Dec 12, 2021. I Thessalonians 5:22

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THE APPEARANCE OF EVIL. I Thessalonians 5:22.  12/12/21.  #20.

1 Thessalonians 5:22 [New King James Version]

22 Abstain from every form of evil.

  1. The forms of evil
    1. This is an obvious admonition
      1.  Forms of evil are to be avoided
        1.  Obvious forms of evil are recognized: lying, murder, hatred, thievery, adultery, gluttony, gossip, slander, fornication, jealousy, profanity
    1. It is an obvious command to abstain (to hold oneself back from) doing evil
      1.  Believers are to live pure lives before the Lord
        1.  Christians should be known for holy living
  2. A word with a deeper meaning
    1. The word used for form in the Greek goes deeper than just a kind or class of recognized evil (blasphemy, immorality, lying, cheating…)
      1. Five  common Greek words translated “form”:
        1.  Schema (we obtain our words scheme, schematic, and scheming from this word) –  a design, a planned approach, or purposeful intend (thus, something that is evil by nature)
        1.  Morphe (as in morphology, metamorphosis) – the form of something; it’s shape and nature
        1.  Eidos (we obtain our word eye from it) – that which is perceived or appears
        1.  Tupos (our words, topology, topographical) – an outline of something
        1.  Hupotuposis – a pattern or sketch
    1. Schema is commonly used to express a purposeful intent or plan
      1.  Philippians 2:8 Jesus was found in the appearance (fashion, form) of a man
        1.  I Corinthians 7:31 …the form of this world is passing…
    1. Morphe  is used of a complete rendering or pattern
      1.  Galatians 4:19 …until Christ is fully formed in you
        1.  II Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but deny its power…
  3. Beyond the form
    1. The word used for form in this passage is Eidos
      1.  Not only are we to stay away from that which is evil, but that which even looks like evil to others
        1. a2. Avoiding compromising appearances
    1. Eidos is used only three other times in the New Testament:
      1.  Luke 3:22 the Holy Spirit came in form of a dove
        1.  John 5:37 no man has seen the form of God
        1.  II Corinthians 5:7 we walk by faith, not sight
    1. Appearances of evil can be many things:
      1.  II Corinthians 6:14-18 keeping bad company
        1.  Romans 14-15 offending a weaker brother by insisting on using our liberty in Christ
        1.  A man helping a widow by fixing things in her house, but he is alone with her
        1.  Listening to gossip
        1.  The office Christmas party where drunkenness is common
        1.  Laughing at crude jokes 0
        1.  Becoming embroiled in a senseless argument
        1.  Counseling someone of the opposite sex
    1. Appearances of evil are hard to avoid, especially when dealing with unsaved family members
      1.  In every way possible we need to avoid compromising and questionable situations
        1.  There a many places of pitfalls: fraternities, sororities, parties, clubs, hotels with casinos…
    1. It is easy to get caught off guard (Joseph and Mrs. Potiphar)
    1. II Timothy 2:20-26 – being on guard means continuing to cleanse self of impurity so we can discern and act properly
    1. We need to stay away from the edges of impropriety
    1. When in doubt, leave it out

Key Verse:  2 Timothy 2:20-2620 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

Dec 5, 2021. I Thessalonians 5:21

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PROVING GROUNDS. I Thessalonians 5:21. 12/5/21. #19.

1 Thessalonians 5:21 [New International Version]

21 but test them all; hold on to what is good,

  1. Not by feel, but by fact
    1. Test or prove = certify, examine, confirm by evidence
      1. Spiritual truth is not ascertained by feeling, personal belief, wishful thinking, or speculation
      1. This passage negates the “direct revelation” approach of Pentecostal doctrine
      1. Truth claims can be tested by evidence & are not subject to private interpretations that others cannot evaluate
    1. Testing eliminates uncertain truth claims & untenable spiritual proclamations
      1. Revelation 2:1-3 the Ephesian church was commended for examining the claims of those who promoted themselves as spiritual teachers
      1. Deuteronomy 18 those who claim to speak for God, but who do not are accursed (Galatians 1)
    1. Key to examining truth claims are the Scriptures
      1. II Timothy 2:15 must know the Scriptures in order to examine what others are teaching & promoting
      1. Should know the basic doctrines of the faith & what supports those doctrines
      1. We know how to sequence & understand areas of our interest (cooking, computers, gaming, crafts, hobbies, pop culture, fashion, decorating, landscaping…), so we can do the same if we make the Bible a keen interest
      1. Learn to pull together pertinent passages that support major Bible doctrines
  2. The student pitfall
    1. Most people tend to accept whatever is taught them without critiquing the information
      1. Often they are taught contradictory things, but believe the contradictions without even realizing that they are contradictory, so impossible
      1. Celebrity speakers are authoritative in the minds of the undiscerning
    1. Each believer is responsible to guard own beliefs
      1. A “tell me what to believe” approach opens one to falsehoods & dire consequences
      1. It takes effort, discernment, skepticism, constant diligence, & meticulous study to know truth
    1. Categories of error:
      1. Proof texting – taking passages out of their context to make them say something they do not (a most common error built on desiring to prove an idea or teaching one believes in)
      1. Allegorizing – claiming that Bible texts are not literal, but merely illustrations or spiritual stories that can mean many different things
      1. Contextualizing – applying the Bible to modern circumstances in a way that changes the meaning & intent of the passages (liberation theology)
      1. Systemization – fitting Bible into a philosophy
      1. Fallacy of Categories – mixing interpretation of genres (figures of speech, prophecy, narrative…)
  3. Proper interpretive principles
    1. What is the historical & grammatical context of passage?
    1. Identify genre (historical, poetry, doctrine, parable…)
    1. What is the context in the chapter, book, testament, Bible?
    1. If the plain sense of passages is clear, don’t seek another
    1. If you have come up with a unique interpretation = wrong
    1. Make sure interpretation is consistent with rest of Bible.
  4. Holding firmly to what is good
    1. Bad influences & laziness will cause beliefs to erode
    1. Staying true to right beliefs is tedious (II Timothy 2:14-19)
    1. Satan, the world, & false believers attack your faith
    1. Holding firm = keeping a tight grip on truth & holiness

Key verse: 2 Timothy 2:14-19

14 Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

Dec 5, 2021. II Samuel 19:41-20:3

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THE JAWS OF JEALOUSY. II Samuel 19:41-20:3. 12/5/21. #48

2 Samuel 19:41-20:3 [New International Version]

41 Soon all the men of Israel were coming to the king and saying to him, “Why did our brothers, the men of Judah, steal the king away and bring him and his household across the Jordan, together with all his men?” 42 All the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, “We did this because the king is closely related to us. Why are you angry about it? Have we eaten any of the king’s provisions? Have we taken anything for ourselves?” 43 Then the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, “We have ten shares in the king; so we have a greater claim on David than you have. Why then do you treat us with contempt? Weren’t we the first to speak of bringing back our king?” But the men of Judah pressed their claims even more forcefully than the men of Israel. 1 Now a troublemaker named Sheba son of Bikri, a Benjamite, happened to be there. He sounded the trumpet and shouted, “We have no share in David,    no part in Jesse’s son! Every man to his tent, Israel!” 2 So all the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba son of Bikri. But the men of Judah stayed by their king all the way from the Jordan to Jerusalem. 3 When David returned to his palace in Jerusalem, he took the ten concubines he had left to take care of the palace and put them in a house under guard. He provided for them but had no sexual relations with them. They were kept in confinement till the day of their death, living as widows.

  1. Fickle followers
    1. Israel and Judah go from rebellion against David to fighting over him to claim him as their king
      1. a1. The controversy is petty, immature, and divisive
      1. a2. Rivalries are generally trivial and unprofitable
    1. People are typically fickle and self-absorbed
      1. a1. Very few people act on righteous core values alone (Jonathan, Barzillai, Daniel, Joseph, Samuel…)
      1. a2. Most people respond on how they feel at the moment and by what gives them an advantage
    1. From the beginning of the kingdom, Israel was divided between the northern tribes and Judah
      1. a1. Rarely did the tribes show absolute unity (under Deborah, Gideon, Rehoboam…)
      1. a2. The tribes of Israel never saw themselves as one nation (common cause of fighting off enemies demonstrated a unity of necessity)
    1. Several features are important for a unified nation:
      1. a1. Common culture and purpose
      1. a2. Set boundaries
      1. a3. Unifying sense of bonding and identity
    1. Many nations are divided by sub-classes (tribes, clans, ethnicity, ideology, provincialism, values…)
      1. a1. America was founded on an idea (freedom and government by consent of the governed)
      1. a2. Unity under God should have sustained Israel
  2. Judah claims David
    1. David had to coax Judah to escort him back to Jerusalem
      1. a1. Now they claim that David is more their king than he is of the other tribes
      1. a2. They wanted none of David or all of David
    1. The northern tribes are highly offended by Judah’s claim
      1. a1. They are jealous and accusatory
      1. a2. They already feel like outsiders: Jerusalem is in territory of Judah
    1. Judah argues that David was a member of their tribe
      1. a1. Judah did not depend upon David feeding them during the war as Israel had
      1. a2. David does not seem to intervene in this bickering
    1. Rivalry is usually dangerous, leaving bitter feelings
      1. a1. 1 Cor. 3 the factions in Corinth cause strife in body
      1. a2. 3 Jn. the petty control by Demetrius harmed ministry
    1. The bitter words were sure to bring hostile division
    1. Instead of mutual rejoicing, David’s victory brought strife
    1. Israel needed to be united (enemies all around them)
    1. Arguing who had greater claim over David was absurd
      1. a1. Like the disciples arguing who was greatest in the kingdom (Luke 9:46-47)
      1. a2. All such jealousies are founded upon pride (Proverbs 16:18)
      1. a3. The Gideon/Ephraim squabble (Jude 8)
  3. The second rebellion
    1. Israel goes off to their tents in a huff
    1. Sheba the Benjaminite leads the rebellion (Benjamin was often a problem: Jud. 20, Saul, Shimei…)
    1. This silly squabble ends up in another civil war
      1. a1. The core issues after the war still remained
      1. a2. David was unsuccessful in uniting the tribes

Nov 28, 2021. I Thessalonians 5:19-20

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SPIRIT LED.  I Thessalonians 5:19-20.  11/28/2021.  #18.

1 Thessalonians 5:19-20 [New King James Version]

19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies.

  • Response to the Spirit
    • Three admonitions concerning the believer’s response to
      • the Holy Spirit:
        •  Ephesians 5:18 be filled with the Holy Spirit
        •  Ephesians 4:30 do not grieve the Holy Spirit
        •  I Thessalonians 5:19 do not quench the Spirit
    • Being filled with the Spirit = yielding to Spirit
      •  Obeying the Word of God, the leading of the Spirit while worship and testifying of the Lord
        •  Spirituality based upon continual seeking the Lord and his will
    • Grieving the Spirit = rebellion against God; sinning
      •  I Corinthians 3, 11 disobedience that leads to a poor testimony, discouragement in body of Christ, and chastisement of the Lord
        •  Grieving the Spirit is the ultimate expression of ingratitude to the Lord, who saved you
  • Quenching the Spirit
    • Quenching the Spirit is resisting the work of Spirituality
      •  Refusing to listen or yield to the Spirit (Heb. 5-6)–Elymas, Alexander the Coppersmith
        •  To discourage others from yielding to the Spirit (Euodia and Syntyche; Demetrius in III John)
        •  Quenching = to put out (as water on a fire)
    • Many ways to quench the Spirit
      •  Ignoring the Spirit’s leading, usually through concentrating on temporal desires and issues
        •  Dampening someone else’s enthusiasm to serve the Lord
        •  Infighting (Galatians 5:15)
    • There are dire consequences for resisting the Spirit or causing others to stumble
      •  I Corinthians 3:11-15 loss of reward
        •  Matthew 18:7 the Lord pronounced a curse on those who give offense
    • Quenching the Spirit is more subtle than grieving the Spirit
      •  Something as simple as following a self-oriented routine can quench the Spirit (ignoring the Bible, worship, service + superficial prayers and believing that merely attending services is mark of spirituality
        •  Revelation 2:1-5 the Ephesian church was doing well, except they had left their first love
    • Signs of quenching of the Spirit
      •  Lukewarmness about your faith
        •  Little desire to serve the Lord, praying, or even gathering with other believers
        •  Only a passing familiarity with the Bible
    • Only a vibrant Spirit led life pleases God (Romans 8:5-11)
  • Do not despise prophecies
    • Despise = to make of no account; to bring to nothing; to show contempt for
    • Prophecies = speaking forth the mind of God
      •  Not just predictions or foretelling
        •  I Peter 4:11 speaking the oracles of God (presenting accurately the Word of God is prophesying)
    • There are those who claim to be Christians who do not like what the Bible says about morality and doctrine
      •  The Bible is not open to critique
        •  We are not given the option to pick and choose what we like or dislike from the Bible
    • The Word of God is very convicting
      •  Those things that convict us are to our benefit
        •  We can correct, ignore, or reject the counsel of God, but only correction furthers holiness
        •  Those who reject or despise the instruction of the Word of God are in rebellion, do not seek the will of God, and show great ingratitude
    • The Word of God is suppose to make us uncomfortable
      •  Hebrews 4:12; II Timothy 3:16 the Word works against our sin nature (and our pride)
        •  We need to be thankful that the Word convicts us, so we can draw close to God and be blessed
    • Despising the Word means that we have not yet given up pursuing sin and our own selfish desires

Key verse:  Romans 8:5-11

5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. 10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

Nov 28, 2021. II Samuel 19:31-40

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BARZILLAI’S REWARD.  II Samuel 19:31-40.  11/28/2021.  #47.

2 Samuel 19:31-40 [New King James Version]

31 And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim and went across the Jordan with the king, to escort him across the Jordan. 32 Now Barzillai was a very aged man, eighty years old. And he had provided the king with supplies while he stayed at Mahanaim, for he was a very rich man. 33 And the king said to Barzillai, “Come across with me, and I will provide for you while you are with me in Jerusalem.” 34 But Barzillai said to the king, “How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem? 35 I am today eighty years old. Can I discern between the good and bad? Can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? Can I hear any longer the voice of singing men and singing women? Why then should your servant be a further burden to my lord the king? 36 Your servant will go a little way across the Jordan with the king. And why should the king repay me with such a reward? 37 Please let your servant turn back again, that I may die in my own city, near the grave of my father and mother. But here is your servant Chimham; let him cross over with my lord the king, and do for him what seems good to you.” 38 And the king answered, “Chimham shall cross over with me, and I will do for him what seems good to you. Now whatever you request of me, I will do for you.” 39 Then all the people went over the Jordan. And when the king had crossed over, the king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and he returned to his own place. 40 Now the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him. And all the people of Judah escorted the king, and also half the people of Israel.

  • Barzillai, volunteer chief quartermaster of the army
    • Barzillai was an elderly Gileadite (trans-Jordan where the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and one-half Manasseh settled)
      •  Not only did he provide food for David’s army when he fled Absalom, but this rich man continued to provide for them throughout the war
        •  God in his providence raises up support for his own from unsuspected sources
        •  Providence is an expression of God’s mercy, grace, and support
    • Most rich men are self-oriented, selfish, and arrogant
      •  Luke 12 the man who decides to pull down his barns to build bigger barns for his crops
        •  The rich young ruler
        •  King Ahab
    • Jam. 2 = do not show favoritism to the rich–are they not the very ones who take you to court?
      •  The rich tend to persecute, take advantage of, and despise the poor
        •  I Corinthians 1 God has not chosen many who are rich and powerful for eternal life
        •  Proverbs 13:8-14 a man’s wealth ransoms his life
    • God did use some selected rich men to further his well
      •  Job sustained many widows and poor
        •  Abraham gave a tithe of all that he had (Genesis 14)
        •  Joseph of Arimathea provided a tomb and burial spices for Jesus
  • David seeks to reward Barzillai
    • Barzillai sustained David’s army, but expected nothing in return (was doing God’s will)
      •  Showed his loyalty and support for the king
        •  In service of God by supporting God’s anointed
    • Barzillai’s reward was to see David return as king
    • David wants to show his appreciation by taking Barzillai back to Jerusalem to sit at his table
      •  Bar. would be an honored guest at David’s table
        •  This honor is the highest David could offer a man who had everything
    • Barzillai protests the honor
      •  He is 80 years old and could not distinguish what food he was eating or discern what was being sung
        •  He would soon die and wants to do so in the city of his parents
        •  Barzillai suggests that the honor be given to his son, Chimham, who could appreciate the amenities
  • The sons of Barzillai
    • Chimham goes with David to sit at his table
    • David wants to give more honor to Barzillai’s family
      •  Jeremiah 41:17 David gives Chimham the inn in Bethlehem
        •  The inn is where Joseph and Mary arrive 1000 years later and Jesus is born in the inn’s stable
        •  Barzillai’s kindness to David is honored by his family being a part of the Christmas story, as the Messiah from David’s family is born on the property of Barzillai’s descendants
    • An odd twist to the story
      •  Barzillai’s other son, Adriel, marries Saul’s daughter, Merab, who had been offered to David twice
        •  All five of Adriel’s sons were given to the Gibeonites to be executed as payment for Saul’s massacre of Gibeonite men
          •  Both Saul’s and Barzillai’s grandsons
          •  This is a strange payback to Barzillai
    • Politics entail odd twists and turns
      •  Chimham is honored and Adriel is victimized

 David made no connection between Bar. and Adriel

Nov 21, 2021. I Thessalonians 5:15

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RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL.  I Thessalonians 5:15.  11/21/2021. #17.

1 Thessalonians 5:15 [New King James Version]

15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.

  • Evil vs. justice
    • This is a personal commandment
      •  We are not to take vengeance upon ourselves
        •  We are actually to do good to our enemies
    • Returning good for evil does not eliminate justice
      •  A proper government will punish criminals
        •  Parents are to discipline their children (this is a good intent endeavor for correction and training)
        •  Church discipline is important to protect flock
    • This does not promote a doormat Christianity
      •  Jesus scourged thieves in the Temple
        •  Acts 5 Ananias and Sapphira lost their lives for lying to the Holy Spirit
        •  I Corinthians 5 Paul encouraged severe discipline for the man who was intimate with his stepmother
  • The unnatural reaction
    • Our flesh wants to avenge ourselves when we are injured or disrespected by others
      •  We feel justified in our attitudes and actions
        •  We desire an immediate response
    • Our emotions, pride, and sense of fairness/justice combine to seek an “evening of the score” or meting our deserved punishment and consequences
    • God must command us to refrain from avenging ourselves and actually returning kindness for spite
  • Higher purpose living
    • Our calling is on a higher plane than seeking vengeance
      •  Matthew 5:38-48 Jesus stated that if we responded to  others as they responded to us, we do no more than what the average unsaved does
        •  There is a greater testimony in forgiving, serving those who abuse us, and seeking the good of all
    • 4 earthly authorities:
      •  Family (in charge of training children-Ephesians 6:1-4)
        •  Government (Romans 13–in charge of justice)
        •  Church leadership (I Timothy 3 – spiritual training)
        •  Employer (Ephesians 6:5–directs economic life)
    • When the 4 earthly authorities fail to intervene, one is not to take matters into own hands
      •  Romans 12:17-21 only God has the authority and wisdom to mete out proper judgment
        •  Our calling is to righteousness, returning good for evil (Romans 12:20-21 overcoming good with evil)
    • Righteousness is proactive and immaterial of feelings
      •  Someone takes your coat, give him your cloak as well
        •  Love those who spitefully use you
        •  Give to those who ask of you without expecting return (balanced with II Thessalonians 3–man to work)
    • Righteousness has the purpose of demonstrating goodness to a lost
      •  Philippians 4:5-7 like peace, such active live is of a supernatural origin
        •  To love those who hate us mimics Christ
    • Examples of returning good for evil:
      •  Jesus forgives his enemies from the cross
        •  Stephen forgives his executioners at his stoning
        •  Jesus heals the ear of Malchus, the High Priest’s servant, after Peter had cut it off
    • Application of this principle is very practical
      •  If someone compels you to go one mile, go with him two (voluntary investment in an abuser releases bitterness and signals that you refuse to be an enemy of your abuser)
        •  I Corinthians 6 giving up your right to sue for damages
    • By doing good to our enemies we give place for God’s wrath and allow for natural consequences (Galatians 6:7-9)
      •  If we trust the Lord with our salvation, we can trust him with justice
        •  The process of turning abuse over to the Lord is an act of faith and trust
    • By investing in the lives of our enemies, we allow God to bring circumstances into their lives that give opportunity for them to turn to us for answers (I Peter 3:15)
      •  We are not called to avenge ourselves, but rather to minister to others in the name of the Lord
        •  We must learn to deal properly with our feelings of violation, rage, vengeance, and entitlement

Key verse:  Matthew 5:38-4838 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Nov 21, 2021. II Samuel 19:24-30

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THE HEISENBERG PRINCIPLE.  II Samuel 19:24-30.  Nov 21, 2021.  #46.

2 Samuel 19:24-30 [New King James Version]

24 Now Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king. And he had not cared for his feet, nor trimmed his mustache, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he returned in peace. 25 So it was, when he had come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said to him, “Why did you not go with me, Mephibosheth?” 26 And he answered, “My lord, O king, my servant deceived me. For your servant said, ‘I will saddle a donkey for myself, that I may ride on it and go to the king,’ because your servant is lame. 27 And he has slandered your servant to my lord the king, but my lord the king is like the angel of God. Therefore do what is good in your eyes. 28 For all my father’s house were but dead men before my lord the king. Yet you set your servant among those who eat at your own table. Therefore what right have I still to [a]cry out anymore to the king?” 29 So the king said to him, “Why do you speak anymore of your matters? I have said, ‘You and Ziba divide the land.’ ” 30 Then Mephibosheth said to the king, “Rather, let him take it all, inasmuch as my lord the king has come back in peace to his own house.”

  • Missing in action
    • When David fled Jerusalem, Ziba went with him, but Ziba’s master, Mephibosheth, did not go
      •  Mephibosheth was Jonathan’s son, who was lame due to his nursemaid dropping him
        •  Since Mephibosheth was from Saul’s house, it was important that he show open support for David
    • When Ziba was asked why Mephibosheth did not come, Ziba stated that Mephibosheth was hoping that there would be a stalemate between David and Absalom and then the people would put him on his grandfather’s throne
      •  David had placed Mephibosheth at his own table as a kindness to Jonathan
        •  David then gives all of Mephibosheth’s land to Ziba
  • A ride on a donkey
    • As David enters the road to Jerusalem, Mephibosheth comes down to greet him
      •  Mephibosheth has not bathed or groomed since David left (quite a sight and odor)
        •  Mephibosheth shows great contrition and joy that David had returned
    • David asked Mephibosheth why he did not go with him
      •  David already has Ziba’s story
        •  David knew Mephibosheth’s timid and fearful nature (he was not a man to lead troops or rally followers)
    • The man that stood before David was the same skittish man that he remembered him to be
    • Mephibosheth tells a different story than Ziba
      •  Ziba was to go saddle a donkey for Mephibosheth and then take him to David
        •  Instead of preparing a donkey for Mephibosheth Ziba simply left him behind
  • The uncertainty principle
    • David is suspicious of both stories
      •  It is obvious that Ziba had lied about Mephibosheth’s intent–here was no aspirant to the throne
        •  However, if Mephibosheth could come down on his own to meet David, he could have come on his own to follow David
    • David decides to divide the land between Mephibosheth and Ziba since he is uncertain of the truth
    • Many times we have to make decisions based upon incomplete information
      •  Most of the time, we do not have all the facts
        •  Unless God gives clear direction, we decide based upon the best information at hand
    • 3 areas of caution
      •  Should avoid making snap decisions (not everything is as it appears to be)
        •  We are guilty of injustice if we should have known more of the facts but just did not bother to search them out
        •  Unless not possible, take the time to make sure you are deciding correctly (no haste)
    • Mephibosheth gives us a clue as to what really happened
      •  Mephibosheth is just glad to be alive (David could have wiped out all of Saul’s house)
        •  Mephibosheth offers to let Ziba have all the land (just being at the king’s table was enough)
        •  From his reaction, Mephibosheth was probably merely afraid
          •  He hunkered down until he found out which way the war went
          •  If he were with David when Absalom won, he would have been killed
          •  If he stayed in Jer., David might kill him
        •  Mephibosheth hid until the fighting stopped

Nov 14, 2021. I Thessalonians 5:16-18

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THE ALWAYS DO LIST.  I Thessalonians 5:16-18.  11/14/2021.  #16.

I Thessalonians 5:16-18 [New King James Version]

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

  • Joy beyond the darkness
    • Paul gives 3 commandments always to obey: always rejoice, always pray, and always give thanks
    • The always part is a problem for most of us – we don’t  feel joyful all the time or are praying or are thankful
      •  Rejoicing, praying, and gratitude are not states of mind or emotional reactions
        •  Joy is a response to a deeper relationship that transcends the difficulties of life
    • Joy is often mixed up with happiness
      •  Happiness is tied to blessing in the Scriptures
        •  Happiness is a response to good circumstances, but can be a response to realizing the blessings of God in his promises (The Beatitudes)
        •  Joy deals with eternal peace given by Lord
    • Rejoicing, then, is tied to our relationship with the Lord
      •  John 15:11 Jesus gives us a joy that remains and cannot be taken away (15:1-8 abiding in Him)
        •  Hebrews 12:2 for the joy that was set before him (the redemption of many), Jesus endured the cross, despising the shame and now is enthroned
        •  Philippians 4:4 Paul commands continual rejoicing
        •  John 16:22 no one can take our joy away
        •  Romans 14:17 the kingdom of God is peace and joy
        •  Philippians 4:1 those we lead to Christ = our joy + crown
        •  James 1:2 be joyful for the trials that strengthen us
    • Internal joy exists for believers even when grieving, in pain, or suffering trials
      •  Paul was at times grieved, in pain, under persecution, angry, and anxious, but he still rejoiced
        •  The Lord was in anguish in the Garden of Gethsemanes but he rejoiced in obeying the Father’s will
    • Rejoicing was a great trait of persecuted believers in their trials and martyrdom (Stephen, Polycarp, Jon Hus, Amy Carmichael, Jim Elliot, David Livingstone, Hudson Taylor…)
  • Continual prayer
    • We think of prayer as a formal time of communicating with God (set time and pattern)
    • Pray without ceasing does not me long durations of formal prayer (Matthew 6:7)
      •  There’re times for long prayer sessions (Luke 6:12)
        •  Prayer should be persistent and fervent (James 5)
    • Praying without ceasing goes beyond formal prayer
      •  While we are going about our daily tasks, we are in constant communication with God (a moment by moment dialogue)
        •  Prayer is not always formal; it can be conversational and ongoing (Hebrews 4:14-16)
    • If the only praying we do is scheduled times dedicated to the activity, then we are mostly out of touch with the Lord
      •  No one schedules only dedicated times to talk to spouse or children if home life is right
        •  God wants more of us than 2 or 3 times a day
  • Thankful in all things
    • We are to be thankful in, not for all things
      •  Romans 8:28 everything brought into our lives that are not from our own choices (Gal. 6:7-10), are for our own benefit (II Corinthians 12:1-10)
        •  I Peter 4:12-19 – there is an identity with Christ in his suffering for his glory and testimony
    • We must trust that God has a reason for our trials
      •  Joy is in knowing that God is working through the trials for his glory and our reward
        •  Even when we do not understand the purpose of our grief and pain, we rejoice in his holy purpose
    • The practice of rejoicing, praying, and gratitude fortifies us

Key Verse: 1 Peter 4:12-1912 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this [d]matter. 17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

Nov 14, 2021. II Samuel 19:18-23

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DAVID and SHIMEI.  II Samuel 19:18-23.  11/14/2021.  #45.

18 Then a ferryboat went across to carry over the king’s household, and to do what he thought good. 

Now Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king when he had crossed the Jordan. 19 Then he said to the king, “Do not let my lord impute iniquity to me, or remember what wrong your servant did on the day that my lord the king left Jerusalem, that the king should take it to heart. 20 For I, your servant, know that I have sinned.  Therefore here I am, the first to come today of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.” 21 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, “Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the Lord’s anointed?” 22 And David said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah, that you should be adversaries to me today? Shall any man be put to death today in Israel?  For do I not know that today I am king over Israel?” 23 Therefore the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king swore to him.

  • Shimei grovels
    • Shimei had cursed David when he fled Jerusalem
      •  David’s victory puts him in a precarious spot
      •  Shimei would have done well to stay quiet
    • Shimei tries to make amends by greeting David
      •  He profusely begs for forgiveness, stating that he had sinned by castigating the king
      •  Both Shimei and David know that Shimei’s apology is out of fear and not sincerity
    • Seeking forgiveness for fear of consequences or because one is afraid or forced to do so is not genuine
    • Shimei declares that he is the 1st of the house of Joseph to greet David (not a Benjamite, but of Ephraim or Manasseh)
  • Abishai’s ready sword
    • When Shimei had initially cursed David, Abishai wanted to lop off the “donkey’s” head
    • Again, Abishai offers to rid the kingdom of this dog
      •  Shimei had cursed the Lord’s anointed
      •  Shimei deserved to die
    • David stays Abishai’s hand
      •  David is again unwilling to execute justice
      •  This is a day of celebration; not death
    • Saul had made the same declaration after he defeated the Ammonites who threatened Jabesh-Gilead
    • David asks what he is to do with the sons of Zeruiah
      •  Joab had killed Abner and Absalom
      •  Abishai harps to take off people’s heads
      •  Asahel was killed by refusing to turn from Abner
      •  The sons of Zeruiah (David’s sister) were powerful and popular (too strong for David to move against)
    • David declares that being restored to his throne was cause for celebration and not judgment
  • David makes a promise to Shimei
    • David had initially prevented Abishai from killing Shimei, saying, “who knows if God had not commanded Shimei to curse David this day?”
    • Now David swears to Shimei that he will not die
      •  It appears that Shimei’s danger had passed
      •  Shimei assumes that the king had forgiven him and had put the incident behind him
    • 2 Kings 2:8-9
  • 8 “And see, you have with you Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite from Bahurim, who cursed me with a malicious curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim. But he came down to meet me at the Jordan, and I swore to him by the LORD, saying, ‘I will not put you to death with the sword.’ 9 Now therefore, do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man and know what you ought to do to him; but bring his gray hair down to the grave with blood.”
  •  Twenty years later David tells Solomon to kill Shimei
    •  David had sworn the he would not kill Shimei, but he never stated that someone else would not do so
    • David apparently held a grudge against Shimei
      •  David had not forgiven Shimei at all
      •  David sought personal revenge against both Joab and Shimei
        •  David had not dealt with either man
        •  David makes Solomon his executioner
    • It is disappointing that David seems to have neither the capacity to judge properly or forgive totally
    • Effective leadership requires decisive proper actions

Nov 7, 2021. I Thessalonians 5:14-15

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CHURCH CARE.  I Thessalonians 5:14-15.  11/07/2021.  #15.

I Thessalonians 5:14-15 [New King James Version]

14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are [b]unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.

  1. Ministry of oversight
    1. Church leaders are to actually guide and mentor the saints
      1.  Neither to left alone to their own devices nor to micromanage their lives
      1.  There is a watchfulness and instruction of the flock
    1. Paul lists 3 types of individuals that require 3 different approaches to minister to them
      1.  The unruly are to be warned
      1.  The fainthearted are to be comforted
      1.  The weak are to be supported
    1. It takes discernment to know what approach should be taken with each individual
      1.  Not all people are the same (different natures require different tactics)
      1.  The patient ministering to others so that each believer can reach his or her full calling in Christ is the calling of the church leader
  2. The unruly
    1. Paul lists the unruly first, for he is the most problematic
      1.  A disruptive person can do a lot of damage
      1.  Not only does the unruly shatter the peace of the body, but he also tarnishes the church’s testimony before the lost
    1. Paul exhorts (parakaleo, called alongside) the elders to do the job assigned to them
    1. Warn (lit., bring to mind) the unruly (disorderly)
      1.  Disorderly (unruly) is a military term, meaning not keeping rank (refusing to stay in formation)
      1.  The word implies insubordination and rebellion
    1. Disorderly people are either immature or full of pride
      1.  Paul dealt with many unruly people in Corinth
      1.  The rebellious cause problems in the body of Christ, causing the weak to stumble, discouraging the faithful, and driving away the seeker
    1. The elders were to remind the unruly of their calling and of their obligation before the Lord, other believers, and the lost
      1.  Disruption cannot continue in the assembly and the elders are responsible to deal with it (Ephesians 4:1-16)
      1.  The cause of unruliness is immaterial to stopping it (no matter what the excuse, the body must be protected from disturbances)
  3. The Fainthearted
    1. Comfort (paramuthos, lit., near the mouth) – to console, to come close to someone in order to encourage them
    1. Fainthearted (lit., small souled) – one who is discouraged or downtrodden (not, feeble-minded at in KJV)
      1.  Many of us get discouraged at times
      1.  Paul states that we need to encourage each other
    1. Unlike warning the unruly, the discouraged needs comfort and encouragement (church = a support system)
  4. The weak
    1. Uphold = to support (literally, to cling firmly to)
      1.  Some people need actual aid for awhile
      1.  Those who are unable to bear themselves up need help from the body of Christ to support them
    1. Weak (without strength) – this could be bodily, mental, or spiritual strength
      1.  I Corinthians 12:23 the weaker members deserve greater honor (shows Christ’s compassion through saints)
      1.  Those with deficiencies need greater care
    1. Leaders are to discern, admonish, comfort, support, and make sure they render goodness, nor returning evil

Key Verse: Ephesians 4:1-161 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men.”  9 (Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) 11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.