• EVEN IN A DEVIL MESSED UP WORLD, CHRIST JESUS STILL EXPECTS US TO BE CLEAN! (ROM.2:1)

    PLEASE, DON'T DOUBT WE'RE NECK DEEP IN THE BIBLE PROPHECIED PERILOUS TIMES! [2TIM. 3:1...] (PART THREE)
    πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­
    Once more,welcome back!
    Let's refreshen our minds as we continue from where we stopped!

    “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.”
    (2 Timothy 3:1.)

    I told us that when we return, we shall be looking into some practical survival strategies for these yet continuously unfolding perilous, difficult and dangerous days in which we found ourselves, as espoused by the last part of the chapter we're studying. Let's go!

    SOME SURVIVAL STRATEGIES TO AVOID BEING TRAPPED BY OUR COMMON ENEMY! [2 TIM.3:10-]

    But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, (2Ti 3: 10)

    Follow Godly Leaders(Vs10-13)

    In the vs 10 above, aged Paul specifically set out principles that will help us LIVE A LIFE OF PURPOSE, if adhered to. Paul didn't introduce them... Christ Jesus did...and He lived "them," the same way Paul is saying he has lived "them," since his encounter with Christ Jesus.

    This principle is based on the truth that we become like the people we associate with. If we follow the ungodly, we will become like the ungodly. If we follow the arrogant, we are likely to become arrogant;

    Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. (1Cor. 15: 33)

    And if we follow those who follow Christ Jesus, we are most likely to become like Christ Jesus ourselves(Christlikeness,by virtue of HIS imputed Righteousness in us.)
    In this case, Paul uses himself as an example, and says in effect, “Follow me as I follow Christ Jesus.”

    These are the marks of the godly people we should follow:

    They have nothing to hide. “You know my way of life.”
    They teach the truth. “You know my doctrine.”
    They practice what they preach(not do as I say.)
    “You know my faith, my love and my patience.”
    They aren’t afraid of persecution. “You know my sufferings and my persecution.”

    Paul’s point to us is this; Find people like this and follow them. Regarding persecution, he points to his own sufferings. In Antioch he was opposed. In Iconium he was almost stoned. In Lystra he was stoned and left for dead. But it does not matter because “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” What happened to Paul will happen to Timothy sooner or later.

    What is happening around the world to Christians in Sudan, parts of China, in Indonesia, in Iran,in Nigeria, in many of the Muslim countries, will happen to those who live in the United States, England,and indeed all Christian countries sooner or later.

    NO ONE GETS A FREE PASS THAT ABSOLVES THEM FROM SUFFERING FOR CHRIST JESUS. It may not involve beatings or torture or imprisonment or death; it may involve subtle forms of ridicule, public embarrassment, marginalization, being made the butt of repeated jokes, being passed over for promotion, social rejection, shunning, and being the object of scorn and vicious rumours. That sort of thing happens all too often. When it happens, it is a true form of persecution, even though it leaves no outward scars.

    And while it is happening, evil men will grow worse and worse, deceiving others while themselves are being deceived. The world is filled with religious charlatans who want more than your money, they want your soul. Beware of what you buy and who you buy from;
    11. Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
    12. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
    13. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. (2Ti 3: 11-13)

    CONTINUE IN WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED (VS14-15)

    This strategy is extremely practical. STAY THE COURSE. Don’t be distracted by clever-sounding religious hucksters(pastors and evangelists,who are really after what you have to offer.)
    Don’t believe everyone who knocks at your door. For instance, many campuses aren't what they seemed. (hypothetical please)
    They begin by inviting students to Bible studies that seem innocent enough. Soon that Bible study becomes an invitation to a religious system that utilizes high-pressure manipulation to keep everyone in line. What seems so wholesome turns out to be very unhealthy and potentially extremely dangerous. The point is, groups like that can be found everywhere. THE WAY TO RESIST THEM IS TO CONTINUE IN WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN TAUGHT.

    Paul then begins to develop the heart of his own survival strategy for the last days. It involves a proper understanding of the Word of God. In verse 14 Paul reminds Timothy that the Word of God gives confidence in days of difficulty. It steadies the soul by giving us the absolute standard for truth. So Timothy is to remember both what he has learned and also who taught him the truth.
    CONSIDER YOUR TEACHERS. WHO TAUGHT OR IS TEACHING YOU. PONDER THEIR CHARACTER.
    Think of their sacrifice. That will keep you on the “straight and narrow” when you are tempted to turn to one side or the other.

    In verse 15 he reminds Timothy of his spiritual heritage: “And how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” This is the doctrine of the sufficiency of Holy Scripture. Notice how Paul puts it. The Bible brings wisdom that leads to salvation that comes to us through Christ Jesus and is received by faith. Said another way: God’s Word saves us. How?

    By the words that are written down: “the Holy Scriptures.”
    By the Wisdom in the Written Words: “able to make you wise.”
    By the Gospel the Words reveal: “wise for salvation.”
    By the Faith the Gospel Produces: “through Faith in Christ Jesus.”

    EVERYTHING WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GOING TO HEAVEN CAN BE FOUND IN THE BIBLE. NOTHING IS MISSING AND NOTHING NEEDS TO BE ADDED.

    The Bible is not an encyclopedia that covers every possible topic in the universe, but IT does tell us everything we need to know about the most important thing in the world: How to know God. The truth of the Word of God can save you, forgive you, justify you, sanctify you, purify you, transform you, regenerate you, and one day, IT will take you all the way home to heaven for all eternity. Everything we need to know about life with God can be found in the pages of the Bible. If we had needed to know anything else, God would have told us.

    The Bible is complete as IT stands, a finished product that will produce in us a new life, a godly life, a growing life, a fruitful life, a loving life, a Christ-like life, eternal life, the very life of God Himself.

    LET THE WORD OF GOD MAKE YOU COMPLETE.

    Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed to you, keep (guard) by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.” (2 Tim. 1:13-14)

    The “Sound Words” Paul refers to here include all Scripture, but they refer specifically to the truth of the mystery, that message given by revelation to the Apostle Paul for this present dispensation. Just as God entrusted this message of grace initially to Paul, Paul entrusted it to Timothy, and we are to entrust it to others as well (2 Tim. 2:2). It is vital that we “hold fast” to this truth and “keep” (or guard) it, not in our own power, but by the power of the Holy Spirit.

    We need men and women, young people and children, who will take a stand for God’s Word, who will “not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of Paul, His prisoner” but will be willing to “share in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God” (2 Tim. 1:8),

    16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
    17. That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2Ti 3: 16-17)

    May our Almighty God and Father grant us more Grace and Strength to hold fast our Faith even in these trying times, in Christ Jesus' Name Amen !
    EVEN IN A DEVIL MESSED UP WORLD, CHRIST JESUS STILL EXPECTS US TO BE CLEAN! (ROM.2:1) ⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑ PLEASE, DON'T DOUBTπŸ‘‰ WE'RE NECK DEEP IN THE BIBLE PROPHECIED PERILOUS TIMES! [2TIM. 3:1...] (PART THREE) πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸŽ’πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­ Once more,welcome back! Let's refreshen our minds as we continue from where we stoppedπŸ‘‡! “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” (2 Timothy 3:1.) I told us that when we return, we shall be looking into some practical survival strategies for these yet continuously unfolding perilous, difficult and dangerous days in which we found ourselves, as espoused by the last part of the chapter we're studying. Let's go! SOME SURVIVAL STRATEGIES TO AVOID BEING TRAPPED BY OUR COMMON ENEMY! [2 TIM.3:10-] πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯ But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, (2Ti 3: 10) πŸ‘‰Follow Godly Leaders(Vs10-13) In the vs 10 above, aged Paul specifically set out principles that will help us LIVE A LIFE OF PURPOSE, if adhered to. Paul didn't introduce them... Christ Jesus did...and He lived "them," the same way Paul is saying he has lived "them," since his encounter with Christ Jesus. This principle is based on the truth that we become like the people we associate with. If we follow the ungodly, we will become like the ungodly. If we follow the arrogant, we are likely to become arrogant; Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. (1Cor. 15: 33) And if we follow those who follow Christ Jesus, we are most likely to become like Christ Jesus ourselves(Christlikeness,by virtue of HIS imputed Righteousness in us.) In this case, Paul uses himself as an example, and says in effect, “Follow me as I follow Christ Jesus.” These are the marks of the godly people we should follow:πŸ‘‡ They have nothing to hide. “You know my way of life.” They teach the truth. “You know my doctrine.” They practice what they preach(not do as I say.) “You know my faith, my love and my patience.” They aren’t afraid of persecution. “You know my sufferings and my persecution.” Paul’s point to us is this; Find people like this and follow them. Regarding persecution, he points to his own sufferings. In Antioch he was opposed. In Iconium he was almost stoned. In Lystra he was stoned and left for dead. But it does not matter because “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” What happened to Paul will happen to Timothy sooner or later. What is happening around the world to Christians in Sudan, parts of China, in Indonesia, in Iran,in Nigeria, in many of the Muslim countries, will happen to those who live in the United States, England,and indeed all Christian countries sooner or later. NO ONE GETS A FREE PASS THAT ABSOLVES THEM FROM SUFFERING FOR CHRIST JESUS. It may not involve beatings or torture or imprisonment or death; it may involve subtle forms of ridicule, public embarrassment, marginalization, being made the butt of repeated jokes, being passed over for promotion, social rejection, shunning, and being the object of scorn and vicious rumours. That sort of thing happens all too often. When it happens, it is a true form of persecution, even though it leaves no outward scars. And while it is happening, evil men will grow worse and worse, deceiving others while themselves are being deceived. The world is filled with religious charlatans who want more than your money, they want your soul. Beware of what you buy and who you buy from; 11. Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. (2Ti 3: 11-13) πŸ‘‰ CONTINUE IN WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED (VS14-15) This strategy is extremely practical. STAY THE COURSE. Don’t be distracted by clever-sounding religious hucksters(pastors and evangelists,who are really after what you have to offer.) Don’t believe everyone who knocks at your door. For instance, many campuses aren't what they seemed. (hypothetical please) They begin by inviting students to Bible studies that seem innocent enough. Soon that Bible study becomes an invitation to a religious system that utilizes high-pressure manipulation to keep everyone in line. What seems so wholesome turns out to be very unhealthy and potentially extremely dangerous. The point is, groups like that can be found everywhere. THE WAY TO RESIST THEM IS TO CONTINUE IN WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN TAUGHT. Paul then begins to develop the heart of his own survival strategy for the last days. It involves a proper understanding of the Word of God. In verse 14 Paul reminds Timothy that the Word of God gives confidence in days of difficulty. It steadies the soul by giving us the absolute standard for truth. So Timothy is to remember both what he has learned and also who taught him the truth. CONSIDER YOUR TEACHERS. WHO TAUGHT OR IS TEACHING YOU. PONDER THEIR CHARACTER. Think of their sacrifice. That will keep you on the “straight and narrow” when you are tempted to turn to one side or the other. In verse 15 he reminds Timothy of his spiritual heritage: “And how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” This is the doctrine of the sufficiency of Holy Scripture. Notice how Paul puts it. The Bible brings wisdom that leads to salvation that comes to us through Christ Jesus and is received by faith. Said another way: God’s Word saves us. How? By the words that are written down: “the Holy Scriptures.” By the Wisdom in the Written Words: “able to make you wise.” By the Gospel the Words reveal: “wise for salvation.” By the Faith the Gospel Produces: “through Faith in Christ Jesus.” EVERYTHING WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GOING TO HEAVEN CAN BE FOUND IN THE BIBLE. NOTHING IS MISSING AND NOTHING NEEDS TO BE ADDED. The Bible is not an encyclopedia that covers every possible topic in the universe, but IT does tell us everything we need to know about the most important thing in the world: How to know God. The truth of the Word of God can save you, forgive you, justify you, sanctify you, purify you, transform you, regenerate you, and one day, IT will take you all the way home to heaven for all eternity. Everything we need to know about life with God can be found in the pages of the Bible. If we had needed to know anything else, God would have told us. The Bible is complete as IT stands, a finished product that will produce in us a new life, a godly life, a growing life, a fruitful life, a loving life, a Christ-like life, eternal life, the very life of God Himself. πŸ‘‰ LET THE WORD OF GOD MAKE YOU COMPLETE. Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed to you, keep (guard) by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.” (2 Tim. 1:13-14) The “Sound Words” Paul refers to here include all Scripture, but they refer specifically to the truth of the mystery, that message given by revelation to the Apostle Paul for this present dispensation. Just as God entrusted this message of grace initially to Paul, Paul entrusted it to Timothy, and we are to entrust it to others as well (2 Tim. 2:2). It is vital that we “hold fast” to this truth and “keep” (or guard) it, not in our own power, but by the power of the Holy Spirit. We need men and women, young people and children, who will take a stand for God’s Word, who will “not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of Paul, His prisoner” but will be willing to “share in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God” (2 Tim. 1:8), 16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17. That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2Ti 3: 16-17) May our Almighty God and Father grant us more Grace and Strength to hold fast our Faith even in these trying times, in Christ Jesus' Name Amen πŸ™‡πŸ™!
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  • EVEN IN A DEVIL MESSED UP WORLD, CHRIST JESUS STILL EXPECTS US TO BE CLEAN! (ROM.2:1)

    PLEASE, DON'T DOUBT WE'RE NECK DEEP IN THE BIBLE PROPHECIED PERILOUS TIMES! [2TIM. 3:1...] (PART THREE)
    πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­
    Once more,welcome back!
    Let's refreshen our minds as we continue from where we stopped!

    “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.”
    (2 Timothy 3:1.)

    I told us that when we return, we shall be looking into some practical survival strategies for these yet continuously unfolding perilous, difficult and dangerous days in which we found ourselves, as espoused by the last part of the chapter we're studying. Let's go!

    SOME SURVIVAL STRATEGIES TO AVOID BEING TRAPPED BY OUR COMMON ENEMY! [2 TIM.3:10-]

    But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, (2Ti 3: 10)

    Follow Godly Leaders(Vs10-13)

    In the vs 10 above, aged Paul specifically set out principles that will help us LIVE A LIFE OF PURPOSE, if adhered to. Paul didn't introduce them... Christ Jesus did...and He lived "them," the same way Paul is saying he has lived "them," since his encounter with Christ Jesus.

    This principle is based on the truth that we become like the people we associate with. If we follow the ungodly, we will become like the ungodly. If we follow the arrogant, we are likely to become arrogant;

    Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. (1Cor. 15: 33)

    And if we follow those who follow Christ Jesus, we are most likely to become like Christ Jesus ourselves(Christlikeness,by virtue of HIS imputed Righteousness in us.)
    In this case, Paul uses himself as an example, and says in effect, “Follow me as I follow Christ Jesus.”

    These are the marks of the godly people we should follow:

    They have nothing to hide. “You know my way of life.”
    They teach the truth. “You know my doctrine.”
    They practice what they preach(not do as I say.)
    “You know my faith, my love and my patience.”
    They aren’t afraid of persecution. “You know my sufferings and my persecution.”

    Paul’s point to us is this; Find people like this and follow them. Regarding persecution, he points to his own sufferings. In Antioch he was opposed. In Iconium he was almost stoned. In Lystra he was stoned and left for dead. But it does not matter because “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” What happened to Paul will happen to Timothy sooner or later.

    What is happening around the world to Christians in Sudan, parts of China, in Indonesia, in Iran,in Nigeria, in many of the Muslim countries, will happen to those who live in the United States, England,and indeed all Christian countries sooner or later.

    NO ONE GETS A FREE PASS THAT ABSOLVES THEM FROM SUFFERING FOR CHRIST JESUS. It may not involve beatings or torture or imprisonment or death; it may involve subtle forms of ridicule, public embarrassment, marginalization, being made the butt of repeated jokes, being passed over for promotion, social rejection, shunning, and being the object of scorn and vicious rumours. That sort of thing happens all too often. When it happens, it is a true form of persecution, even though it leaves no outward scars.

    And while it is happening, evil men will grow worse and worse, deceiving others while themselves are being deceived. The world is filled with religious charlatans who want more than your money, they want your soul. Beware of what you buy and who you buy from;
    11. Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
    12. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
    13. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. (2Ti 3: 11-13)

    CONTINUE IN WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED (VS14-15)

    This strategy is extremely practical. STAY THE COURSE. Don’t be distracted by clever-sounding religious hucksters(pastors and evangelists,who are really after what you have to offer.)
    Don’t believe everyone who knocks at your door. For instance, many campuses aren't what they seemed. (hypothetical please)
    They begin by inviting students to Bible studies that seem innocent enough. Soon that Bible study becomes an invitation to a religious system that utilizes high-pressure manipulation to keep everyone in line. What seems so wholesome turns out to be very unhealthy and potentially extremely dangerous. The point is, groups like that can be found everywhere. THE WAY TO RESIST THEM IS TO CONTINUE IN WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN TAUGHT.

    Paul then begins to develop the heart of his own survival strategy for the last days. It involves a proper understanding of the Word of God. In verse 14 Paul reminds Timothy that the Word of God gives confidence in days of difficulty. It steadies the soul by giving us the absolute standard for truth. So Timothy is to remember both what he has learned and also who taught him the truth.
    CONSIDER YOUR TEACHERS. WHO TAUGHT OR IS TEACHING YOU. PONDER THEIR CHARACTER.
    Think of their sacrifice. That will keep you on the “straight and narrow” when you are tempted to turn to one side or the other.

    In verse 15 he reminds Timothy of his spiritual heritage: “And how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” This is the doctrine of the sufficiency of Holy Scripture. Notice how Paul puts it. The Bible brings wisdom that leads to salvation that comes to us through Christ Jesus and is received by faith. Said another way: God’s Word saves us. How?

    By the words that are written down: “the Holy Scriptures.”
    By the Wisdom in the Written Words: “able to make you wise.”
    By the Gospel the Words reveal: “wise for salvation.”
    By the Faith the Gospel Produces: “through Faith in Christ Jesus.”

    EVERYTHING WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GOING TO HEAVEN CAN BE FOUND IN THE BIBLE. NOTHING IS MISSING AND NOTHING NEEDS TO BE ADDED.

    The Bible is not an encyclopedia that covers every possible topic in the universe, but IT does tell us everything we need to know about the most important thing in the world: How to know God. The truth of the Word of God can save you, forgive you, justify you, sanctify you, purify you, transform you, regenerate you, and one day, IT will take you all the way home to heaven for all eternity. Everything we need to know about life with God can be found in the pages of the Bible. If we had needed to know anything else, God would have told us.

    The Bible is complete as IT stands, a finished product that will produce in us a new life, a godly life, a growing life, a fruitful life, a loving life, a Christ-like life, eternal life, the very life of God Himself.

    LET THE WORD OF GOD MAKE YOU COMPLETE.

    Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed to you, keep (guard) by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.” (2 Tim. 1:13-14)

    The “Sound Words” Paul refers to here include all Scripture, but they refer specifically to the truth of the mystery, that message given by revelation to the Apostle Paul for this present dispensation. Just as God entrusted this message of grace initially to Paul, Paul entrusted it to Timothy, and we are to entrust it to others as well (2 Tim. 2:2). It is vital that we “hold fast” to this truth and “keep” (or guard) it, not in our own power, but by the power of the Holy Spirit.

    We need men and women, young people and children, who will take a stand for God’s Word, who will “not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of Paul, His prisoner” but will be willing to “share in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God” (2 Tim. 1:8),

    16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
    17. That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2Ti 3: 16-17)

    May our Almighty God and Father grant us more Grace and Strength to hold fast our Faith even in these trying times, in Christ Jesus' Name Amen !
    EVEN IN A DEVIL MESSED UP WORLD, CHRIST JESUS STILL EXPECTS US TO BE CLEAN! (ROM.2:1) ⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑ PLEASE, DON'T DOUBTπŸ‘‰ WE'RE NECK DEEP IN THE BIBLE PROPHECIED PERILOUS TIMES! [2TIM. 3:1...] (PART THREE) πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸŽ’πŸͺ­πŸͺ­πŸͺ­ Once more,welcome back! Let's refreshen our minds as we continue from where we stoppedπŸ‘‡! “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” (2 Timothy 3:1.) I told us that when we return, we shall be looking into some practical survival strategies for these yet continuously unfolding perilous, difficult and dangerous days in which we found ourselves, as espoused by the last part of the chapter we're studying. Let's go! SOME SURVIVAL STRATEGIES TO AVOID BEING TRAPPED BY OUR COMMON ENEMY! [2 TIM.3:10-] πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯ But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, (2Ti 3: 10) πŸ‘‰Follow Godly Leaders(Vs10-13) In the vs 10 above, aged Paul specifically set out principles that will help us LIVE A LIFE OF PURPOSE, if adhered to. Paul didn't introduce them... Christ Jesus did...and He lived "them," the same way Paul is saying he has lived "them," since his encounter with Christ Jesus. This principle is based on the truth that we become like the people we associate with. If we follow the ungodly, we will become like the ungodly. If we follow the arrogant, we are likely to become arrogant; Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. (1Cor. 15: 33) And if we follow those who follow Christ Jesus, we are most likely to become like Christ Jesus ourselves(Christlikeness,by virtue of HIS imputed Righteousness in us.) In this case, Paul uses himself as an example, and says in effect, “Follow me as I follow Christ Jesus.” These are the marks of the godly people we should follow:πŸ‘‡ They have nothing to hide. “You know my way of life.” They teach the truth. “You know my doctrine.” They practice what they preach(not do as I say.) “You know my faith, my love and my patience.” They aren’t afraid of persecution. “You know my sufferings and my persecution.” Paul’s point to us is this; Find people like this and follow them. Regarding persecution, he points to his own sufferings. In Antioch he was opposed. In Iconium he was almost stoned. In Lystra he was stoned and left for dead. But it does not matter because “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” What happened to Paul will happen to Timothy sooner or later. What is happening around the world to Christians in Sudan, parts of China, in Indonesia, in Iran,in Nigeria, in many of the Muslim countries, will happen to those who live in the United States, England,and indeed all Christian countries sooner or later. NO ONE GETS A FREE PASS THAT ABSOLVES THEM FROM SUFFERING FOR CHRIST JESUS. It may not involve beatings or torture or imprisonment or death; it may involve subtle forms of ridicule, public embarrassment, marginalization, being made the butt of repeated jokes, being passed over for promotion, social rejection, shunning, and being the object of scorn and vicious rumours. That sort of thing happens all too often. When it happens, it is a true form of persecution, even though it leaves no outward scars. And while it is happening, evil men will grow worse and worse, deceiving others while themselves are being deceived. The world is filled with religious charlatans who want more than your money, they want your soul. Beware of what you buy and who you buy from; 11. Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. (2Ti 3: 11-13) πŸ‘‰ CONTINUE IN WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED (VS14-15) This strategy is extremely practical. STAY THE COURSE. Don’t be distracted by clever-sounding religious hucksters(pastors and evangelists,who are really after what you have to offer.) Don’t believe everyone who knocks at your door. For instance, many campuses aren't what they seemed. (hypothetical please) They begin by inviting students to Bible studies that seem innocent enough. Soon that Bible study becomes an invitation to a religious system that utilizes high-pressure manipulation to keep everyone in line. What seems so wholesome turns out to be very unhealthy and potentially extremely dangerous. The point is, groups like that can be found everywhere. THE WAY TO RESIST THEM IS TO CONTINUE IN WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN TAUGHT. Paul then begins to develop the heart of his own survival strategy for the last days. It involves a proper understanding of the Word of God. In verse 14 Paul reminds Timothy that the Word of God gives confidence in days of difficulty. It steadies the soul by giving us the absolute standard for truth. So Timothy is to remember both what he has learned and also who taught him the truth. CONSIDER YOUR TEACHERS. WHO TAUGHT OR IS TEACHING YOU. PONDER THEIR CHARACTER. Think of their sacrifice. That will keep you on the “straight and narrow” when you are tempted to turn to one side or the other. In verse 15 he reminds Timothy of his spiritual heritage: “And how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” This is the doctrine of the sufficiency of Holy Scripture. Notice how Paul puts it. The Bible brings wisdom that leads to salvation that comes to us through Christ Jesus and is received by faith. Said another way: God’s Word saves us. How? By the words that are written down: “the Holy Scriptures.” By the Wisdom in the Written Words: “able to make you wise.” By the Gospel the Words reveal: “wise for salvation.” By the Faith the Gospel Produces: “through Faith in Christ Jesus.” EVERYTHING WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GOING TO HEAVEN CAN BE FOUND IN THE BIBLE. NOTHING IS MISSING AND NOTHING NEEDS TO BE ADDED. The Bible is not an encyclopedia that covers every possible topic in the universe, but IT does tell us everything we need to know about the most important thing in the world: How to know God. The truth of the Word of God can save you, forgive you, justify you, sanctify you, purify you, transform you, regenerate you, and one day, IT will take you all the way home to heaven for all eternity. Everything we need to know about life with God can be found in the pages of the Bible. If we had needed to know anything else, God would have told us. The Bible is complete as IT stands, a finished product that will produce in us a new life, a godly life, a growing life, a fruitful life, a loving life, a Christ-like life, eternal life, the very life of God Himself. πŸ‘‰ LET THE WORD OF GOD MAKE YOU COMPLETE. Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed to you, keep (guard) by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.” (2 Tim. 1:13-14) The “Sound Words” Paul refers to here include all Scripture, but they refer specifically to the truth of the mystery, that message given by revelation to the Apostle Paul for this present dispensation. Just as God entrusted this message of grace initially to Paul, Paul entrusted it to Timothy, and we are to entrust it to others as well (2 Tim. 2:2). It is vital that we “hold fast” to this truth and “keep” (or guard) it, not in our own power, but by the power of the Holy Spirit. We need men and women, young people and children, who will take a stand for God’s Word, who will “not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of Paul, His prisoner” but will be willing to “share in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God” (2 Tim. 1:8), 16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17. That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2Ti 3: 16-17) May our Almighty God and Father grant us more Grace and Strength to hold fast our Faith even in these trying times, in Christ Jesus' Name Amen πŸ™‡πŸ™!
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  • EVEN IN A DEVIL MESSED UP WORLD, CHRIST JESUS STILL EXPECTS US TO BE CLEAN! (ROM.2:1)

    PLEASE, DON'T DOUBT WE'RE NECK DEEP IN THE BIBLE PROPHECIED PERILOUS TIMES! [2TIM. 3:1...] (PART TWO)

    Welcome back.
    I included this to refreshen our minds as we continue from where we stopped.

    “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.”
    (2 Timothy 3:1.)

    Apostle Paul, was writing from a prison cell in Rome, knowing that his own death was at hand. He was warning his young protégé Timothy of difficult days to come. Although he never loses his faith in God, it is clear that he was deeply concerned about the trends he saw all around him.

    Hard times were coming; days of stress were just around the corner. If a man was not ready, if he didn’t brace himself in advance, he might be washed away when things got really hot. Evidence around us confirms the authenticity of Paul's warning. AS A MATTER OF FACT, THE DEVIL IS NO LONGER HIDING, YET MANY OF US, SIMPLY REFUSED TO SEE HIM,AND IT'S SADDENING.

    Condemnation of Apostate Leaders;

    Verses 6-9 describe how these false teachers spread their insidious spiritual venom.

    First, they prey on weak people. “They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth” (II Timothy 3:6-7).

    The term “weak-willed women” certainly does not describe all women, but rather a certain class of women who are unusually gullible. They carry a load of guilt for their sins, and they let their sinful desires (perhaps a reference to sexual immorality) get them into all sorts of bad situations. The principle applies generally to all those who are easily led and easily confused.

    Second, these false teachers are nothing new. When Paul mentions Jannes and Jambres in verse 8, he is referring to the Jewish tradition that named these two men as the leaders of the Egyptian magicians who opposed Moses in the book of Exodus. And how did they oppose him? By counterfeiting or duplicating some of the early plagues. For instance, when Moses turned the rivers into blood and called forth the plague of frogs, the magicians did the same things. This suggests to me that in the last days, there will be some spiritual leaders who are so in touch with demons that they will somehow counterfeit or duplicate the miracles of God, and millions will believe their deception.

    Perhaps it is no coincidence that Paul used a word for “terrible” times that was only used elsewhere of demonized individuals (Matthew 8:28). Certainly there will be an outbreak of demonism in the last days leading up to the return of Christ Jesus to establish His Kingdom on the earth. The greater point is, the false teachers of Paul’s day, and the false teachers of our day, and the false teachers of the final days, are all cut from the same cloth. They’ve been around for a long time.

    Third, their success will be limited and temporary (v. 9). They won’t be around forever because God will make it clear when He deals with them. Just as the waters that parted for Moses also drowned the Egyptian army, even so the Hand of God that saves His children will come down in crushing judgment on the false teachers.

    Three Survival Strategies;

    So,as it is now that we have known the period we are in, how do avoid making ourselves victims of the devil's vengeance?
    30. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
    31. Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. (Act 17: 30-31)

    If this is what we have to look forward to (and it is), how then should we live? How will we survive the “savage days” that are coming our way? Verse 10 emphasizes that Christians are called to be different. “Timothy, you were called by God to make a difference by standing strong. Don’t be discouraged by world conditions. Don’t let the world change you. Instead, go out and by God’s grace change the world.”(paraphrased)

    The last part of this chapter suggests three very practical survival strategies for the perilous, difficult, dangerous days in which we live.
    When we return, we shall consider some methods that the Bible prescribed for us to use to escape the victimisation of our common enemy...!
    EVEN IN A DEVIL MESSED UP WORLD, CHRIST JESUS STILL EXPECTS US TO BE CLEAN! (ROM.2:1) πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯ PLEASE, DON'T DOUBTπŸ‘‰ WE'RE NECK DEEP IN THE BIBLE PROPHECIED PERILOUS TIMES! [2TIM. 3:1...] (PART TWO) ⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑ Welcome back. I included thisπŸ‘‡ to refreshen our minds as we continue from where we stopped. “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” (2 Timothy 3:1.) Apostle Paul, was writing from a prison cell in Rome, knowing that his own death was at hand. He was warning his young protégé Timothy of difficult days to come. Although he never loses his faith in God, it is clear that he was deeply concerned about the trends he saw all around him. Hard times were coming; days of stress were just around the corner. If a man was not ready, if he didn’t brace himself in advance, he might be washed away when things got really hot. Evidence around us confirms the authenticity of Paul's warning. AS A MATTER OF FACT, THE DEVIL IS NO LONGER HIDING, YET MANY OF US, SIMPLY REFUSED TO SEE HIM,AND IT'S SADDENING. πŸ‘‰Condemnation of Apostate Leaders; Verses 6-9 describe how these false teachers spread their insidious spiritual venom.πŸ‘‡ First, they prey on weak people. “They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth” (II Timothy 3:6-7). The term “weak-willed women” certainly does not describe all women, but rather a certain class of women who are unusually gullible. They carry a load of guilt for their sins, and they let their sinful desires (perhaps a reference to sexual immorality) get them into all sorts of bad situations. The principle applies generally to all those who are easily led and easily confused. πŸ‘‡ Second, these false teachers are nothing new. When Paul mentions Jannes and Jambres in verse 8, he is referring to the Jewish tradition that named these two men as the leaders of the Egyptian magicians who opposed Moses in the book of Exodus. And how did they oppose him? By counterfeiting or duplicating some of the early plagues. For instance, when Moses turned the rivers into blood and called forth the plague of frogs, the magicians did the same things. This suggests to me that in the last days, there will be some spiritual leaders who are so in touch with demons that they will somehow counterfeit or duplicate the miracles of God, and millions will believe their deception. Perhaps it is no coincidence that Paul used a word for “terrible” times that was only used elsewhere of demonized individuals (Matthew 8:28). Certainly there will be an outbreak of demonism in the last days leading up to the return of Christ Jesus to establish His Kingdom on the earth. The greater point is, the false teachers of Paul’s day, and the false teachers of our day, and the false teachers of the final days, are all cut from the same cloth. They’ve been around for a long time. πŸ‘‰Third, their success will be limited and temporary (v. 9). They won’t be around forever because God will make it clear when He deals with them. Just as the waters that parted for Moses also drowned the Egyptian army, even so the Hand of God that saves His children will come down in crushing judgment on the false teachers. πŸ‘‰Three Survival Strategies; ⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑ So,as it is now that we have known the period we are in, how do avoid making ourselves victims of the devil's vengeance? 30. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31. Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. (Act 17: 30-31) If this is what we have to look forward to (and it is), how then should we live? How will we survive the “savage days” that are coming our way? Verse 10 emphasizes that Christians are called to be different. “Timothy, you were called by God to make a difference by standing strong. Don’t be discouraged by world conditions. Don’t let the world change you. Instead, go out and by God’s grace change the world.”(paraphrased) The last part of this chapter suggests three very practical survival strategies for the perilous, difficult, dangerous days in which we live. When we return, we shall consider some methods that the Bible prescribed for us to use to escape the victimisation of our common enemy...πŸ™‡πŸ™!
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  • EVEN IN A DEVIL MESSED UP WORLD, CHRIST JESUS STILL EXPECTS US TO BE CLEAN! (ROM.2:1)

    PLEASE, DON'T DOUBT WE'RE NECK DEEP IN THE BIBLE PROPHECIED PERILOUS TIMES! [2TIM. 3:1...] (PART TWO)

    Welcome back.
    I included this to refreshen our minds as we continue from where we stopped.

    “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.”
    (2 Timothy 3:1.)

    Apostle Paul, was writing from a prison cell in Rome, knowing that his own death was at hand. He was warning his young protégé Timothy of difficult days to come. Although he never loses his faith in God, it is clear that he was deeply concerned about the trends he saw all around him.

    Hard times were coming; days of stress were just around the corner. If a man was not ready, if he didn’t brace himself in advance, he might be washed away when things got really hot. Evidence around us confirms the authenticity of Paul's warning. AS A MATTER OF FACT, THE DEVIL IS NO LONGER HIDING, YET MANY OF US, SIMPLY REFUSED TO SEE HIM,AND IT'S SADDENING.

    Condemnation of Apostate Leaders;

    Verses 6-9 describe how these false teachers spread their insidious spiritual venom.

    First, they prey on weak people. “They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth” (II Timothy 3:6-7).

    The term “weak-willed women” certainly does not describe all women, but rather a certain class of women who are unusually gullible. They carry a load of guilt for their sins, and they let their sinful desires (perhaps a reference to sexual immorality) get them into all sorts of bad situations. The principle applies generally to all those who are easily led and easily confused.

    Second, these false teachers are nothing new. When Paul mentions Jannes and Jambres in verse 8, he is referring to the Jewish tradition that named these two men as the leaders of the Egyptian magicians who opposed Moses in the book of Exodus. And how did they oppose him? By counterfeiting or duplicating some of the early plagues. For instance, when Moses turned the rivers into blood and called forth the plague of frogs, the magicians did the same things. This suggests to me that in the last days, there will be some spiritual leaders who are so in touch with demons that they will somehow counterfeit or duplicate the miracles of God, and millions will believe their deception.

    Perhaps it is no coincidence that Paul used a word for “terrible” times that was only used elsewhere of demonized individuals (Matthew 8:28). Certainly there will be an outbreak of demonism in the last days leading up to the return of Christ Jesus to establish His Kingdom on the earth. The greater point is, the false teachers of Paul’s day, and the false teachers of our day, and the false teachers of the final days, are all cut from the same cloth. They’ve been around for a long time.

    Third, their success will be limited and temporary (v. 9). They won’t be around forever because God will make it clear when He deals with them. Just as the waters that parted for Moses also drowned the Egyptian army, even so the Hand of God that saves His children will come down in crushing judgment on the false teachers.

    Three Survival Strategies;

    So,as it is now that we have known the period we are in, how do avoid making ourselves victims of the devil's vengeance?
    30. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
    31. Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. (Act 17: 30-31)

    If this is what we have to look forward to (and it is), how then should we live? How will we survive the “savage days” that are coming our way? Verse 10 emphasizes that Christians are called to be different. “Timothy, you were called by God to make a difference by standing strong. Don’t be discouraged by world conditions. Don’t let the world change you. Instead, go out and by God’s grace change the world.”(paraphrased)

    The last part of this chapter suggests three very practical survival strategies for the perilous, difficult, dangerous days in which we live.
    When we return, we shall consider some methods that the Bible prescribed for us to use to escape the victimisation of our common enemy...!
    EVEN IN A DEVIL MESSED UP WORLD, CHRIST JESUS STILL EXPECTS US TO BE CLEAN! (ROM.2:1) πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯ PLEASE, DON'T DOUBTπŸ‘‰ WE'RE NECK DEEP IN THE BIBLE PROPHECIED PERILOUS TIMES! [2TIM. 3:1...] (PART TWO) ⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑ Welcome back. I included thisπŸ‘‡ to refreshen our minds as we continue from where we stopped. “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” (2 Timothy 3:1.) Apostle Paul, was writing from a prison cell in Rome, knowing that his own death was at hand. He was warning his young protégé Timothy of difficult days to come. Although he never loses his faith in God, it is clear that he was deeply concerned about the trends he saw all around him. Hard times were coming; days of stress were just around the corner. If a man was not ready, if he didn’t brace himself in advance, he might be washed away when things got really hot. Evidence around us confirms the authenticity of Paul's warning. AS A MATTER OF FACT, THE DEVIL IS NO LONGER HIDING, YET MANY OF US, SIMPLY REFUSED TO SEE HIM,AND IT'S SADDENING. πŸ‘‰Condemnation of Apostate Leaders; Verses 6-9 describe how these false teachers spread their insidious spiritual venom.πŸ‘‡ First, they prey on weak people. “They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth” (II Timothy 3:6-7). The term “weak-willed women” certainly does not describe all women, but rather a certain class of women who are unusually gullible. They carry a load of guilt for their sins, and they let their sinful desires (perhaps a reference to sexual immorality) get them into all sorts of bad situations. The principle applies generally to all those who are easily led and easily confused. πŸ‘‡ Second, these false teachers are nothing new. When Paul mentions Jannes and Jambres in verse 8, he is referring to the Jewish tradition that named these two men as the leaders of the Egyptian magicians who opposed Moses in the book of Exodus. And how did they oppose him? By counterfeiting or duplicating some of the early plagues. For instance, when Moses turned the rivers into blood and called forth the plague of frogs, the magicians did the same things. This suggests to me that in the last days, there will be some spiritual leaders who are so in touch with demons that they will somehow counterfeit or duplicate the miracles of God, and millions will believe their deception. Perhaps it is no coincidence that Paul used a word for “terrible” times that was only used elsewhere of demonized individuals (Matthew 8:28). Certainly there will be an outbreak of demonism in the last days leading up to the return of Christ Jesus to establish His Kingdom on the earth. The greater point is, the false teachers of Paul’s day, and the false teachers of our day, and the false teachers of the final days, are all cut from the same cloth. They’ve been around for a long time. πŸ‘‰Third, their success will be limited and temporary (v. 9). They won’t be around forever because God will make it clear when He deals with them. Just as the waters that parted for Moses also drowned the Egyptian army, even so the Hand of God that saves His children will come down in crushing judgment on the false teachers. πŸ‘‰Three Survival Strategies; ⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑ So,as it is now that we have known the period we are in, how do avoid making ourselves victims of the devil's vengeance? 30. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31. Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. (Act 17: 30-31) If this is what we have to look forward to (and it is), how then should we live? How will we survive the “savage days” that are coming our way? Verse 10 emphasizes that Christians are called to be different. “Timothy, you were called by God to make a difference by standing strong. Don’t be discouraged by world conditions. Don’t let the world change you. Instead, go out and by God’s grace change the world.”(paraphrased) The last part of this chapter suggests three very practical survival strategies for the perilous, difficult, dangerous days in which we live. When we return, we shall consider some methods that the Bible prescribed for us to use to escape the victimisation of our common enemy...πŸ™‡πŸ™!
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  • THAT I MAY KNOW HIM.[PHP.3:10]

    VOWS ARE SACRED; LESSONS FROM JEPHTHAH THE BROKEN LEADER AND HIS DAUGHTER (JUDGES 11:1-3,30-35) {PT. TWO}

    We parted with a promise to examine Jepthhah's story and extract some lessons from it. Every Scripture has lessons to be learnt, about what God WANTS from US and His RESPONSE to our APPLICATION or NON-APPLICATION OF WHAT WE LEARNT IN OUR LIVES.

    Let's refresh our minds first

    We saw Jephthah make an impulsive and rash vow to God, his daughter responds with both courage and lament. The story of Jephthah’s daughter in Judges 11 urges us to consider the kinds of vows we make before God and the impact those vows have upon those around us. For instance;

    Have you begged:
    “If you let my grandmother get out of the hospital, I will go to church every Sunday.”

    “If you keep me from going to jail, I will never break the law again.”

    “If you help me with this one thing, I will never ask for anything else in the world.”

    At some point, I’m sure we all have made some sort of vow to the Lord.

    And there’s nothing wrong with making vows to God. In fact, we do so in the life of the church all the time. Deacons and elders make vows. Spouses make vows to each other and to God on wedding days. The congregation makes vows at the baptism of children. There is nothing wrong with making vows.

    But, the kind of vows we make matters. Are we making vows to God that God would never want us to make? Or, are we making vows that honour the Lord?

    Jephthah made a vow to God that God would have detested, but Jephthah’s daughter promised her father she would submit to him and honor him if he granted her space to grieve.

    Time and again throughout Scripture, God expresses horror at child sacrifice. In fact, the only time God asked for a child sacrifice was in Genesis 22 when Abraham was instructed to take his son, Isaac, on top of the mountain to be sacrificed. There on the mountain, the LORD provided a ram, a clean, unblemished, appropriate animal for the sacrifice, which spared the innocent child.

    Now, let's pick out some Truths we need to embrace in our lives from this study or teaching.

    Keeping your word. Jephthah made a rash, unwise vow to God in exchange for a military victory.

    God granted Jephthah’s request and now it came to the time for Jephthah to fulfill his vow to God. As difficult and heartbreaking this has been to Jephthah, he still chose to keep his vow to God. One of the CHARACTERISTICS of the PEOPLE who would DWELL with the LORD are the PEOPLE who KEEP their WORDS.
    This is certainly what defines Jephthah and this should also be the same thing that should be said about us Christians. Never make promises that you are not able to fulfill OR,YOU DO NOT INTEND TO FULFILL. When you don’t keep your word, you lose credibility.
    Christians are expected to be keepers of their word. Can people trust us with our words? Are they able to believe us when we say something? Are we truthful with the words we say? TODAY,A LARGER PROPORTION OF BOTH PASTORS AND CHRISTIANS HAVE RESORTED TO, *DO AS I SAY, NOT AS I DO!* AND AS A RESULT, WE'VE LOST CREDIBILITY IN THE SIGHT OF THOSE WE'RE SUPPOSED TO PREACH CHRIST JESUS TO.

    Even worse,are those of who stick to pastors who have clearly sidelined The Bible and are preaching themselves, because our darkened consciences are soothed.
    Christians are supposed to be a living testimony and example to unbelievers and believers alike. If our words and actions do not agree, how would we be able to influence others? How will they see the character that God wants us to develop? How will they seriously take the truths we say? It is very clear that God expects us to be truthful.

    Jephthah did not sacrifice his daughter as a burnt offering. Most skeptics and enemies of The Holy Bible use the story of Jephthah to prove that we are serving an illogical and unreasonable God. No doubts, Judges 11 is a difficult Scripture. A quick examination and deeper investigation will reveal to us the real truth about Jephthah’s sacrifice. What we thought to be a story of human sacrifice is actually a story of a man full of faith in God’s mercy and justice. And undoubtedly, he offered his daughter for the service of God, just like Hannah devoting Samuel to the work of God. The point of the story is about a man’s faith and the keeping of promises. IF PROMISES OR VOWS WE MAKE TURNS OUT TO BE MORE DIFFICULT THAN WE EXPECTED, DO WE JETTISON THEM OR KEEP THEM AT THE EXPENSE OF OUR PAIN OR INCONVENIENCE?
    Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. (Ecc 5: 2)
    God expects us to keep our vows,hence we should not be hasty in making them. Also read Matt.14:9(Herod and John the Baptist)

    Understanding the faithfulness of Jephthah. Jephthah made it into the faith chapter of Hebrews 11 in that many people were affected by Jephthah’s vow. The vow’s effect was not just on Jephthah but to the many people around him. While it is very obvious that Jephthah’s vow was hasty and unwise, he nevertheless kept his vow to God. Jephthah probably knows about the importance of paying one’s vow to God (Deuteronomy 23:21-23). Jephthah kept his promise even if it was to his own hurt (Psalm 15:4). With this in mind, we can see that Jephthah’s keeping of his vow was an act of faith! Jephthah used his eyes of faith to capture the vision of a better hope of God’s promises which is GREATER than all what he had hoped for during his physical life. This is the true testimony of Jephthah’s faith and we can see here the reason why he was included in the faith chapter. “Therefore, we can conclude that Jephthah lived a life of courage, faith, integrity, and vision.”

    We may suffer because of the sins of others. Jephthah’s mother was a prostitute. This was certainly an act of infidelity on the part of his father. His father sinned and Jephthah came into the world with the fact that he is an illegitimate son. At a very young age, Jephthah has to deal with the result of his father’s sin. When his half-brothers grew up and it was time to divide the inheritance of their father, Jephthah was rejected by his brothers. His half-brothers considered him to be an illegitimate son and therefore, should not receive any inheritance. The main lesson here is that people can suffer because of the sins of others. It is wrong to automatically assume that people suffer because of their own sins. As Christians, we must always remember that our sins will not just affect us, but also the people around us. However, that son, Jephthah, did not allow that rejection to control his life. Instead, he became a mighty warrior and a man of valour. We can all be Jephthah in this regard. Instead of lamenting the suffering we experience because of the sins of others, we need to realize that there is always hope. God allows certain things to happen because He puts more importance on building your character instead of enjoying a comfortable life.

    We must be close to God not only during the bad times. We are called to develop an intimate and wonderful relationship with God. Our relationship must be constant and not conditional. We must be close to God both during the good and bad times of our lives. Sadly, we see PEOPLE who can EASILY FORGET GOD when THEY LACK NOTHING. They are TOO PROUD to CALL on the LORD, BEND their KNEES, and PRAY to GOD because of the MANY BLESSINGS they ENJOY. But when THINGS get too DIFFICULT and ALL ELSE FAIL, they TURN to GOD as the LAST RESORT.

    GOD IS NOT A SPARE TIRE THAT WE ONLY NOTICE WHEN WE HAVE A FLAT TIRE OR AN UMBRELLA THAT WE REMEMBER ONLY WHEN IT'S RAINING OR THE SUN IS TOO HARSH ON US.
    We must have a close relationship with God to the point that He is the center of our lives. He is a powerful and Majestic God and yet, He calls us His children and we can intimately cry out to Him, “Abba, Father!” This is the most magnificent and spectacular truth that we must all recognize. It is better to live a life constantly close to God rather than just remembering Him when tragedies strike. Remember, a time will come when you will seek God and He will no longer be found (Isaiah 55:6).

    Conclusively, Jephthah was a rejected son of a prostitute woman. He stepped up to the challenge and became the judge of Israel. Though his life was not perfect and we can certainly list some of his faults,and so are we, God still used him to fulfill His purpose. There were a lot of messages on Jephthah that we can learn from his story. We can be faithful like Jephthah and we can certainly be sure that God will be there in every step of the way!

    Amen !
    THAT I MAY KNOW HIM.[PHP.3:10] πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯πŸš₯ VOWS ARE SACRED; LESSONS FROM JEPHTHAH THE BROKEN LEADER AND HIS DAUGHTER (JUDGES 11:1-3,30-35) {PT. TWO} ✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️ We parted with a promise to examine Jepthhah's story and extract some lessons from it. Every Scripture has lessons to be learnt, about what God WANTS from US and His RESPONSE to our APPLICATION or NON-APPLICATION OF WHAT WE LEARNT IN OUR LIVES. Let's refresh our minds firstπŸ‘‡ We saw Jephthah make an impulsive and rash vow to God, his daughter responds with both courage and lament. The story of Jephthah’s daughter in Judges 11 urges us to consider the kinds of vows we make before God and the impact those vows have upon those around us. For instance; Have you begged: “If you let my grandmother get out of the hospital, I will go to church every Sunday.” “If you keep me from going to jail, I will never break the law again.” “If you help me with this one thing, I will never ask for anything else in the world.” At some point, I’m sure we all have made some sort of vow to the Lord. And there’s nothing wrong with making vows to God. In fact, we do so in the life of the church all the time. Deacons and elders make vows. Spouses make vows to each other and to God on wedding days. The congregation makes vows at the baptism of children. There is nothing wrong with making vows. But, the kind of vows we make matters. Are we making vows to God that God would never want us to make? Or, are we making vows that honour the Lord? Jephthah made a vow to God that God would have detested, but Jephthah’s daughter promised her father she would submit to him and honor him if he granted her space to grieve. Time and again throughout Scripture, God expresses horror at child sacrifice. In fact, the only time God asked for a child sacrifice was in Genesis 22 when Abraham was instructed to take his son, Isaac, on top of the mountain to be sacrificed. There on the mountain, the LORD provided a ram, a clean, unblemished, appropriate animal for the sacrifice, which spared the innocent child. Now, let's pick out some Truths we need to embrace in our lives from this study or teaching. πŸ‘‰Keeping your word. Jephthah made a rash, unwise vow to God in exchange for a military victory. God granted Jephthah’s request and now it came to the time for Jephthah to fulfill his vow to God. As difficult and heartbreaking this has been to Jephthah, he still chose to keep his vow to God. One of the CHARACTERISTICS of the PEOPLE who would DWELL with the LORD are the PEOPLE who KEEP their WORDS. This is certainly what defines Jephthah and this should also be the same thing that should be said about us Christians. Never make promises that you are not able to fulfill OR,YOU DO NOT INTEND TO FULFILL. When you don’t keep your word, you lose credibility. Christians are expected to be keepers of their word. Can people trust us with our words? Are they able to believe us when we say something? Are we truthful with the words we say? TODAY,A LARGER PROPORTION OF BOTH PASTORS AND CHRISTIANS HAVE RESORTED TO, *DO AS I SAY, NOT AS I DO!* AND AS A RESULT, WE'VE LOST CREDIBILITY IN THE SIGHT OF THOSE WE'RE SUPPOSED TO PREACH CHRIST JESUS TO. Even worse,are those of who stick to pastors who have clearly sidelined The Bible and are preaching themselves, because our darkened consciences are soothed. Christians are supposed to be a living testimony and example to unbelievers and believers alike. If our words and actions do not agree, how would we be able to influence others? How will they see the character that God wants us to develop? How will they seriously take the truths we say? It is very clear that God expects us to be truthful. πŸ‘‰ Jephthah did not sacrifice his daughter as a burnt offering. Most skeptics and enemies of The Holy Bible use the story of Jephthah to prove that we are serving an illogical and unreasonable God. No doubts, Judges 11 is a difficult Scripture. A quick examination and deeper investigation will reveal to us the real truth about Jephthah’s sacrifice. What we thought to be a story of human sacrifice is actually a story of a man full of faith in God’s mercy and justice. And undoubtedly, he offered his daughter for the service of God, just like Hannah devoting Samuel to the work of God. The point of the story is about a man’s faith and the keeping of promises. IF PROMISES OR VOWS WE MAKE TURNS OUT TO BE MORE DIFFICULT THAN WE EXPECTED, DO WE JETTISON THEM OR KEEP THEM AT THE EXPENSE OF OUR PAIN OR INCONVENIENCE? Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. (Ecc 5: 2) God expects us to keep our vows,hence we should not be hasty in making them. Also read Matt.14:9(Herod and John the Baptist) πŸ‘‰Understanding the faithfulness of Jephthah. Jephthah made it into the faith chapter of Hebrews 11 in that many people were affected by Jephthah’s vow. The vow’s effect was not just on Jephthah but to the many people around him. While it is very obvious that Jephthah’s vow was hasty and unwise, he nevertheless kept his vow to God. Jephthah probably knows about the importance of paying one’s vow to God (Deuteronomy 23:21-23). Jephthah kept his promise even if it was to his own hurt (Psalm 15:4). With this in mind, we can see that Jephthah’s keeping of his vow was an act of faith! Jephthah used his eyes of faith to capture the vision of a better hope of God’s promises which is GREATER than all what he had hoped for during his physical life. This is the true testimony of Jephthah’s faith and we can see here the reason why he was included in the faith chapter. “Therefore, we can conclude that Jephthah lived a life of courage, faith, integrity, and vision.” πŸ‘‰ We may suffer because of the sins of others. Jephthah’s mother was a prostitute. This was certainly an act of infidelity on the part of his father. His father sinned and Jephthah came into the world with the fact that he is an illegitimate son. At a very young age, Jephthah has to deal with the result of his father’s sin. When his half-brothers grew up and it was time to divide the inheritance of their father, Jephthah was rejected by his brothers. His half-brothers considered him to be an illegitimate son and therefore, should not receive any inheritance. The main lesson here is that people can suffer because of the sins of others. It is wrong to automatically assume that people suffer because of their own sins. As Christians, we must always remember that our sins will not just affect us, but also the people around us. However, that son, Jephthah, did not allow that rejection to control his life. Instead, he became a mighty warrior and a man of valour. We can all be Jephthah in this regard. Instead of lamenting the suffering we experience because of the sins of others, we need to realize that there is always hope. God allows certain things to happen because He puts more importance on building your character instead of enjoying a comfortable life. πŸ‘‰ We must be close to God not only during the bad times. We are called to develop an intimate and wonderful relationship with God. Our relationship must be constant and not conditional. We must be close to God both during the good and bad times of our lives. Sadly, we see PEOPLE who can EASILY FORGET GOD when THEY LACK NOTHING. They are TOO PROUD to CALL on the LORD, BEND their KNEES, and PRAY to GOD because of the MANY BLESSINGS they ENJOY. But when THINGS get too DIFFICULT and ALL ELSE FAIL, they TURN to GOD as the LAST RESORT. GOD IS NOT A SPARE TIRE THAT WE ONLY NOTICE WHEN WE HAVE A FLAT TIRE OR AN UMBRELLA THAT WE REMEMBER ONLY WHEN IT'S RAINING OR THE SUN IS TOO HARSH ON US. We must have a close relationship with God to the point that He is the center of our lives. He is a powerful and Majestic God and yet, He calls us His children and we can intimately cry out to Him, “Abba, Father!” This is the most magnificent and spectacular truth that we must all recognize. It is better to live a life constantly close to God rather than just remembering Him when tragedies strike. Remember, a time will come when you will seek God and He will no longer be found (Isaiah 55:6). Conclusively, Jephthah was a rejected son of a prostitute woman. He stepped up to the challenge and became the judge of Israel. Though his life was not perfect and we can certainly list some of his faults,and so are we, God still used him to fulfill His purpose. There were a lot of messages on Jephthah that we can learn from his story. We can be faithful like Jephthah and we can certainly be sure that God will be there in every step of the way! Amen πŸ™‡πŸ™!
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