Bible Study - Relationships Collide - Stand Your Ground - Galatians 2:1-14 - November 3, 2013

Bible Study – Relationships Collide – Stand Your Ground – November 3, 2013.

This is our fourth lesson in our series entitled “When Relationships Collide: Thriving in the Midst of Conflict.”

Our scripture is Galatians 2:1-14.

Most of us want to avoid conflict but there are times in our lives when we must stand our ground. Our lesson today is just such a situation. When it comes to the Biblical principles regarding the Christian faith, Christians must stand firm on truth.

The point of this lesson is to “never compromise when it is a matter of biblical right and wrong.”

Galatians 1:1-24: (Background)

Greeting

1 Paul, an apostle —not from men or by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead— 2 and all the • brothers who are with me: To the churches of Galatia. 3 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father. 5 To whom be the glory forever and ever. • Amen.

No Other Gospel

6 I am amazed that you are so quickly turning away from Him who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 not that there is another gospel, but there are some who are troubling you and want to change the good news about the • Messiah . 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel other than what we have preached to you, a curse be on him! 9 As we have said before, I now say again: If anyone preaches to you a gospel contrary to what you received, a curse be on him! 10 For am I now trying to win the favor of people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a • slave of Christ.

Paul Defends His Apostleship

11 Now I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel preached by me is not based on human thought. 12 For I did not receive it from a human source and I was not taught it, but it came by a revelation from Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard about my former way of life in Judaism: I persecuted God’s church to an extreme degree and tried to destroy it. 14 I advanced in Judaism beyond many contemporaries among my people, because I was extremely zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. 15 But when God, who from my birth set me apart and called me by His grace, was pleased 16 to reveal His Son in me, so that I could preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone. 17 I did not go up to Jerusalem to those who had become apostles before me; instead I went to Arabia and came back to Damascus. 18 Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to get to know • Cephas (Peter), and I stayed with him 15 days. 19 But I didn’t see any of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. 20 Now I am not lying in what I write to you. God is my witness. 21 Afterward, I went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 I remained personally unknown to the Judean churches in Christ; 23 they simply kept hearing: “He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God because of me.

There was trouble brewing among some of the Christians in Galatia regarding Gentiles becoming Christians. The Apostle Paul began his letter to the Christians in Galatia by stating his faith in CHRIST and his appointment as an apostle by CHRIST. The key is that the Holy Spirit was Paul’s teacher. The Holy Spirit teaches, enlightens, reveals, assures, comforts and empowers all true Christians. After Paul’s conversion experience on the road to Damascus, he took time to meet with the Apostle Peter and the half-brother of JESUS, James. It seems to me that Paul was thoroughly evaluating his new life in CHRIST. His conversion experience was not a flash in the pan so-to-speak. Paul had been trained by the best teacher in the Jewish laws, commandments, customs and rituals. Paul had experienced a dramatic conversion experience on the road to Damascus and it needed to be internalized.

Some Judaizers had infiltrated the Christian churches in Galatia. Judaizers were false Jewish-Christian teachers who were preaching that accepting CHRIST by faith was not enough for salvation for the Gentile converts. The gentile convert had to first become a Jewish proselyte and follow the law, rules and regulations and be circumcised according to the Jewish religion before they could become a Christian. The Apostle Paul immediately made it clear to the Christians in Galatia that such teaching was contrary to GOD’S plan and purpose of salvation through faith in CHRIST.  

It is CHRIST in you that make you a Christian and not ceremonies and rituals. HIS shed blood and the grace of GOD are sufficient to cancel all of your sin – past, present and future. At the instant of salvation, all Christians receive the indwelling Holy Spirit. Only true born-again believers in CHRIST receive the indwelling Holy Spirit Who enlightens, confirms, teaches, assures and sustains those who place their faith in CHRIST. GOD gives special manifestations of HIS presence through the Holy Spirit as gifts of the Holy Spirit to meet specific needs.

Here is a delicate point. I have to rely upon my journey as a Christian. I made a profession of faith in CHRIST at the age of 9-10 years old. It was a definite moment in my life but I did not understand what I had done. I knew that something had taken place in my life. As I grew physically, I was never sure I was a Christian. I went to church and when I was in college I met with a group of Christians to study the Bible. I had never been baptized. So I was baptized because it was the thing to do.  Life continued but I was never sure of my salvation. At the age of 34, my wife and I were meeting with several couples to fellowship and discuss the Bible. The lives of the couples began to change as they committed their lives to CHRIST. I saw a change in their lives that I needed. They seemed to have a genuine relationship with CHRIST, which I did not have and wanted.  

I tried to have this relationship by living the Christian life as I thought it should be lived and in my strength but I failed. On Sundays, after being with Christian brothers and sisters and worshipping, I would get pumped up and ready to tackle the week living for CHRIST but in my strength. Toward the end of the week my halo was around my feet, so-to-speak. This went on for a number of weeks until one day when driving to work in 1971, I was praying and told the LORD that I had tried to live the Christian life and could not do it. I asked HIM to take my life like it was and for HIM to give me the strength to live the Christian life – In a flash HE took it. Now the question is when did I become a Christian? I believe it was when I was 9-10 years old. Although I was never sure, my step of faith then secured me but I did not experience the power of the Holy Spirit in my life until I committed my life to HIM at the age of 34. Has my life been free of problems since 1971?  No, but there has never been a moment I doubted my salvation since 1971.

The Apostle Paul reviewed and established his credentials for being qualified to address the problem with false teachers and teaching. He began to address the false message of the Judaizers regarding the salvation of gentile Christians. 

Let’s explore.

Let’s read Galatians 2:1-5:

Paul Defends His Gospel at Jerusalem

1 Then after 14 years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along also. 2 I went up according to a revelation and presented to them the gospel I preach among the Gentiles —but privately to those recognized as leaders—so that I might not be running, or have run the race, in vain. 3 But not even Titus who was with me, though he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. 4 This issue arose because of false brothers smuggled in, who came in secretly to spy on the freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, in order to enslave us. 5 But we did not give up and submit to these people for even an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would be preserved for you.

Since the issue dealt with Gentiles becoming Christians, Paul began his teaching using Titus, a gentile Christian, as an example. It is not clear if Paul was referring to his first visit to Jerusalem after his conversion or another time 14 years earlier. The point being that he took Titus, a Gentile who had placed his faith in JESUS, to Jerusalem and met with the leaders of the Christian church. The Christian leaders in Jerusalem did not make an issue over Titus being a gentile Christian based upon faith alone. Paul had taken Barnabas with him as a witness to what had taken place in Jerusalem. Barnabas confirmed that a gentile did not have to be a Jewish proselyte before becoming a Christian. Paul revealed to the Christian leaders in Jerusalem the message of CHRIST he had been preaching and teaching to the Gentiles. The Christian leaders knew that Titus had not been circumcised and they did not raise that as an issue for Titus becoming a Christian by faith.

Paul discussed this in a private meeting with the leaders of the churches in Galatia. (Verse 2)

In verse 4, Paul reminded the Christians in Galatia that the issue regarding gentiles came about as the result of false brothers.  Paul was pointing out that Judaizers had been secretly smuggled into their midst in an effort to understand what being a Christian was all about. Who orchestrated this secret invasion is not known. We know that those who do not have the indwelling Holy Spirit cannot comprehend or understand what being a true Christian is. Christianity cannot be intellectually discerned.

As I stated earlier, I received CHRIST as my Savior about the age of 10 years old but I never comprehended salvation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit until I committed my life to CHRIST at the age of 34. I tried to understand it intellectually but it was impossible.

The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:15-16:

15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “• Abba, Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children,

Intellectuals try to figure Christianity out but it is impossible and as a result, they come up with all sorts of distortions and false doctrine. Christianity is very simple. It is CHRIST in you by placing your faith in HIM. It is not mouthing the words. It is a matter of the heart. Step one to salvation is when we recognize and acknowledge that we are sinners as Paul stated in Romans 3:23:

23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Step two is Romans 6:23:

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Step three is Romans 5:8:

8 But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us!

Step four is Romans 10:8-10:

8 On the contrary, what does it say? The message is near you, in your mouth and in your heart. This is the message of faith that we proclaim: 9 If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation.

This is often referred to as the Roman road to salvation. It is not about saying just the right words but it is about the heart. Do we really want to have a personal, intimate relationship with GOD? If so, the only way to GOD is through HIS only Son, JESUS CHRIST. We must confess that we are sinners, ask CHRIST to forgive us for our sins and ask HIM to come into our lives and mean it. That act of faith results in the miracle of rebirth in your spirit. You become a child of GOD, receive eternal life and become a citizen of heaven. Just as when you were born to your parents you will never become unborn and neither will you lose your salvation once received. Salvation is ground zero and from that point it is growing and maturing Spiritually in CHRIST as you allow HIM to lead and guide your life.  

In verse 5, Paul confirmed that he and the leaders stood firm and did not compromise because placing your faith in CHRIST is solid ground.

Sadly, we live in a world that is compromising the message of salvation through CHRIST. There are other religions in the world but CHRIST is the only ONE sent down from GOD, HIS Father to give HIS life for all who will place their faith in HIM. There are two major facts. As proof that JESUS was Who HE said HE was is that GOD raised HIM from the dead, over 500 people saw HIM after HIS resurrection. HE was on earth for forty days and HE ascended back into heaven. After HE sat down at the right hand of GOD, GOD sent the Holy Spirit back to indwell all who place their faith in CHRIST.

The Holy Spirit is the down payment or security deposit given to all who place their faith in CHRIST to assure them that their faith in CHRIST is real and can be relied upon. This cannot be figured out intellectually. It is a matter of the heart. It takes a step of faith. If you have not taken that step, I ask you to take it right now. Eternity is but a heartbeat away. That is not to frighten you but it is a fact.

Let’s read Galatians 2:6-10: (Find Consensus Among the Leaders.)

6 Now from those recognized as important (what they really were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism)—they added nothing to me. 7 On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel for the uncircumcised, just as Peter was for the circumcised, 8 since the One at work in Peter for an apostleship to the circumcised was also at work in me for the Gentiles. 9 When James, • Cephas (Peter), and John, recognized as pillars, acknowledged the grace that had been given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to me and Barnabas, agreeing that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 They asked only that we would remember the poor, which I made every effort to do.

We do not know who these important Judaizers were. Some Bible scholars speculate that they were Pharisees. The bottom line, whoever they were, they did not change Paul’s conviction and message of salvation. They acknowledged that Paul had been entrusted with the gospel message to the gentiles and that Peter had been entrusted with the gospel for the Jewish Christians. The message of salvation from Paul or Peter was the same.

Paul acknowledged that James, the half-brother of JESUS, Peter and John were the pillars of Christianity and they acknowledged that grace had been given to Paul by extending to him and Barnabas their right hand of fellowship. This signified the unity, harmony and agreement that the message of salvation through faith in CHRIST had been entrusted to them.

The only request the pillars of Christianity asked was for Paul and his group to remember the poor, which Paul did.

Let’s read Galatians 2:11-14: (The Power of Peer Pressure.)

Freedom from the Law

11 But when Cephas (Peter) came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face because he stood condemned. 12 For he regularly ate with the Gentiles before certain men came from James. However, when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, because he feared those from the circumcision party. 13 Then the rest of the Jews joined his hypocrisy, so that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that they were deviating from the truth of the gospel, I told Cephas in front of everyone, “If you, who are a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel Gentiles to live like Jews?” 15 We who are Jews by birth and not “Gentile sinners” 16 know that no one is • justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ. And we have believed in Christ Jesus so that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no human being will be justified. 17 But if we ourselves are also found to be “sinners” while seeking to be justified by Christ, is Christ then a promoter of sin? Absolutely not! 18 If I rebuild the system I tore down, I show myself to be a lawbreaker. 19 For through the law I have died to the law, so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ 20 and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.

The Apostle Paul confronts the Apostle Peter about being a hypocrite. The Apostle Peter came to Antioch and ate with the gentiles but when a delegation sent to Antioch by James, Peter, all of a sudden, became kosher. This did not set well with Paul. Such action by Peter revealed he embraced the Jewish rituals and ceremonies which were not a part of being a Christian. It sent the wrong message to the Gentile Christians.

Breaking away from tradition is very difficult even today. This is especially true of those in the Jewish religion and several Christian religions. Keep in mind that here I refer to religion which is man-made. Yes, a Christian can attend a denomination where truth is taught, just keep in mind that it is CHRIST in him/her that makes the person a Christian and not the religious institution.

In verse 13, we see the results of Peter’s actions. The other Jews followed Peter’s lead. Christians must know where they stand. Often they are the only gospel others will ever read, so-to-speak. Even Barnabas was influenced by Peter’s action.

Was Paul out of line to confront Peter openly?  Peter did what he did openly and, therefore, Paul had the right to address the actions of Peter openly. Today, we don’t want to create a disturbance. Often, we are unsure of the Biblical principle involved.

Once Paul saw what was happening, he took action by confronting Peter. He scolded Peter by asking him a question “If you, who are a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel Gentiles to live like Jews?” Then he answers the question in verses 15-21.

Paul stood firm and knew that consistency was vital. It is not consistently supporting something that is wrong but consistently supporting that which is solid. Paul saw the fallacy in a person trying to achieve salvation by his/her efforts. If it was possible to achieve salvation on your own, then CHRIST came to earth, lived a sinless life and gave HIS life in vain. But the fact is that CHRIST is the only way to GOD.

JESUS said it best in John 14:6:

6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

We are living in a day when we, as Christians, must stand our ground. I never thought I would live to see the day when being a Christian was under attack in America. Christianity cannot be understood intellectually. It can only be understood once a person has truly taken the step of faith and received CHRIST as his or her Savior and experienced the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

When the opportunity is given to us, as Christians, will we stand our ground based upon Biblical facts? It is important that Christians know GOD’S Word and internalize it so that when the storms of life come they will stand firm on the solid foundation of CHRIST. Every Christian must build upon their Spiritual house on the rock of CHRIST. When Christians build their spiritual foundation upon the sands of the world ideology, their foundation will be swept away when the storms come and their spiritual house will fall. When Christians build their Spiritual foundation upon the solid rock of CHRIST and the storms of life come, their Spiritual house will stand. Ponder these things and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal truth to you and stand your ground. Blessings!!!

 

Bible Study - Relationships Collide - Stand Doan - Geneisis 13:1-18 - October 27, 2013

Bible Study – Relationships Collide – Stand Down – October 27, 2013

This is lesson three in our series entitled “When Relationships Collide: Thriving in the Midst of Conflict.”

Our scripture is Genesis 13:1-18.                

Do we need to get our way to resolve a conflict? Conflict raises its head most often among siblings when their parent’s estate is settled. There is often some item or items that two or more desire. If there is enough to go around then that settles it but when there is one item or one set, it could be a problem. Some families have split apart because of haggling over sentimental or valuable items.

In our scripture a situation arose between Abram and his nephew Lot. Both had become very wealthy and had large herds or flocks of animals. Traveling together meant their livestock competed for the same grass, water and shade. Both had herdsmen who took care of their livestock. These herdsmen tried to get the best pasture for their animals. Abram saw that there was potential for trouble between their hired help which in turn could spill over into fracturing the relationship between Abram and Lot. Abram saw his relationship with Lot more valuable than fussing over grazing rights. So he came up with a proposal.

Abram was the leader and had seniority over Lot. Would Abram pull rank on Lot? What can we learn from this situation? How can it be applied to situations which come up in our lives?

Let’s read Genesis 13:1-18: (The Threat – Having it My Way)

1 Then Abram went up from Egypt to the • Negev —he, his wife, and all he had, and Lot with him. 2 Abram was very rich in livestock, silver, and gold. 3 He went by stages from the Negev to Bethel, to the place between Bethel and Ai where his tent had formerly been, 4 to the site where he had built the altar. And Abram called on the name of • Yahweh there. 5 Now Lot, who was traveling with Abram, also had flocks, herds, and tents. 6 But the land was unable to support them as long as they stayed together, for they had so many possessions that they could not stay together, 7 and there was quarreling between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were living in the land.

Abram, whose name was later changed by GOD to Abraham (Abraham means “father of a multitude”), means “the exalted father.” Abram was called by GOD to leave his home land of Ur to go to a land that GOD would show him. It took great faith in GOD for Abram to respond. Abram was born about 2160 B.C. His father was Terah who was a descendant of Shem, the son of Noah. It is interesting that GOD called Abram when he was 70 years old.

Abram left Ur with his wife, Sarah, his father, Terah, and his nephew, Lot. Abram went to Haran first and when Terah died, GOD renewed HIS call to Abram and he left for the land of Canaan. While in Canaan a famine occurred and Abram went to Egypt. In Egypt Abram attempted to deceive Pharaoh by saying that his wife Sarah was his sister. He did this because he was afraid that he might be killed because Sarah was so beautiful and in order for Sarah to become one of Pharaoh’s wives. This was not a blatant lie because Sarah was Abraham’s half sister. Once the deception was out in the open, Pharaoh gave things to Abram and sent him and his group away. So Abram and his entourage left Egypt and returned to Canaan. The scripture tells us that he returned in stages. It was like he was looking for the exact stop for him to settle down. He returned to Bethel area, which is near present day Jerusalem and is the place that he first settled, built an altar and worshipped GOD. Our scripture picks up at this point.

Abram and Lot left Egypt with much stuff or “to a great degree” bordering on an over abundance of material positions – cattle, flocks, gold and silver. As such, grazing became a bone of contention between Abram’s herdsmen and Lot’s herdsmen. Plus they were in the same area as the Canaanites and the Perizzites. Something or someone had to give.

Since Abram was the Patriarch he could have pulled rank and told Lot what he had to do. But getting our way is not always the best solution. GOD is the GOD of wisdom. When Abram returned he called upon the name of Yahweh. Yahweh is the personal covenant name of GOD. To call upon the name of GOD carries the idea of praise, acknowledging, proclaiming and worshipping. It confirms the reality of GOD in a person’s life.

When Abram first came to that area, he returned to the altar he had first built and worshipped GOD. It was like Abram had wandered but returned to recommit himself to GOD and GOD’S plan and purpose for his life. GOD leads HIS chosen to the exact place where HE wants them to worship and serve HIM. It is the spot where they can grow Spiritually and obediently serve HIM.

Christians search for the right church today and when they find it, there is a peace within. It does not necessarily mean that they will always remain in that location but that location will likely always have a special place in their hearts.

The beauty of the Bible is that it tells it like it is. Abram was not perfect. In Egypt, he tried to hide the fact that Sarah was his sister. As stated earlier, that was not a blatant lie because Sarah was his half sister. But never-the-less he was trying to save his life using Sarah. Yet, GOD counted Abram’s faith in HIM as righteousness.

So what was Abram’s solution to the problem?

Let’s read Genesis 13:8-13: (The Solution – Agreeing to Your Way)

8 Then Abram said to Lot, “Please, let’s not have quarreling between you and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, since we are relatives. 9 Isn’t the whole land before you? Separate from me: if you go to the left, I will go to the right; if you go to the right, I will go to the left.” 10 Lot looked out and saw that the entire Jordan Valley as far as Zoar was well watered everywhere like the Lord’s garden and the land of Egypt. This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. 11 So Lot chose the entire Jordan Valley for himself. Then Lot journeyed eastward, and they separated from each other. 12 Abram lived in the land of Canaan, but Lot lived in the cities of the valley and set up his tent near Sodom. 13 Now the men of Sodom were evil, sinning greatly against the Lord.

Abram defined the problem and the solution. The solution was a choice and Abram gave Lot first choice. Abram regarded their relationship and family unity more important than getting his way. This reveals Abram’s heart. First, he trusted GOD to lead, guide, direct and provide for him regardless of the direction he went in. It also revealed Abram’s leadership and peacemaking abilities.

Lot chose the lush, well watered, fertile area of the Jordan valley. The Jordan Valley is a strip of fertile land three to fourteen miles wide and about seventy miles long. It runs from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea. Lot chose on the basis of appearance or possibly for selfish reasons. It is likely that Lot left feeling self sufficient and in his ability to outdo his Uncle Abram.

Abram went the other way depending upon GOD and HIS leadership to take care of him and his family. This reveals the faith Abram had in GOD but to me the greatest demonstration of his faith was yet to be tested when GOD told him to sacrifice his only son, Isaac.  When you let the other person choose, when one choice appears to be better than the other, it reveals his or her heart. We know from later history that Lot was drawn to the life of glamour. He established his home near Sodom and Gomorrah before GOD destroyed them. Many of those who lived in Sodom pushed evil to the max.

America, we need to pay attention. When GOD’S tolerance and grace runs out and HE releases HIS wrath, it is catastrophic.

“Our life choices can move us toward either the wickedness of sin or the righteousness of the Lord.” - Quote from Herschel Hobbs Commentary, Fall 2013, page 96, LifeWay Press, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0175

Let’s read Genesis 13:14-18: (The Blessing – Trusting God’s Way)

14 After Lot had separated from him, the Lord said to Abram, “Look from the place where you are. Look north and south, east and west, 15 for I will give you and your • offspring forever all the land that you see. 16 I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust of the earth, then your offspring could be counted. 17 Get up and walk around the land, through its length and width, for I will give it to you.” 18 So Abram moved his tent and went to live near the oaks of Mamre at Hebron, where he built an altar to the Lord.

After Lot left, GOD spoke to Abram. GOD made a covenant and HE did not make the covenant promise with Abram until Lot made his choice and left. GOD’S promised covenant to Abram was revealed.  Abram did not ask for it or expect it. GOD chose the moment and Abram was in the exact spot GOD wanted him to be in both physically and Spiritually. This was the third time GOD had told him the promise HE made to him.  GOD’S covenant to Abram was:

“Look from the place where you are. Look north and south, east and west, 15 for I will give you and your • offspring forever all the land that you see. 16 I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust of the earth, then your offspring could be counted. 17 Get up and walk around the land, through its length and width, for I will give it to you.”

Abram responded to GOD’S message by relocating his tent near the oaks of Mamre at Hebron. Mamre comes from a word that means “grazing land.” It was also an area known for a large number of oak trees. Notice Abram did not question GOD but he responded by worshipping GOD at the first altar he built when he arrived in the land to which GOD had led him. This revealed Abram’s heart of trust, commitment to GOD and willingness to be fully obedient to HIM.

Abram put his faith into action and GOD reconfirmed HIS promised covenant to HIM. Abram took GOD with him as he traveled and built an altar. GOD to Abram was not confined to one place but everywhere.

Christians are to obediently serve GOD through CHRIST where ever they are. We, as Christians, must keep in mind that we may be the only Bible others may be exposed to. We must put our relationship to GOD through CHRIST into action as we encounter life. We don’t have to get our way to solve a conflict. How we solve a conflict often reflects our Spiritual growth and maturity. Blessings!!! 

 

Bible Study - Relationships Collide - It's Not about Me - 1 Samuel 24:1-22 - October 20, 2013

Bible Study - Relationships Collide – It’s Not About Me – October 20, 2013

This is lesson two in our series entitled “When Relationships Collide: Thriving in the Midst of Conflict.”

Our scripture is 1 Samuel 24:1-15.

When relationships collide, it is about me or is it? There is no doubt about it we are living in a “me” world. We see it now and we saw it just a few years ago when inept, greedy leaders of companies led many companies into bankruptcy or poor conditions while they lived lavish life styles at the expense of the company. I know a person who was in a high position in a large company. He told me that his boss told him, if the CEO asked him to get a box of chocolates for him and he (the person telling me) was working on something critical for the company, he should drop what he was doing and get the box of chocolates. That went against his work ethic and mine.

Conflicts can arise between family members, friends, co-workers and the list goes on. David had been anointed by the Prophet Samuel to succeed King Saul as King of Israel. King Saul knew that David had been anointed to succeed him as king. David had built a good relationship with the Israelites and that made Saul jealous and he was out to kill him. David was a mighty warrior and had a loyal group of men who stood with him. David was a leader and he trusted GOD. David and his men were in the wilderness fleeing from Saul. Saul and 3,000 troops were trying to find him and kill him when opportunity came knocking. David had to make a hard decision to make. GOD gave him an opportunity to get up close and personal with Saul. Was it an opportunity to kill Saul or to show Saul that David would not take advantage of the opportunity? David trusted GOD to use the opportunity to reveal to Saul that David was loyal to King Saul and to GOD. Who do we trust when opportunity comes knocking? Is it opportunity or a trap?

Our true hearts direct our response. Our response reflects our Spiritual relationship with GOD through CHRIST. If we had been David, what would we have done?

Let’s explore.

Let’s read 1 Samuel 24:1-2:

1 WHEN SAUL returned from following the Philistines, he was told, Behold, David is in the Wilderness of En-gedi. 2 Then Saul took 3,000 chosen men out of all Israel and went to seek David and his men among the Rocks of the Wild Goats.

There is conflict and there is conflict with those in power. King Saul wanted to kill David and had been pursuing David until an uprising occurred with the Philistines. King Saul stopped his pursuit of David to take care of the Philistines but apparently left a scout in the area where they thought David and his men had been traveling. After King Saul took care of the Philistine uprising, as stated in verse 1, King Saul returned to his pursuit of David.

The scout told King Saul that David was in the Wilderness of En-gedi, which was west of the Dead Sea. King Saul had 3,000 crack Israeli warriors searching for David and his men. His objective was to kill David. They went into an area called the Rocks of the Wild Goats, which was a rugged and rocky area with many caves. It was an area with many wild goats which could provide food for those who did not want to be found and evading someone pursuing them. The area provided cover and food.

King Saul was obsessed with killing David because he knew that David would replace him as king. Kings thought they were eternal and it was likely that Saul thought if he killed or had killed his successor it would ensure his permanence as king. Power has a way of making those in power to think of themselves as god.  

Let’s read 1 Samuel 24:3-7:

3 He came to the sheepfolds on the way, where there was a cave, and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were sitting in the cave's innermost recesses. 4 David's men said to him, Behold the day of which the Lord said to you, Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hands and you shall do to him as seems good to you. Then David arose [in the darkness] and stealthily cut off the skirt of Saul's robe. 5 Afterward, David's heart smote him because he had cut off Saul's skirt. 6 He said to his men, The Lord forbid that I should do this to my master, the Lord's anointed, to put my hand out against him, when he is the anointed of the Lord. 7 So David checked his men with these words and did not let them rise against Saul. But Saul rose up and left the cave and went on his way.

As King Saul and his troops were searching for David and his men, they came across sheepfolds. These were manmade creations usually located near or at the entrance to a cave. They were usually surrounded by rocks and thorny bushes to keep the sheep in and the predators out. Often, they were located near the entrance to a cave where those caring for the sheep would be protected from the elements and predators.

It so happened that this very cave was where David and his men were located. They were far back in the cave hiding when King Saul entered the cave to relieve himself. We see GOD’S hand at work.

Talk about GOD delivering the person who was out to kill you, to you, this was a wow moment. There are several interpretations of what Saul was doing in the cave. The scripture stated that he was relieving himself but some Bible scholars think he was resting. I think he was relieving himself. David saw it as a GOD given opportunity. The question was, “What would David do with this opportunity?”  Opportunities generally require a decision.

It was likely that David did not know what he was going to do at that moment but the opportunity was there for him to choose. David’s men wanted David to kill Saul. You can almost hear the conversation, “David, man GOD has delivered your enemy to you. Now is your opportunity to kill Saul and to be king, after all you know that is your destiny.” We have the opportunity to see the heart of David. David respected and honored GOD and as a result, he honored authority. David knew that GOD had anointed Saul and placed him as king. The Prophet Samuel had anointed Saul as king and the Prophet Samuel had also anointed David to be king when GOD provided the opportunity for him to succeed Saul.

David was a skilled warrior and he stealthily slipped down to where Saul was and cut off the skirt of Saul’s robe with a very sharp knife. The knife was so sharp that it did not make a sound as it cut the skirt. GOD gave David the peace of mind to cut off the skirt but after he did it, he felt guilty. I think that was GOD’S way of staying David’s hand not to do more. Yet, by him not killing Saul it would be a powerful message to King Saul. It would show David’s loyalty to both King Saul and to GOD. The opportunity was there but Davis chose not to take Saul’s life. Sparing a person’s life usually meant the person spared would be loyal to the person who spared his/her life.  

David could have concluded that GOD delivered Saul to him to kill him. If they had been engaged in a battle then that was one thing but that was not the case. It was likely that Saul had taken off his weapon or weapons. David had a very sharp knife which cut the skirt of Saul’s robe without Saul even knowing that it had been done. It would have been easy to have slit Saul’s throat. If David had killed Saul, would he have been king or a hunted man? If David had killed Saul, he would have taken the matter out of GOD’S hands and placed it into his hands. If David was defending himself from Saul, it would be a no brainer. A person has the right to defend himself or herself.

Not taking action, when the opportunity presents itself, takes more courage than taking the action. God knew David’s heart and this was an opportunity for David to choose who he would place his trust in – himself or GOD. He chose GOD. David had to hold his men back from doing what he had chosen not to do. David had to consider his image as a warrior and leader among his men but it was also a testimony to them of his faithfulness and trust in GOD to provide what HE had promised according to HIS schedule and plan. That reveals the heart of a mature Spiritual person.

Christians need discernment when facing matters in their lives which mimic David’s situation. The working of GOD in the lives of those involved in the events as recorded in the Bible reveal the power, purpose and provisions of GOD but other than encouraging a person to trust GOD, does it apply to you in your situation? That is where the person needs discernment and the leadership and guidance of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Christians must be careful not to grab GOD’S solution for a Bible character and apply it to their situation without being led by the Holy Spirit. How do I know that? Been there and done that. But if you do, it will likely be discouraging for a season but will be for you to learn and contribute to your Spiritual growth. Walking with CHRIST is not easy but continuous learning because you are walking with the teacher. That is why Christians must have and maintain a dynamic relationship with CHRIST through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

David allowed King Saul to finish relieving himself and King Saul left the cave. David could have let him go without saying a word but King Saul needed to know that David had spared his life.

Let’s read 1 Samuel 24:8-15:

8 David also arose afterward and went out of the cave and called after Saul, saying, My lord the king! And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the earth and did obeisance. 9 And David said to Saul, Why do you listen to the words of men who say, David seeks to do you harm? 10 Behold, your eyes have seen how the Lord gave you today into my hands in the cave. Some told me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, I will not put forth my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord's anointed. 11 See, my father, see the skirt of your robe in my hand! Since I cut off the skirt of your robe and did not kill you, you know and see that there is no evil or treason in my hands. I have not sinned against you, yet you hunt my life to take it. 12 May the Lord judge between me and you, and may the Lord avenge me upon you, but my hand shall not be upon you. 13 As the proverb of the ancients says, Out of the wicked comes forth wickedness; but my hand shall not be against you. 14 After whom has the king of Israel come out? After whom do you pursue? After a dead dog? After a flea? 15 May the Lord be judge and judge between me and you, and see and plead my cause, and deliver me out of your hands.

When King Saul left the cave David followed behind him and called his name. Even though David could have killed Saul, he treated King Saul with respect by addressing him “My lord the king!” HE called him “father.” King Saul was David’s father-in-law. When King Saul turned around, David bowed before him.

David had an opportunity to speak to King Saul, show his loyalty to him as his king and reveal that Saul’s life had been in his hands. He told King Saul that GOD had delivered him to him and he had the opportunity to take his life. Some of his men had even encouraged him to kill him but he chose not to do so. In case Saul thought David was just bumping his gums, David held up the skirt to his robe and let him know how close he had been to him when he was in the dark cave. 

He wanted King Saul to know that he could trust David. David reconfirmed that GOD had anointed Saul as king and that he would honor GOD’S anointed. When Saul was replaced as king, it would be GOD who would do the replacing, not him. He was loyal to GOD and as a result he was loyal to King Saul.

We live in a world where the mantra is that a person must take charge of his/her destiny – “You lead, follow or get left behind.” It is very difficult to discern what to do when life brings opportunities our way because GOD does open up opportunities. It each situation, the Holy Spirit needs to lead and guide us in our choices. Our relationship with GOD during such times is critical and determines our choice.

David quoted an ancient proverb, “Out of the wicked comes forth wickedness” with a promise to King Saul “but my hand shall not be against you.” David was trying to get Saul to see truth. David had the opportunity to kill  him but the fact that he did not revealed that there was no wickedness in his heart toward King Saul.

In essence, David was saying, “King Saul, please pause and ponder the facts of what has just taken place. You had no idea that I was so close to you in that cave but you know that I was so close that I cut the skirt off of your robe. I confirmed it by showing you the missing piece of your skirt. You were alone and all I had to do was reach up and slit your throat. I could have left the cave with my men and your men would have found you dead with no idea that it was me that had done the deed. When I heard of your death then I would have reappeared and been crowned king of Israel.” David then posed questions to King Saul.  

Why do you spend time and resources coming after someone who is not against you? Would you take time and make such an effort to kill a dead dog or a flea?

David was giving the matter of their conflict over to GOD because he was not going to raise a hand against King Saul. This sent a powerful message to King Saul which I think the essence of which, although in the New Testament, was captured in Hebrew 10:31:

31 It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God!  

David had a clear conscience and trusted GOD to do what was necessary to do to elevate him to be king. GOD is sovereign.

Let’s read 1 Samuel 24:16-22:

16 When David had said this to Saul, Saul said, Is this your voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice and wept. 17 He said to David, You are more upright in God's eyes than I, for you have repaid me good, but I have rewarded you evil. 18 You have declared today how you have dealt well with me; for when the Lord gave me into your hand, you did not kill me. 19 For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him go away unharmed? Therefore may the Lord reward you with good for what you have done for me this day. 20 And now, behold, I well know that you shall surely be king and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hands. 21 Swear now therefore to me by the Lord that you will not cut off my descendants after me and that you will not destroy my name out of my father's house. 22 David gave Saul his oath; and Saul went home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold.

When David spoke to Saul, Saul asked if he was hearing the voice of my “son” David. Saul likely looked down at his skirt the instant David informed him that he had cut the skirt off of his robe. David held up the missing skirt to let him see it. When it dawned on him what had happened and David had not killed him, Saul wept. Saul’s heart was touched as he expressed in this scripture.

David could have been all about David, his ego and vindication. But instead he chose to depend upon GOD and not take matters into his own hands. David trusted GOD then and for his future.

This scripture revealed the impact David’s decision had upon Saul. It confirmed to David that he had made the right decision.

Saul knew that GOD had chosen David to succeed him and he made a request of David when he became king:

21 Swear now therefore to me by the Lord that you will not cut off my descendants after me and that you will not destroy my name out of my father's house. 22 David gave Saul his oath; and Saul went home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold.

David honored Saul’s request when David became king. It was the custom for a new king to utterly annihilate the defeated king’s family and descendants because it was likely that the defeated king’s family and descendants would attempt to rebuild the kingdom and demand loyalty to them or create chaos. David honored King Saul’s request when he became king. But later, when there was a famine in the land, GOD revealed to David an issue that needed to be resolved. David handed over seven members of Saul’s family to the Gibeonites to be hung because Saul had killed the Gibeonites as recorded in 2 Samuel 21:1-6:

1 During David’s reign there was a famine for three successive years, so David inquired of the Lord. The Lord answered, “It is because of the blood shed by Saul and his family when he killed the Gibeonites.” 2 The Gibeonites were not Israelites but rather a remnant of the Amorites. The Israelites had taken an oath concerning them, but Saul had tried to kill them in his zeal for the Israelites and Judah. So David summoned the Gibeonites and spoke to them. 3 He asked the Gibeonites, “What should I do for you? How can I make atonement so that you will bring a blessing on the Lord’s inheritance?” 4 The Gibeonites said to him, “We are not asking for money from Saul or his family, and we cannot put anyone to death in Israel.” “Whatever you say, I will do for you,” he said. 5 They replied to the king, “As for the man who annihilated us and plotted to destroy us so we would not exist within the whole territory of Israel, 6 let seven of his male descendants be handed over to us so we may hang them in the presence of the Lord at Gibeah of Saul, the Lord’s chosen.” 

Conflicts can test our character and relationship with GOD. Who do we trust in difficult times GOD or ourselves? How we choose depends upon our Spiritual maturity and whether or not we listen and obey the leadership of the Holy Spirit or our flesh. We as Christians need discernment and an intimate relationship with GOD through CHRIST and the indwelling Holy Spirit. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Relationships Collide - Christians Collide - Luke 10:38-42 - October 13, 2013

Bible Study – Relationships Collide – Christians Collide – October 13, 2013

This is lesson one in our series entitled “When Relationships Collide: Thriving in the Midst of Conflict.”

Our scripture is Luke 10:38-42.

We begin a new series regarding relationships. Often relationships, even among very best friends, family members and fellow workers collide. When they collide how does the Christian respond? The answer carries us back to our study on James. How Christians respond reflects their true Spiritual maturity. When conflicts arise, do we, as Christians, let them fester or try to resolve them quickly? Usually the quicker they are resolved the better because a conflict can get out-of-hand when left to resolve itself. Conflicts can lead to anger and breaks unity between you, GOD and the person with whom you have a conflict. JESUS spoke about this in Matthew 5:23-24:

23 So if you are offering your gift on the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

For the next six weeks we will use various scripture passages to explore the subject of “When Relationships Collide.”

Doctor Luke wrote the Gospel according to Luke for a special purpose as recorded in Luke 1:1-4:

Many have undertaken to compile a narrative about the events that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as the original eyewitnesses and servants of the word handed them down to us. 3 It also seemed good to me, since I have carefully investigated everything from the very first, to write to you in an orderly sequence, most honorable Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things about which you have been instructed.

Doctor Luke also wrote The ACTS of the Apostles for Theophilus.

The setting for this account was JESUS and HIS disciples traveling in the vicinity of Jerusalem. JESUS was good friends with Martha, Mary and Lazarus. So JESUS and HIS disciples went to their house. Bible scholars believe that it was JESUS and HIS disciples plus Martha and Mary. Lazarus was not listed but neither were JESUS disciples. So there could have been fifteen or sixteen people, if Lazarus was present. Based upon the reaction of Martha, it was likely more than JESUS that Martha was concerned about feeding.

Luke did not identify the village but since Martha and Mary were good friends of JESUS, I think it was likely that the village was synonymous with Martha, Mary and Lazarus. We know that the Apostle John in the Gospel of John wrote that Martha, Mary and Lazarus lived in Bethany. Bethany was about 2 miles from Jerusalem. JESUS’ destiny was for HIM to end up in Jerusalem to fulfill HIS calling but this event was before that part of HIS ministry.

Our focus is upon the events which took place in Martha’s home. It was a conflict between sisters who both wanted to serve JESUS. But first, let’s look back at scripture which preceded this event. It was the parable of the Good Samaritan. 

The two events are examples of being a good neighbor and serving by reaching out to another person. The Good Samaritan provided physical help and care to the man who was robed, beaten and left for dead. Martha was in the process of providing hospitality and physical food for JESUS and HIS disciples. Mary apparently had been helping Martha but she made the decision to stop helping Martha and spend time with JESUS.

The point being, we can be so busy doing that we neglect spending time with JESUS, in the Bible, prayer and listening. Our doing must not take the place of spending time with JESUS, studying the Bible, prayer as well as listening and applying what the Holy Spirit reveals to us. Let’s explore. 

Some Bible scholars believe that the Holy Spirit led Luke to include the encounter of JESUS, the expert in the law and the parable of the Good Samaritan prior to the scripture regarding Martha and Mary. It is one thing to know GOD, as the expert in the law claimed, but quite another to understand and apply what GOD has revealed. The expert in the law knew the law but he needed to deal with the traditions that prevented him from seeing the big picture of who his neighbor was through the eyes of GOD. To reach out to others through compassion is one thing but to neglect having and building a relationship with GOD through CHRIST is missing the mark.

Let’s read Luke 10:25-37: The Parable of the Good Samaritan

25 Just then an expert in the law stood up to test Him, saying, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 “What is written in the law?” He asked him. “How do you read it?” 27 He answered: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself. 28 “You’ve answered correctly,” He told him. “Do this and you will live.” 29 But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus took up the question and said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him up, and fled, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down that road. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 In the same way, a Levite, when he arrived at the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a • Samaritan on his journey came up to him, and when he saw the man, he had compassion. 34 He went over to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on olive oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two • denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him. When I come back I’ll reimburse you for whatever extra you spend.’ 36 “Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” 37 “The one who showed mercy to him,” he said. Then Jesus told him, “Go and do the same.”

These remarks are not intended to take away from the parable of the Good Samaritan, which illustrated the point that all humans are our neighbor. Let’s consider the parable from another point. Two servants of GOD passed by the man who had been robbed, beaten and left for dead without helping him. We do not know the relationship the Samaritan had with GOD but we do know his heart. The Samaritan put his life in danger and unselfishly cared for a stranger.

It seems that the motive of the Good Samaritan was pure. When we serve GOD, once we have served is that all we need to do?  JESUS was clear, because of our relationship with GOD we need to reach out to others as a natural response to their need. But there is another dimension. Christians do not need to get caught up in the doing and neglect spending time with CHRIST. Christians need to be refreshed through their relationship with CHRIST. It is easy to become stagnant.

This leads us to the event regarding Martha and Mary. Martha was focused on the doing. Mary had helped Martha but Mary then chose to spend quality time with JESUS and to learn from HIM. It is a matter of setting priorities. But when the priority of one person does not match the priority of another, conflict often arises.

Martha and Mary each were serving JESUS in their own way. JESUS’ response to Martha gives us pause to consider the priority we give our activities.    

Let’s read Luke 10:38-42:

38 While they were traveling, He entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. 39 She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet and was listening to what He said. 40 But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, “Lord, don’t You care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand.” 41 The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.”

It was common in that day for people to open their homes to travelers to feed them and offer them a place to stay. It was likely that Martha and Mary knew that JESUS and HIS disciples were in the area and invited them to their home. We see from the scripture that “Martha welcomed Him into her home.” Bible scholars believe that Martha was the eldest sibling and their parents had died and left their home to Martha since she was the eldest. It is not clear whether or not JESUS disciples were with HIM but they were most likely present. As stated earlier, if so, there were likely fifteen people Martha and Mary were preparing food for. Preparing food for fifteen people is a chore even today with our modern conveniences.

Most who prepare food for a large group know that the person of the house wants to prepare his/her best and serve it at the right time and temperature. When the events leading up to this critical time seem to be out of control, frustration peaks.

JESUS was teaching and Mary was sitting at the feet of JESUS listening. Sitting at the feet of the teacher was common in that day. We know the Apostle Paul stated that he had learned Judaism at the feet of Gamaliel in Acts 22:3:

3 He continued, “I am a Jewish man, born in Tarsus of Cilicia but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel and educated according to the strict view of our patriarchal law. Being zealous for God, just as all of you are today,

Mary was spending time with JESUS listening to HIS teaching, which was a treat for females in that day because of the restrictions placed on women by Judaism. Here is a clear example of JESUS reaching out to women and breaking the mold of tradition.

So Mary was listening and Martha was fuming. Martha was a “take charge” woman. She did not approach Mary but she went straight to JESUS, who Martha likely thought was the authority that Mary would respond to as recorded in verse 40:

40 But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, “Lord, don’t You care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand.”

Mary was stressed to the max. The tone is clear in the original Greek. Martha was ticked. The words used “my sister has left me to serve alone” imply that Mary had been helping Martha but when JESUS arrived at a certain point she stopped helping Martha so she could be with JESUS. I think her words revealed the personal relationship that Martha and JESUS had. She felt free to approach JESUS like she did.  That is exactly the relationship JESUS desires for us to have with HIM. It is not a Pollyanna relationship but a genuine, best friend’s relationship.

I know most ladies and some men know the feeling. Martha likely either had the food ready to serve or needed help to finish preparing the food. Mary chose to listen to JESUS teach, which caused a problem for Martha. She wanted everything to be just right and there is nothing wrong with that. But the situation causes us to pause and consider JESUS’ perspective on the matter as captured in verses 41-42:

41 The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.”

First, JESUS called Martha’s name two times. This is rare but also significant because it revealed disapproval but was also spoken with tender affection but with grave concern. JESUS knew her heart and that she was “upset about many things.” She likely wanted to be at the feet of JESUS but JESUS and HIS disciples needed to be fed. Her focus was on the physical and Mary was focused on the Spiritual.

Which was more important? If Martha was asked after the death of JESUS, HIS resurrection and ascension, what her priority would have been that day that JESUS and HIS disciples came to her house, she would probably have stated that spending time with JESUS was far more important than trying to prepare and serve the ideal meal. Time and how we use it is very important.

You know when we lose a loved one in death, oh how many times do we say, “If I could have those last days or weeks with my loved one, I would cherish every second.”

JESUS told Martha that “one thing was necessary.” That could have been that one dish was sufficient rather than trying to prepare a feast. If she had focused on what was important Spiritually, she would have made the choice of time with JESUS over a lavish meal. In fact, JESUS told Martha that Mary had made the correct choice. Hopefully, JESUS words of truth settled the issue. Sometimes it takes a person we respect and trust to help settle conflicts.

I think this is the heart of the message our LORD wants each of us to take from this lesson. Yes, Christians need to serve and minister as led by the Holy Spirit but we have to be careful not to let our flesh, ego and pride block out the leadership of the Holy Spirit. We do not need to neglect spending time with HIM, talking with HIM, studying and fellowshipping with HIM as we obediently serve HIM. We need to consider the more important things in life and not get caught up in trying to bring glory to the things we do or ourselves and neglect the more important things in life. Time is a gift for a season and how we use it is very important.

It is easy to let our service to CHRIST morph into being busy and neglect spending time with HIM. JESUS told the Samaritan woman at the well that HE was the living water. Living water is water that flows and does not become stagnant. That is why Christians must maintain the right relationship with CHRIST in order to be the conduit of living Spiritual water. Christians need to be refreshed as they walk in the Spirit and minister as led by the Holy Spirit. They must maintain an intimate and dynamic relationship with the living CHRIST by not getting caught up in the routines of life.

We all need to ask our LORD to help us focus on the things that are important and to set the right priorities in our lives because we do not know what tomorrow holds but HE does. The Holy Spirit gives balance to our lives but Christians must listen and obey HIM. Blessings!!!

 

Bible Study - Pressure Points - Retaliation - James 5:1-11 - October 6, 2013

Bible Study – Pressure Points – Retaliation – October 6, 2013

This is lesson six and the final lesson in our series entitled “Pressure Points.”

Our scripture is James 5:1-11.

We have covered a lot of territory exploring the measure of Spiritual maturity based upon how we encounter and respond to various life issues as we live in this world as Christians. The only way to grow and become more Spiritually mature as a Christian is to yield your will to CHRIST. Christians have control of their lives and choose whether or not to allow the Holy Spirit to lead, guide and direct them.

Spiritually mature Christians deal openly and honestly with GOD as they encounter various issues in their lives. They seek HIS wisdom and help as they journey through life. GOD desires for every Christian to have a personal, intimate relationship with HIM through his or her relationship with CHRIST. HE is our Savior but HIS desire is to be our very best friend. That requires another level of commitment and submission and involves the will.

Life is not easy and neither is walking in the light of HIS presence on a daily basis. It is not an easy journey but it is an awesome journey. GOD through CHRIST takes every step with us. HE will never leave us or forsake us because we are HIS children. Just as any loving and caring Father, HE disciplines HIS children.

The Level Of Our Christian Maturity Is Revealed When And How We, As Christians, Respond To The Issues Of Life:

-         Trials

-         Temptations

-         Partiality

-         Tongue/Words

-         Conflict

-         Retaliation

These are some of the issues in the lives of Christians which GOD uses to reveal and measure our Spiritual maturity. Who do we rely upon when we encounter the issues of life, ourselves or do we seek wisdom from GOD? Who is the source of wisdom? Do we trust GOD to take care of the issues and trust HIS counsel when HE leads us to take action or no action?

 Self-sufficiency can be a major issue when dealing with life issues. In our first scripture James focused upon those rich in material things but poor in their relationship with GOD. Having material wealth can have an effect upon our attitude.  

We need to keep in mind that the Jews thought that those who had wealth were being blessed by GOD. James addressed envy and coveting in our earlier study and it is likely those without material wealth believed that GOD was punishing them. James reminded them that they are rich in the Lord and their heavenly reward was secure. In the meantime, the Christians, who envied or coveted, were to look to CHRIST as their hope and, as stated in James 1:2-4:

2 Consider it a great joy, my • brothers, whenever you experience various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.  

When Christians can naturally “consider it great joy” when they experience various trials, it reveals Spiritual maturity. Christians must be careful not to fake it because they are only fooling themselves. Keep in mind GOD knows our hearts. Spiritual maturity does not happen overnight. It is a journey.

James admonished Christians to look to their hope in CHRIST and not to material wealth because material wealth often blocked the path to Spiritual maturity. Having wealth is not the problem, it is how we use or don’t use our wealth.

Let’s explore!

Let’s read James 5:1-6: GOD’S Rebuke of Oppression.

Warning to the Rich

1 Come now, you rich people! Weep and wail over the miseries that are coming on you. 2 Your wealth is ruined and your clothes are moth-eaten. 3 Your silver and gold are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You stored up treasure in the last days! 4 Look! The pay that you withheld from the workers who reaped your fields cries out, and the outcry of the harvesters has reached the ears of the Lord of • Hosts. 5 You have lived luxuriously on the land and have indulged yourselves. You have fattened your hearts for the day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned—you have murdered —the righteous man; he does not resist you.

Some Bible scholars believe James was addressing his remarks to the rich non-Christians. I tend to include the rich Christians but quickly add that I know and have known many materially wealthy Christians who used the resources which GOD had provided to quietly and obediently use them for HIS glory. They were humble servants of the LORD. Unless you were in a position to know what these people did for others, you would not know because they did not let their left hand know what their right hand was doing. They were humble and obedient servants.

As we study what James wrote, it does not mean that because Christians are rich that bad things are going to happen to them. It does mean that when the rich, Christian or non-Christian, rely upon their riches and fail to trust GOD, there is a major problem with their spiritual hearts. The Christian needs to be obedient and trust the Lord and the non-Christian needs to receive CHRIST as his/her Savior.

JESUS said it best in Mark 8:34-38:

34 Summoning the crowd along with His disciples, He said to them, “If anyone wants to be My follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. 35 For whoever wants to save his • life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me and the gospel will save it. 36 For what does it benefit a man to gain the whole world yet lose his life? 37 What can a man give in exchange for his life? 38 For whoever is ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”

The rich need to consider their material wealth in comparison to their Spiritual wealth. Is their Spiritual wealth ruined, their clothes moth-eaten, their silver and gold corroded? Hoarding and relying upon physical wealth for themselves will be a witness against them when GOD hands out the rewards in heaven. Materially rich Christians are to use their wealth as GOD leads them by the indwelling Holy Spirit. The blessings of GOD are not to be hoarded but used as the Holy Spirit leads them.

Where is our heart? Our actions reveal the attitude of our hearts toward GOD. Here we have to be careful. Do we do good works as a natural out flow of being led by the Holy Spirit or to show our Spirituality? Do we do what we do because GOD leads us or our ego has led us?

The rich try every scheme to cheat others so they can have more. They forget that GOD is observing all that goes on upon earth and that HE also sees the attitude of the heart. Yes, the rich are powerful but in the end, GOD is more powerful and the rich are accountable to HIM. There will be payday someday. The righteous common person cannot stand against the power of the rich but one day there will be an accounting by GOD.

The materially poor righteous people can become discouraged when they consider their needs and those having material wealth seemingly getting away with unscrupulous practices. James gives them hope through CHRIST.

Who should be the best, most honest and productive worker? It should be the Christian. When the honest, hard working, faithful Christian does his/her job as it should be done but the rich cheat him/her it murders his/her will. Look at our world and those who are or were depending upon a certain retirement only to discover that it has been misused or pilfered. Yet the CEO gets a fat bonus for being a crook or inept in running the business.

I grew up in the day, when a person’s word was his/her bond. Today, it is all about me and what can I accumulate for myself and not being accountable. Keep in mind there will be payday some day. We are all accountable to GOD. GOD is being relegated to a myth or lumped in with other gods. Keep in mind there will be payday some day and that day is but a heartbeat away. 

Let’s read James 5:7-8: Endure Oppression.

Waiting for the Lord

7 Therefore, • brothers, be patient until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth and is patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near.

James reminded his Christian brothers and sisters to be patient. The Greek word used for “patient” means for a person to maintain his/her feelings and delay taking action in anger. Do not take matters into your hands in anger but pray about it, seek wisdom from GOD and be patient because the Lord’s coming. HE is the final judge.

James used an example of the patience of the farmer who has planted his seeds or seedlings and must wait until the proper conditions take place e.g. soil temperature, water, fertilizer, etc. and allow the seeds to sprout or the seedlings to grow and bear fruit. There is an orderly process, which produces a product.

So James, in essence, was saying, “Likewise, Christians, live your lives as unto the Lord and be patient and do not become discouraged because the Lord’s coming is near.” Those who have been steadfast and faithful unto the Lord, their reward has been deposited into the heavenly treasury because we do not retaliate in anger. Again, James used the word “patient”, which means a person is to keep his/her focus upon GOD and delay taking action or retaliating in anger.

There are circumstances which arise in our lives which require our immediate response and we all need wisdom from GOD in these situations. James is not addressing these circumstances.

Let’s read James 5:9-11: Avoid Retaliation.

9 Brothers, do not complain about one another, so that you will not be judged. Look, the judge stands at the door! 10 Brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the Lord’s name as an example of suffering and patience. 11 See, we count as blessed those who have endured. You have heard of Job’s endurance and have seen the outcome from the Lord. The Lord is very compassionate and merciful.

James admonished his Christian brothers and sisters, while they were waiting, not to complain. GOD will be the just judge because HE judges the heart. Complaining is not trusting GOD. James encouraged them to keep their eyes, hearts and minds focused upon CHRIST and HIS second coming. This life upon earth will pass away but heaven is for eternity.

Complaining is a form of judgment and the person complaining may not know all the facts. It is often easy to complain or have a bad attitude toward those who have material wealth because they seem not to reflect GOD in their lives or business practices. James reminds us all that JESUS is already standing at the door poised to return to earth and HE will judge all. HE will not judge Christians regarding their salvation but HE will judge their obedience to GOD. CHRIST’S judgment will be to reward those who have been faithful and obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

James reminded his brothers and sisters in CHRIST to keep in mind how the prophets waited for GOD to take action to fulfill certain prophecy or for the coming of the Messiah. Things around them seemingly did not change. People went about their usual business failing to heed the message from GOD but in due time judgment came and the Messiah came. The prophets endured and so do Christians need to endure while waiting for CHRIST to return.

The word used for “endure” means to “to stand firm”, “to persevere” or to “to be steadfast.” In the context, which James used the word “endure”, was for Christians to remain steadfast in their hope and assurance of CHRIST’S second coming.

Hebrews 10:30-31:

30 For we know the One who has said, Vengeance belongs to Me, I will repay, and again, The Lord will judge His people. 31 It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God!

Christians are not to get caught up in judging others but to know that there will be “payday one day.” If they take their eyes off of JESUS and get caught up judging others, they will not be obedient to the leadership of the Holy Spirit in their lives and lose the rewards which could be accrued to them.

James stated, “You have heard of Job’s endurance and have seen the outcome from the Lord. The Lord is very compassionate and merciful.”

Job remained faithful during his period of being tested. We often hear the statement “the patience of Job” but Job was not patient but Job remained faithful. In the end GOD restored what Job lost.

The statement that follows is awesome. “The Lord is very compassionate and merciful.” These words give us an opportunity to see the heart of GOD. The unchanging nature and character of GOD is revealed in HIS love, patience, compassion and mercy.

We see in Exodus 34:5-6: (GOD revealed HIS nature to Moses.)

5 The Lord came down in a cloud, stood with him there, and proclaimed His name • Yahweh. 6 Then the Lord passed in front of him and proclaimed: Yahweh —Yahweh is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in faithful love and truth,

What is compassion? Compassion is an attitude and characteristic coming from within a person. Compassion is sourced in the “heart” or very core of a person. It reflects the composite true nature of the person. The beauty of GOD is that HE not only has compassion but HE is full of compassion.

Having compassion is one thing but the critical point is what do we do with it? Compassion is internal and at the very core of a person but mercy is compassion in action. Mercy is reaching out to put compassion to work. That is the character and nature of GOD. HE is full of compassion and reaches out to all with HIS mercy. HE reaches out to every person that is lost or in need. HE reaches out to all who seek a personal relationship with HIM through CHRIST.

I think John 3:16-17 captures the heart of GOD toward mankind:

16 “For God loved the world •in this way: He gave His •One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.

Have you asked CHRIST to forgive you for your sins and to come into your heart? If not, now is your opportunity to receive CHRIST as your Savior and to receive eternal life, the miracle of rebirth as a child of GOD, the indwelling Holy Spirit and citizenship in heaven and much more.

If you are a Christian, are you a Spiritually mature Christian? Have you been sitting on the fence of indecision? JESUS said it best in Revelation 3:15-21:

15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, ‘I’m rich; I have become wealthy and need nothing,’ and you don’t know that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked, 18 I advise you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire so that you may be rich, white clothes so that you may be dressed and your shameful nakedness not be exposed, and ointment to spread on your eyes so that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be committed and repent. 20 Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and have dinner with him, and he with Me. 21 The victor: I will give him the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I also won the victory and sat down with My Father on His throne.

There will be payday some day. Blessings!!!