The Forgotten Vow of Jacob

The Forgotten Vow Of Jacob
Genesis 35:1-7

We begin our study today with a reading of Gen 35:1-7 “God said to Jacob, "Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there. Make an altar there to the God who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau." So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, "Put away the foreign gods that are among you and purify yourselves and change your garments. Then let us arise and go up to Bethel, so that I may make there an altar to the God who answers me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone." So they gave to Jacob all the foreign gods that they had, and the rings that were in their ears. Jacob hid them under the terebinth tree that was near Shechem. And as they journeyed, a terror from God fell upon the cities that were around them, so that they did not pursue the sons of Jacob. And Jacob came to Luz (that is, Bethel), which is in the land of Canaan, he and all the people who were with him, and there he built an altar and called the place El-bethel, because there God had revealed himself to him when he fled from his brother.”

We find God telling Jacob to go to Bethel in which he is to build an altar. Why did God command this? Nearly thirty years earlier, Jacob had made a vow. But he seems to have forgotten about it, and God is now calling him to fulfill it. There are several lessons that can be gleaned from this “forgotten vow of Jacob” which can be easily applied to our service as Christians. But before I point these lessons out, a little more historical background might be helpful.

Thirty years before, Jacob had made a vow. It was made as he was fleeing the wrath of Esau (for Jacob had stolen Esau’s blessing from their father Isaac). Leaving Beersheba, he headed toward Haran (consult a map). On the way, he stopped at what is now called Bethel (consult a map) - Gen 28:10-15 “Jacob left Beersheba and went toward Haran. And he came to a certain place and stayed there that night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place to sleep. And he dreamed, and behold, there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it! And behold, the LORD stood above it and said, "I am the LORD, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring. Your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south, and in you and your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed. Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you."’ There he had a dream, in which he saw what we commonly call “Jacob’s Ladder” (angels ascending and descending on a ladder between heaven and earth). In this dream, God promises to be with him and safely return him to his home. The dream prompted Jacob to make his vow - Gen 28:16-22 “Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, "Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it." And he was afraid and said, "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven." So early in the morning Jacob took the stone that he had put under his head and set it up for a pillar and poured oil on the top of it. He called the name of that place Bethel, but the name of the city was Luz at the first. Then Jacob made a vow, saying, "If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father's house in peace, then the LORD shall be my God, and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God's house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you."’ Jacob promised to make the LORD his God, if God carries out His promise. He vowed to sanctify the stone upon which his head had rested and which he has set up as a pillar and to give God a tenth of all that God will give him.

For the next twenty years, Jacob dwells in Haran. As God promised, He was with Jacob. Jacob prospered both in family, and in gaining wealth - Gen 29-30. Upon Jacob’s return, God kept him safe from Laban, who was pursuing him - Gen 31. God kept him safe from Esau, who was coming to meet him - Gen 32-33. By the time of our Text (Gen 35), Jacob had been living in Cannan ten years. He had settled near the city of Shechem (consult map) - Gen 33:18. But he had not bothered to go back to Bethel, where the Lord had appeared to him and where he had made his vow. So it appears that Jacob had forgotten his vow, and for this reason God commands him to return to Bethel (Gen 35:1).

What lessons or principles of truth can we learn from this? There are several there several applications we can find. First, God expects us to keep the vows we make. He does not take vows lightly, and neither should we - Ecc 5:2-5 “Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. For a dream comes with much business, and a fool's voice with many words. When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow. It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay.” So let’s be sure to keep any covenant or vow that we make with God; for example, the “vow” we made when we became Christians, to turn from sin, and to follow Christ with all our heart. -- Are we faithfully keeping this “vow”?

Second, we are prone to forget our vows when God has fulfilled His side of them. We saw where God fulfilled His side, but Jacob had not. This “forgetfulness” seems to occur most often when vows are made in times of trouble. Like those made in a foxhole. Or those made in an airplane during extreme air turbulence or mechanical problems. Or those made in an effort to solve marital problems. But such vows are just as binding as those made upon careful reflection!

Third, we are prone to forget our vows when things are going well. Just as in the case of Jacob. He had a nice family. He had become extremely wealthy. He had settled down in his home country. The same is often true of many Christians. Many obey the gospel at times in their lives when they are troubled. But later, especially if they enjoy financial security, they forget their commitment to God and Christ. But consider God’s warning to Israel against forgetfulness after they entered the “promised land” - Deu 8:11-20

Fourth, we are prone to forget our vows when we have allowed ourselves to be influenced by the world. Note that Jacob’s family had accepted the foreign gods of the people around them - Gen 35:2 “So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, "Put away the foreign gods that are among you and purify yourselves and change your garments.” In similar fashion, many people do not live up to the vow they made when they became Christians - 2 Ti 4:10 (Demas) “For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.”

For example, many teen-age Christians; zealous at first but when influenced by their peers, popular music or humanistic teaching in the schools, they often lose interest in spiritual matters. Another good example is, many adult Christians, who are influenced by the materialism and immorality of our society. But again, this is no excuse for “forgotten vows”.

Fifth, if we have forgotten our vows, we need to go back to the beginning. We noticed that Jacob was told to go back to Bethel. In a similar way, Jesus told the church at Ephesus to go back to the beginning - Re 2:4-5 “But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.” They had left their “first love”. They were told to “remember...from where you have fallen”. And to “repent and do the first works”. For Christians who have left their “first love”, they too need to “do the first works” (the fundamentals, such as Bible study, prayer, etc.).

Finally, when we fulfill our forgotten vows, there are renewed blessings! When Jacob fulfilled his vow, God appeared to him and renewed the promises that had been made to Abraham and Isaac - Gen 35:9-15. So it can be with us! It may be that we have forgotten the original commitment we made when we first obeyed the gospel of Christ. But if we will just return to Christ in full repentance and prayer, and fulfill our vow of service and devotion to Him, all the spiritual blessings that He has to offer can be ours again! - 1 Jn 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Are you a Christian, but not living the dedicated and committed life that God expects...? Then, like Jacob, you have forgotten your vow you need to come back to the Lord in full repentance. The blessings of heaven await you if you do! If you are not yet a Christian, these same blessings can be yours if you will only accept the gospel of Jesus Christ - Mark 16:15-16 “And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

The Faith Of Abraham

The Faith Of Abraham
Genesis 15:6

One of the greatest men in history has to be the patriarch Abraham.... Three religions look to him as their spiritual progenitor (Judaism, Christianity, Islam). Christians view him as “the father of all them that believe” - Ro 4:11 (“He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well,”). What is most noteworthy about Abraham was his faith.... Paul made reference to his faith time and again - Ro 4:3 “For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness."’, 9 “Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? We say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness.”, (11,16-22;) Ga 3:7-9 “Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, "In you shall all the nations be blessed." So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.” James used his example to illustrate saving faith - Ja 2:21-23 “Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"--and he was called a friend of God.” Both Paul and James make reference to the following OT statement about Abraham’s faith:
“And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.” (Gen 15:6; see also Ro 4:3; Ja 2:23)

What was it about Abraham’s faith that so pleased God? Do we have the same kind of faith? Let’s take a closer look at “The Faith Of Abraham”. Abraham’s faith was based on revelation. God revealed himself to Abraham several times in several places as follows:
In Ur of the Chaldees - Ac 7:2-4; Gen 15:7
At Haran of Mesopotamia - Gen 12:1-4
At Shechem in Canann - Gen 12:6-7
After Lot moved to Sodom - Gen 13:14-17
And many times more - cf. Gen 15:1-17; 17:1-27; 18:1-33; 22:1-19
-- By revealing Himself to Abraham, God provided Abraham ample evidence for him to place his faith and trust in God.

Our faith must also be based upon revelation. Not that God reveals Himself to us as He did to Abraham, but a faith that comes through the Word of God - Ro 10:17 “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” It contains evidence that we might believe - Jn 20:30-31 “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” The more we read, the more God is revealed to us, especially in the person of His
Son Jesus Christ! -- If we desire to have “The Faith Of Abraham”, we must be receptive to God’s revelation of Himself through His Word!

Next, it is important to note that Abraham’s faith was an obedient faith. By faith, Abraham obeyed God. He left his country - He 11:8 “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.” He sojourned in a foreign land - He 11:9-10 “By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.” He offered his son Isaac - He 11:17 “By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son,”; Ja 2:21-24 “Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"--and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” -- Abraham’s faith was not a dead faith (Ja 2:20,26 “Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?” – “For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.”), but a dynamic faith expressing itself in obedience!

By faith we must obey God. For the gospel calls for “obedience to the faith” - Ro 1:5 “through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations,”; 16:25-26 “Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith” We must “obey from the heart” the doctrine of Christ - cf. Ro 6:17 “But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed,” Woe to those who do not “obey the gospel” - 2 Th 1:7-9 “and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might,”; 1 Pe 4:17 “For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” -- If we desire to have “The Faith Of Abraham”, we must have a faith that “works through love” (Ga 5:6 “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.”)

While works are an essential element of a saving faith, it is crucial to note that it is the faith behind the works that pleases God (and not the works per se)! Therefore we point out that Abraham’s was a trusting faith. Abraham trusted in God, not his works. Return to our text, and note what is said - Gen 15:6 “And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness.” Abraham believed in the Lord. “It” (his faith) was reckoned or considered for righteousness. It was Abraham’s faith in God that greatly pleased God. Paul stresses this point in his epistle to the Romans - Ro 4:1-3 “What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness."’ Abraham was not justified because of his works. Abraham was justified (declared blameless) because of his faith! -- Though he had a faith that works, he did not trust in his works; rather in God who justifies the ungodly (Ro 4:5-8 “And to the one who does not work but trusts him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: "Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin."’)

Likewise, we must trust in Jesus, not our works. As noted before, we must obey God which involves certain “works”. Such as faith, which is a “work” - Jn 6:28-29 “Then they said to him, "What must we do, to be doing the works of God?" Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent."’ Even baptism, which is more a work of God than a work of man - Co 2:12-13 “having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,” But when all is done, we must not put our trust in our obedience as though we somehow earned our salvation. For Christ taught us to realize we are still unworthy - Lk 17:10 “So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'" -- It is the faith or trust in Jesus prompting us to obey that pleases God, not some meritorious value of the work done to receive God’s grace!

So “The Faith Of Abraham” was an obedient faith that placed its trust in God who justifies the ungodly. To be “the sons of Abraham”, we must have the same kind of faith. Finally, observe that Abraham’s faith was a growing faith. Abraham grew in faith. There were times when his faith was weak. He had Sarah his wife tell a half-truth to save his life - Gen 12:11-20; 20:1-18. He questioned God when he and Sarah did not have children - Gen 15:2-3. He showed weak faith in the case of Hagar - Gen 16:1-4. He offered an alternative to God when he thought it would be impossible for he and Sarah to have children - Gen 17:17-18. But God was patient with Abraham, and his faith grew. He had faith, even against hope, and was able to conceive - Ro 4:18-22. He had faith that God could raise Isaac from the dead, and so was willing to offer him as commanded - He 11:17-19 -- “The Faith Of Abraham” was not a static faith, but an ever-growing faith that came through being “a friend of God” (Ja 2:23 “and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"--and he was called a friend of God.”)

We must likewise grow in faith. Just as the apostles of Christ did.... From men with little faith and easily afraid - Mt 8:25-26 “And they went and woke him, saying, "Save us, Lord; we are perishing." And he said to them, "Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?" Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.”; 14:31 “Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"’ They grew to be men of great boldness - Ac 4:13 “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” Like the Thessalonians whose faith grew - 2 Th 1:3 “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.” Their faith was growing exceedingly. Our faith needs to grow likewise -- Our faith will grow, if we are willing to “walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had” (Ro 4:12).

We have seen that “The Faith Of Abraham” was based upon revelation. Abraham’s faith was an obedient faith, a trusting faith and a growing faith. Why do we need this same kind of faith...? Because “those who are of faith are the sons of Abraham” - Ga 3:7. Because “those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham” - Ga 3:9. Indeed, those who have “The Faith Of Abraham” are truly the recipients of the promise made to Abraham:
“In your seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” (Gen 18:18). Are we walking in the steps of the faith of Abraham, obeying the Word of God given today through the gospel of Christ, even as he obeyed the word given to him?

The Bad Bargain Of Esau

The Bad Bargain Of Esau
Genesis 25:29-34

One of the saddest figures in the Bible is that of Esau.... Firstborn son of Isaac and Rebekah, twin brother of Jacob - Gen 25:21-26. Esau loved by his father Isaac, a skillful hunter - Gen 25:27-28. Esau was a man who had his good side.... He showed kindness to his brother who had deceived him – see Gen 33:1-16. He helped bury his father Isaac - Gen 35:29. Yet on two occasions he was manipulated by his brother Jacob.... The first when Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of pottage - Gen 25:29-34 “Once when Jacob was cooking stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was exhausted. And Esau said to Jacob, "Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted!" (Therefore his name was called Edom.) Jacob said, "Sell me your birthright now." Esau said, "I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?" Jacob said, "Swear to me now." So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.” The second when Jacob stole the blessing designed for Esau - Gen 27:1-41. In this study, we shall focus our attention on the first occasion, and lessons we might glean from this unfortunate circumstance in Esau’s life...

Esau sold his birthright. First, let’s look at what his birthright consisted of. The physical advantages of the birthright contained a double portion of the father’s inheritance - Deu 21:17 “but he shall acknowledge the firstborn, the son of the unloved, by giving him a double portion of all that he has, for he is the firstfruits of his strength. The right of the firstborn is his.” The amount would have been very great, for what he eventually received was also great - Gen 36:6-7 “Then Esau took his wives, his sons, his daughters, and all the members of his household, his livestock, all his beasts, and all his property that he had acquired in the land of Canaan. He went into a land away from his brother Jacob. For their possessions were too great for them to dwell together. The land of their sojournings could not support them because of their livestock.” He would have been offered rule and authority over other members of the family - Gen 27:29 “Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers, and may your mother's sons bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you, and blessed be everyone who blesses you!"’ The spiritual advantages of this particular birthright would be becoming the patriarch and priest of the house on the death of his father (Barnes, Clarke). Chief of the chosen family, and heir of the promised blessing (Barnes). Able to invoke Abraham’s blessing, regarding the promise - Gen 28:4 “May he give the blessing of Abraham to you and to your offspring with you, that you may take possession of the land of your sojournings that God gave to Abraham!"’; 12:1-3 “Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."’ -- Such were the issues at stake when Jacob and Esau bartered over the birthright.

Esau chose the sensual over the spiritual, thus making a bad bargain. He gave into the cravings of his hunger - Gen 25:29-34. He valued the red pottage (stew) more highly than his birthright. For this reason he was called “a profane person” - He 12:16 “that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal.” Esau chose the present over the future. He tossed away future rewards for present gratification. The pottage may have assuaged his hunger for the day, but what of the morrow? This too made him a “profane” person. -- For temporary, physical pleasures Esau sold his birthright; what a bad bargain!

Certainly we would not think of making the same kind of bargain, would we? Perhaps not with an inheritance we might receive from our parents; but what of our spiritual inheritance...? Are we selling our birthright? Our birthright as Christians is that we are heirs according to the promise made to Abraham - Ga 3:29 “And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.” We are joint-heirs with Christ - Ro 8:16-17 “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” We are heirs according to the hope of eternal life - Ti 3:7 “so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” We are heirs of the kingdom which He has promised - Ja 2:5 “Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?”; 2 Pe 1:11 “For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” In Him, all things are ours - 1 Co 3:21-23 “So let no one boast in men. For all things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future--all are yours, and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's.”; Re 21:7 “The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.” An inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, unfading, reserved in heaven - 1 Pe 1:4 “to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,” -- What a wonderful birthright, and not just limited to the hereafter! - Mk 10:28-30 “Peter began to say to him, "See, we have left everything and followed you." Jesus said, "Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.”

Are we making a bad bargain ourselves? How might we sell our birthright? We would do so by succumbing to the passing pleasures of sin - He 11:24-26 “By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.” Lusting for things of the world - 1 Jn 2:15 “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”; Ja 4:4 “You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” Walking after the flesh rather than after the Spirit – (See Ga 5:16-26).

How might we hold on to our birthright? By Pursuing peace and holiness - He 12:14 “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” Be careful not to fall short of God’s grace - He 12:15 “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no "root of bitterness" springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;” Exercise discipline and godliness - 1 Co 9:24-27 “Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”; 1 Ti 4:7-8 “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”

Esau made the mistake of depreciating the value of his inheritance by succumbing to the desires of the flesh. We can make a similar mistake.... By not appreciating the value of our inheritance in Christ! Giving in to the allure of immediate gratification of the flesh!
If we are not careful, the time will come when it is too late; no matter how many tears we may shed, it will be too late to change God’s mind (cf. He 12:17). That is why we need to heed such warnings as that one given by the apostle Paul:
“We then, as workers together with Him, also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Co 6:1-2)
Are you in danger of selling your birthright as a Christian?

The Choice of Lot

The Choice Of Lot
Genesis 13:10-12

The examples of men and women as recorded in the Bible can provide valuable lessons.... From Abraham we can learn the value of faith in God. From Joseph we see the workings of God’s providential care. From Job we learn the importance of patience and faith under trial. From Lot, the nephew of Abraham, we can also glean valuable lessons in the art of decision making and the importance of making proper choices. In this lesson we will first take an overall look at the life of Lot, and then focus upon a decision he made and how it affected his life.

Lot’s choice, in the book of Genesis, is initially introduced to us as Lot being the nephew of Abraham who sojourned with him - Gen 12:5 “And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan.”; 13:1 “So Abram went up from Egypt, he and his wife and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the Negeb.” Lot was a man who like his uncle became quite wealthy - Gen 13:2-5 “Now Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold. And he journeyed on from the Negeb as far as Bethel to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai, to the place where he had made an altar at the first. And there Abram called upon the name of the LORD. And Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents,” Because of the combined wealth of Abraham and Lot, they were forced to separate - Gen 13:6-9 “so that the land could not support both of them dwelling together; for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together, and there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram's livestock and the herdsmen of Lot's livestock. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were dwelling in the land. Then Abram said to Lot, "Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are kinsmen. Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left."’ Given the opportunity to choose where he could go Lot made a choice, which on the surface was a good one - Gen 13:10-12 “And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) So Lot chose for himself all the Jordan Valley, and Lot journeyed east. Thus they separated from each other. Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the valley and moved his tent as far as Sodom.”

As good as it may have seemed, it resulted in much sorrow and hardship for Lot! As a result of his choice, Lot suffered war - Gen 14:8-11 “Then the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) went out, and they joined battle in the Valley of Siddim with Chedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of Goiim, Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar, four kings against five. Now the Valley of Siddim was full of bitumen pits, and as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some fell into them, and the rest fled to the hill country. So the enemy took all the possessions of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their provisions, and went their way.” Kidnapping - Gen 14:12 “They also took Lot, the son of Abram's brother, who was dwelling in Sodom, and his possessions, and went their way.” Lot suffered oppression and torment by the citizens of Sodom - 2 Pe 2:7-8 “and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard)”; (see the details in Gen 19:1-11). Lot lost of all his material wealth - Gen 19:15-16 “As morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, "Up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be swept away in the punishment of the city." But he lingered. So the men seized him and his wife and his two daughters by the hand, the LORD being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city.”, 24-25 “Then the LORD rained on Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur and fire from the LORD out of heaven. And he overthrew those cities, and all the valley, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground.” Lot suffered the death of his wife - Gen 19:17 “And as they brought them out, one said, "Escape for your life. Do not look back or stop anywhere in the valley. Escape to the hills, lest you be swept away."’, 26 “But Lot's wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.” Lot suffered the shame of incest with his daughters – see Gen 19:30-36. -- All these things happened despite the fact that Lot was a righteous person – see 2 Pe 2:7-8

The example of Lot should impress us with the importance of making the proper choices in our lives. In view of what happened to Lot, we will now consider:
w Some of the choices we make that greatly affect our lives
w Some suggestions on how to make the right decisions
w What to do when we realize that we have made the wrong ones
Consider, then our choices. What choices do we make that greatly affects our lives…?

Choosing to follow Jesus. The one that will affect your life more than any other!. It will determine your place in eternity. It will have a bearing on every other choice you make; for as a follower of Christ you will be concerned with doing His will, not your own.
Choosing your career. The choice you make can have a lasting effect upon your marriage, family, and your service to God. Even from a worldly viewpoint, your choice is important, for the job market can change drastically.
Choosing your mate. The decision made will to a great extent determine your degree of happiness in this life. It will have a permanent bearing on your children and their emotional well-being! You may think you can simply divorce a person who turns out to be a bad choice. But once you have children, there is no way to reverse the choice you made as to who is the mother or father of your children!
Choosing your friends. Having close friends can be a wonderful blessing - Pro 17:17. But the wrong friends can be a curse for the righteous - Pro 12:26; 1 Co 15:33. Choosing where you will live. It was in this choice that Lot made his mistake. It might just be there are some modern-day “Sodoms” and “Gomorrahs”!

How can we more likely make the right choices...? We can ask God for wisdom - Ja 1:5-8 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” We can seek advice from others - Pro 11:14 “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”; 12:15 “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” Discuss your alternatives with older, mature Christians. Consult the wisdom found in the Bible (especially in a book like Proverbs). Whatever you do, do it for the Lord’s sake - Psa 37:5-6 “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.”, 23-26 “The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand. I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread. He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing.”; Ja 4:15 “Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that."’

What should we do when we realize our choice was wrong…? Do what Lot did... Heed the word of God (as in fleeing Sodom and Gomorrah). Do what is right without reservation (remember Lot’s wife!). Do what Peter did after he denied Christ... Repent, if there is sin involved in the choice made. Resolve to serve the Lord. Do what Paul did after persecuting the church... Accept the forgiveness Jesus provides. Determine to live for the Lord the rest of your life to the best of your ability. The wrong thing to do is to continue in the choice because of pride or some other reason! (although there are some choices we must live with...).

The example of Lot should serve to teach us that making the proper decision is very important. Lot’s example should warn us not to make our choices lightly. Remember Lot the next time you are faced with an important decision.... Seek to make that decision based upon the will of the Lord and not your own. Your eternal destiny (and that of those you love) might rest upon your choice!

Have you made the most important decision you will ever face? Have you made the decision to follow Jesus as your Lord and Savior? If not, why not today? - Mt 28:19-20; Ac 2:38

Noah Found Grace in the Eyes of the Lord - Part Two

Noah Found Grace In The Eyes Of The Lord – Part Two

In Part One of this lesson we looked at why Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. Using Noah as an example, then, let’s now consider how we can find grace in the eyes of the Lord. We must be “just” in His sight. Fortunately, the good news of the gospel is that God sent Christ in order to make us “just” (righteous, forgiven) in His sight! - Ro 5:8-9 “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.” This blessing is available to all who demonstrate true faith in Jesus - Ro 3:24-26 “and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” Being justified, we can have peace with God (concerning which Paul and Peter wrote) - Ro 5:1 “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”; 2 Pe 3:14 “Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.”

We must be “perfect” in our generation. That is, to be complete, mature, to be everything God desires of us. Again, the good news of the gospel of Christ is that God has provided the necessary elements for us to be “perfect”! The blood of Christ, to cleanse us of our sins - 1 Jn 1:7-9 “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The Word of God, to guide us to completion - 2 Ti 3:16-17 “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” The strength of the Spirit, to help us in our struggles - Ep 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,”; Ro 8:13 “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” The providence of God, who will work with us and lead us to victory! - 2 Th 3:3 “But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.”; 1 Pe 5:10 “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”

We must “walk with God”. Of course, this would mean that we can “no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk...” - Ep 4:17-20 “Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. But that is not the way you learned Christ!” Rather, it requires that we be “followers of God as dear children” (Ep 5:1), and that we “walk in love” - Ep 5:2 “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” It requires that we “walk as children of light”, exposing the sins of darkness - Ep 5:8-11 “for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” That we “walk as wise”, with an understanding of what the Lord’s will is - Ep 5:15-17 “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

We must “do all that the Lord has commanded”. Observing not just “some” things, but “all” things - Mt 28:20 “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."’ For in so doing, we demonstrate our faith to be “a living faith” - Ja 2:17, 24, 26 “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” – “You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” – “For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.”

We must be “preachers of righteousness”. It is God’s will that we “proclaim the praises of Him”, which would include His righteousness - 1 Pe 2:9 “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” This can be done most vividly by example, in living transformed lives - Ro 12:1-2 “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

God does not want anyone to perish in the great conflagration that is yet to come, but He does require all to come to repentance - 2 Pe 3:9 “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”; Ac 17:30-31 “The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead."’ And when we turn from sin and turn to God, what do we find? The same thing Noah and his family found: “Grace in the eyes of the Lord”! Speaking of the salvation of Noah should remind us of the comparison Peter makes between Noah’s salvation and our own; i.e., the part baptism serves in our salvation - 1 Pe 3:20-21 “because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” Just as God used the element of water to save Noah from a wicked world... so in His grace does God utilize water in our salvation through the blood of Jesus! If you have not done so, why not find favor in God’s sight by being baptized for the remission of your sins (Ac 2:38; 22:16)? Then, as we look forward to the coming of the Lord in which He will usher in “the new heavens and new earth”, give special heed to the words of Peter:
“Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless.” - 2 Pe 3:14

Noah Found Grace in the Eyes of the Lord - Part One

Noah Found Grace In The Eyes Of The Lord – Part One
Genesis 6:8

In Gen 6:5-7, we read of God’s displeasure with the world and its wickedness. But as God pronounces judgment upon the world, and prepares to destroy it with a flood, we find encouraging words concerning one man: “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” - Gen 6:8. This simply means that Noah found favor in God’s sight, and we know the result of that favor: escape for him and his family from the flood...! But why Noah? Why did Noah find grace in the eyes of the Lord? And how might we apply this to our situation today?

Well, let’s note first why Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. He was “a just man” - Gen 6:9 “These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God.” Some translations say “righteous”, (like the English Standard Version, which I will be using for our text in this lesson). This likely refers to his moral relation to God (Keil & Delitzsch). He was “perfect in his generations” - Gen 6:9 (ASV, KJV). Other translations (NASV, NIV, ESV) use the word “blameless”. Not that he was sinless, but that there were no blatant faults. He was a man of moral integrity among the people. He “walked with God” - Gen 6:9. This is how he manifested his righteousness and integrity (Keil & Delitzsch). In walking with God, he imitated the example of Enoch, his great-grandfather - Gen 5:24 “Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.” Walking with God in Noah’s case likely involved calling upon the name of the Lord, which began in the days of Seth - Gen 4:26 “To Seth also a son was born, and he called his name Enosh. At that time people began to call upon the name of the LORD.” Likely offering sacrifices to God, which began in the days of Cain & Abel - Gen 4:3-4 “In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering,”

Noah “did according to all that the Lord commanded him”. Twice this is emphasized in the Scriptures - Gen 6:22 “Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him.”; 7:5 “And Noah did all that the LORD had commanded him.” We learn from Hebrews that this obedience of Noah came from faith - He 11:7 “By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.” Noah was “a preacher of righteousness” - 2 Pe 2:5 “if he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly;”. He not only “lived” a righteous life, but he also proclaimed the need for righteousness, even though he lived in an ungodly world. Noah certainly was an unusual man, but perhaps we see well why only he and his family “found grace in the eyes of the Lord.”

What about ourselves? Is there a need for us to “find grace in the eyes of the
Lord” today? Yes...! Why? Not because we face the threat of a worldwide flood. Note that after Noah and his family were saved from the flood, God promised He would never again destroy the world in such a manner - Gen 9:8-11 “Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, "Behold, I establish my covenant with you and your offspring after you, and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the livestock, and every beast of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark; it is for every beast of the earth. I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth."’ The rainbow is a constant reminder of God’s promise - Gen 9:12-17 “And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth." God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth."’

We need to find grace in the eyes of the Lord because we face the promise of the end of the world. Peter reminds us that just as the world was once destroyed by water, so it shall be destroyed by fire when Jesus returns! - 2 Pe 3:3-13 “knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, "Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation." For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” In view of this promise, Peter calls upon us to “be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless” - 2 Pe 3:14. Just as Noah “found grace in the eyes of the Lord”.... So we need to be “found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless”. Is this not simply another way of saying that we, like Noah, need to find grace in the eyes of the Lord? Indeed, it is! When the end of the world comes, we had better be in a condition where we too find grace in the eyes of the Lord! Otherwise, we will be like those left outside of the ark when the floods came!

Am I My Brother's Keeper?

Over the past few weeks we have studied the subject of "Spiritual Growth".
As continuation of this subject in order to help in our continuing to grow
in Christ and be pleasing to our Lord, we will be looking at some Old
Testament text and characters that provide examples worthy of emulating or
incorporating into our lives. This first lesson is close to my heart, in
that I have experienced the destruction of a congregation that ignored the
principles taught here.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Am I My Brother’s Keeper?
Genesis 4:9

Perhaps one of the more thought-provoking questions in the Bible is that one
asked by Cain.... Cain had killed his brother because God had accepted
Abel’s offering, but not his own – Gen 4:3-8. When the Lord inquired
concerning Abel, Cain’s response was:
“Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Gen 4:9). This is a question we would do well
to ask ourselves today.... Are we our brothers’ keeper? Do we have a
responsibility to watch out for and care for one another? When one turns to
the New Testament, it becomes clear that the answer is in the affirmative.

In fact, there are many passages which emphasize our responsibilities to one
another. We are to “love one another” As commanded by Jesus - Jn 13:34-35 “A
new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have
loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know
that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."’; 15:12,17 ‘
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” –
“These things I command you, so that you will love one another.” As taught
by Paul - Ro 13:8 “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the
one who loves another has fulfilled the law.”; 1 Th 4:9 “Now concerning
brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you
yourselves have been taught by God to love one another,”. As instructed by
Peter - 1 Pe 1:22 “Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth
for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart,”
As stressed by John - 1 Jn 3:11 “For this is the message that you have
heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.” (note v.12 “We
should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother.
And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother's
righteous.”), 23 “And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name
of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.”;
4:7,11-12 “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and
whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” – “Beloved, if God so
loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we
love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.”; 2 Jn 5
“And now I ask you, dear lady--not as though I were writing you a new
commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning--that we love one
another.”

But how are we to express such love? Other passages can provide the answer
as to how we are to show our love for one another. We are to “receive one
another” - Ro 15:7 “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you
for the glory of God.” We are to “edify another” - Ro 14:19 “So then let us
follow after things which make for peace, and things whereby we may edify
one another.” We are to “serve one another” - Ga 5:13 “For you were called
to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the
flesh, but through love serve one another.” We are to “bear one another’s
burdens” - Ga 6:1-2 “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you
who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch
on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so
fulfill the law of Christ.” We are to be “forgiving one another” - Ep 4:32
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in
Christ forgave you.” We are to be “submitting to one another” - Ep 5:21
“submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.” We are to “exhort
one another” - He 3:12-13 “Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you
an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God.
Heb 3:13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today,"
that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” We are to
“consider one another” - He 10:24-25 “And let us consider how to stir up one
another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the
habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the
Day drawing near.” We are to be “hospitable to one another” - 1 Pe 4:8-10
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude
of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has
received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's
varied grace:” In light of such “one another” passages, is there any doubt
that we are to be our brother’s keeper? But how well are we doing?

To stimulate our thinking and help us reexamine how well we are fulfilling
our obligations to one another, consider the following questions as we
evaluate our role as our brothers’s keeper. When one becomes a brother do we
receive them into the family of God, or ignore them? - Ro 15:7 “Therefore
welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Are
they properly assimilated in the family life of the congregation? Do they
remain on the fringe? -- If we do not even know their names, we can be sure
that we are failing as our brother’s keeper! Do we edify them, or put
stumbling blocks in their way? - Ro 14:19 “So then let us pursue what makes
for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” As individuals, are we “bodybuilders”,
encouraging the members of the body? Or are we like a cancer, weakening the
members of the body of Christ? By our own example; by our words, attitudes,
etc. -- It was said of Philemon that he refreshed the hearts of the brethren
do people say the same of us? Do we submit to them, or arrogantly rule over
them? - Ep 5:21 “submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Do
we serve them in love, or expect them to serve us? - Ga 5:13 “For you were
called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity
for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Do we demonstrate
hospitality to them? - 1 Pe 4:8-10 “Above all, keep loving one another
earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one
another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one
another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:” By visiting them in their
need? By inviting them into your home (or accepting invitations to their
home)?

When a brother is overtaken in a fault do we even consider them? - He
10:24-25 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good
works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but
encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Are we even aware of who they are? Are we ignorant of their problems? If so,
why? Maybe it is because we don’t assemble enough ourselves. We may “wonder
about them”, but that is not sufficient! Do they drift away, with no one
making an effort to reach them? Do we exhort them, lest they become hardened
by sin? - He 3:12-14 “Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an
evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But
exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of
you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we share in Christ, if
indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.” Or are we afraid to
confront them, for fear of running them away? If we truly love them and
approach them with humility, they are not likely to run away. If they do,
they are running away from God, not you! Remember, such exhortation is to be
daily! Perhaps we wait too long.... Are we willing bear their burdens? - Ga
6:1-2 “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are
spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on
yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so
fulfill the law of Christ.” So as to help them overcome and become stronger.
Or do we rather not be bothered? Are we quick to forgive them when they
repent? - Ep 4:32 “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one
another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Fear of not being forgiven and
accepted back into the family may keep some from repenting and returning to
the fold. Do we communicate a willingness to accept with open arms and offer
complete forgiveness?

How we answer such questions may reveal how well or poorly we are in
fulfilling our responsibility to be our brother’s keeper. Living up to the
one responsibility we have that includes all others: to love one another as
Christ loved us - Jn 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give to you, that you
love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another
By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love
for one another."’ If we have failed to be our brother’s keeper, we need to
repent of our lack of concern, our inactivity, or whatever has hindered us.
We need to confess our shortcomings in this area to God. We need to resolve
to apply with zeal these “one another” passages! Are you your brother’s
keeper? Are you even identified with a congregation whereby you can be a
working member who both cares for those in the family, and be cared for by
them? I hope this study has stimulated your thinking about responsibilities
you have toward your brethren in Christ...

Spiritual Growth - VIII-B

Concluding Thoughts – Part Two

In the previous lesson we noted some of the hindrances to spiritual growth.
Such as a lack of effort, discouragement, lack of use, interference: these
are some of the things that hinder spiritual growth. Have you allowed them
to hinder yours? If so, perhaps the following steps may help put you back on
the right track...

The following are some steps that will ensure spiritual growth. First,
become active in the work of the congregation. Begin immediately! It is
important not to delay (remember the "hindrances"). There is work for
everyone, and it is best to start with something you are able to handle.
Even the most humble service can be a source of joy for those who are doing
it to please God - Psa 84:10 “For a day in your courts is better than a
thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of wickedness.”; Jn 13:12-17 “When he had washed
their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to
them, "Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and
Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have
washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have
given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.
Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is
a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things,
blessed are you if you do them.”
Offer your services to the elders! These men will be glad to find work for
you to do in keeping with your ability. Sometimes they hesitate to call on
people for work if they are not sure the people are willing. But let them
know that you have the attitude of Isaiah: "Here am I! Send me." - Isa 6:8.
Look for work needing to be done! The best servant is one who can see things
to be done and does them without having to be told every step to take. Most
of us are good critics; here is how we can put that ability to good use:
1) Whenever we see something we want to criticize, take that as an
opportunity to SHOW (not tell) how it should be done.
2) Someone else's failure is often our opportunity to be of service.
3) In other words, "Don't criticize, energize!"

Second, start a program of regular private devotions. Spend time each day
alone with God, engaged in prayer, Bible study, singing praises. Such time
consistently spent will supply the spiritual nourishment necessary for
spiritual growth. Many Christians do not grow because they try to exist on a
"spiritual starvation diet"!

Third, participate in an informal Bible study group. Meet weekly with other
Christians in an informal setting to study the Bible together. This provides
opportunity for mutual sharing and encouragement which leads to even more
knowledge and spiritual growth. I have personally found that in this type of
Bible study group there are very close relationships with other Christians
that develop without our even intending to do so.

Fourth, become involved in leading people to Christ. Even if you don't do
the actual teaching, you can do what Andrew and Philip did: lead a friend to
Christ! - Jn 1:40-46 “One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus
was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his own brother Simon and
said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which means Christ). He brought
him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "So you are Simon the son of
John? You shall be called Cephas" (which means Peter). The next day Jesus
decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." Now
Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found
Nathanael and said to him, "We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and
also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Nathanael
said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him,
Come and see."’ Those involved in leading others to Christ rarely ever stop
growing in Christ themselves!

Finally, practice constant self-examination. The Scriptures call us to
examine ourselves in our relation to Christ - 2 Co 13:5 “Examine yourselves,
to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize
this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you fail
to meet the test!” Here are some questions we should often ask ourselves:
1) Do I have a better Bible knowledge than one year ago?
2) Am I as interested in Jesus Christ today as when I was baptized?
3) Have I helped someone else to become a Christian?
4) Am I enjoying life as a child of God?
5) Am I improving my life, my disposition, and becoming more like Christ?
6) Do I set a good example for other Christians?
7) Am I growing in such activities as Bible study, prayer, worship?
-- Self-examination is not an easy process, but true spiritual growth is
impossible without it!

It is sad, but true, that many Christians are often just religious enough to be miserable.... But the life of the Christian is intended to be one filled with love, joy, peace, and so much more! - Ga 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Where the fruit of the Spirit is not present, a lack of spiritual growth is the reason! Rather than be defeated by things which hinder spiritual growth make the choice to grow in the Lord! Believe that He will assist you in your efforts! Set the proper goals, develop the habits that will help you reach them! Remain positive in your outlook, persevering through the occasional setbacks! Look to role models for direction and inspiration! As we thereby grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord, we will truly experience the "abundant life" that Jesus provides! - Jn 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

Spiritual Growth - VIII-A

Spiritual Growth
Concluding Thoughts – Part One

In this series, I've emphasized elements necessary to spiritual growth:
Choosing to obey the command of God to grow - 2 Pe 3:18
Believing that we are capable of growth, with God's help - Ph 2:12-13; 4:13
Setting behavioral, functional, and congregational goals - 2 Pe 1:5-8; Ro 12:3-5
Developing habits to reach our goals - 1 Pe 2:2; Ph 4:6-7; He 10:24-25; Ro 12:6-8
Maintaining positive attitudes about the value of our efforts - 1 Co 15:58
Perseverance to remain steadfast in our efforts - He 10:36-39
Inspired by role models whose pattern we should follow - Ph 3:17; 4:9

In this final lesson in the series, I wish to offer some concluding thoughts; pointing out things that can hinder spiritual growth along with suggesting some steps to take to ensure spiritual growth occurs. As mentioned throughout this series, spiritual growth is not automatic. Indeed, there are a number of things that can work against us, that become hindrances to spiritual growth, such as lack of effort. Lack of effort in failing to set proper goals and developing the daily habits that are necessary to grow is one hindrance. Those who are spiritually lazy tend to follow the course of least resistance. Such will forever remain "babes" if they do not fall away altogether - He 5:12-13 “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child.”; 1 Co 3:1-2 “But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready,”. -- Just as the lazy man's vineyard lies in ruins and leads to poverty (Pro 24:30-34 “I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense, and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. Then I saw and considered it; I looked and received instruction. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.”), so spiritual sloth leads to spiritual ruin!

Another hindrance is discouragement. Some people make a good beginning, but get discouraged and quit. Reasons may vary: church troubles, personal problems, lack of encouragement from others, etc. But consider the example of the apostle Paul:
Few of us would ever have the problems he had - 2 Co 11:24-29 “Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant?”
Yet he did not "lose heart" (become discouraged) - 2 Co 4:8-9 “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;”
Why? Because he knew his labor was not in vain - 2 Co 4:16-5:1 “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. For we know that if the tent, which is our earthly home, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”
And so he encourages us not to grow weary in doing good - Ga 6:9 “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”; 1 Co 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” -- Discouragement happens; but we must not allow it to deter us from pressing on!

Another hindrance is lack of use. A knife stays bright when used, but unused it becomes rusty. So it is with Christians, we lose what knowledge, ability, and opportunity we have when we do not use them! To use another metaphor, unless we are earnest in our endeavor, we will simply "drift away" from the Lord - He 2:1 “Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” -- There is no concept of "retirement" when it comes to the service of the Lord!

Although there are many other hindrances we could list and look into overcoming there is one final one we need to keep in mind; interferences. Crops, trees and flowers do not grow well when crowded. So our spiritual growth will be hindered if we let things crowd out our spiritual life. Businessmen may become too busy to attend to God's business. A woman may be so occupied with housekeeping that she has little time for the house (family) of God. Young people may be so busy with school activities that prayer, worship, good works and Bible study are neglected. Preachers might get so tied down with meetings, administrative duties, etc., that they too do not take time to spend alone with God. Jesus warned about the danger of interference - Mk 4:18-19 “And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.” By things like the cares of the world, the desires for other things, which can choke the word of God out of our minds, to such an extent that it cannot bear fruit in our lives. -- If we desire a healthy spiritual crop, we may need to "weed out" some things in our lives! In the next and final part of this lesson we will look at some ways we can “weed out” the hindrances of our growing strong spiritually.

Spiritual Growth - VII

Spiritual Growth
The Value Of Role Models

In previous studies, I have stressed that spiritual growth requires:
Choosing to obey the command of God to grow - 2 Pe 3:18
Believing that we are capable of growth, with God's help - Ph 2:12-13; 4:13
Behavioral and functional goals, in concert with congregational goals - 2 Pe 1:5-8; Ro 12:3-5
Developing habits to reach our goals - 1 Pe 2:2; Ph 4:6-7; He 10:24-25; Ro 12:6-8
Maintaining positive attitudes about the value of our efforts - 1 Co 15:58
Perseverance to remain steadfast in our efforts - He 10:36-39

To aid us further in spiritual growth, we need to appreciate the value of role models.... We are commanded to emulate others - Ph 3:17 “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.”; 4:9 “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me--practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Even as they sought to emulate Christ - 1 Co 11:1 “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” Why are we commanded to imitate others? Perhaps it is because we are natural imitators. Children imitate their parents, especially in their early years. Children seem to delight in imitating their parents. They quickly pick up their parent's mannerisms: the way they talk, walk, etc. It is as though there was some innate reason for them to imitate mom and dad.

Teenagers imitate their peers and popular idols. As children get older, they may not seek to imitate their parents, but they are still active imitators. For better or worse (usually worse), they seek to emulate those in their peer group, or those whom they hold in high regard (athletes, musicians, etc.). Despite frequent claims to want to "be themselves", you can usually tell by their behavior who they have been watching or listening to.

Christians imitate those they hold in high regard. I have observed that many brethren often reflect the attitudes, dispositions, and conduct of those preachers or elders for whom they have much respect. This can be good, but in some cases it is not.... I have known some Christians (including preachers) whose behavior greatly disturbed me, wondering how they could justify their conduct. But when I saw their peers, or those brethren whom they held in high regard acting in the same way, I began to understand. So we seem to be natural born imitators. Why should we be careful about who we seek to imitate?

Keeping this in mind, let’s consider the value of role models. Good role models can help. By example, they show us what is possible. For example, how a "son of thunder" can become the "apostle of love" - Mk 3:17 “James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder);”; Lk 9:54 “And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, "Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?"’; 1 Jn 4:7-8 “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” Another example, is how "uneducated and untrained men" can boldly proclaim the gospel of
Christ- Ac 4:13 “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” By example, they teach us how to reach the same goals, to enjoy a wonderful relationship with God - Ph 4:9 “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me--practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” By example, they teach us to remain steadfast despite trials - 2 Co 4:16-18 “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”

Bad role models can hinder. By example, they fail to show us what is possible, even perhaps preventing us from learning of our potential; certainly not encouraging us to strive for excellence. By example, we can pick up their bad habits and dispositions. As indicated earlier, we are naturally imitators. It is not long before our conduct is similar to our role models. If we truly desire to grow spiritually, we need to have good role models. Where are they?

We are blessed with many role models worthy of emulation, we have Deity as Christ encouraged us to do, in showing kindness to our enemies - Mt 5:43-48 ‘"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is 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. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” As Paul instructed the Ephesians to walk in love - Ep 5:1-2 “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” What better example do we have, than that of God and Jesus Christ? Indeed, some of the very titles we wear imply such imitation: Children of God; Disciples of Jesus Christ. -- Do we seek to learn as much about God and Jesus as we do other role models?

We have biblical characters. To the degree they imitate Christ, as Paul wrote to the Corinthians - 1 Co 11:1 “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” The New Testament is filled with good examples for Christians today. For married couples, there is the example of Aquila and Priscilla - Ro 16:3-5 “Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia.” For those blessed with things of this life, there is the example of Philemon and Gaius - Phile 1-7 “Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker and Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and all the saints, and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.”; 3 Jn 5-8 “Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.” For women, there is the example of Dorcas - Ac 9:36,39 “Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity.” – “So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them.” For young men there is the example of Timothy - Ph 2:19-22 “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. They all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.” This does not mean to preclude many fine Old Testament examples as well: Joseph, Daniel, Barzillai the Gileadite (an old man who helped David in his affliction - 2 Sam
17:27-29; 19:31-39) and many others. -- Indeed, the Scriptures are filled with many examples worthy of our emulation!

We have many fellow Christians today. As Paul encouraged his fellow Christians to imitate those who provided a similar pattern as did he - Ph 3:17 “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” There are many preachers, teachers, and elders we can emulate. There are many older women that younger women can emulate - Ti 2:3-5 “Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.” There are many younger people worthy of emulation - 1 Ti 4:12 “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” Yet we should be careful, for not all who profess to be Christians behave as they should - Ph 3:18-19 “For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.” It is important, therefore, that we know the Scriptures well enough to know when someone is worthy of our emulation. -- Yet there are many Christians who can teach and encourage us by their own example, if we will but let them!

If you seek to grow spiritually, take advantage of role models.... Let them show you what is possible! Let them teach you how to obtain the goals you are striving for! Let them encourage you to persevere, knowing that others have traveled the same path before you! Since we are natural born imitators, let us make the choice to imitate the good - 3 Jn 11 “Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.” Only then do we have the hope of being "of God". The only alternative is to imitate the evil, which prevents us from ever "seeing God". We conclude this lesson with the following words of Scripture:
"And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises." - He 6:11-12
Are we imitating those who through faith and patience inherit the promises?

Spiritual Growth - VI-B

The Need For Perseverance – Part Two

In our last lesson we looked at the need for perseverance, which should now be clear. In this part we will attempt to answer the question, “what can we do to maintain perseverance”...?

Maintaining perseverance is a display of daily self-control. Note the close relationship between self-control and perseverance - 2 Pe 1:6 “and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness,”. Self-control must be exercised one day at time. Self-control exercised daily produces perseverance over the long haul. We display self-control daily as we engage in daily habits that lead to our goals (e.g., Bible reading, prayer). We display self-control daily as we take the small steps that lead to our destination (e.g., serving in our function). Keep trying again and again after apparent failures -- Perseverance is exercising self-control one day at a time, day after day.

We can maintain our perseverance when we associate with like-minded individuals who are striving for similar goals, through similar habits. When we associate with individuals who understand the need for perseverance in their own lives. Individuals who don't get discouraged, who will encourage you likewise - He 10:36-39 “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For, "Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him." But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.” -- This is why frequent assembling with other Christians is so important.

Keep your eye on the prize with a clear vision of your ultimate goal. This was Paul's secret to his perseverance - 2 Co 4:16-18 “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”; Ph 3:12-15 “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.” It was also enabled Jesus to endure - He 12:1-3 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”

Keep your eye on the prize with an appreciation of the daily habits. How Bible reading produces spiritual growth - 1 Pe 2:2 “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation.” How prayer leads to freedom from anxiety through the peace of God - Ph 4:6-7 “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” How encouraging one another protects against apostasy - He 3:12-15 “Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. As it is said, "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion."’ -- We shall persevere as long as we remain focused on our ultimate goal and what it takes to get there!

In The Parable Of The Sower, note the difference between two soils.... Rocky soil - receives the Word with joy, but endures only temporarily - Mt 13:20-21. Good soil - keeps the Word and bears fruit with patience (hupomone) - Lk 8:15 -- The difference is found in who has perseverance! If spiritual growth is to occur a good beginning is not enough. Progress in the past is not sufficient. -- We need the virtue of perseverance, today and tomorrow!
For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: "For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him." But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul. - He 10:36-39

Spiritual Growth - VI-A

Spiritual Growth
The Need For Perseverance – Part One

In our studies on spiritual growth, we have stressed these essential elements.... Making the choice to obey God's command to grow - 2 Pe 3:18. Believing we are capable of growth with God's help - Ph 4:13. Setting behavioral and functional goals:
1) Striving to develop Christ-like behavior - 2 Pe 1:5-8
2) Seeking to determine and develop our function in the body of Christ - Ro 12:3-5
Developing habits that help us obtain such goals:
1) Habits that change our behavior (Bible reading, prayer, etc.) - 1 Pe 2:2; Ph 4:6-7
2) Habits that utilize our functions in the body of Christ (assembling, participating)
- He 10:24-25; Ro 12:6-8
Maintaining a positive attitude about the value our efforts - 1 Co 15:58

Another crucial element in spiritual growth is perseverance, or endurance, which the Hebrew Christians needed to have - He 10:36 “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.” Which is part of the Christ-like attitude we are to develop - 2 Pe 1:6 “and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness,”; He 12:1-3 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” The Greek word for perseverance is hupomone, which is defined as: Steadfastness, constancy, endurance. In the NT the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings (Thayer).

As our purpose is one of spiritual growth, let's first review some reasons why we need the virtue of perseverance. Perseverance is needed because spiritual growth takes time. Time to grow is implied in He 5:12 “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food,” It takes time to learn; to learn the Word of God; to learn what is expected of us; and to learn what areas of service may be open to us. It takes time to develop; to develop a Christ-like character; and to develop our function(s) in the body of Christ. -- Unless we persevere in our efforts, there will not be adequate time to grow!

Spiritual growth requires repetition. Repetition is implied in the principle of sowing and reaping - 2 Co 9:6 “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” It takes repetition to overcome mistakes. Mistakes are common when one is starting. We are spiritually "babes". We can expect to stumble frequently as we learn to walk. Repeated efforts help to determine whether one is suited for a particular task. Are my mistakes due simply to inexperience? Or might I be better suited to serve in a different capacity? It takes repetition to hone skills. Sharpening our knowledge and use of the sword of the Spirit - Ep 6:17 “and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” Sharpening our abilities and functions in the body of Christ - 1 Pe 4:10-11 “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies--in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” -- Unless we are persistent, we will never progress with the help of repetition!

Spiritual growth can regress. Regression is implied in Jesus' words to the Ephesians - Re 2:4-5 “But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.” We can regress by simply failing to grow. Such was the case with the Hebrew Christians who were reproached for their need to be retaught - He 5:12 “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food,” We can regress by going back into the world. Such was the case with false teachers who were described as entangled in "the pollutions of the world" - 2 Pe 2:20-22 “For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. What the true proverb says has happened to them: "The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire."’ -- Like physical health, spiritual health requires persistent exercise or we will regress into spiritual sickness.

The need for perseverance should be clear. What can we do to maintain perseverance...? In the next part of this lesson we will examine what we can do to maintain perseverance.