The Aaron Papers www.the-aaron-papers.net
-THE
CHRISTIAN’S GUIDE-
CHAPTER
I
-THE CHRISTIAN'S GUIDE FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT- FINDING A SCRIPTURAL ANSWER TO OUR PROBLEMS
WE WILL DISCOVER THROUGH THESE FOLLOWING SCRIPTURES HERE IN CHAPTER I:
FIRST—GOD’S EXPECTATIONS,
SECOND—OUR VULNERABILITIES, AND
THIRD—THE WAY TO A VICTORIOUS CHRISTIAN LIFE AND WALK.
It is absolutely essential that every Christian be actively involved in their individual sanctification process. If we are not growing closer to God, then we are naturally moving away from God. As we battle in this war against temptation, there is just no such thing as standing still.
This study also exposes the battle that every Christian encounters as they pursue their Christian walk. It will ultimately show us why this battle is waged within each and every one of us: How our own nature, because of its predisposition, forces all of us into this combative role.
FIRST—GOD’S EXPECTATIONS:
-The rich young ruler-
***God gives us insight into our nature in Mat.19:16-22:
Now behold, one came and said to Him, "Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?" So He said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God.
But if you want to enter into eternal life, keep the commandments." He said unto Him, "Which ones?" Jesus said, "`You shall not murder,' `You shall not commit adultery,' `You shall not steal,' `You shall not bear false witness,' `Honor your father and your mother,' `You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" The young man said to Him, "All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?" Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
aaron-
I. Our quest for eternal life:
The rich young ruler was seeking the answer to the most important question that must be answered in every person’s life: "What must we do to inherit eternal life?"
A. We are told by Jesus that the first requirement for entering into eternal life, is the keeping of God's commandments. Now because of the religious fervor in that region of the world, the young ruler's clear statement that he had kept them from his youth is not surprising. He would have been accepted with high esteem in most any Church. Most denominational Christians would probably say that they also keep the Commandments.
B. The hearts of all Christians must be challenged by the next two requests made by Jesus, because these requests represent the keys to perfection and sainthood.
(1) It is the total abandonment of the earthly treasures in exchange for the heavenly treasures. It is establishing right priorities in each of our lives, and then battling against those forces of choice that we find within all of us. Choices that draw us into following after the things of the world: Keeping us from following after Jesus.
(a) The principle of depositing in our heavenly account is given:
**PRINCIPLE: “GIVING TO THE POOR REPRESENTS A DEPOSIT IN OUR HEAVENLY ACCOUNT."
(b) The decision made by the rich young ruler exposes the power of our inner nature. If we are left to our own devices, earthly treasure will naturally be chosen over a heavenly treasure.
(2) We must all come and follow after Jesus.
Then He said to another, "Follow Me." But he said, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father." Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the Kingdom of God."
And another also said, "Lord, I will follow you, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house." But Jesus said to him, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God." (Lu.9:59-62, Ref.Lu.14:18-20 and Mat.22:5)
(c) These revealing Scriptures also show how our fleshly nature stands between our spiritual needs and God. The flesh will always want to do its own thing first.
II. Additional insights are given on the PRINCIPLE of "following Jesus":
***The preaching of the gospel is mandated. (Witness; Evangelism)
***One's fitness for the Kingdom of God is dependent upon one's commitment and focus—Listen to these words:
-Counting the cost-
"If anyone comes to Me and does not love (less than Me) his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. "And whoever does not bear his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
"For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has what is needed to finish it—"Unless, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all who are watching begin to mock him. (Lu.14:26-29)
-The price to be paid-
Then Peter said, "See, we have left all and followed You. So He said unto them, "Truly, I say unto you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, "who will not receive much more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life. (Lu.18:28-30)
-The things to be set aside-
"So likewise, whomsoever of you that does not renounce all that he has cannot be My disciple. (Lu.14:33)
-The things to be denied-
"Then He said unto them all, If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. (Lu.9:23)
aaron-
A. As Christians, we must carefully consider what is meant by the term—being a disciple of Jesus Christ.
(1) Disciple defined (Webster's) 1. A pupil, follower, or adherent of any teacher or school of religion, learning. 2. An early follower of Jesus, especially one of the twelve apostles.
(2) Within the Church, a most common definition of a disciple would be one who is a follower of Jesus and His teachings.
(3) God defines a disciple of Jesus in a more detailed way:
(a) We must love Jesus more than anyone. (Including ourselves.)
(b) We must all bear our own cross and follow after Jesus.
(c) For the sake of God's Kingdom, we must be willing to make any personal sacrifice that may be necessary.
(d) We must renounce all that we have to be a disciple of Jesus.
(e) Anyone who desires to come after Jesus, must take up their own cross "daily" and follow Him.
***Considerable thought must be given to what is required of anyone who desires to be called a disciple of Jesus Christ.
-The most essential relationship-
"Do not think that I come to bring peace upon earth. I did not come to bring peace but the sword. "For I come to `set man against his father, and daughter against her mother, and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.' "And `a man's foes will be those of his own household.' "He that loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. "And he who does not take up his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.
-More important than life itself-
"He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it. (Mat.10:34-39) (Because) "He that loves his life loses it, and he that hates his life in this world will keep it unto life eternal. (Jn.12:25) "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. "For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
-More important than wealth-
"For what is a man profited if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? (Mat.16:24-26)
(You must know) `They will throw their silver into the streets... Their silver and their gold will not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of Jehovah. (Ezek.7:19) (So) "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; "but lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy and where thieves do not steal.
***"FOR WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE WILL YOUR HEART BE ALSO.
B. Jesus plainly states: He did not come to bring peace upon the earth, but the sword. Those individuals who have come to the conclusion that the world (earth) is going to get better and better, should look again at what these Scriptures have to say.
(1)These Scriptures show the absolute incompatibility of righteousness with unrighteousness.
(2) The variance that is shown here in this family is the absolute variance between those who have been enlightened with those who have not been enlightened: The absolute incompatibility of light and darkness.
C. God confirms to us, the things that are required in the life-style of every believer to be counted worthy of Jesus.
(1) We must love Jesus more than any other person.
(2) We must take up our own cross and follow him.
D. The battle between the flesh and the spirit is clearly in view:
(1) If we love our lives in our present existence, we are in jeopardy of forfeiting our eternal hope.
(2) If we hate our lives in this world, we will keep our promise of eternal life. (The connotation of hate, is to love less.)
E. Earthly treasure has NO eternal value, except as previously stated. This same principle is confirmed in these Scriptures:
(1) We are not to lay up temporal treasures upon the earth.
(2) We are to lay up eternal treasures in heaven.
**PRINCIPLE: "WHERE OUR TREASURE IS, THERE WILL OUR HEARTS BE ALSO."
"The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore, your eye (is) single, your whole body will be full of light. "But if your eye (is influenced by) evil, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you (is) darkness, how great is that darkness! (Look therefore, whether the light that is in you is not darkness. [Lu.11:35])
F. The eye is the receptor of the body.
(1) Our eyes are to be singularly fixed upon that which is the light: Jesus.
(2) The things of the world, which so subtly tempt us, are the things of darkness.
III. -Discipleship expanded-
(For) "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (riches). "Therefore I say unto you, do not be anxious for your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is life not more than food and the body more than clothing. (Mat.6:19-25)
aaron- It is abundantly clear by these Scriptures that no one can serve two masters. We cannot serve God and the world's system at the same time. Nor should we be anxious over the physical needs of our lives. Understanding our nature, as it presently is with its own agenda, how can we determine where our legitimate needs end and our physical desires take over?
(But) having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1Tim.6:8-10)
aaron- ***Having the basic needs of life should give us contentment and happiness: But by simply observing our children, who naturally exhibit the very basic instincts of our human nature, we can clearly see that this is not the case at all.
***The desire to be rich is a basic deception of our flesh; It is a temptation and a snare that leads to destruction and perdition.
**PRINCIPLE: "THE LOVE OF MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL KINDS OF EVIL."
(So) come now, you who are rich, weep and howl for your miseries are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabbath. You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in the day of slaughter. (James.5:1-5)
(For) "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. "So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold or hot, I will spew you out of My mouth. "Because you say, `I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'— and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— "I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes, that you might see. "As many as I love, I reprove and chasten. Be zealous therefore, and repent. (Rev.3:15-19)
For many walk... who are enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is perdition, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who mind earthly things. (Phil.3:18,19)
Do you not know that the friendship with the world is (antagonistic) with God? Whoever therefore would be a friend of the world, makes himself an enemy of God. (James.4:4) (So) 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. For all that is in the world—the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lusts of it: but he that does the will of God abides forever. (1Jn.2:15-17)
aaron-God sternly warns those who are rich in this world's goods, to take a close look at themselves with respect to their life-style and stewardship. To understand that what counts in a Christian's life, is whether they are HOT, LUKEWARM, or COLD, with respect to their actions and attitudes for and toward God and His kingdom. Then having an absolute understanding that LUKEWARM and COLD are not acceptable to God with respect to His Kingdom.
(a) God's exhortation is for all of us to repent and be zealous.
(b) God again reminds us to seek after the only treasures that have real value—the heavenly treasures.
***When we mind the earthly things, our belly becomes our god.
We must also understand that our friendship with the world is antagonistic with God. When we become a friend of the world, we become God's enemy. We are not to love the world, or the things that are in the world: Because if we love the world, the love of the Father is not in us.
***God gives us a summary of what we must understand about the world and its contents:
(a) The world contains the lusts of the flesh.
(b) The world contains the lusts of the eyes.
(c) The world contains the pride of life.
(d) None of these things are of the Father, but are of the world.
(e)We must know that the world and all its lusts are passing away.
(f) We must also know that they who do the will of God will most assuredly abide forever.
***We must surely come to the conclusion that the less a person has of this world's goods, the better off they are with respect to God. That is to say, the things of the world can and will come between our God and us.
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that will he also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. (Gal.6:7,8)
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally (fleshly) minded is death, but to be Spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is (in opposition) against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can (it) be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (Rom.8:5-8)
For if you live after the flesh, you must die. (Rom.8:13)
Know you not, that to whom you present yourselves as servants unto obedience, his servant you are whom you obey; whether of sin unto death, or obedience unto righteousness. (Rom.6:16)
For when you were servants of sin, you were free in regard of righteousness. What fruit did you have at that time in the things whereof you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. (Rom.6:20 and 21)
aaron-God gives us the PRINCIPLE of sowing and reaping, and tells us that He will not be mocked in these things.
**PRINCIPLE: "WHATEVER A PERSON SOWS, THAT IS WHAT THEY WILL REAP."
This goes beyond our physical nature to incorporate our mental and spiritual faculties.
(a) God tells us that those who sow to the flesh, will of the flesh reap corruption.
(b) That they that are after the flesh, set their minds on the things of the flesh.
(c) We must remember that the mind of the flesh is in opposition against God: Because the mind of the flesh is not, and can never be, subject to the law of God: And they that are in the flesh can never please God.
(d) The mind of the flesh is death, and they that live after the flesh must die.
(e) But those who would sow to the Spirit, will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
We will know those who seek the Spirit, because they are eagerly following after the things of the Spirit.
***We are servants of whatever we serve:
(a) Of sin unto death.
(b) Of obedience unto righteousness (and eternal life).
SECOND—Our vulnerabilities:
(But those who are rebellious) because they worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, (were given up by God) unto a reprobate mind; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful. (Rom.1:25-32)
Their dreamings defile their flesh, they despise dominion, they rail at dignities... rail at things they know nothing about; and whatever they know naturally, like brute beasts, in these things they corrupt themselves... spots in your love feasts... shepherds that feed themselves... clouds without water... trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; wild waves of the sea... wandering stars... murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts, speaking great swelling words, showing respect of persons for the sake of advantage... they are mockers walking after their own ungodly lusts. These are they who make separation, sensual, not having the Spirit. (Jude.8-19)
(Specifically) those who would walk after the flesh in the lust of defilement. They despise dominion, daring, self-willed; they rail at dignities, rail in matters they do not understand; they revel in the daytime, spots and blemishes, reveling in their deceivings while they feast with you; their eyes are full of adultery, and they cannot cease from sin. They entice unsteadfast souls, having a heart exercised in covetousness, children of cursing. They are gone astray, springs without water, and mist driven by the storm. They utter great swelling words of vanity. They entice in the lusts of the flesh, by lasciviousness, those who are just escaping from them that live in error: Promising them liberty, while they themselves are bondservants of corruption. (2Pe.2:10-14)
Know you not, that the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Be not deceived, neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with men; nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortion’s will inherit the Kingdom of God. (1Cor.6:9-11)
aaron-God's warnings to us concerning our nature have been very explicit:
(a) We do not properly understand our nature. That within today’s Church, this lack of understanding is undermining our relationship with God—undermining the very establishment itself.
(b) It is evident that we have a natural desire to live in the gray area of life where we can ignore the absolutes of God. Therefore, we must recognize this gray area as a mixture of the flesh and the Spirit; or, an attempt to mix the flesh and the Spirit.
(c) God, in these explicit Scriptures, has transferred the attributes of the lost into the perspective of the Christian's walk. Warning the Christian to guard against the works of the flesh, because the works of the flesh are the natural functions of our nature. That is, if the flesh is allowed to go unrestrained, it will surly gravitate toward these natural functions.
(d) God further warns us concerning the latter days: The actions of man will be directed more and more to self-centeredness and self-gratification.
(e) All Christians must, without the deception of convenient reasoning, accept God's word at face value.
(f) When God tells us to put to death our members that are upon the earth, that is precisely what God means.
(1) We are to put away all the natural things that deceive and entrap us.
(2) We are to put off the old man with his doings.
Webster's definition:
WORKS: Bodily or mental effort exerted to do. e.g., Moral acts.
Observation: Gal.5:19, "The works of the flesh are": suggest in the active sense, that the functions or conditions listed have been done or should be expected to be done: So serves as a warning for us to guard against the natural functions and conditions of the flesh. Rom.7:18a-"For I know that in me [that is, in my flesh] dwells no good thing".
Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are these: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousy, wrath, factions, divisions, heresy, envy, murder, drunkenness, reveling, and the like things: of which I forewarn you, even as you have been forewarned, that they who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God. (Gal.5:19-21)
But know this, that in the last days grievous times will come: For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, railers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, relentless, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, not lovers of good, traitors, headstrong, puffed-up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of [>] God; Holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power thereof. From these also, turn away! For these are they that creep into houses and take captive silly women laden with sin, led away by divers lusts, ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2Tim.3:1-7)
But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as if it is becoming of saints; Nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, or jesting, which are not befitting, but rather the giving of thanks. For this you know (for sure), that no fornicator, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God. Let no man deceive you with empty words, for because of these things comes the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience. You therefore, be not partakers with them. (Eph.5:3-7)
THIRD—The way to a victorious Christian life and walk:
aaron-God's warning is plainly stated: The works of the flesh are not to be practiced by His saints! If we practice the works of the flesh, how can we distinguish between light and darkness? The works of the flesh are the identifying characteristics of the sons of disobedience. We must not be deceived in these things, because the wrath of God will come upon those who practice the works of the flesh. So as to hold fast to our eternal hope, we are not to be partakers with them.
[>] ***God, through these many Scriptures, has also revealed the presence of unrighteousness within the congregations of the righteous: (See side mark Ref. [>]) These revelations from God also mandate some action on the part of each and every believer. The action that is mandated by God, is for every individual to make a concerted effort in the removal of all unrighteousness from their own lives.
Listen to this exhortation from God:
Put to death therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passions, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. For which thing’s sake comes the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience: wherein you also once walked, when you lived in these things. But now do you also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, railing, shameful speaking out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing you have put off the old man with his doings. (Col.3:5-9) For we (all) also once were foolish, disobedient, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. (Tit.3:3)
***aaron- We must, as Christians, diligently strive to put to death our physical members which are upon the earth!
Observation: The battle line has been drawn within each of us: the battle is between the Spirit and the flesh, between good and evil, between life and death.
So (my) beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul. (1Pe.2:11) (For if you) walk by the Spirit, you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these (two) are contrary (opposed in nature) the one to the other, that you may not do the things that (your flesh) would (like to do). (Gal.5:16,17) Forasmuch then, as Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm you yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, (so) that you no longer should live the rest of your time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past may suffice to have worked in you the desires of the world—to have walked in lasciviousness, lusts, winebibbing, reveling, carousings, and abominable idolatries. Wherein they think it strange that you run not with them unto the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you. (1Pe.4:1-4)
aaron- We are again warned that our fleshly lusts wars against our souls: And again exhorted to walk by the Spirit, so that we not fulfill the lusts of our flesh.
We must know and remember:
(a) The flesh and the Spirit battle for control.
(b) The flesh and the Spirit are opposed, the one to the other.
(c) We must continually guard against the flesh and its desires.
(d) Denying the flesh its desires, may result in personal suffering.
(e) The clear distinction between the Spirit filled Christians and non-Spirit filled Christians should be evident:
(1) The Spirit filled Christian is generally in control of their flesh.
(2) The non-Spirit filled Christian is often controlled by their flesh.
*** We must no longer live the rest of our time satisfying our own fleshly desires, but seeking and following the will of God.
(You must know, that) salvation is now nearer than when we first believed, the night is far spent and the day is at hand: Let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.
Let us walk properly as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in licentiousness and lewdness, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provisions for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof. (Rom.13:11-14)
So take heed (to yourselves), lest there should be any one that makes spoil of you through his philosophy and vain deceit; after the traditions of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. (Col.2:8)
Thus:
(f) We are to cast off the works of darkness.
(g) We are to put on the armor of light.
(h) We are to put on the Lord Jesus Christ.
(i) We are to make no provisions for the flesh to fulfill its lusts.
(j) We are to guard against the philosophy and vain deceits that are found in the traditions of men and in the rudiments of the world.
(k) We are to be conformed into the image of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(Brethren, how can anyone, being evil, speak good things?)
***For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.
**The good man out of his good treasure brings forth good things,
**and the evil man out of his evil treasure brings forth evil things.
(Mat.12:34,35)
(Because the) things which proceed out of the mouth come forth out of the heart, and they defile the man. (Mat.15:18)
For from within, (that is), out of the heart of man, evil thoughts proceed: fornication, thefts, murders, adulteries, coveting, deceit, wickedness, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man. (Mk.7:21-23)
***aaron-We must learn how to listen to ourselves: If we conscientiously listen to the words we speak, and carefully consider the thoughts we think, we will come to know the condition of our hearts. Because the things that come out of our mouths through the words we speak, also come from our minds and the thoughts we think, and this thoroughly exposes the true contents of our hearts.
(l) The good treasure of the heart produces good things.
(m) The evil treasure of the heart produces evil things.
(n) God tells us that the quality of a man's heart is basically evil: It thinks only of satisfying its own natural desires.
***If we allow any of these evils to remain within us, they will eventually find their way out in words and in actions and we will be defiled by them.
(So) let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth. (Eph.4:29a)
Now if we put the horses' bits into their mouths that they may obey us, we turn about their whole bodies also.
Now behold the ship also: Though they are so great and are driven by rough winds, are yet turned about by a very small rudder wherever the impulse of the steersman wills.
So the tongue also is a little member and boasts great things. Behold how much wood is kindled by (a) small fire! And the tongue is a fire: The world of iniquity among our members is the tongue, which defiles the whole body; And sets on fire the wheels of nature, and is set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and birds, of creeping things and things in the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But the tongue can no man tame: It is a restless evil, and it is full of deadly poison. Therewith we bless the Lord and Father, and therewith we curse men, who are made after the likeness of God. Out of the same mouth comes forth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things (should not be happening). Does the fountain send forth from the same opening, sweet water and bitter? Can a fig tree, my brethren, yield olives, or a vine fig? Neither can salt water yield sweet. (James.3:3-12)
Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree corrupt and its fruit corrupt. (Mat.12:33)
(For) by their fruit you will know them. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so, every good tree brings forth good fruit, but the corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. [|] Every tree that does not bring forth good fruit is chopped down and cast into the fire. Therefore by their fruit you will know them. Not every one that says unto Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but he that does the will of My Father who is in Heaven. Many will say unto [>] Me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by Your name, and by Your name cast out demons, and by Your name do many mighty works? And then I will say unto them, I never knew you; depart from Me, you that work iniquity. (Mat.7:16-23) For there is no good tree that brings forth corrupt fruit, nor again, a corrupt tree that brings forth good fruit. For each tree is known by its own fruit. For of thorns, men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush do they gather grapes. The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good, and the evil man out of his evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil. For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. (Lu.6:43-45)
And I say unto you that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day-of-judgment. For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned. (Mat.12:36,37)
For we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether it be good or bad. (2Cor.5:10)
But you, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you set at nought your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment-seat of Christ. For it is written: "As I live, says the Lord, to Me every knee shall bow, and every tongue will confess to God." So then each one of us will give account of himself to God. (Rom.14:10-12)
aaron-As we consider these Scriptures, I believe that God is instructing all believers to establish their own fruit inspection program: That each one of us accept these clear passages at their face value, and then apply their every word to our own personal growth and development.
***Both good and evil are known by their fruit.
For I would not, brethren, have you ignorant, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses, in the cloud and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual food; and did all drink of the same spiritual drink: for they drank of a spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. But with most of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
Now these things were (written for) our examples, to the intent (that) we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be idolaters, as some of them; as it is written: "The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play." Neither let us commit fornication as some of them committed, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day. Neither let us make trial of the Lord as some of them made trial, and perished by the serpents. Neither murmur as some of them murmured, and perished by the destroyer. Now these things happened unto them by way of example and they were written for our admonition, unto whom the end of the ages (have) come. Therefore let him that thinks he stands take heed unless he falls. [|] (1Cor.10:1-12)
***aaron- We must be aware of God's exhortations for the Church, which are given with respect to His Old Covenant family. It is essential that we understand the relationship between the Old Covenant peoples (Israel), the Church, and this present dispensation. We cannot stress this point enough: We must have the ability to receive all Old Testament Scriptures as examples and warnings for today. Teachings that will lead us toward a stronger individual Christian walk. God tells us that all of the things that happened to the children of Israel, happened to them as examples for us: And that they were all written down in the Bible for our admonition and learning.
Caution is also given to those who would ignore these instructions.
(You know) you cannot drink (of) the cup of the Lord and the cup demons; (and) you cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He? (1Cor.10-21)
***aaron-This Scripture is very troubling with respect to the developing Kingdom, the members of the Church, and the world we live in today. All appearances would suggest we are all surely guilty of great duplicity. There is no doubt that the entire Congregation as a whole has given its consent and approval for its members to partake in the best of both worlds. God has made this warning very clear. We must assuredly know that it is upon the Church of Jesus Christ that the ends of the ages have come.
We are also admonished by the things written concerning the early believers.
(For) women received their dead by a resurrection. And others were tortured, not accepting their deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. And others had trials of mocking and scourging, yes, moreover of bonds and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn (in two), they were tempted, they were slain with the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated—of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in caves and holes in the earth. (Heb.11:35-38)
And all these, having had witness born to them through their faith, received not the promise, God, having provided some better things concerning us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. (Heb.11:39,40)
aaron- Remembering—the things that are written concerning the early believers, were written for our admonition and learning: It also becomes evident to the reader, that the expectations of the early believers differed greatly from that of our own traditional teachings.
Therefore, let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising (the) shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God. For consider Him that has endured such (hostilities) of sinners against himself, that you not become weary, fainting in your souls. You have not yet resisted unto blood striving against sin.
aaron- The great cloud of witnesses spoken of here, is a clear reference to the Old Testament saints that preceded us. God's call for us to lay aside the sins that often trouble us, and for us to run this race we are in, is also clear and to the point.
(For) you have forgotten the exhortation which reasons with you as with sons: My son, regard not lightly the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved of Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives. It is for chastening that you endure. God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father chastens not? But if you are without chastening, whereof all have been made partakers, then are you bastards and not sons. Furthermore, we had the fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we gave them reverence. Shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of our spirit and live?
For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed good to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness.
All chastening seems for the present to be not joyous, but grievous; yet, afterward it yields peaceable fruit unto them that have been exercised thereby, even the fruit of righteousness. Therefore lift up the hands that hang down, and the palsied knees, and make straight paths for your feet, that that which is lame is not put out of joint, but rather is healed. (Brethren) follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification: Without which, no man shall see the Lord. (Heb.12:1-14)
aaron- The members of the Church body, like the children of Israel, are a forgetful peoples. We have an inborn instinct to serve our own needs and desires: Even to the point of excluding God and everything else. Great effort and awareness is required on the part of all believers to win in this battle that we are fighting against ourselves.
(God tells us again): As many as I love, I reprove and chasten. Be zealous therefore and repent. (Rev.3:19)
(So) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. (Rom.12:1)
(Do you know) that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit that is in you, which you received from God? And you are not your own, for you were bought with a price. (1Cor.6:19 and 20a)
For we are a temple of the Living God. Even as God said: I will dwell in them and walk in them. And I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Therefore: Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. And touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. And I will be to you a Father, and you shall be to Me sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. (2Cor.6:16b-18)
Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (2Cor.7:1)
(And presenting our) members as servants (of) righteousness unto sanctification. (Rom.6:19c)
(So) being made free from sin (to) become servants to God, (we) have (our) fruit unto sanctification. (Rom.6:22)
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification: that you abstain from fornication; (and) that no man transgress and wrong his brother in the matter. (1Thes.4:3 and 6a)
For God called us not for uncleanness, but in sanctification. Therefore he who rejects (these things), rejects not man, but God, who gives His Holy Spirit unto (us). (1Thes.4:7,8)
aaron- These passages are so explicit, any commentary would be somewhat redundant. All Christians must take these Scriptures to heart and earnestly meditate upon their instruction.
[<] Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth, and some unto honor and some unto dishonor. If a man therefore (cleanse) himself of these (things), he will be a vessel unto honor, sanctified and (useful) for the Master's use, prepared unto every good work. (2Tim.2:20,21)
***aaron-I believe this great house spoken of here, is in fact inclusive of the entire population of visible Israel and the visible Christian Church. We are also told that this great house contains both vessels of honor and dishonor: which may explain our duplicitous attitudes within today’s Congregation. We are admonished to cleanse ourselves of our dishonor—to be sanctified.
This instruction clearly requires some action on the part of every individual: Every person has the responsibility for keeping their own spiritual house clean; To be vigilantly purposed toward the removal of every thing that is contrary to God's word.
If we judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged (of the Lord), we are chastened of the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world. (1Cor.11:31,32)
[|] (So), my beloved, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. (Phil.2:12,13)
(And) think soberly, according as God has dealt to each (of you) a measure of faith. (Rom.12:3)
Examine your own selves whether you are in the faith. Prove your own selves. Or know you not as to your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you? (2Cor.13:5)
aaron- These exhortations for self examination are specific and to the point. Every Christian must, I repeat, "MUST", examine themselves in the revealing light of God's word.
(So, girding) up the loins of your minds, be sober, and set your hope perfectly on the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As children of obedience, not fashioning yourselves according to your former lusts, (as) in the time of your ignorance; But like as He who called you is holy, be you yourselves also holy in all manner of living. Because it is written: You shall be holy, for I Am holy. (1Pe.1:13-16)
You must not be fashioned according to this world, but (you are to be) transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Rom.12:2)
(And) putting on therefore, as God's elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, forgiving each other, if any have a complaint against (anyone); Even as the Lord forgave you, so also do you. And above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness. (Col.3:12-14)
(Understanding) that His divine power has granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness through the knowledge of Him that called us by His own glory and virtue. Whereby He has granted unto us His precious and exceeding great promises, that through these you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust.
Yes, and for this very cause, adding on your part all diligence; in your faith supply virtue, and in your virtue, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, patience, and in your patience, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these things are yours and abound, they make you to be not idle nor unfruitful unto the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he that lacks these things is blind, seeing only what is near, (and) having forgotten the cleansing from his old sins.
Therefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; For this shall be richly supplied unto you, the entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. (2Pe.1:3-11)
aaron- My beloved brothers and sisters—how many of us can say, with a clear conscience, "YES LORD!"?
(So) flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (2Tim.2:22)
For the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control—Against such, there is no law. And they that are of Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with the passions and the lusts thereof. (Gal.5:22-24)
(And) let every one that names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness. (2Tim.2:19b)
God now explains the battle we are involved in, the location of the battlefield, and the weapons available for victory:
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds, casting down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. (2Cor.10:3-5)
(So) put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our (struggle) is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in high places.
Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day; and having done all to stand, stand therefore having girded your loins with the truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; withal, taking up the shield of faith wherewith you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God; With all prayer and supplication, praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. (Eph.6:11-18)
And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be longsuffering toward all. See that none render unto any one evil for evil, but always follow after that which is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you-ward. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesying. Prove all things. Hold fast that which is good. Abstain from every form of evil. (1Thes.5:14-22)
(And so my brethren), let no man lead you astray. He that does righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous. He that does sin is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. To this end was the Son of God manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is begotten of God does not sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is begotten of God. In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifested. (1Jn.3:7-10)
So think it not strange concerning the fiery trials among you, which come upon you to prove you, as though a strange thing happened unto you. But insomuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings; rejoice, that at the revelation of His glory, you also may rejoice with exceeding joy. (1Pe.4:12-19)
If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, because the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God rests upon you. For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or as a meddler in other men's matters. But if a man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this name. (1Pe.4:14)
For the time is come for judgment to begin at the house of God; And if it begin first at us, what will the end of them be that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and sinner appear? Therefore let them that suffer according to the will of God, commit their souls in well-doing unto a faithful Creator. (1Pe.4:17)
And the God of peace Himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit, soul, and body be preserved entire, without blame, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1Thes.5:23) -AMEN-