Bible Study - Ministering (3) - Ready When Sickness Comes to Stay - 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 and 12:7b-10 - February 1, 2015

Bible Study – Ministering (3) – Ready When Sickness Comes to Stay – February 1, 2015

This is lesson three (3) in our series entitled “Ready: Ministering Life to Those in Crisis.”

Our focus scripture is 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; 12:7b-10.

GOD’S Grace is sufficient – even in times of sickness. Long term illness is not something I had considered until a few years ago when I witnessed friends taking care of their parents, siblings, relatives or spouses taking care of their spouses. In many cases, the care giver’s health is compromised and in fact often the care giver will die before the one he or she is caring for. As we age, we experience more aches and pains. Getting old is not for wimps.

The Apostle Paul was getting up in age and he had some physical and health issues related to aging and bodily treatment he had received for obediently serving the LORD JESUS. He lists some of the issues he faced in 2 Corinthians 11:22-27:

22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the • seed of Abraham? So am I. 23 Are they servants of Christ? I’m talking like a madman —I’m a better one: with far more labors, many more imprisonments, far worse beatings, near death many times. 24 Five times I received 39 lashes from Jews. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods by the Romans. Once I was stoned by my enemies. Three times I was shipwrecked. I have spent a night and a day in the open sea. 26 On frequent journeys, I faced dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my own people, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the open country, dangers on the sea, and dangers among false • brothers ; 27 labor and hardship, many sleepless nights, hunger and thirst, often without food, cold, and lacking clothing.

In 2 Corinthians 3:7-18 Paul addresses the Jewish religion which is made up of commandments and laws versus faith in CHRIST.

New Covenant Ministry

 7 Now if the ministry of death, chiseled in letters on stones, came with glory, so that the Israelites were not able to look directly at Moses’ face because of the glory from his face —a fading glory— 8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? 9 For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness overflows with even more glory. 10 In fact, what had been glorious is not glorious now by comparison because of the glory that surpasses it. 11 For if what was fading away was glorious, what endures will be even more glorious. 12 Therefore, having such a hope, we use great boldness. 13 We are not like Moses, who used to put a veil over his face so that the Israelites could not stare at the end of what was fading away, 14 but their minds were closed. For to this day, at the reading of the old covenant, the same veil remains; it is not lifted, because it is set aside only in Christ. 15 Even to this day, whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their hearts, 16 but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit.

This scripture leads us into the 2 Corinthians 4:1-15:

1 Therefore, since we have this ministry because we were shown mercy, we do not give up. 2 Instead, we have renounced shameful secret things, not • walking in deceit or distorting God’s message, but commending ourselves to every person’s conscience in God’s sight by an open display of the truth. 3 But if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case, the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For we are not proclaiming ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your • slaves because of Jesus. 6 For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.

Treasure in Clay Jars (Christians are jars of clay in whom GOD has made righteous through the shed blood of CHRIST and in whom HE has placed HIS Spirit.)

7 Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us. 8 We are pressured in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; 9 we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed. 10 We always carry the death of Jesus in our body, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who live are always given over to death because of Jesus, so that Jesus’ life may also be revealed in our mortal flesh. 12 So death works in us, but life in you. 13 And since we have the same spirit of faith in keeping with what is written, I believed, therefore I spoke, we also believe, and therefore speak. 14 We know that the One who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and present us with you. 15 Indeed, everything is for your benefit, so that grace, extended through more and more people, may cause thanksgiving to increase to God’s glory.

Let’s jump ahead to 2 Corinthians 12:1-7a, which will give us some background on what the Apostle Paul was addressing in our focus scripture:

1 Boasting is necessary. It is not profitable, but I will move on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who was caught up into the third heaven 14 years ago. Whether he was in the body or out of the body, I don’t know, God knows. 3 I know that this man —whether in the body or out of the body I don’t know, God knows— 4 was caught up into paradise. He heard inexpressible words, which a man is not allowed to speak. 5 I will boast about this person, but not about myself, except of my weaknesses. 6 For if I want to boast, I will not be a fool, because I will be telling the truth. But I will spare you, so that no one can credit me with something beyond what he sees in me or hears from me, 7a. especially because of the extraordinary revelations.

Paul begins by stating that what he is about to reveal is extraordinary because he has had extraordinary experiences during his walk with JESUS. He attempts to minimize pointing to himself by stating that he knew a man some fourteen years ago, who--. When did this event happen? Likely, when Paul was stoned at Lystra as reported in Acts 14:19-20:

19 Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and when they had won over the crowds and stoned Paul, they dragged him out of the city, thinking he was dead. 20 After the disciples surrounded him, he got up and went into the town. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.

Those who stoned him thought that Paul was dead. Did Paul have a near death experience? I believe this experience gave Paul an understanding that few 

people have regarding death.

Eternal life was confirmed in Paul by his faith in CHRIST and the indwelling Holy Spirit. This experience gave him a better understanding that this earth suit, called our human body, is all that ties us to earth. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:6-8:

6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

Our earthly bodies were not intended to be eternal but through the miracle of rebirth, though faith in CHRIST, HE gives all who place their faith in HIM eternal life. Faith in CHRIST results in eternal life and the promise of a new glorified body when GOD’S kingdom is established upon earth.

The aging of the human body brings all people to that moment of truth when they realize that one day they will face death. In essence, Paul was saying, eternity is far greater than anything earth has to offer, so Christians can face the issues of life knowing that their salvation will be complete and they will be glorified once they leave their earth suits/human bodies.

I have previously written about this event which occurred in my life many years ago. Several of us had been praying for a certain lady who had cancer and she died. In fact, there had been several people we had prayed for and they had died over a period of time. At that stage of my Christian growth, I thought that when we prayed people were to be physically healed. It was a discouragement for me to see those for whom we were praying die. It was like our prayers for those with life threatening illnesses were the kiss of death. I remember very clearly, I was on GOD’S case about everyone we prayed for dying. HE let me rant and rave and when I finally shut-up, HE spoke. Not as I hear another person. HE brought to mind another lady we had prayed for sometime earlier and she died as the result of cancer. HE said that HE did not want her to have cancer or cause her cancer but she was willing to have cancer if it glorified HIM. Her disease was the same as if she had been a missionary, captured by a hostile tribe and martyred for being a Christian. HE said only eternity will reveal the number of doctors, nurses, relatives, friends and others whose lives were touched by her witness and faithfulness to ME. When she died I met her as she entered heaven and wrapped MY arms around her and said “well done, good and faithful servant.” We turned and walked down the streets of gold which were lined with the saints shouting victory because she had remained faithful and had overcome. Then HE said “Would you deny that of anyone?” I said, “No.”

There is much more than we know that goes on in heaven. JESUS said it well in John 14:1-11:

1 “Your heart must not be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also. 4 You know the way to where I am going.” 5 “Lord,” Thomas said, “we don’t know where You’re going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Jesus Reveals the Father

 7 “If you know Me, you will also know My Father. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him.” 8 “Lord,” said Philip, “show us the Father, and that’s enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been among you all this time without your knowing Me, Philip? The one who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? The words I speak to you I do not speak on My own. The Father who lives in Me does His works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me. Otherwise, believe because of the works themselves.

1 Corinthians 2:9:

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.

Christians have not seen or heard or thought about what awaits them as they faithfully serve HIM upon earth and enter into HIS presence in heaven when their work upon earth is over.

Let’s read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18:

16 Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day. 17 For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. 18 So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Paul used “therefore” to state why he did not get discouraged which will follow in the next few verses.

Every person ages, will face health issues and death but don’t give up. Although our human bodies are breaking down, our born-again Spiritual bodies are being renewed each day. Renewed means “to cause to grow up,” “to be new strength and vigor,” “to be changed into a new kind of life as opposed to the former corrupt state.” Christians are being gradually made into the image of CHRIST. Our outward shell is deteriorating but our inward born-again Spirit is getting stronger. It is a day by day transformation into the image 

of CHRIST.

The world views the poor health and other negative issues of Christians as GOD’S disfavor or punishment. When we sin, Christians or non-Christians will suffer the consequences of the sin. Because Christians suffer from health, financial, family and marital issues does not mean that GOD has abandoned them.

Paul used the words “light affliction.” Affliction comes from a word which means “pressure” – “distress, tribulation, trouble.” Paul admonishes Christians not to focus on what is seen but what is unseen, which is finishing the race because the rewards of heaven far outweigh the light suffering this world offers.

When a Christian dies his or her born-again Spirit goes immediately to heaven. GOD has fashioned a special heavenly body for each Christian which he or she will use while they are with HIM in heaven. Those in heaven will follow behind JESUS when HE returns to earth for the second time to rapture HIS living church. At that instant, they will receive their new Glorified, eternal bodies. At that instant the Christian’s salvation is complete. We will be like JESUS in full control of our Glorified Bodies.

All of this is presently unseen but promised, guaranteed, secured by the precious shed blood of CHRIST and confirmed by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Earth is not our home and was never intended to be our home. Sin kicked us out of our true home but salvation through the shed blood of JESUS and placing our faith in HIM results in rebirth. We become GOD’S Sons or Daughters and our citizenship is in heaven.

Let’s read 2 Corinthians 12:7b-9a:

Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so I would not exalt myself. 8 Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from me. 9a But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”

Paul used “therefore” again.

Since Paul had the extraordinary stated in 2 Cor. 12:7a and other extraordinary experiences in obediently walking with and serving GOD, GOD allowed “a messenger of Satan” to give him a thorn in the flesh to keep him humble. Paul asked the LORD three times to remove the thorn in his flesh. The Hebrew word translated “thorn could also be translated “stake.”

We do not know what this thorn in his flesh was but GOD did not remove it. We know that it had a Spiritual purpose in Paul’s life to keep him humble and dependent upon GOD. GOD saw that Paul’s ego could have gotten in his way to be an obedient servant.

GOD wanted Paul to stay focused upon HIM and HIS sufficiency.

Grace is unmerited favor. It is GOD’S gift which cannot be earned.

GOD told Paul ““My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” GOD’S grace carries Christians through times of trouble. HIS grace is vital because the power of GOD’S presence is manifested in Christians when they are weak and lack self-sufficiency. In our weakness, we die to self and allow GOD to fill us with HIS power and strength in times of need. It is no longer I but CHRIST in me, which is complete trust that GOD’S will be accomplished in whatever we are experiencing.

When we are self-sufficient, we do not need GOD and we take matters into our hands. Such an attitude creates a struggle between us and GOD. Thus, when we are weak, we allow GOD to be strong within us.

Let’s read 2 Corinthians 12:9b-10:

Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. 10 So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, catastrophes, persecutions, and in pressures, because of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Paul considered that his thorn in the flesh kept him humble and resulted in him staying focused upon CHRIST’S power and not his importance and the experiences he had. It is all about CHRIST and not about Paul or the extraordinary events he had experienced. It is about maintaining the right attitude of the heart as he ministered to others. It is CHRIST in you, the hope of glory.

Spiritual arrogance is an easy attitude for Christians to slip into when GOD blesses their ministry in a bountiful way. Ministry is always about JESUS. When others see us in our frail or weak condition, yet we reflect GOD and GOD continues to work through us, it brings glory to HIM. It is HIS power that is manifested and reflected.

Paul listed a partial list of the troubles he had encountered during ministry:

-         Weaknesses, a general word for “sickness.”

-         Insults, came from his opponents.

-         Catastrophes, “hardships” come with being a human.

-         Persecutions, comes from a word suggesting religious persecutions.

-         And in pressures, “to compress” or “to restrict” because of obediently serving CHRIST.

Paul believed when he was weak, others could see CHRIST at work through him. So Paul rejoiced in being weak. JESUS had to become weak in order to be perfected as we read in Hebrews 5:8-9:

8 Though He was God’s Son, He learned obedience through what He suffered. 9 After He was perfected, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him,

JESUS suffered for us and Christians will suffer with HIM as written in Romans 8:12-17:

12 So then, • brothers, we are not obligated to the flesh to live according to the flesh, 13 for if you live according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 All those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons. 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, 17 and if children, also heirs —heirs of God and coheirs with Christ—seeing that we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

No one likes to think of suffering but suffering perfects. We do not seek suffering to be perfected but if and when it comes, we know with suffering comes the power of GOD and HIS sufficiency. There is a big difference, as Christians, we have the assurance of the indwelling Holy Spirit, Who is our guarantee, down payment and security deposit of our faith in CHRIST. Christians do not suffer in vain but in the assurance of CHRIST in us and heaven and glory to come. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22:

21 And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, 22 and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

2 Corinthians 5:5-9:

5 And the One who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the Spirit as a down payment. 6 So, we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7 For we • walk by faith, not by sight, 8 and we are confident and satisfied to be out of the body and at home with the Lord. 9 Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we 

make it our aim to be pleasing to Him.

Do you have this assurance? If not and you are not a Christian, ask CHRIST to forgive you for your sins and to take you as you are and make you into the Christian HE wants you to be. Yield your will to HIM and follow HIM as the Holy Spirit leads you. It is a journey. If you are a Christian, then ask CHRIST to reveal to you why you don't have this assurance. 

Many Christians think that GOD sprinkles holy dust on us and instantly we become complete but salvation is just the beginning of the process of sanctification. But the Holy Spirit is with us every step of the way as we are transformed into the image of CHRIST. Blessings!!! 

Bible Study - Ministering (2) - Ready to Help the Poor - Deuteronomy 15:1-11 - January 25, 2015

Bible Study - Ministering (2) – Ready to Help the Poor – January 25, 2015

Our focus scripture is Deuteronomy 15:7-11.

Demonstrate GOD’S heart for the poor. This is an interesting subject. Here is where Christians need discernment. There are the needy and the greedy.

I basically have a tender heart toward the truly needy. I say truly needy because throughout the years we, as a family, organizations to which we have belonged and Sunday school classes have helped a number of needy folks. 

Unfortunately, a few were simply scammers.

When we were at another church many years ago, a man visited our men’s Sunday school class. He told us a sad story of being without work, divorced and having two children. He had nothing to cook on but a rusty pizza pan and he described other things which he needed for the mobile home he was renting. Plus, he was behind on his rent. Several from our class visited him and he showed us his rusty pizza pan that he used to prepare his children’s food and the other items he needed for his household. Our Sunday school class caught up his rent and bought some of the things he needed for the place he was renting.

Later, we found out that he had taken all of the things back to the place where we purchased them and got the money for them. It so happened, one of our class members knew the person where we had purchased the items and he told him what the man had done. Needless to say, we stopped giving anything to him. He was a deadbeat and lazy. He left our Sunday school class and simply went to another church and repeated the same scam.

Such experiences can make one callous or make you wise. I for one became callous and if someone in the introductory phase of meeting him or her, told me what a great Christian he or she was warning flags would go up. The LORD had to deal with me. Some people, due to a variety of reasons such as health issues, loss of a job, hours cut, insurance increases, poor economy or being taken advantage of, need help until they get reestablished to better manage their finances. Christians need to use common sense coupled with the gift of discernment.

GOD does not want us to ignore common sense or the prompting of the Holy Spirit but HE wants us to have a heart toward those in need and to help them. The world has learned the Christian trigger words to entice Christians into giving to them or to their projects. That is why I began by stating that Christians need to be equipped with the gift of discernment.

The scripture for this lesson is Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy means “second law-giving.” It is more than a restatement of the laws GOD gave to the Israelites through Moses. GOD was about to remove Moses from leading the Israelites and Joshua would become the new leader. The days of the Israelites wandering in the wilderness was about over and they were poised to enter the Promised Land. Moses would not enter the Promised Land because he disobeyed GOD.

As you may recall, 40 years earlier Moses sent 12 spies to scout the Promised Land and 10 of the spies came back with reports that it was a land flowing with milk and honey but there were giants living there. Two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb, gave a favorable report and with faith in GOD they would be victorious. The report from the other ten spies ruled the day and fear prevailed. They did not proceed into the Promised Land because of lack of faith in GOD to give them victory over the current inhabitants. The result, GOD punished them for their lack of faith. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years and GOD took care of them. Now there was a new generation of Israelites and it was time for them to claim the Promised Land as GOD intended.

Moses reviewed with the Israelites the instructions GOD had given them to put into practice, especially when they entered and were established in the Promised Land such as:

·       They were reminded of their history

·       GOD reminded them of the general laws that they needed to govern their nation, which included the Ten Commandments.

·       Reviewing specific stipulations of the covenant made with the Israelites.

·       Proper worship of GOD – Do not become followers of pagan gods and religion which they will encounter in the Promised Land.

·       Clean and unclean foods

·       Tithes

·       Observing the Sabbatical Year

Let’s read Deuteronomy 15:1-3: (The year of “the seventh year of the cancelation of debt.”

1 “At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts. 2 This is how to cancel debt: Every creditor is to cancel what he has lent his neighbor. He is not to collect anything from his neighbor or brother, because the Lord’s release of debts has been proclaimed. 3 You may collect something from a foreigner, but you must forgive whatever your brother owes you.

The Sabbatical Year is still in effect. In this day and time it began September 25, 2014 and will go to September 13, 2015. It is the Jewish year of 5775 since creation.

We will see that this command can be problematic for those loaning money because the seventh year is a fixed time period. In another seven years there will be another Sabbatical Year. This would mean the person loaning money would be best served to lend it in the first year following the end of the Sabbatical year. As the Sabbatical year approaches, the more reluctant the person loaning money could be to loan the money.

GOD cautions HIS chosen to be careful and examine their attitude as they ponder whether or not to loan the poor person money as the Sabbatical year approaches. If they do loan the money as they approach the Sabbatical year, they need to look at the loan more as a gift because it is unlikely that the loan will be paid back.

Notice that the “foreigner” or “non-believer” is not included in the Sabbatical Year directive. Notice the distinction between the “foreigner” or “non-believer” and the “brother” or “believer.”   

Let’s read Deuteronomy 15:4-6:

4 “There will be no poor among you, however, because the Lord is certain to bless you in the land the Lord your God is giving you to possess as an inheritance— 5 if only you obey the Lord your God and are careful to follow every one of these commands I am giving you today. 6 When the Lord your God blesses you as He has promised you, you will lend too many nations but not borrow; you will rule over many nations, but they will not rule over you.

The Hebrew language has several words for “poor.” The word used in this verse means materially and socially poor. It is our relationship with GOD and HIS blessings that result in us not being materially or socially poor. The Jews are good about helping each other.

GOD blesses what HE gives to HIS children and GOD would give them the Promised Land. In response to GOD’S blessings, HIS chosen are to obediently follow HIS commands. This directive has not been fully realized because of sin, thus there are poor among GOD’S chosen, which includes Christians.

The Jews have long believed that those who prosper have GOD’S blessings. Those who do not prosper have done something to offend GOD. This scripture implies this understanding.

I am grateful that, as Christians, we live under GOD’S grace but that does not excuse us from confessing, repenting and staying in relationship with GOD through our faith in CHRIST when we sin.

GOD blesses HIS chosen in order for them help others but HE does not bless HIS chosen for them to be disobedient and live foolishly.

The nation of Israel could lend money but it could not borrow money. Those who borrow from those who do not have the same values as HIS chosen will find themselves being ruled by those to whom they owe money. This, in turn, could result in them being made to compromise their commitment to GOD. 

This is good advice for us today.

Handling finances is critical for people and nations, especially when it comes to borrowing money. GOD’S desire is for HIS children to be wise in all of their financial matters. Wisdom comes from GOD; therefore, it is wise for HIS children to maintain an intimate relationship with HIM.

Finances coupled with the right relationship with GOD means the right use of our resources. 

King David wrote Psalm 37 and verse 25, copied below, gives us insight into GOD taking care of HIS own. It raises a question when those who claim to be such Godly people are begging. I know I likely hit a sensitive spot. This applies to those who do not use their resources wisely and the able bodied who are not willing to work. That is why we need discernment. This does not mean we cannot help them but we need to help them in the right way and not enable them. What do you think? How would you define begging?

25 I have been young and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his descendants begging bread. 

It is vital that Christians maintain their relationship with GOD through CHRIST and obediently follow HIM.

Let’s read Deuteronomy 15:7-9:

7 “If there is a poor person among you, one of your brothers within any of your gates in the land the Lord your God is giving you, you must not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. 8 Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him enough for whatever need he has. 9 Be careful that there isn’t this wicked thought in your heart, ‘The seventh year, the year of canceling debts, is near,’ and you are stingy toward your poor brother and give him nothing. He will cry out to the Lord against you, and you will be • guilty.

This scripture addresses a fellow Israelite or Christian who is poor and you know about it. Again, the Hebrew word used here for “poor” means materially and socially poor. They are what we used to call “down on their luck” people. Often, our first thoughts are: “Is this person lazy?”, “Does he or she have a problem with addiction?”, “Is this person a poor money manager?” And the questions go on. The point of helping a person is not to help him or her out but to help him or her up. They may need more than money, they may need counseling or a job or a better job or education and the list goes on.

GOD’S people are admonished not to be “hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother.” The “hardhearted” are those who know what is the right thing to do but refuse. The “tightfisted” are those who have the means to help the poor but refuse to do so. They are tightfisted.

Pay special attention that the poor person in this scripture is a “brother” or “fellow believer.”

GOD’S people are admonished to “open up their hands” and release their resources to give a helping hand to those in need. Again, it is not giving a hand out but a hand up and to be discerning. Christians are not to be enablers.

GOD’S people must guard against letting the approaching “Sabbatical Year” prevent them from meeting the needs of the poor because the debt would be cancelled in a short time. Such an attitude reflects the true heart of the person being prompted to meet the financial needs of the poor.

If you give into your own selfishness and not give the loan, they will cry out to the LORD and you will be guilty of not meeting the need of that poor person. You have sinned. You have missed the mark of GOD’S expectations for you in representing HIM because HE has blessed you to be able to help others.

Can we as Christians hide behind the church or some other organization by saying go to such-and-such place for assistance? Yes and I am guilty because I do not want to get involved. Safety and security are factors to consider but if we direct them elsewhere, do we support the places we tell them to go? But there are still times when GOD calls us to respond as individuals. If he does, will we or are we hardhearted and tightfisted? Again, I urge caution because the days are evil. Let someone know what you are doing.

If we have a bad attitude toward the poor, we are to confess it to GOD and ask HIM to help us get beyond negative attitudes toward the poor. Also ask HIM to give you the gift of discernment.

There are a lot of wolves in sheep’s clothing and you do not want to be a victim. Always let someone know what you are doing or about to do. If you suspect something is wrong, don’t do it. Call someone who might know how to advise you such as a charitable organization, the police, sheriff’s office or local media to check it out. Scams are wide spread. There are those who use the tenderheartedness of people to take advantage of them.

I read recently of those preying upon women.  They place a doll in a baby carrier on the side of the road near a wooded or grassy section. This is a trap to get mostly women to stop to see about the baby and the whereabouts of the parent only to be snatched, robbed, raped and possibly killed. If you see such call 911 and report it.

Let’s read Deuteronomy 15:10-11:

10 Give to him, and don’t have a stingy heart when you give, and because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you do. 11 For there will never cease to be poor people in the land; that is why I am commanding you, ‘You must willingly open your hand to your afflicted and poor brother in your land.’

GOD’S people are admonished to open their fists and stingy hearts by lending to the poor person even if the Sabbatical year is approaching. When GOD’S people give without being stingy, GOD rewards them.

The poor will always be in our communities and GOD’S people are the solution to helping those in need.

JESUS said in Matthew 26:11:

11 You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me.

Because the poor will always be with us it is no excuse not to help them, but it is an opportunity to give them a hand up and not a handout. Be wise and discerning. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Ministering (1) - Ready When Injustice Prevails - Exodus 23:1-9 - January 18, 2015

Bible Study – Ministering (1) – Ready When Injustice Prevails – January 18, 2015

This is lesson one (1) in our series entitled “Ready: Ministering Life to Those in Crisis.”

GOD calls us to defend those who can’t defend themselves. GOD has given civilization HIS standard and basis for laws governing mankind. Absent GOD’S requirements, where would mankind get its guidelines? Would laws be based upon the whims of the ruling mass or class? Without GOD’S basis for governance, I think the world would be in chaos. 

Our focus scripture is Exodus 23:1-3, 6-9.

When the Israelites were in bondage in Egypt, they were under the dictates of Egypt. When GOD led them out of bondage, HE knew that HE had to guide them to establish a set of governing rules to exist as HIS chosen and to represent HIM to the world.

Before Pharaoh agreed to let the Israelites go, GOD demonstrated HIS power to Pharaoh, the Egyptians and the Israelites. After GOD led them out of Egypt and across the Red Sea, HE led them to Mount Sinai. On their journey from Egypt to Mount Sinai HE revealed Himself to them in many different ways.  

When they got to Mount Sinai Moses was GOD’S advocate to the people. GOD told the Israelites that HE chose them as HIS people provided they agreed. The Israelites agreed. GOD’S desire was to speak to them directly as HE had spoken to Moses. The Israelites agreed at first but they backed down and wanted Moses to continue to be their emissary. GOD established a covenant relationship with the Israelites.

Notice that GOD offered the Israelites a choice. HE chose them but they had the opportunity to choose HIM. That is true even since the passion of CHRIST. GOD gives all humans that same opportunity to choose salvation by placing their faith in CHRIST and experience the miracle of rebirth.

GOD gave the Ten Commandments to Moses to present to the Israelites. With the Ten Commandments in place, GOD built the governing principles for an orderly society which reflect HIS values, expectations and guidelines for living as HIS chosen people.

The King James translation uses “Thou shalt not” or “Thou shalt” in our focus verses. Doing so reflects their tie back to the Ten Commandments. The specific commandment which reflects the basis for our focus scripture is Exodus 20:16:

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. (KJV)

“Thou shalt not” reflects a particular form of law referred to as “apodictic law.” Apodictic law is a statement in the second person that presents a specific behavioral principle without setting conditions or citing consequences.  Thus “thou shalt not or shalt” in our focus scripture reveals that this scripture is an application of the Ten Commandments.

GOD’S intent for HIS chosen was for them to speak the truth and be depended upon to speak the truth regardless of what speaking would do to the outcome of a situation. Truth honors GOD and GOD honors truth. Truth was to be an integral part and characteristic of GOD’S chosen.

It is not different today but I am afraid twisting the facts has become the hallmark of some who think that misspeaking is fine as long as it justifies the end result. It is sad that not speaking the truth or distorting the truth for political gain has become a way of life for many political leaders. This, in turn, spreads through much of all society. When foundational principles are compromised: so goes the nation.

We can see what Sharia law and many other laws, not founded upon the principles of the One True GOD and CHRIST, have upon humanity and in particularly women. 

GOD’S desire was for Israel to be a nation of people who could be counted upon to speak the truth and represent truth because they were GOD’S chosen. Christians are GOD’S chosen and the same standards of conduct apply to us as well.

Christians are the light of the world and the salt of the earth. Light dispels darkness and salt makes one thirsty. The world is in Spiritual darkness and Christians are Spiritual light. Christians should so live that others thirst for the Spiritual water that quenches Spiritual thirst, which is placing one’s faith in CHRIST and walking as the Holy Spirit leads.

This should establish a background for us to explore our focus scripture.

Let’s read Exodus 23:1-3:

Laws about Honesty and Justice

1 “You must not spread a false report. Do not join the wicked to be a malicious witness. 2 “You must not follow a crowd in wrongdoing. Do not testify in a lawsuit and go along with a crowd to pervert justice. 3 Do not show favoritism to a poor person in his lawsuit.

This scripture focuses on five principles of justice:

-         Do not spread a false report.

-         Do not join the wicked to be a malicious witness. The word join carries the idea of not extending your hand to the wicked to shake their hand to seal a deal with someone hostile to GOD and the ways of GOD to prevent justice. Here is where “political correctness” can raise its head when a GOD fearing person shades the truth so a certain person will avoid the justice that he or she should face.

-         Do not follow a crowd in wrongdoing. A mob mentality must not to be confused with truth and justice.

-         Do not testify in a lawsuit and go along with a crowd to pervert justice.

-         Do not show favoritism to a poor person (materially poor) in his lawsuit. Justice is to be applied equally to the poor, the wealthy or those with authority.

This scripture reflects GOD’S guidance to Israel for establishing a solid foundation of governance, which is based upon the ninth of the Ten Commandments. The intent of the ninth commandment is concerned with a person’s participation as a witness in court.

This scripture is focused upon not spreading false information and giving false or compromised testimony. I think this extends outside of the court and includes gossip. There are groups who relish in ruining a person’s repetition by spreading false information.

Bullying fits this category – do not join wicked groups to be a malicious witness – do not follow a crowd in wrong doing – do not pervert justice. Do not show favoritism to the rich or the poor. There is a tendency to either take advantage of the poor or to twist the truth to give the poor a break. This same instruction applies to testimony given in a court where a wealthy person or a person of influence and power is on trial. Don’t twist the truth in either case whether the person is poor, wealthy or politically connected but be truthful so justice can prevail. Be a person who can be trusted to tell the truth regardless of the stature of the person before the court.

Recently, we have seen mobs gathering and calling for justice. These crowds influence and incite others to act violently such as looting, arson, and injuring or taking the lives of others. Such acts are designed for those in authority to ignore the facts and give favor to certain groups of people. Justice must prevail or there is anarchy.

Muslims are defending the Prophet Mohammed by killing others. It seems to me that thinking Muslims would question why Mohammed and his writings cannot defend himself. Truth prevails but lies die. Radical Muslims are using their religion to justify their cause of murdering innocent people, raping women and children. They are blinded by Satan, just as any religious people who ignore the truth and follow the dictates of their flesh.

We must keep in mind that religion is manmade. Some people make Christianity a religion but true Christianity is CHRIST in you. Joining a religious institution does not make you a Christian. Asking CHRIST to forgive you for your sins, believing that HE gave HIS life to pay for your sins and asking HIM by faith to come into your life transforms your earth life into eternal life through the miracle of rebirth in your spirit. The process of rebirth happens in a flash and your spirit is transformed from spirit to Spirit. You become GOD’S Son or Daughter, a citizen of Heaven and have eternal life.

Keep in mind that Christians worship a risen Savior and at last check Mohammed, Buda and other religions people are following are still dead and buried. CHRIST conquered death. 

Christians are GOD’S chosen and they are to honor GOD by being truthful and seek justice. Do not let others form your opinion. We live in times where political correctness is being defined which can be both good and bad. Court decisions based upon “political” or “politically correctness” sets a dangerous precedent. Let your words and actions work for justice and not against it. Two wrongs do not make it right, such as killing COPS or other fellow humans to satisfy your own definition of justice or your testimony setting free a person who needs to be punished for his or her crime.

When we testify in a court of law, we place our hand upon the Bible and “swear or affirm that we will tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help me GOD.” When we don’t tell the truth, we are accountable to 

GOD and in some cases to the system: perjury.

If we take GOD out of our world, what becomes the basis for being accountable? The basis for human decency comes from GOD and not just any god but the One True GOD and Father of The LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Let’s read Exodus 23:4-5:

4 “If you come across your enemy’s stray ox or donkey, you must return it to him. 5 “If you see the donkey of someone who hates you lying helpless under its load, and you want to refrain from helping it, you must help with it.

HIS chosen are to treat the property of his or her enemy as they would any other fellow human. If an enemy’s animal has strayed and you see it, return the animal to him or her. It is all about a person’s attitude toward others, which, in turn, reflects his or her heart and honors GOD. Doing the right thing often builds bridges and an enemy may become a friend. But if not, the person doing the right thing brings honor to GOD and often is a positive influence on others.

The same is true for those who hate you. You are to help the helpless animal by helping the person who hates you. Help the person who hates you take the burden off the animal. Often, we gloat when something happens to those who hate us. That is the wrong attitude.

GOD’S desire is for HIS chosen to be in right relationship with HIM and when they are, they have the right attitude toward others and reflect HIM to others.

JESUS said in Matthew 5:43-48:

43 “You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your • brothers, what are you doing out of the ordinary? Don’t even the Gentiles do the same? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Let’s read Exodus 23:6-7:

6 “You must not deny justice to a poor person among you in his lawsuit. 7 Stay far away from a false accusation. Do not kill the innocent and the just, because I will not justify the • guilty.

This is about accountability of those with authority. The word used for “poor” here carries the meaning of a person who is both materially and socially poor. This poor person has no social or political clout, whereas the poor person in verse three was materially poor.

GOD’S chosen in certain positions of authority, such as a judge or lawyer, are accountable to HIM. The person of authority must not deny justice to those who have a legitimate lawsuit.

They are to stay away from prosecuting a person based upon false charges. Some wealthy or influential people can get the courts to falsely charge innocent people with a crime. False charges will kill an innocent or just person. If you falsely accuse an innocent person, you will be accountable to GOD. GOD is the final judge and HE knows those who are guilty. HE knows the intents of the hearts of the poor person and the one who denies the poor person’s justice.

Today there are organizations, law offices or law schools that take on efforts to review the cases of those who may have been wrongly convicted and put into prison. Most everyone in prison say they are innocent and some are. It is a blessing to live in a society that searches for truth and justice.

Let’s read Exodus 23:8-9:

8 You must not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and corrupts the words of the righteous. 9 You must not oppress a foreign resident; you yourselves know how it feels to be a foreigner because you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.

GOD makes it clear that HIS children are not to accept a bribe, gift, money or certain favor for testifying in a court because in doing so puts pressure on the person testifying to possibly twist the truth and corrupt the righteous person’s testimony for GOD.  

You are not to oppress a foreign resident. Oppress means to squeeze tightly. A foreign resident means a person who has the right to be in that community.

GOD admonishes HIS children to recall when they were foreigners in Egypt. They started out in Egypt as welcomed guests but as time went on and the pharaohs, who knew Joseph, died off. The Israelites grew in numbers and the Egyptians feared them. The Egyptians enslaved them to control them but GOD heard their cry and delivered them.

All people are enslaved by the bondage of sin and GOD hears the cry of those who desire to be rescued from certain eternal death. GOD gives each person an opportunity to be freed from the bondage of sin by giving them the opportunity to accept JESUS CHRIST as his or her Savior. If you have not made that decision, now is your opportunity. Blessings!!!