We must be holding the Head (Col 2:19) in primary position when we divide the word of God. He has numbered all the hairs of your head. He has a place for each hair. Consider how much more importance He places on the correct sequence of His word.
The word that God speaks is living and powerful (John 6:63 The words that I say unto you, they are spirit and life.) All life has ordered systems of flow and function.
God has designed the human body so that it can endure many mistakes and abuses. The chemistry of life is such that it has many backup systems. Another words the body doesn't have to be perfect for it to life. And the body of Christ lives even though it is not yet perfected. Likewise the word of God gives us life even when it is not perfectly presented, but it gives stronger life when it is more perfectly presented.
Sometimes God just overrides the imperfections of a teacher and reveals the necessary truth to the student in spite of the teacher. Especially when some teachers hardly understand what they're saying or doing when they swing the sword of the word of God.
The word of God is as a living sword that has two edges. With one you can give life to a growing soul. With the other you can crucify the flesh. You can build up or you can tear down. It depends on how you use it as to what results you get. That's why its so important to know what you have, to know what you're doing.
All teachers must know what they're doing. Do not presume on God. How can anyone be prepared to teach the living word of God who has not first prepared his heart to seek the Lord, search out the scriptures and put them in order by priority according to each function and purpose?
For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments. Ezra 7:10
And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, and the things that are coming, and shall come, Isa 44:7
The things that are coming and shall come does not refer only to prophecy, but also to the process of growth. We should be able to forsee the coming growth and development of an individual. Why? Because we are like trees of righteousness. We are the planting of the Lord. He has planted us with good seed. He knows what to expect. So should those who have learned of Him. We should know His patterns of development and understand His ways.
Knowing that we have planted acorns, we also know that we can confidently expect to get oak trees. Knowing that we have planted corn, we can expect corn and not weeds. Knowing that we have built with silver and gold we can expect the building to last. But sorrow to that one who builds with wood hay and stubble for there will come a storm that burns up the house built with wood.
Silver and gold when it is mined out of the earth has impurities in it, and that's OK because God's process anticipated such. He has a plan for each life that will burn away the impurities. But let the teachers know that the more pure and ordered of a teaching they can plant into the hearts of their students, the less suffering those students will have to endure as the fiery trials burns away the dross to purify their faith and understanding. (1Cor 3:12-15)
WHEN DOCTRINE IS NAILED DOWN IN PROPER ORDER, IT GIVES LIFE
All doctrine must point to Christ, and hang from Him.
All doctrine must come from Christ, and lead to Him.
His covenant with us is ordered in all things. We receive more life from His word
as we receive it in due order.
If we do not have it in due order, then there is a breakdown. Disorder gives
disharmony, disunity, dis-ease.
When we drive the nails of doctrine in the holy place God has ordained, then our eyes are enlightened and we receive life. Christ is the Head of every doctrine that is of God. Unless we have the head of the doctrine in its proper place, then we have not got it in proper order to give all the life that God intended.
How can one rightly divide a number if they misplace the front of the number to the
end? Each numbered scripture must be in its rightful position according to the
order of Christ. To be otherwise is to be less life-giving than it could be.
EZR 9:8 And now for a little space grace hath been [shewed] from the LORD
our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in
his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a
little reviving in our bondage.
ISA 22:23 And I will fasten him [as] a nail in a sure place; and he shall be
for a glorious throne to his father's house.
ISA 22:25 In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall the nail that is
fastened in the sure place be removed, and be cut down, and fall;
and the burden that [was] upon it shall be cut off: for the LORD
hath spoken [it].
FOR EACH SET OF SCRIPTURES ON EACH IDEA OF LIFE THERE IS A PRIORITY SCRIPTURE
The priority scripture gives the first position idea that precedes all the others.
Just as in long division you must have the first number in its proper place if you
want to get the right results, so it is with dividing holy living scripture.
The priority scripture is the 'nail' or the 'joint' or the 'head' scripture.
Like the arm hangs from the shoulder joint, and the leg hangs from the hip joint so each doctrine of Christ has its major joint and minor joint. To have the best function of all the joints, let us pray to God that we understand them in due order and according to His divine plan.
Then lets make sure that each joint and each nail we use is of Christ
ZEC 10:4 Out of him came forth the corner, out of him the nail, out of him
the battle bow, out of him every oppressor together.
TEACHERS OF THE WORD OUGHT TO RIGHTLY DIVIDE THE WORD
2Tim 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to
be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
For the word is alive. It is organic. It is living. (Heb 4:12 Acts 7:38)
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick (alive), and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Acts 7:38 This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and [with] our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:
You can't just take the liver out of a human body and say it is still the same as when it was in the body. The chemistry changes. The texture changes. The smell changes. The color changes. The density and sound patterns change. An isolated organ is not the same as when it is connected up to the rest of the body. As isolated teaching is not the same as when it is connected to the rest of the body.
The connections must be in due order so the understanding will be in a life giving pattern. How much disorder could the human body stand and still live? Where there is no order there is confusion and death.
Knowing that teachers will be more severly judged, it is good that they take heed to the scripture pertaining to them. Psalms 50:21 These [things] hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether [such an one] as thyself: [but] I will reprove thee, and set [them] in order before thine eyes.
GOD INSTRUCTS US TO SET THINGS IN ORDER
Ecclesiastes 12:9 And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the
people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, [and] set in order many
proverbs.
Isaiah 44:7 And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them.
Luke 1:1 Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,
Titus 1:5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
Hebrews 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which [be] the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
WE SHOULD SEEK THE LAW OF THE LORD IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD
Ezra 7:10 For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do
[it], and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.
Psalms 34:11 Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Colossians 2:18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, Colossians 2:19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
Isaiah 55:1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
HAVE YOU BEEN FAITHFUL AND WISE TO UNDERSTAND ORDER AND DUE SEASON?
Luke 12:42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom [his] lord shall make ruler over his household, to give [them their] portion of meat in due season?
DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT JESUS SAYS?
John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, [son] of
Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest
that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. John 21:16 He saith to him again
the second time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea,
Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. John 21:17
He saith unto him the third time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was
grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto
him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto
him, Feed my sheep.
TEACHERS MUST UNDERSTAND WHEN TO FEED WHAT I Corinthians 3:2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able [to bear it], neither yet now are ye able.
IT'S HARD TO EXPLAIN THINGS TO THOSE WHO ARE DULL OF HEARING
Hebrews 5:11a Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye
are dull of hearing.
When a man just doesn't want to hear, or thinks it's not important, he just won't open his ears all the way. He just half listens or doesn't apply himself to the study. It's difficult to say enough to explain things to someone who won't apply all their heart and mind to understand the lesson.
SOME PEOPLE STILL DON'T HAVE THINGS IN ORDER IN THEIR OWN UNDERSTANDING
Heb 5:11b For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach
you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God;
It's not enough to just be able to recite the first principles, one must realize
what they precede. The first principles are prerequisites for the second stage. A
tree can not go on to bring fruit unless first it has the right genetic code.
His covenant with us is ordered in all things. We must understand His order and His
due process. There is a life giving sequence to the things of God, and we must pay
heed to His patterns if we would minister life to the hearer.
TEACHERS ARE JUDGED ON A STEEPER CURVE
James 3:1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the
greater condemnation.
Luke 12:47 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not [himself],
neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many [stripes].
Luke 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be
beaten with few [stripes]. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much
required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
Luke 16:2 And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee?
give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.
TESTIMONIES OF A TEACHER WHO REALIZED THE RESPONSIBILITY
Acts 20:26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I [am] pure from the blood
of all [men]. Acts 20:27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel
of God.
I Corinthians 4:2-4 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found
faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or
of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself;
yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
WE SHOULD JUDGE OURSELVES
I Corinthians 11:31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
I Corinthians 11:32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we
should not be condemned with the world.
SOME TEACHERS HAVE THE CONTENT BUT NOT THE ORDERED UNDERSTANDING
Romans 2:20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of
knowledge and of the truth in the law.
The students of such teachers are always getting a lot of information but not
necessarily in the life giving sequence. Remember where there is a lack of order
there is confusion and confusion in any living body causes death. How much
confusion could your body chemistry stand before you died?
TEACHERS MUST KNOW BOTH THE OLD AND THE NEW
Matthew 13:52 Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe [which is] instructed
unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth
forth out of his treasure things new and old.
How can a man really know the new unless he also knows that from which it grew.
God had a reason and a purpose for the law and the prophets and no teacher can
understand the grace except the understand the law.
PRIORITY FOR TEACHERS
I Timothy 4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
This shows us to read the scripture, then explain it and apply it to everyday life
situations, then show its connection to doctrine.
SCRIPTURE IS ORDERED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD
SCRIPTURE MUST BE ORDERED TO BE UNDERSTOOD:
Isaiah 28:10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line,
line upon line; here a little, and there a little:
IT MUST BE ORDERED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD FOR IT TO LIVE AND GIVE LIFE
II Corinthians 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of
the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
UNDERSTANDING BY LETTER ONLY IS A BROKEN UNDERSTANDING
Isaiah 28:13 But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept
upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little;
that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.
THE SPIRIT OF GOD MUST GIVE THE INTERPRETATION
AND THE SPIRIT OF GOD WILL PUT IT IN THE ORDER OF GOD
GOD WORKS IN US TO READ, STUDY, UNDERSTAND, AND PUT IT IN ORDER
HIS NAME SHOWS ORDER, BEHOLD I AM THE ALPHA AND OMEGA, THE BEGINNING AND THE END
He is the Word. All scripture must be in His order to be in His life.
When the enemy uses scripture out of order it produces death, just like it says in
Job, "Where there is no order there is confusion and death."
ONE WITH GOD
OUR DOCTRINE AND OUR FAITH IS ONE WITH GOD
THEREFORE WE ARE IN AGREEMENT WITH HIM
THEREFORE WE CAN WALK TOGETHER WITH HIM
He accepts us any way we come. He is pleased as we are conformed to His image.
His plan is to conform us to His image. So sooner or later we will be brought
around to having all our understanding according to His.
He asks us the question, "Can two walk together except they be agreed?" Now expand that question about walking. If we're not yet molded to His image in our soul what about the parts that are still out of order? Still not reflecting the image of God?
Can you imagine a body trying to walk that had the foot connected to the hip bone? What a problem. That man needs surgery to correct the problem. But don't attempt such surgery with a dull butter knife. Don't attempt it without knowledge and a sharp understanding of the word of God. For the word of God is able to divide bone and marrow and discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Consider a doctrine of Christ as a part of Christ. Now we don't know what a doctrine looks like, but for the moment pretend that each doctrine looks like a living human being. Can you imagine the effect of putting the head scripture of that doctrine on the bottom of the foot? Or putting the eyes under the arms? Please pray to God that you will be able to put each scripture in its proper place as relates to any doctrine you teach.
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him,
the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
John 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee,
that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
Acts 4:32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul:
Romans 12:4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the
same office:
Romans 12:5 So we, [being] many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one
of another.
I Corinthians 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and [that] there be no divisions among
you; but [that] ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same
judgment.
I Corinthians 10:17 For we [being] many are one bread, [and] one body: for we are
all partakers of that one bread.
THE LIVING, ORGANIC WORD OF GOD
THE BODY IS ONE AND HAS MANY MEMBERS
SO IS THE WORD OF GOD
I Corinthians 12:12-27 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the
members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also [is] Christ.
(And so is the living word of God.)
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or
Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one
Spirit.
For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not
the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear
shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of
the body?
If the whole body [were] an eye, where [were] the hearing? If the whole [were]
hearing, where [were] the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of
them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where
[were] the body? But now [are they] many members, yet but one body. And the eye
cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I
have no need of you.
THAT WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED IS BECOME THE HEAD OF THE CORNER
Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are
necessary: And those [members] of the body, which we think to be less honourable,
upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely [parts] have more
abundant comeliness.
For our comely [parts] have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having
given more abundant honour to that [part] which lacked: That there should be no
schism in the body; but [that] the members should have the same care one for
another.
And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it;
(If one scripture is out of order, all the understanding suffers.)
or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
(If one scripture is placed in order, rightly divided, the understanding gains.)
Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
(Now all the scriptures are members in particular of the living word. They must be
rightly placed for the body to function at its best understanding.)
MAINTAIN THE UNITY OF TRUTH OF OUR SALVATION THAT WE HAVE PEACE WITH GOD
Ephesians 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
(Maintain the unity of TRUTH in the bond of PEACE WITH GOD ie SALVATION.)
CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF ALL DOCTRINE
CHRIST IS THE NAIL OF ALL DOCTRINES
CHRIST IS THE JOINT OF ALL LIMBS OF TRUTH
CHRIST IS THE ROOT AND THE OFFSPRING
Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things,
which is the head, [even] Christ:
(Each doctrine in love grows up to, builds up to, supports Christ. Each doctrine
must hold Christ as the head, the root and the offspring must be Christ, for He is
All and All.)
Ephesians 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that
which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of
every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
(The body of the word of God must be fitly joined together and understood from the
joints, seeing how every scripture fits within its own context, and in dynamic
relationship to the others as the whole body does more than all its parts.)
Ephesians 5:29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and
cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
(Obedient children of God do not hate the word of God, but build it up in their
heart and treasure it more than silver and gold.)
Philippians 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ:
that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that
ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the
gospel;
(There is a faith of the gospel for which we should strive and contend.)
Philippians 2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being
of one accord, of one mind.
(We should all understand the same thing about the same scripture, not different
things. It is ok for one to see it pointing 30 degrees for five feet and another to
see it pointing 30 degrees for twenty feet; they both will grow to see it pointing
30 degrees for eternity. But resolve the issue when one says it points due north
and another says it points due south, for such confusion begs for reconciliation.
DO NOTHING FOR THE APPEARANCE OF HAVING DONE A GOOD JOB SO OTHERS WILL THINK WELL OF YOU. THAT WOULD BE VAIN GLORY.
Philippians 2:3 [Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vain glory; but in
lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. BUT DO ALL THINGS AS UNTO GOD AND NOT AS UNTO MEN.
Philippians 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the
things of others.
WOULD JESUS DO IT THAT WAY?
Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Colossians 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being
fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
IN ALL THINGS LET CHRIST HAVE THE PREEMINENCE Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence.
LET THEM GAIN FULL UNDERSTANDING, NOT JUST A TAPE RECORDER PLAY BACK OF WORDS Colossians 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
DID YOU RECEIVE CHRIST IN JEST? THEN DON'T PRESENT HIM IN JEST OR WORLDLY MANNER. Colossians 2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, [so] walk ye in him:
Colossians 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
BE NOT SPOILED AFTER THE WAYS OF THE WORLD IN THE WAY YOU MINISTER
DON'T RESORT TO WORLDLY WAYS TO GET OR KEEP THEIR ATTENTION. TRUST GOD!
Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit,
after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
Colossians 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
I Thessalonians 3:12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward
another, and toward all [men], even as we [do] toward you:
Mark 4:33 And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able
to hear [it].
REDEEMING THE TIME (Colossians 4:5 Eph 5:16)
Redeem the time because the days are evil. (Eph 5:16) Make good use of the time God allows you to teach the saints.
Don't waste your teaching time on parties, they have plenty of parties in the world; indeed we are seeking to get them to the banquet table of the Lord and away from the party table of this present world. It is good that they learn the ways of the house of God. Where else can they learn self-discipline and self-control, quietness and to be still? Will the world teach them these things? Will you show them the blessedness of quiet orderly time with God by His Holy Spirit, in joy peace and love?
We have precious few hours to teach the saints. Considering their busy lives and the time we have, let us make the best possible use of the time God allows.
There is a time for all things, (Ecc 3:1-)
a time to be quiet and a time to be loud
a time for being alone with God and a time for fellowship with believers
a time for the yoke of discipline and training and a time for refreshment
a time to study and a time to hear
a time to listen and a time to speak
a time to learn and a time to judge what has been understood
a time to sing and a time to pray
a time for all things
a time to put things in order
Are you redeeming the time? Discern your own ratios of times for various things and evaluate them before the throne of God.
In an hour of God's teaching time how is it allocated?
What percentage of time is devoted to the hearing of God's word?
What percentage for prayer? Discussion? Questions to aid understanding?
What percentage of time is given to satisfying the flesh? What percentage is given to games such as the world offers anywhere? What percentage is turned over to foolishness? What percentage is clamour and disorder?
Do the children learn peace? Are they growing in ability to be quiet?
Are they learning restraint to be still and content with quietness and attention?
Where will they learn these things if not in God's house? David had his sheep and the green pastures and the still waters to give him opportunity to learn stillness.
Must we fill the children's class time with worldly game clamourous activities?
Who can trust God to pour out His Spirit upon the classroom and not depend on worldly activities to occupy the children? Let us believe God is able to conform the children to Himself. He is more than able to do this. We must believe, and give space to God to work His good pleasure.
If a stranger came into the children's class, how would they know it was any different from a day care center? What percentage of it is different from a day care center? Are the children learning the ways of God? Or are they being reinforced in the ways of the street? Are they seeing the things of the world accepted in God's house or are they seeing holy things in His house of prayer? Is there a difference between your Sunday school class and a day care center? How much difference? What difference do the children see?
Judge yourself the time you allocate for things that you be not judged, (1Cor 11:31) and that you be not unfruitful, that your work and labor of love may stand in eternity. (1 Cor 3:14,15)
Prove what is acceptable to the Lord. (Eph 5:10)
If any one thinks he is wise in using the ways of the world to
Not by might, nor by power, nor by monkies to entertain, nor by animation, but by the Spirit of God we should gain their attention, keep their attention, and give them the understanding of truth which is able to make them WISE UNTO SALVATION.
Who can see Jesus teaching children with puppets? And especially with untrue images of toasters talking to icecubes or cartoon characters? Would God use unreality to teach TRUTH?
A man who could not trust God to hold their attention might resort to devices of flesh, but not our SAVIOUR.
He trusts God to do all things through Him. He lives in you, dear teacher. Trust God and let Him work through you without leaning on the arm of flesh. Please, for Christ's sake and the salvation of the children's soul, give them the pure Spirit of God, not mingled with another spirit. As much as Christ is in you, grant Him to do all good things through you.
Did Jesus ever once resort to puppets in talking with children? Who can envision Him talking like a comedian or doing rap jive to communicate the truth of eternal salvation? One soul is more precious than all gold, so treat them with the respect Christ has for them. Give them only what He would give them so long as you stand in His place before them. When you stand in your place before them you can give them whatever you want, but when you stand in His place, give them His things His way.
See also 1 Cor 2:1,2,3,4,5,6,7-16
RECEIVING ANOTHER SPIRIT
New age teaches verses from the word of God. Homosexuals teach verses from the word of God. Street spirits teach a form of knowledge, but not holding the head, but instead holding flesh and wisdom of men to the gratifying of the flesh.
BELIEVERS CAN RECEIVE ANOTHER SPIRIT (2 Cor 11:4) Paul was amazed (Gal 1:6) at how the Galatians were bewitched (Gal 3:1). They were removed from Him (Gal 1:6). Not that they did not have the Holy Spirit, but that they had also received another spirit and mingled their deeds and thoughts, calling all the mixture as being of God. All the mixture was not God. Much that they thought was OK had to be removed by the Spirit of God.
By Him only should we make mention of His name. Anything less is to take His name in vain. For no spirit but the Spirit of God can take the name of God righteously.
Not the spirit of the world, not the spirit of jive, not the spirit of music, not the spirit of anything; for we have received the Spirit of God (1 Cor 2:12) by which we are to make mention of His name. We are not to mingle one with the other. We are to sanctify His name. How? By thee only will we make mention of His name.
Then by His Spirit He gives the revelation of eternal salvation to those who hear. (1 Cor 2:10) Other spirits give the form of knowledge. But a discerning teacher will sanctify his words and minister only by Christ. Will anyone be foolish to begin in the Spirit and then depend on the arm of flesh to keep the work going? (See Gal 3:3) Who among you wants to minister the Spirit of God instead of some other spirit of this present world? (See Gal 3:5)
Seeing that we expect the children to be waiting for the hope of righteousness through the Spirit of God (See Gal 5:5) why then would any minister to them in the ways of this present world, or by another spirit?
Those who sow to the flesh will see a harvest of flesh. Those teachers who are satisfied with monkey memorization by monkey cartoon character teaching will see their work burned in the holy fire of God. They will lose rewards they wanted to earn. But because they built not by His Spirit according to His plan their works shall suffer loss. And those souls who depended on them will suffer the consequences of not understanding the things of God according to the Spirit of God, which is hurtful in life.
Do you not think the new age people can quote scripture? Does it help them? Do they understand Christ by the new age spirit? No. Neither do children understand Christ by clamourous reveling hip jive rap. They may have the form of knowledge but not the head and not the life and not the power of God.
Paul is a good example given to us by God. His understanding was to teach by the Spirit of God, not by the wisdom of men, nor by the arm of flesh.
Let us not judge by the number of words they memorize, but let us discern the Spirit of God, to sanctify Him before the children. In their eyes let Him be lifted up and sanctified and glorified. Then God is well pleased, and He will say of you, "This is my beloved minister in whom I am well pleased."
In Jesus holy, blessed and pure name, Amen.
Is your children's class justifying the arm of flesh or worldliness? Are they seeing a difference between God and the world? Are they learning any difference between the ways of God and the world? Or is their time just one more party? Do they anticipate God or the funny fun things you provide for the gratification of their flesh when they come to your class? How much of a mixture is necessary? Some gratification may be necessary. But how much is really led of God and how much could be trimmed? Is there pruning that could be done?
Are they learning approval of non-spiritual things in your room? Your example may be their only example. Your time with them may be their only time with a teacher from God. What does He lead in your heart?
WE ARE NOT TO PREACH ANOTHER GOSPEL (Gal 1:6,8)
WE ARE NOT TO GIVE OPPORTUNITY TO THE FLESH.
WE ARE NOT TO PREACH BY THE FLESH (Gal 5:13,16,17 and Gal 6:8).
WE ARE NOT TO SOW TO THE FLESH (Gal 6:8).
WE ARE NOT TO PREACH BY ANOTHER SPIRIT (Eph 2:18 Eph 4:3, 30)>
No foolish talking nor jesting (Eph 5:4, 6)
No vain words (Eph 5:6)
We are to walk circumspectly as wise redeeming the time (Eph 5:15,16)
Is rap hip jive the fulfilling of speaking to ourselves in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs? I say not. Rap hip jive is not the Spirit of Christ. I just can't see Jesus doing it. He can cause His plan to be accomplished through all things. Some things are more excellent than others. It is the Spirit that gives life. A body without a spirit is dead. Nothing happens without some spirit animates it. The Spirit of God, the spirits of men, and demons also called evil spirits or wicked spirits...those are the kind of spirits mentioned in scripture. One spirit or another is behind any animation. Scripture has this verse, By Thee only will we make mention of Thy name. The apostle Peter didn't like it when the psychic kept saying, "These men are priests of the most high God. " Peter eventually cast that spirit out of that person because Peter did not want an abominal spirit conterfeiting the praise of God.
We are to preach in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God (2Cor 1:12) We are able ministers of the new testament by the Spirit of Christ so that we do not need to lean on any arm of flesh (See 2 Cor 3:6)
No flesh should glory in His presence (1Cor 1:29). He is the LORD ALMIGHTY GOD and He will be sanctified among His people.
1 Cor 1:17 We are not to preach the gospel with wisdom of words lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
Let no one profess himself to be wise by changing the glory of incorruptible God into an image of corruptible like man, (Romans 1:23). Let no one change the truth of God into a lie by perverting it with another spirit (See Romans 1:25) It is a lie when the new age spirit quotes from the law and the prophets because the new age wants to justify itself rather than God.
Universalism does not sanctify God, neither does it glorify Him even though it speaks many words the same as the law and the prophets. Bahai faith people love to quote scripture to show they believe in God, but those who hear them do not find God. Only those who hear the Spirit of God find Him. So let us minister by His Spirit only, for that is the way He has given us to do.
The "I'm Ok, You're Ok " stuff doesn't meet with God's approval either. He glorifies His law, His truth, and His way. Nothing else does God accept but Christ. He must be All and All to us who believe, for that is the will of God.
ARE YOU THE SERVANT OF CHRIST? THEN SEEK NOT TO PLEASE MEN. Galatians 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
ARE YOU PUT IN TRUST WITH THE GOSPEL? THEN SPEAK NOT TO PLEASE MEN. I Thessalonians 2:4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. I Thessalonians 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men].
BEING A GOOD MINISTER
I Timothy 4:6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be
a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good
doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
SAVING YOURSELF AND THEM THAT HEAR YOU I Timothy 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
.In algebra we study variables. A set of simultaneous equations is a good comparison to the scriptures. When there's a word you do not understand, this is how you research it within the context of the whole set of scripture:
Mark it as a variable. Call it xyz. Forget that you know anything about it. Scripture teaches us: Let him who thinks he is wise become as a fool (so he can learn from God). It simply means to start from nothing. If you start with wrong assumptions, you arrive at the wrong conclusions.
Then group together all the scriptures with that same Hebrew or Greek word. Blank out that word and substitute a variable symbol such as xyz. Let that symbol represent to you a meaning that must be filled in from the sense of the sentence and its context. Do this for each verse where that original language word is found. Meditate on it all for a season. Then back off of it for awhile and come back to it after a few days or weeks or even months. You will begin to see a solution for your set of simultaneous equations. There may be more than one answer. You may find as in the case of the Greek word charis, there are multiple shades of meaning and even a blending of those shades that best fits different sets of scripture equations.
Remember the idea of simultaneous equations when you read scripture. Compare many verses with the same words for the spectrum of meaning. Check out the original language to do your problem solving. Unless you go back to the original language you cannot properly establish a valid set of simultaneous equations.
To understand the Bible you must let it interpret itself by the Spirit of God which wrote it. Comparing spiritual things with spiritual is the biblical phrase that relates to simultaneous equations. Comparing like sets with one another is the way you compare apples to apples.
CHARIS
With the word charis, we find the majority of contexts lend themselves best to the meaning of 'the divine influence of God' as stated in the older Webster's dictionary. Some verses give the sense of a good and freely given gift from God where the word 'grace' is seen in the KJV. A fewer number of the scriptures using 'charis' require the understanding of 'unmerited favor and/or loving help' of God. As when they say, "...commend them to the grace of God..." in the sense of those people themselves could do no more so they had to trust in the goodness of God to help their friends go the rest of their journey. You do well to be aware of those many scriptures where the best meaning is understood by 'the divine influence of God' in the sense of 'it is God who works in you to will and to do His good pleasure' or ' the presence of God to effect good'. There are also many scriptures that lend themselves to the application of both senses of meaning or even all three.
The word charis is found to have these general meanings in scripture: (1) Divine influence (2) good gift (3) unearned favor and also to have combinations of the three specific meanings. I have compiled all New Testament verses with 'charis' and grouped them somewhat by their various tones of interpreting the word. It is with the teaching on 'MERCY' to complement our understanding of that word.
Spirit and Life God's words (John 6:63)
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