Bible Study - Overcome (3) - Overcome Being Forgotten - Genesis 39:21-23; 40:5-8, 20-23 - November 2, 2014

Bible Study – Overcome (3) – Overcome Being Forgotten – November 2, 2014

This is lesson three (3) in our series entitled “Overcome: Living beyond Your Circumstances.

Our focus scripture is Genesis 39:21-23; 40:5-8, 20-23.

Keep doing what GOD has gifted you to do. All that we do should be to glorify GOD. It is easier to obediently serve GOD when we are in right relationship with GOD through our faith in CHRIST. When we are in right relationship with GOD, we are at the center of HIS will. That does not mean that we are in the place we want to be but we are in the place GOD wants us to be. When we are in the center of HIS will, we trust Him in all circumstances.

Joseph was in prison because of a false accusation. Did that have a negative effect on Joseph’s trust in GOD, his love of GOD or his attitude toward GOD? No!

Let’s read Genesis 39:21-23:

21 But the Lord was with Joseph and extended kindness to him. He granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. 22 The warden put all the prisoners who were in the prison under Joseph’s authority, and he was responsible for everything that was done there. 23 The warden did not bother with anything under Joseph’s authority, because the Lord was with him, and the Lord made everything that he did successful.

Joseph was put into the place where the king’s prisoners were held for disposition – sentencing, punishment, release or execution. Even in prison Joseph was a model prisoner.

Keep in mind that Potiphar was the “captain of the guard.” It is likely that the king’s prison was attached to or part of Potiphar’s house. Again Joseph made lemonade after he was given lemons and the prison warden gave Joseph great responsibility. This is a tribute to Joseph and to GOD.

Once the warden gave the responsibility to Joseph, he did not worry about it. Do you think that Potiphar might have given a little advice to the warden? I think so. To me it also indicates that Potiphar likely knew the truth about what happened between his wife and Joseph.

Joseph was exactly where GOD wanted him. It so happened that two of the king’s officials were also in that same prison. We do not know why they were there but the important thing is that GOD knew that they would be there. Did GOD make them do something which would result in them being in prison at just the right time? Or did the foreknowledge of GOD allow HIM to know that they would be in that prison at that precise time? GOD’S ways are higher than our ways and HIS thoughts are higher than our thoughts. Let’s explore who was in prison with Joseph and the role they would play in GOD’S plan for Joseph and the future of the Israelites.

Let’s read Genesis 40:1-4:

1 After this, the Egyptian king’s cupbearer and baker offended their master, the king of Egypt. 2 Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker, 3 and put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard in the prison where Joseph was confined. 4 The captain of the guard assigned Joseph to them, and he became their personal attendant. And they were in custody for some time.

GOD had Joseph placed in direct contact with these two officials of the king.

Let’s read Genesis 40:5-8:

5 The Egyptian king’s cupbearer and baker, who were confined in the prison, each had a dream. Both had a dream on the same night, and each dream had its own meaning. 6 When Joseph came to them in the morning, he saw that they looked distraught. 7 So he asked Pharaoh’s officers who were in custody with him in his master’s house, “Why do you look so sad today?” 8 “We had dreams,” they said to him, “but there is no one to interpret them.” Then Joseph said to them, “Don’t interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.”

The two officials of the king were his wine steward/cupbearer and his baker. It is thought that each official supervised a number of others. They were important officials to the king. But something happened and the king had them placed in the king’s prison where Joseph was being held and serving.

The wine steward and the baker both had dreams the same night and woke up puzzled about the meaning of their dreams. If they had not been in prison they would have gone to their local dream interpreter and gotten an explanation. It would have been wrong but it would have likely satisfied them.

Joseph entered where these two men were being held and immediately observed that both of these men were distraught. Joseph asked Pharaoh’s officers why they were so sad? They told him that both had had very vivid dreams and they needed someone to explain their dreams to them. Joseph, the dreamer, told them that only GOD can interpret dreams.

I know many years ago, I had a very vivid dream and woke up and prayed and asked if there was any meaning to the dream and if so to reveal it to me. I went back to sleep and I was taken back though the dream and each thing was explained to me. It was so vivid that I had it typed. About 10 years ago I was going through some papers and found it, thinking that it was not truth, I shredded it. Most of the dream is still in my memory and in light of today’s events has meaning. A portion of my dream focused on the plan to alter the truth of the Gospel of CHRIST which only those who knew the truth could discern. It involved the Middle East and Africa. Russia was involved.  GOD reveals matters through dreams but HE gives the interpretation. If you have such a dream keep in mind that only GOD gives the interpretation.

These two men revealed their dreams to Joseph.

Let’s read Genesis 40:9-19:

9 So the chief cupbearer told his dream to Joseph: “In my dream there was a vine in front of me. 10 On the vine were three branches. As soon as it budded, its blossoms came out and its clusters ripened into grapes. 11 Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand, and I took the grapes, squeezed them into Pharaoh’s cup, and placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand.” 12 “This is its interpretation,” Joseph said to him. “The three branches are three days. 13 In just three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your position. You will put Pharaoh’s cup in his hand the way you used to when you were his cupbearer. 14 But when all goes well for you, remember that I was with you. Please show kindness to me by mentioning me to Pharaoh, and get me out of this prison. 15 For I was kidnapped from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing that they should put me in the dungeon.” 16 When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was positive, he said to Joseph, “I also had a dream. Three baskets of white bread were on my head. 17 In the top basket were all sorts of baked goods for Pharaoh, but the birds were eating them out of the basket on my head.” 18 “This is its interpretation,” Joseph replied. “The three baskets are three days. 19 In just three days Pharaoh will lift up your head —from off you—and hang you on a tree. Then the birds will eat the flesh from your body.”

The dream of the wine steward was positive. So the baker may have thought that Joseph only wanted to give good news but little did he know that Joseph listened to GOD and spoke truth.

The term “lift up your head” carries the idea of a person who was ashamed or felt downtrodden for something he or she had done or of which he or she may have been accused is forgiven or exonerated and restored. Once the person is restored he or she could act confident and hold his or her head high. In our scripture, it could also mean “to call a person into the presence of the king.” The term was also used to take a census thus “to count heads.” With the wine steward it was clear that he would be restored to his original position but the baker would be hanged.

Joseph requested the wine steward to remember him when he returned to his original official position of serving the king. Joseph gave the wine steward a brief review of his circumstances.

Why did Joseph ask the wine steward to mention him to the king as recorded in verse 14?

Joseph had requested the wine steward to remember him to the king when he was restored. The wine steward/cupbearer/butler was a trusted position. The wine steward was often the person who had the king’s ear. He was a trusted advisor and a member of the royal court responsible for the king’s security and safety of the food and beverages the king consumed. 

Let’s read Genesis 40:20-23:

20 On the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, he gave a feast for all his servants. He lifted up the heads of the chief cupbearer and the chief baker. 21 Pharaoh restored the chief cupbearer to his position as cupbearer, and he placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand. 22 But Pharaoh hanged the chief baker, just as Joseph had explained to them. 23 Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.

On the third day, Pharaoh threw a party and invited all of his servants. The scripture states that it was a birthday party. Bible scholars debate whether or not it was actually the king’s birthday or the day he was crowned king, either way it was a celebration. It was a festive occasion.

The king “lifted up the heads” of the wine steward and the baker, which can be good news for those taken out of confinement. The wine steward was restored to his former duties. The baker likely thought Joseph’s interpretation of his dream was wrong when he was released from prison. Unfortunately, his momentary joy was turned to fright and doom because the king had him hung. The scripture reveals that he was impaled. Genesis 40:22 (New Living Translation)

22 But Pharaoh impaled the chief baker, just as Joseph had predicted when he interpreted his dream.

Genesis 40:22 (The Message)

22 And then he impaled the head baker on a post, following Joseph's interpretations exactly.

The thinking is that his head separated from his body when he was hung and the king had his head impaled on a stick or post for all to see. It was a clear message from the king to his servants.

When Sadam Hussein was hung, his head separated from his body. Even in our times there are reports that ISIS beheaded children, adults and impaled their heads on posts. It sends a chilling message, which reveals the true source of such barbaric acts, Satan.

Verse 23 reveals that the wine steward forgot. He might have been afraid to mention it that soon after being restored but GOD had a plan. Simply, GOD’S timing is always perfect. At the right moment, GOD allowed the king to have a dream and then the wine steward thought about Joseph.

Let’s read Genesis 41:1-57:

Joseph Interprets Pharaoh’s Dreams

1 Two years later Pharaoh had a dream: He was standing beside the Nile, 2 when seven healthy-looking, well-fed cows came up from the Nile and began to graze among the reeds. 3 After them, seven other cows, sickly and thin, came up from the Nile and stood beside those cows along the bank of the Nile. 4 The sickly, thin cows ate the healthy, well-fed cows. Then Pharaoh woke up. 5 He fell asleep and dreamed a second time: Seven heads of grain, plump and ripe, came up on one stalk. 6 After them, seven heads of grain, thin and scorched by the east wind, sprouted up. 7 The thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven plump, ripe ones. Then Pharaoh woke up, and it was only a dream. 8 When morning came, he was troubled, so he summoned all the magicians of Egypt and all its wise men. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could interpret them for him. 9 Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “Today I remember my faults. 10 Pharaoh had been angry with his servants, and he put me and the chief baker in the custody of the captain of the guard. 11 He and I had dreams on the same night; each dream had its own meaning. 12 Now a young Hebrew, a slave of the captain of the guards, was with us there. We told him our dreams, he interpreted our dreams for us, and each had its own interpretation. 13 It turned out just the way he interpreted them to us: I was restored to my position, and the other man was hanged.” 14 Then Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and they quickly brought him from the dungeon. He shaved, changed his clothes, and went to Pharaoh. 15 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said about you that you can hear a dream and interpret it.” 16 “I am not able to,” Joseph answered Pharaoh. “It is God who will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.” 17 So Pharaoh said to Joseph: “In my dream I was standing on the bank of the Nile, 18 when seven well-fed, healthy-looking cows came up from the Nile and began to graze among the reeds. 19 After them, seven other cows —ugly, very sickly, and thin—came up. I’ve never seen such ugly ones as these in all the land of Egypt. 20 Then the thin, ugly cows ate the first seven well-fed cows. 21 When they had devoured them, you could not tell that they had devoured them; their appearance was as bad as it had been before. Then I woke up. 22 In my dream I had also seen seven heads of grain, plump and ripe, coming up on one stalk. 23 After them, seven heads of grain —withered, thin, and scorched by the east wind—sprouted up. 24 The thin heads of grain swallowed the seven plump ones. I told this to the magicians, but no one can tell me what it means.” 25 Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, “Pharaoh’s dreams mean the same thing. God has revealed to Pharaoh what He is about to do. 26 The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven ripe heads are seven years. The dreams mean the same thing. 27 The seven thin, ugly cows that came up after them are seven years, and the seven worthless, scorched heads of grain are seven years of famine. 28 “It is just as I told Pharaoh: God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do. 29 Seven years of great abundance are coming throughout the land of Egypt. 30 After them, seven years of famine will take place, and all the abundance in the land of Egypt will be forgotten. The famine will devastate the land. 31 The abundance in the land will not be remembered because of the famine that follows it, for the famine will be very severe. 32 Since the dream was given twice to Pharaoh, it means that the matter has been determined by God, and He will carry it out soon. 33 “So now, let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and set him over the land of Egypt. 34 Let Pharaoh do this: Let him appoint overseers over the land and take a fifth of the harvest of the land of Egypt during the seven years of abundance. 35 Let them gather all the excess food during these good years that are coming. Under Pharaoh’s authority, store the grain in the cities, so they may preserve it as food. 36 The food will be a reserve for the land during the seven years of famine that will take place in the land of Egypt. Then the country will not be wiped out by the famine.” Joseph Exalted 37 The proposal pleased Pharaoh and all his servants. 38 Then Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find anyone like this, a man who has God’s spirit in him?” 39 So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as intelligent and wise as you are. 40 You will be over my house, and all my people will obey your commands. Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” 41 Pharaoh also said to Joseph, “See, I am placing you over all the land of Egypt.” 42 Pharaoh removed his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand, clothed him with fine linen garments, and placed a gold chain around his neck. 43 He had Joseph ride in his second chariot, and servants called out before him, “Abrek!” So he placed him over all the land of Egypt. 44 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, but no one will be able to raise his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt without your permission.” 45 Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-paneah and gave him a wife, Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest at On. And Joseph went throughout the land of Egypt.

Joseph’s Administration

46 Joseph was 30 years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Joseph left Pharaoh’s presence and traveled throughout the land of Egypt. 47 During the seven years of abundance the land produced outstanding harvests. 48 Joseph gathered all the excess food in the land of Egypt during the seven years and put it in the cities. He put the food in every city from the fields around it. 49 So Joseph stored up grain in such abundance—like the sand of the sea —that he stopped measuring it because it was beyond measure. 50 Two sons were born to Joseph before the years of famine arrived. Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest at On, bore them to him. 51 Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, meaning, “God has made me forget all my hardship in my father’s house.” 52 And the second son he named Ephraim, meaning, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.” 53 Then the seven years of abundance in the land of Egypt came to an end, 54 and the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said. There was famine in every country, but throughout the land of Egypt there was food. 55 Extreme hunger came to all the land of Egypt, and the people cried out to Pharaoh for food. Pharaoh told all Egypt, “Go to Joseph and do whatever he tells you.” 56 Because the famine had spread across the whole country, Joseph opened up all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. 57 Every nation came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain, for the famine was severe in every land.

So how long did it take until Joseph was placed as second in command in Egypt?

Joseph was 17 when his brothers sold him to the Ishmaelites. Let’s compare Genesis 37:2 and Genesis 41:46. Genesis 37:2: At 17 years of age, Joseph tended sheep with his brothers. The young man was working with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives, and he brought a bad report about them to their father.

Genesis 41:46: Joseph was 30 years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Joseph left Pharaoh’s presence and traveled throughout the land of Egypt.

It is thought that Potiphar’s wife may have propositioned Joseph for approximately 11 years. Joseph was in prison for 2 years. Joseph had asked the wine steward to remember him to Pharaoh when the wine steward was in prison but he forgot. Did he forget? Or did GOD use the wine steward’s nature to delay mentioning Joseph to the king until the right moment? GOD was preparing the events according to HIS plan and purpose for Joseph and ultimately the Israelites, HIS chosen people, for 13 years.

Joseph remained faithful to GOD and as we read in the final scripture even the king recognized and acknowledged that the wisdom Joseph came from GOD.

Wisdom comes from knowing GOD by having the right relationship with HIM through faith in CHRIST. Joseph maintained his faith in GOD in spite of his circumstances. GOD knew Joseph’s heart and called him to carry out HIS plan and purpose. Joseph glorified GOD in all that he did. He trusted GOD even when GOD seemed to be inactive in his life or possibly forgotten him.

Joseph was a powerful witness to those around him. Do others see CHRIST in us as we obediently serve HIM even when we are seemingly in a bad place in our lives? Have you ever thought GOD had forgotten you? Hebrews 5b-6:

“- for He Himself has said, I will never leave you or forsake you. 6 Therefore, we may boldly say: The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Overcome (2) - Overcome Temptation - Genesis 39:3-12 - October 26, 2014

Bible Study – Overcome (2) – Overcome Temptation – October 26, 2014

This lesson two (2) in our series entitled “Overcome: Living beyond Your Circumstance.”

Our focus scripture is Genesis 39:3-12.

It’s easier to resist temptation when you know what’s at stake. The problem is that most of us do not look beyond the immediate. When temptation has resulted in sin, then the guilt and devastation it caused is greater than that which appeared to be apparent before yielding to the temptation. Often, we attempt to blame someone or GOD for the temptation. The old adage “the devil made me do it” is often used.

James the half-brother of JESUS wrote in James 1:13-15:

13 No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God.” For God is not tempted by evil, and He Himself doesn’t tempt anyone. 14 But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires. 15 Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.

Trials are designed to strengthen our areas of weakness and to test us. Trails reveal the heart.

JESUS was tempted in all ways as we are tempted but HE did not yield to the temptation. The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:12-13:

12 So, whoever thinks he stands must be careful not to fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it.

GOD provides the way of escape but we must take it. Let’s explore!

Let’s read Genesis 39:1-2 (This scripture leads us to our focus scripture and is a repeat of our ending scripture from last week’s lesson.)

1 Now Joseph had been taken to Egypt. An Egyptian named Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him there. 2 The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master.

Let’s read Genesis 39:3-6:

3 When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made everything he did successful, 4 Joseph found favor in his master’s sight and became his personal attendant. Potiphar also put him in charge of his household and placed all that he owned under his authority. 5 From the time that he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house because of Joseph. The Lord’s blessing was on all that he owned, in his house and in his fields. 6 He left all that he owned under Joseph’s authority; he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. Now Joseph was well-built and handsome.

Potiphar recognized that Joseph had a special relationship with the Lord. Joseph was a positive witness for the one true GOD of the Hebrews. There was a divine presence about and with Joseph which was evident to others, certainly to Potiphar. That is how Christians should do their work as unto the LORD and glorify HIM as they work and function in their everyday life. The only way that is accomplished is to allow GOD to live through you through a genuine relationship with HIM. For Christians, it is yielding to the Holy Spirit and allowing HIM to lead, direct and control their lives. Simply, what did JESUS do? HE said and did nothing except what the Father revealed to Him.  

Potiphar could have looked at Joseph as a good luck charm because everything for which he was responsible turned out to be positive. So Potiphar placed him in charge of all of his affairs. Joseph was blessed by GOD and received more earthly responsibility because Potiphar reaped the benefits. Joseph was faithful to GOD and his earthly master.

So what does it mean to be blessed by GOD? First, when Christians bless GOD, it carries the idea of “kneeling” that is to kneel in spirit before HIM in honor, praise, appreciation and thanksgiving. When GOD blesses HIS children it often relates to favor such as wealth, health, protection and greater responsibility. Many Christians pray the prayer of Jabez for GOD to expand their territory. When GOD expands our territory it also means more responsibility and accountability. 1 Chronicles 4:10:

10 Jabez called out to the God of Israel: “If only You would bless me, extend my border, let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm, so that I will not cause any pain.” And God granted his request.  

Joseph was blessed by being wise, which comes from being in relationship with GOD, handsome and being well built. GOD knew Joseph’s heart. HE knew his character because of his relationship with HIM. GOD looks at the heart as HE instructed the Prophet Samuel in 1 Samuel 16:7 when GOD was directing Samuel as he was looking for the future king to replace Saul:

7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or his stature, because I have rejected him. Man does not see what the Lord sees, for man sees what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart.”

GOD had a plan to use Joseph to preserve HIS chosen people through whom the promised Messiah would come. The Israelites would multiply in Egypt for about 400 years, until they had enough and cried out to GOD to deliver them from bondage.

The Egyptians worshipped many gods, therefore, Potiphar was not prevented from seeing the value in Joseph worshipping or acknowledging the one true covenant GOD of Joseph.

Potiphar placed Joseph in charge of all he had except the food he ate. This raises several possibilities:

-         Egyptians did not eat with non-Egyptians. Genesis 43:

32 They served him by himself, his brothers by themselves, and the Egyptians who were eating with him by themselves, because Egyptians could not eat with Hebrews, since that is abhorrent to them.

-         Those in authority had a ritual regarding their food to prevent them from being poisoned.

Let’s read Genesis 39:7-10:

7 After some time his master’s wife looked longingly at Joseph and said, “Sleep with me.” 8 But he refused. “Look,” he said to his master’s wife, “with me here my master does not concern himself with anything in his house, and he has put all that he owns under my authority. 9 No one in this house is greater than I am. He has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. So how could I do such a great evil and sin against God?” 10 Although she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her.

Joseph was handsome and well built which was a blessing but it resulted in Potiphar’s wife lusting after him. Joseph made it clear to her by using a strong word “Look!” to get her attention in an effort for her to refocus her mindset. If she would not change her mind he wanted her to look at or consider such a betrayal of trust and confidence from his perspective. Potiphar trusted him completely to handle the running of their household and related affairs. Potiphar had given him authority over everything except his wife and food. Joseph respected and honored the marriage relationship even if she didn’t. Joseph was a man of integrity.

After a time of lusting for Joseph she propositioned Joseph to sleep with her. Joseph refused her blatant request with a statement of trust that Potiphar had in him and Joseph’s faithfulness to Potiphar and GOD. Joseph recognized that responding to her request was evil and would be a sin against GOD if he succumbed to her request. Joseph’s faithfulness should have triggered Potiphar’s wife to see her need to be faithful to her husband. But she continued to proposition him day after day. Often, it is what one cannot have is the thing Satan places in our hearts to want the most until we get it. In our times it would have been sexual harassment but in Joseph’s day, she was the wife of his master but she had power.

It is likely the other servants/slaves knew what was going on. Apparently, the other servants had been in the house when she had made her advances. She was the wife of a powerful man and she likely got whatever she wanted but Joseph had rejected her. This likely made her more determined to get what she wanted. Sleeping with Joseph was a goal she was determined to achieve but Joseph was just as determined not to give in to her. But we need to keep in mind that Joseph was a young man in the prime of his life and likely his hormones were raging but his commitment to GOD and Potiphar prevailed. GOD knew his heart.

Let’s read Genesis 39:11-12:

11 Now one day he went into the house to do his work, and none of the household servants were there. 12 She grabbed him by his garment and said, “Sleep with me!” But leaving his garment in her hand, he escaped and ran outside.

 Joseph went about his duties but one day he went into the house to work. None of the servants were in the house. Potiphar’s wife knew Joseph’s work schedule and she likely arranged for the servants who would have been in the house to be out of the house so there would be no one to witness the adulteress act. She had a plan to seduce Joseph. We know that she wanted Joseph and she had a plan. She may have reasoned, if there was no one else in the house except Joseph alone with her, Joseph would give in to her desires. It also gives plausibility to the fact that the other servants knew what she was up to. But that is all speculation.

The stage was set. No one else was in the house except Potiphar’s wife and Joseph and she made her move. She grabbed Joseph’s garment. Garment can mean “robe” or “cloak.” It can mean outer garment or inner garment. It was likely the outer garment that she grabbed since there is no mention of Joseph being nude.

Joseph resisted and ran outside. He got away from her as quickly as possible. It is likely that some of the servants knew something had taken place. Maybe they weren’t sure what had happened and Joseph being a man of integrity likely did not reveal what had happened. Potiphar’s wife had been sorely rejected and humiliated by Joseph. If the truth got out that she had made advances toward Joseph, Potiphar would likely have her head or she would have been punished. So what did she need to do? In her eyes Joseph had to be punished.

Let’s read Genesis 39:13-20:

13 When she saw that he had left his garment with her and had run outside, 14 she called the household servants. “Look,” she said to them, “my husband brought a Hebrew man to make fools of us. He came to me so he could sleep with me, and I screamed as loud as I could. 15 When he heard me screaming for help, he left his garment with me and ran outside.” 16 She put Joseph’s garment beside her until his master came home. 17 Then she told him the same story: “The Hebrew slave you brought to us came to make a fool of me, 18 but when I screamed for help, he left his garment with me and ran outside.” 19 When his master heard the story his wife told him—“These are the things your slave did to me”—he was furious 20 and had him thrown into prison, where the king’s prisoners were confined. So Joseph was there in prison.

Potiphar’s wife had Joseph’s garment. She quickly had a plan. She would tell her husband that Joseph tried to seduce her but she resisted him vigorously. Joseph had disrobed to show her his well built body in hopes that she would want him but Potiphar was the only man for her. Who knows what her actual words were.

Potiphar listened to her account of what happened. He was furious. Somehow it seems there may have been a question in Potiphar’s mind about the facts. He knew that Joseph was faithful to his GOD. Potiphar had to do something or else his wife would be humiliated along with him. So he placed Joseph in where the king’s prisoners were kept. That was exactly where GOD wanted him to be.

GOD uses circumstances to guide us to be in the right place at the right time. Our part is to be faithful when we are in circumstances GOD has brought about rather than in circumstances resulting from our own doings. There is a vast difference when we are in certain circumstances resulting from our will and purpose rather than being in them according to GOD’S will and purpose.

When we are in the middle of certain circumstances it is often hard for us to see GOD’S hand at work. Joseph knew that he had been faithful to GOD and to Potiphar. What was going through his mind? Did he trust that GOD would redeem him? We do know that Joseph continued to trust GOD and that GOD was with him.

In the words of Doctor Vance Havner, “You have to practice in the dark what you learn in the light.” Easy to say but hard to do when you are in the dark times of your life. That is why Christians must build a firm relationship with GOD through CHRIST. Relationships with JESUS must be based upon truth and not things that sound good or make you feel good. Seek truth as you build your relationship with GOD through JESUS as you study the Bible, talk with GOD and obediently serve HIM. Keep in mind 1 Corinthians 10:13:

13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it.

But when HE provides the way of escape, TAKE IT! Blessings!!!

 

 

Bible Study - Overcome (1) - Overcome Betrayal - Genesis 37:19-27; 39:1-2 - October 19, 2014

Bible Study – Overcome (1) – Overcome Betrayal – October 19, 2014

This is lesson (1) in our series entitled “Overcome: Living Beyond Your Circumstances.”

Our focus scripture for this lesson is Genesis 37:19-27; 39:1-2.

GOD is at work, even when it’s not obvious.

For the next six (6) lessons our scripture will be in Genesis and focus on various issues we face in life such as: Betrayal, Temptation, Being Forgotten, Hard Times, Bitterness and Earthly Mindset. Our series focuses on the life of Joseph.

Often, it is difficult for individuals to see the hand of GOD leading and directing their lives particularly when he or she is going through difficult times. The Bible gives us the opportunity to view the life of a person, nations and people groups and see HIS hand at work in their lives. When we look back on our walk with the LORD, often we can see that HIS hand was at work in our lives when we least expected.

The life of Joseph will be our focus in these six lessons.

In the book of Genesis up to Chapter 37 the focus was on creation, Adam and Eve, original sin, Noah and the flood, Abram (Abraham), Isaac, Jacob and Esau. The span of time from the birth of Abram to the birth of Joseph is about 250 years. Genesis Chapter 37 focuses the lineage of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. We have the opportunity to see GOD’S hand at work to preserve HIS chosen people through whom the promised Messiah, JESUS would come to earth. The fourth son of Jacob is Judah. It is through the lineage of Judah that David and JESUS would come. So as we study, focus on the role of Judah in the life of his brother Joseph. Also, note that the lineage of JESUS has all sorts of characters.

GOD was working to preserve the lives of the lineage of Abraham, who would become HIS chosen people and through whom the promised Messiah would come. Joseph became number two in power in Egypt. Joseph’s family came to Egypt and settled there. Joseph died and his ancestral family remained in Egypt which led to their slavery for about 400 years. GOD heard their prayers and came to their rescue by calling Moses to act in HIS behalf. Thus, GOD revealed Himself to the Israelites through Moses and signs of HIS presence during their exodus from Egypt en-route to the Promised Land. At Mount Sinai GOD told Moses that HE had chosen the Israelites to be HIS people and be a witness to the world, if they agreed. They agreed and GOD made a covenant with them, which held until JESUS gave HIS life, by the shedding of HIS blood upon the cross, to pay the sin debt, in full, for all who would place their faith in HIM.

The JESUS lineage came though Jacob’s son Judah:

Joseph’s father, Jacob, was a deceiver. He deceived his father, Isaac, into giving him the blessing that should have gone to his brother Esau. His mother, Rebekah, wanted Jacob to receive his father’s blessing instead of Esau. Esau was the first born of her twins and she helped Jacob to deceive his father. Jacob had four wives but his favorite wife was Rachel. Rachel birthed two sons, Joseph and Benjamin. Jacob favored Joseph and treated him special. He gave Joseph a special ornate robe of many colors. Joseph wore his robe with pride and it irritated his brothers. Joseph knew he was special and he flaunted it. He told his brothers about a dream he had where his brothers and father all bowed to him. He tattled on his brothers to their father. Joseph had a streak of arrogance.

All of this set the stage for GOD to achieve HIS plan through Joseph. At the end of our series, we will see what Joseph had to say about GOD’S involvement in his life.

Jacob sent Joseph to find his brothers who were grazing his flocks near Shechem. Joseph arrived at Shechem. He was looking for his brothers and he encountered a man who directed him to Dothan. Joseph found his brothers in Dothan. Let’s explore!

Let’s read this account as recorded in Genesis 37:15-18:

15 A man found him there (Shechem), wandering in the field, and asked him, “What are you looking for?” 16 “I’m looking for my brothers,” Joseph said. “Can you tell me where they are pasturing their flocks?” 17 “They’ve moved on from here,” the man said. “I heard them say, ‘Let’s go to Dothan.’” So Joseph set out after his brothers and found them at Dothan. 18 They saw him in the distance, and before he had reached them, they plotted to kill him.

Joseph had his faults but as we see his life’s story unfold, we will see that he was a man of integrity. Joseph was 17 years old when he was sold to the Ishmaelites/Midianites. The term Ishmaelites identifies the ethnic descent of those who made up the caravan to whom Joseph was sold. The term Midianite identifies their home, where the group came from. Midian is located east of Jordan and south of Edom. 

Let’s read Genesis 37:19-24:

19 They said to one another, “Here comes that dreamer! 20 Come on, let’s kill him and throw him into one of the pits. We can say that a vicious animal ate him. Then we’ll see what becomes of his dreams!” 21 When Reuben heard this, he tried to save him from them. He said, “Let’s not take his life.” 22 Reuben also said to them, “Don’t shed blood. Throw him into this pit in the wilderness, but don’t lay a hand on him”—intending to rescue him from their hands and return him to his father. 23 When Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped off his robe, the robe of many colors that he had on. 24 Then they took him and threw him into the pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it.

“Here comes the dreamer” was not a flattering remark coming from Joseph’s brothers. It was a remark of disgust. His brothers had had enough of Joseph’s arrogance. He walked toward them wearing his special robe. They would show him that he was nothing. So they hashed out a quick plot to place him in a pit and say that a wild animal had eaten him. Such a fate would kill those dreams he had, which they hated. If these dreams had been Joseph’s, then I do not think we would be reading this story but his dreams came from GOD. GOD had a plan and HE was at work, even though Joseph did not have a clue of GOD’S plan for him.

This was desert country and there were cisterns scattered over the area to catch rain water. These pits were made using clay and shaped like a bottle. Being placed in one of these pits meant that the poor soul placed in the pit could not escape unless he had help. At first, Joseph likely thought his brothers were joking around with him but he soon learned the truth. He had an ally in the oldest brother, Reuben. Reuben diffused their immediate anger toward Joseph with a plan to get them not to kill Joseph, place him in pit and to come back later to free him. At least at this point he saved Joseph’s life. Reuben was the first born of Leah. Reuben had issues as well but GOD used him to stop the other brothers from killing Joseph.

The other brothers listened to Reuben and stripped Joseph of his robe and threw him into the pit. Did they have a conscience about what they had done? Let’s explore!

Let’s read Genesis 37:25-27:

25 Then they sat down to eat a meal. They looked up, and there was a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were carrying aromatic gum, balsam, and resin, going down to Egypt. 26 Then Judah said to his brothers, “What do we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? 27 Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay a hand on him, for he is our brother, our own flesh,” and they agreed. 28 When Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for 20 pieces of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took Joseph to Egypt.

Were his brothers worried about what they had done? No! They sat down and ate. It is likely Joseph had not eaten but they gave his welfare no thought.

GOD’S timing is always perfect. As the brothers were relaxing and eating, along comes a caravan of Ishmaelites. Do you think that was by chance? No! It was by divine appointment. They saw that the caravan was carrying goods to be sold in Egypt, so they knew that these people had an eye for business and likely wanted to make a buck. Joseph’s brother Judah had an idea! Let’s make some money by selling Joseph to these people going to Egypt. Great idea, his brothers must have replied!

So they pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him to the Ishmaelites for 20 pieces of silver. To put this into perspective, a year’s wage for a shepherd was 8 shekels of silver. It is interesting that later, the price for dedicating a male between 5 and 20 years old to the LORD was 20 shekels of silver as recorded in Leviticus 27:5:

1 The Lord spoke to Moses: 2 “Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When someone makes a special vow to the Lord that involves the assessment of people, 3 if the assessment concerns a male from 20 to 60 years old, your assessment is 50 silver • shekels measured by the standard sanctuary shekel. 4 If the person is a female, your assessment is 30 shekels. 5 If the person is from five to 20 years old, your assessment for a male is 20 shekels.  

Joseph was 17 years old.

Let’s read Genesis 39:1-2:

1 Now Joseph had been taken to Egypt. An Egyptian named Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him there. 2 The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master.

We fast forward to Joseph’s arrival in Egypt. He was sold to an Egyptian named Potiphar. Potiphar was Pharaoh’s bodyguard. Potiphar’s official title in the original Greek is “the captain of the guard.” Bible scholars think that Potiphar was the captain of the executioners. Potiphar was a powerful person in Egypt and likely wealthy. Do you think GOD orchestrated that arrangement? You BET! Joseph was a slave in the right place at the right time.

How would Joseph respond to his plight? Would he be angry with GOD? Would he have a bad attitude? Would he be the model servant and honor GOD?

Let’s examine verse 2:

The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master.

These words reveal that Joseph and GOD were in relationship. The word “Lord” is the title which reveals a covenant relationship between GOD and HIS people. GOD had chosen Joseph because GOD knew Joseph’s heart. He positioned Joseph to preserve HIS people to fulfill HIS promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Joseph had to be a man of integrity and hard worker. As Joseph obediently served, GOD brought about his success. Often we think that we did this and that. We did work hard and GOD allowed us to be rewarded. Once we arrive at a point of power, what do we do?

Joseph’s brothers removed his status when they removed his robe. But they could not remove his faith and trust in GOD. In fact, his circumstances likely drew him closer to the LORD. When we are in difficult circumstances, place your trust in CHRIST. I am not saying that your troubles will disappear but you have the assurance CHRIST will go through your circumstances with you.

Here is a quote from one of the commentaries I study. It is “Bible Studies for Life” Leaders Guide ISBN2330-9822, item 005075045, published quarterly by LifeWay, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234, page 98 and 99:

“Joseph’s brothers had stripped him of the outward distinction of the special robe his father had given him. However, they could not strip him of wisdom and grace. The brothers separated him from friends, relatives, and country; however, they could not take from him the Lord’s presence. His brothers cut him off from blessings, robbing him of freedom, and confined him to a cistern; however, they could not cut him from communion with the Lord. Finally, Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, but they could not make a slave of him. He could still freely choose to follow the Lord and to do right instead of wrong. Joseph was blessed, wonderfully blessed, even in the house where he was a slave.

But despite the betrayal of Joseph’s brothers, Joseph’s God did not betray him. Quite the contrary, the Lord continued to have His hand upon Joseph, both blessing him personally and giving him favor in the sight of those around him.” Well stated.   

How would we respond to such an ordeal? Blessings!!!

 

Bible Study - Connected (6) - Connected in Prayer - Ephesians 6:18-22 - October 12, 2014

Bible Study – Connected (6) – Connected in Prayer – October 12, 2014

This is lesson six (6) and our final lesson in our series entitled “Connected: My Life in the Church.”

Our focus scripture is Ephesians 6:18-22.

Support your church with prayer. Prayer is vital to the life of the church and in the lives of Christians. Intercessory prayer is a gift. I am happy to say that our Sunday school class members are committed to prayer.

The Apostle Paul wrote about Spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6:10-17, which leads into our focus scripture:

10 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. 12 For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. 13 This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. 14 Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, 15 and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. 16 In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word.

Christians are on the Spiritual battlefield 24/7. That is one of the reasons Christians must be filled by the Holy Spirit and stay connected to the living Spiritual body. All Christians need prayers: our brothers and sisters around the world need our prayers, as well as in America. If you are prompted by the Holy Spirit to pray for someone or some group of people – missionaries, Christians around the world, friends, or family - do it! The Holy Spirit knows the needs and the possibilities are endless.

The Apostle Paul related our journey with CHRIST to preparing to face the enemy. Suiting up with the right equipment is something each Christian must do, each day and is vital along with prayer. Christians can pray as they put on the proper equipment. We may not be able to go serve in a particular area or do a certain thing but we can all pray.

Prayer, which includes listening, are the communication links between Christians and the command center (CHRIST The Head), the living body, the supply line, reinforcements, support and the list goes on. Christians are not in the battle alone but under the command, power and direction of GOD and connected to the living Spiritual body.

Such times as these, Christians must be in prayer for their brothers and sisters around the world, as well as, at home and in the home. There are fellow Christians and those who are yet to receive CHRIST as their Savior in harm’s way physically – those fighting to eradicate Christianity and the many diseases which threaten all people - and Spiritually. Prayer is vital to protect from that which is seen and unseen. Christians must pray for each other, especially for those in leadership in our brick and mortar churches and the living church.

Let’s read Ephesians 6:18:

18 Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the • saints.

The Apostle Paul aptly followed Spiritual warfare with the need for prayer. Prayer is a powerful weapon against Satan and his demons. Christians are to be people dedicated to prayer and they are to stay ready to pray as prompted by the Holy Spirit by being filled by the Holy Spirit. It is vital for Christians to pray, if they encounter the spirit world. They must ask fellow Christians to join them in this battle by praying for them. Never walk into a situation where you think there is demon activity without having a number of faithful prayer warriors praying for you. If possible, always have a fellow Christian go with you and pray as you go into the suspected demon situation.

As we have been studying, Christians are in unity with the Trinity and fellow Christian’s. The Holy Spirit prompts Christians to pray when there is a need. Christians may not know or see the need but GOD does. That is why Paul stated to pray “in the Spirit.” The Holy Spirit knows the needs and can come to our aid when we pray as Paul wrote in Romans 8:26-27:

26 In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings. 27 And He who searches the hearts knows the Spirit’s mind-set, because He intercedes for the • saints according to the will of God.   

Christians stay alert! Why? The Apostle Peter wrote in 1 Peter 5:8-9:

8 Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. 9 Resist him and be firm in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.

That is why Christians must stay filled by the Holy Spirit to stay in touch with the needs of the living Spiritual body. Christians need to pray for one another because the days are evil as the Apostle Peter wrote in 1 Peter 5:8. Christians are in the Spiritual battle field 24/7.

To pray at “all times” does not refer to seconds, minutes and hours but it refers to being alert and on stand-by to respond with active prayer as the opportunity is made known to you. “Every prayer” refers to prayer in general – public, private, silent, aloud, special occasion. “Every request” refers to specific prayer.” “In the Spirit” refers to a state of readiness to respond in prayer when prompted by the Holy Spirit because we are filled by the Holy Spirit. Perseverance means to stay the course, steadfast and constantly ready. Intercessory prayer is to make specific requests to GOD on behalf of others. The word “saints” means “Holy Ones.” Christians are made Holy the instant they accept CHRIST as their Savior by the shed blood of CHRIST. Paul admonishes Christians to pray for each other.

Let’s read Ephesians 6:19-20:

19 Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the • mystery of the gospel. 20 For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough in Him to speak as I should.

Often, we do not think that those in ministry need prayer but they do and so do we. The Apostle Paul asked for and saw the need for prayer for himself. He was a prisoner bound to a Roman guard but even so, he considered himself an ambassador representing the King of Kings, The LORD JESUS. He asked for boldness to not let his circumstances result in him slacking off from responding to each opportunity the LORD opened for him to make known the mystery of the gospel.

A mystery is that which has been hidden and will remain hidden until it is revealed. Salvation is hidden to the person seeking salvation until he or she takes a step of faith. Then it is revealed to that person. There are times that GOD keeps some things hidden until HIS plan is put into place. The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 2:6-14:

6 However, we do speak a wisdom among the mature, but not a wisdom of this age, or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 On the contrary, we speak God’s hidden wisdom in a • mystery, a wisdom God predestined before the ages for our glory. 8 None of the rulers of this age knew this wisdom, for if they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written: What eye did not see and ear did not hear, and what never entered the human mind— God prepared this for those who love Him. 10 Now God has revealed these things to us by the Spirit, for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 11 For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man that is in him? In the same way, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have not received the spirit of the • world, but the Spirit who comes from God, so that we may understand what has been freely given to us by God. 13 We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual things to spiritual people. 14 But the unbeliever does not welcome what comes from God’s Spirit, because it is foolishness to him; he is not able to understand it since it is evaluated spiritually. 15 The spiritual person, however, can evaluate everything, yet he himself cannot be evaluated by anyone. 16 For who has known the Lord’s mind, that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Christians are connected to the living body through their connectedness with CHRIST, the true vine. HE is the vine and we are the branches is another way of visualizing the living Spiritual body each functioning as directed by CHRIST through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

When Christians are functioning, as led by the Holy Spirit, ponder verse 9, they see that there is much yet to be revealed as they obediently serve GOD. Christians have not seen, heard or thought about what GOD has prepared for those who love HIM and obediently serve HIM. This journey begins at the instant of salvation and is fully realized the instant we see JESUS face to face.

Christians are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. When we receive CHRIST as our Savior, we have moved from the mystery of searching and seeking to the reality of knowing. We are the salt and the light. We are the children of the true light.

The hope we have found in CHRIST, by placing our faith in HIM, is the hope for all people lost in sin and eternal death. The hidden mystery of the salvation through faith in CHRIST is made known to us individually. Christians, do not hide this Good News from those you encounter as the LORD reveals the opportunity. We all need to speak with boldness and seize the moment. As Christians, we are all ambassadors for CHRIST and represent the one true GOD.   

Let’s read Ephesians 6:21-22: Paul’s Farewell

21 Tychicus, our dearly loved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me so that you may be informed. 22 I am sending him to you for this very reason, to let you know how we are and to encourage your hearts.

The Apostle Paul concluded his letter by commissioning Tychicus not only to deliver his letter to the Christians in Ephesus but to give them an update on his well being (Spiritual and physical health) and personal needs. They could expect Tychicus to speak truth to them regarding Paul’s circumstances, physical and Spiritual condition.

Paul was chained to a Roman guard but he was still an ambassador for CHRIST. They were not to look at his house arrest as a defeat for the spread of the Gospel but as an opportunity for being obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit. They needed to pray for him that when opportunities were presented he would speak boldly.

Tychicus would inform them so they would, in turn, know how to pray for him.

Prayer is vital as Christians obediently serve. Prayer has no, limitations, boundaries, borders or barriers with the exception of Christians not praying or being willing to pray when they are prompted to pray. When you hear the local, national or world news, pray as prompted. When you hear a siren, pray for those already at the scene and those responding to an issue or have responded and en-route to the emergency room. Pray for those who will minister to the victims. When the Holy Spirit brings to your mind someone’s name, circumstances or any number of situations or things, pray. I know at times, I am led to pray for those in bondage or caged and for that which is hidden to be revealed. There are no limits to what GOD will prompt HIS children to pray for. We can all pray for revival starting with each of us and spreading throughout the world.

In our series, we have examined the importance of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Christians. Christians are connected to GOD, CHRIST and the Holy Spirit in unity and harmony. Christians, in turn, are connected with each other through the same faith in CHRIST and are in unity with each other. CHRIST is the vine and Christians are the branches. The Holy Spirit is the communication link between the vine and the branches. The Spiritual power and nutrients flow through the Vine to the branches. Are we, as Christians, a healthy branch? Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Connected (5) - Connected in Service - Ephesians 5:15-21 - October 5, 2014

Bible Study – Connected (5) – Connected in Service – October 5, 2014

This is lesson five (5) in our series entitled “Connected: My Life in Church.”

Our focus scripture is Ephesians 5:15-21.

Serving in the church is not about what I want but what GOD wants and reveals to us individually and collectively through the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Let’s read Ephesians 5:1-2 and 8 using the Amplified translation:

1 Therefore be imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father].

2 And walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a slain offering and sacrifice to God [for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.

8 For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of Light [lead the lives of those native-born to the Light].

Christians are to be imitators of GOD who are in unity with GOD, CHRIST, the Holy Spirit and fellow Christians. Christians are the light of the world and as such we are to shine as the Holy Spirit leads us. This leads us to our focus scripture.

Let’s read Ephesians 5:15-17:

15 Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk —not as unwise people but as wise— 16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil. 17 So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

The King James version translates verse 15 “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,” “See” carries the idea of “take heed, look, beware, perceive, and discover” and means more than what our physical eyes perceive. What we see physically, we are to ponder, probe deeper and discern. Christians are to make it a habit of looking and watching how they walk. They must pay attention to where they step and also look around and observe as they step. The word “then” ties what Paul was writing in verses 15-17 to what he wrote in verses 1-2 and 8. 

The word “walk” means our lifestyle that is how we live on a daily basis. Does our lifestyle reflect our new life in Christ? Does our walk match our talk?

The word “circumspectly” carries the idea of a person walking across the narrow steel beam of a skyscraper high up with the wind blowing and it raining. Or if you recall Nik Wallenda’s tight rope walk across Niagara Falls in 2012. He was very careful with each step he took and the placement of his feet. The cable was wet, the wind was blowing and the cable sagging.

Circumspectly, as the Holman version translates it, means to “pay careful attention” to every step we take, as Christians. Life offers many opportunities to make a misstep as we walk along life’s paths. Christians must be diligent as they live each moment of each day and keep their minds focused upon CHRIST and listen to and respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

Each person has the same 24 hour day, what will he or she do with it?

The most important decision a Christian can make is to be obedient to the will of GOD. That requires a Christian to yield his or her will to GOD and allows the Holy Spirit to lead and direct him or her according to the will and purpose of GOD in order to use time wisely.

Redeeming the time is not necessarily seconds, minutes and hours but a season of time. However, the season of time is filled with seconds, minutes and hours. When Christians walk as led by the Holy Spirit, they walk in wisdom and understanding because wisdom and understanding come from GOD.

Christians are to understand the will of GOD. First, Christians must have the desire to do the will of GOD and then seek the will of GOD. They have to move from “I want” to “Father, what do You want for me?” HIS desire is for HIS children to have an intimate, personal relationship with HIM and then for them to build upon that relationship. Honesty is necessary for any relationship to have a firm foundation and upon which to build.

GOD can speak and reveal HIS will and purpose any way HE chooses – through reading and studying the Bible, talking to HIM in prayer, listening, waiting and taking action as opportunities are revealed. When Christians are in an intimate, personal, dynamic relationship with CHRIST they are in the will of GOD. Building such an intimate relationship is accomplished through sanctification. Sanctification brings to the surface of our minds the things that Christians need to face and deal with, with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Who or what controls our lives is vital. The Holy Spirit is vital to all Christians who desire to live wisely, recognize and seize the opportunities GOD has for them and for them to understand and respond to the will of GOD. Just as there is diversity of Spiritual gifts, GOD calls HIS chosen to be actively involved in HIS plan and purpose. HE gives the invitation but it is up to us to accept and respond.  

Let’s read Ephesians 5:18:

18 And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless actions, but be filled by the Spirit:

Paul made it clear that Christians are not to allow substances such as wine to control their lives. When things control Christians, alcohol, sex, pornography, drugs, gambling, overeating, gossip and the list goes on, that means that the Holy Spirit does not. When Christians lean upon their own understanding, it means that the flesh is in control and blocks the Holy Spirit’s ability to reveal GOD’S direction to them. It robs the Christian of the joy their salvation and Christian fellowship because unity and trust has been broken.

When Christians are in unity with GOD, CHRIST and the Holy Spirit they are in unity with fellow Christians, including their family. The greatest field of service is our family. This is possible by Christians who are filled by the Holy Spirit. When a Christian is filled by the Holy Spirit, they have direct access to the wisdom of GOD.  

Christians are to be “filled by the Spirit.” What is being filled by the Holy Spirit mean? When is a Christian filled and how do they know it? Oh yes, these are powerful questions most Christians ponder.

At the instant of salvation, the shed blood of CHRIST redeems us from the consequences of sin and eternal death. The new Christian is filled with the Holy Spirit and indwelled by the Holy Spirit. Salvation is the beginning of the Christian’s walk with JESUS and the sanctification process. Sanctification means being set aside to be used for the purposes of GOD. It is the process of renewing the mind and bringing the flesh, the natural will, under the influence and control of the Holy Spirit. This is accomplished by building an intimate, personal relationship with CHRIST. We must become very best friends with CHRIST.

We see attempts of some Christian circles or groups to achieve this relationship through strict rules and regulations. But when man erects unwise parameters it usually means trouble. Christians must lead by example. They must recognize that each individual must be led by the Holy Spirit to see his or her need for salvation. Do those with whom we come into contact, family, friends and associates see the joy, Spiritual growth and personal relationship in us which comes from obedient service to our LORD JESUS?  

The Bible is clear that parents are to bring up a child in the way he or she should go and when the child is old, the child will not depart from it. Parents must be the role model for their children. They must discipline and train their children. Christians must be the role model not only to their families but to fellow Christians and non-Christians. Consistency and integrity are necessary attributes of Christians.

How is this possible? It is not possible without being filled with, controlled and guided by the Holy Spirit.

So when are Christians filled with the Holy Spirit? They are filled at the instant of their salvation. But some may say, “But I had a second experience that was Spiritually powerful.” So did I many years ago. I received CHRIST as my Savior around the age of 10. I did not know that I was saved. I was baptized when I was about 20 years old. About the age of 34, after trying to live the Christian life in my own strength, I gave up and asked the LORD to take my life, good and bad, and to give me the strength live the Christian life. HE did in an instant. It was a WOW!!! moment. In that instant my life changed and for the first time I knew that I was a child of GOD. My eyes were opened to truth and the beginning of an exciting journey of building a relationship with GOD through CHRIST.

This was exciting but it was just another step in the sanctification process. I had false notions and my own ideas about GOD that needed to be dealt with. Over the years it has been a journey of discovery and getting to know GOD. About 7 years ago, my wife and I studied “Experiencing God” written by Dr. Henry Blackaby and Claude V King, published by LifeWay Press in Nashville, TN. While going through this study, the LORD and I developed a more intimate, personal relationship. I had to confess some things that had built a barrier in our relationship.

In my upper 70’s, I am still a Christian under construction.

We all have a desire to succeed in life. We seek all sorts of things which appeal to our egos but what is the most important for us to seek? JESUS said it best in Matthew 6:33:

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

A Christian’s priority is to seek the kingdom of GOD and HIS righteousness. Christians need to have the desire to have the fullness of CHRIST emanate from them, which is accomplished by being filled by the Holy Spirit. Is there more than one filling of the Holy Spirit? No, there is one filling that lasts a lifetime. Christians are constantly being filled by the Holy Spirit as they make room for HIM in their lives. As the Holy Spirit reveals the things in our lives that need to be removed and they are removed, they must be replaced by the Holy Spirit. The question is who is in charge? That is where our will raises its head in our lives. Do we yield our will to GOD or not? To yield takes trust in HIM.

How do Christians know when they are complete? It is when they are made into the image of CHRIST and in complete unity with GOD their Father.

Paul gives us some clarity regarding how to measure our progress as he wrote in Galatians 5:22-23:

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.

When Christians experience the leadership of the Holy Spirit in their lives they minister where GOD directs them using the Spiritual gift or gifts HE has equipped them with in unity with HIS will.

The Apostle Paul gave us examples of what it means to be filled by the Holy Spirit as we read our next scripture. Being filled by the Holy Spirit is reflected in our lives as we journey each day.

Let’s read Ephesians 5:19-21:

19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music from your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.

These three verses reflect the heart and attitude of those filled by the Holy Spirit.

Obedience and yielding to the Holy Spirit leads Christians to experience the joy of their salvation. Unity pleases GOD, CHRIST and the Holy Spirit because in unity, Christians embrace one another in a common goal and serve as directed by GOD by the Holy Spirit. There is harmony.

Speaking and singing is a reflection and outpouring of the heart filled with the presence of GOD and gratitude for being redeemed from sin and eternal death by the shed blood of JESUS. Being filled by the Holy Spirit, through an intimate, dynamic relationship with CHRIST, comes from Christians knowing and trusting GOD because HE is sovereign and in control of all things. They see, through their Spiritual eyes, that they are connected by their faith in CHRIST to the living Spiritual body. They are a vital to the function, unity and harmony of the living Spiritual body in conjunction with fellow Christians. Christians have the common bond of being GOD’S children and are in unity with the living Spiritual body through their faith and trust in CHRIST. As such, Christians submit to each other in the work of the living Spiritual body because they are being led and guided by the indwelling Holy Spirit, Who is the communication link with CHRIST, the head. CHRIST, in turn, knows the plans and purpose of GOD. GOD has given over all things into the hands of CHRIST to complete. The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:20-28:

20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the • firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead also comes through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ, the firstfruits; afterward, at His coming, those who belong to Christ. 24 Then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father, when He abolishes all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign until He puts all His enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy to be abolished is death. 27 For God has put everything under His feet. But when it says “everything” is put under Him, it is obvious that He who puts everything under Him is the exception. 28 And when everything is subject to Christ, then the Son Himself will also be subject to the One who subjected everything to Him, so that God may be all in all.    

Every Christian is part of GOD’S plan and purpose, therefore when we yield our will to CHRIST and allow the Holy Spirit to lead, direct and control our lives each moment, we experience HIS presence. Our part is to yield and HIS part is to fill, equip, lead, empower and direct. Blessings!!!