"AWARE SERVANTS”

The concept of awareness suggests, among other things, cognizance. As this relates to discipleship, awareness is the ability to discern God’s will and to foresee danger. The Bible speaks of having eyes to see, which means not only knowing God’s will, but likewise recognizing how to prepare our hearts to do God's will.

Jesus often mentioned the need for eyes that see and ears that hear. Jesus was speaking of the need for perception and understanding of His word. Matt. 13:15 – “For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest haply they should perceive with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should turn again, and I should heal them.” The absence of spiritual wisdom was the underlying reason for which Jesus was crucified. (1 Cor. 2:6-8).

Spiritual awareness means having our senses exercised to discern between good and evil (Heb. 5:14). It involves foresight. For example, we might have the wisdom and knowledge to get ourselves out of a hole, but do we know how to recognize the hole and avoid falling in? That is foresight. Satan’s traps are disguised. “A prudent man seeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it.” (Prov. 22:3).

Discernment without resolve and appropriate action is a waste. Read again the proverb above, noting the phrase 'and hideth himself'. That is resolve. Daniel and his 3 friends are an example (Dan. 1:8). Discernment without resolve is like faith without works (cf. Rom. 1:5; 16:26). As James asked, 'what doeth it profit' (Jms. 2:14-17). It is without fear and doubt. Daniel did not fear to be dealt with as the overseer saw fit." Dan. 1:13 states, "Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the youths that eat of the king’s dainties; and as thou seest, deal with thy servants." 

Only an obedient faith has such confidence. Works of merit will fear investigation and fail scrutiny. Trusting in your own power to resist temptation is to believe that you can withstand Satan. God's wisdom warns that no one can take fire in his bosom and not be burned (Prov. 6:27).

Temptations will never be escaped without purpose of heart. Lust will always conquer the individual who has not crucified himself to the world (Gal. 5:24; 6:14). The saying, “where there’s a will there’s a way,” applies to fulfilling lust as well as overcoming it.

" The Value of Assembling"

How would you determine the value of a diamond ring? You would likely ask for an appraisal by a competent authority. How would one determine the value of assembling with the saints to worship God? Would it not also be wise to seek the appraisal of Him who has all authority? “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb. 10:25). 

God did not arbitrarily command us to assemble just to give us someplace to go. The book of Hebrews was written to restrain the apostasy that was underway among certain brethren. One of God’s safeguards, designed to protect them from apostasy, was faithful attendance in the assemblies of the saints. 

Some say, “I can stay home and watch church services on the TV and get as much out of it as if I were present.” Even if we grant the truthfulness of this claim, the consequences of such an attitude are significant: 

(1) This says that we are free to disobey God’s commands if we find a “better way” to reach their objectives. The early Christians should have stayed home to read the New Testament instead of assembling as God commanded! 

(2) It says that we have learned more than God. He commanded His people to assemble. Staying at home is the opposite of assembling, yet we are told it is just as good. 

Our age may be short on faithfulness to the Lord, but we have more than enough excuses to go around. 

“THE LIBERAL SOUL”

Would you consider yourself liberal-minded, or conservative-minded in your thinking? The benefits and liabilities of each mindset need to be considered. Yet, by what rule or standard shall we make such a determination? Who among humanity has the wisdom to define liberal and conservative? Add to that, who has the right to say that this definition qualifies as a universal standard? Such is the problem when man assumes the role of God.

 

Job, in chapter 28:12, 20, & 23 both asked and answered as to the source of wisdom. He then gave his proof as to why God, rather than man is the true source (vss. 24-27). Therefore, what God has stated on any matter is a fitting judgment, universal in application. God has declared that man can attain to this wisdom in only one way: “And unto man he said,
Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.” (Job 28:28; cf. Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 1:7; 9:10; Ecclesiastes 12:13).

 

Since God has identified wisdom and understanding with departing from evil, man has two choices in how he will respond: obey or disobey. As this relates to liberal and conservative, how will you define those terms in view of what God has declared on the matter? Are you wiser than Him who created and sustains life? (cf. Acts 17:28-32). We need to consider God’s definition of liberal, and then determine if being such is conducive to obedience or disobedience. There are two words which we need to consider in this study: ‘liberal’ and ‘liberality’.

 

LIBERAL: In Proverbs 11:25 we read, “The liberal soul shall be made fat; and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” The meaning of the first phrase, “the liberal soul shall be made fat” is repeated, yet more clearly explained by the second phrase “he that watereth shall be watered also himself”. Generosity reaps prosperity. This truth is prevalent throughout scripture. You reap what you sow, good or evil. God has said wisdom begins to be manifested when man turns from evil. The same truth is stated in Psalm 1:1-3 in greater detail as it explains how liberality, wisdom, and turning from evil are all connected: “How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers!  But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.”

 

The generosity and prosperity here are clearly spiritual in nature. This same truth is taught by the apostle Paul in Galatians 6:6-10: “But let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.  Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.  For he that soweth unto his own flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth unto the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap eternal life.  And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.” This is what is meant by “the liberal soul shall be made fat”.

 

LIBERALITY: In Romans 12:8, Paul explains that our sharing (giving) is to be done with liberality. This points to the motive for sharing. Jesus warned in Matthew 6:1 against practicing our righteousness “before men to be seen of men”. Paul, in dealing with our ‘spiritual service’ (Romans 12:1) states that our gifts differ, “according to the grace that was given to us” (v. 6). He goes on to state, “let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.  In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another; in diligence not slothful; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord…”. Liberality in our sharing means that it is free of pretense and hypocrisy.   

 

The apostle Paul and his companions preached the gospel in this manner (cf. 2 Corinthians 1:12; 2:17). Their spiritual generosity resulted in spiritual prosperity for others and God was glorified. The Corinthians, although themselves impoverished, gave to other brethren in need. (cf. 2 Corinthians 8:2; 9:13). In this, we see “love of the brethren” exemplified. (cf. Romans 12:10; Hebrews 13:1; 2 Peter 1:7).

 

That God is glorified through our liberality is clear from 1 Peter 2:11-12. In view of what God has declared, does your life reflect liberality? Should it? “Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned love of the brethren, love one another from the heart fervently” (1 Peter 1:22).

“Accountability”

Deut. 6:1 bears out that God’s commands are to be taught FOR THE PURPOSE OF OBEDIENCE; WHICH WILL BE REWARDED WITH RIGHTEOUSNESS BEING IMPUTED AS A BLESSING FROM GOD!

“Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, THAT YE MIGHT DO THEM in the land whither ye go to possess it”

Here are the results when this teaching has a breakdown:

– Judges 2:7-12 –

And the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD, that he did for Israel.

And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died, being an hundred and ten years old.

And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnathheres, in the mount of Ephraim, on the north side of the hill Gaash.

And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.

And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim:

And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger.

– Joshua 24:31 –

“And Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, and which had known all the works of the LORD, that he had done for Israel.”

---> they ‘KNEW’ because THEY HAD BEEN TAUGHT!

The gospel is a message to be taught; with a view for obedience to be the way of life for the one taught!

The gospel is the ONLY thing whereby people may learn their purpose in life – Eccl. 12:13-14, "fear God & keep His commands”

Accordingly, God spoke to man, with the ultimate goal of restoring the broken fellowship that resulted from sin (Isa. 59:1-2).

Sin is prevented by teaching how to live in obedience to God’s words.

This is accountability!

The one with knowledge is accountable to teach and exemplify obedience.

The one needing knowledge is accountable to choose wisely.

Josh. 24:15 – “…choose you this day whom ye will serve…”.

1 Kings 18:21 – “…How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him.”

What characterized people who had NOT been taught obedience?

2 Kings 17:33, 41 – “So THEY FEARED THE LORD BUT ALSO SERVED THEIR OWN GODS, after the manner of the nations from among whom they had been carried away…these nations feared the LORD AND ALSO SERVED THEIR CARVED IMAGES.

Centuries later, God’s people were still suffering from indifference. Zephaniah described them as follows in Zeph. 1:5 – “those who bow down and swear to the LORD...and yet swear by Milcom…”.

Jesus was plain: "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other…” – Matt. 6:24

Our accountability on the day of Judgment will be in relation to what we did (i.e., how did we bear in our lifetime) with the word of God (his ‘goods’) – the word that He spoke thru the prophets, His Son, and the apostles by inspiration of His Spirit. 

“BY WHAT AUTHORITY?” – Part 4 of 4

 

“BY WHAT AUTHORITY?” – Part 4 of 4

“By what authority are You doing these things,

and who gave You this authority?”

(Mt. 21:23).

In Part 3 of this series, we saw that authority is absolute with God. It is important to remember that God alone possesses authority. When we speak of delegated authority, we are referring to our stewardship of something that is rightfully God’s—i.e., ‘authority’.

 

God’s words are a double-edged sword. (Eph. 5:17; Heb. 4:12). We must exercise care when wielding His sword. This care begins with understanding how God’s will and authority are expressed in His words. God’s will and His authority are synonymous. 

God’s authority is worthy of honor, and we honor it through faith and obedience to His will. These are simple concepts which identify His people. Read through the list of the faithful in Heb. 11 and you will find these characteristics in them.  

The ‘cutting’ done by this sword reveals the true desires of our hearts (Mt. 15:18-20). The Spirit’s sword is the word (Eph. 6:17). God’s authority is exercised as His sword cuts with accuracy (2 Tim. 2:15). This stresses the importance of understanding how God’s will and authority are expressed in His word.

God’s words are, at times expressed distinctly and with specifics. At other times it is not. However, this distinct manner is not without purpose. Again, it is to reveal the heart (cf. King Saul, 1 Sam. 10:8; 13:8-11). Failure to distinguish between generics and specifics in divine communication is a sprout that will reap a harvest of division and sin.

If Noah had failed to respect this distinction, the ark would have consisted of any wood of Noah’s choosing. God specified gopher wood; Noah’s heart was revealed. A simple but essential element in the exercise of faith. We must likewise recognize these distinctions in how God has expressed His authority. Our distinctions must harmonize with God’s.

"THE OPENING OF THE EYES: A CONTRAST"

Two had their eyes opened in a garden. Two had their eyes opened on a road. Once their eyes were opened, what each pair saw differed greatly. Two were ashamed of themselves by what they saw. Two were elated by what they saw. Two saw because they disobeyed. Two saw because of Scripture. Two saw their sin. Two saw the Lord. The first pair were Adam and Eve, while in Eden (Gen. 3). The second pair were those walking to Emmaus (Lk. 24)

It is good for our eyes to distinguish between right and wrong. There are two ways this can happen. Both scenarios are depicted in Adam and Eve, and the two traveling to Emmaus. Of Adam and Eve we read, “Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked” (Gen. 3:7).

We must recognize why Adam and Eve’s eyes were opened. It happened because they disobeyed a command from God. When we disobey, our eyes will be opened, but what we 'see' does not bring joy. There is nothing but shame and fear, as with Adam and Eve.

When we disobey, we also gain knowledge. But what we learn does not make us rejoice; it makes us hang our heads in shame. Rather than being drawn to God, we attempt a futile thing: To hide from God as Adam did (Gen. 3:10). God asked Adam, “Who told you that you were naked?” How did Adam learn of his nakedness? From God? Did Adam not know he was naked before God asked him? Who was to blame? Satan? No, for Satan only spoke a lie (“Thou shalt not die.”), tempting Adam.

“Every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin; and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (Jms. 1:14-15). Who allowed lust to conceive? Adam blamed Eve. Eve blamed Satan.

Whose word was transgressed and whose word was obeyed? Whose words were perverted and whose words were believed? The answers are obvious. Paul wrote, “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” (Rom. 6:16).

Disobedience brings shame and fear into our lives. Both are removed when we turn to God in obedience. When we obey God, there is no need for blaming; rather, for the giving of thanks. We see this from Paul’s epistle to the church of Christ in Rome: “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. Being then made free from sin, they became the servants of righteousness” (Rom. 6:17-18). The giving of thanks is natural when there is joy in the heart.

Let God’s word, not our sin, open our eyes. The view is much better. The joy in our lives is a lighter yoke to bear than the yoke of guilt and grief because of our sin. As the two on the road to Emmaus did, we will want to share the good news with others from a good and honest heart. By this, God will be glorified.

"WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?"

 

"WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?" -- Acts 16:30

This question is asked THREE TIMES in the New Testament.

A. It was asked by the Jews on Pentecost -- Acts 2:37

(1) Peter answers -- Acts 2:38

B. It was asked next by Saul -- Acts 9: 6

(1) Ananias answered the question in Acts 22:16

C. This question was next asked by the Philippian Jailer -- Acts 16: 30

(1) He was an unbeliever

(2) This answer was given to this unbeliever, but this is not the end of the story -- Acts 16: 31

(3) They preached to him so that he might believe -- Acts 16:32; Rom. 10:17

(4) The jailer then repented (washed their stripes) -- Acts 16:33

D. We have read three different answers to the same question.

(1) The Jailer was an unbeliever.

(2) People on Pentecost did believe.

(3) Saul was a believing, penitent man.

They were given different answers to the same question because they were at different places on the road of salvation.

“BY WHAT AUTHORITY?” – Part 3 of 4

“By what authority are You doing these things,

and who gave You this authority?”

 (Mt. 21:23). 

Authority is inherent with God. This is by virtue of being the creator and sustainer of life. Only God is eternal. We need not only to understand that authority belongs to God but also understand how God purposed for His authority to be exerted. Remember, God’s authority is God’s will. God chose how to dispense His will to man. In dispensing His will, God is delegating His authority. He first spoke through prophets, then through His Son (cf. Amos 3:7; Heb. 1:1-2).

Prophets had no authority to alter God’s will (Prov. 30:5-6); or, as Jonah, fail to deliver God’s message (Jonah 1:2-3). The ‘binding and loosing’ of God’s will was explained in Mt. 16:19. Jesus did not speak on His own initiative (Jn. 8:42). He was ‘given’ (delegated) power on earth to forgive sins at His word (cf. Mt. 9:6; Lk. 5:20; 7:48; 23:43). However, what He spoke and did was by command from His Father (cf. Jn. 7:16; 8:28; 12:49; 14:10, 31). Jesus promised the twelve apostles that the Holy Spirit would empower them with God’s authority. This began in Jerusalem on the first Pentecost following His ascension, when the Holy Spirit descended upon them (Lk. 24:49; Acts 1:8; 2:4).

The apostles were stewards of Jesus’ words and spoke and wrote under guidance of the Holy Spirit (cf. 1 Cor. 2:12-13; 11:23; 14:37; Gal. 4:11-12). God’s authority now resides in these inspired words (Eph. 3:3-4). In our teaching, we are to speak these oracles from God (1 Pt. 4:11). Remember, delegated authority is our stewardship of God’s authority. 

THE DIFFERENCE IN BEING FOOLISH AND BEING A FOOL

The fool has an enormous talent to sense the needs of another and then transform himself into the kind of person that the other person wants. The fool will use his tongue to flatter others, to convince them that he alone understands them, and that others have misunderstood them and treated them badly.

They have a fun way about themselves that makes you drop your guard because of your natural desire to have fun and feel that you belong. For the fool this is all a show, an act of hypocrisy, so that he might gain a temporary goal at the expense of another and then cast off the one he has used.

A fool has a great confidence that some find attractive. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise.” (Proverbs 12:15) He may be bold and love to express his opinion, but he does not know where he is going.

One of the great mistakes a person can make is to get in the way of a fool and his folly. “Better to meet a she-bear robbed of its cubs than to confront a fool immersed in folly.” (Proverbs 17:12)

God warns us in many ways not to even try to teach a fool. “Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.” (Proverbs 23:9)

A fool will threaten you if he perceives that you are getting in the way. He will threaten to slander you and will carry out that threat if you do not submit to him.

There is a big difference in being a fool and being foolish. All of us have been foolish and learned, but the fool will not. This is the very person that Jesus warned about: “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.” (Matthew 7:6)

DOCTRINE MATTERS: BAPTISM'S PURPOSE--DOES IT MATTER?

BAPTISM'S PURPOSE--DOES IT MATTER?

If baptism is to be administered upon a Christian, then at what point did those in Acts 2 become Christians?

In verse 36, Peter concluded his sermon.

In verse 37, they...were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

QUESTION: Were they Christians BEFORE they were pricked in their heart?

QUESTION: Were they Christians BEFORE asking the question, WHAT SHALL WE DO?

In verse 38, Peter says, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…”

QUESTION: Were they Christians BEFORE Peter said these words to them?

If not, how could their baptism be for the purpose of “showing” their salvation?

If baptism is an "outward sign" to show a salvation that occurred at some earlier point in time; AND one is saved by such means as a sinner's prayer...then at what point were those in Acts 2 saved? Find the prayer to be prayed out of Peter's words in verse 38, for in this verse, he gave his answer to their question, "WHAT SHALL WE DO?

"Repent and be baptized"...how can a prayer be concluded as the answer to WHAT SHALL WE DO?

Why accept repentance, yet reject baptism, when you will submit to being baptized to "show"?

Is the "showing" of salvation by being baptized necessary? If not, would you be condemned to an eternity in hell for NOT "showing"?

What purpose in having an ordinance of "showing" outwardly what took place inwardly, if you won't be in hell for not "showing"?

If, however, baptism is as repentance, i.e., the obedience of faith (Romans 16:26), then the purpose of baptism CANNOT be an "outward sign"; nor can prayer be the meaning of "repent and be baptized" (Acts 2:38).

For any who have been baptized...WHY did you do so? If you were already a Christian...was the SHOWING of your salvation necessary to go to heaven? If not; why do it?

The Lord warned:

"Take heed WHAT ye hear" ~ Mark 4:24

"Take heed HOW ye hear" ~ Luke 8:18

Why? Because DOCTRINE MATTERS!

“BY WHAT AUTHORITY?” – Part 2 of 4

 “By what authority are You doing these things,

and who gave You this authority?”

(Mt. 21:23).

 

The need for authority is seen from the encounter between Jesus and the chief priests in Mt. 21:23-27. It identifies the only two sources by which religious convictions and practices are drawn: God (heaven), or men (self). Authority is defined as lawful right or power. Every religious practice must meet with God’s approval. Therefore, not all worship is acceptable to God. (cf. Cain & Abel; Nadab & Abihu; the Canaanites – Gen. 4:4; Lev. 10:1; Deut. 12:4, 8, 31-32).

God has revealed to man what is and is not acceptable as worship (cf.  Jn. 4:24; Col. 2:23). John’s baptism was not by his own initiative. He was “sent from God” (Jn. 1:6). Therefore, it was binding (cf. Mal. 3:1; Lk. 1:76-77). Likewise, our convictions and practices must be according to the oracles of God (1 Pt. 4:11).

Authority exists in one of two ways: absolute or delegated. Only God has absolute authority. This simply means that no one prior to God possessed authority and then gave it to God. God possesses absolute authority by virtue of creation (cf. Rom. 11:36; 1 Cor. 8:6; 11:12; Col. 1:16).

The absolute nature of God’s authority is seen from Isa. 55:10-11, “My word…shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” The absolute power of God’s word is seen in that the Creation was spoken into existence (Psa. 33:6, 11). Next week, we will examine some aspects of delegated authority.

“BY WHAT AUTHORITY?” – Part 1 of 4

“By what authority are You doing these things,

and who gave You this authority?”

 (Mt. 21:23). 

The need for authority is at the crux of every issue dividing people, especially brethren. In Mt. 21:23-27, the issue was authority and the correct source for it. Authority is not merely an emotional issue based upon feelings. Nor is it merely a cordial religious discussion whereby the parties identify matters on which they agree and disagree.  They neither seek unity, nor view it as essential. Rather they are content to enter and leave the discussion as brethren. This attitude is at the heart of “agreeing to disagree”.

How could one read Mt. 21:23-27, and conclude that Jesus and the chief priests came away from their meeting agreeing to disagree? Read all the encounters of those who sought to entrap Jesus in his speech and convince me that they viewed each other as brethren at the end. They accused Jesus of blasphemy, empowered by Satan (Mt. 12:24; 26:25), and Jesus called them hypocrites, blind guides, extortioners, whited sepulchers, and children of Satan (Mt. 23; Jn. 8:44). They were indeed Jewish brethren but only one taught and practiced by authority from heaven.

Mt. 21:23-27 identifies two sources of authority: heaven and men. But don’t be deceived into accepting these two sources of authority as equal options. Heaven’s authority resides in the written word (2 Pt. 1:20-21). The gospel by which we attained status as brethren in Christ is the same gospel by which we, as brethren, are to walk (Phil. 3:16). Fellowship in the gospel is only possible thru the gospel (1 Cor. 1:10). 

BELIEVE IT, OR NOT...?

We find two common reactions to gospel preaching from Acts 17 of those in the city of Thessalonica. Some "believed" and others "believed not". I want to notice these two reactions, but more importantly, what God has revealed in the Bible as to WHY these are the two reactions people have when salvation thru Christ is preached. You might think that one and all would readily accept an offer of free salvation, but sadly, such is not the case is it? Why not? It is because of the nature of religious truth as opposed to religious error. Truth contains commands for the sinner to submit to and error does not. If truth is preached today, we will find these commands mentioned. The grace of God teaches man to turn from sin, NOT continue that grace may abound. (Titus 2:11-12; Rom. 6:1)

What did Paul preach about Christ to those in Thessalonica? He preached the same thing Peter preached in Acts 2:36, “God hath made this same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Do you suppose that they had the same question in their minds as those Jews on the day of Pentecost had? “What shall we do?” Do you suppose that Paul told them that they needed to ‘do’ anything? Remember…Jesus’ commands to the apostles’ also apply to Paul. Jesus commanded that “...repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” (Luke 24:47) Jesus commanded the apostles to preach concerning Him, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you...” (Matt. 28:18-20)

In Acts 1:2, we are told that Jesus had “given commandments” to the apostles in regard to what to preach concerning Him. These commandments pertained to what people were to do in “calling upon the name of the Lord”. We can determine what those commands were from what they preached in the book of Acts, as well as what was obeyed by those to whom they preached.

Let it again be pointed out that in “calling upon the name of the Lord”, there is a ‘form of doctrine’ that must be obeyed (Rom. 6:17) and this ‘form of doctrine’ must be obeyed “from the heart”. It must correspond to the death, burial and resurrection of Christ as seen from 1 Cor. 15:1-4, “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures…” This was preached to those in Corinth as we will see from Acts 18. But these in Thessalonica ‘believed’. What is required in order to ‘believe’? From Romans 10:17, “…faith cometh by HEARING…and hearing by the WORD OF GOD.” Was the word preached? Yes, for we read that Paul “…reasoned with them out of the scriptures, Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.” Yet we find that others who heard the same message “believed not” (verse 5). It is recorded of them, “But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy...”.

I want you to consider why these did not believe while others did believe. What was the difference? Today, why is it that some readily accept truth while others reject and despise the message of truth? The key lies in Jesus’ teaching about the heart of man.

In Luke 8:4-15 we are told, “And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable: a sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.”

Three other texts that show why some can ‘see’ the truth clearly while others “see, yet see not”:

1) John 3:16-21, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.”

The reason some cannot see or understand truth is because they love darkness…because their deeds are evil, and they don’t want their evil deeds reproved. The truth is not beyond their ability to understand, their heart’s desire is to continue in evil. Others, obey out of a desire to have their life proven to be “walking by faith”, which cometh from hearing God’s words (2 Cor. 5:7; Rom. 10:17).

2) John 7:14-18, “Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught. And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.”

The reason some cannot see or understand truth is because of their "will". They refuse to obey what God's will calls upon them to obey (read again, John 3:16-21 above). Others, have no problem understanding, for it is their will to have their deeds approved of God.

3) 2 Thess. 2:10-12, “And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

The reason some cannot see or understand truth is because they have no love for truth but their pleasure is to continue in unrighteousness. Others love truth because their will is to be set free from their sin, and obeying truth will result in this freedom (John 8:32) Those who ‘saw’ or understood the things Paul preached about Jesus had a desire to please God, hence we read of them prior to hearing Paul preach about Jesus’ authority, being God-fearing or devout. Their heart was honest and sincere, as was Cornelius, Lydia, and Saul of Tarsus, who “lived in good conscience” even during his persecution of Christians (Acts 23:1). These who believed not, ‘moved with envy”.

So likewise will people do so today when the truth exposes their evil deeds, and their love for unrighteousness. The word of God is described as “…quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12)

How people react to the truth reveals whether they are just religious, honoring God with their lips while in reality their heart is far from Him (Matt. 15:8-9). If one’s heart is honest and sincere, whenever they see that they are not in harmony with what Jesus commanded, they will change (repent), because their will is “…to do the will of the Father.”

What about you; what is your view of Jesus' commands?

"THE INFLUENCE OF ONE MAN"

In the Old Testament, following the death of Solomon, the nation of Israel was divided by two rival kings. This was due to the following sequence of events:

1 Kings 11:1-11 – Solomon’s disobedience

1 Kings 11:26-40 – Jeroboam’s rebellion against Solomon

1 Kings 11:38; 14:8 – Ahijah’s message

Rehoboam was the son of Solomon and took his father's place on the throne. In Egypt, Jeroboam heard of the death of Solomon and returned to Israel. In fulfillment of the words of the prophet Ahijah, ten tribes of Israel gave their allegiance to Jeroboam. The prophet had told Jeroboam, "Then it shall be, if you heed all that I command you, walk in My ways, and do what is right in My sight, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as My servant David did, then I will be with you and build for you an enduring house, as I built for David, and will give Israel to you" (1 Kings 11:38).

Jeroboam did not follow after these words. 1 Kings 12:25-33 Instead, he set up two golden calves for the people to worship and serve as the gods who brought them out of the land of Egypt. He allowed priests to come from any tribe and he "ordained a feast on the fifteenth day of the eighth month." He did more evil than all those who were before him and because of his actions, set the tone for the following kings of Israel.

Ahijah prophesied that God would "give Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam, who sinned and who made Israel sin" (1 Kings 14:8-16). The influence of this one king would set the tone for the history of the Northern tribes of God's people.

Jeroboam's son, Nadab (1 Kings 15:25-26), "became king over Israel in the second year of Asa king of Judah, and he reigned over Israel two years. And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the way of his father, and in his sin by which he had made Israel sin."

1 Kings 15:29-30 - Baasha would be the next king of Israel as he conspired against Nadab, killed him, and "he killed all the house of Jeroboam. He did not leave to Jeroboam anyone that breathed, until he had destroyed him, according to the word of the LORD which He had spoken by His servant Ahijah the Shilonite, because of the sins of Jeroboam, which he had sinned and by which he had made Israel sin, because of his provocation with which he had provoked the LORD God of Israel to anger."

1 Kings 15:34; 16:7 - Baasha "did evil in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the way of Jeroboam, and in his sin by which he had made Israel sin...And also the word of the LORD came by the prophet Jehu the son of Hanani against Baasha and his house, because of all the evil that he did in the sight of the LORD in provoking Him to anger with the work of his hands, in being like the house of Jeroboam, and because he killed them."

1 Kings 16:13 - Elah, the son of Baasha, reigned two years before he was murdered by Zimri (his own servant) and Zimri destroyed all the household of Baasha "for all the sins of Baasha and the sins of Elah his son, by which they had sinned and by which they had made Israel sin, in provoking the LORD God of Israel to anger with their idols."

Zimri, 1 Kings 16:18-19 –“…died, because of the sins which he had sinned in doing evil in the sight of the LORD, in walking in the way of Jeroboam, and in his sin which he had committed to make Israel sin."

Omri, 1 Kings 16:25-26 - "…did evil in the eyes of the LORD, and did worse than all who were before him. For he walked in all the ways of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and in his sin by which he had made Israel sin, provoking the LORD God of Israel to anger with their idols."

And then there was Ahab in 1 Kings 16:30-33, "Now Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD, more than all who were before him. And it came to pass, as though it had been a trivial thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took as wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians; and he went and served Baal and worshiped him. Then he set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal, which he had built in Samaria. And Ahab made a wooden image. Ahab did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him."

Ahaziah, 1 Kings 22:51-53 - "Ahaziah the son of Ahab became king over Israel in Samaria in the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned two years over Israel. He did evil in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the way of his father and in the way of his mother and in the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who had made Israel sin; for he served Baal and worshiped him, and provoked the LORD God of Israel to anger, according to all that his father had done."

Jehoram (Joram), 2 Kings. 3:1-3 - “He did what was evil in the LORD’S sight; he…clung to the sins that Jeroboam had caused Israel to commit. He did not turn away from them.”

Jehu, 2 Kings 10:28-31 - “Jehu eliminated Baal worship from Israel, but he did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit…worshiping the golden calves that were in Bethel and Dan. Nevertheless, the Lord said to Jehu, ‘Because you have done well in carrying out what is right in My sight and have done to the house of Ahab all that was in My heart, four generations of your sons will sit on the throne of Israel’. Yet, Jehu was not careful to follow with all his heart the laws of the Lord God of Israel. He did not turn from the sins that Jeroboam had caused Israel to commit.” **

(** Although Jehu ‘reformed’ somewhat, still he did not have the approval of God. Reform is not enough!)

Jehoahaz, 2 Kings 13:2 - “He did what was evil in the Lord’s sight and followed the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit; he did not turn away from them.”

Jehoash, 2 Kings 13:11 - “He did what was evil in the Lord’s sight. He did not turn away from all the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit, but he walked in them.”

Jeroboam II, 2 Kings 14:24 - “He did what was evil in the Lord’s sight. He did not turn away from all the sins Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit.”

Zechariah, 2 Kings 15:9 - “He did what was evil in the Lord’s sight as his fathers had done. He did not turn away from the sins Jeroboam son of Nebat had cause Israel to commit.” Murdered after only 6 months in power.

Shallum, 2 Kings 15:10 - 13-15, murdered Zechariah, and one month later was murdered by Menahem.

Menahem, 2 Kings 15:18 - “he did what was evil in the Lord’s sight. Throughout his reign, he did not turn away from the sins Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit.”

Pekahiah, 2 Kings 15:24 - “He did what was evil in the Lord’s sight and did not turn away from the sins Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit.”

Pekah, 2 Kings 15:28 - “He did what was evil in the Lord’s sight. He did not turn away from the sins Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit.”

Hoshea, 2 Kings 17:1 - “He did evil in the Lord’s sight, but not like the kings of Israel who preceded him.”

2 Kings 17:6-18; 21-22 summarizes the history of Israel. Another interesting observation following the captivity is the practice of compromise. 2 Kings 17:24-41 tells of this. (COMPROMISE IS NOT ACCEPTABLE! Matt. 6:24)

WHAT DO WE SEE FROM THIS?

All the remaining kings of Israel followed the pattern of their predecessors. All followed in the way of Jeroboam. The destruction of the kingdom of Israel was completed by the Assyrians when they invaded the land and took the ten tribes away, never to be a united people again. "And the LORD rejected all the descendants of Israel, afflicted them, and delivered them into the hand of plunderers, until He had cast them from His sight. For He tore Israel from the house of David, and they made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king. Then Jeroboam drove Israel from following the LORD, and made them commit a great sin. For the children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they did not depart from them" (2 Kings 17:20-22).

The lesson in this sad history is the impact a life can have on so many. Jeroboam's works followed him after he died. The evil he lived in his life was not contained only while he lived but continued on for generations to come. Consider how many lives were lost because of his influence. Think of all the lives that were given over to evil because of his influence. The powerful influence of an evil life destroyed a great nation. While the influence of Jeroboam was felt for many generations, I want to make this observation:

- Jeroboam was a religious person - his changes were not a discouragement to religion; they encouraged it, for they appealed to the comforts of the people. We see this from his words in 1 Kings 12:28, “…it is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem to worship.”

This mindset opens a door that cannot be closed. When man assumes the role of decision-making in religion, then he assumes a role of authority that belongs only to Christ. When man assumes this authority to decide what is best, or how to worship God, it only results in a moral decline.

So likewise today... There are so many deviations, and such diversity among denominationalism, and the “freedom” to do as one’s heart desires, continues to plunge man further into immorality.

Illustration: the 1930 motion picture industry code:

The sanctity of the institution of marriage and the home shall be upheld. No film shall infer that casual or promiscuous sex relationships are the common thing ... These [seduction and rape] should never be more than suggested, and then only when essential to the plot. They should never be shown explicitly ... Crime shall never be presented in such a way as to throw sympathy with the crime ... Brutal killings are not to be presented in detail ... Revenge, in modern times, shall not be justified ... Mercy killing shall never be made to seem right or permissible ... Dances suggesting or representing sexual actions or emphasizing indecent movements are to be regarded as obscene ... Laws – divine, natural or human – shall not be ridiculed.

This shows how far we’ve come as a society. What was once prohibited is now advocated.

Pagan worship was not acceptable to God from the children of Israel. God gave instructions regarding how HE was to be worshiped:

Deut. 12:29-31 - When the Lord your God cuts off from before you the nations which you go to dispossess, and you displace them and dwell in their land, take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.’ YOU SHALL NOT WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD IN THAT WAY; for every abomination to the Lord which He hates they have done to their gods; for they burn even their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods.

This lesson needs to be remembered by God's people today, for not just any worship is acceptable today. God has revealed thru the teachings of Jesus and the apostles HOW HE IS TO BE WORSHIPED.

Likewise, there is a pattern for the organization and work of a local church. Any innovations to these patterns are an unacceptable as the innovations of Jeroboam were in his day.

As those of Jeroboam’s day didn’t know that Jeroboam’s innovations were wrong, so has the influence of denominational theology and philosophy resulted in innovations and reform.

The church that Jesus spoke of in Matt. 16:18 is identifiable by its doctrines. The patterns contained in the New Testament are to be preached so that unity, love and reverence for God will prevail and carry a greater influence on society. In this way, righteousness will "flow" as God purposed; His people will be the "head", not the "tail", as Moses told Israel in Deut. 28:13, 44, "And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them."

Spiritual seed will produce after its kind as does physical seed (Luke 8:11).

WHO WROTE GENESIS?

 

Proof from the Scriptures of who wrote Genesis.

Jesus said in John 5:46, “For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.”

How does this ‘prove’ that the book of Genesis was written by Moses?

In answer, consider these statements from Genesis:

~ Genesis 12:3 – And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. (to Abraham)

~ Genesis 22:18 – And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice. (to Abraham)

~ Genesis 26:4 – And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed. (to Isaac)

~ Genesis 28:14 – And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. (to Jacob)

Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob, the PATRIARCHS!

WHO was this referring to, “…thy seed…in whom ALL NATIONS would be blessed?”

Consider from the N. T., these related passages:

Acts 3:25 – Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, ‘And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed’.

What is this ‘covenant’ referring to?

Galatians 3:8 – And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, ‘in thee shall all nations be blessed’.

Galatians 3:16 – Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, and to seeds, as of many; but as of one, and to thy seed, which is Christ.

Another statement from Genesis:

In Genesis 3:15, the statement was made to Satan that “...I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, and you shall bruise him on the heel.”

Who was this ‘seed’ referring to?

In answer, consider these other related passages from the N. T. —

~ 2 Timothy 1:10 — But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

Who abolished death? Who had the power of death?

~ Colossians 2:15—And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Who triumphed?

~ Hebrews 2:14 — Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

Who destroyed him that had the power of death?

1 John 3:8 — He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

Do these passages shed light on Gen. 3:15?

CONCLUSION: Who wrote of Jesus in Genesis?