Spiritual Wisdom

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

 Galatians 5:16-18

While camping this week in Virginia’s beautiful Hungry Mother State Park, I read the book of Proverbs a couple of times. I love that book because it is packed full with wisdom! It contains words of instruction, rebuke, and encouragement. It tells us about sin, as well as, the consequences of sin. It tells us what God hates and destroys. While it also tells us what God loves and rewards.  

Since there is so much wisdom found in the book of Proverbs, beginning next week, I will start a series on that book. On our journey through Proverbs, we will feast on many dainty morsels of wisdom, but we will also chew on some tough pieces of meat. But in the end, we will be wiser.

Unfortunately, it is impossible for most of us to memorize all of the wisdom found in the book of Proverbs, much less implement it in our life. That is because our sinful flesh always attempts to lead us astray. We are weak when we rely upon our own power.

In the book of Romans, Paul writes this about his sinful flesh. “I don't understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do the very thing I hate…. But I can't help myself, because it is sin inside me that makes me do these evil things” (Romans 7:15-17, NLT).

Is Paul telling us that sin in our life is acceptable because our flesh is weak? Does this mean, “God created us and He knew that we are sinful, therefore, we can continue living in sin because God understands”? 

Absolutely not!

God recognized that we are sinful so He provided a way that we can escape from sin. That way is through the crucified Christ. Christ’s sacrifice freed us from bondage to sin.

Listen to Paul, “Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord….” (Romans 7:25, NLT).

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh” (Romans 8:1-3, emphasis mine).

Sin’s power is broken as long as you, “…walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:4). If you refuse to walk after the Spirit and continue to walk after your sinful flesh, you have not fully surrendered yourself Christ Jesus. Consequently, you remain bound to sin.

In fact, if you do not have Christ’s Spirit in you, then you do not truly belong to Him. “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his” (Romans 8:9).

I know those are strong words, but I am sharpening your teeth before we begin our journey into Proverbs next week.

Many churches have watered down God’s Word until it no longer even resembles God’s Word. These churches forget to mention, “Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance” (Matthew 3:8). And since they don’t want to rattle any chains, they may not say, “For he himself has said, ‘You must be holy because I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:16, NLT).

This week, I have thrown out some tough meat for you to gnaw on, but please meditate on this week’s Scriptures. These Scriptures will help you on your future journey through Proverbs.

While you are meditating on this week’s Scriptures, ask yourself a couple of questions. Do you have Christ’s Spirit within you? This means that you hear His voice and follow His commands (John 10:1-5, John 15:10, 1 John 5:1-4).  Are you walking by His Spirit and not by your flesh?

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

1 John 1:5-7 (emphasis mine)

Three Key Concepts:

1.  When you walk in the Spirit, you can overcome your flesh.

2.  If you are God’s child, then you have His Spirit within you.

3.  When you walk in the light (truth), the blood of Jesus cleanses you from sin.

Cleaning House

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ…with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ…deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

1 Corinthians 5:4-5

I did not fabricate this week’s opening verses. Although you may never hear these verses preached inside of your church, I promise you that they are in the Bible. But don’t take my word for it; instead, go get your Bible and read 1 Corinthians chapter 5.

We can no longer be content with churches that refuse to administer godly church discipline. It is time that we return to God’s design for His Holy Church. In other words, if we say that we are His Church, then we must operate as His Church.

In New Zealand, there is a city named Christchurch. This city, with a population of about 350,000 people, has been shaken to its very core. Since September 2010, it has registered around 7,500 earthquakes—if you ask me, that’s a whole bunch of shaking.

Personally, I think the name of this shaking city (Christchurch) is God’s warning to the Church. If we want to continue being Christ’s Church and continue operating in His Spirit, then we must shake things up and begin cleaning house, “…thou shalt put evil away from among you” (Deuteronomy 13:5, 17:7, 19:19, 22:21-22, 24:7).

Putting evil away from us does not refer to casting out sinners who come for help. Rather, it refers to church members who claim Christianity and yet they continue living lives of habitual sin. “…you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a Christian yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or a drunkard, or a swindler. Don't even eat with such people” (2 Corinthians 5:11, NLT).

Far too long, the Church has refused to clean its own house, and consequently, it has become contaminated with all sorts of sins.

In fact, we even cringe at the thought of giving someone over to Satan. However, God’s Word, as spoken by Apostle Paul to the Corinthian church, tells us that there is a point where we must release a wayward soul into the hands of our enemy, Satan. But we cannot do this lightly!

In a perfect world and in a perfect Christian church, no one would have to be delivered to Satan, because everyone would judge his or herself. “But let a man examine himself…” (1 Corinthians 11:28). “For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged” (1 Corinthians 11:31).

Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world; nor are there any perfect churches in this world. Thus, we encounter situations in which the saints of God are to judge their fellow man (a man who claims Christianity). We don’t judge in the spirit of hatred or malice; instead, we judge in the spirit of love…solely for the purpose of godly correction.

If a church member claims to be a Christian and yet refuses to turn from his or her sins, that member should be removed from Christian fellowship. The purpose of removing offenders from fellowship is to bring them shame, which causes them to repent of their sins. We simply want to save their souls. “…have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother” (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15).

Sin within the church body must be disciplined, because undisciplined sin can quickly contaminate the whole body. Therefore, we have to take a godly stand and stop condoning sin. Give the habitual sinner, who claims Christianity, over to Satan. “…Don't you realize that if even one person is allowed to go on sinning, soon all will be affected?” (1 Corinthians 5:6, NLT).

Christchurch, New Zealand, is being shaken. Likewise, Christ’s Church, is also being shaken. We must begin cleaning house and removing sin. Sin is a contaminating force that is like a deadly disease. If it is left untreated, it will quickly spread and destroy many (Joshua 7).

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

Ephesians 5:11

Three Key Concepts:

1.  We must discipline evil within the church walls.

2.  Undisciplined sin will spread within the church.

3.  In order to save souls, we must turn some people over to Satan.

The Repentant Man

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14

Today, all around the world, we hear and see the devastating effect of civilization’s moral decline. People are sliding into sinful depravity, such as the days of Sodom and Gomorrah. Unconcerned about their final destiny, wicked people rush headlong into the pit of sin, without looking back.

Unfortunately, this trend of moral decline has not only permeated individuals, families, and nations; it has also permeated many church members, ministers, and churches. All of these are lost souls who need a Savior. Jesus is that Savior.

Yes, I did include church members, ministers, and churches in my list of those who are in need of a Savior. They need a Saviour because true salvation requires a repentant heart, and that requirement is missing in many church messages.

I know this lesson may not sit well with some readers, because some people despise being told that they have to turn from their sins. Instead, they want to retain their sins and mix those sins with a head-knowledge of Jesus Christ; and at the same time, they claim to be saved. It will not work; therefore, I will teach God’s Word.

We are in the time of God’s grace and He is “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). However, do not mistake God’s grace as a license to sin (Jude 1:4).

Scriptures consistently throughout the Bible, stress that in order to be healed (salvation) there must be a repentant heart. Furthermore, true repentance is more than just dropping morsels of praise in an attempt to appease God and win His blessings. Rather, true repentance is a genuine sorrow evidenced by a complete change in attitude, which results in a turning from sin and a turning to God.

For example, prior to repentance, the sinful man is walking down a road in one direction. After repentance, that same man turns around and begins walking in the opposite direction. He does not just do a 45-degree turn and mix some sin with some holy, nor does he just do a 90-degree turn and mix half sin with half holy. Rather, the true repentant man does a 180-degree turn and he begins going in a complete opposite direction.

Quickly, everyone grab your Bible, turn to Luke 19:1-10, and read the story of Zacchaeus. After Zacchaeus had an encounter with Jesus, Zacchaeus repented. His repentance was more than just empty words. After he repented, Zacchaeus shared with the poor and returned that which he had stolen…he even gave back more than he had stolen. He felt a true sorrow for his sins that was evidenced by his actions.

Likewise, when a sinful man truly repents, his repentance will be evidenced by his actions. He will restore that which he had stolen (Ezekiel 33:14-16), and he will turn from sin that previously destroyed (Ezekiel 18:28). “…turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit…” (Ezekiel 18:30-31).

A godly sorrow, a broken spirit, a contrite heart, and a change in actions evidence a true repentant man (Psalms 51:17, Jonah 3:5-10, Joel 2: 13, James 4:4-10, 2 Corinthians 7:10, Matthew 21:28-32).

Moreover, when a true repentant man humbles himself before God and turns from his prior wicked ways, his sins are forgiven and his heart is healed (Isaiah 1:18-19, Jeremiah 18:8-9, Micah 7:5-9).

Compare the outcome of a repentant man with the outcome of an unrepentant man. Whereas the repentant man is forgiven and healed, the unrepentant man is cursed with pain, distress, sorrow, hardness, and destruction (Psalms 32:3-4, Romans 2:4-6, Lamentations 1:20, Isaiah 1:20).

While you are comparing the repentant man with the unrepentant man, open your Bibles to Matthew 27:3-5 and Matthew 26:75. What was the outcome of the unrepentant man, Judas, compared to the outcome of the repentant man, Peter?

Although we are still in the day of grace, we are also in the day of the itchy ear syndrome. Many churches have abandoned God’s requirement of a repentant man. Please do not make this mistake. If you discover that you have sinned, truly repent with a godly sorrow.

Additionally, have nothing to do with a rebellious man who has knowingly turned his back to God. “..Deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus” (1 Corinthians 5:5).

So you see, you can harbor a ship that is adrift on the open seas, you can harbor a man that is blinded since birth, but you had better not harbor the rebellious man (Titus 1:20, Ephesians 5:11, 2 Thessalonians 3:6 & 14).

If you harbor the rebellious man or if you, yourself, are a rebellious man, then on the judgment day, you just may hear a famous line from an old show of “I Love Lucy.” Ricky Ricardo would say, “Lucy, you got some splainin to do!”  

Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

Isaiah 55:6-7

Three Key Concepts

1.  A repentant man is evidenced through his actions.

2.  God restores and heals the true repentant man.

3.  Turn the unrepentant man over to Satan.

Wise Sayings for Wise Living

If you are too lazy to plow in the right season, you will have no food at the harvest. If you love sleep, you will end in poverty. Keep your eyes open, and there will be plenty to eat!

Proverbs 20:4, 13 (NLT)

Friends, this week we are going to look at a few Scriptures from one of my favorite books in the Bible, the book of Proverbs. I love that book!

Although Proverbs is only thirty-one chapters long, it contains many valuable nuggets of wisdom. That wisdom, if implemented, can improve our lives—financially, domestically, and spiritually.

So if you haven’t already read Proverbs, then read it. Moreover, if you have already read it, then read it again. You cannot read it too many times.

So let’s get started and jump right into our opening verses, Proverbs 20:4 and 13.

Verse 4 encompasses more than just plowing and growing food. That one verse teaches us that in order to enjoy a harvest, we must diligently work. In addition to working for our current needs, we must also carefully plan and save for our future needs.

Oh, I realize that working, planning, and saving are not popular words in our society today. At times, our flesh man can become lazy. In addition, we sometimes lust for instant gratification, and consequently, we end up wasting money on unnecessary things. Really, how many cars, trucks, or motorcycles can one person drive at a time?

Verse 13, suggests that if we keep our eyes open and look for good opportunities, we will find them; “…there will be plenty to eat.”

From those two short verses (4 and 13), we learn that we should diligently work, save and plan. If we do our part, then God promises to provide our needs. On the other hand, if we follow our flesh and insist on wasting money, then we should not cry when we cannot buy groceries or pay rent. Our needs are more important than our wants; thus, we must first learn to save and plan for our needs.

“The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children after them” (Proverbs 20:7, NLT). Christian parents love their children, and as such, they are willing to do everything that they can to help them. Proverbs 20:7 tells us how we can help our children…walk with integrity.

According to Webster’s Universal College Dictionary (2001), integrity means “uncompromising adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.”  From that same dictionary, we learn that blessed means; “consecrated; sacred;” “divinely or supremely favored;” and “blissfully happy.”

Thus, when we live and walk in an uncompromising adherence to God’s Word, our children are favored of God and they will ultimately be blissfully happy. A parent’s obedience to God has a direct affect on his or her children.

“Ears to hear and eyes to see—both are gifts from the Lord” (Proverbs 20: 12, NLT). This short verse reminds us that everything good comes from God. Not only does this include our physical ears and eyes, but it also includes our spiritual ears and eyes. They are all gifts from God!

God offers each of us an opportunity to enter into a spiritual relationship with Him. When we take Him up on His offer and accept His gift, then our spiritual ears and eyes miraculously open. We begin to hear and see the works of God’s Spirit. We hear Him speak to our hearts and we see His hand at work, performing miracles on our behalf.

Before we were spiritually reborn, we were completely ignorant of many things. Of course, we never admitted our ignorance because we were unaware that we were ignorant! That’s how blind we were in our fallen state.

In fact, some of us might have fallen for the “big bang” lie. That is one science concept that I could never fully grasp.

I simply could not understand how a cosmic explosion could meticulously create the heavens and the Earth without a divine guiding hand. That never made sense to me because most explosions destroy rather than create. So if there was not a divine Creator orchestrating a big explosion, how could the wonders of nature and the complexities of our bodies have miraculously formed?

I love the wisdom found in Proverbs and I could write all day about them. But if I did that, you might not return next week; therefore, let’s look at one more verse, Proverbs 20:22.

“Don't say, ‘I will get even for this wrong.’ Wait for the Lord to handle the matter” (Proverbs 20:22, NLT).  In other words, don’t worry about paying someone back for his or her wickedness. Besides, worrying causes wrinkles!

God is more than capable of handling wicked culprits who delight in mistreating, gossiping, or hating His children. Instead of worrying about our enemies, we should spend our time productively walking with integrity. Time is too short to waste!

Our God, who created everything, is more than capable of handling all wrongdoers. In His time, which will be the right time, the Creator can easily create a big hole to swallow up the wicked.

Let’s review the wisdom in those five short verses (Proverbs 20:1, 7, 12, 13, 22). We learned that we should walk with integrity, work with diligence, plan and save for our future, recognize God as the giver of good things, and let God handle our enemies. When we do these things, we will be blessed. Not only will we be blessed, but our children will be blessed too.

 How can we understand the road we travel? It is the Lord who directs our steps.

 Proverbs 20:24 (NLT)

Three Key Concepts:

1.  When we diligently work and save, we will reap a harvest.

2.  Our children are blessed when we walk with integrity.

3.  Every good thing comes from God.

Speak Up!

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.

Psalms 138:7 (KJV)

Saint of God, you are in a war. You are constantly battling against wicked principalities of the air. These principalities are evil spirits, and they control people who refuse to come into the light of the Lord Jesus Christ. Sometimes, you have to defend yourself with your shield (faith), and other times you have to thrust at your enemy with your sword (Word of God). You are battling against the deceived who like the dark because they do not want to turn from their sins.

If you are a true Saint, then you are filled with God’s Spirit and His light; consequently, the deceived will hate you. “…men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved” (John 3:19-20, KJV).

Daily, you encounter enemies of the Gospel everywhere, at the store, on your job, or maybe even in your church. Nevertheless, you are blessed. You are blessed because many Christians have it much worse.

All around the world, there are people who fear for their lives simply because they are Christians. They stand by their faith and they boldly confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior (Matthew 10:32-34). Their confession may land them in a prison or it may even land them in a coffin. Furthermore, their governments are fully aware of it and sometimes those same governments are the instigators of the persecution!

If you don’t believe me, then do a Google search on Christian persecution. It will open your eyes. “Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake” (Matthew 24:9, KJV).

Right now, most of the Christian persecution is happening outside of the United States of America. However, that is beginning to change. Slyly Satan, the master of deceit, is stripping away every one’s Christian rights through the guise of promoting tolerance. This evil spirit promotes tolerance for sin, but at the same time, it demonizes Christians’ rights.

In many places, it is no longer safe to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior. Even here in the United States, numerous graduating students this year were ordered not to mention the name of Jesus during graduation ceremonies. Thankfully, some students refused to be silenced and they stood boldly by their faith.

What is it going to take before you are willing to boldly stand up and confess to the entire world that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior? Not only must you confess it through your words, but you must also confess it through your actions. You have to live it as well as you speak it. This includes you, me, and every Christian around the world.

This very hour, completely dedicate yourself to God—begin lighting up the dark through sacrificing your flesh. Live a holy life, a life that is consecrated fully to God. Voice your Christian beliefs through your political power, vote exclusively for Christian candidates who support Christian rights and protection all around the world. Become vocal...Speak up!

Live a true Christian life through your church attendance, supporting only ministers that preach and live the full Gospel. The full Gospel means the entire Bible, all the way from Genesis to Revelation. This includes Leviticus 18:22 and even Ephesians 5:2-7. And since there is a current movement in the world today to partner with various religions, you better stop and take a look at 2 Corinthians 6:14-17.

It is time for all Christians, here in America and in foreign lands, to band together and as one voice boldly proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord. Let God silence those who will try to muzzle us. “…You will clench your fist against my angry enemies! Your power will save me” (Psalms 138:7, NLT).

Stop hiding under that bushel basket. God has appointed you as a watchman to the world; thus speak the Word of the Lord…be silent no longer (Ezekiel 33:1-9). “No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light” (Luke 11:33, KJV).

I can’t speak for you, but as for me, I am climbing out from under my bushel basket and letting God’s light shine forth.

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.

Luke 9:24-26 (KJV)

Three Key Concepts:

1.  Christian persecution is intensifying.

2.  God shields His children for His glory.

3.  You have a duty to speak up.