Rule Book? Who Needs It?
“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all (track and field), but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain . 25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things . Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown (ex. Olympic Gold Medal); but we an incorruptible (eternal glory and reward). 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I (boxing), not as one that beateth the air: 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.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Here Jesus’ apostle Paul speaks of two sports, running (track and field) and boxing. He uses them due to the widespread knowledge of them by the people. Paul uses these sports to illustrate divine truths we must grasp to successfully follow the LORD Jesus. In another place Paul uses the sport of wrestling when illustrating spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:12).
Paul illustrates a spiritual truth by speaking of running in a race as an athlete according to the rules of the marathon, hurdle, or relay race. Then he says that in his walk with Christ, he makes sure he is not wasting his time only to be “castway” from the LORD in the end as Jesus promised that “many” who think they are serving Him will be (Matthew 7:21-23). If a boxer doesn’t land his punches on the chin or body of his opponent and just throws those punches into mid air, at the end he will lose.
Are your punches landing on the chin of your enemy? Or, are you spinning your wheels?
Would it be better to find out the answers to these questions before it’s too late?
Sports are not a new thing and as is the case for their predecessors, all modern sports have rules that must be followed or disqualification follows. How many times have we seen players fail to follow the rules and their play or whole body of work becomes nullified? We are all aware of recent Heisman trophies that have been taken back and various achievement awards due to violations of the rules including the use of steroids. Can you remember seeing where a track runner steps off the track or a basketball player commits a foul or a good football play is brought back and negated due to a penalty, like offensive holding? Though it grieves us at the moment, we know that the game must be played according to the rules, right?
What’s your favorite sport? Does that sport have rules? Of course, right. And where are those rules contained? In a rule book, right?
The rule book for any sport is the script as to exactly how that game works, what qualifies and what disqualifies a team, a player, or a play. Each play is either qualified or disqualified based on whether or not the player(s) conforms to the established rules of that game.
The same is true concerning the Savior and His salvation. His rules are contained in His Rule Book. Think about it. God’s script is revealed in His Holy Scriptures and His agenda is to save you for His eternal glory. His Rule Book keeps safe and sound those who live by it (Psalms 17:4; Proverbs 30:5-6). They are assured eternal blessings while violators will be penalized and punished eternally (Revelation 1:3; 21:7-8; 22:14-15).
To those who had just believed upon Him, Jesus said “IF ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32) In other words, “Now that you are saved, you must continue in My Word and as you do you will be made free, otherwise you will fall away and not make it. Now that I have found and apprehended you for My glory and kingdom, you must follow My ways and hear My voice and no other.”
“Ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
It’s interesting to notice that rule books are universally accepted in every arena of life except with the Almighty. We are all glad and agree that our favorite sports have to have an established set of rules. That is, rules established which govern how the game is played. In the games we like there is always a written standard to play by so that fairness is executed. Breaking the rules of the game brings disqualification. In fact, my favorite football team played in a big game recently and a running back from the team ran in for a score/touchdown, apparently. Yet, upon reviewing the play, it was discovered that the athlete had stepped out of bounds on his way to the end zone. So, operating according to the rules of the game of football, the officials nullified that touchdown and the ball was placed back where the player stepped out of bounds. Why? –Because the rules say so. No one from either team or fan base disagreed because we all agree with and find safety and fairness in the rules establishing that game.
The Rule Book for the Game of Life
No, life’s not a game, but this is an illustration in accordance to how Paul’s used sports.
It’s interesting that when it comes to the Almighty, our very Maker, Judge, and the One whose air we now breath to keep us alive, we want to scrap, trash, change, ignore, twist, and attack His Sacred Rule Book, the Holy Bible. Many insist upon making up their own rules and playing their own way, never realizing they may be disqualifying themselves by their denial of the Rule Maker. This will end is eternal separation from the LORD in hell.
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12
Just why do people not want to humble themselves and walk simply according to the Word of the One they claim to have be saved by? – It’s simple – they have not surrendered to Him or are presently serving self and not the Savior. They have chosen to reign over the affairs of their own lives and oust Christ as LORD and Master. Jesus calls them His very “enemies.”
“But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slaythem before me.” Luke 19:27
In the sport games we like, we all trust and generally agree with the rules that establish the parameters of that game and yet, when it comes to the LORD, so many who claimed to know Him, could care less to even learn His Rule Book, much less walking accordingly.
You see, rules are a blessing. Keeping them is certain to keep us safe, sound, and secure in the end.
Soon, you and I shall stand before Him to give account of every thought, motive, and action done in this life. We will each give account to the ultimate Law Giver as to whether or not we obeyed what He said in His Word. Those who ignore and do not do things His way – by His Rule Book – have this to look forward to:
“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away ; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened : and another book was opened , which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:11-15
You see, God’s Rule Book is the only eternal Book of Rules for life and blessing (2 Peter 1:3-4). His Rule Book reveals the One Savior whereby the individual can play by the rules He has established and not be disqualified in the end. His blessings and promises are all there to be received by His children. All that we need and desire is found therein.
“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness,through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divinenature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:3-4
Saved or Sorry?
At the end of a whole game, no one wants to find out that they have been disqualified due to not following the standards set forth in the rule book, right? This is why it makes no sense and is deadly to assume one is following God’s Rule Book if that person does not even study and know the Word. Many think they are following the LORD and believe they will be accepted into Heaven in the end and miss the eternal, conscious misery and suffering of hell. But Jesus foretold of them. He said that “many,” not a few, will be shocked in the end to be told that they are rebels who refused to get to truly know Him in their earthly lives. “Many” will be misled by “false prophets” who preach a “broad way” or wide acceptance instead of what the only Savior taught – “strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and FEW there be that find it.” Then He tells us who and who is not building their eternal futures upon the rules of the game. This determines who is safe and who will be eternally sorry. Whatever you do, listen closely to these words from the Son of God:
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits . Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down , and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them , I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended , and the floods came , and the winds blew , and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended , and the floods came, and the winds blew , and beat upon that house; and it fell : and great was the fall of it. 28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: 29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” Matthew 7:13-29
Whose rule book are you following? God’s, or your own?
Warning:
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men,after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Colossians 2:8
The prayers of the rebellious are not answered. Rebels don’t like rules because they are lawless, full of pride, deliberate unbelief, and self-righteousness. The lake of fire awaits.
“He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law (Word), even his prayer shall be abomination.” Proverbs 28:9
One thing’s for certain – with no exception – ALL who know and follow Jesus Christ, count His Word as highest authority and refuse to put their worship and honor toward mere men or ministries (Ezekiel 14:3; Zechariah 11:17; John 5:41-44; 8:47; 2 Corinthians 1:9; 3:5; 4:5; 8:5). Any person who thinks they are saved and isn’t following Christ according to the written Word of God, is deluded and the LORD is calling them to repent and be saved.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105
Whether we like it or not, when we get pulled over by a policeman and we say to the officer “But I didn’t know the speed limit,” he says “that’s no excuse and it’s your responsibility to know the speed limit.” We then get a ticket. Right? The Bible says “And if a man also strive for masteries (to win), yet is he notcrowned (qualified), except he strivelawfully (according to the rules).” (2 Timothy 2:5) God has guidelines and those who ignore or refuse to learn them are doomed (Jonah 2:8).
“They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.” Jonah 2:8
God forbid that we get to the end of our lives, which could be today, and discover the horrific truth that we did not truly follow Christ according to His Word but rather other notions, philosophies of mere men, and wolves who misled us!
“Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” Psalms 127:
Want to do things the right way and be ready to meet your Maker and eternal Judge? Go here.
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Articles
Biblical Deliverance Prescription-Wholeness in Christ [podcast]
Dominating the Devil! (below)
The Heart of the Matter (below)
Biblical Deliverance and Wholeness Prescription:
PRAYER: Holy Father, please make me whole, make me holy, from the inside out, as only You can do! In Jesus’ Name. Amen!
Jesus specializes in healing broken hearts, broken lives, and making them WHOLE as He alone can do! THAT’S why He came! (Luke 4:18.)
Dear LORD Jesus, I love You. Please quicken my spirit in Your holy fear, make me alive in Thee afresh dear Savior. Please bless this life to be dead and buried that You might raise it up for Your eternal glory – both now and forever. In Jesus’ holy Name, amen.
Are you hearing the voice of God? If so, it will be proven in that your life following Jesus will of certainty include regular times of fasting and prayer. Jesus says “WHEN” and not “if” you fast (Matthew 6:16). A true oneness with Christ and the Father, absolute deliverance, broken yokes, refreshing, true rest, wholeness to the core, a poor in spirit heart, and the blessed place of brokenness and divine peace await you beloved of God (Isaiah 58).
Remember that whatever you FEED will FLOURISH and whatever you crucify will DIE, will DIMINISH. In Christ, there’s nothing in your life you can’t fast away – as you cry with John the Baptist, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). Read Isaiah 58 and do it God’s way. He promised to “break every yoke” (Isaiah 58:6). If you love Jesus supremely, you will obey Him and at any cost, get the sin out of your life (Mark 9:43-49). If you’re not willing to die, you will not enjoy the benefits that He desires to load you with (Psalms 68:19).
You are not serious about overcoming sin if you’re not yet setting apart regular times of fasting and prayer. | The Amazing Benefits of Fasting and Prayer
Fasting earns nothing from God. No, a time of fasting and prayer is the wise decision to declare “Jesus, I love You and I want You to consume my life!” … Saints, today is our day to drive our stake in the ground by scheduling a time of fasting and prayer (Matthew 6:16). Broken yokes, deliverance, wholeness, and fruitfulness for His glory await as Jesus manifests Himself in and raises up those that be bowed down (Psalms 145:14; Isaiah 58; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; James 4:10).
The Untold, Untapped Blessings of Fasting and Prayer According to Holy Scripture
The only way sin will be forgiven and devils will leave a person is if they “submit” to God in true repentance (James 4:7).
ANYone who is willing to repent can be delivered! Do you know what James 4:7 says?
You will remain in bondage to sin, depressed, feeling lonely, defeated, miserable, unfulfilled, hurting, anxious, etc., until you truly submit your life to God. He’s going to allow all the evil to remain upon you and increase in your life – because He loves you and wants you to come home to Him which begins at repenting.
The only way to escape the evil one controlling your life is submission to God which begins with unreserved repentance which then results in abiding fellowship (James 4:7).
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
Overcoming the enemy requires submitting to God. There are no shortcuts. “The children of disobedience” are under the control of the enemy of all souls, the cruel taskmaster himself, Satan (Ephesians 2:1-3).
The LORD avenges us of our enemies only when we submit to Him (James 4:7).
As long as we are not truly submitted to the LORD, Satan is in control of our lives. Memorize James 4:7.
“Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, WHEN the people willingly offered themselves.” Judges 5:2
“WHEN” we “willingly” offer ourselves to the LORD, He will bring His deliverance and wholeness into and through our lives!
“Willingly” offering ourselves is spoken of in Romans 12:
“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. 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.” Romans 12:1-2
Needing deliverance? “Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, WHEN the people willingly offered themselves” (Judges 5:2).
WHEN we willingly offer ourselves to the LORD, He brings deliverance to our lives by ridding our enemies which first must pertain to the conquering, the crucifixion of “the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts” and in putting on of “the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:9-10).
WHEN you make your move, abandoning the futile flesh, you can bet Satan is going to send you diversionary distractions! God is able as you continue to press into Christ, looking neither to the right hand nor to the left!
“Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.” Proverbs 4:27
DEMONSTRATE to God that you are authentic-by laying down your life so Christ can reign!
Forgiveness and Inheritance
“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.” Acts 26:18
The LORD wants to grant each of His children not only deliverance but wholeness!!!!!
WHEN we are fractured in soul, not made whole by our LORD, it will destroy our relationships. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 is a divine prayer for wholeness!
“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. 24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
We just read that wholeness is our LORD’s will for us and He’s the only One who can make us whole – from the inside out! Oh, and the promise that He “will do it”!!!! What great confidence with which we can approach our Father!!!! in JESUS’ Name!
God is a good Father, perfect! He left nothing out of His Word that we need and TODAY is the day we apply His divine healing, wholeness balm/medicine in JESUS’ name! (See 2 Peter 1:3-4.) Wholeness is only, exclusively available to those who are truly in Christ!
Two Great Prayers for today:
“Father, in Jesus’ Name, please make me whole, from the inside out” (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
“Father, please make me whole, as You alone can do-spirit, soul, and body, in JESUS’ Name” (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
LITTLE BY LITTLE!!!! IF you are not completely delivered and made whole, join the club. Take encouragement in this truth: “By little and little I will drive them (your enemies!) out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land” (Exodus 23:30).
Beware of wasting time with the false movements, preachers, and local churches of this apostate day who only feed the flesh instead preaching the original Gospel where Jesus and His holy apostles commanded that we die to self, lay down our lives in the fleeting world or we will perish (Luke 9:23-24; 14:33; 17:33; John 12:23-25, etc.). The self-serving person will never be made whole. Jesus only makes whole those who take in and adhere to His whole counsel!
A time of fasting and prayer is the cross in action! What day do you fast weekly?
Fasting weakens the flesh and prayer strengthens the spirit! Bam! Death, burial and resurrection in action!
EVERYTHING you need and desire is in Christ! It’s time to indulge! To “Delight”! (Psalms 37:4.)
The only way to get Satan out of your life AND BE MADE WHOLE IN CHRIST, is to repent for real – to submit your life to God (James 4:7). When you do, the LORD will make you whole! (1 thessalonians 5:23.)
Charles Pray writes:
“Yes Lord, just as a piece of fruit that is rotten starting from the inside and works its way out to the surface, where when you finally see it it’s too late to save it. Father, in Jesus’ Name, let our fruit be seen from the inside out. Cut out the evil rebellion LORD, we pray! LORD, please purifies us to the depth of our hearts that You might be glorified to use us, in Jesus’ Name, amen!”
ARE YOU being made whole in Christ for that relationship you are praying for? Okay You are PRAYING, but are you PREPARING?
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
If you truly desire to be delivered from all oppression or possession of the enemy of all souls, you will read and heed this divine prescription – a guarantee for your liberty in Christ.
- Present your body a living sacrifice – lay down your life (John 12:23-25; Romans 12:1-2).
- Set yourself apart (Psalms 4:3).
- Seek the face of the LORD in a time of fasting and prayer (Isaiah 58; Matthew 17:21 KJV only – the new perversions have removed this verse).
- Repent of all known sin in order to shut out the enemy by cancelling his legal right to you (James 4:7).
- As we submit ourselves to the LORD, the enemy will be cast out and kept out in Jesus’ holy Name (Mark 16:17; Acts 16:18; James 4:7; Matthew 12:43-45).
- Ask God to baptize you with the Holy Ghost (Matthew 3:11; Luke 11:13; 24:49; Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-4, 38-39; 8:14-17; 10:44-48; 19:1-6, etc.).
- Memorize Hosea 10:12.
- Pour over James 4:4-10.
- Read and do Isaiah 58.
- Memorize Mark 10:27.
- Now, once delivered, you must keep your house – temple – clean and clear of all sin and this will keep Satan out (Matthew 12:43-45).
- This will keep him from having legal right to your life through sin (James 4:7).
- Know that God is able and willing and desires to make you completely whole, set apart to Him, and free (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1).
- Liberty is in Christ and staying rooted in Him (2 Corinthians 3:17).
- Those who obey the LORD’s truth are made free (John 8:31-32, 36).
- God wants us to speak with Him. So, come before the LORD with “words” of repentance, denunciation of all idols, and placing all your trust – the whole weight of your existence – upon Him (Hosea 14:1-3).
Deliverance | Devils | Holy Ghost Baptism | Satan Crushed! | Off the Chain | Deeds and Doctrines of the Nicolaitans
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Abiding
Going Directly to the Source [podcast]
IF you desire to truly hear from GOD, read His own Word for yourself. King James Bible.
“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
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
“Nourished Up” – like a wise virgin Heaven bound saint.
“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
On this biblical topic of fervency, of being “fervent in spirit”, one commentary offers the following:
“Nourished up in the words of faith” is a biblical phrase from 1 Timothy 4:6, meaning to be continually fed, strengthened, and built up by scripture, sound Christian teaching, and doctrine, much like food sustains the body, these spiritual words sustain and grow the soul, leading to spiritual maturity and a deeper walk with God. It signifies a deliberate, ongoing intake of God’s truth, which fosters growth, guards against false teachings, and fuels a believer’s life.” (Source?)
It’s one thing to have a mere human giving you encouragement and yet another thing to get your encouragement, your spiritual nourishment from God—directly. King James Bible.
Psalms 73
“Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.
3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.
5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.
6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.
7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.
8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.
9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
10 Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.
11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?
12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.
13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.
14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.
15 If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.
16 When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;
17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.
18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.
19 How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
20 As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.
21 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
22 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.
23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.
24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
27 For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.
28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.”
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Abiding
“Fervent in Spirit” [podcast]
“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;” Romans 12:11
Concerning being “fervent in spirit,” one commentator notes that this means to:
“Maintain zeal to the boiling point.” Dake
“Fervent” – A primary verb; to be hot (boil, of liquids; or glow, of solids), that is, (figuratively) be fervid (earnest): – be fervent.
“Do nothing at any time but what is to the glory of God, and do every thing as unto him; and in every thing let your hearts be engaged.” Adam Clarke
“Never let your zeal flag (lag, drop, tank), maintain the spiritual glow, serve the Lord.” Here we are reminded of the words of Jeremiah 48:10: ‘Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully,'” Believer’s Bible Commentary
Apollos was “fervent in the spirit.”
“This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being FERVENT in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.” Acts 18:25
In all things Christ’s saints are to be “fervent in spirit”:
“Not slothful in business; FERVENT in spirit; serving the Lord;” Romans 12:11
Disciples of Jesus are to have a “fervent mind” toward all saints and ministers of His blessed Gospel:
“And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your FERVENT mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.” 2 Corinthians 7:7
“Fervent prayer” is to be offered to God for other of His saints:
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual FERVENT prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James_5:16
Jesus’ people are to have “fervent charity among” ourselves:
“And above all things have FERVENT charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8
“Fervent heat” will soon consume the wicked who refused the salvation that comes from Christ alone:
“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with FERVENT heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” 2 Peter 3:10
“Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with FERVENT heat.” 2 Peter 3:12
On this biblical topic of fervency, of being “fervent in spirit”, one commentary offers the following:
“2 Peter 3:
To be ‘fervent in spirit’ means to have intense, burning passion, zeal, and enthusiasm for spiritual matters, often linked to serving God, rather than being lukewarm or apathetic. It implies being ‘boiled’ with spiritual energy, actively engaged, and diligent in faith, as described in Romans 12:11, (‘not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord’). It’s a passionate, fiery commitment, distinct from fanaticism, involving earnest application and a deep love for God.
Key aspects:
- Intensity: A deep, glowing, or boiling heat of emotion and dedication.
- Diligence: Not being lazy or half-hearted, but actively applying oneself to spiritual duties.
- Spiritual Zeal: A strong desire and excitement for God’s will, the Gospel, and spiritual growth.
- Source: Often described as being moved by the Holy Spirit, a fire within.
- Biblical Example: Apollos was described as ‘fervent in the spirit’ as he taught diligently about the Lord (Acts 18:25).
- Passionate prayer
- Diligent study of God’s Word
- Active, loving service to others
- Bold witnessing for faith
- Being ‘on fire’ for God, not lukewarm”
Jesus says that those in His church who are “lukewarm” will be spued or rejected (Revelation 3:15-16). What’s the opposite of being “lukewarm”? – being “fervent in spirit.”
“Amen! Don’t let your fire die as the church in Laodicea did! They were neither cold nor hot. They were lukewarm. Comfortable! Indifferent! Their fire for the Lord had gone out. God’s not looking for people who play it safe but people who burn with fire for Him!!!” Karen Cochran
YOUR PRAYER: LORD, make me Yours. Please keep me close to You, NO MATTER what it takes. Break me dear LORD. Let the holy light of Your presence permeate and shine through my inner man. I am Your temple Jesus. Shine Your light on all darkness. I love You my LORD. In Jesus’ name.
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