459. Reflecting On The Love Of God We Experience In Our Lives

Posted on January 21, 2023 by Jim Holbeck


As one gets older one reflects on life and many of us we can think back to the love of God we experienced being showered on us throughout our lives. How wonderful to have experienced that love through others we loved and by whom we were loved. As I think back to my wedding to my beloved Carole 57 years ago on the 22 January 1966, I had no idea of the blessings that we would share together as husband and wife and as partners together in family life and ministry.

I wrote about that 2 years ago on Facebook and in a blog article, and I continue to be humbled by the fact that the Lord over-ruled for Carole and I to meet, fall in love and enjoy almost 54 years of married life together before the Lord took her home to Himself just over 3 years ago. This was the article No.377 I wrote back in 2021. On this link
https://jimholbeck.blog/2021/01/21/377-honouring-a-very-special-person-carole-ann-holbeck-1943-2019/
“How deep the Father’s love for us. How vast beyond all measure.”
Blog No.459 posted on Saturday 21 January 2023

Posted in Coping With Personal Grief, Glorification, Healing, Holy Spirit, Justification, Mini Reflections, Prayer, Real Life Stories, Salvation, Sanctification, Tributes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

458. CORE TEACHING STAGE 5 TOPIC 1. Repentance

Posted on January 19, 2023 by Jim Holbeck

[MINISTERING IN THE AREA OF REPENTANCE]

In Stage 5 Core Teaching we look at various topics but also include some thoughts on how to minister to others and to help them understand and act on that knowledge. What follows is some discussion on the first segment in our circle from the last article.

In this article we look at what does it mean to “repent? ”  We also look at how we can help others to understand what repentance really means. However to understand repentance of sin we need to understand the nature of sin.

1]. THE NATURE OF SIN

There are many different words to describe “sin“ in the New Testament. We will look at many of these words. A number of them begin with the letter “A”. This is called an “alpha privative” and changes the meaning of the letters that follow, to the opposite meaning. An example in English is “atheist” where a “theist “is one who believes in God and an “a-theist” is one who does not believe in God.

ADIKIA. [noun] ADIKEO [verb.] [a-dikia and a-dikeo] This means unrighteousness, injustice, or wronging someone]. 

  • Ac 7:24. “But the man who was wronging his neighbour thrust him aside, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge over us?”
  • 1 Co 6:7, “To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded?”
  • 2 Cor 7:2, “We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have taken advantage of no one.“
  • 2 Cor 7:12, “So although I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of the one who did the wrong, nor for the sake of the one who suffered the wrong.”

ANOMIA. Noun.[a-nomia]. Lawlessness, wickedness

  • Mat 7:23, Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; go away from me, you evildoers (you who work lawlessness).’
  • Rom 4:7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins (hamartia) are covered;

ANUPOTAKTOS. Adjective. [an-hypotassō = not subdued].

  • Unsubdued, insubordinate, what is not put under, unruly, rebellious 
  • Titus 1:6, if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination.
  • Titus 1:10  For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party.

APEITHEIA. Noun. [a-peitheia]. (Lawlessness, wickedness, rebellion, unpersuadable)

  • Eph 2:2, ‘in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience.“
  • Eph 5:6  ” Let no  one   deceive  you with empty   words , for because  of these  things  the wrath of God  comes  upon  the sons of disobedience  .

APEITHEO. Verb. [a-peitheo not obeying, disobedient.]

“but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.” Rom 2:8.

1Peter 2:8, “and A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense. They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.“

APEITHĒS. Adjective.

  • Rom 1:30, disobedient to parents.

HAMARTIA. [means to err, offend, trespass, fall short]. 

  • Rom 2:12. All who have sinned apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law.
  • (Rom 3:23)  since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God;

PARABASIS. [Para = to the side of and basis= step, walk, transgress, go aside]. 

  • Rom 2:23  You that boast in the law, do you dishonour God by breaking the law?
  • Rom 4:15. where there is no law there is no transgression 
  • Gal 3:19 Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions

PARAPTOMA. [para to the side of and ptoma from pipto = I fall.]  [side slip, lapse, deviation, fall beside, err]. 

  • Mt 6:14 For if you forgive others their trespasses …  
  • 2 Cor 5:19.  … in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them …

SIN.  A SUMMARY

  • Sin is wrongly using the free will God has given us. That is, we choose to disobey. 
  • It means we are not receiving His grace to be different. We choose not to receive His grace when God offers it freely in Christ.
  • We are all accountable for our sins of commission [the sins we actually commit] and those of omission [those things we should have done but failed to do.]

HOWEVER THE GOOD NEWS OF THE GOSPEL IS THAT GOD’S GRACE OF FORGIVENESS IS AVAILABLE TO THOSE WHO NEED IT

  • Forgiveness is available for all our sins in Christ (alone). It was His blood alone that could take away the sin of the world. Heb 9:22  “Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.”
  • Acts 10:43 “All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
  • Eph 1:7  “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.”
  • Col 1:14  “in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

2]. TEACHING ON REPENTANCE.  IMPLICATIONS WHEN MINISTERING

  • We need to recognise what is the difference between:- 
    • Repentance or remorse
    • Repentance or rationalisation of sin
    • Acknowledging guilt or projecting it on to others
    •  

i].      WHAT REPENTANCE IS NOT

It is not just sorrow or remorse or regret.

  • Eg., Judas Iscariot didn’t repent.  He regretted what he had done in betraying innocent blood but he didn’t turn to God to seek His mercy in forgiveness. 

It is not rationalisation or projection of sin.

  • There is no freedom in rationalisation (giving a reason for the sin). 
  • Projection of sin onto others seeks to avoid personal accountability before God. He is not fooled!        

Listen to see whether the person you are trying to help has really repented or not.

ii].     WHAT REPENTANCE REALLY IS

The word is “metanoia. ” It means a change of mind AND a change in behaviour

  • It involves turning from sin and turning to God for mercy 

We see many elements of repentance [underlined] in King Solomon’s prayer.  1 Kings 8:47-50

  • 8:47, and if they have a change of heart in the land where they are held captive, and repent and plead with you in the land of their conquerors and say, ‘We have sinned, we have done wrong, we have acted wickedly’ 48 and if they turn back to you with all their heart and soul in the land of their enemies who took them captive, and pray to you toward the land you gave their fathers, toward the city you have chosen and the temple I have built for your Name; 
  • 1 Kings 8:50  “And forgive your people, who have sinned against you; forgive all the offences they have committed against you, and cause their conquerors to show them mercy.”

The Gospel message in Acts.  It meant that those who heard the gospel message should recognise and confess their sins. Not only that, but they should turn to God to ask for His forgiveness.

  • Peter. (Acts 2:38 “Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
  • (Acts 5:31 “God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Saviour that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins .”
  • Paul speaking to King Agrippa: Acts 26:20  “but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout the countryside of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God and do deeds consistent with repentance.”  

Questions to keep in mind in trying to help others

  • Has the person realised the enormity of sin in the sight of God? [Until they do, they will not appreciate the magnitude of the love of God and the grace of God in forgiving sin.]
  • Do they realise that all sin is against God as well as against others? [He is a Person who has been sinned against. It is not just His will that has been rejected.]
  • Have they turned from their sin and turned back to God. [Forgiveness is only available to those who repent AND turn back to God to seek His forgiveness or to thank Him for it in Christ.]
  • Have they made changes to their lives with God’s help? [As Paul declared to King Agrippa as we saw above, Acts 26:20  “… that they should repent and turn to God and do deeds consistent with repentance.”  

iii].    WHO HAS TO REPENT?

  • Everyone!  That includes you and me and yours and mine

God commands everyone to repent

  • 1 Kings 8:46 “When they sin against you  for there is no one who does not sin
  • Acts 17:30  While God has overlooked the times of human ignorance, now he commands all people everywhere to repent,
  • 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

SUMMARY

  • Everyone  (including those who see themselves as “victims” and perpetrators) needs to repent of their own personal sins.
  • Ensure that the person isn’t operating under a “victim mentality” that stops them from seeing their own need for forgiveness for their own sin.  
  • Having to endure difficult circumstances is not an excuse for any sin we might commit. We are responsible for how we respond to our circumstances in life. 

3].     WHY DO ALL PEOPLE HAVE TO REPENT OF SIN?

  • Sin is an offence against God. It is a breaking of His revealed will in His law and commandments. 
  • It is sin to be unwilling to draw upon His grace so as not to sin. 
  • It is an offence against others and against God Himself. The prodigal son had it right. Lk 15:21  “Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.”

All sin has an effect

  • Our sin always has an effect on others (and through them to other people as well)
  • Heb 12:15  “See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”
  • Our sin always has an effect on oneself.  Heb 3:12  “Take care, brothers and sisters, that none of you may have an evil, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. “
  • Heb 3:13 “But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” so that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”

Forgiveness comes only through repenting of sin and trusting in Jesus for salvation.

  • (Acts 2:38)  ‘Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”‘
  • (Acts 3:19) “Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out.” 

4].     CAN WE AS HUMANS GET PEOPLE TO REPENT?

  • John the Baptist and Jesus both taught that to repent was a command from God to be obeyed.
  • John the Baptist. Mat 3:1  ‘In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, 2  “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”’
  • Jesus. Mat 4:17,’ From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”’
  • Only the Holy Spirit can convict people of sin. Jesus said, Jn 16:8-10, “And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.”

5].  SUMMARY ON REPENTANCE

  • All people need to repent of their sin no matter how righteous they might appear to be. Rom 3:23, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”   No one is perfect. All people are guilty.
  • We can encourage people to think of the effects of their sin on others and to express those thoughts. But we need to be praying that the Holy Spirit will do the deep convicting of the sinfulness of sin in their hearts.  
  • We are not to allow ourselves to be shocked by what those we are trying to help tell us about their lives in the past. If we adopt a “condemning” attitude, it may hinder the conviction of sin in the other person. 
  • We have to rely on the Spirit of God using the word of God to bring conviction of sin and true repentance in the life of any person.

Blog No.458 posted on Thursday 19 January 2023. 

Posted in BIBLE PASSAGE OUTLINES, Bible verses. Comments, Creation, Faithfulness, Forgiveness, Healing, HEALING MINISTRY Core Teaching, Holy Spirit, Judgement, Justification, Mental Health, New Covenant, Prayer, Questions and Answers, Salvation, Sanctification, spiritual warfare, Temptations | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

457. Core Teaching Stage 5 An Overview

Posted on January 17, 2023 by Jim Holbeck

In the Core Teaching Stage 5, I have attempted to bring together the main parts of our Christian experience. This simple diagram is meant to portray this graphically to help people understand what Christian discipleship is all about.


But there is another element to this Stage 5 teaching, and that is to enable those who do it, to minister in these areas to others.

So I call it a “Prayer Ministry Model” where believers can minister to others in any of the various segments in the circle, based on the truths to be found in each of the articles which are to follow in this series.

For convenience, the diagram is a circle with various segments. There will be a new blog article for each segment giving the scriptural background for each segment. On the right are 3 “R’s” and on the left are 3 “S’s” to help memorisation of the model.

Blog No.457 posted on Tuesday 17 January 2023.

Posted in Creation, Evangelism, Faithfulness, Forgiveness, Healing, HEALING MINISTRY Core Teaching, Holy Spirit, Justification, Mental Health, Prayer, Questions and Answers, Salvation, Sanctification, spiritual warfare, TOPICS | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

456. The Privilege Of Entering Into The Tapsell Family

Posted on January 16, 2023 by Jim Holbeck

In a few days it will be 57 years since I married Carole Ann Tapsell at All Saints Church, Booval. We were married for almost 54 blessed years before she went home to the Lord in October 2019. 

I have often reflected on the privilege the Lord gave me to enter into the Tapsell family of Carl and Eileen with their daughter Carole, pictured in this blog. The photo was taken when Carole was a teenager. They arrived in Queensland from India in 1947 and settled into the Booval area. They arrived with virtually nothing having left most of their belongings with Carl’s crippled sister in India. 

Carl was one of the world’s best field hockey players having won Olympic Gold medals at the 1932 Los Angeles and at the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games. He transformed the hockey scene in Ipswich and led the famous Hancock’s team to winning many successive Grand Finals. He is still considered the best player in his position in Hockey world history. He later changed to playing golf and became a champion player in that sport as well. 

He was a thorough gentleman and only increasing deafness prevented him from making more of an impact on society. However, some of the young hockey players he coached eventually became international players and one went on to coach both the Australian and English Olympic Hockey teams. A fine Christian man!

Eileen was a brilliant pianist who often accompanied very talented singers. She was also the church organist and helped lead the spiritual revival that was experienced at Booval in the late 1950’s and early 60’s. She was very much involved with the Girl Guides Movement which Carole also became heavily involved with.

She was also a praying woman and many people came to their home to be prayed for by Eileen. That included young people and ministers and missionaries. 

After Carl passed away she eventually came to live with Carole and me in the Deanery in Armidale. Here again there came a whole group of people of all ages to talk with her and to be prayed for by her. Everyone in the parish called her “Gran!” for she was like everyone’s gran.

Well how did Carole and I get to meet? I had begun to teach Junior church and Eileen played the organ for us. That meant going to her home to prepare for the coming week. There I met this tall black haired beautiful schoolgirl who was wearing black stockings as part of her school uniform. Apparently I called her “licorice legs” because of the black stockings. I knew that she was a winner at eisteddfods for Art of Speech and I often heard her speaking on the local radio station on a Saturday morning when they featured leading young people in the city. I also knew that she was a champion athlete, basketballer and swimmer and had won the GPS Sprint in Brisbane against all the leading athletes from all the GPS schools. She was the school’s Sports Champion and undoubtedly a leader of girls.

Sometime later Carole joined the Youth Group I was leading and I began to notice more of her excellent qualities. She was a fun person and willing to take part in any activity [and to make it fun.] I was quite touched when she made a decision to follow Christ at a camp when I was absent and she waited to tell me first because I was the Leader of our group. Another thing that touched me deeply was an incident at another Christian camp. We were having a BBQ on the beach and one had to line up in one of two single files to get the food. I noticed that there was one young fellow there with severe physical disabilities so I decided to line up to get his food first then go back later to get my own. I did this and as I arrived back with the food I discovered that Carole had had exactly the same thought and had also got food for the fellow. I thought ”What a beautiful, thoughtful, caring girl! who puts the interests of others above her own.” From that moment I think I was hooked. I have realised in retrospect that Carole always put the interests of others above her own, right throughout her life. What a woman!

There came a time when I thought I should tell Carole how I felt about her. So one night I plucked up courage and said to her, ”Carole I think I’m beginning to like you!” Hardly the stuff of romantic novels, but for me it was a very deep expression of the love I had for her. She seemed to be pleased with that romantic outburst, so soon after I was able to tell her that I loved her. She told me that she loved me too. I felt I was the most privileged man in the world to be loved by someone so very special and to be so welcomed into the wonderful Godfearing Tapsell family. Most of our courting days were held in the company of other young people as we enjoyed activities or day trips together. 

In 1964 there came a change as I went some 1650 km away to Melbourne to study at a Theological College. Carole was very faithful in writing and keeping me up to date on my family. However, I was able to come home for a couple of weeks in August and we travelled to Monto to visit my sister and her husband and family before returning home on 22 August. Towards the end of our journey, we stopped outside the small town of Esk to rest. I had realised that Carole had committed herself to our relationship and was not dating anyone else. I felt that we should both know what the future had in store for both of us, especially as I was about to return to Melbourne and would not see Carole again until the end of the year. After sharing for a short time I found myself saying, “ Carole, what would you say if one day I asked you to marry me?” That certainly wasn’t in my mind when we had stopped! Imagine my joy when this beautiful, precious, delightful creature replied, “I  would say “Yes!” My next question that came so naturally was, “Well then, will you marry me?” I think I knew what her answer would be as she replied, “Yes, of course I will!” At that place, in the space of less than an hour, my life was forever changed! I had someone to love and to share my life with, for the rest of our lives.

When we later drove on to Carole’s home her parents were delighted with the news. We bought an engagement ring a few days later!  

I was so glad that we got engaged that day, for only a few days later my father collapsed and died a week or so later from a brain tumour. It was great that both my parents had been able to welcome the news of our engagement. After my father’s funeral, I drove my mother to Melbourne to stay with my sister and brother-in-law until the end of the year. We had a sad drive home as we were coming home to an empty house.  Carole and I were able to get some time together before I returned to Melbourne for 1965. 

Then came 22 January 1966 and my wedding to Carole and a few days later we journeyed to Melbourne where Carole began a Phys Ed job in one of the outer Melbourne High Schools. Carole taught there for 3 years before we returned to Qld where I was ordained on 21 December 1968. We ministered in St Stephen’s Coorparoo parish from 1968 to 1972 until I was appointed Rector of Mt Gravatt where there was no church building and only a tiny congregation. Our children Sarah and James were born in 1971 and 1973 but Carole proved to be the ideal Rector’s wife and it was through her loving caring nature that many young and older people were attracted to the church so that we were able to get built a new brick church and a new Rectory in less than 6 years. 

Carole’s father Carl passed away in 1975 and Eileen went to live in a Church retirement village in Brisbane. However, Carole and I moved to Armidale in 1978 when I was appointed as the Dean of St Peter’s Cathedral. Our youngest child David was born in Armidale a year later and we had the joy of bringing Carole’s mother, Eileen to live with us in the Deanery. We had a marvellous time in Armidale until 1988 when I accepted the position as the Leader of the Healing Ministry at St Andrew’s Cathedral, Sydney. Carole’s mother was unable to move into the accommodation in Sydney but we managed to get her into an Anglican Retirement Village where she had a wonderful ministry as a prayer warrior and as a musician. She passed away in 1993 while I was on a speaking tour of New Zealand. 

This isn’t perhaps the time to write of the ministry Carole and I shared in Brisbane, Armidale, Sydney and in the United States over many years, especially in Florida. Nor of the enormous joy our marriage, ministry and family life has been to us. My main purpose here has been to talk about the tremendous privilege the Lord had given me in being welcomed into the Tapsell family almost 59 years ago and experiencing their love and support over all those years. However, with the death of my dearly beloved Carole in 2019 that wonderful godly family came to an end. Who would have thought that a family of 2 adults and a 4 year old child arriving in Australia from India in 1947 with virtually nothing, would have had such an impact on so many people around the world. They certainly had an impact on me and I praise God every day for the privilege I have enjoyed in becoming part of the Tapsell family and especially for their success in bringing up the most beautiful, gracious, self-giving, lovely daughter to become my wife 57 years ago. Oh, so greatly, greatly missed, every day!

[Of course, the Tapsell family didn’t really end, for through Carole there are now one son in law, 3 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and 3 step great-grandchildren of whom Carl and Eileen would have been enormously proud.]

“To God be the glory. Great things He has done!” [And continues to do, every day!]

BlogNo.456 posted on Monday 16 January 2023

Posted in Creation, Evangelism, Faithfulness, Forgiveness, Glorification, Healing, Holy Spirit, Justification, Mental Health, Prayer, Real Life Stories, Salvation, Sanctification, Tributes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

455. Praying For All The Saints. Ephesians 6:18. Core Teaching Stage 4 Topic 6. 

Posted on January 14, 2023 by Jim Holbeck

(Eph 6:18) “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

Many years ago I was asked the question, ”Can you describe in one sentence what Christian Ministry is all about?” I replied that my own overall aim in ministry is expressed in this concept. It is to get people into the kingdom of God and to get the kingdom into the people.  In other words 

  • to evangelise [share the good news of the gospel message] so that people can hear the gospel of the claims of Christ on their lives and have the opportunity to make a commitment to Him. But it doesn’t stop there. 
  • It is then to encourage those people to appropriate in every aspect of their lives, all the resources they have as believers in the unsearchable Kingdom riches which are theirs in Christ.

That should be the aim of every Christian. They are to live for Christ and to live for one another. That involves praying for them so that they might know Him and might receive all the riches He has for them in His Son. We see what those riches are in Paul’s prayer in Eph 1:15-23, “For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.”

  1.       PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT ON ALL OCCASIONS WITH ALL KINDS OF PRAYERS AND REQUESTS.

We have looked in blog article No.455 at what it means to “pray in the Spirit”.

But it needs to be comprehensive prayer. Notice the “all”  words in Eph 6:16-18. “In ALL circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish ALL the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at ALL times in the Spirit, with ALL prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with ALL perseverance, making supplication for ALL the saints.”

  • “All circumstances. “ (That is, at all times.) [Kairos] is used here to denote quality of time, significant time. The other word for time is [chronos] which is used to denote the quantity of time. Every moment of time is significant for believers for He is always at work for His people. “He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.” Psalm 121:3-8.  There will never be a time when God does not hear and respond to the prayers of His people.
  • “All prayer and supplication “
  • Prayer = proseuchē. This type of Prayer and petition is always addressed to God.
  • Supplication = deēsis = a petition, request.  Stresses praying for a need to be met.   
  • “Praying all times in the Spirit. “[See blog No.455].
  • “Keep alert” [agrypneō]= to be sleepless, to keep awake, watch.
  • “with ALL perseverance” = [proskarterēsis] = in all persistence. To continue in, and to give great care to. 
  • “Making supplication.” Is the same word for supplication as previously in the same verse.
  • “For all the saints.”  “For” = peri = about, concerning.  “Saints “= hagioi= the separated ones. “All“ can mean all without distinction, not all without exception.  We need to pray for all the saints without excluding some we don’t want to pray for on the grounds of something we feel towards them. God’s command is that we pray for all believers generally and for some more specifically. 

The saints are holy because God chose to set them apart to be His holy people, a people of His own possession ( ! Pet 2: 10, “Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”) It was not because they were holy that he chose them. Rather they are holy because He chose them, and they responded to Him in faith.  Salvation is by the grace of God.

2. PRAYING FOR THOSE IN LEADERSHIP. 

(Eph 6:19-20)  “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20  for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.”

We see here the necessity of humility for those in leadership.  Paul was the great apostle, but he still needed and valued the prayers of others that he might fulfil God’s plan and purpose for Him. 

He humbly asked the believers in Ephesus to pray for him. He was specific in what he wanted them to pray.

  • “words may be given me.”

Paul wanted to speak the words the Lord gave him to share. He had already mentioned the power of the word of truth that he himself had preached, “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.” Eph1:13. By that same word of truth Jesus had cleansed the church, “that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word.” Eph 5:26. The word of God Paul described as being the sword of the Spirit, part of the armour of God believers were to wear at all times, “and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Eph 6:17.

  • “so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.

Paul had come to know what the mystery of the gospel was, “how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4  When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ.” Eph 3:3-4.

  • “fearlessly” is from [parrēsia] meaning frankness, bluntness, boldness.
  • “Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” “Fearlessly” is the same word as in verse 19. Paul saw himself as an ambassador for Christ and he wanted his message to be without the restraints of fear. Fear was a possibility for anyone in Paul’s situation [chained in prison with the possibility of an imminent death.] However Paul looked beyond his present circumstances to the Lord whom he served fearlessly.

3. OUR PRAYER LIFE

As we look at our verse for discussion in this article, we need to see how we measure up in our prayer life to what Paul commanded. (Eph 6:18) “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.“ 

  • Are we reliant on the Holy Spirit as we approach God in prayer? It is so tempting for us to simply rush into prayer knowing that the Lord’s ears are always open to hear us? But how much better it is for us to spend some time in quietness before we begin to verbalise our prayers. It allows the Lord to speak into our minds by His Holy Spirit. It means then that we become more informed in our prayers, praying about the things the Lord has placed on our hearts and in our minds.
  • We need to persevere in our prayers giving  the same sort of “attention” [proskarterēsis = perseverence] to it as the Roman authorities gave to the receipt of taxes, “For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing.” Rom 13:6.
  • Paul urged the churches in Rome and in Colossae to focus on their need to pray constantly, Rom. 12:12,”Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” AND Col. 4:2, “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”

The questions that remain for every believer are these, “Do we pray for all others as we should?” The Lord has commanded us to do so and they certainly need our support.

AND “Do we value others praying for us as we should?” I was quite touched recently when a few people my wife Carole and I had ministered to for a month each time on 9 occasions in Central Florida wrote to say that they still pray for me every day. It is now 10 years since we last ministered there and I was surprised and delighted that they continued to persevere in praying for Carole and me until her death in October 2019 and for me every day since then. We should really appreciate those people who are faithful intercessors and especially those who lift us up in prayer to the Lord every day.

Blog No.455. Praying For All The Saints. Ephesians 6:18. Core Teaching Stage 4 Topic 6 posted on Saturday 14 January2023

Posted in BIBLE PASSAGE OUTLINES, Bible verses. Comments, Creation, Evangelism, Faithfulness, Forgiveness, Glorification, Healing, HEALING MINISTRY Core Teaching, Holy Spirit, Judgement, Justification, Mental Health, New Covenant, Prayer, Salvation, Sanctification, Second coming of Jesus, spiritual warfare, Temptations, TOPICS | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

454. Spiritual Warfare. “Praying in the Spirit.” Eph 6:18. Core Teaching Stage 4. Topic 5

Posted on January 12, 2023 by Jim Holbeck

Ephesians 6:18 “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”

What is prayer? Simply put, prayer is conversing with God. Not just talking to the Lord but listening. The latter is easy as it is being quiet before God. The former is easy as well as it is expressing what is on one’s heart. Prayer is “an address (such as a petition) to God in word or thought.

Jesus expected his disciples to pray, even teaching them how to do so when one of his disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” Luke11:1. 

THE NEED TO PRAY IN THE SPIRIT ON ALL OCCASIONS. 

In spiritual warfare, one has to put on the whole amour of God, but one also has to be always constant in prayer. If we use Paul’s use of “flesh” for human (natural), and “spirit” for the things of the Spirit (the supernatural), it means praying as one is led by the Spirit and not praying just from human or fleshly wisdom or from human understanding. This shows our need to rely on the Spirit in prayer and gives a deeper dimension to prayer. 

1]. JESUS TAUGHT THIS NEED.

Luke 11:1-13. ‘He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” Jesus taught them what is known as the Lord’s Prayer. He went on to add,  9  “So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. …13  If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” The other gospels have “good things” instead of Holy Spirit. Luke may be stressing the means of prayer, the need to pray with the Spirit’s help, while the other gospel writers focussed on the result of such prayer. It’s the Holy Spirit-inspired prayer that brings the “good things” (as God sees them) for our needs. 

2]. PAUL TAUGHT THIS NEED.

Romans 8:26-27. Paul wrote in Rom 8:26, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” It is the experience of many believers that there are times when they have found it difficult to find the words to pray. They discovered that God has helped them as they found themselves praying with groans or sounds or with words not in their own natural tongue. It’s as though the indwelling Holy Spirit gave them the impetus and the sounds to pray in that way. Such prayer is powerful for it originates in the Holy Spirit.

Paul went on to describe what happens when people pray in that way. (Rom 8:27)  “And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.” When God hears such prayers He searches our human hearts which are yielded to Him and recognizes the sounds we have made that originated in the mind of the Spirit. The wonderful thing is that what the Spirit prays through us is in accordance with the will of God.

It may be helpful to look more closely at the words used in verse 26.

  • Help = sunantilambano – to help at the side of, to help in attaining. 
  • Weakness = asthenia = to lack strength, illness, frailness, inability. 
  • Pray = proseuchomai =always used of prayer to God. 
  • Intercedes = huperentunchano = to make a petition on behalf of another. Also in Rom 8:27, in the form of entygchanō huper to intercede on behalf of the saints.
  • Groans = stenagmos is used of Jesus praying in Mk 7:34 as He looked to heaven and sighed before saying “Be opened” to a deaf, mute man. See also 2 Cor 5:2-4 for the groaning of believers longing to be clothed with their heavenly dwelling.

1 CORINTHIANS 12:1-3. The gift of the Spirit enables us to declare that “Jesus is Lord!” 

I Corinthians 12:4-13, 

The Spirit gives a variety of gifts, ministries and workings but it is same Spirit at work who manifests Himself through all these things v.7. “and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”

  • Tongues and the interpretation of tongues are included among the gifts of the Spirit mentioned in 1 Cor 12:11, “to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.”

1 CORINTHIANS 14

  • Those speaking in tongues speak to God not men, and utter mysteries, 1 Cor 14:2. “For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.”
  • The one who speaks in tongues edifies himself. 1Co 14:4  “The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.” “Builds up” is from [oikodomeō], meaning to found, to establish, to promote growth in Christian wisdom, affection, grace, virtue, holiness, blessedness, to grow in wisdom and piety
  • However if tongues are interpreted it means that Church is also edified, 1Co 14:5  “The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.” Here the same word [oikodomeō] is used of congregational spiritual growth.
  • The willingness to interpret tongues should be a goal for the believer 1Co 14:12 “So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church. 13 Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret.”
  • Paul saw the need to pray in tongues AND to think of what to pray in one’s native tongue, 1Co 14:14 “For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. 15  What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also.”

Some people have felt there is a contradiction in this passage in 1Corinthians 14. For example, they point to 1Co 14:5 “Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy.” Then they contrast that with 1Co 14:27 “ If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret.” However there is no contradiction, for in verse 5 Paul is stating that he wants all believers to be willing to pray in tongues, but in verse 27 he is thinking about public worship where the emphasis is on the edification of the people.  When tongues are exercised in public worship they should be accompanied by interpretation and even then, there should be only three at a maximum.

The same applies to prophecy in public worship. Only three people are to prophesy. 

Paul’s principle is that tongues are a manifestation of the Holy Spirit and thus valuable in prayer. They are certainly to be used in private devotions as a means of building oneself up. But they are also to be used in public worship when interpretation is available, to build up or edify the whole congregation. 

3]. JUDE ALSO SAW THIS NEED.  

(Jude 1:20-21) “But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit.”21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.” The main command here is, “keep yourselves in the love of God” where “keep” is an aorist imperative command. The means to keeping ourselves in the love of God is expressed by two present tense participles,  “building” and “praying.” So the verse could be translated as  ”21 keep yourselves in the love of God, while building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit.”

4]. NOTES:- 

  • “Build up “= epoikodomeo= used in Eph 2:20 and Col 2:7 for being established on Christ.  
  • Eph 2:20  “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone” AND Col 2:7 “rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”
  • In Acts 20:32 the word for “building up’ is [oikodomeo.] Act 20:32 “And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”
  • This [oikodomeō] is also used in 1 Cor 14:4, 5, 17 for the edification of believers individually and corporately. 1Co 14:4 “The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. 5  Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.” 
  • In 1 Cor 14:16-17, Paul teaches that praying in the Spirit is helpful for an individual, but it does not edify another person who is present who doesn’t understand what has been prayed. “Otherwise, if you give thanks with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an outsider say “Amen” to your thanksgiving when he does not know what you are saying?“17 For you may be giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not being built up.”
  • We are reminded that all true prayer originates in God Himself and is released in us as we become open to the Spirit as we commune with God.
  • We need to be inspired by the Holy Spirit Who can open our minds so that we can come to know more of the mind, purpose and will of God.
  • In that way, as we are led by the Spirit we can pray according to the will of God and get the answers He longs to give to us as His children. 
  • As we commune with God, the Spirit is able to motivate us to pray, to give us the words (in tongues or our ordinary language to pray. (Often praying in tongues allows us to know more clearly how to be able to pray in our own language with a greater understanding of God’s will. ) 

So we can see why “praying at all times in the Spirit” is associated with the armour of God we are to clothe ourselves with. It allows us to come to a greater understanding of the will of God so that our prayers become more powerful by allowing more of the will of God to be accomplished through us. 

Blog No.454 posted on Thursday 12 January 2023.

Posted in BIBLE PASSAGE OUTLINES, Bible verses. Comments, Creation, Evangelism, Faithfulness, Forgiveness, Glorification, Healing, Holy Spirit, Judgement, Justification, Mental Health, New Covenant, Prayer, Salvation, Sanctification, spiritual warfare, TOPICS | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

453. Spiritual Warfare. Standing In The Armour Of God. Eph 6:11-15. Core Teaching Stage 4 Topic 4.

Posted on January 7, 2023 by Jim Holbeck

(Eph 6:11) “Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes (methodeia) (Eph 6:13)  … so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”

1.        WE CAN STAND IN THE VICTORY OF CHRIST. 

We can take our stand on God’s word and on the victory He accomplished in Christ.

Eph 6:14 “Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15  and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.”

Through the death of Christ on the cross and because He rose from the dead as the Victor over death and evil, we can have peace with God and the peace of God within us. 

Christ’s victory over the devil and over the powers of darkness is seen in these verses

  • Jesus overcame temptations from Satan in the wilderness before He began His public ministry.(Mat 4:10)  Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'”
  • (Luke 10:18) ‘He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.”’(The context is Jesus explaining to His disciples why they could cast out demons.)
  • (Luke 11:18-20)  Jesus said that He cast out demons “by the finger of God”. 
  • Col 2:15  “having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. “The cross was a public declaration of the victory of Christ over all the powers of darkness. [“spectacle” = deigmatizō means to put on a show and “public”= parrēsia means to be open or public. It may have seemed that as Jesus hung on the cross, the powers of evil had destroyed Him and His ministry. But the opposite was true. He shouted out on the cross, “It is finished!” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” John 19:30. He meant that the work of redemption had been accomplished as His public death on the cross, was a public declaration of His victory over Satan and evil.
  • Heb 2:14 “he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil.” Jesus became a human so that He might die as a human for humans.
  • John explained Jesus’ ministry,1 Jn 3:8. “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.”
  • St Peter said to the Gentiles in the home of Cornelius, Acts 10:38  “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and  power … healing all who were under the  power of the devil.”
  • St Paul witnessing before King Agrippa, the commission the Risen Christ had given him at his conversion on the road to Damascus, Acts 26:18  “to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a  place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”
  • (Rom 16:20) “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.”  (St Paul encouraging the believers in Rome that they could have victory over Satan through Christ’s victory over Satan.)
  • St Peter writing of the victory Christ had achieved through His death and resurrection, 1 Pet 3:22 “who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.” He is now the head over all authority in heaven and the universe.

The victory is complete. Just when it was finally accomplished is unclear. 

Jesus shouted out on the cross, “It is finished!” The work of redemption had been accomplished. Now that victory was to become manifest in human situations. 

In Revelation 12 we read of the victory Michael and his angels had when fighting against the dragon. (Rev 12:9) “The great dragon was hurled down–that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. (Rev 12:10)  Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.  (Rev 20:2)  He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.

There will be a brief reprieve for the devil before his final judgment.(Rev 20:7) “When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison.” But the devil faces final judgment.

Jesus as Judge At the Final Judgment. (Mat 25:41)  “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.“

2.        WE CAN TAKE OUR STAND AGAINST THE DEVIL’S SCHEMES. Eph 6:11 etc

Eph 6:11 “Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” Forgiveness is a necessary part of standing in the victory of Christ. Part of the devil’s scheme is to hold us in bondage when we refuse to forgive.

Compare 2 Cor 2:10-11, “Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, 11  so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.” [noema].

Unforgiveness can hold us in the devil’s power. The devil is Diabolos, the accuser.  He is also the deceiver and the father of lies.  He is the one who leads the world astray. 

For example, we can have control over our anger and not be tempted by the devil to sinfully express it, Eph 4:26 “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27  and give no opportunity to the devil.”

James wrote of the benefit of submitting ourselves completely to God in order to have victory over the devil, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7. 

The Strategy of the Devil or the Result of his activity.
He tempts us to be proud.
–1Chron 21:1 “Then Satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel.”1Ch 21:7-8,  “But God was displeased with this thing, and he struck Israel.” 8 And David said to God, “I have sinned greatly in that I have done this thing. But now, please take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have acted very foolishly.”
– Paul warned against the danger of appointing an immature believer as a Bishop. “he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 so that he  will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.” 1 Tim 3:6-7.  
Contention. The devil can  tempt people to be contentious. Those serving God are meant to be kind and gentle.  2Tim 2:24 “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25  correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26  and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.” “Captured” is the perfect passive of zōgreō meaning they had really been captured and would remain so until they were released. ]
Temptation and testing. 
– Jesus was tempted by the devil. (Mat 4:1-11) “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.”(Mark 1:13) “he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.”
– The devil can tempt people to be disloyal. John 13:2   “… the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus.”
– Sometimes people may become mouthpieces for Satan.  Peter tried to deflect Jesus from going to the cross, as he said to Jesus, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” (Mat 16:22)  ‘Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”’  Matthew 16:23. [See also Mk 8:33. Lk 4:2-13.]
– The devil tests believers to try to prevent them from remaining faithful to Christ, Rev 2:10  “I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.“ (Church at Smyrna) 
Deceit and Destruction
– (Mat 13:39) “and the enemy who sows them (weeds) is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.”(Mark 4:15)  “Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them.” Also Lk 8:12. 
– (Luke 22:3) “Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. “ 
– (John 13:2) “the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus.”  
– John 13:27)  ‘As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. “What you are about to do, do quickly,” Jesus told him.’(Acts 5:3) ‘Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit.”’
– 1 Cor 7:5. “Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”
– Acts 13:10  Of Elymas. “You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery.”·      
– (2 Cor 2:11)  “in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.”
– (2 Cor 11:14) “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”
– (2 Th 2:9) “The coming of the lawless one … the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders.”
– (1 Tim 5:15) “Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan.”
– (Rev 2:9 …  “I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.”
– (John 8:44) “You belong to your father, the devil, … there is no truth in him. … he is a liar and the father of lies.”
– James 3:15) “Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.“ See Rev 2:24. 1 Pet 5:8. “Be self-controlled and alert Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.“ 
Satan Can Afflict People. 
– Job 2:7 “So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and afflicted Job with painful sores.” 
– (Luke 13:16), “a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day.” Luke described her as one “who had had a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not fully straighten herself.”
– (2 Cor 12:7), “there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger (angelos) of Satan, to torment me.” 
– (Acts 10:38), God anointed Jesus of Nazareth … healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.” 
The devil as the Accuser.  
– (Zec 3:1), “Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him.“
– Rev 12:10 “And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.” 
Handing People Over To Satan. Withdrawal Of Fellowship To Bring Correction. ·      
– (1 – -Cor 5:5), “hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord.”·      
– 1 Tim 1:20),  “Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.” 
Satan tries to stop the gospel. 
– (1 Thess 2:18) “For we wanted to come to you- certainly I, Paul, did, …–but Satan stopped us.” However, the battle has been won on Calvary.
Martin Luther wrote of Satan in a hymn, “he cannot do us harm, to judgment he has come, one word can swiftly fell him.” 
Recognising the devil’s strategies and knowing how to overcome them, can bring us freedom and victory over evil. 

OUR VICTORY does not lie in our own ability to overcome Satan for He is more powerful than we are apart from God. But our victory comes from the victory Jesus accomplished on the cross over Satan and over all the host of evil. We are not to attempt to fight for victory over Satan but to take our stand in the victory Jesus has won for us.

The victory comes as we sincerely obey God’s command to us through the writings of St Paul, (Eph 6:11) “Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes (Eph 6:13)  … so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” 

BlogNo.453. Standing In The Armour Of God. Eph 6:11-15. Core Teaching Stage 4 Topic 4. Posted on Saturday 07 January 2023

Posted in BIBLE PASSAGE OUTLINES, Bible verses. Comments, Creation, Evangelism, Faithfulness, Forgiveness, Glorification, Healing, Holy Spirit, Judgement, Justification, Mental Health, New Covenant, Prayer, Salvation, Sanctification, spiritual warfare, Temptations | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

452. Putting On The Armour Of God. (Ephesians 6:11). Core Teaching Stage 4 Topic 3.  “Put on the full armour of God.”

Posted on January 2, 2023 by Jim Holbeck

Eph 6:11 “Put on the whole armour (panoplia) God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”

1. WE ARE TO REALISE THAT WE ARE IN A SPIRITUAL CONFLICT. Eph 6:11

There are powers at work in this world besides the power of God, and these are opposed to Christ and to His people.  We see that in our baptismal vows in which we promise to “renounce the devil and all his works.” We see it also in the teaching and ministry of Jesus as He spoke of the existence and power of Satan, the devil, and delivered people from the power of evil spirits. 

As CS Lewis wrote in one of his books, the great strategy of the enemy is to get people to believe that he doesn’t exist. Paul knew that Satan did exist, and so did a host of the powers of darkness that were opposed to Christ and to His people. These powers had “schemes” [or Greek “methodeia.”]  

EK Simpson wrote of the devil that he plays both bully and beguiler. (eg., a Roaring lion & an angel of light.) Paul writes that we have to play our part in being strong in the power of the Lord and in the strength of His might (verse 11) and also we have to put on the armour of God to know His protection and His victory in our lives (verse 12). (That is, appropriating God’s provision to live as we should.)

2.        WE ARE TO RECOGNISE WHO THE ENEMY IS.  Eph 6:12

(Eph 6:12) “For our struggle (pale =wrestling) is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers (archas), against the authorities (exousias), against the powers (kosmokratoras = used in astrology of control by planets over humankind) of this dark world and against the spiritual (pneumatikos) forces of evil (poneria) in the heavenly realms.       

(Note the previous references to Satan in Eph 2:1-2,   “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2  in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience.” And in Eph 4:27 “and do not make room for the devil.“ 

We are not to identify these powers with the structures or the people but with the evil forces behind them and often using them whether they know it or not. Satan is a liar and a deceiver and influences those under his control. We see that in the lives of 2 men in the New Testament.  We see how Peter was used by Satan when he thought he was acting in love towards  Jesus when he tried to stop Him from going to the cross, Mat 16:22  “And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” Jesus recognised the origin of Peter’s statement and said to him, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” Mat 16:23.

We see how Judas was used by Satan when he thought he was serving God by considering betraying Jesus, “Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve.” Luke 22:3.  Judas had given room or opportunity to the devil as Paul was later to warn about in Eph 4:27, “and do not make room for the devil.“ In getting victory, we may have to forgive the people who allowed themselves to be the devil’s mouthpieces or instruments. But we also need to bind the power of the enemy, and ask God to set us free of any damage done to us by their words and actions.

3.        WE ARE TO PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOUR OF GOD. Eph 6:11, 13. 

Eph 6:11 “Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” Eph 6:13  Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

“Put on” [enduo]. The  “full armour”. [panoplia.] Paul here uses an analogy showing how God’s people could take hold of the victory God could give them. They could stand in the victory, vs 11, “Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” Paul repeated the same command in verse 13, “Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” [verse 13] and also in verse 14, “Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness.”

As a soldier would dress up in armour for the battle, so Christians can avail themselves of the armour God supplies to enable them to stand and win the victory (in His strength, through His victory). 

THE FULL ARMOUR OF GOD.  The picture is from Isaiah 59:16-17, “He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no  one to intervene; so his own arm worked salvation for him, and his own  righteousness sustained him.” 17 “He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.”

The picture Isaiah paints is of God Himself going forth to fight for His people clad in His righteousness and in the helmet of salvation. God supplies righteousness and salvation for His people in their battle against evil. 

i.  {Verse 14} … the belt of truth. It was necessary for easy walking. The word can mean both the truth and integrity. 

In Isaiah 11:5  we read, “Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his  waist.”

Jesus said in Jn 8:32. “You shall know the truth, and the Truth will set you free.” That is,  the truth that is known and acted on. 

As we come to know Him in a deeper way and become open to share His power and His strength,  we can live in the liberty Christ came to bring us. However if we reject Him, we turn away from the truth and from the source of strength and become sitting ducks for the enemy’s attacks.  

ii. [14].   breastplate of righteousness. Imputed and imparted righteousness.  Our part in the process. 

Isaiah wrote in Isaiah 11:5, “Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his  waist.” And in Isa 59:17  “He put on righteousness as his breastplate.”

When we become Christians, the righteousness of Jesus is  imputed to us.  God sees us as being In Him, as being clothed in His righteousness. In legal terms, having the right standing before God.

But there is another aspect in that as we live in intimacy of our relationship with Him, we can begin to share in our daily experience, the power of the life of Christ within us. His righteousness is imparted to us by His Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit [Galatians 5:22-23] the outward expression of the presence of God within us, means that His presence can become more and more evident in our lives, as we keep yielding to the Spirit. 

iii.  {15} … feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 

Taking our stand on God’s word [the gospel of peace]  prepares us to experience God’s peace in our own lives, and to bring His peace to others as we share the gospel with them and they receive the Prince of peace. Paul had written about the need for people to hear the gospel to be able to believe in Jesus for salvation, and he quotes from the OT, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.”  We see the  connection between “feet” and the gospel in Rom 10:15, “And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

We realise of course that it’s not the feet that save, it is Jesus. But what a marvellous message is the gospel that sets people free to live as God wants them to. What a privilege to be able to pass the good news on to others or to be the feet as a messenger from God. We need to be ready at all times to step out in faith to share the gospel message with those whom God brings across our paths.

iv. [16]  … the shield of faith. {16} “In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming  arrows of the evil one.“ The shield spoken of here is [Θυρεόν from θύρα door], because it was large and shaped like a door. It was covered with leather which extinguished flaming arrows, provided maximum protection to the warrior.  

Faith protects us from the devil’s fiery darts or accusations and deceits.

Faith enables us to receive the promises of God and have them come true in our experience as we act on them.

Faith in His promise that when people ask Christ into their lives, He will come in.

Faith in His promise that God does not remember the sins that are confessed to Him.

Faith that He justifies us and declares us “not guilty” as we put our trust in Christ.

Faith that He is with us always even to the end of the ages. 

As we take up the shield of faith and affirm the truth, it prevents Satan wounding us. 

v.  {17}…  the helmet of salvation. 

Eph 6:17  “and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Paul had written about the helmet of salvation in 1 Thess 5:8. “But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.” This verse suggests that it was the mind that the helmet of salvation protected. A helmet to guard our minds, reminding us of Paul’s words in Phil 4:7, “The peace of God which passes all understanding, will guard (garrison) your hearts and minds safe  in Christ Jesus.“ It was the sure and certain Christian hope that would protect the minds of believers when under attack by Satan. 

vi. [17].  the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

The sword is both a defensive weapon and an offensive weapon. We can guard ourselves against all the lies, deceits and errors that Satan throws against us. But we can also wage war against the powers of darkness setting ourselves and others free by the power of the word of truth. Heb 4:12 “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and  marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”  It allows us to recognise what is of God and turn to it, and what is not of God, and turn from it. As King David observed, “Your word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Ps  119:11. He realised that knowing the word of God gave him an understanding of what is good and what is evil and he could then choose to do the good that he knew. That is true for every believer.

4.         WE ARE TO STAND AGAINST THE DEVIL’S (diabolos) SCHEMES (methodeia)

Eph 6:11  “Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” Putting on the full armour of God enables us to stand our ground and to overcome, not be overcome by the schemes, trickery and wiles of the evil one. Paul had written previously in this epistle,  “so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes [methodeia.]” Eph 4:14  

Paul had shared with the believers in Corinth that believers need not be outwitted by Satan for they know his schemes and designs, “so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs [noemata].” 2 Cor 2:11. Satan’s schemes [noemata] are known to believers and so they are not outwitted.  But as we saw above, they  must not give the devil any room to deceive them, “and do not make room for the devil.“ Eph 4:27. This is in the context of what we do and say when we are angry or tempted to lose control such as in becoming bitter. Satan desires to occupy any space that becomes open to him. 

5.    THE NEED TO PRAY IN THE SPIRIT. Verse 18

 {18} “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.“

Believers are encouraged to be prayerful at all times but there are times when it is difficult to know how to pray.  However, that is when the Holy Spirit is able to help us, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not  know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with  groans that words cannot express.” Romans 8:26. Part of Christian maturing depends on our prayer life, “But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit.” Jude 1:20.

The Spirit as the origin of all true prayer, motivates us to pray, and gives us the words [or sometimes the groans] to pray. Prayer inspired by the Holy Spirit enlightens us as we seek to know the mind, purpose and will of God so that we can pray more in conformity with the will of God.

Putting on the armour of God is another way of saying that we are appropriating the provision God has given us in Jesus, and applied to our hearts and minds,  by His Spirit.  Or it is allowing Him to ‘grace’ us with His amazing grace for our acceptance before Him and for the manifestation of His life in and through us by His Spirit. However successful Christian living always depends on our willingness to put on the armour of God!

Blog No.452 Putting On The Armour Of God. (Ephesians 6:11) Core Teaching 4-3.doc. “Put on the full armour (panoplia) of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Posted on Monday 02 January 2023.

Posted in BIBLE PASSAGE OUTLINES, Bible verses. Comments, Creation, Evangelism, Faithfulness, Forgiveness, Glorification, Healing, HEALING MINISTRY Core Teaching, Holy Spirit, Justification, Mental Health, New Covenant, Prayer, Praying our way through Paul's letter to the Ephesians, Questions and Answers, Salvation, Sanctification, spiritual warfare, Temptations | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

451. Spiritual Warfare. Being Strong In The Lord’s Strength. [Core Teaching Stage 4 Topic 2.]

Posted on December 21, 2022 by Jim Holbeck
(Eph 6:10)  “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”
 “Be strong” = [endunamoo]. “Mighty” = [kratos]. “Power” = [ischus].

Paul had a habit of using different power words together in the same verse as we will see below. Many of those verses show that He is able to impart His strength to His followers as they look to Him for strength.

1. GOD WANTS TO EMPOWER US TO LIVE FOR HIM. (Eph 6:10)  “Finally, be strong in the Lord.”
“Finally” [loipoi] may have the sense of the “remainder.” It could be “This is the last thing I’m writing to you now.” Or “For the remainder [of your lives].”
 “Be strong.” The word [endunamoo], can mean to empower, to increase in strength.  To endue or be endued. 
The emphasis is on what God can do in our lives to enable us to serve Him. It is not making ourselves strong. It is be strong “in the Lord”, ie in His strength. 

The word for “be strong” is used in the following ways. 
·      Acts 9:22. of Paul as a new convert being strengthened for ministry, “But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.”
·      Rom 4:20, of Abraham being empowered by faith to believe God’s promise of a child. “No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God.”
·      Phil 4:13, Paul says he can do (ischuo also used in this verse for “power/strength”) all things through Christ who “keeps on” strengthening him,  “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”·      
1 Tim 1:12, where Paul thanks God, ”who has given me strength” meaning for his ministry, “I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service.”·      
2 Tim 2:1, Paul commands Timothy to “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. “·      
2 Timothy 4:17, “But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.”·     
 In Heb 11:34, a similar word [dunamoo] is used where the people of faith were strengthened,  “quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.”
 
THE STRENGTH WE NEED TO LIVE FOR GOD, IS HIS STRENGTH IN US. [Ephesians 6:10 continued]. “and in his mighty power.”
A.  “In His mighty (kratos) power (ischus)”. (RSV in the strength of His might). (Amplified Bible,  “that strength which His boundless might provides”). JB Phillips, “In the power of His boundless resource.”
 ·      He is powerful. His word is powerful.(kratos words in the New Testament are underlined below and are translated as power, strength, might and dominion.)·     
 Luke 1:51, “He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.”·      
Acts 19:20, “So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.·      
Eph. 1:19, ”and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might.”·      
1 Tim. 6:16, “who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honour and eternal dominion. Amen.·      
Heb. 2:14, “ so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power [kratos] of death–that is, the devil.”·      
1 Pet 4:11… do it with the strength (ischus) God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.  Also (1 Pet 5:11)  “To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.”·      
Jude 1:25  “to the only God, our Saviour, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.”·      
Rev 1:6  “and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”·      
Rev. 5:13 – “Might“ in Rev 5:13  ‘And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honour and glory and might forever and ever!”’
 
He is powerful in us. 
In Ephesians 1:19-23, Paul uses almost all the Greek power words to convey the greatness of Jesus.  The Greek words are next to the English words below.
Eph 1:19, “and what is the immeasurable greatness [megathos] of his power [dunamis] for us who believe, according to the working [energeia] of his great [kratos] power [ischus]  20  God put this power [dunamis] to work [energeia] in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21  far above all rule [arche] and authority [exousia] and power [dunamis] and dominion [kuriotetos], and above [huperanō = far above] every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. 22  And he has put all things under his feet (hupotassō = make subject) and has made him the head (kephalē) over all things for the church, 23  which is his body, the fullness [plērōma] of him who fills [plēroō] all in all.”
·      In Col 1:11 Paul wrote, “being strengthened with all power,  (both noun and verb of dunamis) according to his glorious might [kratos], for all endurance and patience with joy.”Paul recognised Jesus as the ultimate authority figure in the whole universe. Yet He is able to share His power with His human followers to enable them to live for Him. Paul wrote in 2 Cor 12:9  about how he had asked the Lord to remove some difficulties he was facing, but the Lord replied, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power[dunamis] is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power [dunamis] of Christ may rest upon me.’He added, that his strength lay in admitting his human weakness, “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Cor 12:10. 
B]. Might. Ischus.  (In the strength of His “might.”) Used of ability, force, strength.
Used of our need to love God with all our strength. ·      (Mark 12:30)  Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. Also Mark 12:33, Luke 10:27,
 Used of His power in us.·      (Eph 1:19)  “and his incomparably great power (dunamis) for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty (kratos) strength [ischus].”Used of His over-ruling power in the world 
·      (2 Th 1:9)  “They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power.”
·      (2 Pet 2:11)  “yet even angels, although they are stronger [ischus] and more powerful (dunamis), do not bring slanderous accusations against such beings in the presence of the Lord.”
·      (Rev 5:12)  “In a loud voice they sang: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power (dunamis) and wealth and wisdom and strength [ischus] and honour and glory and praise!”
·      (Rev 7:12)  saying: “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honour and power (dunamis) and strength [ischus] be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!”
·      (Rev 18:2) ‘With a mighty [ischyros] voice he shouted: “Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great. [megale]”’

God has used powerful words in describing what has happened to us in Christ and who we are in Christ.

Have we realised how great is His power in us and how great it can be through us?

We need to have the same kind of commitment to God that Mary had when the angel told her she was going to bear a son even though she was a virgin. Luke 1:38  ‘Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.”’ It means allowing the Lord to have access to our lives so that He can do in us and through us what He desires in His strength!

Blog No.451. Spiritual Warfare.  Being Strong In The Lord’s Strength. [Core Teaching Stage 4 Topic 2.] Posted on Tuesday 20 December 2022.

Posted in BIBLE PASSAGE OUTLINES, Bible verses. Comments, Creation, Evangelism, Faithfulness, Forgiveness, Glorification, Healing, HEALING MINISTRY Core Teaching, Holy Spirit, Judgement, Justification, Mental Health, New Covenant, Prayer, Salvation, Sanctification, Second coming of Jesus, spiritual warfare, Temptations | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

450. Walking In The Fullness Of God’s Amazing Grace. [Core Teaching Stage 4 Topic 1]. 

Posted on December 15, 2022 by Jim Holbeck
There are many definitions of grace. For example, using the 5 letters to describe grace as G.R.A.C.E. God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. OR God’s Resources Available in Christ. 
A more common definition is “God’s unearned and unmerited favour.” 
God in His grace provides us in Christ everything we need to know and do His will for us. 
1.    THE FULLNESS OF GOD’S GRACE TO US IS FOUND IN JESUS CHRIST 
There is more and more of God’s grace for us to experience. John 1:14-17.Joh 1:14 “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15  (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) 16  For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17  For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” God’s grace dwells in Christ fully and it is from Him that we receive abundant supplies of grace, or “grace upon grace!” 
The blessings which are ours in Him. Ephesians 1:6-8.
·      God’s grace was freely given to us in Christ.  Eph 1:6  “to the praise of his glorious grace [charis], with which he has blessed [from charitoō]  us in the Beloved. 7  In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8  which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight.”·      The verb [χαριτόω, charitoō] means to grace, to indue with special honour, or make accepted, be highly favoured.
·      God’s grace is lavished upon us. “…the riches of God’s grace which he has lavished on us.” “Lavished” is from  [περισσεύω,  perisseuō] meaning to superabound, to be in excess, be superfluous; also to cause to superabound or excel, to abound.
·      Grace is from eternity to eternity. 2 Tim 1:9-10. God’s grace is an eternal gift to us in Christ. 2 Timothy 1:9  “who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10  and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Saviour Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”
                                                                         
2.    WE CAN FIND ONGOING GRACE IN CHRIST TO HELP US IN OUR NEED
·      As believers we have access to God and to His grace. Heb 4:16  “”Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
·      We have access to grace and are standing in it. Rom 5:1-2, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2  Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” We live as believers in the sphere of God’s grace.
·      Human weaknesses are overcome by God’s grace. 2 Cor 12:9. God addressing St Paul, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Paul knew that when he handed his weaknesses over to God, He supplied him with more than enabling grace. 
 
3.    HOW DO WE EXPERIENCE GOD’S AMAZING GRACE TO US? 
·      By humbling ourselves before Him. Prov 3:34, “Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favour.” [Here “favour” is charis = grace in the Septuagint.]
·      God  gives grace to those who humble themselves before Him, “Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. 7  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:6-7.·      God exalts the humble, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” James 4:10.
·      By absorbing His word to us. Acts 20:32. Bible reading. “And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”
·      By scrutinising His word and acting on it. James 1:25. Bible reading & obeying His word,  Jas 1:21-22,25,   “Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 22  But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. … 25  But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”
·      By abiding in Him and in His word. Jn 15:7. Bible reading & prayer. “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
·      By praying for one another for greater enlightenment and more experience of His resurrection power. Eph 1:16-21. Praying for one another, “I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17  that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18  having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19  and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20  that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21  far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.”
·      By praying for one another that we might be strengthened by the Spirit, indwelt by the Son and knowing God’s love. Eph 3:14-19,  “For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15  from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,·      Eph 3:16  that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,17  so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18  may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19  and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”·      Eph 3:20 Praying with expectancy. “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us….”
By living continually and thankfully in the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Eph 5:18, “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19  addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20  giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21  submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.” 

4.        SHARING THE GRACE OF GOD IN BEING MADE COMPASSIONATE TOWARDS ALL PEOPLE.
The gracious attitude of “compassion.” The word means the seat of the emotions. Its outward expression. It marked the life and ministry of Jesus. It has to mark ours as well. Jesus told how compassion works in practice in His parables about compassionate people. (Notice action verbs underlined below)
The father of the prodigal son. (Luke 15:20 So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. 
The good Samaritan Lk 10:33  But a Samaritan while travelling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put himon his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35  The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.’ Recognising need. Being moved by the need. Doing something about it. 
Paul was a recipient of God’s grace. Phil 1:7 “all of you share in God’s grace with me.“  From God’s grace came compassion. Phil 1:8 “For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus.”  
He wanted his readers to be compassionate towards others (Phil 2:1 If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy 2 make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves 4 Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.” Compassion involves looking outward and recognising and being moved by human need. 
We should be characterised (clothed with) compassion. Col 3:12 “As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” (See also Heb 10:34 for compassion towards prisoners). 

Paul encouraged Philemon who had refreshed the hearts of the saints to refresh his heart. The word for “heart” here is compassion [splagchnon; σπλάγχνον] meaning the intestines, or the seat of the emotions. Paul encouraged Philemon who had refreshed the hearts of the saints to refresh his heart. (Philemon 1:7  “I have indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, my brother. “ AND 1:20, “Refresh my heart in Christ.” Onesimus was his “heart” as Paul expressed it in his letter to Philemon, Phile 1:12  “I am sending .. my own heart” was the description he gave of Onesimus as he sent him back to his former master, Philemon.

Christian love recognises human need and is moved to meet it. 1 Jn 3:17 “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?18  Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. 19  By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; 20  for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.”
How do we rate in terms of showing compassion in every situation? We should. We must. We can! By the grace of God alone. 
We need His grace every moment of our lives in order to express it to others.

Blog No.450. Walking In The Fullness Of God’s Amazing Grace. [Core Teaching Stage 4 Topic 1]. Posted on Thursday 15 December 2022

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