Reasonable Service

KwiGenesis 12:1

Apha sibona ukuba uThixo wambiza uAbram kwaye wamnika icebo. Wamxelela makahambe, asuke ezweni lakowabo.

Kodwa wayezakuya phi? Ndicinga noAbram wayezibuza lombuzo. Kuba, khange amxelele uThixo ukuba uzakuya phi.

uThixo wayefuna uAbram amlandele ngokholo. Kwaye sibona apha ukuba khange amthandabuze uAbram.

Namhlanje: uThixo wathetha noAbram ubuso ngobuso. Akathethi ngolahlobo nathi namhlanje. Sinalo iLizwi lakhe lonke eBhayibhileni. Ngoko ke, xa sifunda eBhayibhileni kufuneka sifane noAbram, sithobele iLizwi likaThixo ngokholo.

Umzekelo: Usindiso - Soze siqonde yonke into ethetha ngosindiso kodwa ukuba sizakusindiswa nguThixo kuzakufeka sithobele kwabaseRoma 10:9 xa iBhayibhile ithi “Ngokuba, xa uthe wamvuma ngomlomo wakho ukuba uyiNkosi uYesu, wakholwa ngentliziyo yakho ukuba uThixo wamvusa kwabafileyo, wosindiswa.”

Masimthobele ngokholo!!!

Phil 4:6-9

–“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”

Quick thoughts from these verses:

Don’t worry about things. (v.6)

Instead go to God in prayer and make your requests, worries, concerns, and things that cause you to stress known unto Him. (v.6b)

When you do this it is like exchanging your worries for peace. (v.7)

You give your problems that are to big for you to the Lord and in exchange He gives you peace!
This peace will guard your mind and emotions from worries and things contrary to what God says about you and circumstances. (v.7b)

The memory is a very strong asset of the Christian. That is why we should journal, blog and even take pictures of God’s working in our lives. These jewels will help us to fulfill Philippians 4:8 where the Bible commands us to think on several different positive things.

Paul tells believers time and again to “remember.” (e.g. Eph 2)

How much of what God has done for you have you forgotten? What are you doing to remember God’s goodness? What are you doing think upon truthful, honest, and just things? How much time do you spend thinking upon pure and lovely things or things of good report? How about virtuous things, or things that cause God praise?

Our minds are a major battle ground. If we lose here we lose everywhere.

I don’t know about you but I can be a bit undisciplined in this area at times and it has dreadful effects.

The Bible commands…
II Cor 10:5 – “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”

We have to learn to take bad thoughts captive and release good thoughts for our minds to meditate upon.

Application: Today, when something depressing, or wicked tries to take up residence in your mind, first, take it captive. (This doesn’t negate our responsibility to fulfill our responsibilities.) Then move to the next stage of releasing something good, pure, or just etc., etc. into your mind for it to dwell upon.

I know I have to become more disciplined in my thinking how about you?

The great thing about it is that all the while this is taking place inside of you the God of peace is with you (v. 9).

But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost. 9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries. (I Cor 16:8,9)

Paul was wanting to visit the Corinthian believers and tells them here that it probably wouldn’t be until after Pentecost that he would be able to make the trip. Then, Paul explains why he can’t come sooner. He says a great door and effectual had been opened unto him in Ephesus.

I believe it is comparative to the door of opportunity God opened to the church of Philadelphia in the book of Revelations. It was a door of opportunity, and stewardship to evangelize that area. He knew God was working in Ephesus.

Paul wasn’t like many of us today. He saw the adversaries (v. 9b) and said wow God is working here. Today, we would say wow there is alot of opposition God must be closing the door.

Even as spiritual leaders, such as pastors and missionaries we have fallen to this level in leading God’s people. Instead of telling God’s people “here is a cross to die on and follow your Lord” we tell them whatever they want to do and however they want to go about doing it is just fine with God.

This philosophy is summed up by the following statement. “Many people will take the path of least resistance. Figure out where people are going to walk before putting in a walkway.” (Darnell)

I am glad Jesus didn’t have this philosophy He would have taken Satan up on those temptations he set before Him. Jesus knew that just because there is resistance doesn’t mean that you have went down the wrong path.

Conclusion: Before you turn back ask yourself “Am I turning back because it’s becoming difficult or because I am convinced without partiality that I should go a different direction?”

Just a quick thought this morning.

Prophesying versus Tongues.

I Cor 14:3,4 - “But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.”

v. 26 - “Let all things be done unto edifying.”

In other words tongues benefit the person speaking them and not the church. Paul sums up his counsel in verse 26 by saying let all things be done unto the building up of the church. So which one builds up the church, tongues or prophesy? Verse 4 says the answer is prophesy.

Just a quick thought this morning. I think it is true to some preachers all over the world. For some reason men think that taking money from the church is wrong or that what they do for the church is not really work and therefore they shouldn’t be paid.

I have struggled with this myself. I know that people work very hard to be able to support me in the work in South Africa. It is a constant thought on my mind. It serves as an extra motivation to see something done to glorify God.

This is not just a problem for American churches but I have found it to be true in South Africa. The preachers have a problem with taking money from the church directly. Why is this? There are a number of possible reasons but just to name a couple, one may be the possibility of being gossiped about by church people. Another reason may just be a lack of teaching and developed conviction concerning the real truth about this matter.

This leads me to say that in the final analysis we have to go to the Bible, and let God be true and every man a liar. In I Corinthians 9 we see God’s take concerning the income of the preacher. Consider the following passage.

9 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? 10 Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. 11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?

Then on down in verse 13 Paul continues…

13 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? 14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

It is pretty clear in the Bible that those that feed you with the Word of God should be taken care of by you. They are suppose to be constantly digging, dividing, and delivering the Word of God to you, and in return you are suppose to be a part of taking care of their needs.

It probably doesn’t sit well on either side but many of the things God tells us to do in His Word do not sit well with our own ideas and our “flesh”. Let’s be people of the Bible - it is the final rule for faith and practice - even when it is uncomfortable.

But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. (I Cor 5:11)

These are hard words but true. The world says if you really love then be tolerant. This philosophy has crept into the church. Paul says it is our responsibility to judge within the church. It is for the testimony of the church and the spiritual well-being of the one judged. In the next verses Paul says I really don’t have any business judging those outside the faith - the context of the church is for saved church members.

Paul says you should not associate with people who call themselves brothers or sisters in the Christian faith but live in sexual sin, are greedy, worship false gods, use abusive language, get drunk, or are dishonest. He says don’t even eat with these people. These type of people are to be removed from among the fellowship.

Everyone sins, but this is speaking of someone that makes a habit of it, and refuses to get things right. The one that continues in sin, in rebellion against God, is to be delivered unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh.

Hopefully through this deliverance process he/she will see her sin as God sees it and ask forgiveness and be reunited with the church. The goal is not getting rid of the person, but encouraging the person to get things right with His Lord.

In John chapter 11 verse 3 Mary and Martha sent to Jesus telling Him that “he whom thou lovest is sick.” They spoke of Lazarus who obviously was a dear friend of Jesus.

Jesus asks the sisters where Lazarus was laid and as they approached the cave Jesus began to weep. On down in the chapter the Bible says that He groaned in Himself. Jesus was deeply moved by the death of His friend Lazarus. He had perfect love toward Lazarus.

The Jews that had come to comfort Mary and Martha were standing by and saw Jesus weep over Lazarus being dead and said, “Behold how he loved him!”

The fact is that there is no greater love than the love that Jesus had toward Lazarus. It was love that was so strong that He was willing to lay His own life down for Lazarus and not just Lazarus but for the entire world!

Jesus loves you today! If you don’t know Him or are distant from Him know that He has a love that is so strong toward you that it moved Him to the cross to suffer and die for you. Come to Him today! He loves you.

John 15:13 - “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

In the verses above Jesus is speaking to His disciples concerning His oncoming death, burial, and resurrection. He tells them that He will leave them very soon but that He will not leave them comfortless. It is important to note the immediate context is Christ speaking to His disciples (the twelve) (Matt 26:20), minus Judas as it seems he had already left (13:30). Now, let us take a look at whether or not these verses still apply to us today.

Concerning John 14:26 J. Carl Laney says that the Holy Spirit’s “…ministry would include teaching the disciples “all things” (cf. I John 2:27) and reminding them of “everthing” Jesus had taught them. The Spirit’s ministry is not limited to the apostles but was especially for their benefit as writers of the Scripture. After receiving the Spirit they would better recall and understand the teachings of Jesus.” [Laney, J. Carl. Moody Gospel John Commentary. Chicago: Moody, 1992. 264-265. Print.]

The disciples had a very important job, that of remembering, explaining, and even recording the Words of Christ. This was an impossible task… IF there was no one that could guide them into all truth. That guide was the Holy Spirit. Now, there is yet an impossible task for people today, understanding the Word of God. The good news is that the same Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, that guided the disciples is within us to illuminate/clarify the scriptures to us today!

Notice the verse pointed out by Laney. I John 2:27 says, “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.” It is that same anointing that teaches, guides and helps us to remember yet today.

The comparison that Laney makes with I John 2:27 (above) is an important one for in this book we find the apostle John addressing the believers in the churches in Asia that were under his oversight. [The New Open Bible. Study Edition. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1990. 1433. Print.] That being the case it would be in agreement with scripture to say that the verses in John as noted above are applicable to the church today just not for the exact same purposes. The disciples needed the Holy Spirit in order to remember the Words of Christ, for writing them, preaching them, and understanding them. Today we need them for the latter reasons but not for writing them out. The Scriptures are complete. God has given us His complete word but we do still need the Holy Spirit to illuminate the Scriptures for our understanding and remembrance.

Laney goes on to say that in John 16:12-15 “…Jesus elaborates on the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit. He begins by informing the disciples, “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear.” “Anticipating the spirit’s work at Pentecost (Acts2), Jesus announces that the “Spirit of Truth” (cf. John 14:17) will “guide you into all truth.” Laney says that “the Holy Spirit guided the apostles in what to write as divine revelation,” and going further Laney makes an important statement concerning our discussion. He says “By way of application, the Spirit continues to make clear (illuminate) the meaning of the inspired record.” [Laney 290-291]

It should be pointed out that in verse 18 of John chapter 14 Jesus promises not to leave them (immediate context is the disciples) as orphans/parentless/fatherless. Paul told the Galatians that they (believers) were all children of God by faith in Christ (Gal. 3:26). So it makes sense that if God wouldn’t leave the disciples as orphans without a guide then He wouldn’t leave the rest of His children as orphans either. We have a guide, the Paraclete, that is with us to guide us in our understanding of Scripture.

In the Preacher’s Commentary Series it is pointed out that “Jesus repeatedly emphasizes that the Paraclete is the “Spirit of truth” (v. 17). He will enlighten and open up the words and works of Jesus. There are many things Jesus has said and taught during His earthly ministry which the disciples have not grasped. All this will be made plain to them when this “Teacher” comes. He will also bring to mind things Jesus has said which would otherwise be forgotten (v. 26).” [Fredrikson, R. L., & Ogilvie, L. J. (1985). Vol. 27: The Preacher's Commentary Series, Volume 27 : John. Formerly The Communicator's Commentary. The Preacher's Commentary series (224). Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson Inc.]

This commentary goes on to say, “But the Paraclete is always under the authority of Jesus, clarifying, making clear His teaching and ministry. He comes in Jesus’ name to unfold Jesus’ meaning for all men. This is crucial, for there are always those who insist the Spirit is taking us beyond Jesus to “newer and deeper truth.”” [The Preacher’s Commentary 224] This is an important statement in understanding the difference in what the Holy Spirit did for the disciples and what He does for the children of God today. Jesus has made Himself known. He brought to remembrance the things He wanted remembered and they are in the Word of God today. Therefore, there is no need for further revelation or new truth. We have the truth, now we simply need the Holy Spirit to help us understand it.

In light of John 14:26 the Interpreter’s Bible commentary says that “the Holy Spirit does bring to our remembrance (still today) much that we had let slip.” It goes on to say that “no man can take this wonderful gospel into his hands and say, “I have looked over it, and under it, and measured it with accuracy – it’s length and breadth and depth – and this is all there is to say about it.” [Gossip, Arthur John. "The Interpreter Bible ." Commentary on Luke and John. 8. Nashville: Abingdon-Cokesbury Press, 1952. Print.]No, every time we obediently and prayerfully read and meditate upon the Word and exegete correctly making use of the extra-Biblical resources God has provided the Holy Spirit uses this to illuminate His Word and teach us the Truth. It is inexhaustible, for life is too short and our minds to finite to completely comprehend God and His Word. It is also completely un-exhaustible without the illumination of the Holy Spirit.

The reverend Jerome D. Davis in his writings has some interesting comments concerning these verses. He ties them in with Pentecost and says, “The great prophecy of Joel and the great promise of Christ began to be fulfilled on the day of Pentecost, and there has been a continued fulfilment of them for nineteen hundred years. As Peter said, on the day of Pentecost: “The promise is unto you and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments which have come down to us were Spirit-breathed. This same Holy Spirit has been in the church through the Christian centuries, in general, teaching and guiding the church into all truth. He is dwelling with each true believer to-day as his teacher and guide.” [BSac 66:262 (April 1909) p. 245-246]

This is a great point made by Davis in reminding us that the Scriptures are Spirit-breathed and in order for us to understand a Spirit-breathed book we need the Spirit to illuminate/clarify them. He has been guiding the church into truth through the centuries and will continue to do so as Christ promised He would be with us until the end of the world (Matt. 28:20).

Speaking of John 15:26 Millard Erikson says, “Here we have the idea of illumination by the Holy Spirit,…This ministry of the Holy Spirit was not merely for that first generation of disciples, but also includes helping believers today to understand Scripture. Illumining us is a role that falls to the Spirit, for Jesus is now permanently at work carrying out other functions mentioned in this same passage (e.g., he is preparing a place for believers [14:2–3]). [Erickson, M. J. (1998). Christian theology (2nd ed.) (890). Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House.]

In conclusion, I would say that emphatically, yes, there is application from these verses for us today. We are promised the Holy Spirit. He is the earnest of our inheritance (Eph 1:14) and is such not only for our security, but also for the very important purpose of guiding us into truth. Millard Erikson says, “…illumination by the Holy Spirit helps the Scripture reader or hearer understand the Bible and creates the conviction that it is true and is the Word of God. This, however, should not be regarded as a substitute for the use of hermeneutical methods. These methods play a complementary, not a competitive role.” [Erikson 283]

So here in this study we see that yes, the Holy Spirit is with us today in a teaching manner. He is in the business of clarifying the truth (what already is stated about God in the Bible). He does not give us new truth or extra-Biblical truth. He simply helps to clarify and bring to remembrance to the child of God what is written in the Bible.

In John chapter 8 Jesus is straightforward and yet again the scribes and Pharisees totally ignore His message and continue in their blindness.

I love the clarity of Christ’s message in verse 21 as He told them, “I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.”

They thought He was apparently contemplating suicide but Jesus was speaking of His ascension. He said you will go on seeking me after I am gone and you will eventually die in your sins. In other words there is not going to be another Messiah, I am He, and since you rejected me you will die in your sins.

What a sad situation. Most likely those religious leaders died and went to Hell because the payment of sin is death (Romans 6:23). They will be eternally seperated from God in Hell which will eventually be cast into the Lake of Fire according to Revelation 20:14-15 which says, “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

Application: Don’t die in your sins! Realize that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. He died and paid your sin debt. You need only to repent and believe on Him to be your Savior!

Luke 21:15 - “For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.”

Isn’t this what all Christians desire? I know it is my desire. I want to be able to answer all those at enmity with God with words and wisdom that none of them are able to oppose or prove wrong.

I know this was a prophetic word from Christ for those that would be persecuted but at the same time all wisdom is from God, so let this be your prayer today.

Pray that God would give you a mouth of wisdom to answer everyone who asks about the hope within you.

I Peter 3:15 - “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”