THE DEEDS AND DOCTRINE OF THE NICOLAITANS (Part 2)
(Excerpt from the Deceivers and False Prophets Among Us book)
“Every man at his best state is altogether vanity.” Psalm 39:5
Since man is “altogether vanity” even when he is “at his best state,” the believer must not unduly look to him. Such a truth should compel us to seek the counsel, wisdom, and blessing from our loving, majestic, infinite, and glorious Father in Heaven. The New Covenant is a “better covenant” built upon “better promises.” He has purchased with His very own blood our priestly position and all of its inherent privileges.
“But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.” Hebrews 8:6
Do we know and understand these “better promises” upon which the New Covenant is built? Or, will we be destroyed for the lack of knowledge of them?
Saint, when we do not fully follow the LORD, our lives are then relegated to be under the control of mere men and led into deception and ultimately destruction. We are strongly told to “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ” alone has made us free from the “yoke” of man’s “bondage.” (Gal. 5:1)
Building upon the foundation of man is building on sinking sand, a faulty foundation, promised to crumble. The true disciple of Christ is placed under the control and leadership of the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, and such a relationship is never to be usurped by men.
The one who is following Jesus must keep in mind and be on continual alert for the controllers, who seek to spy out and ultimately rob the individual liberty of believers, positioning themselves in such a way as to make people become dependent upon them instead of Christ. God hates this deed and the doctrines which lead to the stealing of His glory and the robbing of His people of the divinely intended blessings.
When we begin to understand the Bible revelation of God and His relationship to men, we will be enabled to discern those deceivers who seek to assume an undue place of control in other men’s lives.
The Doctrine of Man
The doctrine of man is something few Christians understand due to lack of knowledge of the Scriptures. The Bible repeatedly teaches us that “vain is the help of man” and that “every man at his best state is altogether vanity.” (Ps. 60:11, 39:5) In light of this, we should ask: Is it not presumptuous for arrogant men to think they should unduly run the lives of others when they themselves are “altogether vanity”?
Any man who believes he should control the life of another person does not have his own life in order, because he is not submitted to the LORD. The LORD would never, ever lead someone to control another. This is the defiant evil of witchcraft, and “God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.” (James 1:13)
This insolent and audacious presumption exercised on the part of evil men is utterly arrogant and foolish at best.
God Covers His People
God’s guidance and covering are all the guidance and covering needed by the believer.
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust…He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust…because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation…” Psalm 91
Having available to us a true and genuine, godly group of elders is the will of the LORD. This should be our desire, yet not all Christians in this world have such godly leadership available to them. The Bible informs us that there is a lack of spiritual fathers (1 Cor. 4:15). His ultimate desire would be that each believer is submitted one to another among His people and under divinely-appointed, anointed, Christ-centered leadership (Eph. 5:21; 1 Pet. 5:1-6).
Fear not because the LORD Almighty does not sleep nor slumber (Ps. 121). He, who is called “the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls,” is fully capable to lead, guide, and direct all of His people “beside still waters” and in the exact way He desires for them to go (1 Peter 2:25; Ps. 23). He needs no help from any man or group of men. In light of this, are you beginning to see how much of an evil indictment it is for mere men to be so abominably high-minded that they would dare think God’s people needed their authority? Unthinkable!
Are you seeing just how subtly the affections of the saints of the LORD can be intercepted and diverted from Him?
The true walk with God is to elevate Christ alone and His wonderful work on the cross, His resurrection, heavenly intercession, and soon return – not men and their organizations and supposed merit or authority.
Be not deceived: Those who seek to place themselves over others for the purpose of controlling them are false. The control of other lives is premeditated and insidious in nature, diabolical in intent, and esoteric (elitist) in scope. The Alpha and Omega Himself says that He hates this witchcraft. Be sure that He will eternally punish all who practice this evil.
Modern-day controllers are a reality for now. They refuse to hold Christ as the Head of His Church, as well as the Supreme Ruler of each individual believer (Col. 2:18-19). Instead they replace His glorious majesty with the hierarchies and teachings of mere men. Consequently, the headship of Christ is stolen and so is the individual priesthood of every believer. At best, this is a cultic arrangement where man has taken the place of God and is now receiving the worship and attention due only His holy Name. Isn’t this exactly what the Bible foretells would be the modus operandi of the antichrist?
“Let no man deceive you by any means; for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4
The whole reason Christ came was that we might know Him and the Father. and that He alone might reign supreme in the lives of each of His people (Jn. 17:3; 1 Jn. 1:3). Any person or teaching which seeks to interfere with or does not honor and promote such a basic and foundational truth is antichrist and operating under the influence of the enemy who has come to steal, kill, and destroy. Beloved, we must stand fast (remain strong) in the liberty and privileges Christ died to give His people and not allow anyone to rob our blood-bought place.
Upholding Christ as the Only “Head” of His Church
At the foundation of every false teaching is the enemy’s goal of displacing Christ as the Head of His Church.
“Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head (Christ), from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.” Colossians 2:18-19
Body growth is stunted when our LORD is not highly exalted among His People. Jesus Christ must of necessity be upheld as supreme Head of His Church. Any leader or so-called ministry that does not truly uphold and preach Christ is not of God (Eph. 1:22, 4:15, 5:23). The deceivers among us are detected because they are “not holding the Head” of the Church, Christ, as the only Supreme Ruler from whom all divine virtue flows.
“And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church.” Ephesians 1:22
Though Scripture does not teach that men should control other men, this doctrine of control is set forth as an essential by those who propagate it. They want their adherents to believe that it is essential, so that they submit to these beguiling leaders. Those who receive and embrace such a teaching will surely come under the bondage of it (2 Pet. 2:19).
People who are under the dark spirit and spell of this witchcraft and its teaching will press you to learn to which human authority you submit. Does anyone know what I mean? Have you ever run into someone like this? You will know it when you do. They want to know your spiritual lineage of headship. These misled people will press you for your pastor’s name, and who he is submitted to, and who that person is submitted to, and up the chain of command….and on and on.
Turning the Table
After personally dealing with this ugly teaching and evil spirit for years, I have learned what to expect and always ask a question in response to their probing and imposing questioning. When they ask, “Who are you submitted to?” I simply answer their question with a question, “Who are you submitted to?” They tell me their pastor’s name, and then I ask, “Who is he submitted to?” They tell me who their pastor is submitted to, and then I ask, “Who is he submitted to?”…. I just keep intentionally backing them up into a corner, strictly for instructional purposes. My next assertion is, “Doesn’t somebody have to directly connect with the LORD? Might as well be you/us right?”
The intended goal here is to demonstrate to them the utter mistake of believing that being under a so-called “covering” of mere human leadership is of no good consequence. Being submitted to men is of no value in the eyes of God, if one is not ultimately and supremely submitted first to Christ and His headship.
When encountering them, you will find that these people are under the deception of a dark spirit of control, and they are very insistent about their position. You may want to load your gun with the verses and texts in this message. You will probably wish you had, if you don’t.
The Vicarious Worship of “Idol Shepherds”
In instituting and executing His redemption of mankind, the central design of the plan of God was that individual believers would be able to come directly and personally to Him with the help of no man, except the God-man, Jesus Christ of Nazareth (Jn. 14:6; 1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 4:14-16; 10:19-22). It is impossible to vicariously and at the same time properly experience God through a mere mortal or multiple levels of elders. It is not possible to know and experience Him through any sinful man or group of men. The idolatry of this is so very subtle. Men or organizations who set themselves up between God and other men, set themselves up as idols, and are called “idol shepherds” in the Bible.
“Woe to the idol shepherd.” Zechariah 11:17
Seeking to experience God through another mere man is not good. Christ came to give us the reality of a personal relationship with Himself and the Father (Jn 17:3).
“Consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus.” Hebrews 3:1
Did you realize that Jesus is the “Apostle and High Priest” of our faith? Has anyone shared this with you or have you caught this in Scripture? See Hebrews 3:1. Isn’t the kingdom of God all about King Jesus and His kingdom? God wants us to “consider” Him above all others, and anything short of His reign in our hearts and lives He counts as idolatry.
Hint: If someone doesn’t have nail-scarred hands and feet and a pierced side and scarred brow, he is only a mere sinful man and not worthy of our worship. Only Jesus was qualified to redeem us. Only Jesus Christ took the beatings, bruising, wounding, and deep suffering for our sins, and He alone is worthy of our worship. If we are to align ourselves with the LORD, only Christ will reign as King in our lives as we fight the good fight of idol destruction and elevation of the Savior.
“Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:17
We are to know and experience God personally and not vicariously through another. Such is idolatry and will preempt one from entering His kingdom.
“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. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.” Ephesians 5:5-8
“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3
“Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” 1 John 5:21
When the graven images of mere men are set up to revere with undue honor, it causes God’s people to break the second commandment.
“Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath…for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God…” Exodus 20:4-5
Individual Priesthood of Every Believer
God came out to meet us all on a personal basis, when Christ died (Mark 15:38; Jn. 17:3; Heb. 4:14-16; 10:19-23). This does not negate the need for godly leadership, and yet true godly leadership will only and always steer people in this very direction – to know God personally and better through the rich blessing of access through Christ’s blood.
We should never under estimate the power of the Almighty who has taken up residence within all who have been born-again. He is able to lead each of His people all by Himself. The LORD needs no help to do so. His individual believers, empowered by His Holy Spirit, are fully enabled to hear His voice (Jn. 10:3-5;16, 27), preach His Word (2 Tim. 4:2), heal the sick, and cast out devils (Mk 16:15-18; Matt. 10:1-8).
Jesus sent the 70 out in pairs (Lk. 10:1). Yet, Philip acted alone – he and the Holy Spirit. The LORD was well able to fill, direct and bless through Philip as He is through those today who are full of His Spirit and prepared by Him. The Almighty needed no help from mere men. No human ministry partner accompanied Philip, but a divine One did. The Comforter, the Holy Spirit, was with him and great things were accomplished as a result. (See Acts 8:26-40.) So, to say that one cannot minister alone, or without the counsel of his elder or “covering,” is not biblically accurate and an infringement upon the sovereign power of the Almighty and the liberty Christ died to grant each individual believer.
Not long ago, I had a proselyte of this control movement forcefully tell me that no Christian should be out witnessing alone or before first checking with the elder to whom he should be submitted and accountable. As far as I could discern, there was no love within a mile of this fellow, who was zealously asserting these things. The relationship he was having with his high and mighty elders simply wasn’t enough to produce the fruit of love that only the Holy Spirit can do as we abide in Him (Jn. 15). Only the abiding presence of God the Holy Ghost can produce in the believer “the fruit of the Spirit” which “is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Gal. 5:22-23). Allegiance to men cannot fill us with these blessed dimensions of the fruit of the LORD. We should remember that vertical relationship with the LORD always supersedes any horizontal relationship with mere men.
Micro Management
Any person in a leadership position, who requires others to gain his permission or approval before ministering, courting someone, getting married, etc., has placed himself in the position of headship reserved for Christ alone. These types of non-essentials are individual Christian liberties provided by the LORD to His people, and any leader interfering with such has made himself the enemy of God. Such an evil worker is under the judgment of God.
Always remember, beloved, that we have been bought with the highest price, the very blood of God, and that we are to worship and serve Him alone.
“Ye are bought with a price; be ye not the servants of men.” 1 Corinthians 7:23
Beware of Blackmailing Beguilers
One of the evil devices and practices utilized by these satanic pastors is blackmail. These deceivers use people’s sin that they find out about via personal counseling, etc., to blackmail them. They hold it over their heads in order to keep them under their control. Once these wolves have knowledge of the people’s sin, they file it away in memory or document it, in order to use it against them later, should such a need arise. Or, they will utilize it in order to leverage themselves in their evil dealings. They use this knowledge of another’s past sin as a crow bar to influence, leverage, or pry their way into their desired positioning.
Few things could be more abominable and wicked than this practice. What God forgives is never to be used against the forgiven saint – “What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.” (Acts 10:15) The Bible tells us that only “an ungodly man” would dig up evil or sin that has been plunged beneath the cleansing blood of Christ. – “An ungodly man diggeth up evil.” (Prov. 16:27) So, any leader who uses another person’s sin that he has knowledge of against that person unjustly, is “an ungodly man.” Let’s read the passage in which we find this nugget of divine truth. As you read it, ask yourself if you see manipulation, sowing discord, division, exploitation, conniving, control, and divisiveness.
“An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire. A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good. He shutteth his eyes to devise froward (evil) things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.” Proverbs 16:27-30
Our confessed sins are buried to infinity under the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus and are no longer remembered in the mind of God. – “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.”(Heb. 8:12) If this Bible truth is not so, neither is any other! So, to bring back up confessed and forgiven sin, is to work evil, identify oneself as an “ungodly” person, and to bring judgment upon oneself (James 2:13).
In fact, I have personally spoken with many people who are uncomfortable speaking with a pastor or being counseled within an organized local church environment due to the potential threat of those sins being later used against them.
Fear and Trembling
When godly men oversee God’s people, there is peace. When ungodly men are in leadership positions, they are controlled by the enemy who can only operate and bring fear, deception, trembling, and misery (Jer. 3:15; 23:1-40; Jn. 10:10). To illustrate the unnatural and evil effect upon the individual who is placed under bondage via a false shepherd, the following is yet another case in point.
Recently, I spoke at length with two distinguished men in their 50’s that had been a part of a certain local church for over 20 years each. The pastor, who was originally a true follower of Jesus, steadily waned away from Christ, counting his own life and sin more important than Christ. His heart became increasingly hardened, and ultimately he brought the whole congregation under satanic bondage and control. He became one who controlled the laity – a Nico-laitane.
These two men of God, who have since left that local church and are flourishing as God heals them, openly shared with me how they were literally trembling and shaking in fear when they confronted that pastor. This is how under his control they had become and how influential those devils were that controlled that pastor. In speaking to these two men, it was obvious that they were in their natural disposition not prone to fear or intimidation. However, the demon spirit empowering the pastor was very powerful and had brought them under its power through contact and submission to that evil worker.
This writer can personally attest to the trembling that he experienced on several occasions after being prompted by the Holy Spirit to leave local churches. In the early years after Jesus found and saved me, I found myself on several occasions submitted to an ungodly pastor who was exercising an evil control over my life and the lives of the whole congregation. In one case, upon deciding to dare leave a certain local church and go elsewhere, I called the pastor and asked to meet with him. We scheduled an appointment in his office, and, as a younger believer, I timidly and in trembling told him in so many words that I’d be leaving. He became immediately irate and violently asked if I already had another pastor to go submit to right away. I answered “No, not yet.” He rose up and declared forcefully and convincingly that if I left from under his “covering” that I would be out from under God’s protection and most likely be killed. Can you see in this how these men so arrogantly factor themselves in as essential to God’s kingdom? Is this not the height of evil pride? Does this not reveal their blinded and grossly-intoxicated sense of self-importance? This clearly tells us that these men do not believe that Jesus Christ, the very “great Shepherd of the sheep,” the very One who made all things and purchased His very own with His own sinless blood, is not capable enough to take care of one of His people without the help of one of these pastors! If this wasn’t so wicked, sad, and utterly absurd, it would be laughable (Jn. 10; Heb. 13:20).
A Direct Hit on the Enemy
I formerly hosted a weekly Christian television show where I produced a series of shows on the deeds and doctrines of the Nicolaitanes, both identifying the characteristics of their leaders and specifically and poignantly exposing a ring of several local pastors operating in this abominable manner against God and His people. These men were an organized brood of vipers perpetuating over the people the doctrine of witchcraft and exercising an evil control. Among many things they did which were not consistent with the truth and liberty of New Testament believers, here are a few: These wolves taught a strong tithe-binding control, commanded the people to unduly submit the them, were grossly overbearing, and would keep files on the people in order to track and control them. As each weekly show aired in this series of TV programs, which rightly exposed these errant pastors, the ring leader pastor of this group, who was also broadcasting on that same station, filed a complaint with the owners of the station, demanding that my show be taken off the air immediately (Is it any wonder that this same man was known to be involved in séances/witchcraft?). However, the couple who ran the TV station held true to their principle conviction of upholding the Word of God and exposing evil, and refused to submit to the unjust demands of the ring leader wolf. Not only was the biblical truth in these programs a direct hit on the enemies schemes and camp, but so was the stand for truth by this beloved couple (Ps. 94:16). Blessings be upon this beloved family and all who stand with the LORD in His truth and for the liberty and individual priesthood that Jesus died to grant every believer (Judges 5:24-26; 2 Cor. 1:24; Heb. 4:14-16; 7:24-26). God bless us all in Jesus’ holy name to stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free that we become not yet again entangled with any non-ordained yoke (Gal. 5:1). The LORD grants us each the ability to discern and openly rebuke any evil worker who seeks to control God’s people. Jesus Christ came to save, rescue, heal, bless, and deliver and never to bind (Lk. 4:18; Acts 26:18). Those who truly serve Him do the same – they edify, lift up, build up, and exhort as unto Jesus.
More Witchcraft and Manipulation
The believer must remain in the “liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (Gal. 5:1) To do such, we should be aware of how controllers assert themselves (in an evil manipulating manner) as superior through the claim that they hear God for their prey – those who are not able to hear for themselves, because they are not one of the elite. In order to lure them into their net, the controller must convince the people he is seeking to control that God always speaks to people through their leaders. Jesus told us plainly that He causes each and every one of His individual sheep to hear His voice (Jn. 10:3-5, 16, 27).
Some of the pretentious, presumptuous terminology to watch for will sound something like this: “The Lord is showing me things about you…..” New believers, not yet personally grounded in the Word of God, are particularly vulnerable to this deception of the enemy. In their immature state, new believers are in awe that someone could hear from “God” so clearly and are thereby drawn into an unnatural relationship with that person exercising this witchcraft over them.
In order for these manipulators to gain control over another, they must first convince the person they are preying on to believe that they have a more direct line to God and that the Lord has called them to “help.” This is a recipe for bondage and the spoiling of the believer’s liberty Jesus died to procure.
Correct Bible doctrine clears this up. Here is but a taste:
- Jesus is the Leader of the true believer, not any mere man. He is the “Head of the Church.” (Eph. 5:23; Col. 1:18)
- Christ, not a sinful man, is “the Apostle and High Priest of our profession.” (Heb. 3:1)
- The Son of God said His sheep (people) hear His voice for themselves (John 10:3-5; 16, 27). God speaks to His people individually first of all (1 Jn. 2:27). Any divinely inspired word of prophecy would only confirm (never contradict) what the LORD is already revealing to the heart of one of His people. The individual believer needs no human to stand between themselves and the LORD Jesus Christ who is the “one Mediator between God and men.” (1 Tim. 2:5) Christ directs His children. Each blood-bought Christian has total and complete access to His throne of grace at all times (Matt. 11:28-30; Heb. 4:14-16; 7:25; 10:19-23). Only a deceiver would dare subvert or in any way hinder this relationship (Col. 2:8-19). It is of the utmost importance that the believer spends time in prayer communion with the LORD in order to learn to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd.
- All born-again believers are commanded by the LORD to “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (Gal. 5:1)
- The blood-bought believer is not to be the servant of a mere man or men as far as His highest authority or in any manner that does not align with the spirit and truth of the priesthood of individual New Testament saints. “Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.” ( 1 Cor. 7:23)
“Forbid Him Not”
Perhaps this next text in Luke 9 will drive a death nail deep into the coffin of lies that bind and steal the glory of God and misplace the glory upon mere men. Jesus rebuked His disciples when they attempted to bring another follower of Christ under their control or guidance (this would be equal to the “covering” teaching or doctrine/deeds of the Nicolaitanes). Those who espouse this evil and rotten “covering” doctrine and practice seek to bring others under their leadership, insisting that such is necessary.
“And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils (doing ministry) in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us (wasn’t under our covering). And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.” Luke 9:49-50
With hands on hips, Jesus’ disciples proudly began to tell Him, “LORD, this guy had the audacity to try to live for you and even minister and wasn’t even submitted under our covering, so we shut him down. How dare him!” Well, the Master shut down this evil pride and rebuked His misled disciples with, “Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.” This is clear evidence that we should never seek to put our understanding of ministry structure on other people or groups in a forceful manner.
God is God all by Himself, and is powerful enough to handle all of His people without our help. The LORD has not called us to police, micromanage, or exercise control over the faith of another (2 Cor. 1:24). We see in this text the LORD Jesus forthrightly rebuking His disciples for seeking to hinder any true Gospel work. Instead, Christ opens the floodgates to ministry – “Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.” Let us be the wind beneath the wings of other believers, all of which have been called to shine the light of Christ in this dark world.
God forbid that we ever hinder His work in our pride. Instead, should we not pray that the LORD use others mightily?
“We saw one casting out devils in thy name…Jesus said…he that is not against us is for us.” Luke 9:49-50
Notice that this believer, whom Christ said “is for us,” was operating all by himself and casting out devils, without any “covering” except the Almighty’s. What does this prove? For one thing, like it or not, it clearly shows that God grants kingdom authority without men being involved in overseeing other men. Obviously this man was in obedience to the LORD, or he would not have had the authority and power in the spirit realm to cast out devils. This man, who was operating alone, was submitted to God, and when he resisted the devil, the devil had to flee (James 4:7). Submission and obedience to the LORD of glory are what count. As He would have us submit to men, He will orchestrate the matter without men having to force themselves into people’s lives using manipulation to gain positions of illegitimate authority (1 Pet. 5:1-6).
People do not need us; they need God, their very Maker and Redeemer. So, we should cease from the pride-rooted witchcraft of leveraging ourselves into the picture. Should we not concentrate on what the LORD would do in our own hearts and lives as we work out our own salvation with fear and trembling? (Phil. 2:12-13).
May the LORD Jesus forgive us for every time we have been used by the enemy to hinder the flow of the Gospel of Christ.
Be it known that all opposition to the Word of God is of satanic origin (Mk. 4:15). Where will we stand?
Helping Joy
“Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.” 2 Corinthians 1:24
Paul didn’t take a position of dominion over the faith of other believers who were saved not by Paul’s but by Jesus’ grace and sinless blood. In contrast to Christ and those who truly follow Him, controllers take dominion over and place undue burdens on others. Some of the buzzwords that are often found among these predators among us include the over use of words like submit, submission, commit, and commitment. Controllers are heavy- handed about personal performance instead of balancing personal obedience and the grace of God at work in each believer through faith (1 Cor. 15:10; Phil. 2:12-13, Col. 2:21-23; Ps. 138:8; 1 Pet. 1:5) . When personal performance is overemphasized, it frustrates the grace of God and hinders the fruit of the Holy Spirit being produced in the individual. No person has ever nor ever will be able to do the will of God outside of the work of the Holy Ghost working in him (Rom. 8:13; 2 Cor. 3:18; Phil. 2:13).
Legalism and control stifle joy. Have you ever noticed that there is no joy among the ‘religious’? When people embrace truth it makes them free and fills their hearts with joy. Those who walk in the liberty of the LORD increase the joy of the LORD in others. They are used of the LORD to bring to others the truth that makes men free. True disciples bring the message and blessings of their Master who came to make men free (Lk. 4:18).
Godly servants help promote “joy” in those they serve who “stand…by faith” in their God.
All spiritual authority given by God is given to help, lift up, restore, and edify others, not tear people down, bind or dominate them (Matt. 11:28-30). Paul penned:
“…our authority, which the LORD hath given us for edification (building up), and not for your destruction…” 2 Corinthians 10:8
Paul says here that the divine “authority” invested in him was “for edification” and not for the “destruction” of God’s people. Just as Christ was in His earthly ministry, we are anointed by God to bless and not curse, to uplift and not put down, to loose burdens and not place them on people, to preach the day of the deliverance from the LORD (Lk. 4:18). All who truly follow Christ are burden lifters not burden placers (Matt. 11:28-30).
Love that Liberates
When the eyes of those who are caught up in this cultic environment are opened, they will seek to leave (get free). They will then be accused of being “unsubmitted, rebellious, and unaccountable.” The manipulation and control never seems to stop whether one is coming or going. The attack that is waged when one
attempts to leave the cultic environment only further proves that they were captive under a spirit of witchcraft from which they must get free.
Speaking specifically about false prophets, Peter writes:
“While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome (by deception and lies), of the same is he brought in bondage.” 2 Peter 2:19
When men are the source, misery is always the end product.
We must have God’s love filling our hearts yet more and more (1 Thess. 4:9-10). This is the chief purpose of the Word of God (1 Tim. 1:5). Walking in God’s love is a non-negotiable essential for all who call upon His name. Love never fills the hearts of those who submit to the control of mere men. Such an arrangement displaces our trust to men and away from God and nullifies the divine blessings.
“Faith…worketh by love.” Galatians 5:6
Also, love never fills the hearts of those who seek to control the lives of others. The fruit (evidence) of the Holy Spirit is never borne in the hearts of controllers, because He is not at work in them. They are void of His presence, since they are choosing to be in control instead of allowing the LORD to be.
Without love, we are nothing (1 Cor. 13). A lack of love in us clearly demonstrates a lack of relationship with the LORD:
“He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” 1 John 4:8
Love is the proof that we are abiding in the LORD:
“God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” 1 John 4:16
The blood-bought position and individual liberty of each believer is to be defended and preserved according to the clear teachings of the New Testament. Any teaching or leader that infringes upon the individual liberty and priesthood of the believers is to be rejected. To the Christians at Galatia and all those today, the Holy Spirit would say:
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hast made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1
For a deeper study of this whole subject, see the book of Galatians. Paul addresses with force, the evil deceivers, legalism, and doctrine of control that added to the true Gospel burdens and requirements, which the LORD never instituted nor intended. As Paul’s posture and assault demonstrates, no mercy is to be shown to unrepentant workers of deceit who perpetuate this evil.
“Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh (self-effort and works)?” Galatians 3:3
The doctrine of control is dangerous and hurtful and has brought great harm to God’s people. It is the doctrine of devils (1 Tim. 4:1-6). Surely hell is full of people who were submitted to mere men, but didn’t know the LORD personally (Matt. 7:21-23). When we knowingly add to God’s Word (requirements and duties that the LORD never gives in His Word), we are acting as the Pharisees of Christ’s day, and we will be condemned with them if we don’t repent. Or, when we overemphasize a minor truth of Scripture, elevating it to the status of an essential doctrine, we err greatly (Matt. 23:13-14). Christ lambasted the hell-bound religious hypocrites of His day saying:
“For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.” Matthew 23:4
We should stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free and not be entangled again with any yokes of bondage of men or devils (Gal. 5:1). Jesus came to bless us by lifting burdens not adding any, and all those who truly walk with Him help others get freer and freer to serve their Savior and help others get free (Matt. 11:28-30; Lk. 4:18, Acts 10:38).
One writer of old stated:
“The real test of religion is, does it make wings to lift a man up or a dead weight to drag him down? Is a man helped by his religion or is he haunted by it? Does it carry him or does he carry it? … The Pharisees believed that to do God’s will was to observe their thousands of petty rules and regulations and nothing could be further from the kingdom of God, His basic idea, His love.”
The Lord’s Ministry
Any person or ministry that is adding burdens, such as yoking people with things God never told us in His Word, is working for the LORD’s enemy who has come to destroy souls (Jn. 10:10). This is the clear, outright, and brazen removal of foundational truths that have been in the true Church (people of God) since its very inception. This subversion of truth and authority is being perpetrated by those who have come and set themselves to be served by the ministry, instead of serving God according to His ordained pattern and plan.
In fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy of the Messiah (Isa. 61:1), at the onset of His earthly ministry Christ declared His mission:
“The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the LORD.” Luke 4:18-19
Paul’s whole ministry focus was to connect people to the LORD Himself, and he purposely conducted himself in such a way as to cause them to fully trust the LORD and not Paul or any other man (1 Cor. 1,3). Witness the Apostle Paul’s mode of operation in ministry here:
“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. (here’s the reason) THAT your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
“An Holy Priesthood”
“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:5
We can’t go to church because we are the Church. Isn’t it time to be the body of Christ? No need to look for some Mr. Wonderful to come along to lead us. Wouldn’t this be idolatry and asking to be deceived? The Bible declares that Jesus Christ is our “Wonderful, Counselor …mighty God…everlasting Father …Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6). “The Shepherd and Bishop of our souls” lives in us to the end and promised to be with us in accomplishing His work until His return (1 Pet. 2:25; Matt. 28:18-20).
If you have been duped into believing and induced with the associated fear of a controller, you should ask the LORD to free you to serve Him.
Abandoned to God
In order to be free from the control of men, we must first give ourselves fully to the LORD who gave Himself fully for us. We must give up our right to ourselves and release to Him the full and total control of our lives. Perhaps the place to begin would be praying as the One who died to grant us this liberty:
“Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” Luke 23:46
Summary
Whether it be a statue, icon, symbol, wooden totem pole, or a mere man, it all falls far short of the glory of the One who inhabits eternity, created all things, and holds all the oceans of the earth in the palm of His hand (Isa. 40:12; 57:15; Col. 1:15-17).
Fear that Frees
“God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.” Psalm 89:7
In the end, it will be those who truly fear the LORD and not mere men who will be blessed to be triumphant. Fearing men brings the noose around the neck, while fearing God brings the key that unlocks and makes free from all shackles that bind. (See Proverbs 22:4; 29:25; Matt 10:28; Isa. 2:22; Gal 1:10.) We must fear God supremely and intensely and depart from any church or ministry that is not clearly and overtly walking in His Word and Spirit (Eccl. 12:13-14).
PRAYER: LORD Jesus, free me from all bondage. Set me free to serve You supremely. Bless my life to walk in the fullness of Your liberty. Break all yokes of men and devils, which have come to hinder my walk with You. I love You, Jesus, and thank You that I now overcome by the blood of the Lamb and word of my testimony of how You have made me free. Dear LORD, I pledge my full and total allegiance to Thee. I love You, my LORD Jesus. Thank You for the victory of Your cross, blood, and resurrection. I now accept Your full salvation and all the blessings that come with it. May all curses, hexes, vexes, and schemes of Satan be broken off my life this moment in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth and by Your holy, precious blood. For it is written; “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” (Rev. 12:11) Amen.
Deceivers and False Prophets Among Us
Sign up for free email devotional HERE... The Moments with My Master email devotional is sent out for the edification of the body of Christ.
Feedback:
“Thank you brother. This expose’ on the Nicolaitane deception is a blockbuster. I am so happy to see someone have the knowledge of how it operates. I have researched the Nicolaitianes but I think the RUACH HA KODESH (Holy Spirit) provided you the wisdom to see how it is applicable today and especially now. Praise the LORD! I know people that attend churches right now whose intel is out there and in just about every wind of doctrine you discussed. So I sent it to them.. they have to make the choice to come out .. ” Shalom Marsha
Articles
The Book of Romans Narrated [podcast]
“And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:” Romans 1:4
Chapter 1-16
Chapter 1
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2 (which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 3 concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 5 by whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: 6 among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: 7 to all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; 10 making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; 12 that is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. 13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. 14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. 15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Chapter 2
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? 4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 5 but after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 6 who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7 to them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: 8 but unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 9 tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; 10 but glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 11 for there is no respect of persons with God.
12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; 13 (for not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. 14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15 which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) 16 in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, 18 and knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; 19 and art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. 21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? 22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? 23 thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? 24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written. 25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. 26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? 27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? 28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29 but he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Chapter 3
What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? 2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. 3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? 4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. 5 But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) 6 God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? 7 For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? 8 And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.
9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; 10 as it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11 there is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. 13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: 14 whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: 15 their feet are swift to shed blood: 16 destruction and misery are in their ways: 17 and the way of peace have they not known: 18 there is no fear of God before their eyes. 19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. 29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: 30 seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. 31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law
Chapter 4
What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? 2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, 7 saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. 9 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. 10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: 12 and the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. 13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: 15 because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. 16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, 17 (as it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. 18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. 19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb: 20 he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 and being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. 23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; 24 but for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25 who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
Chapter 5
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 and patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 13 (for until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. 15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. 16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. 17 For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) 18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. 19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21 that as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
Chapter 6
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. 19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. 20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. 21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. 22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Chapter 7
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? 2 For 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. 3 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. 4 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. 5 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. 6 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.
7 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. 8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. 9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. 10 And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. 11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. 12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.
13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Chapter 8
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Chapter 9-10
I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, 2 that I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. 3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: 4 who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; 5 whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.
6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: 7 neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. 8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. 9 For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sara shall have a son. 10 And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; 11 (for the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) 12 it was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. 13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. 15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. 17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. 18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.
19 Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? 20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? 21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? 22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: 23 and that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, 24 even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? 25 As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. 26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God. 27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: 28 for he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth. 29 And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.
30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. 31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. 32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; 33 as it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Chapter 10
Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. 5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. 6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) 7 or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) 8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 and how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. 19 But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you. 20 But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. 21 But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.
Chapter 11
I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, 3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. 4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. 5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded 8 (according as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. 9 And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them: 10 let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway. 11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. 12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?
13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: 14 if by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them. 15 For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? 16 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. 17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; 18 boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. 19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. 20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 for if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. 23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again. 24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?
25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. 26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: 27 for this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. 28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes. 29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. 30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: 31 even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. 32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! 34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? 35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? 36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
Chapters 12-16
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. 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11 not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13 distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Chapter 13
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 for he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. 8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. 13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Chapter 14
14 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. 4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. 5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. 7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. 8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. 10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way. 14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. 16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of: 17 for the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. 20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. 21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. 22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. 23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
Chapter 15
15 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. 3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. 4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. 5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6 that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: 9 and that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. 10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. 11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. 12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. 13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. 15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, 16 that I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. 17 I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. 18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, 19 through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. 20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation: 21 but as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.
22 For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you. 23 But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you; 24 whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. 25 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. 26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. 27 It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. 28 When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain. 29 And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
30 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; 31 that I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judæa; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; 32 that I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. 33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Chapter 16
1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: 2 that ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. 3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: 4 who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epænetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. 6 Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us. 7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. 8 Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord. 9 Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. 10 Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus’ household. 11 Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord. 12 Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord. 13 Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. 14 Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them. 15 Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them. 16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. 19 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 concerning evil. 20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
21 Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you. 22 I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord. 23 Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother. 24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26 but now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: 27 to God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Bible Books Narrated | 100’s of Christ-centered Podcasts | The Book of James Narrated [podcast] | Colossians Overview [podcast] | Christology | Be Ready in the Morning [podcast] | The Sure Mercies of David [podcast] | That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast] | At His Feet | Modern Church | Peace with God
Articles
The More Blessed Life [podcast]
Gracious Gospel Giving (below)
Giving and Lordship (below)
Are You Living It?
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35
Do you truly desire and yearn for “more” of God and His blessedness? This should be the deep desire of every disciple. How do I get “more blessed”? Am I left to wonder what the answer to this important question is? Does holy writ reveal the answer to this question?
Yes. To get more “blessed,” I must “give” more of myself to my LORD. I must be willing to have the LORD increase in me as I decrease, so as to facilitate His expansion in my being.
WHEN we obey God by helping and praying for other of His saints, we are walking in the mind of Christ as we esteem others better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3-5).
WOULD any true Gospel work be lacking if those who claim to serve Christ put Him first in their hearts and therefore finances? (Matthew 6:19-21; Proverbs 3:9-10)
The LORD stated:
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn (grain, seed) of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth (continues) alone (unfruitful): but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” John 12:24-26
In this sinful and perishing world system we dwell in, self and being served is king, but in the kingdom of God, self-less serving is the measure of greatness.
ARE YOU giving to the LORD out of that which HE alone allows you to bring in OR are you spending all on the god of self? Do you know and obey the Word of God given us in Proverbs 3:9-10? …. Are you freeloading? It’s quite amazing how people can and do spend money on everything under the sun except the furthering of the kingdom of Christ.
“He is no fool who gives up that which he cannot keep to gain that which he can never lose.” Jim Elliott
Instead of boasting that everything we have comes from the LORD, we’d better be spreading it around like He commanded. He’s watching! The way we thank Him for putting that supply in our hands is to give it where He’s told us to give it in His Word. What happened to the once “rich man” who didn’t spread around what he’d been given? He’s been irrevocably in hell for at least 2,000 years, right? Right! He’ll never escape the conscious torment, nor will he cease to feel the pain of it (Mark 9:43-50; Luke 16:19-31)
Serving is blessedness and is the great and perpetual prayer and desire of every true disciple. I must yearn for more of His presence, His holiness, His love and His grace. To follow on to know my Master deeper, I must pray the prayer John the Baptist prayed:
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30
He is to increase and I decrease. That is, I must become less in control of my own life and will, and relinquish my right to myself. The self-emptying process must more fully take its course. For I have been bought with the price of His holy blood as the result of His infinitely merciful sacrifice, and no longer live unto myself, but unto Him who gave Himself for me (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 2 Corinthians 5:15; Galatians 2:20. I get to love Him more than I love myself! LORD teach me each day to love You more and myself less.
NEVER pity those who are called out of Christ into His full-time ministry. Instead, pity those who sit there and contribute zilch to the work of the One who bled to save them, the very Once they claim to love, serve, and be saved by.
“And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.” 2 Corinthians 5:15
I must relinquish control of the reigns of my life and will to the One who is worthy of all my praise as long as He gives me the breath of life.
Do we not have this thing called life all wrong? Do we not need a complete transformation of thought? LORD, please have mercy upon us and change us. Amen.
“The One who is the Highest came to become the lowest. We who are the lowest, seek to be the highest.” unknown
Friend, there are no shortcuts – This is the true path to blessedness with God – putting Him first by giving Him and His people more of me daily. In fact, if I am not growing to “give” or serve more, I am not growing as a disciple of my LORD. The true measure of spiritual growth is seen in how much we give of ourselves to God and others.
Jesus taught to “Give” as did His apostle Paul – Mt 6:19-21; Lk 6:38; 2 Cor 9:6-11 etc… not a coerced tithe but giving out of what He gives us – Prov 3:9-10; 1 Chron 29:14, etc.
To the degree I am serving, my spirituality can be measured.
“But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” Matthew 23:11
My humility, or lack thereof, is the true measure of my spiritual life with Christ.
The way humble serving plays out in my daily life could be as simple as smiling warmly at others (Matthew 5:44-48), gently encouraging another, visiting a sick person, instructing a child in the way of righteousness, planting a seed of love in someone’s heart by writing an encouraging note with Scripture, emailing or writing a letter to remind someone how much the LORD loves them, passing a Gospel tract to a lost soul who needs the refuge that only the Savior can give him…. (James 1:26-28).
GOD does not hold the world accountable for supporting His Great Commission He gave us but rather His own people – and He even set up an eternal investment fund for them to reap eternal rewards for doing so (Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, etc.).
In our lives, May all things be done unto the building up of the saints/body of Christ and the reaching of those who do not yet know Him (John 17; Galatians 6:10).
“Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.” Romans 15:2
“Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.” 1 Corinthians 10:24
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, May Your love fill this vessel, this whole being, increasingly and governing my every thought and action as I here this instant set myself to be conformed to Your holy image and will. LORD Jesus, not my will but Thine be done. Thank You for the privilege of serving others in this short life as unto Thee and by Your enabling grace. Jesus I know You are coming soon. May this life be crucified with You and these hands to be found upon the plow of doing Your work, Your will, by serving others as unto You. I love You Jesus and thank You for saving me into Your eternal family and setting my life apart for Your holy holy purposes. Please use us, Your people dear LORD. Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:3-5
Have you signed up to receive the Moments for My Master email devotional? Sign up here to receive FREE Newsletter by mail.
God Is Love & Jesus Is Coming,
todd tomasella
Let’s Grow Together! Sign up here to begin receiving the Moments with Our Master email devotional that is sure to help you grow in His grace and in the knowledge of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 1:2; 3:18). It’s sent out for the edification of the body of Christ. Sign Up HERE.
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | More on Assurance here | Because You Care Page | The Greatest of these is Charity | Be Ready in the Morning [podcast] | The Sure Mercies of David [podcast] | That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast] | At His Feet | Knowing God | The Cross Life | 100’s of Christ-centered Scripture-rich Podcasts | Christology = the Study of Christ
Articles
Mission Mexico Part 35 Video Update, etc.
WHILE the people of America have made up their mind, don’t want to be bothered with the Gospel, openly reject it, the people of Mexico grope in darkness, knowing something huge is missing in the lives, waiting only for someone who will deliver the message of Jesus to them. It’s absolutely stunning.
“How shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:14
If you’re going to try to convince me that God has millions of professing “Christians” sitting around doing nothing but chasing the next fleeting trinket while the people of Mexico and other countries perish for not having the Gospel… you are wasting your time. I don’t believe that for a moment.
YOUR PRAYER: Father, in Jesus’ name, please forgive my vile and damning sin of self-idolatry. Please break me for real. Make me Thy authentic disciple. Prepare and place me on Your earth, doing Your Gospel work, wherever it most pleases You! From this moment onward, I am ALL Yours and no longer my own! In Jesus’ name.
*** Those who’ve heard the Word and are still living in sin, have rejected the Gospel… don’t need high and mighty you hanging around in order to get saved. The best thing you can do is leave them. They’ve already heard the Word and been warned. All your simping is just making them resolved in their rebellion. “Go” with God! Jesus commands you to “Go”—and to “go” you must get up and move!
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15
As always, it begins with praying – “GOD, put me on Your planet where it best serves You! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
ARE YOU personally engaged in doing the Great Commission Jesus gave us—or are you backsliding? It’s either one or the other.
The 3 Ways God’s People Participate in Christ’s Great Commission
1. Praying for Christ’s laborers (Matthew 9:35-38).
2. Witnessing, sowing and communicating the Word (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 8:11).
3. Supporting, supplying those of God’s people who are doing His Great Commission, preaching the Word (Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Philippians 2:25; 4:16-20).
You want God to take you seriously when you don’t take HIM seriously?! Not going to happen. You are praying but not obeying? There are conditions for answered prayer. YOU don’t decide how things work in JESUS’ kingdom—HE does. Repent now. Lay down your life. Jesus says:
“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7
“And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” 1 John 3:22
The Great Commission Jesus gave you!
“Mark, Absolutely love that God has you where you are right now, brother! Watched the video (Mission Mexico update) and God is certainly moving in this ministry! Love the emphasis on getting the dad involved and the reminder of Scripture and Acts 16:31! Love you and praying over your work there! So proud of you, brother! Mike Williams – CEO: M Companies” | Video Update Mission Mexico
You can help us minister to the people of Mexico. Your prayers and financial support is needed. It’s a grand evangelism opportunity. | Support Mission Mexico
Brother Vicente continues to minister the Word of God to men I minister to and then hand them off to him and/or brother Salvador. Both of these men have been supplied with and are passing out the JESUS tract to the people of Mexico. Such was the case with a man named Florentine who received the spoken Word of God and a JESUS tract in Spanish last week. Both Salvador and Vicente are now in touch with this man and ministering God’s Word to him in his own native tongue, Spanish. Last night, brother Vicente sent me this: “I’m taking this opportunity, brother, to see if you have any work available for someone. She’s a woman looking for work from 7 AM to 2 PM, cleaning or anything else you can find. If you could get her something, please. She has three children and is a single mother. She doesn’t have a husband. Or if you, the group, could get her things to sell. She’s a young woman with very limited resources.” Vicente Okay saints, here’s another opportunity. Please lift this dear lady in prayer and her children.
Last night a dear saint gave financially. Today I am working on getting the money to this mother in need today and perhaps hire her for regular work. Her name is Clara. Please pray for her. Let’s roll saints. Jesus is coming. Hand to the plow of His work! Luke 9:62
“The Mexicans I worked with …. They needed Gospel tracts! So glad your team is reaching even their military!!! y Policia. I am praying He will give you both full fluency when needed. Tongues.” Crystal
Police, National Guard, and Army.
Saints, your prayers for the Mexican people are being answered by our LORD saints.
As has been shared, we are now supporting brother Allan Abayon, missionary in the Philippines, his native country. Please pause and lift our brother Allan in prayer —for great fruitfulness for Christ and provision. Gracias. safeguardyoursoul.com
Would you like to pause and lift Mr. Florentino in prayer? He was given and fully received the Gospel of our LORD Jesus today. He and I will continue to communicate.
Mark and I go walking.
Individually of course.
And together a time or two weekly on average,
Last night, as usual, Gospel explosion.
Neither of us will ever get over just how receptive the Mexican people are to our LORD’s Gospel.
You have to see it to believe it and then you may never get over it.
I’ve been sharing with them (in Spanish), always in a loving tone— that hell is forever. Followed up by No. No. No. Do not go there. Jesus died for our sins. Repent and receive Christ. New life in Christ for you today! They are captivated by our LORD’s Gospel and each one is given a JESUS tract (Spanish) and shown the prayer on the back and instructed to go home and repent and receive Jesus.
Yes and any witnesses for Christ who come here will be delighted to see the joyful reception of the Gospel by the Mexican people.
God gives the increase of lost souls as “For we are labourers together with God.”
“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-9
Gospel train rolling. Team Jesus! We must obey our LORD Jesus’ Great Command saints. You are not alone—God is with you, and us!
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20
Thank you for lifting Mission Mexico in prayer today.
Thank God and you for helping minister to the people of Mexico. Your prayers and financial support is needed. It’s a grand evangelism opportunity. | Support Mission Mexico
Mission Mexico – See more here.
Download. Read. Print out your supply of the JESUS tract – English and Spanish.
The Book of Romans Narrated [podcast]
The More Blessed Life [podcast]
Mission Mexico Part 35 Video Update, etc.
Overcoming Whoredom [podcast]
Why I Left Dispensationalism [video]
I’m Not Who I Once Was [podcast]
Which Came First? Faith or Regeneration-Monergism Maniacs Exposed [video]
Video Update Mission Mexico [video]
Laying Up Treasure in Heaven 60 second video #shorts
The Essential of Forgiveness: Are Your Hands Around Someone Else’s Throat? [podcast]
The Blessings of Bible Reading [podcast]
AI TECHNOLOGY IS WHAT?
Despicable Dogs and Stabbing Swine [podcast]
Rich in Faith [podcast]
Safety in Wise Counsel [podcast]
The Blessings of Bible Reading [podcast]
The More Blessed Life [podcast]
The LORD Lift Up His Countenance Upon Thee, and Give Thee Peace [podcast]
Laying Up Treasure in Heaven 60 second video #shorts
Grounded in Grace [podcast]
Biblical Case Against Seminary [podcast]
The Book of Romans Narrated [podcast]
Overcoming Whoredom [podcast]
Which Came First? Faith or Regeneration-Monergism Maniacs Exposed [video]
The Curse of a Divided Heart and Blessing of a Whole Heart! [podcast]
Lay Up For Yourselves Treasures in Heaven [podcast]
Bearing the Precious Seed of God’s Word [podcast]
Rich in Faith [podcast]
Greedy, Covetous, and Beguiled! [podcast]
5 Soul Damning Sins Named! Learning from History! [podcast]
The Book of Romans Narrated [podcast]
The More Blessed Life [podcast]
Mission Mexico Part 35 Video Update, etc.
America1 year agoThe Drugging of America: The Pharmakeia Sorcery Deception [podcast]
- Articles2 years ago
Children being Rescued in Tunnels: Happening Now – UPDATE!
- Articles8 years ago
Self-Examination in Preparation for the Lord’s Return
- Apostasy2 years ago
SHOCKING List of False Prophets Most Believe are True
Providing Christ-centered Scripture-rich resources to feed, edify, and equip the body of Christ (John 21:15-17; Ephesians 4:11-15).
Navigation
Quick links
Newsletter
Stay updated of the ministry operations. We saved a spot for you on the ministry email list.
© 2025 Safe Guard Your Soul. All Rights Reserved