Evidence that the Ten Commandments have been Abolished for Righteousness
author unknown
When referring to the law of commandments, the verses below use the same word for “Abolished”. Sabbatarians (those who strictly observe Saturday as the Sabbath, such as Seventh Day Adventists and other judaizers) say the latter verse is referring to the ceremonial law.
“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;” Ephesians 2:15
The “commandments contained in ordinances” refers specifically to the Ten Commandments.
“Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? or the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.” Romans 7:1-7
The following verses in Corinthians 3 clearly state that the Ten Commandments are abolished (four times) by using the same word for “Abolished” that was used in Ephesians 2:15.
“Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious. Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: And not as Moses, which put a veil over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. 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.” 2 Corinthians 3
Adventists and other torah/law keeping heretics say that the whole book of Galatians deals only with the ceremonial law, but a simple reading Galatians 4 proves them wrong;
“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.” Galatians 4: 1-11
Colossians 2:14-16 clearly states that the weekly Sabbath is abolished. Adventists are at a loss as to know what to do with this verse!
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; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Colossians 2:14-16
The idea that the Ten Commandments are separate from the ceremonial law, as Adventists claim, is a false doctrine not found in the Bible!
The Sabbatarians say that the Ten Commandments are for all mankind and are God’s universal eternal law. In response to this assertion, we reply:
If keeping the Sabbath was a moral law intended for all mankind, then why did God NEVER charge the Gentiles with breaking it. God charges the Gentiles many times for breaking all of the nine moral commandments on the tablets of stone, but NEVER ONCE says anything about breaking the Sabbath! This proves that Sabbath keeping is not inherently moral, but was just another ceremonial law given ONLY TO THE Jews!
The very words of the Ten Commandments clearly tell us that they were for the Jewish people ONLY! God never brought me or my ancestors out of Egypt! (Ex 20:2) The Lord has not given me the promised land of Canaan! (Ex 20:12) The Sabbath is a sign between God and fleshly Israel. There is no requirement for non-Jews to keep it! (Ex 31:1, 17; Ezek 20:12, 20) If Sabbath keeping was intended for all mankind, then why does Holy Scripture specifically state “strangers within your gates”? Obviously, the Gentiles (strangers) were never required at any point in history to keep the Sabbath!
Imagine that the Ten Commandments were a postal letter with no mailing address. The post office could easily determine who the intended recipient of the letter was by identifying the people being addressed.
• People who sometimes had strangers within their gates. (Ex 20:10)
• People who assembled at the mount on which there was a cloud. (Ex 19:16; Deut 5:22
• People who were slaves in Egypt. (Deut 5:15)
• People who had been delivered from Egyptian bondage. (Deut 5:15)
• People who were on their way to posses the land of Canaan. (Ex 20:12; Deut 5:16)
• People that God made a covenant with at Horeb. (Deut 5:1-3; Neh 9:14)
It would be impossible for people living in the Arctic Circle to keep the Sabbath. How could they, from sunset to sunset? Obviously God never intended anyone but the Jews living in Palestine to keep the Sabbath.
Historical archives prove the common view between 150AD and 200AD was that the Patriarchs never kept the Sabbath!
JUSTIN (150 AD): Moreover, all those righteous men already mentioned [after mentioning Adam. Abel, Enoch, Lot, Noah, Melchizedek, and Abraham], though they kept no Sabbaths, were pleasing to God; and after them Abraham with all his descendants until Moses… And you [fleshly Jews] were commanded to keep Sabbaths, that you might retain the memorial of God. For His word makes this announcement, saying, “That you may know that I am God who redeemed you.” (Dialogue With Trypho the Jew, 150-165 AD, Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. 1, page 204)
TERTULLIAN (200 AD): Let him who contends that the Sabbath is still to be observed a balm of salvation, and circumcision on the eighth day because of threat of death, teach us that in earliest times righteous men kept Sabbath or practiced circumcision, and so were made friends of God. .. …Therefore, since God originated Adam uncircumcised, and inobservant of the Sabbath, consequently his offspring also, Abel, offering Him sacrifices, uncircumcised and inobservant of the Sabbath, was by Him commended… Noah also, uncircumcised – yes, and inobservant of the Sabbath – God freed from the deluge. For Enoch, too, most righteous man, uncircumcised and inobservant of the Sabbath, He translated from this world… Melchizedek also, “the priest of most high God,” uncircumcised and inobservant of the Sabbath, was chosen to the priesthood of God.
The Ten Commandments are the Old Covenant. (Ex 34:27-28)
The Old Covenant was abolished. (Heb 8:13)
The Ten Commandments are therefore abolished!
Points to consider regarding the Sabbath
1. If every man from Adam to Moses kept the Sabbath, why is the Hebrew word for the weekly Sabbath found in the Ten Commandments and never in the book of Genesis?
2. Why was it that, before Moses, no one was told to keep the Sabbath and why are there no examples of anyone keeping the Sabbath?
4. Why were the Patriarchs never instructed about he Sabbath, but were instructed as to offerings (Gen 4:3-4), altars (Gen 8:20), priests (Gen 14:18), tithes (Gen 14:20), circumcision (Gen 17:10), and marriage (Gen 2:24, 34:9)?
5. Why was there no weekly Sabbath commandment given in the New Testament?
6. Why was the Sabbath the only one of the Ten Commandments that are said to be “throughout your generations”, the usual phrase that indicates it was a temporary ceremonial law only for the Jews?
7. Why is there no example of Christians exclusively coming together on the Sabbath day as a church or prayer meeting after the resurrection of Christ?
8. Why is there no command in the New Testament for Christians to keep the Sabbath holy? Paul taught in the synagogues as many as 84 times. Why does the Bible never say he kept the Sabbath?
9. How could Adam, Noah and Abraham keep the Sabbath, when Deuteronomy 5:2-4 says that the Ten Commandment covenant was not made with any of the fathers of Israel who lived before Moses?
10. If we must follow the example of Jesus in all things like keeping the Sabbath, then why do Sabbatarians not follow the example of Jesus in circumcision, animal sacrifices and keeping Passover?
11. If the Sabbath was for Gentiles, then why was the Sabbath a sign to remind the Jews of their exodus from Egypt? (Ex 16:23, 29; 31:13-18)
13. If the Sabbath law is still in force, then why do they not stone their own members when they break the Sabbath as the law said?
14. Ellen G. White, who is considered inspired by Seventh-day Adventists, said that the Pope changed the Sabbath in about 321 AD. Why do all Adventists today reject their inspired prophet and say the change of the Sabbath occurred in about 140 AD?
15. If White was wrong about this, was she wrong when she traveled to heaven and saw the 4th commandment glowing brighter than all the rest?
16. If the current position of the Seventh-day Adventist church is that the change from Saturday to Sunday took place in 140 AD, doesn’t that mean that they have come a long way from White’s claim that this occurred in 325 AD?
17. If the change from Saturday to Sunday actually happened, why is there absolutely no discussion of this for the first 600 years of church history? Merely calling Sunday the Sabbath doesn’t count!
19. If Sabbatarians reject White’s assertion that Constantine changed the Sabbath day to Sunday, why do they keep bringing him up as proof? If Constantine changed the Sabbath to Sunday, why does here merely legislate that work must stop on Sunday with no actual mention of the day being moved?
20. If the first/old covenant was abolished according to Hebrews 8:13, and the Ten Commandment law was that first covenant (Ex 34:27-28; 1 Kings 8:9, 21; Heb 9:1-4), then why do Sabbatarians want to keep the first/old covenant?
21. Why is the universal record of history (75-500AD) 100% in unanimous agreement that Christians never kept the Sabbath (7th day) and have always worshipped on Sunday?
22. Why is the universal record of history (75-500AD) 100% in unanimous agreement that Christians ate the Lord’s Supper every Sunday in the tradition of Acts 20:7?
23. Why is the universal record of history (75-500AD) 100% in unanimous agreement that Christians always called Sunday the Lord’s Day because this was the day Jesus rose from the dead?
24. Why has no Sabbatarian every produced even one historical quote (75-500AD) that states Christians kept the Sabbath?
25. If the Sabbath is not a ceremonial law, then why is it lumped into the same identical class of “holy convocations” as the rest of the Jewish feast days? (Lev 23:2; Ex 20:9; 31:17)
26. If the Ten Commandments remain, but the book of law was abolished, then why did God put two copies of the 10 commandments in the book of the law? (Ex 20; Deut 5)
27. How can there possibly be a difference between “The Law of God” and the “Law of Moses”, when God gave the Law of Moses (Ezra 7:6; Neh 8:1) and Moses gave the Law of God (Neh 10:29; 2 Chron 34:14)?
28. If there is a distinction between the moral and ceremonial laws, why are the Jewish feast days called part of the Law of the Lord? (2 Chron 31:3)
29. If there is a distinction between the moral and ceremonial laws, then why in a single chapter of Nehemiah 8 are the following phrases all used interchangeably: “book of the law of Moses” v1, “the law” v2, “book of the law” v3, “the law of god” v8, “book of the law of god” v18?
30. Why are the two most important commandments contained within the Law of Moses unrelated to Sabbath keeping? (Mat 22:36-40)
31. What did Jesus say about the law that Moses gave the Jews? (John 7:19)
32. If, according to the Adventists, the Sabbath cannot change because God cannot change (Mal 3:6), then what about all the other feast days and laws that changed (Heb 7:12), and why did Jesus give a new commandment in John 13:34?
33. If the Ten Commandments are going to be in heaven, what is the use of “thou shalt not commit adultery”, if there is no marriage in heaven? (Luke 20:34-35)
34. If the Sabbath was given to all men, why then were Gentiles called “strangers”. Why were Gentiles outside the gates not required to keep the Sabbath? (Ex 20:10)
35. How could the Sabbath be a sign between God and Israel if all nations were expected to keep it? (Ex 31:17)
36. Why did God send the Jews into Babylonian Captivity for breaking the Sabbath, but never ever criticized any Gentiles for never keeping the Sabbath?
37. Why did God often criticize the Gentiles via the prophets for moral violations, but never for breaking the Sabbath?
38. If the Gentiles were supposed to keep the Sabbath, why are they called “strangers of the Covenant” in Ephesians 2:12?
39. If the term “commandments” always means the Ten Commandments, then why are the laws that are not part of the Ten Commandments called commandments in Matthew 19:16-19 not also included?
40. If the term “commandments” always means the Ten Commandments, then what did Paul call the injunction for prophet’s wives to keep silent in the assemblies, a “commandment of the Lord” in 1 Corinthians 14:37?
41. If the term “keep my commandments” always means the Ten Commandments, then why is there a new commandment? (John 15:10-12, John 13:34)
42. If only the Ten Commandments are going to endure until heaven and earth pass away, why did Jesus say the law AND THE PROPHETS? (Mat 5:17-18)
43. When Jesus was asked, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” why did Jesus NOT QUOTE from the Ten Commandments, but from the abolished ceremonial law of Moses? (Mat 22:36-40)
44. If the Ten Commandments are the highest and most complete expression of God’s will, then why did they lack the two most important commandments? (Mat 22:36-40) and where is the prohibition against drunkenness, homosexuality and fornication?
45. If the Ten Commandments are the highest and most complete expression of God’s will, then why did Jesus give a new commandment to “love one another, even as I have loved you”? (John 13:34) Where were the Jews told to love their neighbor as God loved them?
46. If Christians worshipping on Sunday is equal to Sun Worship, then is Messianic/Adventists worshipping on Saturday equal to Saturn worship?
47. If Sabbatarians will boldly quote “scholars” who are really Bible trashers and skeptics who claim “the origin of Sunday worship is entirely pagan”, like Arthur Weigall in his ridiculous little book, “the paganism in our Christianity”, will these same Sabbatarians turn a few pages later where these same authors say the origin of the Sabbath is also pagan? “I have, already mentioned that Sunday, too, was a pagan holy-day; and in this chapter I propose to discuss the origin of this custom of keeping one day in the week as a Sabbath, or “day of rest,’ and’ to show that the practice was forcefully opposed by Jesus Christ. The origin of the seven-day week which was used by the Jews and certain other peoples, but not till, later by the Greeks or Romans, is to be sought in some primitive worship of the moon (The Paganism in Our Christianity, Arthur Weigall, 1928, p209, 210-211)
48. If the Sabbath is a moral law, why did Jesus say that David, the priests, and a man with his donkey could all break the Sabbath without sin? (Mat 12:1-14; Mark 2:23, Luke 13:10-17; 14:1-6 John 5:8-18; 7:19-24; 9:14-16)
49. If the Sabbath is a moral law, why did God grow tired of the Jews keeping it and told them to stop keeping the Sabbath? (Isa 1:13-14) Did God ever grow weary of anyone not committing adultery or murder, and tell them to be immoral and kill?
50. If the Sabbath is a moral law, how could Jesus break it without sinning? (John 5:18)
YES the whole 66 book canon of the Bible is for us and yet, IT reveals that a NEW covenant superseded the Old one. The book of Hebrews reveals to us that a “BETTER covenant” with “BETTER promises” made the old covenant obsolete “for righteousness.” (Hebrews 7:22; 8:6; Romans 10:4) The faith of the NEWWWW Testament saint, saved by grace, is not set upon trying to keep the law (“keeping Torah”) but rather set upon the only ONE to ever keep the law perfectly – then He. Christ, nailed it to the cross and “took it out of the way.” (Colossians 2:14-19) It’s over so repent and get over it, now! The infinitely inferior old was a mere shadow of the infinitely superior NEW Testament that was to come and HAS come with Christ! (Hebrews 10:1) Beware of the demonic judaizing devils in our midst. They are snakes!
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Andrew Murray
Can and Will God Use You? [podcast]
Does God Use You Because You Are Special in and of Yourself, Have Never Sinned Since Being Saved, Or Have a Seminary Degree?
Can God still use you? If so, why? How?
“The religious people always get upset when God uses the people they thought were unqualified.” unknown
First off, if you are reading these words, you are “desperately wicked” and not wonderful. Jesus is the “Wonderful” One! (Isaiah 9:6-7)
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9
Memorize Romans 7:18 today!
“If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?” Psalms 130:3
In a certain sense, the LORD uses us in spite of, not because of us!!!! “ALL of our righteousness are as filthy rags,” right? (Isaiah 64:6)
God first found and saved us in spite of us while we were yet sinners, right? (Romans 5:6-8; 1 John 4:9-10, 19) And, if you truly trust and obey Him, He will use you IN SPITE OF you NOT BECAUSE OF you! (Titus 3:3-7)
“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?” 1 Corinthians 4:7
If the beloved king David, who sinned greatly for a season, can repent and find full restoration with the LORD, so can we!!! Read Psalm 51 today.
David’s gross sin against God didn’t negate what he did, what God used him to do before and after that season of sin. God offers His mercy and forgiveness for the repentant – and if not, NOT ONE of us could be saved. Let that sink in beloved of God. See David’s psalm of repentance, Psalm 51. Anyone else super elated about this divine truth, about the mercy of this Great God of our salvation – JESUS CHRIST?
MOSES murdered a man with his bare hands before God used him to lead millions of His people out of bondage/sin. David committed adultery and murdered and God later used him… both these men repented and confessed their sins – and this is the kingdom key (Psalms 51; Proverbs 28:13). Peter denied Christ openly after walking with the Son of God in the flesh for over 3 years…. this these men of God did BEFORE the LORD then used them mightily in His ministry work. Is your sin greater than Christ’s blood? No! Repent of this evil idolatry and unbelief (Hebrews 3-4). GOD be praised that our past does not equal our future or matter if we are presently “IN CHRIST” whereby ALL our sins ARE washed away – “as far as the east is from the west (definition of infinity)“ (Psalms 103:10-12) …. BAMMMM Yes, we all will reap what we sow and yet that’s different in the mercy and kingdom economy of God. If any one of us does not have the blood of Christ presently applied to our lives, we are doomed (1 John 1:6-2:2). Accuser of the brethren be gone in JESUS’ name! If a saved person had to have a sinlessly perfect past AFTER begin saved, name just 1 person who could be used of God….. NONE! NOT ONE! Let’s live according to kingdom truth/perspective saints! God looks on your present state and not your past. All self-righteous religionists are more sure for hell than even the prostitutes and all other vile sinners (Matthew 21:31)….. Can and Will God Use You?
Psalm 51 record the repentance of the beloved David after he’d sinned!
Just because you sinned, done some things wrong, that doesn’t exclude you from answering the call God has placed on your life. Repent, pray, obey, and trust the LORD.
Let us cry out to the LORD as did beloved David in his psalm of repentance! Beloved David sinned grossly during a season of his life and yet, David could be convicted, drawn in, and repentant. Can you? Do you have a heart after God like the beloved David? May it be so, in the name of Jesus. Because God is good and David responded to His drawing him back to Himself, the Bible later records that the beloved “sweet psalmist of Israel” was “a man after” the heart of the LORD.
“I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.” Acts 13:22
Like Paul, David finished strong and so can we! (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
Anyone else super glad that in the divine economy it’s more about how we finish than how we started? Whew! Jesus!
It is utterly priceless that David, Israel’s greatest human king, was called by our LORD “the sweet psalmist of Israel.”
“Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said.” 2 Samuel 23:1
Jesus is coming to reward His beloved people. May He bless each of us to live with the goal of hearing these words from His mouth … “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (Matthew 25:23)
“It’s doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply.” A.W. Tozer
What was once your weakness, your sin, can be turned into the strength of God – as He becomes strong in your weakness, your realization of nothing you are and how all-mighty, how all-merciful and loving He is (Genesis 32:10; John 15:5; Romans 7:18; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10). This breaking must of necessity happen in the life of each of His disciples – just as we see in Jacob, in David, in Job, in Paul, in Peter, etc. Death. Burial. Resurrection!
” … for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
LIKE MANY OF YOU, this pauper is LEARNING AND KNOW MORE AND MORE DAILY WITH PAUL THAT THERE IS “NO GOOD THING” IN ME EXCEPT JESUS AND HE CANNOT AND WILL NOT REIGN IN MY LIFE UNLESS I CHOOSE TO DIE!!! LEARN THESE VERSES AND THE DIVINE TRUTH OF THEM (PSALMS 39:4-5; ROMANS 7:18, 24). WRITE THEM ON INDEX CARDS AND MARK THEM IN YOUR BIBLE.
Is God Unable to Use You Because You’ve Sinned?
GROWTH IS NOT ALL AT ONCE: One brother in Christ testifies: “I see the change in me. From last year to today. I’m so far from where I want to be in Christ. But I’m so far from where I used to be when I was deceived.” Spiritual Growth
“By little and little (little by little) I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land.” Exodus 23:20
The answer to the above question is YES when you confess and draw close to Him in an abiding relationship (Psalms 51; Lamentations 3:19-26; Hebrews 4:14-16; James 4:6-11; 1 John 1:7-9; 2:1-2, etc.).
So you sinned? Join the club! One thing’s for certain and that is that it was my fault when I chose to sin and not God’s who “cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.” (James 1:13-15) Yet, when I acknowledged and confessed that sin in drawing back nigh to Him in intimate fellowship, my sins were washed away “as far as the east is from the west.” (Psalms 103:12)
“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalms 103:12
So, is your past sin greater than Christ’s cleansing blood applied when the transgressor repents/confesses?
If we think that our past sin is greater than the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ, should we not repent of this idolatry of lifting sin above Jesus and at once get the precious blood of Jesus up highest? Confess it, turn from it, and march on saint! Learn these truths well – Philippians 3:13-14; Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 John 1:3-2:2; Isaiah 44:22; Micah 7:18-19, etc.
Friends, if this doesn’t encourage you, I don’t know what will!
“JACOB WAS A CHEATER, PETER HAD A TEMPER, DAVID HAD AN AFFAIR, NOAH GOT DRUNK, JONAH RAN FROM GOD, PAUL WAS A MURDERER, GIDEON WAS INSECURE, MIRIAM WAS A GOSSIPER, MARTHA WAS A WORRIER, THOMAS WAS A DOUBTER, SARA WAS IMPATIENT, ELIJAH WAS MOODY, MOSES STUTTERED, ZACCHEUS WAS SHORT, ABRAHAM WAS OLD,… AND LAZARUS WAS DEAD…. NOW, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE? CAN GOD USE YOU OR NOT? GOD DOESN’T CALL THE QUALIFIED, HE QUALIFIES THE CALLED.”
All have sinned and we all must reap what we have sown (Romans 3:23; Galatians 6:7-8). Yet, when we repent, returning to our LORD on HIS terms, submitting our lives to Him afresh, He will do a work in us (James 4:6-10).
Divine grace empowers!!!!!
Paul wrote “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” (1 Corinthians 15:10)
God’s grace is “manifold” according to 1 Peter 4:10-11. Scripture defines divine grace as the LORD’s divine influence on our hearts and His operational power, His divine ability in us to do His will and be used of Him!!! This is exactly why Paul could say here in 1 Corinthians 15:10 that he “laboured more abundantly than they all.” He said that it was “yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” Yes, the apostle was extremely diligent and yet, when all is said and done, it’s God’s ability in us who are surrendered in true repentance to Him that brings Him praise and produces the fruit that is to His eternal glory! (Ephesians 3:7; 4:7; 1 Peter 4:10-11)
Coming Boldly
Christ’s perfect sacrifice alone made every divine blessing available to us!
“Seeing then that we have a great high priest (Jesus Christ), that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly (with full confidence) unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16
We can come boldly because of the blood of Jesus Christ. You must be deepened in this understanding! | The Blood of Jesus Christ
His grace and mercy sure are amazing aren’t they? Yes, because He is amazing and freely offers His forgiveness and restoration to those who fear Him (Psalms 103:11).
It’s when we are weak in self, broken, contrite in heart, and fully fallen upon His sheer mercy, that the LORD can raise us up in His grace and power.
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
BEING USED OF THE LORD IS NOT ABOUT LEARNING SERMONS OR GOING TO SEMINARY OR BIBLE COLLEGE. THOSE METHODS CAN BE FULL OF WASTE. THEY CAN BE THE FLESHLY WAY TO BE PREPARED AND CAN ACTUALLY LEAD US AWAY FROM BEING USED OF THE LORD. IT SEEMS FROM OUR READING OF SCRIPTURE THAT WHEN WE LOOK AT THOSE GOD USED THROUGHOUT HISTORY, THEY WERE PREPARED IN HUMILITY, BROKENNESS, REPENTANCE, AND GIVING HIS BLESSED WORD FIRST PLACE IN THEIR DAILY LIVES.
Most of those I know who have seminary degrees have no clue of the Scriptural truth revealed on this page. They have traded knowing Christ by His Word alone for the cheap substitute, accolades and approval of mere sinful men.
Oswald Chambers well captures this poverty of spirit the LORD is looking for:
“HE TOOK THE TWELVE ASIDE . . . —LUKE 18:31
OH, THE BRAVERY OF GOD IN TRUSTING US! DO YOU SAY, “BUT HE HAS BEEN UNWISE TO CHOOSE ME, BECAUSE THERE IS NOTHING GOOD IN ME AND I HAVE NO VALUE”? THAT IS EXACTLY WHY HE CHOSE YOU. AS LONG AS YOU THINK THAT YOU ARE OF VALUE TO HIM HE CANNOT CHOOSE YOU, BECAUSE YOU HAVE PURPOSES OF YOUR OWN TO SERVE. BUT IF YOU WILL ALLOW HIM TO TAKE YOU TO THE END OF YOUR OWN SELF-SUFFICIENCY, THEN HE CAN CHOOSE YOU TO GO WITH HIM “TO JERUSALEM” (LUKE 18:31). AND THAT WILL MEAN THE FULFILLMENT OF PURPOSES WHICH HE DOES NOT DISCUSS WITH YOU. WE TEND TO SAY THAT BECAUSE A PERSON HAS NATURAL ABILITY, HE WILL MAKE A GOOD CHRISTIAN. IT IS NOT A MATTER OF OUR EQUIPMENT, BUT A MATTER OF OUR POVERTY; NOT OF WHAT WE BRING WITH US, BUT OF WHAT GOD PUTS INTO US; NOT A MATTER OF NATURAL VIRTUES, OF STRENGTH OF CHARACTER, OF KNOWLEDGE, OR OF EXPERIENCE— ALL OF THAT IS OF NO AVAIL IN THIS CONCERN. THE ONLY THING OF VALUE IS BEING TAKEN INTO THE COMPELLING PURPOSE OF GOD AND BEING MADE HIS FRIENDS (SEE 1 CORINTHIANS 1:26-31). GOD’S FRIENDSHIP IS WITH PEOPLE WHO KNOW THEIR POVERTY. HE CAN ACCOMPLISH NOTHING WITH THE PERSON WHO THINKS THAT HE IS OF USE TO GOD. AS CHRISTIANS WE ARE NOT HERE FOR OUR OWN PURPOSE AT ALL— WE ARE HERE FOR THE PURPOSE OF GOD, AND THE TWO ARE NOT THE SAME. WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT GOD’S COMPELLING PURPOSE IS, BUT WHATEVER HAPPENS, WE MUST MAINTAIN OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM. WE MUST NEVER ALLOW ANYTHING TO DAMAGE OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD, BUT IF SOMETHING DOES DAMAGE IT, WE MUST TAKE THE TIME TO MAKE IT RIGHT AGAIN. THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF CHRISTIANITY IS NOT THE WORK WE DO, BUT THE RELATIONSHIP WE MAINTAIN AND THE SURROUNDING INFLUENCE AND QUALITIES PRODUCED BY THAT RELATIONSHIP. THAT IS ALL GOD ASKS US TO GIVE OUR ATTENTION TO, AND IT IS THE ONE THING THAT IS CONTINUALLY UNDER ATTACK.” OSWALD CHAMBERS, MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST, AUGUST 4
Andrew Murray wrote:
“The great secret of abiding in Christ is the deep conviction that we are nothing, and He is everything.” Andrew Murray, Abide In Christ, p. 160
“Jesus never taught His disciples how to preach, only how to pray. To know how to speak to God is more than knowing how to speak to people. Power with God is the first thing, not power with people. Christ loves to teach us how to pray.” Andrew Murray, With Christ in the School of Prayer, p. xxiii-xxiv
Jesus’ disciples never ask the LORD “Teach us to preach” but rather “Teach us to pray.” Right? (Luke 11:1) Did they realize something so many today have no clue about?
Jesus sure did send His original twelve and us forth to “Go … preach.” (Mark 16:15) Yet, He never taught them how to preach such as we have today in seminaries (homiletics). If we are in His Word daily, walking in the Spirit and not the flesh, we will be “instant in season and out of season” to “preach the word.” (2 Timothy 4:2)
Your usefulness to the LORD has to do with your poverty or poorness of spirit, utter humility, obedience, and also your knowledge and application of His Word in daily living (2 Timothy 2:20-21).
***I am memorizing a series of verses now. Wrote them on index cards. … Ezra 9:13-14; Ps. 103:10-11 …. Go see why!
Some wonder: “But why am I not growing faster? Why does the spiritual maturity seem so slow or gradual?”
NOT WHERE YOU WANT TO BE SPIRITUALLY?
The LORD has a reason for delivering His people “little and little” which means little by little. Exodus 23:29-31 says: “I will not drive them out from before thee in one year; lest the land become desolate, and the beast of the field multiply against thee. 30 By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land. 31 And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee.”
THIS TRUTH IS RESERVED ONLY FOR THOSE WHO TRULY FEAR THE LORD. AND, ALL WHO TRULY FEAR THE LORD ARE DAILY SEEKING HIS HOLY FACE AND OBEYING HIM. ANY PERSON WHO BELIEVES THEY ARE SAVED AND ISN’T SEEKING THE FACE OF THE LORD DAILY AND DILIGENTLY, HAS ALREADY FALLEN AWAY AND IS LUKEWARM AND APOSTATE.
“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with ALL your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13
“Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11
“God is Greater than Our Hearts”
To those who still feel ashamed …
“And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. 20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.” 1 John 3:19-21
- “God is greater than our heart, and …” – Think on this: Is your own heart and the thoughts of it greater than God? No.
- “God … knoweth all things” – He’s not surprised by anything.
- The LORD desires to grant His children a clear conscience and that will occur as we choose to go about things His way – “Now the end (divine goal) of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned.” (1 Timothy 1:5)
Remember how Peter openly denied Christ three times? Is it not a denial of Christ that we commit if we choose to sin – That is, when we deny Him the place of reign in our lives? Did Jesus forgive Peter?
When Jesus foreknew that Peter was going to sin, what did He tell Peter? Did Jesus say “Peter, I know you are going to sin and when you do, I’m going to be done with you”? No.
“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted (restored), strengthen thy brethren.” Luke 22:31-32
JESUS just as easily could have said that He was going to condemn Peter after he sinned. Yet did He? No. No, instead He restored Peter, His son.
KNOWING PETER WAS GETTING READY TO SIN YET AGAIN BY DENYING HIM THREE TIMES, COULDN’T CHRIST HAVE SAID: “PETER, NOW I AM DONE WITH YOU! I ALLOWED YOU TO WALK ON WATER AND YOU TOOK YOUR EYES OFF OF ME AND DENIED ME WHILE WE WALKED ON THAT WATER AND SEVERAL TIMES AFTER THAT. YOU ARE GOING TO CUT OFF THE EAR OF MALCHUS AND I’M GOING TO HAVE TO PUT THAT EAR BACK ON HIM TO HEAL THE HURT YOU BROUGHT TO HIM! THEN, YOU ARE GOING TO GO SO FAR AS TO TRY TO STOP ME FROM GOING TO THE CROSS, THE VERY REASON I CAME TO THIS EARTH. AND NOW, YOU JUST CURSED AND OPENLY DENIED ME BEFORE OTHERS, VIOLENTLY REJECTING ME! I’M DONE WITH YOU! NO MORE MERCY! YOU ARE SHUT OUT OF MY KINGDOM FOR GOOD NOW!”?
Yes He certainly could have but did Christ say any of these things? Nope!
Has Jesus changed? – “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”(Hebrews 13:8)
So if Jesus didn’t condemn Peter when he deserved it fully and Christ hasn’t changed, just what makes you think He is done with you?
AFTER SINNING AND BEING RESTORED, PETER WAS SHORTLY AFTERWARD USED OF THE LORD TO WIN 8,000 PRECIOUS SOULS TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD! (ACTS 2-3) GOD USED PETER AFTER HE SINNED AND THEN REPENTED. GOD USED MOSES TO LEAD MILLIONS OF HIS PEOPLE AFTER MOSES MURDERED A MAN. GOD USED DAVID AFTER HE COMMITTED ADULTERY, DECEIVED, LIED, AND MURDERED. THE LIST GOES ON … CAN GOD STILL USE YOU?
If the LORD can use a donkey, or worse yet, even me, just WHO among us can He not use? (Ephesians 1:6)
Who among us is sinless perfection or would even dare tout such a lie?
“If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.” Job 9:20
“Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?” Proverbs 20:9
I got rebuked by a guy this week who is part of the Mike Desario cult. As usual, he was totally self-righteous, acting as if and teaching that we can decide to never sin again and accomplish such by our own will, without Jesus. Total devils.
“God be merciful to me a sinner” is what I must declare (Luke 18:9-14).
“For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.” Ecclesiastes 7:20
Personally, it seems that the more open I am about this as was Paul Romans 7, the more victory takes place in my life. Jesus is able – through the daily cross life (2 Corinthians 4:10-12).
Check out and get to know these: Ecclesiastes 7:20; Job 9:20; Proverbs 20:9
May God have mercy on us in Jesus’ name, and make us holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16).
What About When Others Condemn Me For What I’ve Done?
First off, one way to look at the condemnation of other mere men, is that when someone is condemning you, they’re giving someone else a break! Think on this.
What about the judgment of others? God’s Word assures us that “the wrath (condemnation) of man worketh not the righteousness of God” and that those who are heavy handed at condemning others (in attitude and/or word) are full of sin themselves – which they seek to hide from men but God sees it (James 1:20).
“Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. 2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. 3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?” Romans 2:1-3
Ever Felt Forsaken?
Have you ever felt like you just sinned your last sin and that God was surely done with you?
How often are the LORD’s mercies renewed?
Lamentations 3:17-26
“And thou hast removed my soul far off from peace (“I feel forsaken”): I forgat prosperity.
18 And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the LORD (“I feel deflated”):
19 Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall.
20 My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me.
21 This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
22 It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
25 The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.
26 It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.”
The Bottom Line – The Real Score
When we do things our own way instead of God’s, there will be consequences that are going to cost us much (Galatians 6:7-8). We certainly will reap what we sow. Yes the LORD says “Be ye holy for I am holy” and yet, God’s not interested in anyone seeking to be holy unless they are approaching Him in the clear realization of their own sinful depravity and hopelessness and on the basis of His sheer mercy and to be in an abiding, saving relationship (John 15:1-6; 1 Peter 1:15-16).
“For in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee.” Isaiah 60:1
“O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help. ” Hosea 13:9
We have destroyed our own lives by sin. You and I are no different at all than Israel whom the LORD was specifically addressing above. Yet, in Him is our help, our hope, our salvation!
We have made ruin and a huge mess out of the lives He gave us and yet in Him is our hope and help! – Only in Him!
IN HIS HEART THE HELL BOUND SELF-RIGHTEOUS DEVIL BELIEVES HE IS INHERENTLY RIGHTEOUS AND THEREFORE BETTER THAN OTHERS. SO, HE BELIEVES IT’S OKAY TO HAVE A CONDEMNING ATTITUDE TOWARD OTHERS WHO ARE OF COURSE, LOWER THAN HE IS. SUCH A PERSON HAS NO CLUE AS TO THE DEPRAVITY OF MANKIND (INCLUDING HIMSELF) AND THE SHEER DIVINE MERCY THAT WAS DISPLAYED IN THE CROSS OF CHRIST (TITUS 3:5-7).
The humble servant, who realizes his own depravity and utter need for divine mercy, hangs his head in shame and says in his heart: “God be merciful to me a sinner.” (Luke 18:13) The God-less, hell bound self-righteous religionist goes before God touting the sham of his own righteousness. He says in the attitude of his heart: “God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.” (Luke 18:11)
IT’S CERTAIN THAT SIN IS A CHOICE WE HAVE MADE THAT WE DIDN’T HAVE TO MAKE AND THAT SIN IS NOT GOOD AND THAT IT WILL SEPARATE US FROM GOD WHO IS “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY.” (ISAIAH 6:3; REVELATION 4:8) YET, THAT’S NOT THE END OF THE STORY! IT’S ALSO JUST AS TRUE THAT THE LORD DESIRES TO RESTORE AND NOT TO CONDEMN US – YET HE WILL IF WE DON’T COME TO HIM IN HOLY FEAR TO BE RESTORED (ROMANS 11:20-22; 2 PETER 2:20-21; HEBREWS 10:26-39, ETC.).
The Door Is Open Not Closed!
To His own people who were at the time backslidden and in imperative need of repenting, Jesus says:
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man (backslidden) hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20
Will we answer the door? Will I answer His call to come to Him with an honest heart?
Does God wish for you or any one of His children to perish? Is God trying to condemn you? Is it His ultimate will to shut you out of His kingdom?
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward (toward His own people), not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
Are you ready? Is it time to take a few moments alone with the LORD? Pray this to the LORD with everything that’s in you….
PRAYER: Father, in Jesus precious name, I come confidently before Your blessed and holy throne of grace in order to receive Your mercy for my sins. And to be empowered by Your blessed, enabling grace! I here and now openly acknowledge, admit, confess that I am utterly impoverished outside of Your saving grace granted exclusively through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ! I am hopeless without Your help. Please forgive me for _______________ …… LORD, please restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation and fill me with Your Holy Spirit afresh, strengthening my inner man by Your Spirit. I love You LORD Jesus. Thank You for coming to this earth, born of a virgin, for living a sinless life, for dying on that cross for me, and that You were raised from the dead for my justification! In Jesus’ name! Amen.
Victory in Jesus (life-changing audio message)
Learn to live this Word from God by obtaining I Die Daily and Raised Up.
“LESS THAN THE LEAST OF ALL SAINTS”???? Me argue with the apostle Paul? Yes, you bet! And I can tell you right now that I am right and he is wrong!!! (Okay, read on before you conclude that I am a heretic.) PLEASE HIT SHARE – Bone to Pick with Paul?
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Articles
The Highest Form of His Creation
“What is man”? Psalms 8:4
“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” Genesis 1:26-28
“Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.” Genesis 1:28
The LORD created mankind, exclusively, in His own image and everything else in His creation He created to serve Him by supporting His prize creation, mankind.
THINK: CREATIVE DESIGN
EVER wonder why God attached the most pleasurable experience to what? – To Being fruitful and multiplying the highest form of His creation?
Read afresh and it’s fresh, what Genesis 1:27-28 says.
The LORD wants more babies!
Selah beloved of God.
Connect the dots please.
Get married, “be fruitful, and multiply!”
Boom.
Knowing that his time is short, Satan has come down with great wrath upon God’s creation, especially the highest form of His creation, mankind (Revelation 12:12). Man, created in the image of God, is under evil, denigrating assault by Satan and his human agents and agencies (1 Peter 5:8).
One example would be: Animals have been exalted over mankind. One bumper sticker captures the reality of animals, beasts, being made more important than mankind:
“Be a hero save a whale. Save a baby, go to jail.”
On TV we see very few commercials to save or help the humans, the innocent babies being murdered in cold blood via abortion. Yet we are bombarded with emotional pleas to save the forsaken or endangered animals. Be not deceived. We must hold to the priorities set forth by our Maker to whom we shall give account (Romans 14:10; 2 Corinthians 5:10, etc.).
“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 12:1
All of God’s creation matters and has a purpose for which He ordained it and yet He establishes that He made only one part of His creation in His own image (Genesis 1:27). Everything else He made revolves around that part of His creation – mankind. See Psalm 8.
The fact that mankind is the highest form of creation is a divinely stated and self-evident fact. Ever had a two-way conversation with an animal? No. Why?
We should keep in mind that Jesus Christ came to the earth to die for mankind, not animals. All else in His creation exists to serve Him by serving the highest form of His creation, exclusively created in His very image, mankind (Genesis 1:26-28).
Godless parents allow their children to watch the cartoons which indoctrinate their children to believe that animals are higher than mankind, that animals can talk and reason just as men and women can. We know this to be completely false, yet in the mind of the young child, this becomes their reality. So, instead of growing up to be saved and seek to help others be saved (the Great Commission), we have a whole generation of young people who in great disproportion spend their time tending to peripheral parts of creations like animals and trees. We have very few who give their life to serve God by serving mankind’s need for God.
Believers in particular are to care for human beings created in God’s image more than any other part of His creation.
A quick look at the billions of dollars being raised on crowd funding sites today for causes not related to helping reach mankind for salvation in Christ, testifies to this complete disparity, this gross imbalance.
“A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.” Proverbs 11:1
Personally, I only give into and support the cause of Christ – which involves the salvation of the eternal souls of men! Anything else is waste!
Cancer, endangered animals, cats, dogs, horses, houses, etc. do NOT matter in the eyes of God as much as do the eternal souls of men for which Jesus came and died. The LORD only made mankind in His own image and likeness. All of the rest of His creation revolves around serving mankind, for the blessing of the highest order of His creation. Prove it wrong with Scripture. Can’t be done.
Anyone who has a problem with mankind being the highest form of creation and worthy to be aggrandized as such, has a problem with their Maker.
The relationship between God and man was lost when Adam sinned and thus Jesus came to earth as a man to die for mankind.
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10
There is no inference in this post that these other things don’t matter (animals, trees, etc). They do. Yet they are not the highest ranking in the order of divine priorities. All of the LORD’s delight are in His people.
“But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.” Psalms 16:3
Is our delight in the LORD and in people? Do we put people, made in God’s image, at the top of our priorities, just under God Himself? If not our priority system is broken and should be immediately repaired to line up with God’s Word. We must repent, confess our sins to God, and change our ways (Hosea 10:12; Joel 2:12; James 4:6-10, etc.).
The highest form of creation are those made in the image and likeness of the Creator – mankind (Genesis 1-2).
So, with this biblical priority in mind, where should we be giving our time, our energies, and our resources? What does Jesus mean by commanding us to “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven”? (Matthew 6:19-21)
All of God’s creation matters and yet He establishes that He made only one part of His creation in His own image (Genesis 1:27). Everything else that He made revolves around that part of His creation – mankind. See Psalm 8.
Hearkening back to Genesis, the psalmist pens the words of Psalms 8.
Psalms 8
1 A Psalm of David. O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.
2 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
7 All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
8 The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.
9 O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!
Of this Psalm, one noted:
“Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands. An evident reference to Gen_1:28, ‘Have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.’ By these words man’s right of dominion was established. His actual dominion only came, and still comes, by degrees. Thou hast put all things under his feet. In their fulness, the words are only true of the God-Man, Jesus Christ (Mat_28:18).” The Pulpit Commentary
Of this glorious Psalm, Donald Stamps writes:
“8:4-6 THE SON OF MAN. The N.T. quotes these verses from the Septuagint (The Greek translation of the Hebrew O.T.) and applies them to Jesus (Heb. 2:6-8; cf. Eph. 1:19-22). It is only in Him that these truths are perfectly realized. He is the One who, as a representative of the human race, will be given the full dominion over all creation (v6-8; cf. Phil. 2:10).
8:5 WITH GLORY AND HONOUR. This psalm expresses the amazing honor that God has bestowed upon humankind. It affirms that we as humans were created by God for a glorious purpose; we are not just animals, the product of natural evolution and chance (v. 5-6). So valuable are we to God that we are special objects of His concern and favor (v4). He has honored us by choosing us to rule over His creation (v 6-8; cf. Gen. 1:28; 2:15, 19). Yet the consciousness of our favored position is no reason for praising ourselves, but a reason for giving thanks and glory to the Creator (v. 9).” Donald Stamps, Life in the Spirit Study Bible, p. 813
Of this wonderful chapter, Psalms 8, William MacDonald writes:
“8:4 God is interested in every individual! He has a personal, intimate concern for every human being.
8:5 God made man in His own image and after His own likeness. Though lower than God, man shares with Him some faculties that are not shared by any other order of creation on earth. Everything God made was pronounced to be good, but the verdict on the Creation of man was ‘very good.’
8:6-8 As God’s representatives on earth, man was given dominion over all kinds of animals, birds, fish, and reptiles. There was nothing that was not put under him.
But the writer to the Hebrews reminds us that we do not see man enjoying this undisputed sway at the present time (Heb. 2:5-9). Dogs bark at man, snakes bite him, birds and fish elude him. The explanation is that when sin entered the world through Adam, man lost his unqualified sovereignty over the lower creation.
Yet God’s purpose still stands. He has decreed that man shall indeed have dominion, and nothing can block God’s purposes. So while we do not see all things subject to man right now, we do see Jesus–the one Person by whom man’s dominion will eventually be restored. When Christ came to earth, He become temporarily lower than the angels so that as Man He could die for the human race. Now He is crowned with glory and honor at God’s right hand. Someday Christ the Son of man will return to earth to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. In the Millennium, the dominion that was forfeited by the first Adam will be restored by the Last Adam.
8:9 Then God’s redeemed people will join to sing with new appreciation, “O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!” William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary, p. 557-58
With this in mind – that mankind is the LORD’s highest form of creation for whom He died, was buried, and raised again, let us live and give and act accordingly with our affections and actions.
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21
Apostasy
Direction in God’s Word? [podcast]
Nourished Up in God’s Word [podcast]
“Great podcast. Thank you. If you want to really fall in love with the scriptures, read Psalm 119. I spent probably a year reading, studying, and memorizing it. This Psalm was written for us, to begin to love God’s Word as much as the Psalmist did, which is what happened to me. My heart was truly transformed. The beloved David’s whole heart was dedicated to studying, obeying, meditating and learning all of the Word of God, so he could live a righteous and holy life, fully devoted to the Lord. We should live and breath the Scriptures and meditate on them day and night (Psalm 1:2).” Karen Cochran
“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” 1 Timothy 4:6
Remaining “nourished up” in the Word of God is essential to enduring to the end. God’s Word is the divine fuel for all of His beloved saints.
Ingesting, devouring God’s words daily is invigorating to our spirits and essential to our lives in Christ!
Biblical Topics Sampling:
- Love/Charity: 1 Corinthians 13 “The love chapter”
- Origin of all Life/Civilization: Genesis 1-11
- 10 Commandments: Exodus 20:1-17
- Revelation 2-3: Christ addresses the 7 churches of Asia. There are many all-important truths and rebukes completely applicable to us now in being ready for Christ’s return.
- Fearing the LORD: Josh. 24:14; Ps. 2:11-12; 86:11; Prov. 1:7, 29; 8:13; 14:26-27; 22:4: Eccl. 12:13; Matt. 10:28; Lk. 12:4-5
- Sin: man’s core problem and dilemma: Gen. 3; 6:5; Jer. 17:5, 9; Rom. 3; 1 Jn. 1:7-2:2
- Proverbs: There are 31 chapters in Proverbs. 1 per day for a month complete the book.
- Prayer: Matt. 6:6, 26:41; Mk. 1:35; Phil. 4:6; Col. 4:2,12
- Overcoming Sin: Romans 6; 13:14
- The 7 Abominations: Prov. 6:16-19
- Forgiveness: Matt. 18:21-35; Mk 11:25-26
- The Crucified life: Lk. 9:23-24; 2 Cor. 4:10-12; Gal. 2:20; Col. 3:3
- Humility: Prov. 22:4; Matt. 20:20-28; James 4:6-10
- Spiritual Maturity: Heb. 5:11-14, 6:1-3
- Marriage/Dating/Divorce/ReMarriage: Deut. 24; 1 Corinthians 7
- The Written Word: Psalms 119; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21
- Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5-7
- 6 Principle (foundational) Doctrines of Christ: Heb. 6:1-3
- Correction/Rebuke: Gal. 6:1-2; Prov. 25:9; Matt. 18:15-17; 2 Tim. 3:16
- Sin/Grace Righteousness: Romans 1-5
- Abstaining From Fornication: 1 Thess. 4:1-8; 1 Cor. 6:13-19
- False Prophets/Teachers: Jer. 23; Ezek. 34; Matt. 23; Jude 1; 2 Pet. 2
- Spiritual Gifts: 1 Corinthians 12, 14
- Love/Truth/Light: 1 John 1-5 First John Is Called ‘The Book of Certainties’
- Return of Christ: Luke 12:40; 21:34-36; 1 Thess. 4:16-18, etc.
- God of Restoration: Luke 15, 19:10
- Disciple’s Prayer Model: Matt. 6:9-12
- Riches: Matt. 6:19-21; Luke 12, 16; 1 Timothy 6:5-19
- The Divinity of Jesus Christ: Gospel of John (Hi-Lite & cross-reference every reference to Christ’s divinity); Jn. 1:1-2, 14; 8:58; 20:28; Eph. 3:9; Col. 1:16-17; 1 Tim. 3:16; 6:15-16; Rev. 1:8
- Wisdom: Prov. 8; James 1:5; 1:13-17
Putting God first in your day is a deliberate decision and act. It’s non-negotiable to the truth disciple. Such will never happen by accident. Take control of your time for Jesus or your time will continue to take control of you. Memorize 2 Timothy 2:15 and obey the LORD.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
“Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail …” Isaiah 34:16
Read God’s Word itself, yourself (KJB). THAT is God speaking. Every time you read His Word, God is speaking to you.
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33
Becoming familiar with these texts will help you in your own walk with the LORD and in helping others (being able to teach and refer to these passages). You will be well on your way to a rich and full life of Bible literacy & usefulness in God’s kingdom as you begin to learn the above listed topics of truth. Hi-Lite, underline, cross-reference.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
The KEY to understanding the mind of Christ being communicated in any book of the Bible: First, read that book 10-20 straight through to gain a knowledge of it, to begin to grasp the divine transmission. Then, go back and study it verse by verse in a more in-depth break down of the text.
“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:” 1 Peter 3:15
Let’s not come up empty handed any longer! Make the quality decision to learn God’s Word for yourself and stop depending on others. Embarking upon diligent topical and systematic Bible study is the answer.
“Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?” Proverbs 22:20-21
The Word of God is learned, one truth at a time, “But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.” (Isaiah 28:13)
YOU cannot possibly be flourishing in Christ if you are not dwelling “richly” (abundantly) in His Word – both in your own personal, daily life and concerning Christ’s true body! (Colossians 3:16) If you are not surrounded with people you can have BIBLICAL conversations with, you have surrounded yourself with counterfeits!
“Presently, I am in 1 Kings, reading all the way through the Bible again, and also reading through Revelation backwards. Personally I like to read several chapters every morning to begin the day and like to include Old Testament, Poetic books, and New Testament chapter readings….. along with pouring over passages like 1 Cor 13; Phil 2:3-5; Col. 3:1-4, 12-14;” T.
“In 1 Thessalonians reading through the Bible.” Jason
“I am reading Mark.” Michele
“Philippians—Paul’s letter in prison—and joy.” Joe
“I’ve been Reading James And 1st and 2nd Peter This Week.” Connie
“Working my way through 1 Sam (ch 14 finished now) Psalms 77 and John chapter 4 finished. Trying to read through in 6 months. I enjoy listening (KJB on YouTube) while I read also.” Nathan
LET’S LEARN GOD’S WORD TOGETHER – ONE TRUTH AT A TIME: This message was sent out to each person who is on our Moments For My Master email devotional list. We would love to add you and have the privilege of nourishing your heart with God’s Word (1 Tim. 4:6). Sign up here.
MORE TOPICS
Adultery Matthew 5:27-28, 32
Adversity Romans 8:28
Afraid Psalms 34:4, 56:3
Alcohol Ephesians 5:18
Anger Ephesians 4:26-27, 31-32
Anxiety Philippians 4:4-7
Apprehension Matthew 6:31-33
Astrology Deuteronomy 18:9-14
Backbiting Hebrews 12:14-15
Backsliding Psalms 51
Bereaved 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Burdens 1 Peter 5:6-11
Conceit Luke 18:9-14
Contention Proverbs 13:10. 22:10
Confusion 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
Covetousness Exodus 20:17, Romans 7:7
Crisis Psalms 121
Criticism Romans 12
Cursing James 3:10
Daydreaming 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
Deceit Colossians 2:8
Defeated Romans 8:31-39
Depression Isaiah 61:1-3. Psalms 34
Despair 2 Corinthians 4:8
Destruction Psalms 103; Proverbs 18:12
Disaster Threatens Psalms 91
Discouragement Isaiah 42; Psalms 23
Disobedience John 15:14
Divorce Mark 10:2-12
Doubt Proverbs 3:5-6; Hebrews 11
Drugs 2 Corinthians 7:1
Drunkenness Luke 21:34-36
Envy Proverbs 14:30
Excuses Luke 14:15-24
Faith Falls Psalms 42:5
Fantasy 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
Fatigue Isaiah 40:31
Fault finding Matthew 7:1-5
Fear 2 Timothy 1:7; Luke 12:5
Fear of Rejection Ephesians 1
Fornication 1 Corinthians 6:18-20
Friends Fail 2 Timothy 4:16-18
Gluttony Proverbs 23:2
Gossip Proverbs 13:3
Greed Matthew 19:24
Grief Isaiah 53:3-4
Guilt Romans 8:1
Hatred 1 John 2:11
Heartbreak Psalms 147:3
Heaviness Isaiah 61:1-3
Hurting John 14
Idleness Proverbs 19:15
Idolatry 1 John 5:21
Inadequacy Philippians 4:13
Incest Leviticus 20:11,12,14
Inferiority Philippians 4:13
Impure Thought 2 Peter 2:10
Insomnia Proverbs 3:24
Intolerance 1 Corinthians 13
Irritability 1 Corinthians 13
Jealousy Proverbs 6:34
Judging Romans 14:10-13
Laziness Hebrews 6:12, Proverbs 19:15
Legalism Galatians 3
Lethargy Proverbs 21:24-26
Loneliness John 14; Psalms 23
Lying Revelation 21:8
Lust Matthew 5:28
Manipulation 2 Peter 2
Masturbation Romans 1:24-28
Materialistic 1 John 2:15-17
Mocking Proverbs 17:5
Murder Exodus 20:13
Negativism 2 Corinthians 1:20
Nervousness Philippians 4:6
Obsessive Behavior Galatians 5:16-25
Occult Deuteronomy 18
Overly Sensitive 1 Corinthians 13
Passivity Matthew 10:33
Pouting Matthew 6: 14-15
Prejudice James 2: 1-13
Pressure Proverbs 3:25-26
Pride Proverbs 16:18
Profane 1 Timothy 1:9
Protection Psalms 27
Quarreling Ephesians 4:25-32
Rape 2 Corinthians 7:1
Rebellion 1 Samuel 15:23
Rejection John 14
Resentment Hebrews 12
Restlessness Psalms 46:10
Retaliation Romans 12
Revenge Matthew 5:43-48
Sadness Nehemiah 8:10
Scorning Proverbs 22:10
Selfishness 2 Corinthians 9:1-14
Self-pity Philippians 4:8-9
Self-righteousness Luke 18:9-14
Self-rejection Psalms 139:14
Self-will Isaiah 53:6
Sensuality Galatians 5:16-26
Sexual Impurity Proverbs 6:24-35
Sin Psalms 66:18; 1 John 1:9; John 8:34-36
Slow to Forgive Matthew 18:21-35
Sorrow Isaiah 53
Spite Isaiah 50:6
Stealing Exodus 20:15
Strife James 3
Stubbornness 1 Samuel 15:23
Submission 1 Peter 2:13-17
Suicide Exodus 20:13
Suspicion Exodus 20:16
Swearing Colossians 3:8
Temper 2 Peter 1:5-8
Tempted Matthew 26:41
Too Quick to Speak James 3:1-13
Unbelief Hebrews 3:12-13
Unforgiveness Matthew 18:21-35
Vanity Galatians 5:26
Violence Ezekiel 45:9
Weariness Hebrews 12:3; 2 Thessalonians 3:13
Witchcraft Galatians 5:20
Workaholic Romans 10:3; Ephesians 2:8-9
Worldliness 1 John 2: 15-17
Worry Isaiah 35:3-5; 26:3-4
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