in relation to the Law of Moses about adultery. 

Heb 9:9  Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;
Heb 9:10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. 

The seventh commandment makes it clear from all intents and purposes that we are not to commit adultery. However, in the exposition of this commandment, it can be taught that there is no such thing as heart-adultery because adulterous thoughts and dispositions, which never proceed to the act of adultery or fornication cannot be regarded as adultery. Based on the law therefore, we may think that we have not committed adultery. Here Jesus comes with His reforms by raising the bar, that is, coming with the new covenant law or the law of the spirit of life which sets us free from the law of sin and death. This law of the spirit of life is the perfect law whose coming does away with the law of Moses. 

1Co 13:10  But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 

Eph 2:15  Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;  

Col 2:14  Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 
Col 2:15  And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

The doing away of the law of Moses does not mean that the law of Moses is not relevant. It still applies to our lives until faith comes. 

Gal 3:23  But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. 
Gal 3:24  Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 
Gal 3:25  But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. 

This law of the spirit of life tells us that sin is conceived when we regard iniquity in our hearts. The act of physically sinning is only a matter of course when sin has been conceived in the heart. In other words, adultery has been elevated to “looking at a woman to lust after her”. 

Jas 1:14  But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 
Jas 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 

Psa 66:18  If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

The Lord laid down the solution to this problem of the lust of the eyes. The Lord’s solution is to tear out our right eye and throw it away if it is causing us to sin. If our right hand is also causing us to sin, then we must cut it off and throw it away. What we must understand is that the Lord’s words are spiritual, and the fact that we must pluck out our eye and cut off our right hand does not mean that we must physically decapitate our bodies to serve the Lord. As the Lord said, it is the spirit that gives life, the flesh, that is physically plucking your eyes, does not profit us. 

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. 

The right eye here represents the lust of the eyes and the lust of the flesh and the right hand here signifies the pride of life. These must be destroyed within us if we are to live as overcomers. The Lord’s way of destroying these in our lives is to judge us in this life. It is through judgment or the suffering that is marked out for us in this age that we learn righteousness. 

Isa 26:8  Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O LORD, have we waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee. 
Isa 26:9  With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness. 

1Pe 4:1  Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 
1Pe 4:2  That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

If we can remember, John the Baptist proclaimed that it is Jesus who shall baptize us with the Holy Spirit and with fire. The fire is the judgment of the Lord which causes us to learn righteousness or stop lusting after a woman.

Mat 3:11  I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:  

Divorce

Mat 5:31  It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: 
Mat 5:32  But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery. 

To understand the reformation of this law by our Lord Jesus Christ, we need to look at the issue of divorce from the Old Testament.

Deu 24:1  When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house. 
Deu 24:2  And when she is departed out of his house, she may go and be another man’s wife. 
Deu 24:3  And if the latter husband hate her, and write her a bill of divorcement, and giveth it in her hand, and sendeth her out of his house; or if the latter husband die, which took her to be his wife; 
Deu 24:4  Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the LORD: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.

We can see from these verses that divorce was permitted in the Old Covenant when the husband finds uncleanness in his wife. According to Strong’s Dictionary, the word “uncleanness” means nudity, nakedness or shame. The uncleanness therefore has nothing to do with sexual sins since from the law of Moses, such sins shall result in death by stoning.

Deu 22:22  If a man be found lying with a woman married to an husband, then they shall both of them die, both the man that lay with the woman, and the woman: so shalt thou put away evil from Israel. 

As we are aware, nakedness is sin, and it does not refer to any particular sin. That is why in the Book of Revelation, the church in Laodicea was reprimanded to cover her nakedness so that her shame does not appear.

Rev 3:17  Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.
Rev 3:18  I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 

What this means is that when a man finds a fault (sin) with a woman, he can divorce her, but it must be accompanied by a bill of divorcement. That was what the law of Moses required. However, most men were not compliant with the Law as they just put away (apaluo – put away) the woman without the necessary letter of divorce, and therefore the woman is technically still married to the man, and if the woman or the man marries, he or she has committed adultery. If the woman has the letter of divorce, then she is free to marry and does not commit adultery in her remarriage.

From this, we can see the error created by the translators of the Bible in Matthew 5:32, where the Greek word “apostasion” (G645) which means divorce (with a letter of divorce) is absent. The “put away” here in verse 32 is the Greek word “apaluo” (G630) which means getting rid of a wife without the necessary documentation. Verse 32 therefore seems to suggest that even if a proper letter of divorce is issued to the woman, the remarrying of the man or woman is adultery. That is not the case here since the word “apoluo” was used. What Jesus is trying to say is that if we put away a woman without the necessary divorce letter, we commit adultery when the man or the woman remarries. However, the Lord again raised the bar to a spiritual law (the law of the spirit of life) by saying that except for fornication, all other reasons for divorce are not valid. We therefore need to understand what “fornication” means spiritually, in order to understand what the Lord is saying. 

Before we come to understand what “fornication” means spiritually, we need to understand that physical adultery or fornication does not negate the fact that they can serve as a basis for divorce. However, looking at the Lord Jesus Christ, we can see how He has forgiven us several times during a time of our walk when we were serving another Jesus even though we claimed to be the bride of Christ.

2Co 11:4  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. 

Spiritually, fornication represents our unfaithfulness to the Lord and to our spouse. Based on this, several sins can be classified as “fornication” spiritually. These include abusing our spouse, children, bankrupting the family, etc. Persistent physical, emotional and mental abuse all serve as grounds for fornication, and therefore, occasion for divorce.  The article which has helped in our understanding of these is in the essential reading of the iswasandwillbe website. It was written by Mike Vinson with the title “The Law of Moses Versus the Law of the Spirit”.     

Oaths

Mat 5:33  Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: 
Mat 5:34  But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: 
Mat 5:35  Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. 
Mat 5:36  Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. 
Mat 5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. 

The law of Moses allows for swearing as shown in the following verses:

Deu 6:13  Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name. 

Deu 10:20  Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name. 

The scribes and the Pharisees took the matter of swearing to a different level as follows:

Mat 23:16  Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor! 
Mat 23:17  Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? 
Mat 23:18  And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty. 
Mat 23:19  Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift? 
Mat 23:20  Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon. 
Mat 23:21  And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. 
Mat 23:22  And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon.

Here  Jesus, as the reformer, brings to us the law of the spirit of life which sets us free from the law of sin and death. He wants us not to swear at all but that our yes must be yes and our no must be no. Anything else apart from our yes or no comes from evil (verse 37). The scribes and Pharisees represent the leaders of Babylon or the physical churches of this world who have the propensity to go beyond what is written. We were like the scribes and Pharisees during our walk in the churches of this world until the Lord came to us with the spirit of His mouth and His brightness to deliver us. That is the time that faith came to us and as a result, we are no longer under the Law of Moses.  

Gal 3:23  But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
Gal 3:24  Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Gal 3:25  But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. 

The reason we are not to swear as we abide by the law of the spirit of life is that, as the Lord’s elect, we know that everything in this world is working according to the Lord’s will, and therefore swearing will make no difference to what the Lord has destined.  

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: 

Retaliation

Mat 5:38  Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 
Mat 5:39  But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. 
Mat 5:40  And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. 

In these verses, Jesus’ reforming words, which are the law of the spirit of life, are that we should not resist evil. He continued by telling us that if someone smite us on the right cheek, we must turn to him the other also. As we have indicated, the words of the Lord are spirit, and therefore if we are to live by the spirt, then we must understand what the Lord is saying to us in the spirit. The question is, “What does it mean not to resist evil?”

It means that as the Lord’s elect, we must be able to embrace whatever comes our way as being of the Lord. In this world, the Lord uses both evil and good to accomplish His purpose here on earth.

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: 

If we are to resist evil, then we may end up resisting the Lord in accomplishing His good purpose in our lives. For example, on the night Jesus was arrested, Peter, being with the Lord, attempted to fight back by drawing a sword and cutting off the ear of one of Jesus’ assailants. However, the Lord told Peter to put back the sword because they that take the sword perish by the sword. 

Mat 26:50  And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him. 
Mat 26:51  And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear. 
Mat 26:52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.

We can see that Peter wanted to resist the evil unleashed upon our Lord Jesus Christ as the Jews came to arrest Him. Peter, in His unrenewed mind, wanted to fight back or resist the evil. However, Jesus told him not to resist evil because when we try to resist evil, we end up resisting the Lord and therefore, we lose our way to the path of righteousness. 

In verse 39, we are told that if someone smite us on the right cheek, we should turn the left cheek to him as well. Again, when we are sued and as a result we lose our coat, we should let them take our cloke as well. As we indicated, these words are spiritual, and therefore we need to understand these from spiritual perspective. It does not mean that literally when someone slaps us on the right cheek, we are to turn the left cheek for him to slap. All that the Lord is telling us is that we must yield to whatever circumstance in which find ourselves, knowing that it will work out for our good since the Lord is the one in charge.  

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 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Psa 37:23  The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. 
Psa 37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. 

Isa 54:17  No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD. 

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: 

Not resisting evil does not means that we should allow our rights to be trampled upon. In the Book of Acts, we see Paul emphasizing his rights when he was treated badly as a Roman citizen.

Act 16:36  And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace. 
Act 16:37  But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out. 
Act 16:38  And the servants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans. 
Act 16:39  And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city.
Act 16:40 And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed. 

Mat 5:41  And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. 
Mat 5:42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. 

The Law of Moses always focuses on what is necessary to fulfill the law. This is so, because we are driven by the flesh. However, with the law of the spirit of life, we are moved by the spirit of the Lord, and therefore we go beyond what our natural thinking and capability will take us. The story of the good Samaritan shows us what the Lord had in mind when He told us to go beyond what we are compelled. 

Luk 10:30  And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 
Luk 10:31  And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 
Luk 10:32  And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
Luk 10:33  But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, 
Luk 10:34  And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 
Luk 10:35  And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. 
Luk 10:36  Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? 
Luk 10:37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

We can see clearly that the good Samaritan went beyond what was necessary in rescuing the man who was left half dead. He not only bound up his wounds but brought the man to the inn and also paid his expenses. What distinguished the good Samaritan from others is the simple fact that he had compassion on the man (verse  33). Compassion involves showing mercy as we see in verse 37.  It is through the Lord’s compassion that we are not consumed.

Lam 3:22  It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 
Lam 3:23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. 

Through the mercy that we have received, we are to learn to also show mercy or compassion to people. When we are driven by compassion, we fulfill the law of the spirit of life as we go beyond what is needful, according to the law of Moses. Throughout our lives here on earth, the Lord is always showing mercy to us. It is this mercy being shown to us which serves as the foundation of the mercy we are to show humanity during the lake of fire age. If we do not learn to be merciful, then it means we cannot be saviors of humanity.

Rom 11:30  For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: 
Rom 11:31  Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. 
Rom 11:32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.  

In verse 42, the Lord wants us to give when asked and to lend to those who come to us to borrow. This is all part of the law of the spirit of life. Of course, we cannot give what we do not have. The fact that we must give does not means that even if we have a need pending, we must by all means give and fall into trouble. Verse 42 has been abused by many of the Babylonian preachers for their financial gains.

2Pe 2:3  And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. 

Giving here is not restricted to only money. Spiritually, giving entails supporting those who are weak as shown in the following verse:

Act 20:35  I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.  

In terms of lending, we are aware that the people of this world also lend, but with interest or usury. The law of the spirit of life teaches us not to lend with usury as do the people of this world. In our lending, we should do it such that we are not expecting anything back. That is what pleases the Lord. This implies that we cannot lend what we do not have, and if we have an urgent  need, then is not an option. If we have enough to lend, then we must lend not expecting anything back.  

Luk 6:34  And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.
Luk 6:35  But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. 

Love Your Enemies

Mat 5:43  Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 
Mat 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; 
Mat 5:45  That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 
Mat 5:46  For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 
Mat 5:47  And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 
Mat 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. 

The law of the spirit of life enjoins us to love our enemies, to bless them when we are cursed, do good to them that hate us and pray for them that despise us and persecute us. This is of a far higher standard than the law of Moses which is based on an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. 

Exo 21:22  If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman’s husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. 
Exo 21:23  And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,
Exo 21:24  Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,

We can see that in the law of Moses there is no mercy. However, in the law of the spirit of life or the law of liberty as indicated by Apostle James, mercy triumphs over judgment. In other words, mercy overrules judgment. 

Jas 2:10  For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. 
Jas 2:11  For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. 
Jas 2:12  So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. 
Jas 2:13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.  

In walking in the flesh, it is impossible to love your enemies and to go to the extent of praying for them who persecute you and blessing those who curse you. However, as the word of the Lord says, we, His elect, are strengthened by His spirit so that we do not walk according to the flesh but according to the spirit. As a result, our mortal bodies are quickened by the Lord’s Spirit such that we do not fulfill the desires of the flesh. 

Rom 8:1  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 
Rom 8:2  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 
Rom 8:3  For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 
Rom 8:4  That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Rom 8:5  For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 
Rom 8:6  For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 
Rom 8:7  Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
Rom 8:8  So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 
Rom 8:9  But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 
Rom 8:10  And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 
Rom 8:11  But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. 

Here in these verses, the focus is on the spirit which quickens our mortal bodies to walk in the spirit and not fulfill the desires of the flesh. From a comprehensive view of the word of the Lord, we know that the judgment we go through destroys the flesh and its desires, while the spirit strengthens us to live a life pleasing to the Lord. That is when we can walk in the spirit and not fulfill the desires of the flesh. 

Gal 5:16  This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 
Gal 5:17  For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 
Gal 5:18  But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 

In conclusion, the Lord is telling us in verse 48 to become perfect even as our Father in Heaven is perfect. What we need to know is that perfection is a process we are all going through in this life and will become complete when we are resurrected from the dead. 

1Co 15:42  So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 
1Co 15:43  It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 
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. 

May the Name of the Lord be Praised. Amen!!

Hebrews 4:12 – Dividing Asunder of Soul and Spirit – Part 3

[Study Aired August 27, 2024]

The Death of the Soul and the Life of the Spirit

Dying to Self

Several New Testament passages speak of a necessary “death” to the old self:

(Galatians 2:20) “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God , who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

This verse suggests a kind of “death” to the self, which is associated with the soul, to allow for a new life in Christ.

The Flesh vs. The Spirit

Paul often contrasts the flesh, which is analogous to the soulish nature, with the spirit:

(Romans 8:13) “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live

This verse implies a need to “put to death” the deeds of the flesh to live by the spirit.

New Creation in Christ

The concept of becoming a new creation in Christ further illustrates this transformation:

(2 Corinthians 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.”

This newness of life is to be understood as the ascendancy of the spirit over the soul’s natural inclinations.

The Soul, Spirit, and Eternal Destiny

The Promise of Eternal Life

(1 John 2:25) “And this is the promise that he hath promised us,even eternal life.”

This promise of eternal life is central to our faith. Jesus elaborates on this in John 17:3:

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”

This suggests that eternal life is not just about duration, but about a relationship with God.

Paul further explains in Romans 6:23:

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. “

This verse contrasts eternal life with death, indicating that it’s God’s gift through Christ.

The Resurrection Body

Paul provides a detailed discussion of the resurrection body in 1 Corinthians 15:

(1 Corinthians 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.”

He continues in verses 1 Corinthians 53-54: 

“For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality [by dividing asunder of soul and spirit]. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.”

This transformation is also mentioned in Philippians 3:20-21: 

“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, [by dividing asunder of soul and spirit] that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”

The State of the Soul and Spirit After Death

The Bible provides insights into the state of believers after death, but it’s important to consider these passages in the context of other Scriptures:

(2 Corinthians 5:8) “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”

Paul expresses a similar sentiment in Philippians 1:23:

“For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:”

However, we must also consider verses that speak of death as a sleep:

(Psalm 13:3) “Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;”

“And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” (Daniel 12:2)

Jesus himself used this analogy:

(John 11:11) “These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.”

(1 Thessalonians 4:14) “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.”

These verses present death as a state of unconsciousness, likened to sleep, from which one will be awakened at the resurrection. This understanding helps to reconcile the seemingly immediate presence with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8, Philippians 1:23) with the concept of awaiting resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:51-52, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

The full understanding of the soul and spirit’s state after death we must consider all the above passages.

The Final Judgment and Eternal State

The Bible speaks of a final judgment and an eternal state:

(Revelation 21:1) “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth : for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.”

(Revelation 21:4) “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

These verses describe a transformed creation where the effects of sin are eliminated, suggesting a complete restoration of the soul, spirit, and body in harmony with God’s original intent.

God’s Sovereignty and Universal Salvation

While the Bible speaks of a transformation process for believers, we must consider a broader perspective on God’s plan for all souls. The Scriptures present a complex interplay between our “apparent individual choice” and God’s sovereign will. But what do the scriptures say.

(John 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 whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.”

This verse emphasizes God’s initiative in choosing and ordaining His followers, suggesting a divine plan that transcends individual choice. Furthermore, the Bible indicates God’s plan for universal salvation:

(1 Timothy 2:3-4) “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved , and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”

(1 Timothy 4:10) “For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men , specially of those that believe.”

These passages state that God’s redemption will extend to all of mankind, not just to those who currently believe. The phrase “Saviour of all men” is particularly noteworthy, indicating a scope of salvation that is more inclusive than often understood by the world.

Moreover, the Bible speaks of a future where every being acknowledges Christ:

(Philippians 2:10-11) “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow , of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord , to the glory of God the Father.”

This universal confession shows that all souls will eventually recognize and submit to Christ’s lordship.

These passages point to a divine plan that is truly universal in scope, aligning with the scriptures that speak of all dying in Adam and all being made alive in Christ (1 Corinthians 15:22). The idea that all souls must experience a form of death for God’s spirit to bring new life is indeed reflected in Scripture, albeit in a broader context than often recognized. This universal process of death and resurrection, both literal and spiritual, is central to God’s redemptive plan. It suggests that God’s transformative work will extend to all souls, not through individual choice, but through His sovereign will and power to make all things new. This understanding offers a perspective on salvation that is more comprehensive and far-reaching than commonly perceived, emphasizing God’s ultimate purpose to reconcile all things to Himself through Christ (Colossians 1:20). As we contemplate these truths, we are reminded of the vastness of God’s love and the all-encompassing nature of His plan for creation.

(1 Corinthians 15:22) For as in Adam all die , even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

(Colossians 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.

XII. Practical Implications

The Scripture teaches that the whole person – spirit, soul, and body – is to be sanctified and preserved blameless (1 Thessalonians 5:23). This holistic view of spirituality has several important implications:

Integrated Approach to Spiritual Growth:

Spiritual disciplines should engage not just the “spiritual” aspect, but also the mind (study, meditation), emotions (worship, fellowship), and body (fasting, service).

(Romans 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.”

Physical Health as a Spiritual Matter:

Caring for our physical bodies becomes part of our spiritual stewardship.

(1 Corinthians 6:19) “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you , which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?”

Emotional Well-being:

Addressing emotional health is crucial for overall spiritual health.

(Philippians 4:4) ” Rejoice in the Lord alway : and again I say, Rejoice.”

Intellectual Engagement:

Growing in knowledge and understanding is part of spiritual maturity.

(Romans 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.”

Hebrews 4:12 states that the word of God is able to “divide asunder of soul and spirit”, emphasizing the importance of spiritual discernment. This verse indicates that there is a distinction between the soul and the spirit that requires divine insight to properly discern.

1 Corinthians 2:15 further reinforces this, stating “But he that is spiritual judgeth all things.” This suggests that those who are walking in the Spirit possess a spiritual perception that allows them to evaluate and judge all matters, including the difference between soulish and spiritual impulses.

The need for this spiritual discernment arises from the intricate interaction between the soul and the spirit within us. we must rely on the illumination of the holy spirit, working through the Scriptures, to rightly distinguish between natural, fleshly tendencies and the leading of the spirit.

The ability to discern between soul and spirit is crucial for mature Christian living:

Learning to distinguish between genuine spiritual promptings and emotional or psychological impulses.

(1 Corinthians 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.”

Developing a heightened awareness to the holy spirit’s guidance.

(Romans 8:14) ” For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.“

Not all spiritual-seeming experiences are from God; discernment is needed.

(1 John 4:1) “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God : because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”

Integrating spiritual insight with practical wisdom in life choices.

(James 1:5) “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God , that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

Scripture describes the process of spiritual growth as a transformation “from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord”.

(2 Corinthians 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.”

This verse indicates that the process of being conformed into the image of Christ is not an instantaneous or easy one, but rather a gradual, incremental change. The use of the phrase “from glory to glory” suggests a progressive, step-by-step transformation, rather than a sudden or complete metamorphosis. This aligns with the biblical emphasis on the believer’s cooperation with the spirit’s sanctifying work in their life.

(Philippians 2:12-13) “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. ” (Philippians 2:12-13)

By recognizing the ongoing nature of this transformative process, believers are encouraged to exercise patience, perseverance, and dependence on the holy spirit. Spiritual growth is not achieved through our efforts, but through the Spirit’s empowerment and the believer’s caused submission.

Conclusion:

Our exploration of soul and spirit in Scripture reveals a rich tapestry of mankind’s nature and its relationship with God. We’ve seen that the soul, representing the whole living person, is mortal and subject to sin, yet intimately connected to our identity and consciousness. The spirit, while also an integral part of human nature, is presented as having a unique connection to God and a crucial role in understanding spiritual truths.

The division of soul and spirit, as mentioned in Hebrews 4:12, emerges not as a literal, physical separation, but as a profound spiritual process. It represents the discerning work of God’s Word in believers’ lives, helping to distinguish between natural, soulish inclinations and deeper spiritual truths. This process is central to spiritual growth and maturity.

We’ve also explored how this understanding of soul and spirit relates to other biblical concepts such as the body as a temple, the renewal of the mind, the role of the heart, and the idea of the ‘inner man’. These interconnected concepts paint a picture of man’s nature as complex and multifaceted, yet unified in its creation and purpose before God.

The biblical narrative of transformation – dying to self, mortifying the deeds of the flesh, and becoming a new creation in Christ – can be understood more deeply in light of this soul-spirit dynamic. It’s a process that encompasses our entire being, involving our thoughts, emotions, will, and our deepest spiritual nature.

However, we must remember that this transformative process is consistently presented in Scripture as applicable to believers through faith, rather than as a universal principle for all souls in this age. It’s a journey of spiritual growth facilitated by the powerful, piercing Word of God and the work of the holy spirit in believers’ lives. In the end all will go through the process of “the dividing asunder of soul and spirit”.

As we conclude, let us reflect on the words of the Psalmist:

(Psalm 103:1) ” Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.“

This verse beautifully encapsulates the holistic nature of our spiritual life, calling us to engage our entire being – soul, spirit, and body – in worship and devotion to God.

May this study deepen our understanding of our nature as created beings and inspire us to pursue wholehearted devotion to God, submitting to His Word as it transforms every aspect of our being. As we grow in this understanding, may we experience the reality of Paul’s prayer: 

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

(Hebrews 4:12)  “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit , and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

In this journey of faith, may we continually yield ourselves – soul, spirit, and body – to the sanctifying work of God, being transformed day by day into the image of Christ, until that day when we see Him face to face.

Link to Hebrews 4:12 Part 1

Link to Hebrews 4:12 Part 2

Hebrews 4:12 – Dividing Asunder of Soul and Spirit – Part 2

[Study Aired August 20, 2024]

IV. The Concept of the ‘Inner Man’

Paul often refers to the ‘inner man’, which encompass aspects of both soul and spirit:

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16)

This concept of the ‘inner man’ being renewed suggests an ongoing process of spiritual growth and transformation.

Job also spoke of the inward and the heart.

Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart? (Job 38:36)

Psalms 64 tells us more about the heart.

“To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy. Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity: Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words: That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not. They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them? They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep. But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded. So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away. And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing. The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory.” (Psalms 64:1-10)

“Who whet their tongue like a sword”, a two-edge sword, they use the word of God attempting to destroy Christ and his christs. “The heart is deep” is telling us how our ways as the old man are desperately wicked. The deep is the bottomless pit in which the beast ascends discussed in Revelation 11.

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

“And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months. And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.” (Revelation 11:1-10)

The ‘inner man,’ which Paul speaks about is contrasted with the ‘outward man’ in 2 Corinthians 4:16:

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

This inner man is central to spiritual growth and transformation.

Again in Job 38:36 similar these concepts are mentioned:

“Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart?”

This verse links the inward parts and the heart to wisdom and understanding. Here are the answers to these questions.

Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions [dividing asunder of soul and spirit] of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church: Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest [ by dividing asunder of soul and spirit] to his saints: 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: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily [dividing asunder of soul and spirit]. (Colossians 1:24-29)

Psalm 64 provided further insight into the heart’s nature. It describes those who “whet their tongue like a sword” (verse 3) and notes that “the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep” (verse 6). The psalm concludes with “The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory” (verse 10), showing a contrast between different heart conditions.

These passages collectively suggest that the ‘inner man’ or ‘heart’ is complex and is oriented towards both good and evil. It’s portrayed as a source of thoughts, words, and actions, and its condition is closely tied to one’s relationship with God.

The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of this inner aspect of a person. As Proverbs 4:23 states,

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.“

This underscores the central role of the heart in determining one’s spiritual state and actions.

By comparing these scriptures, we see a consistent biblical theme of an inner spiritual reality that is distinct from, yet connected to, our physical existence. This inner man or heart is presented as the core of a person’s spiritual life and the focus of spiritual renewal and growth.

V. The Holy Spirit’s Role

The holy spirit plays a crucial role in the spiritual life of believers, interacting with and empowering our spirit:

(Romans 8:16) “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:”

This verse reveals an intimate connection between the holy spirit and our spirit. The holy spirit “bears witness” or testifies, confirming our identity as God’s children. This suggests a profound spiritual communion and alignment between God’s Spirit and our spirit.

Throughout Scripture, the holy spirit is depicted as the source of spiritual empowerment, wisdom, and transformation for believers. For example:

(Acts 1:8) “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

Here, Jesus promises his disciples that the holy spirit will equip them with the necessary power to fulfill their calling as witnesses. The holy spirit is seen as the divine enabler, giving us abilities to carry out God’s purposes.

In 1 Corinthians 2:10-12, Paul further clarifies the Spirit’s role:

“But God hath revealed them (the princes of this world vs.8) unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.“

This passage highlights the spirit’s ability to reveal the “deep things of God” to our spirit, imparting God’s understanding and knowledge. The holy spirit is seen as the conduit through which believers come to know the things of God.

Additionally, the spirit is credited with the work of sanctification and transformation within the believer. It is through Christ that we receive the spirit of the Father which was given to Christ:

(John 14:10-1) “Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me.”

(2 Corinthians 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.”

These verses indicate that the holy spirit actively works to conform believers into the image of Christ, a process of ongoing spiritual growth and maturation.

In summary, the biblical witness presents the holy spirit as intimately involved with our spirit, empowering, revealing, and transforming believers from within, as they cooperate with the spirit’s work. This underscores the essential role of the spirit in the spiritual life and development of God’s people.

VI. The Relationship Between Soul and Spirit and Body

In 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Paul prays:

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

Paul distinguishing between spirit, soul, and body in 1 Thessalonians 5:23, it’s important to consider this in the broader context of his teachings, particularly 1 Corinthians 15:44-45:

(1 Corinthians 15:44-45) “It is sown as 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.”

Paul emphasizes the complete sanctification of believers, encompassing all aspects of their being – spirit, soul, and body. While Paul speaks of preserving the whole person “unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,” he’s not necessarily implying all believers will be alive at Christ’s return. Rather, he’s expressing the hope of Christ’s return as a present reality for all believers, whether alive or dead at that time.

In light of 1 Corinthians 15:44-45, we can understand that Paul recognizes both the present “natural body” and the future “spiritual body.” The prayer for preservation of the body in 1 Thessalonians 5:23 encompasses both the present physical body and the future resurrected body.

The reference to Adam as a “living soul” and Christ as a “quickening spirit” in 1 Corinthians 15:45 adds depth to our understanding of “spirit and soul” in 1 Thessalonians 5:23. It suggests a progression from the natural, soul-driven life to the spiritual, Christ-empowered existence.

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

Paul’s language implies both continuity (preservation) and transformation (sanctification) of the believer’s entire being in preparation for Christ’s return and the resurrection.

In conclusion, while 1 Thessalonians 5:23 does suggest Paul’s hope for Christ’s imminent return, it should be understood within the broader context of his teachings on resurrection and transformation. The verse expresses the desire for complete sanctification of believers in their current state, while also pointing towards their future glorified state at Christ’s return, whether they are alive or have died and will be resurrected.

Isaiah 26:9 provides a rich metaphor for the spiritual journey, illustrating the interconnected yet distinct roles of soul and spirit:

(Isaiah 26:9) “With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.”

The soul’s desire for God in the night represents an innate longing for the soulish (another Jesus) while full understanding is lacking.

(2 Corinthians 11:4) “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.”

This aligns with John 3:19-21, where darkness is associated with a state before coming to the light of truth.

“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.”

The spirit seeking God “early” or “at dawn” implies a more active, conscious pursuit of God as spiritual understanding begins to grow.

This mirrors 2 Peter 1:19, which speaks of heeding prophecy “as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.”

“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:”

The verse suggests a progression from the soul’s desire to the spirit’s seeking, mirroring the journey from spiritual darkness to light.

This progression is reflected in Ephesians.

(Ephesians 5:8) “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.”

While distinct, soul and spirit work in tandem, reminiscent of how Psalm 119:105 describes God’s word as both “a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path,” guiding both immediate steps and overall direction.

“NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

The latter part of Isaiah 26:9 suggests that both soul and spirit respond to God’s self-revelation in the world.

“With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.” (Isaiah 26:9)

This parallels 2 Corinthians 4:6:

“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

The use of both soul and spirit emphasizes the holistic nature of spiritual experience, involving emotional, instinctive, and cognitive aspects of our being.

This holistic approach is seen in Romans 13:12:

“The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.”

The metaphor of night and early morning represents the cyclical nature of spiritual life, with periods of lesser and greater understanding. Also, the separation of light and darkness is one of many symbols of “dividing asunder the soul and spirit”.

This cycle is reflected in Proverbs 4:18:

“But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.“

In conclusion, Isaiah 26:9 illustrates the journey from spiritual darkness (night) to the beginning of understanding (dawn), mirroring the broader biblical theme of moving from darkness to light (Acts 26:18, Colossians 1:13). It shows how the soul is in darkness and cannot seek God and the spirit is engaged in seeking God, progressing from death, lack of spiritual understanding, to a more enlightened pursuit, ultimately leading to a state where, as Jesus said, “he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).

(Act 26:18) “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: (Colossians 1:13)

VII. The Division of Soul and Spirit

Returning to our key verse:

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

This verse presents God’s Word as capable of dividing soul and spirit. But what does this division mean, and why is it significant?

To understand this division, we must consider the principle of spiritual discernment:

“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.” (1 Corinthians 2:14)

The division of soul and spirit represents the process of distinguishing between natural, soulish, carnally minded inclinations and spiritual truths. It’s part of the transformative work of God’s Word in a believer’s life.

Jesus often spoke in parables, and Scripture contains symbolic meaning:

(Matthew 13:13) “Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.”

Viewing the division of soul and spirit through this lens, we understand it as a metaphor for the internal process of spiritual growth and discernment.

The Old Testament often presents types and shadows of spiritual realities:

“Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.” (Colossians 2:17)

The concept of dividing soul and spirit should be seen as a “shadow” of the deeper spiritual work that God’s Word accomplishes in us.

VIII. The Interplay of Soul, Spirit, and Body

To fully grasp the complex relationship between soul, spirit, and body, we must consider Paul’s view in 1 Thessalonians 5:23:

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

This verse suggests an intricate interplay between these three aspects of mankind, each playing a crucial role in our spiritual life and development.

Scripture presents the body as multifaceted in its spiritual significance:

Temple of the Holy Spirit:

(1 Corinthians 6:19) “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?”

Instrument for God’s glory:

(Romans 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.”

Subject to resurrection:

(1 Corinthians 15:44) “It is sown as a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.”

Venue for spiritual warfare:

(2 Corinthians 10:1-6) “Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.”

(1 Corinthians 9:27) “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”

The transformation of the body is intrinsically linked to the renewal of the mind and spirit:

“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.” (Romans 12:2)

This renewal process involves aligning our thoughts, attitudes, and actions with spiritual truths, demonstrating the interconnectedness of body, soul, and spirit.

The concept of offering our bodies as living sacrifices encompasses various aspects:

Yielding to righteousness:

(Romans 6:13) “Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.“

Practicing self-control:

(1 Corinthians 9:24) “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.”

Serving others:

(Galatians 5:13) “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.“

Maintaining purity:

(2 Corinthians 7:1) “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

Several passages suggest a strong connection between physical and mental/spiritual states:

(Colossians 3:1-7)  “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.”

This connection implies that the body can serve as a physical manifestation of our spiritual and mental state.

The interplay between soul, spirit, and body in Scripture reveals a holistic view of mankind’s nature. The body is presented as sacred, purposeful, and integral to spiritual life, serving as both a temple for God’s spirit and an instrument for His service. The transformation of the body is linked to the renewal of the mind and spirit, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these aspects. By presenting our bodies as living sacrifices, we engage in a process of aligning our entire being – body, soul, and spirit – with God’s will, demonstrating the profound unity of our physical and spiritual nature in the pursuit of holiness and service to God. Keeping in mind that “the soul that sinneth it shall die”. We must be born again into a new body with a new mind.

(1 Corinthians 15:35-49) “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: 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.”

Link to Hebrews 4:12 Part 1

Link to Hebrews 4:12 Part 3

Revelation 7:4-8 – Part 1A, Who Are The 144,000

[Study Aired June 5, 2024]

Rev 7:4  And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
Rev 7:5  Of the tribe of Juda [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad [were] sealed twelve thousand.
Rev 7:6  Of the tribe of Aser [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses [were] sealed twelve thousand.
Rev 7:7  Of the tribe of Simeon [ were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar [were] sealed twelve thousand.
Rev 7:8  Of the tribe of Zabulon [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin [were] sealed twelve thousand.

Who are these 144,000 “of all the tribes of the children of Israel?” Who do the scriptures reveal they really are? Many in the orthodox Christian world today believe that these are literal, physical Jews of the literal, physical 12 tribes of Israel because of what is said about these 144,000 in Revelation 14. Many teach, based upon this verse, these are 144,000 literal, physical, Jewish, male virgins who will be sealed with the seal of God.

Rev 14:4  These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

We have demonstrated abundantly that the book of Revelation is a book of symbols. This is no time to forget that fact. Signs and symbols are not spiritual realities. All the realities of scripture are spiritual realities and certainly “not words that man’s wisdom teaches.”

1Co 2:13  Which things also we speak [“things of the spirit” (vs 14)], not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
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.

“The Holy Ghost teacheth comparing spiritual things [types] with spiritual [antitypes].”

We are also plainly instructed:

2Co 4:18  While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Col 3:2  Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Heb 11:3  Through faith we understand that the worlds [G165: ‘aion’, age, our lives] were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

Paul has just given us the secret to understanding the symbolism of scripture. The ability to apply that secret as we read the words of scripture is truly a gift from God. It takes the spirit of God Himself to keep us from constantly slipping back into the physical realm as we read words which “are spirit…” Being “not defiled with women; for they are virgins” has nothing to do with the physical realm except as physical women and physical virgins are used to help us to understand what is a spiritual woman and what is a spiritual virgin. The Holy Spirit does not compare spiritual [antitypes] with physical [types]. The holy spirit does not compare one physical lion to a physical tiger, nor does it compare physical lion with spiritual lion. “The Holy Ghost teaches comparing spiritual things [“the Lion of the tribe of Judah”] with spiritual [antitype, Christ].” What that means as it applies to our subject today, is that both Israel and each of her twelve tribes must conform to what the scriptures reveal them to now be, because “the words which man’s wisdom teaches” are that the word ‘Israel’ is not a spiritual word, and the tribe of Judah is not a spiritual tribe, and the word ‘women’ is not a spiritual word, and the word ‘virgins’ is not a spiritual word. However, if the scriptures actually demonstrate that ‘Israel’ is no longer a physical nation, and if the scriptures demonstrate that any one physical tribe is actually now a spiritual tribe, then every single tribe is now a spiritual tribe, composed of spiritual Israelites.

So the word ‘Israel’ is a spiritual word with a spiritual meaning in scripture. Is a Jew now a literal, physical Jew, or are these spiritual words which spiritually typify spiritual antitypes and spiritual realities? What do the scriptures teach us about what the word ‘Israel’ and the word ‘Jew’ mean when they are “not in the words which man’s wisdom teaches?”

What is it which now Biblically constitutes a Jew?

Here is what the scriptures teach. It is a spiritual teaching, and yet it is simple and straightforward.

Rom 2:28  For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
Rom 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.

A physical Jew is not even to be counted as a Jew now. “He is not a Jew…” is what the scriptures teach. Physical descent has nothing to do with being a spiritual Jew or a spiritual Israelite. The apostle Paul says that it amounts to nothing more than dung, and if you are not a spiritual Israelite or Jew, then you are not an Israelite or a Jew at all. That is what the scriptures teach.

Rom 9:7  Neither, because they are the [physical] seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac [supernatural birth from a barren wife] shall thy seed be called.
Rom 9:8  That is [meaning], They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise [supernatural birth through a barren wife] are counted for the seed.

Gal 4:28  Now we [Gentile Galatians, and all believers, both Jews and Gentiles], brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.

Php 3:3  For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. [Physical pedigree]
Php 3:4  Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
Php 3:5  Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

Php 3:8  Yea doubtless, and I count all things [including  physical pedigree] but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

Being “of the [physical] stock of Israel, of the [physical] tribe of Benjamin or the [physical] tribe of Judah is “counted but dung” to the man of the spirit. Who then are “the children of God?” Who are “the children of promise?” Who now is Israel? Who now is a Jew? Who now is a Benjamite, or a member of any of the other tribes of Israel? Paul’s answer leaves no room for speculation:

Php 3:3  For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

Eph 2:11  Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
Eph 2:12  That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the [twelve tribe] commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
Eph 2:13  But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
Eph 2:14  For he is our peace, who hath made both [Jews and Gentiles] one [One spiritual ‘Israel’], and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

There it is: “not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things [spiritual types] with spiritual [antitypes].”  What the spirit is teaching us is that being the physical seed of Abraham does not make one Abraham’s seed. Being a physical Jew or a physical Benjamite or being physically descended from any other “of all the tribes of Israel… is but dung.”

What then does make one “counted for the seed?”

There are two groups, and two groups only, who are being saved. One group can be “counted for the seed” (Rom 9:8), and is said to number 144,000. The other group is said to be “a great multitude which no man could number”.

Rom 9:8  That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

Rev 7:9  After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

Romans 9:8 tells us who is “counted for the seed” of Abraham, but here is yet another way of answering that question.

Gal 3:29  And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye [counted as] Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

How can this requirement of being “Abraham’s seed” be made to apply to a Gentile Roman or a Gentile Ephesian or a Gentile Galatian? How can all these Gentile converts to Christ now be considered as Abraham’s one and only seed? Are Gentile converts to Christ now actually Biblically “counted” as Abraham’s only “promised son”, Abraham’s “one seed?” Are they really to now be considered “as Isaac was… the children of promise?” Are Gentiles actually considered by God, and by the scriptures… His Word, to be Israelites and heirs of the [typically spiritual] promises made to Abraham? Is that what “the holy spirit, comparing spiritual with spiritual, teaches?” What do the scriptures teach?

Gal 4:28  Now we brethren [Gentile Galatians], as Isaac was, are the children of promise.

Eph 2:19  Now therefore ye [Gentile Ephesians]are no more strangers and foreigners [to the commonwealth of Israel, verse 12], but fellowcitizens [of Israel] with the saints, and of the household of God;

Does this make Paul a replacement theologian? Does this take the promise given to Abraham to make of him a nation and a company of nations and give that promise only to those of both the Jews and the Gentiles who are converts to Christ? Or does God now have two separate chosen or elect peoples; one according to the flesh, and another according to the spirit? No, God does not have two separate elect or chosen people. “He is NOT a Jew which is one outwardly…” and, yes, indeed, the physical ‘Jew’ is now, according to the scriptures, ‘replaced’ by the spiritual Jew… “He is NOT a Jew which is one outwardly, but his IS a Jew which is one inwardly…”

Did we not just read:

Eph 2:14  For he is our peace, who hath made both [Jews and Gentiles] one [spiritual “commonwealth of Israel” (Eph 2:12)], and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

Eph 2:16  And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

Gal 3:29  And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Did we not just read the New Testament definition of what is and what “is not a Jew?” Did we not read that the Gentile Ephesian converts are those who “are called uncircumcision by that which is called circumcision in the flesh made by hands?” Did not the scriptures we just read teach us that those Ephesian Gentile converts to Christ were “in time PAST Gentiles” in the flesh, but they are now “made near by the blood of Christ” and are now a part of “the commonwealth of Israel?” How many phrases like “the commonwealth of Israel… as Isaac was… counted for the seed… to whom pertaineth the promises… not a Jew which is one outwardly” all addressed to Gentile Christians, must we read before we simply acknowledge that “he is NOT a Jew that is one outwardly, but he is a Jew which is one inwardly?”

Did Paul contradict himself?

What about this verse of scripture? Doesn’t this verse completely nullify every verse we have just read? Isn’t Paul actually contradicting Himself when he makes this statement?

Rom 3:1  What advantage then hath the Jew? Or what profit is there of circumcision?
Rom 3:2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.

That is the way the natural mind works. The natural mind is not capable of remembering to apply the principle of “the sum of God’s Word is Truth” (Psa 119:160 [ASV]) to Romans 3:1-2.  It is a testament to the spiritual blindness Christ bequeathes to us when we are yet a part of the multitudes of modern day Christians, who are still like the multitudes of Christians in Christ’s day who were “not given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven” (Mat 13:10-15). The multitudes of Christians until this very day point to these two verses and vehemently proclaim that ‘He IS a Jew which is one outwardly, and we must support the outward nation of Israel or God will curse us.’ That is the doctrine of the vast majority of Christians until this very day. The vast multitudes of nominal Christians cannot see Romans 3:1-2  in the light of the two immediately preceding verses, which I simply must, once again repeat:

Rom 2:28  For he is NOT a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
Rom 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.

Being a Jew and being circumcised is just as advantageous now as it ever was. The only difference is that it is now an advantage “much in every way” because “the oracles of God”, including the oracle of circumcision, are now committed only unto “he [who] is a Jew inwardly” and the “profit” of the oracle of circumcision is now committed only to those who are “circumcised of the heart, in the spirit and not in the letter.”

In other words “He is not a Jew which is one outwardly” in no way contradicts “What advantage then hath the Jew” or what profit is there of circumcision? Much every way…” It actually complements and explains what “He is a Jew which is one inwardly” means. That means what it says, but what it says is that it is a great advantage to be a Jew, and it is an advantage “in every way” to be circumcised only if you “are a Jew inwardly”, and your circumcision is now of the heart in the spirit.

Rom 3:1  What advantage then hath the Jew? Or what profit is there of circumcision?
Rom 3:2  Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed [aorist tense] the oracles of God.

The verb ‘committed’ is in the aorist tense. What Paul is telling us is that the oracles of God are, were, and will continue to be committed to “he which… is a Jew inwardly”, not to those who are “called circumcision” but are not “circumcision… of the heart in the spirit and not in the letter” (Rom 2:28-29).

Does Paul’s doctrine agree with Christ’s doctrine?

Christ tells us that all his words “are spirit.” “The words that I speak unto you are spirit.” He tells us plainly that fleshly pedigree “profits nothing.”

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.

Now apply this Truth to the words which He had spoken to “the woman at the well” in Samaria just two chapters earlier:

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 [It is “neither one”].
Joh 4:22  Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews [The inward spiritual ‘Jew’].
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.

That is the truth as plainly as Christ Himself could put it. God will not be worshiped by anyone who thinks that physical Jerusalem, physical Samaria or any physical building or physical place or physical relic even physical descent is anything more than dung. True disciples of Christ need nothing in the physical realm to bolster their faith. The true disciples of Christ abhor all such idolatry.

Joh 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.

That includes the idolatry of physical pedigree. Being a physical, fleshly Israelite, or a physical, fleshly Jew “profiteth nothing.” “Ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father… True worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in Truth… comparing [physical Israel as a] spiritual [type of] things which are spiritual [antitypes]” (1Co 2:13).

The apostle Paul, as we will soon see, knew and taught the same thing Christ taught. Christ spoke and taught in symbols and signs. He called them parables, and He told us why He did so. He told us His words “were spirit”, and He told us that He had “not given unto…[the multitudes who came to hear Him teach] to know the mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven.”

Mat 13:10  And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them [the multitudes (Mat 13:2)] in parables?
Mat 13:11  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.

One more reason why Christ taught in parables

That is not all He tells us about why He teaches in parables. There is more to the reason why “the holy spirit teaches… not in the words man’s wisdom teaches, but [instead] comparing spiritual things with spiritual.”

1Co 2:13  Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

Here is that additional reason Christ gives for teaching in parables.

Mat 13:12 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.

It is not adding to these words to note that Christ answered His disciples’ question concerning why He taught in parables by telling them that He teaches the multitudes who come to Him in parables “because.. it is not given… to them … to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.” It is in this same thirteenth chapter we are told that Christ never spoke to the multitudes of His disciples without a parable.

Mat 13:34  All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:
Mat 13:35  That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

That connecting word ‘for’ at the beginning of verse 12 tells us that those who “have not” much spiritual understanding “from them shall be taken even that [little] that they had.” That is also a part of the function of “comparing spiritual things with spiritual” and “not speaking in words that man’s wisdom teaches”. We must include verse 12 in our understanding of  Christ’s purpose for speaking in parables. Christ’s parables, His signs and symbols, are the spiritual words that are just as effective at taking away what little understanding is given to the multitudes today as it was when Christ first applied those words to the multitudes of the Christians of His own day.

Mar 4:33  And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.

We will pause here and label this ‘Part A’ of our study of verses 4-8 of Revelation 7, and we will resume our study of who these 144,000 firstfruits unto God and the Lamb are in our next study.

The Book of Micah – Part 5, Micah 5:1-15

[Study Aired March 23, 2024]

When we reflect upon what the prophets of old are inspired to write, they all have the profound underlying theme of our God powerfully establishing His physical righteousness first in the nation of Israel. From her torrid experiences, the prophets have a hazy yet profound understanding that the world will be saved by some other source than Israel and their own works. However, like Solomon, they see dimly that a spiritual reality must emerge since keeping the Commandments by one’s own strength has proven endlessly by Israel to be utterly useless. Micah is dedicated faithfully to the same understanding that some element which the holy spirit keeps hidden is “black” to their discernment and is yet to be revealed. In the meantime, Micah and the entire Old Testament of continuing dead works, herald the coming of the holy spirit that will bring all understanding to truth.

Joh 1:29  The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
Joh 1:30  This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.
Joh 1:31  And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptising with water.
Joh 1:32  And John bare record, saying, I saw the spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.
Joh 1:33  And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptise with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. 
Joh 1:34  And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. 

Joh 14:26  But the Comforter, the holy spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance, whatever I have said to you.

1Co 2:9  But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them [First with his Bride who is the only woman since Adam and this age who does love Him] that love him.
1Co 2:10  But God hath revealed them unto us [His Bride] by his spirit: for the spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 
1Co 2:11  For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the spirit of God. 

1Pe 1:11  Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow [that is to follow Micah and all the prophets of old].
1Pe 1:12  Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels [Christ’s Elect] desire to look into.

The Ruler to Be Born in Bethlehem

Mic 5:1  Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek.
Mic 5:2  But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah [ef-rawth], though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

The daughter of troops symbolises the many harlot churches of Babylon that relentlessly lay siege against Christ’s commandments. Indeed, they did smite Christ, the judge of Israel, upon sending him to the cross.

Joh 18:22  And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so? 
Joh 18:23  Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?

Bethlehem and Ephrathah (ef-rawth) are one and the same, as are Leah and Rachel, Jacob’s wives. Leah bore the many troops of Israel with her ten sons, while Rachel figuratively birthed Bethlehem, which represents Christ. Bethlehem, Christ’s ‘little flock’, is diminutive, scattered and mostly unknown to each other among the thousands of “troops” of Israel exiled into Babylon.

Ephratah’s (ef-rawth) Definition: Ephrath or Ephratah = ash-heap: place of fruitfulness n pr loc 1. a place near Bethel where Rachel died and was buried. 2. another name for Bethlehem.

Even though Ephrath is to be an enduring ‘ash heap’ ground to powder, Agar of Mt Sinai is incredibly materially fruitful, particularly in her distortions of Christ’s word and subsequent worship of ‘another Jesus’ (2Co 11:4). Yet, out of her travail, first comes Christ, the ruler, “whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting” and, close on His bruised heels, His Bride and co-ruler, represented as Rachel being spiritually fruitful!

Gal 4:25  For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. [Babylonian Christianity, the “moon”, remains in bondage in Babylon, oblivious to being in subjection under the feet of her younger sister – Rev 12:1]
Gal 4:26  But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. 
Gal 4:27  For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren [symbolised as Rachel]  that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate [Rachel] hath many more children than she [The Great Whore] which hath an husband [… another Jesus. 2Co 11:4, Rev 18:7].

Following Israel being ‘given up’ for hundreds, even two thousand years in her coming exile into Babylon, a prophesied ‘remnant’ (“everlasting” Micah 5:2) will return in Zerubbabel’s name to rebuild the broken city of Jerusalem which parallels spiritually Christ’s building of His new Heavenly Jerusalem above.

Mic 4:2  And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

However, in the meantime, Micah goes on to say:

Mic 5:3  Therefore will he give them up, until the time [appointed] that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel.
Mic 5:4  And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth.

Zerubbabel represents Christ who comes to build His new heavenly Jerusalem, to feed His remnant little flock in training as His Bride who will come first in the One-Thousand Year reign with the rod of iron to prove to her ‘children’ yet again, as old Israel endlessly proved impossible to keep Christ’s commands without the holy spirit. Her children, risen in the Resurrection to Judgment and numbered as the sand of the sea, will be chastised and fed God’s word on the Eighth Day, the Lake of Fire.

Lev 23:23  And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Lev 23:24  Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month [eighth day], shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.
Lev 23:25  Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD [Lev 9:1-24].

Rev 17:11  And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.

Joh 7:37  In the last day, that great day of the feast [the Eighth Day, the Lake of Fire], Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

Mic 5:5  And this man shall be the peace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land: and when he shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him seven shepherds, and eight principal men.

Micah and all the so-called ‘minor prophets’ are not ministering to themselves, but to us today since the cross to the Bride Christ, forewarning her of her inward destruction spiritually yet with an astonishing glorious ending first for her and following the rest of the world )1Pe 1:10-12).

The ‘man of peace’ is easily seen as the coming of Christ to rout the Assyrian out of the lying wealth of our own doings and raise seven angels to first rule our heavens. The word of God is hidden in the dichotic meaning of peace when, in fact, there is coming war, yet the Elect of God are well-versed in the reality of the joy that trials (Jas 1:1-18) bring since they make their spiritual character strong.

Rev 1:19  Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; 
Rev 1:20  The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. 

Rev 8:2  And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.

The seven trumpets are the Elect of God in training, first blowing a warning of the seven plagues of the same seven vials within themselves and then collectively in the seven churches that are one Church, the Lord’s Bride in the Resurrection to Judgment.

Rev 16:1  And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.
Rev 16:2  And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.

In the next verse (Mic 5:6) the land of Assyria and Nimrod are figuratively the same as Babylon, that ‘the man of peace’ (Micah 5:5), Christ from Bethlehem, will first destroy us in the winepress of His wrath upon our inward borders before bringing us into His glory.

Mic 5:6  And they shall waste the land of Assyria with the sword, and the land of Nimrod [rebellion] in the entrances thereof: thus shall he deliver us from the Assyrian, when he cometh into our land, and when he treadeth within our borders.

As we know, Assyria, Egypt, Sodom and old Jerusalem all represent Babylon.

Jer 23:14  I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.
Jer 23:15  Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets; Behold, I will feed them with wormwood [bitterness], and make them drink the water of gall [venom, bitter, poisonous]: for from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness gone forth into all the land.

The Lord in scripture is consistent in bringing His beloved chastisement before glory. Christ, the one seed, spiritually conceives in His little remnant-Bride the beginnings of a mighty harvest. One seed of wheat with today’s genetic breeding brings forth a highly varied number of kernels. In my day as a wheat farmer, depending on the soil moisture and soil fertility, one head of wheat would produce a nominal average of thirty-three seeds (Today’s genetics raises that figure to 50).

A Remnant Shall Be Delivered

The remaining verses of Micah 5:7-15 are, in part, a repeat of the exact theme for the salvation of man consistently shown throughout the entire Bible. Man is shown his sin to be acknowledged, and since he is designed to rebel, seven thousand years of chastisement ensues for his torturous learning to obey Christ’s commands. However, there is always a thread of people with God-given righteousness hand-chosen by Christ to present His coming. Since the cross, that ‘remnant’ continues hidden as a materially and academically dishevelled little flock who is given a double portion of His spirit to be unified in Him to bring forth the many children as the sand of the sea in the Resurrection to Judgment.

Mic 5:7  And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people as a dew from the LORD, as the showers upon the grass, that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men.

The Bride of Christ is well-versed in knowing that the ‘remnant’ is her represented as “dew”, diminutive like the manna  which looked like hoar-frost fed to the Israelites. The dew of Christ’s word upon one kernel of wheat grows into a flood and mighty harvest of souls for everyone who is made to tarry on the Lord for one of the two resurrections. Just as consistently does Christ’s Bride know that it is she who is first to be beaten and ground to powder like a double portion of chastisement to be made worthy to be glorified in Christ. She is the “remnant” that shows her brothers and sisters the pattern of the heavenly they must endure in the Lake of Fire, the Resurrection to Judgment.

Gen 27:26  And his [Jacob’s] father Isaac said unto him, Come near now, and kiss me, my son.
Gen 27:27  And he came near, and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment [treachery, deceit], and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the LORD hath blessed: 
Gen 27:28  Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn [wheat] and wine:
Gen 27:29  Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be Lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother’s sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee.

Mic 5:8  And the remnant of Jacob [Joseph and Benjamin as one] shall be among the Gentiles in the midst of many people as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep: who, if he go through, both treadeth down, and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver. 

Judah, the priestly nation and today, is the reality of the Bride of Christ, likened to a male lion who has the authority to be intently watched and respected as it strolls through the midst of the beasts of the field, and woe upon any he fixes his gaze.

Gen 49:8  Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father’s children shall bow down before thee. 
Gen 49:9  Judah is a lion’s whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up? 
Gen 49:10  The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh [Christ] come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.

Num 23:24  Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion, and lift up himself as a young lion: he shall not lie down until he eat of the prey, and drink the blood of the slain. 

Rev 5:4  And I [John] wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. 
Rev 5:5  And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

Christ alone has the right to open ‘the book’, and as He is, so she, his Wife, also has that right, being utterly one in unity of spirit. 

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. 

Mic 5:9  Thine hand shall be lifted up upon thine adversaries, and all thine enemies shall be cut off. 

Rev 3:9  Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews [Christ’s Elect], and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. 
Rev 3:10  Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
Rev 3:11  Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Mic 5:10  And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD, that I will cut off thy horses out of the midst of thee, and I will destroy thy chariots [mode of delivering 200,000,000 smothering (covering) lies Rev 9; particularly verse 16]: 
Mic 5:11  And I will cut off the cities of thy land, and throw down all thy strong holds [all spiritually within]: 
Mic 5:12  And I will cut off witchcrafts out of thine hand; and thou shalt have no more soothsayers: 
Mic 5:13  Thy graven images also will I cut off, and thy standing images out of the midst of thee; and thou shalt no more worship the work of thine hands. 
Mic 5:14  And I will pluck up thy groves out of the midst of thee: so will I destroy thy cities. 
Mic 5:15  And I will execute vengeance in anger and fury upon the heathen, such as they have not heard. 

Micah 5:7-14 is a mighty orchestral frenzy of chastising instrumentation reaching a crescendo in verse 15, a trumpet-like blast and deathly silence for inward trembling reflection as the Lion of Judah royally strolls among us, His gaze fixed on each of us, and we, initially utterly unable to hold a single-eyed returned ravishing (Son 4:9).

Rev 4:8  And the four beasts [around the throne of God] had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: 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.

However, before the First Resurrection, the Lord’s Bride has a God-designed devastating beauty matching Christ’s glory when he, in Solomon’s words, says,

Son 4:9  Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck. 

Ezekiel Chapters 2 and 3 – Eat the Roll!!

[Study Aired February 5, 2023]

Introduction

Over the past two weeks we have looked closely at the vision Ezekiel had concerning the four living creatures, the wheels and our Lord Jesus Christ sitting on the throne above the expanse over the heads of the living creatures. Today’s study focuses on what was said by the Lord Jesus Christ sitting on the throne of Ezekiel’s heart and mind. Part of what was spoken to Ezekiel covers chapter 2 and 3 of the Book of Ezekiel, which is our study for today.

We need to understand that the greatest gift that the Lord bestows on His children here on earth is for us to hear and understand what the spirit of the Lord is saying to us. Hearing and understanding the voice of the Lord is what confirms to us that we are indeed called and chosen. Usually, we hear the voice of the Lord out of the fire of our affliction, and many reject His voice because of the affliction.

Deu 4:12  Then the LORD spoke to you out of the midst of the fire. You heard the sound of words, but saw no form; there was only a voice.

As we go through today’s study, may the Lord cause us to be sensitive to His voice and not become like the people of Israel or our brothers and sisters in Babylon, who love to hear from the Lord but do not want the fire, the thunders and the lightnings which accompany His words.

Exo 19:17  And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount. 
Exo 19:18  And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.
Exo 19:19  And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice.

Exo 20:18  And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.
Exo 20:19  And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.
Exo 20:20  And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.
Exo 20:21  And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.

Our Mission as Witnesses of Christ

Eze 2:1  And he said to me, “Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you.” 
Eze 2:2  And as he spoke to me, the Spirit entered into me and set me on my feet, and I heard him speaking to me.

When the Lord came to visit Ezekiel in Babylon, the first thing He told him was to stand on his feet so that He could speak to him. Standing on his feet means Ezekiel getting himself ready to walk before the Lord. In verse 2 we are told that it was when the Spirit entered Ezekiel that he stood on his feet. This tells us that we do not have the capacity to get ourselves on our feet, ready to walk with God. Everything regarding our walk with Christ is initiated by the Lord and without Him, we can do nothing. 

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 15:4  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
Joh 15:5  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Verse 2 says that it was when the Lord spoke to Ezekiel that the spirit of the Lord entered into him, causing him to stand on his feet. This implies that the word of the Lord is spirit, and therefore when we cannot understand the spiritual significance of His words, we cannot be on our feet to walk with the Lord acceptably.

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.

Eze 2:3  And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day.
Eze 2:4  For they are impudent children and stiffhearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD.
Eze 2:5  And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.

In verse 3, Ezekiel was given his mandate as servant of the Lord to preach to the house of Israel. When the Lord was here on earth, He told us that His area of operation is to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. The lost sheep of the house of Israel is the same as the rebellious nation of Israel who are stiff-hearted. This rebellious nation is Babylon.

Mat 15:24  But he (Jesus) answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 

As He is, so are we. We are also called to minister to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. In the Book of Acts, the disciples including Paul and the others, ministered mainly to the Jews (the lost sheep of the house of Israel) wherever they went. At that time they did not understand that the Gentiles would become part of the commonwealth of Israel. Their ignorance was used by the Lord to minister to the lost sheep of the house of Israel as the Lord’s disciples ministered mainly to the Jews in Israel and the diaspora.

As indicated in verse 4 and 5, Ezekiel’s message would not be welcomed by the people of Israel. However, later, they would surely come to know that a prophet had been among them. This was exactly what happened to Jesus when the people of Israel did not accept his message, but through the witness of His disciples, the people of Israel came to see that indeed He was a Prophet!! The rejection of the message by the Lord’s disciples to the lost sheep of the house of Israel paved the way for the Gentiles to receive the message. At that time Ezekiel was not given to know this.

Rom 11:11  So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous.
Rom 11:12  Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean! 
Rom 11:13  Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry 
Rom 11:14  in order somehow to make my fellow Jews jealous, and thus save some of them. (ESV)

The bringing in of the Gentiles means that now spiritually, the lost sheep of the house of Israel represent Jerusalem which is in bondage with her children and that is the physical churches of this world – Babylon. We, His elect, are therefore witnesses to the truth of the word of the Lord to Babylon even though they will not acknowledge this. However, at the right time, they shall recognize that indeed we, as the Lord’s prophets, have been among them.

Gal 4:25  For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
Gal 4:26  But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
Gal 4:27  For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.

Eze 2:6  And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.
Eze 2:7  And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they are most rebellious.

Here Ezekiel is being warned against what may cause us to abandon our mission to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. The first thing mentioned is being afraid of them. What we need to know is that the Lord has prospered them physically, that is, they have the numbers and the resources, and therefore we may have the tendency to regard ourselves as grasshoppers in their sight just as the people of Israel looked to themselves as grasshoppers before the Canaanites’ giants.

Num 13:33  And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.

This grasshopper mentality mitigates against our faith, and therefore we are not able to use faith in our witness of the truth of the word of the Lord to our brothers and sisters in Babylon. We do not need to know the full counsel of the Lord before we can become witnesses of Christ. The little of the truth which the Lord has shown us is sufficient to testify effectively before our brothers and sisters in Babylon. This grasshopper mentality affected Elijah when he became afraid of Jezebel and went to hide from her.

1Ki 19:9  And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah? 
1Ki 19:10  And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

The second thing Ezekiel was warned about by the Lord is that he should not be afraid of the words of our brothers and sisters in Babylon even though their words are like briers and thorns. The briars and thorns are false doctrines and therefore the lord is warning us not to become ensnared by their words as their words will make us worse off.

2Pe 2:18  For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness [the false doctrines of briers and thorns], those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. 
2Pe 2:19  While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 
2Pe 2:20  For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

The third warning by the Lord is that Ezekiel should not be intimidated by their looks. The negative application of the word “looks” signifies being proud as shown in the following verses:

Psa 18:27  For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks.

Isa 2:11  The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day. 

One of the characteristics of our brothers and sisters in Babylon is their pride in their resources and numbers which to them signifies the Lord’s approval of them being the Lord’s chosen bride.

Isa 3:16  The LORD said: Because the daughters of Zion are haughty and walk with outstretched necks, glancing wantonly with their eyes, mincing along as they go, tinkling with their feet,

They think that it is their decisions and willpower through the false doctrine of freewill that has made them what they are. What we need to know is that in this world, we are the desolate woman and in the final analysis, we shall have more children than she who has a husband. As the Lord’s elect, our confidence should be in the fact that we know the Lord and He knows us!!

Gal 4:27  For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.

In verse 7, we are again warned that irrespective of their reaction to our words, whenever we have the opportunity, we should serve as witnesses of the truth of the word of the Lord to our brothers and sisters in Babylon.

Eze 2:8  But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee.
Eze 2:9  And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book was therein;
Eze 2:10  And he spread it before me; and it was written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe.

In being given the mandate to serve as witness to the truth of the word of the Lord to our brothers and sisters in Babylon, we are warned not to become rebellious. From the word of the Lord, being rebellious has to do with not being prepared to listen to the truth of the word of the Lord. It also means not accepting the counsel of the Lord. In the body of Christ, the Lord’s counsel is sought through multitude of counsellors. Our inclination not to adhere or listen to the multitude of counsellors make us rebellious before the Lord.

Isa 30:1  Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:

Isa 30:9  That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD:

Isa 50:5  The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back.

Pro 11:14  Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

In verse 8, we are advised by the Lord to eat what He gives to us, and what He gives to us is His words which is represented in verse 9 as a roll of a book. This roll had writings within and without, and these writings concern lamentations, mourning and woe.  The lamentations, mourning and woe that are written in the word of the Lord pertains to the fiery trials we are to go through in this life as the Lord’s elect. Our lives here on earth are characterized by lamentations, mourning and woe because it is through the fiery trials which are marked out for us in the roll of the book that we learn righteousness. That is why in the Book of Revelation, the two witnesses who represent the Lord’s elect in every generation were clothed in sackcloth which is a symbol of mourning.

Gen 37:34  And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days. 

Rev 11:3  And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

The fact that the roll of the book was written within and without signifies that the word of the Lord has both an inward and an outward application. That is, the word of the Lord has both a spiritual and a physical application.

We have to eat the Roll

Eze 3:1  Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel. 
Eze 3:2  So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll.
Eze 3:3  And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness.

What these verses are showing us is that we should feed on the word of the Lord. That is another way of saying that we should study to show ourselves approved unto God. It is when we are feeding on the word of the Lord that we can serve as witnesses to the house of Israel, that is, Babylon. 

2Ti 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Our experience as we feed on the word of the Lord is the same as Ezekiel. As he began eating the roll, it was sweet in his mouth. That is to say that as the Lord unveils the truth of His words to us, we become excited about the revelation we are receiving.

Eze 3:6  Not to many people of a strange speech and of an hard language, whose words thou canst not understand. Surely, had I sent thee to them, they would have hearkened unto thee. 
Eze 3:7  But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto me: for all the house of Israel are impudent and hardhearted. 
Eze 3:8  Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces, and thy forehead strong against their foreheads.
Eze 3:9  As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.

These verses show us that as the Lord’s elect, our sphere of influence is our own people. The issue is that just as the Lord ministered to His own people and was not accepted, we, as His elect, will not be accepted by our own people.

Mar 6:4  But Jesus said, “Prophets are honored by everyone, except the people of their hometown and their relatives and their own family.”
Mar 6:5  Jesus could not work any miracles there, except to heal a few sick people by placing his hands on them.
Mar 6:6  He was surprised that the people did not have any faith. Jesus taught in all the neighboring villages. (CEV)

As He is, so are we. It is our own people who reject us. Apostle Paul, Stephen and others were all rejected by the Jews – their own people. This reminds me of a hymn by Koda that we sang during our time in Babylon and is still relevant to how the Lord is dealing with us. 

Go labour on, spend and be spent
Thy joy to do the Father’s will
It is the way, the master went
And should not the servant tread it still?

Knowing that we shall be rejected by our own people, the Lord strengthens us daily to withstand the onslaught of our own people.

Psa 41:2  The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.

Eze 3:10  Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, all my words that I shall speak unto thee receive in thine heart, and hear with thine ears.
Eze 3:11  And go, get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them, and tell them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear.

In verse 10, Ezekiel was to receive in his heart all the Lord’s words that He speaks to him. All the Lord’s words constitute the full counsel of the Lord and therefore, we are required to understand the Lord’s full counsel which will help us to rightly divide the word. 

Act 20:27  For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

Again, Ezekiel, a type of the elect, is told to serve as a witness of the truth of the word of the Lord to the people of Israel in captivity who represent our brothers and sisters in Babylon. However, they will not accept our testimony just as the Pharisees and the scribes rejected the counsel of God. This is what the Lord said about this generation that we are dealing with:

Luk 7:29  And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.
Luk 7:30  But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.
Luk 7:31  And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?
Luk 7:32  They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.

Eze 3:12  Then the spirit took me up, and I heard behind me a voice of a great rushing, saying, Blessed be the glory of the LORD from his place. 
Eze 3:13  I heard also the noise of the wings of the living creatures that touched one another, and the noise of the wheels over against them, and a noise

As indicated earlier, it is the spirit of the Lord within us that enables us to walk before the Lord and to hear the mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven. Hearing a voice of a great rushing is the same as hearing the voice of the Lord or His words. It is as we look back to see how the Lord has shown mercy to us by coming to live within us that we come to appreciate the blessedness of the glory of the Lord from His temple within us. Hearing the noise of the wings of the living creatures that touched one another and the noise of the wheels is the same as hearing the truth of the words of the Lord.

Eze 1:24  And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech, as the noise of an host: when they stood, they let down their wings.

Eze 3:14  So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me.
Eze 3:15  Then I came to them of the captivity at Telabib, that dwelt by the river of Chebar, and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days.

In the heat of my spirit in verse 14 means being angry. A more understandable version of this verse is as follows:

Eze 3:14  Then the Spirit lifted me and took me away. I went away feeling bitter and angry. The strong power of the LORD came over me. (GW)

In spite of all the revelations that Ezekiel received as he was carried by the spirit, he was bitter and angry. Why was Ezekiel bitter and angry? It was because he had been advised that the people will not accept His testimony of the truth. We have all gone through this experience of Ezekiel when we started hearing the truth of the word of the Lord. It was as sweet as honey in our mouth. However, in our zeal for the Lord, we went to our kindred to proclaim the truth of the word of the Lord but were met with fierce resistance to the truth. We became bitter and angry. However, the hand of the Lord was very strong on our behalf just like the case of Ezekiel, otherwise, we would have given up hope.  As stated by King David, the hand of the Lord will surely help His people.

Psa 37:23  The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. 
Psa 37:24  Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

Ezekiel came to his people in Telabib and over a period of seven days, he was overwhelmed by what he had seen. The seven days represent the complete period of our time in Babylon after the Lord had come to us to show us the truth, before we exit. We become astonished as we continue to live with our brothers and sisters in Babylon after we have started to know the truth. This is because we come to see the lies that are pervasive among our people which they consider as truth. This is what Jesus describes the situation in Babylon:

Mat 15:14  Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

Being Called to Become a Watchman

Eze 3:16  And it came to pass at the end of seven days, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
Eze 3:17  Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.
Eze 3:18  When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 
Eze 3:19  Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. 
Eze 3:20  Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 
Eze 3:21  Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.

As the Lord’s elect, we are called as watchmen of the Lord’s flock. We are to warn our brothers and sisters of the dangers lying ahead as we walk with Christ. If we refuse to warn our brothers and sisters and they die in their sins, their blood would be required of us.

Isa 62:6  I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence, 
Isa 62:7  And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.

Our role as watchmen means that we are to be ready at any point in time to share the Lord’s words when we are given the opportunity.

1Pe 3:15  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 

In Ezekiel 33, we are also shown another role of a watchman. We are to blow the trumpet of an impending sword in our land. That is to say that we are to warn our brothers and sisters about the judgment of our old man.

Eze 33:2  Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman:
Eze 33:3  If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people; 
Eze 33:4  Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head.
Eze 33:5  He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul.

Eze 3:22  And the hand of the LORD was there upon me; and he said unto me, Arise, go forth into the plain, and I will there talk with thee. 
Eze 3:23  Then I arose, and went forth into the plain: and, behold, the glory of the LORD stood there, as the glory which I saw by the river of Chebar: and I fell on my face. 
Eze 3:24  Then the spirit entered into me, and set me upon my feet, and spake with me, and said unto me, Go, shut thyself within thine house.
Eze 3:25  But thou, O son of man, behold, they shall put bands upon thee, and shall bind thee with them, and thou shalt not go out among them:
Eze 3:26  And I will make thy tongue cleave to the roof of thy mouth, that thou shalt be dumb, and shalt not be to them a reprover: for they are a rebellious house. 
Eze 3:27  But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear: for they are a rebellious house.

One of the phrases that runs through the Book of Ezekiel is “The Glory of the Lord”. Here in verse 23, Ezekiel saw the glory of the Lord and therefore fell on his face when he went to the plain to hear from the Lord. The glory of the Lord shows us His personality as one who is strong and mighty (Has all the resources), and the one who intervenes in our circumstance to lift up the gates that bar us from coming to know Him.

Psa 24:7  Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
Psa 24:8  Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
Psa 24:9  Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
Psa 24:10  Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.

As we are aware, our Lord Jesus Christ and His words are the same. This implies that the glory of the Lord is also His words which we hear out of the midst of the fire which is our fiery trials.

Deu 5:24  And ye said, Behold, the LORD our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth.

Verses 24 to 27 show us that there is a time to speak and a time to keep silent. Here the Lord told Ezekiel that he should shut himself in the house and that he would be restrained from going out among his people. The Lord also told Ezekiel that He would cause him to be mute and unable to reprove the people of their sins. There is a time that the Lord causes us to shut ourselves up from all that surrounds us so that we can focus on His words. Paul gave us his experience when the Lord appeared to him as follows:

Gal 1:15  But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace,
Gal 1:16  To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: 
Gal 1:17  Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia [Shut himself up], and returned again unto Damascus.

There is also a time to bear witness to the truth of His words. That is the time that the Lord opens our mouth so that we can say “Thus saith the Lord.” Again, Paul’s experience can guide us to know when to speak and when to become mute.

Gal 2:1  Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. 
Gal 2:2  And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.

May the Lord continue to guide us by His spirit to know when to speak and when to remain silent. Amen!!

The Book of Romans, Part 22 – We Must Worship in Spirit and in Truth

[Study Aired December 19, 2023]

Rom 9:14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. 
Rom 9:15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
Rom 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. 
Rom 9:17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. 
Rom 9:18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. 
Rom 9:19 Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? 
Rom 9:20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?
Rom 9:21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? 
Rom 9:22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: 
Rom 9:23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, 
Rom 9:24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? 
Rom 9:25 As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. 
Rom 9:26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God. 
Rom 9:27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: 
Rom 9:28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.
Rom 9:29 And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.
Rom 9:30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. 
Rom 9:31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. 
Rom 9:32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;
Rom 9:33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

As we continue reviewing the book of Romans, Paul’s thoughts explain the deeper meaning of God’s sovereignty. In our last study, we reviewed the beginning of Romans 9, witnessing Paul’s fervent concern for the salvation of his fellow Israelites. We have the same concern for our “fellow kinsmen of the flesh” hoping they would see the things of the spirit as we do. Paul uses events from the past to show how God has always had a plan and how the people He chooses are part of His plan of salvation. As we progress to Romans 9:14-33, we will see further revelations from Paul that will describe the sovereignty of God.

Rom 9:14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.

In Romans 9:10-13, Paul unfolded the story of Jacob and Esau, the twin sons born to Isaac and Rebecca. He emphasized that before the twins had a chance to do anything good or bad, God’s purpose in choosing was evident. The selection between Jacob and Esau was not contingent on their actions but on God’s sovereign will. Quoting from Malachi 1:2-3, Paul asserts, “Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated”, underscoring God’s prerogative in making decisions and illustrating the concept of election. Jacob and Esau are types and shadows of the elect and the rest of mankind. Mankind (Esau) will be saved, but with the order God has chosen, the elect (Jacob) will experience salvation first.

Transitioning to Romans 9:14, Paul anticipates potential objections to the idea of God’s sovereignty in His decisions, asking, “What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God?” This question serves as a prelude to Paul’s further examination of God’s actions and justice within the framework of His sovereign decisions. God’s actions are not determined by notions of fairness or unfairness as we might understand them. Instead, Paul is prompting a reflection on the nature of God’s justice, which transcends man’s standards and operates within the realm of His wisdom and purpose. We must recognize the limitations of man’s understanding when grappling with the ways of a sovereign and righteous God. 

Isa 55:8-11 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Psa 139:12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

Paul once again uses Old Testament stories to make his point.

Rom 9:15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
Rom 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. 
Rom 9:17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. 
Rom 9:18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. 

Paul is mentioning the fact that God’s plan will be followed no matter what men wish or hope to take place. We cannot dictate our way of life, and just as God caused Pharaoh to be the enemy of Israel, He is causing us to “come out of her my people.” God chose Moses to lead His people out of Egypt, and God hardened Pharaoh’s heart to foreshadow our journey out of “Christianity.” God’s mercy will eventually come to all mankind.

Rev 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

1 Timothy 2:3-4 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Continuing with our verses.

Rom 9:19 Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? 
Rom 9:20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? 
Rom 9:21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? 
Rom 9:22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: 
Rom 9:23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, 
Rom 9:24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? 
Rom 9:25 As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. 
Rom 9:26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God. 

In Romans 9:19-26, Paul addresses a potential objection concerning God’s sovereignty. Faced with the question of why God still finds fault and who can resist His will, Paul uses the story of a potter molding the clay to underscore God’s supreme authority in shaping vessels according to His purpose. Rebuking man’s presumption in questioning God’s designs, Paul emphasizes the limitations of mankind’s understanding in the face of God’s sovereignty. He speaks of the concept of God enduring vessels fitted for destruction, having them to fulfill their appointed roles in demonstrating His justice, while simultaneously revealing the richness of His glory in vessels of mercy. Paul concludes by highlighting the inclusiveness of God’s call, extending beyond the boundaries of the Jews’ heritage, “my kinsmen in the flesh”, to embrace the Gentiles, as prophesied in Hosea. This passage highlights both His justice and His mercy in the unfolding of His plan of salvation.

Isaiah 29:16 Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter’s clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding?

Jeremiah 18:6 O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.

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

Exodus 33:19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.

Hosea 2:23 And I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God.

Moving forward from the discussion of Romans 9:19-26, where Paul confirms God’s control, we come to the next verses.

Rom 9:27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: 
Rom 9:28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.
Rom 9:29 And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.

In these verses, Paul continues explaining God’s plan, showing that it goes beyond “my kinsmen of the flesh.” As we read the above verses quoted from Isaiah, we see Paul illustrating how vast God’s mercy is and how He keeps His promises.

The remnant being saved are not the children of the flesh. The remnant are those who worship God in spirit and in truth.

Joh 4:19-24 The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. 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. God is Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Jesus states “salvation is of the Jews.” Is he speaking of “his kinsmen of the flesh?” Yes, but only in type and shadow. Everything is changing from the flesh to the spirit. The flesh is no more able to please God through works than a withering plant can survive in arid soil without water. It is demanded that God be worshiped in “spirit and in truth.”

Rom 9:30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. 
Rom 9:31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. 
Rom 9:32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; 
Rom 9:33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Romans 9:30-33 marks a pivotal moment in Paul’s discourse on salvation and righteousness. The passage begins by highlighting a significant shift in perspective – the Gentiles, who did not actively pursue righteousness, have attained it through faith. Meanwhile, Israel, who diligently sought after the law of righteousness, did not attain it because they sought it by works rather than by faith. This underscores a central theme in Paul’s teachings – salvation is not achieved through works or adherence to the law but is a result of faith in Christ.

Supporting this perspective, Paul draws on the prophetic words of Isaiah. In Romans 9:32-3, he quotes Isaiah 28:16 and Isaiah 8:14 to emphasize the stumbling stone and rock of offense which is Christ. The stumbling block signifies the challenge “the many called” face in accepting Christ as the cornerstone of salvation. The pursuit of righteousness through works became an obstacle, causing them to stumble over the simplicity of faith in Christ.

Isaiah 28:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation<: he that believeth shall not make haste.

Isaiah 8:14 And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

Romans 9:30-33 emphasizes the critical importance of faith in Christ for both Jews and Gentiles. It underscores the danger of relying on works for righteousness and points to Christ as the cornerstone, highlighting the stumbling block that hindered “the many called” from recognizing Him as the path to salvation.

Mat 20:16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

1Co 10:1-11 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

The true Israel of God are those worshipping God in spirit and in truth.

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.

The Book of Romans, Part 18 – Heirs With Christ

[Study Aired November 7, 2023]

Rom 8:12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
Rom 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
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.
Rom 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Rom 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

In our last study from Romans 8:1-11, the Apostle Paul conveyed a profound message about the transformative power of faith in Christ. He starts by emphasizing that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus and live according to God’s spirit, not the flesh. The spirit of life in Christ Jesus liberates us from the bondage of sin and death, something the law alone couldn’t achieve due to the weakness of the flesh.

Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

Paul explains that God sent His Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to condemn sin within the flesh, enabling the righteousness of the law to be fulfilled in those who walk by the spirit. Those who focus on the desires of the flesh are destined for spiritual death, while those who pursue the things of the spirit find life and peace.

Rom 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
Rom 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Rom 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

He highlights the inherent enmity between the carnal mind and God, as the carnal mind cannot submit to God’s law of the spirit. Those who remain in the flesh cannot please God. However, Paul reassures us that we are not in the flesh but in the spirit, provided that the spirit of God dwells within us. He stresses that if anyone does not possess the spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Him.

Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Rom 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
Rom 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

Furthermore, Paul explains that when Christ dwells in us, our physical body will be subject to sin and death, but the spirit imparts life through righteousness. The same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead will also give life to our mortal bodies because Christ dwells within us.

Rom 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

In essence, these verses underscore the transformation that occurs when one embraces Christ and lives according to the spirit, leading to freedom from condemnation, a fulfillment of righteousness, and the promise of spiritual life and resurrection.

With our study today, we continue our journey through the teachings of the Apostle Paul, found in the eighth chapter of the Book of Romans. In these verses, Paul presents a compelling message about our identity as believers, the power of the holy spirit, and the transformative impact of our faith in Christ.

As we dive into these verses, let us open our hearts to the riches of God’s Words and the profound spiritual insights they offer. Together, we will explore the implications of our adoption into God’s family, the role of the holy spirit in our lives, and the promise of future glory through shared suffering. May these verses deepen our understanding of our identity as the children of God and inspire us to live lives marked by the spirit, not the flesh.

Rom 8:12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.

Romans 8:12 begins by reminding us that as the children of God, we carry a debt, but not one owed to the flesh. Rather, our debt is to the spirit, compelling us to live in accordance with the spirit’s guidance and not yield to the desires of the flesh. This is a major shift in our perspective and approach to life.

Picture this “debt to the flesh” as an inclination to pursue our desires, frequently rooted in materialistic or ego-driven motives. This path leads to turmoil, suffering and a sense of detachment from God. In contrast, the “debt to the spirit” signifies a devotion to a loftier purpose, one that yields the fruits of the spirit. Suffering, in this context, ultimately paves the way for joy, as it contributes to the dismantling of the fleshly desires.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

This verse from Proverbs encourages us to trust in something greater than our own understanding and desires. It resonates with the idea of owing a debt to the spirit’s guidance.

Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

Gal 5:22-22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

In Galatians, the apostle Paul advises us to walk in the Spirit, which echoes the sentiment of Romans 8:12. By doing so, we can resist the temptations of the flesh and produce the fruit of the spirit.

Colossians 3:1-2 If ye, then, be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

These verses from Colossians remind us to focus on spiritual matters rather than earthly desires, emphasizing the idea of being debtors to the spirit’s calling.

As we examine Romans 8:12, we can approach it as an opportunity for self-awareness and inner transformation. It invites us to reevaluate our priorities, placing our spiritual well-being and connection with Christ and God above the fleeting desires of the flesh. This shift in perspective can bring us closer to a life marked by peace, empathy and compassion for ourselves and others.

Rom 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

Verse 13 reinforces this truth with a stark contrast: a life lived in pursuit of the flesh leads to death, while a life directed through the spirit brings forth abundant life. It is a powerful reminder of the life-altering consequences of our “choices” (Rom 8:20-21) and the significance of our relationship with God.

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, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Romans 8:13 invites us to reflect deeply on the “choices” we make in our lives and their profound consequences. The verse offers a stark contrast between two paths: living according to the desires of the flesh and living in alignment with the guidance of the spirit. It’s as if a crossroads presents itself, and we must “choose” our direction. This “choice”, in essence, reflects our values and priorities.

When we choose to live according to the flesh, it’s a choice rooted in immediate gratification, material pursuits and ego-driven desires. This path, as the verse suggests, leads to a form of “death.” Now, it’s essential to understand that this “death” is not necessarily a physical one but rather a spiritual state characterized by disconnection from God.

On the other hand, when we opt for a life guided by the spirit, we open ourselves to a transformational journey. This choice aligns with values such as love, compassion, empathy and a deeper connection with God and others. It leads to an “abundant life” — a life marked by inner peace, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose. This is the path where true life flourishes.

Joh 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

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

Romans 8:13 serves as a powerful reminder of the far-reaching impact of our choices. It’s an invitation to reflect on our values and priorities and how they influence our daily decisions. Being guided by the spirit, we foster a closer relationship with God and embrace the transformation and growth of Christ within us.

In our interactions with others, we can also approach this understanding with empathy. When individuals make decisions that align with the flesh, we can recognize that these decisions stem from the spirit not being within them.

In essence, Romans 8:13 calls us to be mindful of our position and to embrace the transformative power of the spirit. It encourages us to approach ourselves and others with empathy, recognizing the underlying needs and motivations that influence our decisions and ultimately lead us toward a life filled with abundance and purpose.

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Proverbs 14:12 reminds us that our decisions, which often cater to the desires of the flesh, may seem right but will lead to undesirable outcomes, aligning with the message of Romans 8:13.

Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Galatians 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption, but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

These verses from Galatians parallel the message in Romans 8:13, underscoring the consequences of living according to the flesh versus the benefits of sowing to the Spirit. They describe the internal struggle between the desires of the flesh and the Spirit, reinforcing the importance of following the spirit’s guidance as mentioned in Romans 8:13.

James 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

This verse from the Book of James highlights the progression from desires of the flesh to sin and eventual spiritual death, harmonizing with the message of Romans 8:13.

1 Peter 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.

1 Peter 2:11 encourages us to abstain from fleshly lusts that will harm the soul, aligning with the idea of mortifying the deeds of the body mentioned in Romans 8:13.

Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

In verse 14, Paul unveils a beautiful reality. Those who are led by the spirit of God are not mere followers but are recognized as the very sons and daughters of the Almighty. This recognition signifies a divine connection, a testament to our adoption into God’s family. It is an embrace of love, grace, and a sense of belonging, far beyond the notion of mere follower-ship.

This perspective encourages us to reflect on the nature of our relationship with God, and how it can deeply transform our understanding of ourselves and eventually our fellow worldly brethren. It also serves as a reminder that we are part of a larger family bound together by the spirit.

John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.

In the Gospel of John, we are reminded that through our belief in Christ, we are granted the power to become children of God. This complements the idea of being recognized as God’s sons and daughters as mentioned in Romans 8:14.

1 John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not because it knew him not.

This verse from the First Epistle of John underscores the depth of love that our Heavenly Father has placed upon us by calling us His sons and daughters.

The above verses emphasize the power of recognizing ourselves as children of God. This realization encourages us to embrace the qualities of love, understanding, and acceptance in our interactions with one another.

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.

Romans 8:15 is a heartwarming reminder of the profound impact of our connection with Christ and his Father and the freedom it brings. This verse tells us that we have not received a spirit that instills fear and bondage, as the law was meant to do in the past. Instead, we have been blessed with the spirit of adoption, which allows us to call out, “Abba, Father.” This intimate cry reveals the depth of closeness and assurance we enjoy in our relationship with God. It’s an offer to embrace a feeling of security, confidence, and affection that frees us from fear and limitation.

Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

This verse from Galatians echoes the message of Romans 8:15 by emphasizing the privilege of addressing God as “Abba, Father” due to our status as His sons and daughters. It further accentuates the intimate nature of our relationship with God.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

This verse reinforces the concept that the spirit given to us by God is not one of fear but of love, power, and soundness of mind. It aligns with the message in Romans 8:15, emphasizing our spiritual connection.

1 John 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.

First John highlights the power of love in eliminating fear. It resonates with the idea that the spirit of adoption frees us from fear and allows us to experience the perfect love of God.

These verses collectively emphasize the substantive nature of our relationship with God, which liberates us from fear and instills love, trust, and assurance.

Rom 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Rom 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Finally, in verses 16 and 17, Paul reveals the glorious inheritance that awaits us as children of God. We are not only heirs of God but also joint heirs with Christ. However, this inheritance comes with a condition – to be willing to share in Christ’s sufferings. Through our shared suffering, we are promised a shared glory, a truth that speaks to the depths of our spiritual journey.

It is the spirit of the Father sent through Christ that is transforming us from the first Adam to the last Adam. Christ being the first and the last leads as our example to fulfill the desires of our Father now that we are recognized as his children.

Col 1:9-29 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 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: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 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. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; 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. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: 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; 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: Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 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: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

In Romans 8:12-17 the Apostle Paul conveys a powerful message about the power of faith in Christ and our identity as children of God. He emphasizes that we are no longer indebted to live according to the desires of the flesh but are called to walk in the spirit. By embracing the spirit’s guidance, we break free from the bondage of sin and death and fulfill the righteousness of God’s law. Paul highlights the inherent conflict between the carnal mind and God’s law of the spirit, urging us to prioritize the things of the spirit over the flesh. We are reminded that our identity as God’s children is characterized by a close relationship that releases us from fear and captivity. The spirit of adoption allows us to cry out to God as “Abba, Father,” fostering a profound sense of trust and love.

Furthermore, as children of God, we inherit a promise of shared glory with Christ, if we are willing to share in His sufferings. This inheritance reveals the journey of embracing Christ and living in accordance with the spirit, leading to freedom from condemnation, a fulfillment of righteousness, and the hope of shared glory. These verses underscore the central role of Christ in our spiritual journey. It’s a call to live life marked by the spirit rather than the flesh, cherishing our identity as children of God.

2Co 3:17-18 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 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.

Worship – Part 1, What Is Worship?

Introduction

God is a spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24)

[Study Aired September 16,  2023]

In the late 1950s, as a youngster of about four to five, I increasingly became aware of God. I never liked ‘going to church’ on Sunday mornings in our neighbor’s Holden station wagon (Australian version of a Chevrolet) driven by a chain-smoking woman; her high heels kicked off and stockinged foot on the ‘go pedal’ flat to the boards as she cackled and talked non-stop. The car jiggled and danced sideways on the dusty corrugated gravel road like a middle-aged Shakira performing “Hips Don’t Lie” (conjectural). Well, the twitchy backside of that old car didn’t lie with the stench of cigarette smoke, lean-fuel exhaust and dust. It always made me feel ill ~ a wonderful prelude for a dreary Presbyterian church service. 

My dad had been getting the Plain Truth and broadcasts from the Radio Church of God at about the same time. I clearly heard the seductive broadcasts at 11 p.m. from my bed. Unaware to me, this predatory ‘woman’ (church) on the airwaves was the Lord’s way of arousing my spirit at such a tender age. Her etched ‘abuse’ was captivating and dreadfully alarming for several years until, at age 13, I was fully taken by her. I was unwittingly seduced.

Ecc 7:26  And I find more bitter than death the woman [Babylonian church], whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.

For the interim at the Presbyterian church, with the congregation, heads cocked this way and that, looking suitably ‘holy’ and pretending to look entranced, the minister would raise his chin, look at the back wall, and theatrically say, “Let us worship.” I feared not knowing God, yet I hated this form of ‘worship’ (the only one I knew) with a passion! I couldn’t wait for the same rally car-driving woman to frantically pump the bellows of the old manual wind-driven organ with the other stockinged foot, signalling I could go home. What a wasted last day of a precious weekend before being tortured at school!

Thankfully, the Lord gave me a way of escape from worshiping her and me (1Co 10:13).

What is Worship?

The term “worship” existed in God, who became the Father before the fowls of the air as a shadow of angelic beings, including Elohim, were created. God’s creation of our Lord Christ made Him a Son, and what the Son sees His Father do, He amplifies to glorify (worship) the Father. The Son subsequently created the heavens and the Earth to worship the Father in what They had agreed. Lord willing, we will see that worship is all-encompassing, as God is intrinsically in every detail of whatever existed in spirit before and after the physical creation. He is the epitome of perfection and purity Himself without any outside influence. He is omnipresent in His seeming unfathomable worship of purity that he is.

God the Father is the ultimate ‘word.’ The creation of His Son, Christ epitomised the Word – God’s purity – expressed as “worship.”

When the Lord swore His guarantee to save the world through Abraham, He effectively worshiped the purity intrinsic to God by His actions.

Heb 6:13  For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,
Heb 6:14  Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.
Heb 6:15  And so, after he had patiently endured, he [Christ, Abraham and mankind] obtained the promise.

The Lord swearing by himself is the same manner of God being “I am” in which all things are Is, Was and Will Be. He is the personification of worshiping himself by the purity of being him – “I AM” – the omnipresence of him without a beginning.

Exo 3:14  And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

In the purity of “I AM”, our Lord did all that the Father had told him by the vow He, as God, alone could carry out. He thus worshiped the Godhead and, most notably, the Father.

Joh 1:1  In the beginning was the Word [Elohim/Christ/Word], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

“In the beginning” of what? Creation, of course, since God, who became the Father, incomprehensibly pre-existed in ‘God-purity’ without a beginning.

Joh 1:2  The same [The Word/Christ] was in the beginning with God.
Joh 1:3  All things were made by him [Christ]; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Joh 1:4  In him was life; and the life was [slowly became] the light of men.
Joh 1:5  And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

The rest of the world not chosen by God to be the Elect comprehended not since they were and still remain in darkness.

Col 1:12  Giving thanks [worship] unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 
Col 1:13  Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness [of the abussos, the deep], and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 
Col 1:14  In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 
Col 1:15  Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 
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 [spirit angelic beings], or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Col 1:17  And he [existed as the first of creation] is before all things, and by him all things consist.

Gen 1:26  And God said, Let us [the Father and Elohim, the “Word”; two, not three] 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 [began the slow and detailed process of spiritually creating mankind; man wasn’t created in God’s perfect image of the heavenly] man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

Man, in being created in God’s image, begins with man’s highly malleable mind for deception in preparation for truth, the age-lasting act of creating him in God’s perfect image.

Gen 1:20  And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl [the birds who shadow Christ and His heavenly angels] that may fly above the Earth in the open firmament of heaven.

Upon God creating the Son, the Son became the creator extension of His creator Father, for which all things past and present are created by Him, for which the heavenly host shouted for joy.

Job was chided by the Lord for his self-righteousness and appropriated ‘holiness’ above God’s! Our Lord said to Job,

Job 38:4  Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.
Job 38:5  Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? 
Job 38:6  Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; 
Job 38:7  When the morning stars [all present angelic host and now man] sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? 

Although Job didn’t have a sustained level of the holy spirit to endure a changed heart, he was partly re-created as a representation, a shadow of us being spiritually recreated in our Lord God’s image. Upon Job seeing how loathsome his righteousness was, he worshiped God when he says,

Job 42:1  Then Job answered the LORD, and said,
Job 42:2  I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee. 
Job 42:3  Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.
Job 42:4  Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. 
Job 42:5  I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. 
Job 42:6  Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.

There are many expressions for the term “worship” that all with varying strengths of intensity mean worship. The Lord’s many verbalisations of His love for us evoke worship of Him without directly stating the action. Every aspect of Mark 12:30, including all the verses above, expresses worship of God without using the term “worship.” Some of those terms seen in the preceding verses are “giving thanks”, being delivered from the powers of darkness, “In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins; thou shalt love the lord thy god with all thy heart”, to name a very few evocations of “worship.”

As previously expressed, worship has many nuances that all express the act of worshiping. The first verbalisation of “worship” in scripture is in Abraham’s disquieted trust in the Lord through his profound commitment through obedience to sacrificing Isaac.

Gen 22:5  And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship [H7812], and come again to you. 

Gen 22:10  And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. 
Gen 22:11  And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. 
Gen 22:12  And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.

By not withholding his only son even from a brutal sacrifice, Abraham expressed the epitome of having no other gods before God, thus implicitly affirming his worship of God!

Let’s now study the word “worship”, and its tense expressions worshiped and worshiping. 

Worship
H7812 
[H8691]

Stem -Hithpael See [H8819]

Mood -Imperfect See [H8811]

Count-533

Worship: Original: שׁחה
– Transliteration: Shachah
– Phonetic: shaw-khaw’
– Definition:

1. to bow down
2. (Qal) to bow down 
3. (Hiphil) to depress (fig) 
4. (Hithpael) 
5. to bow down, prostrate oneself 1c 
6. before superior in homage 1c 
7. before God in worship 1c 
8. before false Gods 1c 
9. before angel

– Origin: a primitive root
– TWOT entry: 2360
– Part(s) of speech: Verb 
– Strong’s: A primitive root; to depress that is prostrate (especially reflexively in homage to royalty or God): – bow (self) down crouch fall down (flat) humbly beseech do (make) obeisance do reverence make to stoop worship. 

Total KJV Occurrences: 171 

• beseech, 1

 2Sa_16:4 

• bowed, 1

 2Sa_14:33  

• crouch, 1

 1Sa_2:36 

• down, 12

 Gen_27:29(2); Gen_49:8; Exo_23:24; Lev_26:1; Num_25:2; Jdg_2:19; Psa_72:11; Isa_45:14; Isa_49:23; Isa_51:23; Isa_60:14 

• flat, 1

 Num_22:31 

• [bowed] herself, 4

 Rth_2:10; 1Sa_25:23; 1Sa_25:41; 2Ki_4:37 

• [bowed] himself, 20

 Gen_18:2; Gen_19:1; Gen_23:7; Gen_23:12; Gen_33:3; Gen_47:31; Gen_48:12; 1Sa_20:41; 1Sa_24:8; 1Sa_28:14; 2Sa_9:8; 2Sa_14:22; 2Sa_18:21; 2Sa_24:20; 1Ki_1:23; 1Ki_1:47; 1Ki_1:53; 1Ki_2:19; 1Ch_21:21; 2Ch_25:14 

• [bowed] myself, 2

 2Ki_5:18(2) 

• obeisance, 9

 Gen_37:7; Gen_37:9; Gen_43:28; Exo_18:7; 2Sa_1:2; 2Sa_14:4; 2Sa_15:5; 1Ki_1:16; 2Ch_24:17

• [bowed] ourselves, 1

 Gen_37:10

• reverence, 4

 2Sa_9:6; 1Ki_1:31; Est_3:2; Est_3:5

• reverenced, 1

 Est_3:2

• stoop, 1

 Pro_12:25 

• [bowed] themselves, 9

 Gen_33:6; Gen_33:7(2); Gen_42:6; Gen_43:26; Exo_11:8; Jdg_2:12; Jdg_2:17; 2Ki_2:15 

• [bowed] thyself, 2

 Exo_20:5; Deu_5:9 

All of the above expressions directly relate to bowing down before the Lord. The below expressions of worship, worshipeth, and worshiping likewise involve bowing before God. 

• worship, 54

Gen_22:5; Exo_24:1; Exo_34:14; Deu_4:19; Deu_8:19; Deu_11:16; Deu_26:10; Deu_30:17; Jos_5:14; 1Sa_1:3; 1Sa_15:25; 1Sa_15:30; 1Ki_9:6; 2Ki_5:18; 2Ki_17:36; 2Ki_18:22; 1Ch_16:29; 2Ch_7:19; 2Ch_32:12; Psa_5:7; Psa_22:27; Psa_22:29; Psa_29:2; Psa_45:11; Psa_66:4; Psa_81:9; Psa_86:9; Psa_95:6; Psa_96:9; Psa_97:7; Psa_99:5; Psa_99:9; Psa_132:7; Psa_138:2; Isa_2:8; Isa_2:20; Isa_27:13; Isa_36:7; Isa_46:6; Isa_49:7; Isa_66:23; Jer_7:2; Jer_13:10; Jer_25:6; Jer_26:2; Eze_46:2; Eze_46:3; Eze_46:9; Mic_5:13; Zep_1:5(2); Zep_2:11; Zec_14:16; Zec_14:17

• worshiped, 39

Gen_24:26; Gen_24:48; Gen_24:52; Exo_4:31; Exo_12:27; Exo_32:8; Exo_33:10; Exo_34:8; Deu_17:3; Deu_29:26; Jdg_7:15; 1Sa_1:19; 1Sa_1:28; 1Sa_15:31; 2Sa_12:20; 2Sa_15:32; 1Ki_9:9; 1Ki_11:33; 1Ki_16:31; 1Ki_22:53; 2Ki_17:16; 2Ki_21:3; 2Ki_21:21; 1Ch_29:20; 2Ch_7:3; 2Ch_7:22; 2Ch_29:28; 2Ch_29:29; 2Ch_29:30; 2Ch_33:3; Neh_8:6; Neh_9:3; Job_1:20; Psa_106:19; Jer_1:16; Jer_8:2; Jer_16:11; Jer_22:9; Eze_8:16 

• worshipeth, 3

 Neh_9:6; Isa_44:15; Isa_44:17

• worshiping, 3

 2Ki_19:37; 2Ch_20:18; Isa_37:38

• yourselves, 3

 Jos_23:7; Jos_23:16; 2Ki_17:35

Following is the Greek for “worship”.

Worship G4352
– Original: προσκυνέω
– Transliteration: Proskuneo
– Phonetic: pros-koo-neh’-o
– Definition: 

1. to kiss the hand to (towards) one, in token of reverence 
2. among the Orientals, esp. the Persians, to fall upon the knees and touch the ground with the forehead as an expression of profound reverence 
3. in the NT by kneeling or prostration to do homage (to one) or make obeisance, whether in order to express respect or to make supplication 
4. used of homage shown to men and beings of superior rank 
5. to the Jewish high priests 
6. to God 
7. to christ 
8. to heavenly beings 
9. to demons 

– Origin: from G4314 and a probable derivative of G2965 (meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master’s hand)

– TDNT entry: 18:38,9
– Part(s) of speech: Verb
– Strong’s: From G4314 and probably a derivative of G2965 (meaning to kiss like a dog licking his master’s hand); to fawn or crouch to that is (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to adore): – worship.

“Worship” profoundly means expressing our deepest honour and respect for God with every nuance of our mind and body in spirit and in truth by obedience to his commandments, intimately declared by bowing before him, particularly in spirit.

Every aspect of the physical creation points to the spiritual reality of God the Father and Christ, the Godhead. Sara wonderfully demonstrated spiritually bowing to her husband, Abraham, by calling him Lord. She characterised the Bride’s reverence (worship) for Christ, her husband.

1Pe 3:4  But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
1Pe 3:5  For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
1Pe 3:6  Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him Lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. 

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

The very first commandment is,

Mar 12:29  And Jesus answered him [one of the scribes], The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
Mar 12:30  And [being intrinsic with hearing] thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 
Mar 12:31  And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

There you go! Intrinsically, those verses embody worship and have the same meaning as the first listed commandment: Thou shalt have no other gods before me (Exo 20:3). By those definitions, loving a thing equates to worshiping that entity. Since we are to love our spouse, we effectively worship him or her. However, we do not put them or any other created thing in heaven or Earth above God; if we do, we break the commandments of God.

Exo 20:4  Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: 
Exo 20:5  Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; 
Exo 20:6  And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love [H157] me, and [How? By keeping] keep my commandments.

Mat 10:37  He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

Loving God is keeping his commandments, which embodies every aspect of worshipping Him.

1Jn 5:2  By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 
1Jn 5:3  For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

When we lawfully or unlawfully love a thing or person more than God, we have created another god more significant than the God who created us.

2Ti 3:1  This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 
2Ti 3:2  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 
2Ti 3:3  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 
2Ti 3:4  Traitors [to God], heady, highminded [above the word of God], lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;<

1Jn 2:15  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 
1Jn 2:16  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
1Jn 2:17  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will [Love of God above all things by keeping the commandments] of God abideth for ever.

The following verses graphically express Jesus’ love for our Father through keeping all of the Father’s word. That act is worship in action.

Luk 4:3  And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.
Luk 4:4  And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.
Luk 4:5  And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 
Luk 4:6  And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.
Luk 4:7  If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.
Luk 4:8  And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

While growing up in those previously mentioned Babylonian Christian churches, I only knew the worship of God meant a hollowness I could never properly identify. The Worldwide Church of God appealed to me because it seemed to answer all the prophesied fearful events of the Bible with a credible correlation of the holy days. No church other than the Seventh Day Adventists and one or two others ever taught the meaning of the Lord’s festivals and holy days; not that the WCG understood it spiritually one little bit!

Lord willing, we will begin the fascinating study of how the nuances of the above verses, and substantially the rest of the Bible, relate to worship.

By the Lord’s dragging of the Body of Christ and me, we have moved from the figurative Whore of Babylon driving a smelly Chevrolet further into the abussos (the deep) to our Lord’s chariot of fire into His heavens. Elijah’s transfiguration and departure is its representation.

2Ki 2:11  And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah [The Elect of God] went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

We have laid the foundation for what it means to worship. Next week, Lord willing, and by the conveyance of His chariot, His word of fire, we will study detailed worship and how not to worship Him.