Giving the first of our time, treasure, and talents is the stated will of God. – “But seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Giving Under the New Testament
Clarity and Questions Answered
- Does the Bible teach New Testament believers to tithe?
- What does the LORD say concerning our worship in giving?
- Did Jesus teach tithing?
- Will God curse me if I don’t tithe?
- Will tithing make me wealthy or debt-free?
- If tithing is not commanded under the New Testament, how should I worship Christ with the blessings He is bringing into my life?
- If Christians aren’t supposed to tithe then why is it taught in the church?
- How can I make sure I am giving to New Testament ministry?
There are many now who are exposing the fraud of modern wolves who have coercively placed New Testament Christians under the Old Testament tithing laws God gave to the Jews. The New Testament Scriptures never teach that New Testament believers have to tithe. Believers under the New Covenant can tithe if they wish, but there’s no instruction in the New Covenant to do such. Having learned that tithing is not required, many are left hanging, not knowing how to worship Jesus Christ with their giving. Those who are exposing the exploitation of God’s people by wolves who have told them they will be cursed if they don’t tithe, must teach what Scriptures does teach about giving. Regrettably, it seems that few are learning and teaching what the New Testament teaches concerning giving/distribution. Biblical balance is what we seek as we study the whole counsel of God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:15-17).
So, we have a whole lot of unlearned people going around touting that we are not under the law of tithing, and that’s valid. And yet, where are those who are learning and teaching what the New Testament Scriptures teach about giving? Our giving is to be part of our worship to our LORD, the Giver of all good things (James 1:17). That part is the same under both testaments. Someone is being honored with our money and that should be the LORD Himself who alone gives us that ability to have health and to get wealth (Deuteronomy 8:1-18).
“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent (or treasure) left and could say, I used everything You gave me.” Erma Bombeck
The New Testament Scripture have much to say about giving – first our lives and then our provisions (2 Corinthians 8:5). The fact that there is no law of tithing under the New Covenant is no license to ignore the instructions of the One who bled to save us. He taught us not to hoard but rather to be generous in our giving. In fact, the apostle Paul expresses the divine incentive in our giving when he penned these words:
“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-11
“The fruits of our righteousness” are “increased” when we give. Jesus taught this also when He instructed us where to lay up treasure:
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21
“Cast thy bread upon the waters”
“Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. 2 Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.” Ecclesiastes 11:1-2
Of this passage, one commentator writes:
“Ecclesiastes 11:1
a [Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days] This is universally taken to mean that blessings will be returned to one who is generous and hospitable (Ecc_11:1). In Ecc_11:2 one is advised to give a portion of his bread to seven or eight (figurative of several), for no one knows when he will need bread from another for himself.”
Of Ecclesiastes 11:1 John Wesley wrote:
“The waters – Freely and liberally bestow it upon the waters; upon those poor creatures, on whom it may seem to be as utterly lost, as the seed which a man casts into the sea or river. Find it – It shall certainly be restored to thee, either by God or men. This is added to prevent an objection, and to quicken us to the duty enjoyned. After – The return may be slow, but it is sure, and will be so much the more plentiful.”
Of this passage, Adam Clarke wrote:
“Cast thy bread upon the waters – An allusion to the sowing of rice; which was sown upon muddy ground, or ground covered with water, and trodden in by the feet of cattle: it thus took root, and grew, and was found after many days in a plentiful harvest. Give alms to the poor, and it will be as seed sown in good ground. God will cause thee afterwards to receive it with abundant increase. The Targum understands it of giving bread to poor sailors. The Vulgate and my old Bible have the same idea. Send thi brede upon men passing waters.”
THE WAY A PERSON SPENDS THEIR MONEY IS A DIRECTION REFLECTION OF THE PRIORITIES OF THEIR HEART (Matthew 6:21).
Doesn’t the fact that some do not choose to generously support the LORD’s work reveal their disdain for Him who gave them life?
There is much to be missed out on if we don’t learn and do what the LORD taught us concerning giving under the New Testament. From the above passage we see that not only will God reward eternally those who give now, but also that our heart affections will follow our giving into His kingdom.
There is an abundance of teaching on giving in the New Testament. The LORD is not at all silent on this matter. It is a different program than the tithing program He gave to the Jews and yet there are New Testament teachings which find their beginnings as elements that were modeled in the program to Israel. The apostle Paul specifically ties them together (1 Corinthians 9:8-10, 13-14). There is a series of insightful passages revealing the charitable disposition and giving among the earliest believers (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35). These are given to us by the LORD to be examples to all believers under the New Covenant. There is an abundance of doctrine on giving in the New Testament Scriptures. Here’s a sampling:
Summary of what the New Testament Teaches on Giving
- 16 of Jesus’ 38 parables involve stewardship (Matthew 25:14-46; Mark 12:41-44; Luke 12:13-47; 16:1-31, etc.)
- Each and every one of us shall be judged by how we gave or did not give (Matthew 25:14-46)
- That God looks at the percentage we give out of what we have and the heart with which we give (Mark 12:41-44; 2 Corinthians 9:7)
- Giving (of self and substance) and how it shall be given back to those who give (Luke 6:29-38)
- As Christ’s body, having all things common, that is, by abandoning our lives in this world, liquidating, and sharing as every believer has need (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35)
- Giving so that distribution can be made among all believers and so the LORD’s workers can be provided for (Acts 6:1-4)
- Provision for those whom the LORD has called out to worship and serve Him (feed and equip His sheep) full-time may be sustained (1 Corinthians 9:1-14)
- Gathering and giving that which is being given by the individual members of Christ’s body (1 Corinthians 16: 1-3)
- “Equality” among believers (2 Corinthians 8)
- We shall all be rewarded according as we gave generously or otherwise (Matthew 25:14-46; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11)
- Divinely incentivized giving. Those who give sparingly reap sparingly and those who give generously will reap abundance (2 Corinthians 9:6-11)
- The believers at Philippi helped Paul by providing for him in the Gospel work. Those who gave were given a special promise (v19; Philippians 4:10-19)
- The New Testament teaches giving so that “double honour” provision may be given to those whom the LORD has called out to labor in the word and in doctrine (1 Timothy 5:17-18)
Also, remember that those who still tithe (by faith and clear conscience) are not sinning by doing so, no less than those who observe a certain day of the week to worship and rest (by faith and clear conscience).
The fact that New Testament believers are not under tithing laws does not mean that God will not bless those who give in a disciplined, organized, generous manner. It also does not negate the fact that the LORD will bring us into judgment for our giving or lack thereof. He’s actually watching exactly how we are stewarding what He has given us (Mark 12:41-44).
We must conclude that the LORD is not glorified when we give to causes that do not directly connect with what is taught in His Word. For example: New Testament disciples are to give to that which is clearly fulfilling the New Testament purposes Jesus set forth, namely teaching and preaching His Word (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20). It should be noted that not one penny was collected among the earliest believers to build or sustain/maintain a physical building and perhaps such is the greatest hindrance to the Gospel program Jesus instituted in His Great commission command which still stands today till He returns. Also, giving to false teachers is bidding God speed to them and makes us as guilty and condemned as they are before God (2 John 7-11).
New Testament Christians are not only to give but also to make sure their giving is according to God’s Word. The following is a partial list of things that will work against us and not be rewarded:
- Giving to physical building projects (new or renovation)
- Paying to maintain a physical building, especially in a wasteful manner)
- Giving to contribute to wasteful, man-centered projects or causes or maintenance of temporal things that only stifle the going forth of the Gospel
- Humanitarian “missions” that don’t include the clear preaching and teaching of God’s Word
- Giving the already over paid pastor wolf an expensive watch for his birthday or sending him on a lavish vacation
- The SPCA or any animal (beast) cause
- Breast cancer causes, etc. (the wicked Susan G. Komen Foundation gives money to Planned Parenthood to murder babies)
- Entertainment that poses as ministry
- Children’s church that does not teach God’s Word
The early disciples of Jesus are our example and they didn’t huddle, hunker down, or hide but instead they “went every where preaching the word.” (Acts 8:4) A personal study of the book of Acts will begin to reveal a vast difference between authentic New Testament Christianity and the self-serving apostate modern church and the hireling wolves who make merchandise of the biblically illiterate (2 Peter 2:1-3).
It does not matter how deeply passionate someone feels about what cause they give to. If a cause isn’t clearly fulfilling a New Testament purpose it’s wasteful and sinful to further that cause. The only thing that matters is whether or not their giving is clearly reconcilable with the Great Commission to teach God’s Word to His people and to preach His Word to the lost (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; Acts, etc.). All New Testament giving should in one way or another go to provide for those preaching and teaching His Word, tending to the sheep of Christ, winning lost souls, and providing for believers in need.
If it’s not fulfilling the clearly stated New Testament purpose, it’s not glorifying God and is wasted resources for which we shall give account. If giving to a cause is not funding the feeding of Christ’s sheep and declaration of His truth, it’s not New Testament giving.
“The Lord Loveth a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7
This message is not to discourage the believer from tithing. It is NOT a sin to tithe and it’s not required, especially under the coercive way under the New Testament. It’s important to realize that Christ’s New Testament saints are not forced, commanded, or instructed to tithe under the New Testament. This makes you free to give out of a heart of cheerfulness (hilarity) which the LORD says He delights in (2 Corinthians 9:7). Actually, it’s a good idea in organizing ones finances. “Firstfruits” giving is a great way to worship the LORD with our finances and assures that He alone is put first (Proverbs 3:9-10; Matthew 6:33, etc.).
Are you taking care of your own business and not “the Father’s business”? (Luke 2:49) If so, unlike Christ, you are all about yourself, your own self-serving business and not “the Father’s business.” The LORD created and saved you to be about His business first and foremost. How do we think that’s going to work out for you if you don’t repent and begin putting the LORD first in your life and finances? Diminishing returns.
Is tithing essential to salvation? No! Will God still keep His promises to bless those who give? Yes (2 Corinthians 1:20).
If we do not take control of our money, our money will continue to have control over us. There’s no better way to take control and begin to steward all the resources God brings into your possession than by making the decision to give the LORD the very first portion of all that you are blessed to bring in.
Taking care of the things of God’s kingdom is seeking first His kingdom.
“Ye looked for much, and, lo it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the Lord of hosts. Because of mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house.” Haggai 1:9
“Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10
New Testament Distribution (audio) | Is Your Local Church Fulfilling a New Testament Purpose? | Much More on Stewardship and Giving Here.
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FEEDBACK:
“The problem with tithing is that we are to cheerfully give without being instructed to tithe. The Spirit of God should direct us to give even more than a 10% of our money or goods or whatever. We are led of the Spirit of God not the Law. All tithing has done is keep these preachers who don’t preach the truth in all their expensive cars and homes, and planes and so forth. I love to give. I don’t believe like the preachers teach to tithe or else. I’m not talking about you brother, but many others. Be Blessed.” David Pace
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Articles
Darwin’s Demise: What they don’t want You to know about Charles Darwin! [podcast]

“Darwin’s theories are hardly irrefutable. He refuted them himself. This is how science works. Even he conceded that his theories would never be proven. Any actual learned Darwinist would have to concede the same. Also, we use the term ‘evolution’ so improperly that it’s become desensitized to actual facts of biology. We misuse it. Evolution is most often times intertwined with ‘adaptation’, which it is not. It’s like saying the term ‘free’ is the same as the term ‘no cost to you.’ Those are also obviously different. In any case, the ‘evolution of hominids’ is nonsense. These are nothing more than piles of various bones cherry picked to put the skeletons that they hope to display together. God made man in His image. Not in a monkey’s image. His.” Dave Fury
Darwin himself described the lack of transitional fossils as, “… the most obvious and gravest objection which can be urged against my theory.”
With the theory of evolution, we still lack much evidence. Where do we go from here?
Why do we not have unlimited fossil records of missing links of transitional forms if Darwin’s theory of evolution is true?
For example: If man came from apes, why are there still apes? And, where is the fossil record of the intermediary, transitional stages?
Shocking Charles Darwin Quotes
“But, as by this theory, innumerable transitional forms must have existed, why do we not find them embedded in countless numbers in the crust of the earth?” (Darwin, Origin of Species, 1859).
“When we descend to details we can prove that no one species has changed (i.e., we cannot prove that a single species has changed): nor can we prove that the supposed changes are beneficial, which is the groundwork of the theory.” Charles Darwin, 1863
“To suppose that the eye, with all its inimitable contrivances for adjusting the focus to different distances, for admitting different amounts of light, and for the correction of spherical and chromatic aberration, could have been formed by natural selection, seems, I freely confess, absurd in the highest possible degree.” – Charles Darwin, Origin of Species, 1st Ed., p. 186.
“I have asked myself whether I may not have devoted my life to a fantasy . . . I am ready to cry with vexation at my blindness and presumption” Charles Darwin [12].
“Often a cold shudder has run through me, and I have asked myself whether I may have not devoted myself to a fantasy.” (Charles Darwin, Life and Letters, 1887, Vol. 2, p. 229)
“The number of intermediate varieties, which have formerly existed must be truly enormous. Why then is not every geological formation and every stratum full of such intermediate links? Geology assuredly does not reveal any such finely graduated organic chain; and this, perhaps is the most obvious and serious objection which can be urged against the theory.” (Darwin, Charles, Origin of Species, 6th edition, 1902 p. 341-342)
“The FOOL hath said in his heart, There is no God.” Psalms 14:1
If “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God,” the wise people say in their hearts that “There is a God, you’re not Him – and we are all accountable to Him.”
“As it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Hebrews 9:27
Not one library the world over contains a stitch of proof that evolution is true.
“Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,” Romans 1:22
Atheism – The belief that there was nothing and nothing happened to nothing and then nothing magically exploded for no reason, creating everything and then a bunch of everything magically rearranged itself for no reason whatsoever into self-replicating bits which then turned into dinosaurs. Makes perfect sense.
It simply doesn’t matter how many scientific sounding words or theories one uses, we know from the first law of thermodynamics that matter cannot appear accidentally, by chance. We didn’t need someone to coin a “law” to know what the very first law of thermodynamics admits – that something cannot come out of nothing.
In His Word, God warns us of “avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called” (1 Timothy 6:20). False science is designed to oppose true science which acknowledges that which is self-evident. Much of what presents itself today, that which comes in the mere name of “science” is nothing more than an atheistic religion designed to deny that creation has a Creator. Consider the source. The atheistic peddlers of the debunked mere theory of evolution can be found to be miserable deniers of the obvious. More in a moment on how it’s been rightly stated that evolution is a “fairy tale for grownups.”
Remember, science is the mere study of the creation of an Almighty infinite Creator by the mere finite human.
Making Peace with God – Before it’s too late. | Atheism/Evolution
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Apostasy
Beware of “Private Interpretation” [podcast]

NO MAN GAVE THE TRUTH AND NO MAN CONTROLS IT
ANY person who doesn’t uphold God’s Word as final divine authority on all matters of faith, is 100% “NOT of God” according to the Son of God (John 8:47).
“Let God be true and EVERY man a liar.” Romans 3:4
Is God or are mere men confused?
“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” 1 Corinthians 14:33
Beware of those who violate, who speak contradictory to other parts of God’s Word in order to sell you on their “revelation.” Known truth, biblically stated truth must never be contradicted. The LORD is not confused and so we conclude that anyone upholding what they believe to be truth that contradicts known biblical truth, is confused at best. Beware of what the Holy Spirit calls “private interpretation.” (2 Peter 1:19-21) More in a moment on this.
Many seek to use commentaries, historians and the like to paint the picture, the outcome they desire because they do not love the LORD and therefore His truth. If God wanted us to have more it’d be in His Word…. I am not opposed to background information but that’s not divinely inspired Holy Scripture and many people try to change the outcome of biblical truth by using extra-biblical sources. Beware. They attempt to create a path to an unbiblical conclusion because they are “not valiant for the truth.” (Jeremiah 9:3)
It’s convoluted theology to speak against, contrary to the whole of the Word of God which among other things says “ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God.” (2 Timothy 3:16) Ignoring known, clearly stated Bible truth to perpetrate a certain view is bearing false witness against the LORD, is confusion, and is violence against the Holy Scriptures and the picture painted by the WHOLE of God’s Word. This is also a refusal to rightly divide the Word of truth but instead a deliberate, subjective ignoring of divine truth in order to perpetrate an agenda (1 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Timothy 2:15).
Many today interpret the Bible for their own self-serving purpose or liking, based on being predisposed to certain traditions, philosophies, and clichés. This is exactly what Jesus cited the false religionists of His day for doing (Mark 7:6-9).
God gave His Word to us and will reveal Himself and His will to each of His saints as they seek Him, studying His words thoroughly, diligently, daily.
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” John 5:39-40
God gave us the Holy Scriptures to reveal to us who He is and yet, the individual must come to Jesus personally to know Him and understand His Precepts, His kingdom truths. Like the religionists Jesus is addressing above, many who think they know God are not known of God at all because they refuse to truly repent and seek His holy face.
Exactly as Jesus warned, there are “many false prophets” today to accommodate counterfeits, tares (Matthew 7:15; 24:11).
Many times we hear men stand up to speak, claiming they’ve been studying a topic in the Bible extensively – and insinuating that on the basis of THEIR study, you should just buy wholesale everything they’re about the say. There are “many deceivers” operating today (2 John 7-11). Out of the pride of their hearts we hear men preface their message this way, boasting of their study, to set up and snare the unlearned, the gullible when in reality many of them have simply borrowed the errors of other men. Yet we must judge all that is taught against our own personal, diligent study of the whole of God’s Word and never buy the subjective claims of mere men. This is the very reason so many are deceived today. Following man’s supposed revelation, interpretations, instead of getting God’s revelation for ourselves, firsthand, is the recipe to be deceived. There are no shortcuts to personally, thoroughly studying the whole counsel of God’s Word for ourselves. | The Importance of Personal, Organic Bible Study
This scenario often plays out when someone is teaching on the end times, claiming or insinuating that they have come up with special revelation. At times they will claim to definitely know and have figured out who the antichrist is, the specifics and timing of end time events, and secrets about these last days. Yet, at least some of those things they claim to have special knowledge of are not specifically, expressly written in the Bible. Beware of the “private interpretation” of mere men.
“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:19-21
God’s Word, the words of God recorded in Holy Writ, were inspired by the Holy Spirit and were not written from any mere man’s “private interpretation”, nor are the words of God to be twisted and done violence to by anyone today for their own “private interpretation” to promulgate their own view, doctrine, or agenda.
Notice in this passage above that through Peter, the Holy Spirit puts the personal responsibility upon the individual disciple to “take heed” to the Word of God, to study it daily, diligently as the revelation of Christ and His will rises in our hearts, dawns on us – “ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.”
God expects His people to study thoroughly and to know His Word for themselves.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
No man controls the truth nor does he control the interpretation of divine truth which is self-evident and to be first and foremost studied and understood by individual disciples. Yes, God calls elders out to teach HIS Word, to let God’s Word dwell richly among His people, and yet the LORD alone teaches the individual believers heart His truth (Colossians 3:16). This is the individual priesthood of each and every blood bought saint of Christ. Jesus saves the individual sinner first and foremost who is then and only then an individual member of His one body (Ephesians 4; 1 Corinthians 12).
“But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. 21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. …26 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. 27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” 1 John 2:20-27
Ultimately, and most importantly, God teaches each and every one of His individual saints – “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” (John 10:27)
Those who aren’t objective with the whole counsel of Scripture clearly prove their hearts are not honest, not authentic, and sincere before the LORD (Luke 8:15; John 7:16; 2 Corinthians 2:17; 2 Peter 3:16, etc.).
Beware of Being a “Back it Up” Bubba
Personally studying God’s Word from Genesis to Revelation, organically, is ultra-important. | The Importance of Personal, Organic Bible Study
To “back up” a belief with Scripture seems to really mean: “I believe ABC doctrine and I’m hell bent on finding Bible verses to prove it!” In other words someone like this doesn’t really care what the whole of Scripture teaches as much as they care to hold on to some pet doctrine (it’s usually something to justify their sin such as the falsehood of eternal security).
Some put forth their subjective beliefs and defend those beliefs by saying “I can back everything up with scripture.” Satan can too as we see him do when tempting Jesus (Luke 4). The devil used Scripture out of context as many today do. Are we merely backing up what WE say and what WE currently believe with Scripture or are we simply reading and diligently studying the whole counsel of Holy Scripture and letting GOD speak for Himself as we “compare spiritual things (Scripture, known truth) with spiritual things”? (1 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Timothy 2:15) Big difference. Think about that. Men and devils can deceitfully make the Bible say anything THEY want it to say but that doesn’t make it biblically sound and true. We must beware of our own tendency to espouse and hold on to philosophies, notions, and doctrines that do not line up with the whole counsel of God’s Word and we must be corrected (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
The disciple of Jesus, without exception, will be ever more rooted and grounded in the final divine authority of the written Word of God.
Jesus told us exactly who is “of God” and who is “NOT of God.”
“He that is OF GOD heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are NOT OF GOD.” John 8:47
ALL who are “of God” uphold His Word as final divine authority, with no exception.
When discussing any matter, specifically spiritually, the main issue is what God’s Word says, which is His “truth” and when one is valiant for His truth, such a man will not rely on anything except God’s Word (Jeremiah 9:3; John 17:17). God says we can be CERTAIN about what He says concerning any topic revealed in His Word – “Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, 21 That I might make thee KNOW the CERTAINTY of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?” (Proverbs 22:20-21)
We must honestly examine our own selves to see WHY we believe WHAT we currently believe. Discernment, “rightly dividing the word of truth” seem to be concretely connected to searching the Scriptures as we see with the Bereans who tested Paul and all that he taught, right? (2 Timothy 2:15; Acts 17:10-11) Lots of people who talk about discernment trust their own subjective discernment instead of letting the written WORD be their two edged sword of discernment (Hebrews 4:12). Many believe they are discerning correctly and yet aren’t daily, diligently being grounded in the written Word, which God will never contradict (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21).
The Berean Saints are a Great Example to us Today
“And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:10-11
May the reader be exhorted to become intimately familiar with the above passage, noticing that the Bereans didn’t even take Christ’s apostle Paul at his word. No, they “searched the scriptures daily” for themselves to see “whether those thing were so” that Paul was preaching.
As was the case with the Berean disciples who listened to Paul preach, God intends for us to partake in, to hear preaching and yet, all must be cross examined against our own personal searching of His Word for ourselves (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17). On that note, do you remember when the LORD Jesus spoke to the woman at the well and how when He revealed Himself to her as the Messiah she ran out and told everyone? Yet, those men didn’t fully embrace Christ till they personally went to see Him for themselves.
“The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, 29 Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? 30 Then they went out of the city, and came unto him. … 42 And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.” Acts 4:28-30, 42
No Greek or Hebrew is needed and is certainly not the main rule of interpretation. We must take God’s preserved Word for what it clearly states in our own language, as we compile, compound, put together Scripture with Scripture (Isaiah 28:16; 1 Corinthians 2:13). This is the method of priority in apprehending truth, the highest, stated rule of interpreting truth. A thorough gathering of all Scripture pertaining to the given study, is essential.
“TAUGHT OF GOD”
“It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all TAUGHT OF GOD. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.” John 6:45
“But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are TAUGHT OF GOD to love one another.” 1 Thessalonians 4:9
The LORD alone is “the truth”, gave us His truth – His written Word – and presides over it, teaching it to His people (John 14:6; Psalms 146:6, etc.). His written Word is final divine authority and taught by Him to His people in abiding relationship (John 14:26; 16:13-14).
Beware of “Private Interpretation”
Being crucified with Christ means one is emptied of self, self-will, self-agenda, and abandoned to God’s will. This means that such a person searches out and embraces the biblical truth, no matter where it leads. He never bends the truth to try to fit a tradition or doctrine but rather reject any previous believed notion when the Word says differently (Romans 3:4; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:15-17, etc.).
Those who engage in the sinful activity of privately interpreting Scripture, do so because …
- They themselves are un-repentant, not denying self, taking up the cross, and following Jesus (Luke 9:23-24; 2 Timothy 4:2-4)
- They refuse to let God be true and every man a liar – beginning with their own wicked hearts (Romans 3:4)
- They value tradition about divine truth (Mark 7:6-9)
- They do no hold God’s Word as final divine authority though they claim to (John 8:47)
- They refuse to be honest with the whole counsel of Holy Scripture (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:15-17)
Beware of those who seek to control the interpretation of God’s Word – those who impose their own notions and doctrine onto God’s truth. There are many who read things into Scripture which are not in the Scriptures. Let’s read again our central passage:
“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that NO PROPHECY OF THE SCRIPTURE IS OF ANY PRIVATE INTERPRETATION. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:19-21
“Private interpretation” seems to point to the agenda and act of self application based on tradition or preconceived notions. Not allowing God to speak for Himself via a thorough study of the whole counsel of His written Word. Application or interpretation based on self desires or that which conforms to some extra-biblical notion or doctrine of men.
Here’s the Greek word for “private”
G2398
ἴδιος
idios
id’-ee-os
Of uncertain affinity; pertaining to self, that is, one’s own (agenda); by implication private or separate: – X his acquaintance, when they were alone, apart, aside, due, his (own, proper, several), home, (her, our, thine, your) own (business), private (-ly), proper, severally, their (own).
Greek word for “interpretation”
G1955
ἐπίλυσις
epilusis
ep-il’-oo-sis
From G1956; explanation, that is, application: – interpretation.
Total KJV occurrences: 1
Not only did the Holy Ghost give us God’s written Word, but also it’s the Holy Ghost that teaches individual saints. Here’s how:
“Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which THE HOLY GHOST TEACHETH; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” 1 Corinthians 2:13
Believers are “taught of God” as they study and collate Scripture. This is never to be infringed upon or controlled by elders. That’s one reason for the plurality of elders in the local expressions, the gatherings of Christ’s body. There’s safety in a plurality of elders who should thereby be held accountable and rebuked when needed (Titus 1:5, etc.).
As Christ’s saints continue “stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers”, they compare, put together, collate line upon line, Bible verse upon Bible verse, in ordain to be “taught of God” His truth (Acts 2:42; Colossians 3:16).
“Reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine”
RED FLAG: When you witness a man, an elder, who dodges or doesn’t want certain BIBLE verses read, due to that truth contradicting his tradition/heresy, you know you have a man who is in need of repentance (Mark 7:6-9). Such a man’s heart is not captive to the Word of God. He has his own evil agenda. Such a wolf will seek to impose his doctrine of men and devils on others and must be rebuked.
“Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. 20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.” 1 Timothy 5:19-20
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” 2 Timothy 4:2
The root reason people choose the lie of OSAS is that they simply refuse to truly repent and lay down their lives in this fleeting world. So they are willing to wax over and avoid mountains of biblical truths and warnings. They have their own agenda they hold in reserve. They are not given over to Christ. They believed and were saved and yet didn’t continue in the truth – which Jesus says is essential.
Many times, the ones who cry “context, context, context” are those taking God’s Word out of context in order to perpetrate their heresy. They don’t want the real context because though they pose as Christians, they are not men of truth and so don’t honestly follow the Word of God honestly, no matter where it may lead. They don’t like the context of Holy Scripture – because it simply doesn’t say what they want it to say. They have a predetermined outcome, a doctrinal goal they want to reach and are willing to bait and switch, do acrobats, and ignore Scripture that doesn’t agree with their heresy. These are not honest people. Their goal is to reach their predetermined conclusion.
The Bible reveals that un-repentant people migrate to false teachers, false doctrines (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4
Counterfeits invent ways to excuse themselves from accountability to Scripture. Though they regularly and selectively refer to and read the Old Testament Scriptures, when you quote or read them Holy Scripture from the Old Testament to expose OSAS, they will scream “but that’s Old Testament!” Nice try. But “ALL scripture” is given to New Testament saints and we are told that we are taught by those very Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:17; Romans 15;4; 1 Corinthians 10:11). Also, this same truth as is taught in the passage below, is also taught and confirmed all over the New Testament and from Genesis to Revelation.
“Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? 12 Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth. 13 When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it.” Ezekiel 33:11-13
Eternal Security is a Lie from Hell.
The Ultimate Teacher is Divine
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:26
“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.” John 16:13-14
GOD alone “keepeth truth”, is the Divine Source and Steward of His Truth
“…the LORD his God: 6 Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:” Psalms 146:6
Notice the Hebrew word for “keepeth” here….
H8104
שָׁמַר
shâmar
shaw-mar’
A primitive root; properly to hedge about (as with thorns), that is, guard; generally to protect, attend to, etc.: – beware, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep (-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch (-man).
Total KJV occurrences: 468
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Abiding
The Benefits of Knowing and Delighting in the LORD [podcast]

Delighting ourselves in Him
“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalms 37:4
Loving God with a Whole Heart, our Whole Being
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40
Abiding in Christ, Asking
“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
Jesus Must Be Our “First love”
“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation 2:4-5
“That Your Joy May be Full”
“And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. 24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:23-24
“That is the only place I want to be at the feet of Jesus drinking in His word. Soaking up all He has to say to me! I do not ever want to be arrogant enough to believe I can make it without Jesus. Everyday I tell Him how much I need Him. I am nothing without Jesus!! Oh how I long to be with Him! Yearning for the day when I shall see Him in the clouds. Coming to take us home! Hallelujah!” Karen Cochran
Truly Delighting in the LORD
“Many take this verse out of context (Psalm 37:4). For many years all I would hear Christians say was, ‘He will give you the desires of your heart.’ This then becomes all about you. They would leave out the first part, which says you must delight yourself in the Lord. I came to realize that when you delight in Him, He changes your heart, and you begin to desire what He desires. He aligns your heart with His heart!” Karen Cochran
The subject matter of your prayers reveals if you are about you, or about Jesus.
To illustrate our relationship with Christ, one write of old noted:
“The life of self is death.
The death of self is life.”
There cannot and will not be a resurrection until there is a death. Death and burial must precede raising up. Read Romans 6 each morning this week and ask God to help you life a doornail dead life!
Am I delighting in the LORD? If not, how can He possibly grant the desires of my heart?
“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalms 37:4
When we delight in the LORD, our lives are crucified with Christ, we are one with Him and He is filling our hearts with His desires – to worship, love, and obey Him. What we ask Him for in prayer will change. Instead of “LORD, please give me this or that fleeting trinket,” it will be “LORD, please let this life be crucified with Thee. Help me to love You more. Use me to edify Your people and minister Your bless-ed Gospel to the lost souls You died and raise against to save.”
“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.” Romans 8:29
Run from any wolf who is not squaring you up regularly to inform you that the LORD mandates your death so that He can fill and raise your life upward, Heavenward, for His eternal glory.
YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, thank You so very much for sending Your only begotten Son to find, rescue, forgive, and save me into Your glorious eternal kingdom. Please help me to know and love You more. Sanctify my life and conform me to the image of Christ. Please wash me afresh with Your precious blood LORD Jesus. Use me to help others know You dear LORD. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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