sgys banner books

De-Funding the Wolves

Discernment Clue: Ministries that aren’t provoking you to get into God’s Word FOR YOURSELF DAILY, simply want you to depend on them-not God!

The wolves of today would not be in business if there weren’t so many biblically-illiterate people who claim to be following Christ while they fund these false ministries.

Could you be funding a wolf ministry and not yet realize it?

Only those who are in God’s Word diligently and daily can discern properly who is true and who is false.

“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:11

The LORD makes it clear in His Word that He would have all wolves to become skinny – dried up and out of business!

Actually one sign of a wolf is that he refuses to teach the sheep how to discern truth from falsehood (Ezekiel 44:23-24)

Were we not all repeatedly warned of these wolves coming on the scene in the final days?

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” 2 Peter 2:1-3

Below is a possible revenue flow model to begin a local fellowship – to honor God according to HIS Word – seeking to follow the wisdom of His kingdom priorities.

The percentages can be adjusted. This is a possible model, attempting to align with the divine plan. The attempt is to exercise kingdom priorities as revealed and recorded in the Holy Scriptures. As we saw above, it seems that many local churches do not exercise biblical priorities when stewarding the revenues coming into their local body of believers. The LORD reveals His priorities to us in His Word and we should diligently adhere to His wisdom.

  • Benevolence for local believers – (hardship needs for God’s people, etc. – Matt. 25:40, 45; Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-35; Romans 15:26; Galatians 2:10; James 1:). This could include supporting genuine local ministries who do this type serving (Acts 6:1-4).
  • Elder fund –  Elder brothers who are serving in the study and dispensing of God’s Word and doing ministry to the saints – overseeing, feeding, nurturing, watching for their souls, and being given to prayer (Acts 6:4; 1 Timothy 5:17-18; 1 Corinthians 9:1-14)
  • Sending forth fund – This would be a fund that is available when God speaks to send forth one or more saints, especially those He’s equipped, for ministry exploits (Acts 13:1-2). To be prayerfully decided upon by elders as they seek the LORD – possibly to be used when another preaching elder(s) is set forth by the Spirit or an equipped saint is sent forth for true missionary work (1 Tim. 5:17).
  • Local Evangelism Fund – This is to support several diligent witnesses and a Gospel tract ministry, etc.
  • Foreign Missions –
  • Internet Media Feeding and Evangelism Fund –
  • Administrative Workers –
  • Administrative servant(s), printing costs, postage, etc. –

One might say that this seems pragmatic, but is it not biblical? Need we pray and be “led of the Spirit” to the point that we do not acknowledge what the Holy Spirit of God has already given us in His Word? See 2 Peter 1:20-21 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Deuteronomy 29:29; 1 Corinthians 2:12-13.

In local gatherings already established, it would certainly be wise to reconstruct current revenue flow to align with the LORD’s priorities. For those who may be being led to begin a new fellowship to care for, feed, and train up saints, this would be the right time to lay the foundational grid up front.

Jesus Is coming to take account of every penny of our stewardship. See Matthew 25; Luke 12, 16.

Divine Priorities

People – His people first, then the world – Gal. 6:10; John 17:9; Matt. 25:40, 45

Geographically – Acts 1:8 – Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, then the utter most parts of the earth.

Divine Principle and Directive: Take good care of those men who do the most important work on earth – they worship and serve Him full-time and watch for the souls of His beloved people in prayer, the Word, rebuke, maturing and fruitfulness (Acts 6:1-7; 2 Tim. 3:15-4:5; Eph. 4:11-12). All suffer when they are shorted (Deut. 12:19; 1 Tim. 5:17-18; 1 Cor. 9:1-14).

The question recently arose as to what poor people to help. “The poor saints“ are God’s priority.

“For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.” Romans 15:26

Note here that the Christians in the cities of Macedonia and Archaia were “pleased” or blessed to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.”

Learn also Galatians 6:10 and John 17:9 for God’s priority.

Wise Kingdom Givers

The LORD is calling for the launching and financial support of ministers and ministries for the advancement of His kingdom. His Great Commission command is still in full force and will be until He returns (Matthew 28:18-20). God has not changed and we are fully responsible to be doing what He sent us forth to do. He is not pleased with the waste of money on temporal physical buildings, CEO salaries, unbiblical church programs, and the myriad of irresponsible spending and waste that goes on in the modern visible church. As a member of the body of Christ, we should understand and see that God’s kingdom is a “spiritual house” and not a physical building (1 Pet. 2:5). To His own, Jesus said that the LORD’s kingdom is “within you.” (Lk. 17:21) There are numerous other unnecessary expenditures that are the result of the physical buildings – light bills, electric bills, janitors, supplies, repair, upkeep, remodeling, etc. ….. To a large degree, it seems that the vast majority of the financial love offerings of God’s people are absorbed into a building and a bureaucracy. Also, the people – who are the real church – are being pigeon holed into a central meeting place without launching and mobilizing them for ministry, which is the divine mandate placed upon leaders – to mature all Christians they oversee to do ministry (Eph. 4:11-14). Any local church organization not doing so is false.

Going a Little Deeper

“The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:20-21

The Greek word that “observation” comes from here is parateresis which means inspection, ocular evidence. God’s kingdom is within the saint in the earth and so His children do not need to look with their physical eyes for it to come. King-dom = domain of Jesus the King. Where ever King Jesus reigns, His kingdom has come.

Putting the Greedy Wolves on a Fast

“(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)” Philippians 3:18-19

I believe the LORD is calling His people to defund the hirelings who have built their little church business and building nest and are absorbing billions of dollars of the money of God’s people for their own selfish gain (Philippians 3:18-19). Regrettably, so many people do not peer into the Word and look beyond their own immediate comfort to see what is really going on. So, they continue to financially fund those “evil workers” who are actually “enemies of the cross of Christ” while pretending to represent Jesus (Philippians 3:1-3; 18-19).

Most of our minds have been well trained by enterprising pastors to bring money to their physical church building on Sunday mornings. This allows a nice comfortable place for us to be entertained for an hour weekly. Is this not self-serving? All local churches that meet in a separate building are not operating this way, yet it seems the vast majority are in this hour of apostasy.

Kingdom Proposal – at any time (don’t wait till Sunday or when you are inside a physical building), write a check or carry cash to a true servant of Christ so their lives and families can be sustained to do the most important work on the earth – the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the hearts of men. The time is short beloved. Pray daily for the true servants of Christ around you to be able to be full-time in the care of souls, fastings and pray and the ministry of the Word.

Would you mind if I shared a personal testimony? – Knowing God’s plan for His kingdom furtherance and economy, it has always seemed just and right to immediately and deliberately release those funds into the hands of men who were laboring in caring for the body of Christ and to win souls. I remember when I owned my own company – a Christian business directory here in the Dallas area. Checks of varying amounts would come in to the business. Having been blessed to understand “firstfruit” principle or truth, I would call one of my friends who did ministry and would ask him to meet me somewhere in the vicinity in which we lived. I would then give him a portion of the amount of money that had come in to the company that day.

Unfortunately, the hoards of hirelings have made their church buildings the “official” place to give. God never limited our giving to a certain building.  He says to give the offerings where the Word/meat is being brought forth and where His New Testament plan is being enacted (Mal. 3:8-11; Gal. 6:6).

Instead of focusing on furnishing the hearts of men with the Word and character of Jesus, the hireling further furnishes and embellishes his own church palace.

Always keep in mind that we must live by God’s Word and see things the way He sees them. His kingdom is not limited to any man’s church building. Jesus Christ made all things for His own pleasure (Col. 1:15-17; Rev. 4:11). To the true servant of Christ, the whole world is his pulpit and mission field – he doesn’t hypocritically wait till he is conducting a so-called “church service/program” to serve others and communicate the Gospel. In contrast, the hireling has his staged profession with no passion for lost souls or to perpetually declare God’s Word to all, everywhere he happens to be. He’s a fraud.

Christ commanded, “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”(Mk. 16:15) The spread of God’s kingdom in the hearts of men is the worthy cause which true believers are to support and also to cease funding all who are not doing such in their daily lives. Anyone can stage a ministry – true disciples live to serve and minister. For example, most leaders today do not do personal evangelism, nor do they care about those they speak to on Sunday mornings. Yet, they have the luxury of passing a basket to collect financial offerings weekly from those they refuse to get to know. When do we see those who are supposed to “watch for your souls” calling their sheep on the phone for a moment to ask how one is doing and asking to lift up a prayer or share a Scripture to encourage? (Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 5:1-6) Of the false shepherds cited in Jeremiah 23, the LORD says they “have not visited them (the sheep).” (Jer. 23:2) In other words, their shepherds, like most today, were too busy playing golf or sporting around to care for the LORD’s people. Such a person is not “given to hospitality” or “apt (capable, ready) to teach.” (1 Tim. 3:2)

“For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the LORD: therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered.” Jeremiah 10:21

As we partake in His true Gospel program, will our Father in Heaven not reward each the giver and the goer for eternity? (Romans 10:14-15) Let’s fund the true Gospel saints and those called out men who genuinely live and spread it! Jesus told us: “And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.” (John 4:36)

Corn Fed | Are Ministers of Christ to be Compensated? | New Testament Money Distribution

PASS IT ON TO ANOTHER.

LET’S LEARN GOD’S WORD TOGETHER – ONE TRUTH AT A TIME: Are you tired of reading Scripture or hearing a good message from the Word and not retaining it for yourself and to help others? We can help you. This message was sent out to each person who is on the Moments For My Master e-mail devotional list. In supplementation to your personal daily study of God’s Word, we would love to add you and have the privilege of nourishing your heart with God’s Word (Jn. 5:39; 1 Tim. 4:6, 16; Heb. 5:11-14; 1 Pet. 2:2). Sign up here.

Naming Names: Is It Biblical? | Great Commission or Great Hypocrisy?

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

The Biblical Pattern for Distribution of Funds [podcast]

Dollar Dialogue [podcast]

The Believer and the Word [study guide]

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

Articles

How Do You Get Around the Idea That All Israel Shall be Saved? Steve Gregg [video]

“Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:” Romans 9:6

“The remnant shall be saved, not the race.” Steve Gregg

If one reads Romans Chapters 9-11, he will see that all the way through, it was only a remnant that would truly believe.” unknown

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Fresh Start with God | “Fear hath Torment” – 100% Deliverance from all Fear! [podcast]Resurrection Grace [podcast] G.O.D. = Game Over Devil [podcast]JustificationGrace and Good Works [podcast] | More on Assurance here | Eternal Security Debunked | The Cross Life | 100’s of Christ-centered, Scripture-rich podcasts for your edification in Christ. 

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Continue Reading

Articles

Bearing the Precious Seed of God’s Word [podcast]


“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves (harvest) with him.” Psalms 126:5-6 

A harvest of blessed souls is going to be the result, the ministry produce, the fruit of all who bear and distribute, scatter the seed of the incorruptible Word of God into the hearts of men (1 Peter 1:23).

The LORD didn’t say “go explain who I am to other people.” No, He said “preach the word” and “preach the gospel” (2 Timothy 4:2; Mark 16:15).

Our cute little thoughts and sayings are not even within the same universe of power as the Word of God. Obey God. “Preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:2). We can’t explain someone into salvation. No, only God can draw and convict the lost soul and He instructed us to simply communicate His Word to them.

Instead of doing just another little video of yourself or posting a nice little saying, trying to entice people to Christ, why not just post HIS Word – the KJB? You and I have no power to save anyone, not even yourself (John 6:44; 12:32). Only Jesus can do that and He told you to go preach His Gospel and not try to entertain people into His kingdom (Mark 16:15).

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

When this revelation (recorded for us in Isaiah 55:11) truly hits and settles in your heart, you will never be the same.

People need to hear from God, not us. Have you memorized Isaiah 55:11?

IF Jesus taught something and we’re not teaching it – it’s because we are not following Him correctly – on HIS stated terms (Matthew 28:18-20; John 8:47; 2 Timothy 3:16; 4:2-4, etc.). Are you following Jesus Christ or mere man? Do you preach Christ and His doctrines from HIS Word or are you just regurgitating the pitiful poisons of mere men?

We are still very wise in our own conceits. May the LORD bless us to true repentance with the fruit of allowing God to speak for Himself by simply giving people His Word in His love and wisdom (Colossians 3:16; 2 Timothy 4:2, etc.).

Leveling endless explanations of the faith is futility if the person communicating is not speaking God’s very Word! God’s words are all-powerful because He spoke them and He alone is ALL-mighty. The Source of God’s words is God Himself and so inherent in His words are His power, His presence, His conviction (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Revelation 1:8, etc.).

The Word of God must become the emphasis and not us, not our wonderful, skillful explanations of who God is. After all, have we forgotten that He is infinite and we finite? Are we not but dust? See Psalms 103:14. Regrettably, many in our day have been elevated in the church world for being able to render endless explanations in their international apologetics ministries. Most of these same men used very little if any Scripture which means they helped no one. Many of those in the “Christian” audiences that elevated these men simply wanted to see the arguments of the enemy of souls defeated and not to be grounded deeply in God’s Word for themselves. One such man was the late Ravi Zacharias.

The Words of the Divine vs the Dust

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” 1 Peter 1:23-25 

The “incorruptible seed” is the Word of God, it’s power packed with divine energy. If we are but “dust” before the Almighty, does that not convey just how futile it is to attempt to explain God and His will? Shall we choose to trust the divine or the mere dust created by the divine?

“Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. 14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. 16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.” Psalms 103:13-16

It’s not that we don’t speak our own words also in communicating to others in ministry, yet the substance of what we communicate in those moments is not our words but rather God’s words. He is divine and we are but dust.

In 1 Peter 1:23 Scripture informs us that people are “born again” by the “incorruptible seed” of the Word of God, not our explanation, not by our words.

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

It’s the Word that never returns back to God void, not our explanation. If you wish to be used of God powerfully, you must read, study, be resourceful with, and communicate HIS words.

When you encounter a person in darkness, don’t take it personally. No, rather, see it as an opportunity to kindly plant the seed of the Word of God in their heart – which never returns back to the LORD void but always accomplishes that which pleases Him (Isaiah 55:11). “God is love” (1 John 4:8, 16).

The emphasis should not be on our ability to explain God but rather on his word and simply obeying him by preaching it. It’s the incorruptible seed that brings conviction of salvation not our words.

Did the LORD command His people to go explain to others who He is or to simply “preach the gospel”? Mark 16:15

“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

When you read, when you are daily studying God’s Word, do so with the truth in mind that God wants you learning of Him for your own relationship with Him and also to help others.

“That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” Philemon 6

“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

Our LORD Jesus studied and knew the Word well. Notice how the Son of God readily navigated through the Holy Scriptures to find the exact Scripture He wanted to communicate:

“And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written…” Luke 4:17

Notice another prominent biblical example of how true elders of Christ, as they stand before one or many people, put full emphasis on God’s Words and not their own. They concentrate and put full priority in God’s Word and not their own explanations:

“So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.” Nehemiah 8:8

  1. read in the book in the law of God distinctly”
  2. gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.”

Note how these godly elders read God’s Word to the people and then gave the sense of it. This speaks for itself and reveals to us just who is a godly elder and who isn’t. Rare is the man today, in this late hour, who reads Scripture upon Scripture to the people. Many are so busy giving you their explanation that they have no concern that you are hearing the actual, literal words of the LORD. Sad.

Regrettably lots of people brag about their pastor and how he (supposedly) preaches the Word. In most cases it’s obvious that they’re telegraphing that they trust him, the mere man, the pastor and have no life with Christ in His Word daily for themselves – which the LORD commands (2 Timothy 2:15). Hell is full of people who took men at their word instead of loving God enough to find out what He said in HIS Word for themselves firsthand. Sad. If you don’t love God enough to pour over His words, His instructions, His promises, and His doctrines and warnings for yourself, you are in utter need of true repentance and to seek His holy face continually (1 Chronicles 16:11).

“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 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 3:13-17

Preach the Word

“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:1-4

The Parable of the Seed Growing

“And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; 27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. 28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. 29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.” Mark 4:26-29 

Getting in on the Gospel action begins with a simple prayer, perhaps something like this …. LORD, please prepare and use me for Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Support | STORE | PodcastsBecause You Care Page | The Greatest of these is CharityBe Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast]At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God  |

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Continue Reading

Apostasy

“Simple Concerning Evil” [podcast]


Holy Scripture uses the phrase “simple concerning evil.”

“For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple (innocent) concerning evil.” Romans 16:19

“But I would have you – Not only obedient, but discreet also. Wise with regard to that which is good – As knowing in this as possible. And simple with regard to that which is evil – As ignorant of this as possible.” John Wesley

Concerning Romans 16:19 Donald Stamps writes:

“God wants believers to be innocent (Gk. akeraios) in what is evil; this word means ‘unmixed’ or ‘pure,’ i.e., innocent like a child whose mind has not yet been exposed to evil or mixed with the values of the world (cf.1 Cor. 14:20). (1) This biblical principle is in direct opposition to the idea advocated by some that children of Christians should be exposed to sin, immorality, ungodliness, and the things of Satan in order to learn to confront temptation. Some suggest that children need not be guarded from ungodliness. However, according to biblical revelation, the philosophy is not only against God’s will for the believer, but also represents Satan’s own desire that everyone be exposed to the knowledge of good and evil (Gen. 3:5). (2) Knowledge of evil, along with continual exposure to Satan’s ways, will lead many from the path of faith and obedience. Lot found this out to his deep sorrow, losing his entire family for this reason (Gen. 13:12-13; 19:1-38). Scripture warns that ‘evil communications’ (i.e., company) corrupt good manners (1 Cor. 15:33), and that ‘Jesus Christ … gave himself … that he might deliver us from this present evil world’ (Gal. 1:3-4). Those who advocate exposing innocent children to an ungodly environment and/or influence are in danger of violating Jesus’ warning in Matthew 18:6. (3) Believers should do all within their means and power to guard their children from being exposed to the deceitfulness and sin and the perverseness of this generation. To refuse to protect our children in this respect disregards the Holy Spirit’s desire that they be innocent and babes regarding what is evil.” Donald Stamps, Life in the Spirit Study Bible, p. 1959

Spoil the innocence of a child or others and God will spoil, bring ruin to you.

“But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” Matthew 18:6

“Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.” 1 Corinthians 14:20

Concerning the fact and principle of offering children to Satan on the altar of Moloch, one source notes the following:

“Based on historical and biblical accounts, child sacrifice to Moloch was a Canaanite and Phoenician ritual, often described as offering children to a deity in a “tophet” (place of burning). Scholars interpret this act as a desperate attempt to appease a god associated with the underworld or to ensure divine favor in exchange for the ultimate sacrifice.

Why Children Were Offered to Moloch:

Appeasement of a Deity: Moloch (or Mlk) is identified by some scholars as an underworld deity or a Phoenician god linked to the underworld, requiring the ultimate sacrifice to ensure favor or safety.”

“Lot … Pitched His Tent Toward Sodom”

“Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom. 13  But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.” Genesis 13:12-13

Of the act of Lot pitching his tent toward Sodom, the late Donald Stamps wrote:

“PITCHED HIS TENT TOWARD SODOM. Lot’s great failure was that he loved personal gain more than he hated the wickedness of Sodom (v10-13). (1) If he had loved righteousness sufficiently (see Heb. 1:9), it would have caused him to remain separate from the wicked ways of sinful people. Instead he tolerated evil and chose to live in wicked Sodom (v13). Perhaps he reasoned that the material advantages, culture, and pleasures of Sodom outweighed the dangers, and that he was strong enough to remain faithful to God. Thus, he exposed himself and his family to the immorality, and ungodliness of Sodom, only to learn the bitter lesson that his family was not strong enough to resist its evil influences (Gen. 19:24-26; 30-38). (2) Parents must be careful not to place themselves or their children in a “Sodom,” lest they come to spiritual ruin as did the family of Lot.” Donald Stamps, Life in the Spirit Study Bible, p. 27

“Although Lot was distressed by the filthy deeds he saw and heard (2 Pet. 2:7-8), he still was willing to tolerate the wickeness of Sodom for social and material advantages (13:12 note). This compromise brought tragedy to his family (v24). Likewise, believers today who expose their families to ungodly environments and evil influences for social or material gain are setting themselves up for family tragedies.” Donald Stamps, Life in the Spirit Study Bible, p. 34

Gentlemen, if we lust for the things of this world, it will cause us to sacrifice God’s truth on the altar of our greed and cause needless destruction in our families.

Ephesians 5:1-17

“1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 

2  And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. 

3  But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 

4  Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 

5  For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 

6  Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 

7  Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 

8  For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 

9  (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 

10  Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 

11  And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 

12  For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 

13  But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. 

14  Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 

15  See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 

16  Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” 

“And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. 18  And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, 19  And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.” Mark 4:17-19

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15

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

Key to a pure, innocent heart…. is that the LORD Almighty is truly first in our lives, that we are truly one with Him—just as Jesus prayed in John 17. The futile god of self must be denounced, as well as the sin of spiritual adultery and idolatry.

“Keep thyself pure.” 1 Timothy 5:22

PRAYER: “LORD, right this moment, I release everything and everyone that I might be holding onto tighter than You….I will have no other god before You dear LORD…You Jesus Alone Are My LORD And Savior. In Jesus’ name. Amen.” Marlene Austin

Continue Reading

Categories

donate button round
sgys-books01

Trending