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Psalms 79:1-13 A Psalm of
Asaph. O God, the
nations have come into Your inheritance; Your holy temple they have defiled;
They have laid Jerusalem in heaps. The dead bodies of Your servants— They have
given as food for the birds of
the heavens, The flesh of Your saints to the beasts of the earth. Their blood
they have shed like water all around Jerusalem, And there was no one to bury them.
We have become a reproach to our neighbors, A scorn and derision to those who
are around us. How long, LORD? Will You be angry forever? Will Your jealousy
burn like fire? Pour out Your wrath on the nations that do not know You, And on
the kingdoms that do not call on Your name. For they have devoured Jacob, And
laid waste his dwelling place. Oh, do not remember former iniquities against
us! Let Your tender mercies come speedily to meet us, For we have been brought
very low. Help us, O God of our salvation, For the glory of Your name; And
deliver us, and provide atonement for our sins, For Your name's sake! Why
should the nations say, "Where is
their God?" Let there be known among the nations in our sight The avenging
of the blood of Your servants which
has been shed. Let the groaning of the prisoner come before You;
According to the greatness of Your power Preserve those who are appointed to
die; And return to our neighbors sevenfold into their bosom Their reproach with
which they have reproached You, O Lord. So we, Your people and sheep of Your
pasture, Will give You thanks forever; We will show forth Your praise to all
generations. Father
God, help us to live a life modeled after your only begotten Son. We will never
be perfect, but we ask that you show us our faults each day so that we can mend
our ways. We give you all the glory and praise. Amen!
Romans 12:9-16 NKJV
This
week’s lesson is about how we are to live our life. They are commands that Paul
gives us through the Holy Spirit. As we go through these verses stop and think
about how you are living your life. Are you living up to the standard God has
set before, or don’t you take these things serious? We are to live our life
using Jesus as a role model. If we call ourselves Christians and violate one of
these commands, then as a result of this action we should get conviction from
the Holy Spirit living inside us. A True Christian will get conviction and then
have to seek out who they have offended and ask forgiveness. If we can live our
life violating these commands without convictions, then one must examine
themselves and ask the question, am I saved, will I be going to Heaven when I
die?
Romans 12:9-16:
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.
Let love be without hypocrisy; this
is one of the hardest things for a human beings to do. I think the reason being
is because most of the population view themselves better than other human
beings. Our flesh gets in the way and our flesh speaks to us from within
telling us, at least I don’t act that way, or I wouldn’t ever think about making
such a statement, or I’m better than he or she because I don’t smoke or drink,
or I’m a better dresser, or I’m better than the people I manage because I have
a college degree, or because I have a college degree no one is going to tell me
what to do, or when hiring people only those with college degrees should be
hired because they are better than those without a college degree, etc. and the
list goes on and on and on. Sometimes we even have these thoughts as we visit
with people. Is this “love without hypocrisy”?
Jesus washed His
disciple’s feet. He did not place himself above anyone. John 13:5-17 After that, He poured water into a basin and
began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. 6 Then He
came to Simon Peter. And Peter
said to Him, "Lord, are You washing my feet?" 7 Jesus
answered and said to him, "What I am doing you do
not understand now, but you will know after this." 8 Peter said
to Him, "You shall never wash my feet!" Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me." 9 Simon Peter
said to Him, "Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my
head!" 10
Jesus said to him, "He who is bathed needs only to
wash his feet, but is
completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you." 11 For He
knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, "You
are not all clean." 12 So when He had washed their feet, taken His
garments, and sat down again, He said to them, "Do
you know what I have done to you?
13 You call Me
Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so
I am. 14
If I then, your
Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's
feet. 15
For I have given you an example, that you should do as
I have done to you. 16 Most assuredly, I say to
you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater
than he who sent him. 17 If you know these things,
blessed are you if you do them. If
you are a manager/leader of people, would you wash the feet of the people you
oversee? If not, is this “love without hypocrisy”?
What about a person that
is always contradicting what they say? The Bible does not contradict itself. At
times it appears that it does, but if you study the verses out the Bible does
not contradict it’s self. But let’s just say that it does contradict itself. At
some point in time then you would say to yourself I can’t believe what God’s
word says, so therefore I’m not going to believe what it says. The point I’m
trying to make is this; if a person is always contradicting themselves then
what does one believe this person is saying? Some people preach, do as I say
not as I do. Is this “love without hypocrisy”?
Most of us have learned
how to be courteous to others, how to speak kindly, avoid hurting their
feelings, and appear to take an interest in them. We may even be skilled in
pretending to show compassion when we hear of others' needs, or to become
indignant when we learn of injustice. But God calls us to real and genuine love
that goes far beyond being hypocritical, contradictory in what we say, and
polite. Genuine love requires concentration and effort. It means helping others
become better people. It demands our focus, time, and personal involvement.
Abhor
what is evil; means
that the Christian is to express his hatred of evil by a withdrawal from it and
turning from evil in all aspect of their life; thoughts, actions, speech, etc.
Cling
to what is good: means
to bind, super glue, to join, or fasten firmly together. Surround yourself with
Godly thoughts, actions, speech, etc. so that you can be a beacon of light to
those around you.
10 Be
kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving
preference to one another;
Be kindly affectionate to one another
with brotherly love; speaks of the brotherhood of Believers. Kindly
affectionate in Greek is philostorgos and means, “bound by a family tie”. This
phrase is referring to Christians, followers of Jesus Christ, the body of Born
Again true believers.
“Brotherly Love” in the Greek, is “philadelphia,” and
means “to love the Brethren in the Faith as though they were Brethren in
blood.” The word “kindly” is the key, and gives the real sense. “Kind” is
originally “kinned,” and “kindly affectioned is having the affection of
kindred.” The Family of God is the greatest family in the world and their love
for one another is greater than that of their own blood kindred who does not
know Jesus.
In
honor giving preference to one another; this proclaims the manner in which this brotherly love
is to be displayed. Put in simple terms it means to recognize, acknowledge, and
honor God’s gift in a fellow believer and allow them to take the lead in the gift
God has given to them. Ephesians
5:21 submitting to one another in
the fear of God.
11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit,
serving the Lord;
This verse is termed this
way in the KJV, “Not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.”
In other words, never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord
enthusiastically no matter what you do, whether it be leading a country,
scrubbing floors, flipping hamburgers, etc. A true Christian can be trusted,
his word is his bond, and he gives an honest day’s work no matter what his task
is. He is to seek the Holy Spirit for guidance in all matters of his life. As
soon as we take our eyes off the Cross we will fall back to relying on our
decisions. When we pass from this earth it will be to late to serve the Lord. Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or
knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.
12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation,
continuing steadfastly in prayer;
Rejoicing
in hope; pertains to
the deep down assurance that a true believer has in their heart that Jesus is
always at their side in all matters of their life.
Patient in tribulation; means that as a believer we will go
through trials and hardships in our life here on earth, but we have that
blessed assurance that Jesus is there and will pick us up and carry us through
these times. Sometimes believers suffer tribulation because of attacks by
Satan, circumstances which the believer has no control over, because a lesson
needs to be learned, and can be learned in no other way. In fact the believer
will seek to learn the lesson God is teaching them. We just need to be patient.
James 1:4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking
nothing.
Continuing
steadfastly in prayer;
as a believer one turns to God in prayer and seeks His guidance through the
Holy Spirit. Prayer is a huge part of a believer’s life after a Spiritual
Birth. Believers pray continually about all things, because they have had that
veil of deception removed from their heart and they know, with no doubt, the
Gospel of Jesus Christ is true and alive within them. It is with this steadfast
prayer that God brings them through any tribulation as a stronger child of His.
Luke 18:1 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always
ought to pray and not lose heart.
13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given
to hospitality.
Distributing to the needs of the
saints; this verse
was addressed last week in the explanation of verse 8. In the earliest times of
the church, Christians had many things in common, and felt themselves bound to
meet all the needs of their brethren. Acts 2:44 Now all who
believed were together, and had all things in common. One of the most Christian things to do
in the times of the early church was to share wealth and property among the
church members, and distribute liberally to those who had need. Some would even
sell their property and give the proceeds to the church in order to care for
the needy.
Given
to hospitality; this
expression means that we should readily and cheerfully entertain strangers. Given
in the Greek, is “dioko,” and means “to pursue, to seek after eagerly.” Hospitality
in the Greek, is “philoxenia,” and means “fondness or affection for strangers.”
This is a duty that goes with Christianity and is frequently mentioned in
Scripture. Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly
entertained angels. 1 Peter 4:9 Be
hospitable to one another without grumbling.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not
curse.
Paul no doubt has coined
this verse from Mathew when Jesus stated this: Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse
you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you
and persecute you, Bless
in the Greek is “eulogeo,” and means “to speak well of a person.” It also means
“to bless one, to praise.” Persecute in the Greek is “dioko,” and means “to
follow after, with the idea of overtaking someone and hurting them.” Curse in
the Greek is “kataraomai,” and means “to curse, call down evil upon one.” So
with this in mind we are to love our enemies, pray for them to change from
their evil ways, judge them not, and definitely not seek revenge, for vengeance
belongs to God.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with
those who weep.
Who is Paul talking about
here when he says rejoice with those and weep with those? It is the body of the
church, fellow brothers and sisters. This command grows out of the doctrine
stated in Romans 12:4-5, that the church is one; that it has one interest; and there
should be common sympathy in joys and sorrows. Romans 12:4-5 For as we
have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ,
and individually members of one another. 1
Corinthians 12:26 And if one
member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
Does this mean that we
should not rejoice and weep with nonbeliever? No not at all, because if that is
what’s meant then the Bible would contradict itself. Jesus told us to “love our
neighbors as ourselves.” What it is saying is that fellow believers are one
body and when something good happens to someone the whole church rejoices and
when one suffers tribulations or loss of a loved one the whole church mourns.
As stated previously the body of Born Again Christians have a special bond that
draws them together through the free gift of Grace from God. It is that common
faith they all share in the Cross of Christ. It would be like a family losing a
family member, the immediate family mourns with more intensity than other
acquaintances. If a family member receives straight A’s on a report card the
whole family rejoices. I hope I have explained this in a manner you can
understand. I feel I haven’t done a very good job at it????
16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not
set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in
your own opinion.
To put this verse another
way; Live in harmony with each other, don't be too proud to enjoy the company
of ordinary people, and don't be a know it all! This whole verse is referring
to one thing and that being we are to have the mind of Christ in all that we
do. How did Jesus conduct his life? He did not at all grovel before the high
and mighty nor seek their pleasure in any way. He was kind to them as He was to
all. He treated all just alike.
Many people use their
contacts and relationships for selfish ambition. They select those people who
will help them climb the social ladder. Jesus demonstrated and taught that we
should treat all people with respect, those of a different race, the
handicapped, the poor, young and old, male and female, employees, etc. We must
never consider others as being beneath us. Paul says we need to live in harmony
with others and not be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. Are
you able to do humble tasks with others? Do you welcome conversation with
unattractive, non-prestigious people? Are you willing to befriend newcomers and
entry-level people? Or do you relate only to those who will help you get ahead?
Romans
1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,
for it is
the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…...
Psalms
51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit
within me.
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you,
unless
one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
Bill Wiesbrock
Last Week’s Trivia: Who was Abner?
Answer: Abner was a cousin of Saul’s and a
valiant officer of Saul’s army. Abner
continued the war against David after Saul’s death, but finally negotiated a
peace. While received hospitably by David, Abner was resented by David’s
general, Joab. Joab was vengeful because of Abner’s killing of Joab’s associate
Ashael. Joab murdered Abner at the gate of Hebron, 1 Samuel Chapters 14, 17,
20, & 26; 2 Samuel Chapters 2-4; 1 Kings Chapter 2; 1
Chronicles Chapters 26 and 27.
This week’s Trivia: Who was Achan?
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