“Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, 3 And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? 4 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: 5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. …” Matthew 11:2-6
At this time, John the Baptist had been taken into custody by the civil authorities for exposing the adultery of king Herod (Luke 7:18-29; Mark 6:14-29). They would soon after this behead the beloved John the Baptist. Apparently, understandably, in his incarceration he’d grown weak in faith and so asked his disciples to go ask Jesus to confirm if He was the Messiah. To confirm to him that He’s the Messiah, Jesus did not send John the Baptist a rebuke but rather a testimony of the miracles He was doing. What a Savior!
The way Jesus responded to John the Baptist in his lapse of faith should forever establish in our hearts that God is good and with us, not against us!
“The flesh doesn’t like that Bible truth! When we are weak He IS strong. Lord, pls help me to glory in my weaknesses as I am ‘forced’ to depend on YOU, so Your glory may be seen by all who need to see YOU (and NOT me).” Debbie Lord
On record for us in the last verses of this very chapter is the invitation, the beckoning of our LORD to come to Him.
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
God uses our times sufferings. He sees the end from the beginning and without fail has His glory and our best interest in mind (Romans 8:28-29). See the life of Job. Job 1-2, 42.
“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
“Yes! I grew up believing it was better to be tough and strong. I hated weakness. Then Jesus got a hold of me! I now know that is a lie from hell. God has shown me you have to first be broken and weak. That is where you find Jesus in your weaknesses! When you can do longer do it and realize how much you really need Jesus. 2 Corinthians 12:10. When I am weak, then I am strong.” Karen Cochran
God will Help His People
“Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away. 10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:9-10
God is with and for His People
“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?” Romans 8:31-32
When we are weak, our Savior invites us to “Come unto me … ye shall find rest” (Matthew 11:28-30). Jesus desires to build the faith of His true followers, never to injure or destroy it or them.
“And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.” Luke 17:5
Jesus, I ask You to increase my faith, to fortify, and build it. Thank You my LORD.
This response of our LORD to John the Baptist should minister to every saint of Christ. It should speak to our hearts of the lovingkindness of the LORD we serve!
Of this exchange, F.B. Meyer writes:
“Matthew 11:1-10
HOW DOUBTS MAY BE SOLVED
The Baptist was languishing in a gloomy dungeon in the castle of Machaerus, on the farther shores of the Dead Sea-like a wild creature of the desert, suddenly entrapped. The darkness of his cell depressed his spirit; it seemed strange, too, if Jesus were the Messiah, that He did not overthrow the tyrant rule of Herod and release His captive friend.
When you are in doubt, go straight to Jesus and ask Him to deal with it! Our Lord did not argue with the messengers sent by John, but pointed to the beneficent works that the Father had given Him to do. See Joh_5:36; also Isa_29:18; Isa_35:5-6. The influence of Christ on individuals and the world is the best testimony to the validity of His claims. The demonstration of Christianity is to be found in its acceptance and practice.
The disciples had gone before our Lord uttered this great eulogium on His faithful friend, lest he should be exalted beyond measure, and lest his faith should not have room to grow. Ah, downcast soul, who art writing hard things of thyself, it may be that thy merciful Lord is viewing thy life more accurately and estimating it more lovingly than thou knowest!”
I want to encourage you to meditate upon and consider what Jesus’ response to John the Baptist was when he fell weak in faith while thrown in prison for speaking the truth. Go look it up and learn of the LORD by what His reaction was to one of His children who grew weak in faith for a moment.
Believers are to return the same mercy, patience and support that God affords us to other saints who at times grow weak in their faith.
“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.” 1 Thessalonians 5:14
“We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” Romans 15:1
Like Jesus, we should not deal harshly with those around us grow weak in their faith. Here’s more proof of the graciousness of our God:
“For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” Psalms 86:5
Are you glad that God has been patient and merciful and gracious with you when you have fallen, when your faith grew weak? If so, are you willing to show mercy and patience to those around you when they stumble? After all, WHY is their sin any worse than your sin in the eyes of a holy God?
According to the Son of God, the definition of a hypocrite is one who stands in judgment of others while he himself has sin in his own life he hasn’t dealt with in repentance before a holy God (Matthew 7:1-5). Such a man is heaping undiluted judgment upon his own pate/head (James 2:13).
A sure way to bring judgment on ourselves is to judge another while we have sin in our own life (Matthew 7:1-5; James 2:13). Repent now.
Is your sinful hand around someone’s throat? Let go now lest you be thrown to the tormentors eternally. Read Matthew 18:21-35.
“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual (mature in Christ), restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:1-2
Restore, don’t stone (Galatians 6:1-2). Those who stone instead of restore, are at best immature believers.
The LORD knows your weakness and He also expects you to lay down your life, to deny yourself, to live a crucified life so He can raise you upward, causing what was previously a weakness to be a strength!
Prayer to be Strengthened
“That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;” Ephesians 3:16
PRAYER: Holy Father, please bring me to an end of myself, put me in the place of weakness, that I might truly know, trust, and rely on You. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
“I will have Mercy, and not Sacrifice”: What does this really Mean? [podcast]
Abiding
“I Will Uphold Thee with the Right Hand of My Righteousness” [podcast]

One source notes:
“‘I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness’ is a famous promise from the Bible found in Isaiah 41:10 (KJB). It is a comforting verse offering reassurance against fear, with ‘the right hand of my righteousness’ symbolizing God’s divine power, justice, and support.”

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9
Help Me Jesus!
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. … For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” Isaiah 41:10, 13
“The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?” Psalms 118:6
“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.” Romans 8:31-39
“in thy presence is fulness of joy”
“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalms 16:11
“at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore”
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Abiding
Be Not Moved Away from the Hope of the Gospel [podcast]

“Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22
“IF ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;” Colossians 1:23
OSAS is a lie from hell. OSAS/eternal security was Satan’s first lie and so it’s blasphemy to teach this doctrine of devils (Gen 2:17; 3:4; 1 Timothy 4:1; Hebrews 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39; 2 Peter 2:20-21; Jude 4, etc.).
The concept of an un-conditional eternal security is not established in Scripture …. except for it being Satan’s first teaching, his first lie – the “ye shall NOT surely die” lie (Genesis 2:17, 3:4).
Eternal Security/Once Saved Always Saved is a Doctrine of Devils | 100’s of Scripture-rich Edifying Podcasts here
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Abiding
The Damning Myth of Unconditional Eternal Security! [podcast]

HELL Awaits!
SO YOU THINK YOU ARE ETERNALLY SECURE? WHO TOLD YOU THAT LIE? NOT GOD!
IT SIMPLY DOESN’T MATTER HOW POPULAR A PREACHER IS – IF HE’S TEACHING SATAN’S FIRST LIE THAT CAUSED THE FALL OF THE HUMAN RACE – OSAS/ETERNAL SECURITY – HE’S A FALSE TEACHER, AN AGENT OF SATAN (Genesis 2:17; 3:4). OF COURSE he’s popular – he’s not preaching the cross but rather excuses for sin against a Holy God! RUN from that devil!
You will be safe and eternally secure when you get to Heaven, not before.
ARE YOU enduring sound doctrine today or walking in lies? (2 Timothy 4:2-4)
There are not a few but rather “MANY adversaries” – “For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are MANY adversaries.” (1 Corinthians 16:9) All born again believers who are presently abiding/remaining in Christ are exclusively going to be with Christ (John 15:6). All others are destined for irrevocable damnation in hell.
OSAS/eternal security is irrefutably Satan’s first lie and anyone teaching it is an agent of Satan Himself – Genesis 2:17; 3:4.
MOST Christians have been weakened in their resolve via Satan’s first lie which is peddled today under the clichés of OSAS (once saved always saved or eternal security). This unconditional security heresy removes the holy fear of God from the hearts of those who allow it and lowers their guard, always leading to sin. This is EXACTLY what happened to Adam and Eve when this doctrine of devils was introduced to them (Genesis 2:17; 3:4).
Remember that Satan is the first one to teach this eternal security lie (Genesis 2:17; 3:4). Now, who’s peddling this same lie today, other than Satan’s human agents?
More proof that false prophets teach unconditional eternal security/OSAS:
“They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace (eternal security); and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil (judgment) shall come upon you.” Jeremiah 23:17
Satan and his false leaders are the only ones teaching OSAS as is clear from God’s Word (Genesis 2:17; 3:4; Jeremiah 23:17; Jude 4).
Concerning Satan’s OSAS/eternal security heresy, one sister testifies: “This doctrine almost sent me to hell, thinking I was on my way to heaven while living in sin. It’s repulsive and damning. It feeds the ego and wicked mind of man. It props him up for a great fall. It’s a deadly and hellish deception.”
The central reason people want to believe OSAS is that they simply do not want to truly repent and die to self.
Like it or not, if you are peddling Satan’s first lie (Genesis 2:17; 3:4) – OSAS/eternal security – you are of him and not God. A false teacher is simply anyone who is teaching falsely.
IMAGINE THE TRUTH FOR JUST A MOMENT …..
The bowels of eternal damnation – hell – is chock full of eternally vanquished – irrevocably departed – consciously and forever suffering souls who once had the same opportunity you now temporarily have. There is no and will never be a release date from the incarceration of this righteous justice of the Almighty. Yet, even though many of those who now occupy hell got initially saved, they chose to deny Christ instead of self in their daily lives. They therefore ran out of fuel and like the 5 foolish virgins, had the door into the bridal chamber with Christ (the Bridegroom) shut on them! Read Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:1-13.
“For if AFTER they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are AGAIN entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, AFTER they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit AGAIN; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” 2 Peter 2:20-22
MILLIONS now irrevocably occupy hell, horribly, consciously suffering with no end – ever. Many of these helpless tormented souls were in their earthly life saved by Christ and yet chose not to endure to the end, to abide – REMAIN – in Christ, and just as Jesus promised, were cast into the fires of eternal damnation (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; John 15:6). In fact, their sufferings are even worse than if they’d never known Christ (2 Peter 2:20-22). ANY person teaching an unconditional “eternal security” is a messenger of hell! Rebuke them sharply! (Titus 1:13) If they don’t repent, run! Expose them.
“Study to shew thyself (YOURSELF) approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
These are the foolish virgins of Jesus’ parable who chose to deny Christ for the cares and riches and pleasures of this fleeting world, to think about and coddle the false god of self …. Upon awaking in their mornings, they freely chose to read the paper, check Facebook and emails, watched the news, etc. …. They freely chose not to fill their vessels with God’s Word ….. and they will never cease to suffer consciously for it….. the lake of fire lies ahead and so it’s just going to get worst! Revelation 20:11-15 … When a billion years of earth’s time have passed, not even 1 second will have expired from eternity’s time clock!!
Is it really worth it?
YOU are going to choose!
No one else can choose for you!
May the LORD Almighty figuratively dip your soul in the bowels of hell. May He shake you to the core of your being … before it’s too late!
RUN for your life from every so-called preacher who refuses to preach on the essential biblical doctrines of repentance, the daily cross, holiness, judgment to come, and hell – and the absolute necessity of enduring to the end after being saved (Jeremiah 23:17; Amos 9:10; Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Colossians 1:22-23; Hebrews 3:6m 12-14; 10:26-39; Revelation 2:26, etc.).
CHRIST said HIS work is finished, not yours (John 19:30). You are taking Christ’s words out of context. The ONE who died on the cross for your sins also commanded YOU to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Him daily – and that’s what saving grace looks like (Luke 9:23-24).
“And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:” Revelation 2:26
OSAS is a scam teaching. The lascivious, “once saved always saved (OSAS)” and Calvinistic devils tell others that God requires nothing at all of them after He saves them. But that is clearly a false gospel, another gospel, and they are “accursed” for preaching it (Galatians 1:6-9). Ridiculous. In His Word the LORD gives us initial and ongoing personal responsibilities which if not met, one loses out (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; 25:1-13, etc.). Jesus commanded those He saves to “abide” – to remain in Him to the end or perish (John 15:1-6).
“If a man abide (remain) not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned (hell).” John 15:6
Many do not recognize that in Scripture there is
1. initial salvation and,
2. final salvation.
False teachers will tell you that you only need to get saved initially. Yet the Bible teaches initial and final salvation. Jesus told His own that only those among them who “endure to the end” will be saved into eternal glory (final salvation).
“And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 24:10-13
False teachers teach that just because you’ve been initially saved, you are now judgment proof! This is exactly what the false leaders of Israel taught. They refuse to call people to true repentance and personal holiness and promise eternal life/security/peace to those living in sin (2 Corinthians 7:1; Ephesians 5:25-27; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16).
Were the Gentile believers judgment proof?
“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.” Romans 11:20-22
Did the apostle Paul believe he was judgment proof?
“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1 Corinthians 9:27
There is no guarantee of unconditional eternal security given in God’s Word and in fact many clear truths which reveal one can “fall away” after being saved (Luke 8:13) or be “cut off” (Romans 11:20-22), or cast into the fires of hell if the believer doesn’t abide/remain in Christ (John 15:6).
“I have not yet figured out how anyone can preach the true Gospel without including the fact of hell that we are saved to escape! In this positive think world, hell has become a `negative` and thus avoided. But it is still a fact that has to be preached, to warn others not to go there.” Shirley Moose Filer
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