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Manifesting The Word Of God

Posted on March 3, 2026 by bibleteacherorg

Titus 1:1-4 (KJV) Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; 2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; 3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Savior; 4 To Titus, [mine] own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, [and] peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.

Introduction

What in the world are we doing in the Book of Titus? I imagine as you read this you’re thinking, “What does this have to do with me?”. As a matter of fact, in 30 years of ministry, the only sermons I’ve ever preached from Titus are in Titus 2:11-15. I didn’t realize that until just the other day. I usually preach the Gospels, the Church Epistles (like Romans, Corinthians), the General Epistles (like James, Peter, John), or the Revelation. Titus is called a Pastoral Epistle. There are two Pastoral Epistles,

Timothy (1 & 2)
Titus

Let’s talk about the two men Timothy and Titus. When Paul went out to preach there were two young men who went with him that he led to the Lord. Timothy, who Paul called “my true son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2) had a Jewish mother and a Gentile father. Paul left Timothy is Ephesus to help establish the Church there.

Titus, who Paul called “my true son in our common faith” (Titus 1:4), was a Gentile. When Gentiles began to enter the Church by faith in Christ (for initially it was entirely Jewish), Paul and Titus met with the Apostles to discuss whether saved Gentiles had to follow the Law of Moses. This meeting is described in:

Acts 15:2 (LSB) the brothers determined that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to Jerusalem TO THE APOSTLES AND ELDERS concerning this issue ..

Titus isn’t mentioned by name in the meeting of the Apostles and Elders (Pastors) of Jerusalem in Acts 15, but Paul mentions him by name in:

Galatians 2:1 (LSB) Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, TAKING TITUS ALONG ALSO.

Pharisees had come into the Church in Jerusalem, just as they come into the Church of every age. The Pharisees said:

Acts 15:5 (LSB) But some of the sect of the PHARISEES WHO HAD BELIEVED stood up, saying, “It is NECESSARY TO CIRCUMCISE THEM {the Gentiles} and to command them to KEEP THE LAW OF MOSES.”

The Law of Moses is much more than just the Ten Commandments that we all know (and which are still valid today). The Law of Moses established ceremonial laws, sacrificial laws, feasts, and rituals like circumcision on the Jewish people. When God gave the Law of Circumcision to Abraham, He said:

Genesis 17:10-14 (NKJV) This [is] My covenant which YOU SHALL KEEP, between Me and you and YOUR DESCENDANTS AFTER YOU: Every male child among you shall be circumcised; 11 and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. 12 He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised, every male child in your generations, he who is born in your house or bought with money from any foreigner who is not your descendant. 13 “He who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money must be circumcised, and MY COVENANT SHALL BE IN YOUR FLESH FOR AN EVERLASTING COVENANT. 14 “And the uncircumcised male child, WHO IS NOT CIRCUMCISED in the flesh of his foreskin, THAT PERSON SHALL BE CUT OFF FROM HIS PEOPLE; he has broken My covenant.”

The Pharisees who had been ordained to the Pastorate – and who influential in the Church of Jerusalem – said “a Gentile can be saved. But that Gentile man MUST BE CIRCUMCISED and MUST KEEP THE LAW of Moses”.

So the elders (the Pastors) and the Apostles met to discuss the matter. Peter the Apostle (who had first seen Gentiles saved) stood on the Grace of God alone. He said:

Acts 15:11 (LSB) But we believe that WE ARE SAVED THROUGH THE GRACE OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, in the same way as THEY {the Gentiles} ALSO ARE.

The Pharisees wanted Titus to be circumcised, but Paul refused to do so. Timothy had been circumcised because he was a Jew, but not Titus. Circumcision was never given to the Gentiles, but to the Jews. In fact, circumcision has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH SALVATION. God told Israel that the man who would not be circumcised “THAT PERSON SHALL BE CUT OFF FROM HIS PEOPLE”. Not from Heaven, but from “HIS PEOPLE”, or Israel. Circumcision, the feasts, the ceremonial laws that God gave to Israel under the Old Covenant were fulfilled in Christ. Why did these Pharisees come into the Church, professing to be children of God by faith in Christ? Paul said,

Galatians 2:4-5 (LSB) But [this was] because of THE FALSE BROTHERS SECRETLY BROUGHT IN, who had SNEAKED IN to spy out our freedom which we have in Christ Jesus, IN ORDER TO ENSLAVE US. 5 But we did not yield in subjection to them for even a moment, so that THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL WOULD REMAIN WITH YOU.

So Titus was in the midst of this grand meeting of the Church. And in Acts 15 the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ specified that the born again Gentiles did NOT have to be circumcised, but they did have to STAY AWAY FROM IDOLATRY AND SEXUAL IMMORALITY (Acts 15:20).

From that point, Titus went with Paul to Corinth to establish the Church there. Then Paul left Titus in Crete, a large Grecian Island, so he could establish Churches there. The Grecians worshiped the Greek and Roman gods and goddesses. There was also a strong Jewish presence therethat rejected the Lord Jesus Christ. Titus was given the challenge by God to not only preach the Gospel, but to establish Churches in Crete, ordaining Pastors for each Church.

If The Head Is Corrupt, The Body Cannot Be Well

When God sends us to do a chore, a work for Him, He will always equip us to do that work. As God was sending Titus to Crete to establish Churches, God through the Apostle Paul gave him his own “how to” guide. That’s what the Book of Titus is. If you had to establish a Church, the Book of Titus will explain how to do that starting at the Head.

Now I know that Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church. There is ample Scripture that teaches us this:

Ephesians 1:22-23 (LSB) And HE {God the Father} PUT ALL THINGS IN SUBJECTION UNDER HIS FEET {God the Son}, and gave Him {Jesus} as HEAD OVER ALL THINGS TO THE CHURCH, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Ephesians 5:23 (LSB) For the husband is the head of the wife, as CHRIST ALSO IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH, He Himself [being] the Savior of the body.

Jesus is the Head of His Church. Jesus is “The Word became flesh Who dwelt among us” (John 1:14). But Jesus now is “exalted TO THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD” (Acts 2:33). The Bible says that

Romans 8:34 (LSB) who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, WHO IS AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD, who also intercedes for us.

Jesus as Eternal God will “never leave us, nor forsake us” (Deuteronomy 31:6; Hebrews 13:5; Matthew 28:20). But He is literally at the right hand of the Father now, His Holy Spirit indwelling us. So how is Jesus manifested on the earth now?

Titus 1:2-3 (KJV) … God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; 3 But hath in due times MANIFESTED HIS WORD THROUGH PREACHING {kērygma, pro. kay’-roog-mah}

Word Study: God manifests Himself – His Word – through PREACHING. The word PREACHING is the Greekkērygma. Kērygma means “an AUTHORITATIVE proclamation by a Herald or a Public Crier”.

The Preacher is commissioned or called by God to manifest Jesus Christ to the listener, to make His truths understandable so the believer can live by them. The Preacher calls us to imitate Christ and so manifest Him to others by our very lives.

The Apostle Paul was a Preacher, following the call of God.

Titus 1:3 (KJV) But hath in due times MANIFESTED HIS WORD THROUGH PREACHING, which is COMMITTED {pisteuō} UNTO ME according to the commandment of God our Savior;

Word Study: Paul said, “I’m a Preacher. God “COMMITTED” this to me. The word translated COMMITTED is a very interesting word, the Greek pisteuō. This word is often used for BELIEF in God. We read:

Matthew 8:13 {NKJV}… Jesus said unto the Centurion, Go your way, and as you have BELIEVED {pisteuō}, so let it be done for you …

Matthew 18:6 {NKJV} (Jesus said) whoever causes one of these little ones who BELIEVE {pisteuō} in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

Matthew 21:22 {NKJV} And whatever things you ask in prayer, BELIEVING, {pisteuō} you will receive.

To “BELIEVE” means to “commit to, to entrust with”. God entrusted the Gospel to Paul, and commanded that he preach it. The Preacher proclaims the Gospel of Christ AUTHORITATIVELY, EXCLUSIVELY, and WITHOUT COMPROMISE.

What are the characteristics of the Preacher of the Gospel?

Titus 1:1 Paul, a SERVANT of God …

Word Study: The Preacher is not perfect (for no one is). But the Preacher or the Herald of the Gospel is a “SERVANT”, the Greek doulos or a slave. The slave is someone who has given up his will to the will of the Master. The Master of the Preacher is God and God alone. Our Lord Jesus said,

Matthew 24:46 (KJV) Blessed [is] that SERVANT,[doulos] whom his Lord when He cometh shall find so doing.

There is but one Kingdom of God, and Jesus Christ is its King. Christians are to be servants – slaves unto God. In John 13:12-15 our Lord Jesus washed the feet of His disciples.

John 13:13-17 (NKJV) 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.

So many people come to a Church, shopping around to see if they can get “the best buy”. I hear this quite often: “What can YOU offer me?” Beloved, what I can offer you is the Gospel of the Kingdom, a Gospel that makes SLAVES unto God. The world rejects this Gospel.

1 Corinthians 1:18 (NKJV) For the MESSAGE OF THE CROSS is FOOLISHNESS TO THOSE WHO ARE PERISHING, but TO US WHO ARE BEING SAVED IT IS THE POWER OF GOD.

The world teaches “Have it YOUR way. If it FEELS GOOD, do it. Satisfy yourself. You be you. Be your own god, choose your own way”. This is the pathway of Satan. It started in the Garden of Eden, where Satan talked Adam out of the best job he ever had. Beloved, let me tell you this great truth:

If you have a Preacher who is promoting themselves and the glory of man, you are following a false brother who has crept in unawares “IN ORDER TO ENSLAVE US” (Galatians 2:4).

It is not the Gospel of the Kingdom if it makes every person a king over God. It is not the Gospel that teaches “name it and claim it”. It is not the Gospel that makes man glorious, while ignoring the glory of God. It is a Satanic delusion, a false doctrine, a false preacher. The Gospel that saves tells us to BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. As I have shown you before, BELIEVE means TO ENTRUST YOUR LIFE TO. The saved person is the person who has surrendered their lives to God the Father in the name of the Son of God.

The saved person is a SLAVE of the Kingdom!
Not elevated, but God’s property.

Titus 1:1 Paul, a SERVANT {doulos, slave} of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ

Notice the order that Paul put this in. He was a SLAVE FIRST, then He was an Apostle. The Apostles had the highest office in the Church. If you look at the deviations from Christianity today, deviations like Catholicism, the Church of England and some forms of Methodism, you will see leaders of the institution that dress up in specialized costumes and uniforms. You will see people with titles not found in Scripture:

Father (see Matthew 23:29)
Monsignor
Archbishop
Cardinal
Vicar
Abbot
Mother Superior
Supreme Pontiff

These people deviate from God’s Kingdom. Others bow down to them, kiss their rings, kneel before them. God has said:

Isaiah 42:8 I am the LORD; that is my name! I WILL NOT GIVE MY GLORY TO ANOTHER or my praise to idols.

Isaiah 48:11 I will not yield my glory to another.

God is God – we are not. God directs those of His Kingdom:

1 Corinthians 10:31 … whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, DO ALL TO THE GLORY OF GOD.

The Apostle, the Pastor, the Preacher, the People of the Kingdom are all slaves of God. We live to glorify Him. When we get to Heaven (if you get to Heaven), we will glorify Him and worship Him Who saved us. We will not be pleasing ourselves in glory, but HIM! Only HIM! In this life we are told:

Colossians 3:17 And WHATEVER YOU DO, in word or deed, DO EVERYTHING IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS, giving THANKS TO GOD THE FATHER through Him.

1 Peter 4:11 Whoever speaks, as one who speaks the oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who SERVES BY THE STRENGTH THAT GOD SUPPLIES, so that IN EVERYTHING GOD MAY BE GLORIFIED through Jesus Christ.

The Kingdom of God glorifies God. The Church exists to glorify God, to serve God. Not ourselves, but God.

In the Old Testament Israel was a nation of slaves that God took out of Egypt to save them. Why did God free them? “Let My people go, THAT THEY MAY SERVE ME” (Exodus 9:1). In the New Testament, the Church is a group of people who were enslaved to sin, but who are now servants of God.

Romans 6:6 We know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that WE SHOULD NO LONGER BE ENSLAVED TO SIN.

Romans 6:18 You have been SET FREE FROM SIN and have BECOME SLAVES TO RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Romans 6:22 But now that you have been SET FREE FROM SIN and have BECOME SLAVES OF GOD, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.

It’s been my experience these last 30 years in the Pastorate that the average Christian wants to go to Heaven, but wants God to be his or her slave. But that’s not Christianity. When you become born again by faith in Christ, God saves you but God possesses you. You become His.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? YOU ARE NOT YOUR OWN, for YOU WERE BOUGHT WITH A PRICE. So GLORIFY GOD IN YOUR BODY.

Let’s return to our text:

Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, ACCORDING TO THE FAITH OF GOD’S ELECT, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness

Saving faith is surrender to God. It’s not a compromise. It is unconditional surrender. If you are saved, then you are “GOD’S ELECT”. The word “ELECT” is the Greek eklektos, which means “to be picked out or chosen by God”. If you are a Christian, God CHOSE you and CALLED you to salvation. You willingly entered into a covenant relationship with Him. The Bible says …

2 Thessalonians 2:13-15 (NKJV) But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, BRETHREN BELOVED BY THE LORD, because God from the beginning CHOSE YOU TO SALVATION through sanctification by the Spirit and BELIEF IN THE TRUTH, 14 to which He CALLED YOU BY OUR GOSPEL, for the OBTAINING OF THE GLORY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 15 Therefore, brethren, STAND FAST and HOLD THE TRADITIONS which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.

The day the Christian is saved is the day that that person REPENTED of being gods and goddesses, and turn to God through faith in Christ. You believed that there was no way of salvation but by faith and surrender to Christ. God chose you to salvation. God knows who will be saved (Ephesians 1:4-5). You accepted the call. Now you are His. You belong to God, not to yourself.

I serve a risen Savior
He’s in the world today.
I know that He is living,
Whatever men may say.
I see His hand of mercy;
I hear His voice of cheer;
And just the time I need Him
He’s always near.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.

If Jesus lives within your heart, then, like Jesus, you live to honor the God Who saved you. How do you honor God?

Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the ACKNOWLEDGING THE TRUTH WHICH IS AFTER GODLINESS

You do not honor God by chasing after the darkness. Whether Apostle, Pastor, or People of God, we live our lives “ACKNOWLEDGING THE TRUTH WHICH IS AFTER GODLINESS”. Christians will sin. No Christian is perfect. But no Christian will twist the truth. EVERY CHURCH THAT TEACHES YOU CAN BE A CHRISTIAN, AND BE COMFORTABLE IN YOUR SIN, WHETHER SEXUAL OR SOCIAL, IS A FALSE CHURCH. Can God save a sexual sinner? Yes. But He does not save them IN their sins, but FROM their sins. Once saved, JESUS IS LORD and WE ARE NOT. Can God save a substance abuser, or a hater or racist? Absolutely. But once saved, you will NOT wallow in that sin anymore. Being born again, you will “ACKNOWLEDGE THE TRUTH WHICH IS AFTER GODLINESS”. This may make you mad, but I have to say it:

There is no such person as a BLACK Christian or a WHITE Christian or an ASIAN Christian or an INDIAN Christian or a JEWISH Christian. There is only the CHRISTIAN. And the CHRISTIAN follows God as His servant.

I’m not saying there aren’t cultural differences between what we call “the races”. There are. But the Bible doesn’t teach “races” but NATIONS (see Acts 17:26). Once you are saved, you come into the Kingdom of God. Those who are “born again” are brothers and sisters, regardless of color or culture (Galatians 3:28). And when we get to Heaven, what will we see around the Throne of God? John the Revelator said:

Revelation 7:9-10 (LSB) … I looked, and behold, a GREAT MULTITUDE which no one could count, from EVERY NATION and [all] TRIBES, AND PEOPLES, AND TONGUES, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches [were] in their hands; 10 and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, “SALVATION BELONGS TO OUR GOD who sits on the throne, and TO THE LAMB.”

I don’t see a single COLOR mentioned in this scene. Do you? Beloved, the saved belong to a Kingdom. We belong to God. Do you?

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Suiting Up For Battle

Posted on February 25, 2026 by bibleteacherorg

Ephesians 6:13-14 Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

We Battle An Enemy We Have No Power To Defeat

The Bible tells us that we humans are in a great spiritual battle. Our battle is not between black and white, or Republican or Democrat, or rich or poor. We were previously told in this chapter:

Ephesians 6:12 For we WRESTLE NOT AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Our enemy is an ancient foe, one who manifested himself in the Garden of Eden as a crafty beast of the field, a serpent. Again, our battle is not against flesh and blood. The serpent was not a serpent, though it looked like a serpent to Adam and Eve. The serpent was a possessed creature, possessed of an angelic being named Lucifer, Satan, the Devil (Revelation 12:9). In the end God will imprison that old serpent (Revelation 20:2), and will ultimately cast it into hell. Our Lord Jesus said:

Matthew 25:41 (LSB) {God} will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been PREPARED FOR THE DEVIL AND HIS ANGELS

There will come a day when Satan and the fallen angels will be cast into a Lake of Fire forever, a day when God will re-create the earth without sin and sinners. But until that day, Satan “our Adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). We have no ability within ourselves to do battle with a spiritual being like a fallen angel. We cannot, within our own abilities, wrestle with satanic forces and win. It is impossible. But our Lord Jesus said:

Luke 18:27 The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. (also see Matthew 19:26; Mark 10:27)

We cannot wrestle with nor defeat Satan or his demons within our own strength. But God can. God sent Jesus Christ, His only Begotten Son – and Jesus is greater than Satan.

1 John 3:8 For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that HE MIGHT DESTROY THE WORKS OF THE DEVIL.

Colossians 2:15 Having SPOILED PRINCIPALITIES AND POWERS, JESUS made a show of them openly, TRIUMPHING OVER THEM IN IT

What We Cannot Do, God Can Do

Humans cannot defeat the powers of evil. BUT we can submit ourselves unto God and let Him dress us in His armor. We are told WHEREFORE!

Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore TAKE UNTO YOU {analambanō} the WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD

Word Study: Wherefore. Since we cannot defeat demonic forces, we are to turn to God. We could not save ourselves – God must. We cannot defeat our enemy, Satan. God must! The phrase “TAKE UNTO YOU” is the Greek analambanō which means “to receive what is offered so as to use or enjoy”. The word is used in the Septuagint (the earliest translation of the Hebrew scriptures to Greek) to describe Elijah’s last day on earth.

2 Kings 2:11 (Brenton’s English Septuagint – BES) as {Elisha and Elijah} were going, they went on talking; and, behold, a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and it separated them both; and Eliu {Elijah} WAS TAKEN UP {analambanō} in a whirlwind as it were unto Heaven.

When God took Elijah up into Heaven, He took him as he was.

Elijah gave himself to God as he was, and
God took him as he was.

In the same way, we who are saved take to us the armor of God as it is. We do not modify it, or change it in any way. Though we have looked at the armor of God in several Vacation Bible Schools, always showing a picture of a Roman Soldier in armor, we need to remember that the physical armor shown is just an illustration. Paul was led of God to look at the Roman army, and its soldiers, and describe the armor of God by paralleling it to what the soldier wore. But remember, the armor that we are learning about today is spiritual and real. We are to take this armor to ourselves without modification. It is the “armor of God”. It is not man made. It is God made. It is from God. It is spiritual, but real, and powerfully effective.

Illustrate: When God took Elijah off of the earth, He took the whole Elijah – not just a part of him. We are told to take upon ourselves “the WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD”. No soldier would go to battle with just part of the armor. Each piece worked together with the other pieces to help the soldier do a dangerous thing as safely as possible. No battle is won by a dead soldier! We as Christians are involved in deadly work! The spiritual forces of evil hate us.

Have you ever noticed that people don’t mock or make fun of Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus or even Jews and Judaism … but they readily mock and vilify the genuine Christ follower.

In St Paul, Minnesota, the forces of darkness stormed Cities Church on January 18, 2026. You do not hear of mosques or temples being stormed – only Churches. There’s a reason for that. Satan and his followers don’t care if you follow an idol. He does not care if you follow a man made religion. An idol is a man made god. The Bible says of the idols:

Psalm 115:3-9 (LSB) OUR GOD is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases. 4 THEIR IDOLS are silver and gold, The work of man’s hands. 5 They have mouths, but they do not speak; They have eyes, but they do not see; 6 They have ears, but they do not hear; They have noses, but they do not smell; 7 As for their hands, they do not feel; As for their feet, they do not walk; They do not make a sound with their throat. 8 Those who make them will become like them, Everyone who trusts in them. 9 O Israel, trust in Yahweh; He is their help and their shield.

The True God, the God that our Lord Jesus Christ manifested to us, “IS IN THE HEAVENS”. He is all around us. There is no where where God is not. “THEIR IDOLS” are from the earth. They are made of “silver and gold, The work of man’s hands”. They are made of items that the worldly consider valuable, but they are earthly things subject to rust and corrosion. These idols “have mouths, but they do not speak”. Jesus said:

John 10:27-28 (LSB) My sheep HEAR MY VOICE, and I KNOW THEM, and THEY FOLLOW ME; 28 and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish—ever; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.

Among the Catholics worshipers bow down and pray before statues of the virgin Mary, of the Church fathers, images and statues of Christ on a cross. This is idolatry. Hindus make gods of silver and gold. Buddhists make idols of themselves, believing they can achieve godhood. “THEY follow idols”. These idols, these statues, they have eyes, nose, mouth, hands, feet – but they cannot see, nor smell, nor taste, nor touch, nor feel, nor move of their own accord.

Our God not only knows us, but He prays for us at the right hand of God the Father (Romans 8:34). Our God not only cares for us, but He indwells us and speaks to us (Romans 8:27). Our God is a personal God Who shed His Blood for us and, on calling us into His family, expects us to follow Him.

There are many who profess to be “Christian”, who attend a local Church somewhat regularly, but who have devolved into idolatry rather than Christ following.

You cannot live the Christian way of life in your ability and in your power. You, like Elijah, must give yourself to God. You cannot modify the Armor of God to suit what you think is best. A man made armor will not survive a battle with highly superior angels! We are told to do TWO THINGS to defeat the demonic forces that want to damn us:

Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore TAKE UNTO YOU {analambanō} the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and HAVING DONE ALL {katergazomai hapas}, to STAND {histēmi}.

Word Study: Your duty as Christians is to first take the WHOLE ARMOR to yourself. To make sure that you are fully suited before going to battle. And the other thing you are to do is “STAND”. This is the Greek histēmi, which means to “make a stand, set your position and hold it, stay in your place, to be ready and watching”. You are to visibly set against the enemy. You are not to hide, run away, go undercover, compromise, be tolerant, or yield. You are to stubbornly stand firm, cloaking yourself with the armor of God. You are to understand that you are in a battle that matters. When you “STAND”, you rest in the power of and certainty of God. But you do not rest in your own abilities. To “STAND” means to get out of your seat and do what God has called you to do. The Christian is a representative of the Kingdom of God, a sheep of Christ. We ought to baa loud enough so that others know we love our Lord, and He loves us. I cannot defeat Satan, but God can through me.

We are to “STAND” knowing that the power is of God, not of ourselves. Jesus told the parable of a Pharisee and a publican (telōnēs – tax agent). The Lord said:

Luke 18:10-13 (LSB) Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. [11] “The Pharisee STOOD {histēmi} and was praying these things to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. [12] ‘I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ [13] “But the tax collector, STANDING {histēmi} some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his chest, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’

Both men were standing – but only ONE was standing in the right place. The Pharisee was standing on “I” and what he had accomplished in his own power. The forces of darkness love these people, these religious characters that stand on “look at me, see what I’m doing”. Someone recently said to me, “I’ll be preaching on such and such a day. Make sure you come and hear me.” Would I be coming to hear you, or to hear my Lord speak through you? Idolatry is sneaky – and one of the devil’s greatest tools. He twists it so that we make it about ourselves. I have no doubt that the Pharisee was sincere in what he said – but everything he said glorified himself. He was proud that “I am not like other people”. He’s the top dog! He’s not broken like everyone else. Like God, the Pharisee is the Great “I AM”. At least he thinks he is. He fasts and pays tithes, not because he loves God, but because it is part of a checklist that he follows that magnifies himself in his own eyes.

But what of the tax collector? He “STOOD” also, but he stood in humility, as he was. He stood far from the holy place, and lowered his eyes, humbling himself before God. He struck himself in the chest, the center of the soul, near the heart. His prayer was simple:

God, be merciful to me, the sinner!

This man stood powerless before God, humbled before God, and asked God for the armor necessary to bless his life. Our Lord Jesus said:

Luke 18:14 (LSB) I tell you, this man went down to his house JUSTIFIED rather than the other, for EVERYONE WHO EXALTS HIMSELF WILL BE HUMBLED, but HE WHO HUMBLES HIMSELF WILL BE EXALTED.

God can use you, but only if you submit, and put on the armor He offers His children. You must take the whole armor as it is, without modification, and let God put it on you. Then you must take your stand for God, glorifying Him, not yourselves.

The Belt Of Truth

Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having your LOINS GIRT ABOUT WITH TRUTH …

The BELT, though not actually a part of the armor, was integral to the armor. Jesus spoke of the “belt of truth” when He said:

Luke 12:35-37 (KJV) Let your LOINS BE GIRDED ABOUT, and YOUR LIGHTS BURNING; [36] And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. [37] Blessed [are] those servants, whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.

The belt was the first thing the warrior put on. It was central to the armor, as all of the other parts of the armor attached to it.

Why is TRUTH the first thing that the Christian puts on?

Truth is under attack today. People talk about “you live YOUR truth, and I live MY truth”. People think that truth is fluid, not fixed. Because they believe this, we see strange things on the television. We see men dressed as women, treated as women, allowed to participate in the same sports that women are in. People say that this is fair though we know that men are structurally created stronger than women. But the majority of dark voices have spoken. Men can be women, and women can be men. This is “truth”.

Based on this “truth”, men can get pregnant. Men can have menstruation periods. Men can breast feed babies. Is it “true”? We are told, yes, because it is “our” truth. We hear “there is no difference between men and women”. And feminists mock men, saying “a woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle”. Is it “true”? Well, yes, it is “our” truth. Raging mobs can burn down buildings while news people report “these are mostly peaceful protests”. Someone’s livelihood was destroyed, but it’s a peaceful protest. And it’s true, because we say it is.

Before Pilate executed Jesus, a Man he judged as innocent, our Lord had this discussion with him:

John 18:36-38 (LSB) Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be delivered over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not from here.” [37] Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “You yourself said I am a king. FOR THIS I HAVE BEEN BORN, and FOR THIS I HAVE COME INTO THE WORLD, TO BEAR WITNESS TO THE TRUTH. EVERYONE WHO IS OF THE TRUTH HEARS MY VOICE.” [38] Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?”

The world says “What is TRUTH? It is fluid. We make the truth. What we say is true, is true.” Truth is not fluid. Truth is from God. Truth is in the Bible. As I prayed over this message, God showed me a correlation between creation and the truth. The Bible tells us that the very first thing that God created was LIGHT. “God said, “Let there BE LIGHT, and there WAS LIGHT” (Genesis 1:3). The Light was separate from the darkness. Light was created on the FIRST day of creation. But God did not create the sun or the moon until the FOURTH day (Genesis 1:14-19). Light existed first. Light comes from God. Darkness was there in the absence of God. Darkness is natural, but Light is from God.

When we look at the Armor of God, we see the BELT OF TRUTH is the first piece we receive from God. The order given is:

Belt of Truth
Breastplate of Righteousness
Gospel covered Feet
Shield of Faith
Helmet of Salvation
Sword of the Spirit, The WORD OF GOD

Just as God created LIGHT first, then later the Sun and Moon, God gives us TRUTH first, and as the crowning touch THE WORD OF GOD. Everything binds to the BELT OF TRUTH. The WORD OF GOD is the manifestation of God’s Truth, just as the Sun is the manifestation of God’s Light. It all begins with TRUTH.

Without the BELT OF TRUTH, the armor will not stay in place. If the TRUTH is man made, the God made armor will not be supported. I have seen young people walking around with no belts on, their underwear hanging out. They could not do battle, as their droopy drawers would get around their legs and trip them up.

What is TRUTH? Pilate asked. The God of the Bible is truth. God is the Source of Light and of Truth.

Who is the Source of darkness and lies? Listen to our Lord Jesus speak to the idolatrous Pharisees:

John 8:44 (LSB) You are of [your] father THE DEVIL, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and DOES NOT STAND IN THE TRUTH BECAUSE THERE IS NO TRUTH IN HIM. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own [nature], for HE IS A LIAR, AND THE FATHER OF LIES.

The source of darkness and lies is the devil. The Source of Light and Truth is God our Father. What He says is true. Jesus said, “I am the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE” (John 14:6). The Bible says of God,

Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just, A FAITHFUL GOD WHO DOES NO WRONG

God is called “the GOD OF TRUTH” (Isaiah 65:16). When God came to Moses and told him to go to Pharaoh, to lead His people out of Egypt, Moses asked Him “If they ask me Your Name, what shall I tell them?” God answered simply, “I AM WHO I AM. Say to the people of Israel, I AM has sent me to you” (Exodus 3:13-15). Among the ancients, the name was always descriptive of the person. “Moses” or Mosheh means “one who is drawn out”. He was saved from the river by the princess of Egypt (Exodus 2:10), who said “I named him ‘Moses’ because I drew him out of the water”. God is the great I AM. There is no one like Him. God cannot be understood by comparing Him to something else. Truth comes from God. He establishes Truth.

God was not created. There was a time when you did not exist. I was born in 1958, but before that, there was no David. I became a created being when God allowed me life, and I constantly receive life from God. But God has always been. There was no time when He was created.

God does not receive life, light, love or being. He has always been life, light, love and being. We are born, then we become. God never becomes. He is I AM. Everything exists according to His will.

God does not need us. He is self sufficient. He is I AM. God did not need Adam and Eve, nor did He need Israel. He does not need you or me. God did not create humans because it filled up some deficiency He had. Everything we have and hope to be comes from God. When we give to God, we give back to Him what He has already given us. When King David praised God, he said:

1 Chronicles 29:11-14 (LSB) Yours, O Yahweh, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the kingdom, O Yahweh, and You exalt Yourself as head over all. [12] Both riches and honor [come] from You, and YOU RULE OVER ALL, AND IN YOUR HAND IS POWER AND MIGHT; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone. [13] “So now, our God, we are thanking You and praising Your glorious name. [14] But who am I and who are my people that we should be able to offer as willingly as this? For ALL THINGS COME FROM YOU, and FROM YOUR HAND WE HAVE GIVEN YOU.

When David was confronted by the Prophet Nathan over his murder of Uriah, his adultery with Bathsheba, David repented, saying, “I have sinned AGAINST THE LORD” (2 Samuel 12:13). That has puzzled me till now. David sinned against God, because he robbed Uriah of what god gave him – his wife and his life. Everything we have, we have of God. Sin robs God!

The BELT OF TRUTH is that God does not NEED us,
but God LOVES us.

The Apostle said “For FROM HIM and THROUGH HIM and TO HIM are ALL THINGS” (Romans 11:36). Our God told us “every beast of the forest IS MINE, and the cattle upon a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10). We are not doing God a favor when we serve Him. The BELT OF TRUTH tells us that God doesn’t need us, but we desperately need God. The Doctrine of the Aseity (pronounced “uh-SEE-uh-tee”) of God is found in God’s name “I AM WHO I AM”. God’s love is free and gracious, not needy. His promises are unshakable. What God has said He will do, He will do. The idols require the service of their followers. But the Apostles knew that “Our God is not served by human hands, as though He needed anything. The Father has life in Himself” (Acts 17:24-25; John 5:26).

The Belt of Truth is that our God is all powerful, all knowing, all able. When God told Moses, “Tell them ‘I AM’ sent you”, he was being told (and now I quote Samuel G. Parkison):

“God} is the infinite Source and Giver of all life and being. Moses could not appeal categorically higher than to this Being for help in his task to deliver Israel from slavery. Who could help Moses more on this mission? Sure, Pharaoh was the king of the greatest earthly superpower—Moses had seen that up close. Sure, no living man was more powerful than he. Sure, Moses was a jaded, humiliated, failed deliverer coming to this people with a deficit of credibility to lead them. But the Being who commissioned Moses in Exodus 3 is the One who gives life and breath and being to everyone, including Pharoah. Moses had the help of the Infinite Maker of heaven and earth behind him: He should almost feel bad for Pharoah! No competition against “I am” is even fair.”

It is THIS God Who saved us by His Grace. This Infinite God knew who you were, and who you would be, when He called your name. He knew you were broken, and called you to salvation through His Son Jesus Christ anyway. This is the BELT OF TRUTH. Some of you run about, trying to save yourselves or to keep yourselves saved. You cannot. You could not make yourself born, nor could you make yourself born again. God did it all. He did it all through Jesus.

Though Adam and Eve ate of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in the Garden, and though from that time WE think we have the answers, the truth is that this is a lie from Satan. We know nothing. Social justice warriors know nothing. Politicians (I’m sorry, Jerry) know nothing. Everything we have and hope to be comes from God, from Jesus, from the Holy Spirit given to us at New Birth. We are NOTHING without God.

We breath God’s air, and drink His water. We walk on the planet He made. And it is our privilege to be able to serve Him. It is not a chore, but an honor. It is also the safest place to be. God made Light and Truth. God made the TWO genders. God sent His ONLY Son Jesus to be our Messiah. If you do not humble yourself, and put on the BELT OF TRUTH, your pants will fall down. And the Devil will destroy your life.

We need God. We need Jesus. We need the Holy Spirit. God doesn’t need us!

Zach Williams sings a beautiful song “Heart of God”. Go listen to it! God doesn’t need YOU, but YOU need God. Come to Jesus Christ, bow before Him as Lord and Savior. Receive the salvation that He purchased for you on Calvary. Let Him send the Holy Spirit to you, and bring you into His Kingdom. As His Children, His Sheep, follow Him, because YOU NEED HIM. What He has said is truth. What is written in God’s Sun, the Bible, is TRUTH.

Posted in Ephesians, Sermons Preached | Tagged Bible, christianity, Faith, Following Christ, God, God Is Faithful, gospel, Jesus, salvation, Spirit Led, Spirit Works, spiritual warfare, spirituality | Leave a comment

The Worst Employer

Posted on February 25, 2026 by bibleteacherorg

Photo by Dev Asangbam on Unsplash

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; BUT the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Number One Employer In The World Is Satan,
And His Business “Sin”

I get most of my news off of the Internet, not the legacy media. The legacy media (NBC, CBS, ABC, MSNBC, FOX) long ago stopped reporting just the news, and began reporting opinion and trying to push it off on the public as news. There is a reason for this, and it has nothing to do with flesh and blood. It has to do with Satan. As we’ve studied before, the Bible tells the children of God:

Ephesians 6:12 (KJV) we WRESTLE NOT AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD, but against PRINCIPALITIES, against POWERS, against the RULERS OF THE DARKNESS of this world, against SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS in high places.

We are in the middle of an angelic conflict, and what is fantastic is that most people who profess to be Christian have no idea this is going on. I heard a comedian joking to an audience that “when I was a kid, they taught critical thinking”. Thankfully they don’t do that anymore.

And they don’t. The devil and the fallen angels of this world work with “philosophy and vain or empty deceit, following man made tradition and not Christ” (Colossians 2:8). Our enemy is NOT flesh and blood. When Lucifer led a rebellion of a third of the angels from Heaven against God (Revelation 12:4), and he was cast out of Heaven to this earth, he has made it his priority to do everything he can to destroy humanity. It was this same Lucifer who, as “that Old Serpent” appeared in the Garden of Eden to tempt Adam and Eve (Revelation 12:9). When the Messiah came into the world through a virgin and the Holy Spirit, it was Lucifer who led Herod to kill that Christ Child (Revelation 12:4, 6; Matthew 2:3, 14-16). When Herod could not find Jesus (for Joseph was led to carry his family to Egypt), he murdered all the children of Bethlehem 2 years old and younger – but it was Lucifer that led him to do this. When Jesus was betrayed in Gethsemane by the Apostle Judas Iscariot, the Bible says that “Satan entered into Judas” (Luke 22:3), leading him to betray the Lord of Glory. Jesus was crucified on the Cross at Calvary though Pilate could find no fault in Him, and declared Him an “innocent man” (Matthew 27:24). It was Lucifer who enticed the “princes of this world to crucify the Lord of Glory” (1 Corinthians 2:8).

Lucifer doesn’t work alone. He has a number of fallen angels that serve him. Lucifer is in the number one business in the word today. It’s not Amazon, Microsoft, or some Social Media platform. The number one employer in our world today is called “Sin”.

This business called “Sin” is everywhere you look. It’s on television. It’s in the abortion clinics, and in the hospitals.

Sin is in the workplace.
Sin is in the Church.
Sin is in the supermarkets.
Sin is in the schools.
Sin is “in”.

Sin confuses. I watched and listened as a young black woman – Joy Flynn, the Vice President of Pajaro Valley School Board (California) – became outraged because someone used to term “homeless”. She said “I have a lot to say and I will speak plainly. You may not like it. I am personally offended by what was presented, on so many different levels. One thing I would like to see updated is the word “homeless” to “unhoused”.

HOW DOES CHANGING THE TERMINOLOGY FIX ANYTHING? Having worked with the “homeless”, I have never had one single person upset by the word “homeless”. They are hungry, cold, and need compassion. They don’t need to be redefined or relabeled. They don’t care. When I feed and pray with these people, they are grateful, and share their burdens with me. This is what sin as an employer does. Sin renames and redirects, rather than corrects. Sin covers and hides. I’ve noticed that people are now using words like “unalived” instead of “killed”. The first word is not even in the dictionary. But if it happens to you, you really don’t care what the socially acceptable word is. The effects are the same. You are DEAD.

Sin has us hiding it linguistically. Have you ever noticed that people don’t “sin” anymore. We “have an accident” or “made a mistake” or “slipped up” – but we don’t “sin”. We change the word to make it seem innocuous.

You can call a rattlesnake a “worm” but it’s bite is just as deadly. I saw a woman who put on her social media that she wanted to bread a world’s record. It is her intention to do what should only be done in the midst of marriage with over a thousand men in twenty four hours. Just to see if she can do it. Beloved, that is sin. And what she is doing will bring death. It is certain, because the Bible – as well as human history – proves it.

Let’s First Define That Employer Called “Sin”

Let’s deal with the “elephant in the room” first. Why do I call “sin” an EMPLOYER? Because of our text:

Romans 6:23 For the WAGES {opsōnion} of sin is death

Word Study: A “wage” is paid by an EMPLOYER. The Greek opsōnion originally meant “a soldier’s pay or allowance given for performing his duty”. Soldiers in the ancient world were many times not paid money, but they were given grain, meats, fruit, salt and other rations. When John the Baptist was baptizing those who came to him in the Jordan, he told those who were coming “bring forth fruit worthy of REPENTANCE” (Luke 3:8). Salvation first requires repentance. When the soldiers asked John:

Luke 3:14 (KJV) … what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your WAGES {opsōnion}.

The WAGE was what gave life to a soldier. It was food and drink. It was his rations. The government that employed the soldier wanted that soldier to be healthy and happy, so Rome made sure that its soldiers were well fed, well housed, and well equipped. A broken army cannot defend the Empire.

Unless it’s the devil’s empire.

The word “wage” means rations, substance that feeds and leads to life. But the wages of sin is DEATH, not life.

The government of the soldier cares about the soldier. But the government of Satan cares nothing for its citizen soldiers. Sin always pays off in DEATH, not LIFE. The rations that sin gives is poisonous, destructive, evil.

Sin would have you believe that there are BIG SINS and little sins. But our text doesn’t tell us this. It says, “The WAGES of SIN is DEATH”. Every sin tends and lends toward death. Some of you are turned off by certain sins. You have a hatred for murder, child molestation, same sex sins, theft, but feel that there are other actions that are lesser and not necessarily sins. The Pharisees did this. They chastised Jesus, saying:

Matthew 15:2-6 (LSB) Why do Your disciples break the TRADITION OF THE ELDERS? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread. 3 And He answered and said to them, “Why do you yourselves TRANSGRESS THE COMMANDMENT OF GOD for the sake of your tradition? 4 “For God said, ‘HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER,’ and, ‘HE WHO SPEAKS EVIL OF FATHER OR MOTHER IS TO BE PUT TO DEATH.’ 5 “But you say, ‘Whoever says to [his] father or mother, “Whatever you might benefit from me is given [to God],” 6 he need not honor his father.’ And [by this] you invalidated the word of God for the sake of your tradition.

What the Pharisees were doing was considering a violation of the “TRADITION OF THE ELDERS” to be sinful. But where the Bible said “HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER”, they refused to help out their needy parents, claiming to have given all their money to God. They made what was NOT SIN to BE SIN, and made what was SIN to be nothing. The Pharisees and other self righteous elements – many people among us today – brand things that are sinful because THEY don’t like them. But that which is actually sinful, well, they turn a blind eye to it. But Beloved, “The WAGES of SIN is DEATH”.

Sin is not what YOU think is sin. Sin, simply defined, is anything that God says don’t do it.

Sin is that which breaks God’s Law. We are told:

1 John 3:4 Everyone who SINS BREAKS THE LAW; in fact, SIN IS LAWLESSNESS.

God gave Adam one law in the Garden – “do not eat of the forbidden fruit”. Adam said to God, “I know what You said – but I could care less! I’m going to do it my way.” We are born into this world wanting to do it our way. The Bible says,

Romans 3:23 ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

People think “Well, what’s wrong with MY sin? I’m not hurting anyone else!” Yes, you are. Sin not only hurts you, but it hurts those who love you. Sin is destructive because it separates you and your family from the Source of Life, from God Himself. Sin is the action of a rebellious heart, a heart that refuses God His glory. The Bible says

“The HEART is DECEITFUL above all things, and DESPERATELY WICKED” (Jeremiah 17:9).

Sin is not just doing what God says NOT do, but sin is REFUSING TO DO THE GOOD that God says do.

“If anyone KNOWS THE GOOD THEY OUGHT TO DO AND DOESN’T DO IT, it IS SIN FOR THEM” (James 4:17).

It is God Who sets the standard – ALWAYS. It is God Who is the “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” (1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14; 19:16). God determines what is right and what is not. When we sin, “our iniquities separate us from our God” (Isaiah 59:2).

God is not only the Creator, but the very Source of Life (Psalm 36:9; Job 33:4; Acts 17:25). When we disobey Him we separate ourselves from Life itself. THE WAGES OF SIN IS ALWAYS DEATH!

The nature of sin is seen in the Garden of Eden. God gave Adam a very clear path to follow. God is never mysterious, never skulking, never hard to understand. God made Adam and put him in the Garden, a perfect Paradise.

Genesis 2:15-17 (ESV) The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for IN THE DAY THAT YOU EAT OF IT YOU SHALL SURELY DIE.”

God did not say, “If you LIE, or STEAL, or KILL, or BURN DOWN THE GARDEN you’ll die”. God said “You can have ALL THE GARDEN, and any fruit in it BUT ONE. If you EAT of that tree of the KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD AND EVIL the very day you do it YOU SHALL DIE”. The sin was to sink his teeth in the wrong fruit. The sin was to disbelieve God. The sin was to set yourself above God, rather than obey God.

God DID NOT KILL ADAM. Sin killed Adam.
Adam killed Adam by his sin.

Now, HOW did Adam die? The Bible tells us that. When Adam ate that which God said not to eat:

Genesis 3:7 (ESV) the EYES of both were OPENED, and they knew that they were naked.

When Adam was walking with God, his state of undress did not matter. But once he disobeyed God, now suddenly his state of being was in question. “Hey, I’m naked!”. Was “naked’ sinful? No, because God doesn’t sponsor sin.

1. The sinner always REDEFINED SIN. The sinner will always redefine sin according to his desires. Adam decided that eating the fruit of the tree of knowledge was NOT NOT sinful. But once Adam sinned, he redefined sin, making being naked in the Garden as SINFUL!

2. The sinner always tries to fix the sin himself. And as nakedness was sinful (according to Adam), he needed to fix the problem (according to Adam). So “they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin cloths”.

3. The sinner always hides themselves from God. When God came into the Garden, Adam and Eve hide themselves from God, the One Person that could fix their sin. They used to walk with God in the cool of the day. Now they hide from God.

4. The sinner always blames everyone else – but not themselves. Though Adam and Eve are physically alive, they are spiritually dead, separated from God. Adam blamed his wife and even God Himself for what he did rather than repent. “The WOMAN that YOU gave me, SHE gave me the fruit and I ate it” (Genesis 3:12).

The Wages of Sin is DEATH. Adam killed us all by sin. Hear God’s Word:

Romans 5:12 (KJV) … BY ONE MAN SIN ENTERED into the world, and DEATH BY SIN; and so DEATH PASSED UPON ALL men, for that ALL HAVE SINNED …

The devil would have you to believe that there are big sins and little sins. He would have you believe that some sins bring little harm, but only the BIG sins bring great harm. That’s a lie. “The WAGES of SIN is DEATH”. Sin brings DEATH to you, to your loved ones, to your family and friends. Sin brings death into your community, your country, your world. Sin brings death into the schools. Sin brings death in some way, shape, or form to all whom it touches. Whether rich or poor, whether powerful and famous or powerless and unknown, sin pays equally.

That employer “Sin” always gives equal pay for equal work.
Everyone who sins gets the wage of DEATH.

And sin guarantees you will always be employed. Sin never “lays off” anyone. Jesus said:

John 8:34 (ESV) Truly, truly, I say to you, EVERYONE who PRACTICES SIN is a SLAVE TO SIN.

Sin is not only an Employer that pays, but sin is a Master of those who submit to it. Sin enslaves it’s people.

When Adam introduced sin into the world, it wasn’t long before it started killing others. Sin enslaved Cain, leading him to kill his brother Abel (Genesis 4:7). When Cain killed his brother, he thought he got away with it. No one gets away with sin. God told Cain,

Genesis 4:10 (ESV) What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to Me from the ground.

When Cain sinned, he not only killed his brother, but he killed his relationship with his parents and with his God. But what happened with Abel was a foreshadowing of what God would later do with His Only Begotten Son on Calvary. Sin brings death to the sinner. The only way that sin can NOT bring death is, if Another take the penalty of sin on Himself.

Sin begins with our LUSTS. It entices us. The Scripture says:

James 1:14-15 (ESV) … each person is tempted when he is LURED and ENTICED BY HIS OWN DESIRE. 15 Then desire when it has conceived GIVES BIRTH TO SIN, and SIN WHEN IT IS FULLY GROWN BRINGS FORTH DEATH.

The devil tempts us, tells us why we ought to want this or that. He wiggles before our desire like a worm on a hook. Then when our desire is satisfied, DESIRE GIVES BIRTH TO SIN, and SIN GIVES BIRTH TO DEATH. I think of it like that Sigourney Weaver movie Alien. The Alien had a mouth that, when it opened it’s mouth, another terrible mouth extended outward from it to bite and kill you. Sin is like that Alien. You can’t make friends with it. Sin doesn’t want friends. It wants slaves. It wants bound employees headed toward damnation and death.

You Do Not Need To Be Employed By Sin.
There Is Another Option, One From God

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; BUT the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ OUR LORD.

Comedian George Carlin died of heart failure, just 71 years old. He loved to mock God. Carlin said, “Religion has convinced people that there’s an invisible Man living in the sky who watches everything you do… and He has a list of ten things He doesn’t want you to do”. Like most lost people, Carlin never understood that sin is not just ten things, nor did he understand that the reason God is against sin is because it brings death to us. The Bible says,

Romans 14:23 … whatever is NOT OF FAITH IS SIN

Anything you do apart from a personal relationship with God is sin. We are told in Proverbs 21:4, “a PROUD HEART and the PLOWING OF THE WICKED is sin”. Anything you do apart from God is sin – even plowing a field. “Without FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE GOD” (Hebrews 11:6). And again, “whatever YOU DO, DO ALL TO THE GLORY OF GOD” (1 Corinthians 10:31). There is no such thing as neutral according to God. Jesus said,

Matthew 12:30 (ESV) Whoever is NOT WITH ME IS AGAINST ME, and whoever does NOT GATHER WITH ME SCATTERS.

You are going to serve a master. There is no neutral. The Apostle wrote, “Whoever you yield yourself to, this is your Master. You can yield to sin (which will kill you), or obey God and righteousness” (Romans 6:16, AP). When you served sin, you did not serve righteousness (Romans 6:20). Every life has a master:

You either serve Sin (and Death), Or you serve God and life.

the GIFT OF GOD is eternal life through
Jesus Christ OUR LORD

God offers a free gift to whosoever will. How do you receive that gift? You REPENT of following Satan, Sin and the world, and give your life unto Jesus. I want to be very blunt. You can NEVER be good enough or moral enough or righteous enough to be pleasing to God in your own power. You need the Lord Jesus Christ. Now listen to Me: you cannot get the Gift of God without submitting to the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus told the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well:

John 4:10, 14 (ESV) If you knew THE GIFT OF GOD, and Who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have ASKED HIM, and HE WOULD HAVE GIVEN YOU LIVING WATER. … 14 whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The WATER THAT I WILL GIVE HIM will become in him a SPRING OF WATER WELLING UP TO ETERNAL LIFE.

The only way to get out of slavery to sin – which is death – is to come and give your life to Jesus Christ. He is OUR LORD. Sin always pays off in wages called DEATH. But salvation is a GIFT. It pays off in LIFE.

There are some who believe that “Now that I’ve given my life to Jesus, now that He’s saved me, I don’t have to obey God. I can go on living my life the same way I always did.” Friend, this is a lie from the pit of hell. Once you are saved by Grace, you are dead to sin.

Romans 6:1-2 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall WE, THAT ARE DEAD TO SIN, LIVE ANY LONGER THEREIN?

When you give your life to Jesus, when you receive the Gift of salvation by faith in Him, you DIE TO SIN. Sin is no longer your master, no longer your employer. God works a work in your life once you come to Jesus. God causes:

Your old self to die
A new life to be born again
And God Himself inhabits your life.

God does not walk in sin. God died for our sins. “our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth WE SHOULD NOT SERVE SIN” (Romans 6:6).

Christianity is not, properly understood, a license to sin. Jesus died for our sins. We do not revel in what Jesus bled and died over.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; BUT the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Christian comes from the left side of that BUT because he repents, and receives the free gift of salvation. Once saved, we AVOID sin. As the Apostle tells us:

Romans 6:17-18 (KJV) But God be thanked, that ye WERE THE SERVANTS OF SIN, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then MADE FREE FROM SIN, ye BECAME THE SERVANTS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld – though not a Christian (he is culturally Jewish) – hit the nail on the head when he said, “We’re all basically trying to be good people … while doing whatever we want”. That’s what the unbeliever does. That’s what a lost person does. But that is not what a Christian does.

The Christian – born again of God’s Spirit – is not perfect. But the Christian loves the Lord, and strives to do the good that God has called us to do. The Christian may sin. But when we sin, we recognize it as such, repent, and run back into the arms of Jesus. One of my favorite texts explains it simply as this:

Ephesians 2:8-10 (ESV) For BY GRACE YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED THROUGH FAITH. And this is not your own doing; it is THE GIFT OF GOD, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For WE ARE HIS WORKMANSHIP, created in Christ Jesus FOR GOOD WORKS, which God prepared beforehand, that WE SHOULD WALK IN THEM.

The Christian does not walk in sin. Saved by Grace, we walk in good works. We live so as to please Him Who is our Savior and Lord. Praise His Holy Name!

Posted in Romans, Sermons Preached | Tagged Bible, Faith, Following Christ, God, Jesus, Jesus is Lord, salvation, wages of sin | Leave a comment

The “L” Word

Posted on February 25, 2026 by bibleteacherorg

Photo by Artem Beliaikin on Unsplash

Please turn to Matthew 13. The title of my sermon tonight is “The L Word”. There was a television show that aired on Showtime called “The L Word” (2004-2009), a show that glorified sexual sins. This sermon is not about that. But God put this on my heart, and we’re going to travel through a lot of Scripture tonight as we discover together what “The L Word” is. And no, I’m not talking about LOVE – though that will factor in to what the “L Word” I’m talking about is.

Why Are So Many Young People Leaving the Church?
Because They Received The Gospel With Joy.

I saw a young lady the other day “deconstructing” her faith on Youtube. This is a new and popular thing to do among so called “young ex-Christians”, some Christian music artists who’ve made millions singing about Jesus. This young lady was saying “I thought I was a Christian. I made myself a Christian, but now I’ve changed my mind.”. She said:

“I got saved (mocking voice on saved) when in a very vulnerable position. I was struggling with alcohol, drugs, you know. That’s how I got in. When I came to the faith, I was like, the prime Christian. I was the Christian on fire. My whole congregation, I lit a flame up under their —es. They loved to see me coming. I can’t tell you how many times I went up in front of the Church, because you had to do that if you were found out in sin. … I would show up on my pastor’s porch and tell him I had sex with somebody. Then I would stand in front of the congregation, and confess my sin.”

The girl was never saved. Her testimony was all about I. In one short statement about her faith, she never spoke about God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, but about I. This young lady was never born again. She was a repeat fornicator. How can I say with assurance that she was never saved? Because Jesus spoke of such people.

Mechanics of Salvation: Jesus explained the mechanics of salvation in His parable of the Sower, also called the Parable of the Soils. It’s found in three Gospels:

Matthew 13:3-23
Mark 4:1-20
Luke 8:4-15

In this parable Jesus talks about the Sower sowing the seed of the Gospel. As the Sower sowed, some seed fell on the packed down path (Matthew 13:4). Other seed fell on rocky ground (Matthew 13:5-6). Yet other seed fell among thorns (Matthew 13:7). But the seed that fell on good soil, it PRODUCED fruit (Matthew 13:8).

Jesus was careful to explain the parable to His disciples, but NOT TO THE CROWD. Only those who were in a COVENANT RELATIONSHIP with Him heard the explanation. Why? Why did Jesus speak in parables? I’ve heard preachers mistakenly say “to make it easier to understand”. But Jesus explained this:

Matthew 13:10-13 (ESV) Then the disciples came and said to him, “WHY DO YOU SPEAK TO THEM IN PARABLES?” 11 And He answered them, “TO YOU (those in Covenant Relationship with Him) IT HAS BEEN GIVEN TO KNOW THE SECRETS OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN, BUT TO THEM (those NOT in Covenant Relationship with Jesus) IT HAS NOT BEEN GIVEN. 12 For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 13 THIS IS WHY IS SPEAK TO THEM IN PARABLES, because SEEING THEY DO NOT SEE, AND HEARING THEY DO NOT HEAR, NOR DO THEY UNDERSTAND.

Who was to know “THE SECRETS OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN”? It wasn’t the masses. It was the Children of the Kingdom. It was those who heard the call of Jesus and, without hesitation, followed Him. Fishermen, prostitutes, sinners of all types. They heard Jesus’ call, and came to Him.

The “THE SECRETS OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN” belong to those who are born again. And YOU CANNOT BE BORN AGAIN WITHOUT REPENTANCE.

Jesus preached Matthew 4:17 REPENT for the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN is at hand.

Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. REPENT. Follow the King. There is no Kingdom without a King. Jesus is King. You must be in a Covenant Relationship with God in order to be saved. You cannot enter a Covenant Relationship without REPENTANCE, without bowing the knee to the King of Heaven.

Our Lord Jesus went on to explain the parable to those who were in Covenant Relationship with Him. Not to the crowd, but to those imperfect people who REPENTED and committed their lives to Him.

1. The seed sowed on the path is about those who do not understand the Gospel. They hear it, and Satan snatches it away. (Matthew 13:19).

2. The seed seed sowed on rocky or untilled soil is a picture of this young woman. Jesus said:

Matthew 13:20-21 (ESV) As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who HEARS THE WORD AND IMMEDIATELY RECEIVES IT WITH JOY, 21 yet he has NO ROOT IN HIMSELF but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, IMMEDIATELY HE FALLS AWAY.

The woman heard the Gospel and immediately received it WITH JOY. She didn’t repent of her sins, and grieve that her sins had been a barrier between her and the Lord Jesus. There was NO REPENTANCE. You cannot be saved with JOY. The first step in salvation is REPENTANCE.

This young woman is like so many who come to Jesus so He will FIX something in her life. BUT SHE NEVER ENTERS INTO A COVENANT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD. Look how she treated sin. When she “slept with someone” – what the Bible condemns as FORNICATION when it is not in the Covenant of Marriage (1 Corinthians 5:1; 6:13; 6:18; 7:2; 10:8; 2 Corinthians 12:21). Did she confess her sin to God? No, she confessed her sin TO THE CHURCH. The Church does not forgive sins – only God (Isaiah 43:25; Micah 7:18). Sin is rebellion against God (Daniel 9:9). You go to God with your sins (1 John 1:8-10).

3. The seed sown among thorns is the Gospel preached to the comfortable and rich (Matthew 13:22). They will not hear, because they will not bow the knee. They want salvation without surrender. The free gift is only offered to those who REPENT and RUN to Jesus.

4. But the Gospel sowed on GOOD SOIL, Jesus said:

Matthew 13:23 (ESV) As for what was SOWN ON GOOD SOIL, this is the one who HEARS THE WORD and UNDERSTANDS IT. He indeed BEARS FRUIT and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.

What is the “GOOD SOIL”? Every gardener or farmer knows that GOOD SOIL is BROKEN SOIL. It’s been STIRRED UP by a plow or a hoe. What it used to gladly grow, it cannot grow, because it has REPENTED of the WEEDS AND THORNS of SIN. It has turn to Jesus, and called upon Him for salvation. The GOOD SOIL produces fruit that blesses the Sower, blesses our God. The GOOD SOIL makes crops that give credit to the Lord Jesus.

It Is Not Belief Alone That Saves You
Inviting “Jesus Into Your Heart” Is Not Scriptural.

Jesus said “the one who HEARS THE WORD and UNDERSTANDS IT” (Matthew 13:23) is saved. Only those who are born again “HEAR THE WORD”. Jesus told the Pharisees, that religious crowd who, like this young lady “was outwardly on fire” (but not for Jesus):

John 8:42-44 (ESV) Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, YOU WOULD LOVE ME, for I CAME FROM GOD and I am here. I CAME NOT OF MY OWN ACCORD, BUT HE SENT ME. 43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because YOU CANNOT HEAR MY WORD. 44 YOU ARE OF YOUR FATHER, THE DEVIL and your will is to do your father’s desires.

I’ve heard people make the statement, “I believe in Jesus”. Well, that’s fine. But the Bible makes it clear that belief in God alone DOES NOT SAVE. We are told in:

James 2:17-22 (NKJV) Thus also FAITH BY ITSELF, if IT DOES NOT HAVE WORKS, is DEAD. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 YOU BELIEVE THERE IS ONE GOD. YOU DO WELL. EVEN THE DEMONS BELIEVE – AND TREMBLE! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD? 21 Was not ABRAHAM OUR FATHER WAS JUSTIFIED BY WORKS when HE OFFERED ISAAC HIS SON ON THE ALTAR? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and BY WORKS FAITH WAS MADE PERFECT?

What Is The “L” Word? Salvation is by FAITH in God. But what is this thing called FAITH? Before you were saved, you followed your own path, and were LOYAL only to yourself. I told you at the beginning that this sermon was called “The L Word”. Yep. I’m talking about LOYALTY. Before you were saved, you were LOYAL to yourself, to your comfort, to your desires. But the day you were saved, God brought you face to face with the emptiness of your life. On that day, you REPENTED of your loyalties, and turned your loyalty over to Jesus. You began to follow Him.

I know some of you are going to say, “But I was told that salvation is a FREE GIFT from God, one that I cannot earn nor deserve”. Yes, that’s true. But before you receive that free gift, you need to understand it can ONLY BE RECEIVED AFTER REPENTANCE. You must turn your broken life over to God. This is the same thing we do – in a limited way – in the secular world.

If I have to go to court, I turn my life over to a Lawyer.
If I have a sickness, I turn my life over to a Doctor.

Now certainly, I have to pay for what the Doctor or Lawyer does. But I trust my life – in that instance – to the professional man. But what do we do about the barrier of sin between ourselves and God? Who do we call for that? We call out to Jesus. We surrender ourselves to Jesus. We REPENT, and enter into a LOYAL Covenant Relationship with Him.

This Covenant Relationship binds us to Jesus in a very intimate way. In the parable of the Vine Jesus said:

John 15:5-6 (NKJV) I am the Vine, you [are] the branches. He who ABIDES IN ME, and I IN HIM, BEARS MUCH FRUIT; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw [them] into the fire, and they are burned.

Those who are saved have REPENTED. To them, JESUS IS LORD, not us. We live in loyalty to Him Who saved us. We ABIDE IN JESUS and HE ABIDES IN US through the Holy Spirit. And what happens as a result of this?

You bear MUCH FRUIT.

There is much of what Jesus did replicated in your life. You live for Jesus. You are LOYAL to Jesus. That LOYALTY to Jesus exceeds any other loyalty on the earth.

Now James previously used Abraham as an example – so let’s go look at that example.

James 2:21 Was not ABRAHAM OUR FATHER WAS JUSTIFIED BY WORKS when HE OFFERED ISAAC HIS SON ON THE ALTAR?

What actually happened when God told Abraham to offer his only son Isaac on an altar at Mount Moriah, the Mountain of God (Genesis 22)? Just before this event, God told Abraham:

Genesis 21:12 (NKJV) in Isaac your seed shall be called.

God and Abraham were in a Covenant Relationship. Jesus came to Abraham and told him many years before:

Genesis 12:1-4 (NKJV) Now the LORD had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you. 2 I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” 4 So ABRAM DEPARTED AS THE LORD HAD SPOKEN TO HIM, and Lot went with him. And Abram [was] seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.

God offered Abraham a Covenant Relationship. God said, “If you’ll go where I tell you, and do what I tell you, you’ll not only have a child, but through you the whole world will be blessed”. There were times when Abraham doubted God. But Beloved,

Nearly every great believer in the Bible doubted God at one time or another. And yet, those believers REMAINED LOYAL to God.

As humans we doubt. As humans, we fail. When Abraham went through Egypt (Genesis 12:10-20) he feared for his life, and doubted God. He said “Sarah is my sister” not trusting in the power of God to protect him. He did the same thing later when he traveled through Gerar (Genesis 20:1-18). Both times God stayed faithful to protect Abraham, but Abraham doubted. But Abraham stayed loyal to following the Lord.

As time passed, and Abraham had no child, he again doubted God. In Genesis 15:2-3 Abraham suggested that Eliezer of Damascus, his faithful servant, be his heir. God said, “No, but one who comes from your own body will be your heir” (Genesis 15:4). Later when Abraham went in to Hagar (an act of doubt in God) and got her pregnant, he told the Lord “Oh, that Ishmael might live before You!” (Genesis 17:18). God told Abraham:

Genesis 17:19 No, Sarah YOUR WIFE SHALL BEAR YOU A SON, and you shall CALL HIS NAME ISAAC; I will establish My covenant with him for AN EVERLASTING COVENANT…”

God said “No, the Covenant that you and I have made MUST run through Isaac”. Though Abraham doubted this at times, he remained loyal to God. So after YEARS have passed, God tells Abraham:

Genesis 21:12 (NKJV) in Isaac YOUR SEED shall be called.

So when we come to Genesis 22 and God says, “Take your son, YOUR ONLY SON ISAAC, whom you love, to the land of Moriah, and OFFER HIM THERE as a BURNT OFFERING” (Genesis 22:2), this Abraham has been in a Covenant Relationship with God for many, many years. I have heard people say, “There is NO WAY I could do that”. Probably not. Many who say that have NEVER been in a Covenant Relationship with God, and others are YOUNG CHRISTIANS WHO ARE GROWING in their Covenant Relationship. God saved you to be in a Covenant Relationship with Him, not just on Sunday, but every single moment of every single day. This only comes with seasoning. With time. With trials as you go through them, looking unto Jesus.

When Abraham got to Mount Moriah with his servants and with Isaac, he told the men:

Genesis 22:5 (NKJV) And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; THE LAD AND I WILL GO YONDER AND WORSHIP, and WE WILL COME BACK TO YOU.”

Abraham went with the full intention of sacrificing Isaac on the altar of God on Moriah. And yet he told the men “WE WILL COME BACK TO YOU”. If Isaac was offered as a BURNT OFFERING, there was no way that he was coming back. But Abraham knew this. God is faithful. We know the story. Tied down to the altar, Abraham went to kill his son – and God intervened. God told Abraham:

Genesis 22:12 (NKJV) Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for NOW I KNOW THAT YOU FEAR GOD, since YOU HAVE NOT WITHHELD YOUR SON, your only son, FROM ME

Fear Of God Is To Trust in The Faithfulness Of God,
To Do What He Says

Abraham knew that God is faithful to His people. Abraham knew that he had to obey God. That’s what “fear of God” is – the willingness to obey God whether you understand or not. God does not ask us to understand His commands. He just says, “Follow Me. Do what I say. We are in a Covenant Relationship. I am loyal to YOU, and YOU need to be LOYAL TO ME”.

Abraham knew what God had promised. He knew that even if he had sacrificed and burned Isaac, God would have resurrected the ashes. Why? Because “God is faithful”.

1 Corinthians 1:9 (NKJV) GOD IS FAITHFUL, by Whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

God called you to salvation. We know this because you REPENTED and SURRENDERED to Jesus. You became

God’s POSSESSION (Ephesians 1:13-14; 1 Peter 2:9; Titus 2:14; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
God’s PEOPLE (John 1:12-13; Romans 8:14-16; 1 John 3:1)
God’s PURIFIED PRIESTS (1 Peter 2:9; Titus 2:14)
God’s PILGRIMS (1 Peter 2:11)
God’s PRAISE Bearers (1 Peter 2:9)
God’s PATRIOTS of Heaven (Philippians 3:20)
God’s PLANTINGS (Jeremiah 17:7; 1 Corinthians 3:6-7)
God’s PEACEMAKERS (Matthew 5:9)
God’s PROMISE KEEPERS (2 Corinthians 1:20)
God’s PARTNERS (2 Corinthians 6:1)

Fearing God means to faithfully DO WHAT GOD SAYS, regardless as to whether you understand it or not. That’s what Abraham the “Father of Faith” did.

Word Study Law Of First Usage: Let’s go back to “faithfulness”. What does it mean to be “faithful”? Bible scholars talk about “The Law of First Usage”. What this teaches is that “When a word or phrase occurs for the first time in Scripture, it sets the tone for how that word or phrase should be understood everywhere else”. The word “faithful” is found the first time in a battle that Israel fought with Amalek in Rephidim. Israel had just doubted God in Rephidim. When they pitched in Rephidim, the Bible says “there was no water for the people to drink” (Exodus 17:1). The people had no fear of the Lord. Though He saved them from Egypt, they had not been spiritually saved. Any time they were tested, Israel, like every lost soul, murmured and complained against God’s leaders and against God. God told Israel – now watch this:

Exodus 17:5-6 (KJV) And the LORD said unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and THY ROD, wherewith THOU SMOTEST THE RIVER, take in thine hand, and go. 6 Behold, I WILL STAND BEFORE THEE UPON THE ROCK in Horeb; and thou shalt SMITE THE ROCK, and THERE SHALL WATER COME OUT OF IT, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.

This is a picture of Jesus, Who is the Giver of “Living water” (John 4:7-14; 7:37-39). He was beaten for our sins. He was bruised for our iniquities. What God asked Moses to do was graphically display the Gospel of salvation to these unbelieving people. “The LORD is my ROCK, my DELIVERER” (Psalm 18:2). “God ONLY is my ROCK and my SALVATION” (Psalm 62:2).

God gave Israel water at Rephidim. Now God will give Israel victory over Amalek at Rephidim – IF one thing is done.

As Israel went out to battle the Amalekites the next day, God put it on his heart to stand on the Rock, and lift up that Rod of God, the same Rod that struck the Rock to bring forth water. The Bible tells us that as Moses held the Rod of God above his head:

Exodus 17:11-12 (KJV) And it came to pass, when MOSES HELD UP HIS HAND, that Israel prevailed: and WHEN HE LET DOWN HIS HAND, Amalek prevailed. 12 But Moses’ hands [were] heavy; and they took a stone, and put [it] under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and HIS HANDS WERE STEADY {ĕmûnâ} until the going down of the sun.

Word Study: The word translated “STEADY” is the Hebrew ĕmûnâ, which means “FAITHFUL”. This is the first use of the word “FAITHFUL” in the Bible. Moses was FAITHFUL to do what God said do. This same word is used in:

Psalm 36:5 (KJV) Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy FAITHFULNESS (ĕmûnâ) reacheth unto the clouds.

Psalm 89:1-2 (KJV) I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy FAITHFULNESS (ĕmûnâ) to all generations. 2 For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy FAITHFULNESS (ĕmûnâ) shalt thou establish in the very heavens.

Psalm 119:75 (KJV) I know, O LORD, that thy judgments [are] right, and [that] thou in FAITHFULNESS (ĕmûnâ) hast afflicted me.

Moses didn’t debate with God when He told him to raise the staff. Moses raised his staff, but his arms got tired. So Aaron and Hur helped Moses hold up the staff – which is faithfulness, doing what God said do.

Biblical faith is not a feeling. It is a Covenant Commitment. Biblical faith is Moses doing what God said when God said it – even when it makes no sense to us. This is “Fear of the Lord”,
to trust Him no matter what.

Pastor Nate Sala said it very clearly:

“Faith in Scripture is not primarily about mental certitude. It’s about LOYALTY in relationship {with God}. Faith is a steady devotion of loyalty and trust in the context of relationship. A person is faithful in marriage because they are loyal to their spouse. The opposite of faith is not doubt. It’s disloyalty. It’s disobedience. You can be uncertain – and yet still faithful to God.”

Our God is faithful. I’ve already shown you that. God is reliable. God is consistent. God does what He says He will do. We are called to do the same. God is devoted to His children (Deuteronomy 32:4). We are told in:

Jeremiah 5:3 (LSB) O Yahweh, DO NOT YOUR EYES LOOK FOR FAITHFULNESS? You have struck them, But they did not weaken; You have consumed them, [But] THEY REFUSED TO RECEIVE DISCIPLINE. They have made their faces stronger than rock; THEY HAVE REFUSED TO REPENT.

Repentance means to follow God, to do as God says regardless as to what I think. It pleases God when we are FAITHFUL to Him, when we DO that which He says. Our Lord Jesus said, “If you LOVE ME, KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS” (John 14:15). What God says is not a suggestion, but a commandment. Those who have fear of the Lord are AFRAID to not do what God says, because we know God is faithful. What He says, he will do. Jesus said, “If you KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS, YOU WILL ABIDE IN MY LOVE, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in his love” (John 15:10). Again, what God says is NOT a suggestion. It is a directive.

Throughout the Psalms, King David expressed doubts and questions with God. I want to end with this.

Psalm 13:1-4 (LSB) A Psalm of David. How long, O Yahweh? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? 2 How long shall I take counsel in my soul, [Having] sorrow in my heart all the day? How long will my enemy be exalted over me? 3 Look [and] answer me, O Yahweh my God; Give light to my eyes, lest I sleep the [sleep of] death, 4 Lest my enemy says, “I have overcome him,” [And] my adversaries rejoice that I am shaken.

David is struggling with doubt and fear. It seems like God is far away from him, far from his life. This may have been written when Saul was chasing him, trying to kill him. David had fear, despair, and doubt. And David didn’t hide this from God. He knows that God knows them that are His (2 Timothy 2:19), so he shares his heart with God. But notice what comes next:

Psalm 13:5-6 (LSB) But I HAVE TRUSTED IN YOUR LOVINGKINDNESS; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. 6 I WILL SING TO YAHWEH, Because He has dealt bountifully with me.

When in doubt, trust in God. How did David get to this level of trust? Even when he did not understand, even when he doubted, he did what God said do.

God is the Covenant Keeping God. We don’t know why we go through a lot of the things that we go through – but God has a purpose for it. Trust in God’s love for you. If you have not, REPENT and COMMIT your life to the Lord Jesus Christ. Do what He has said do. Even when it makes no sense to us, do it anyway. Why? Because God loves us, and will be faithful in the Covenant Relationship He calls us to. We need to be faithful to Him, too.

To FEAR the Lord is to understand God is God – and we are not. So we obey Him. We live faithfully with Him each day, confessing sin to Him when we fail. Take your doubts to God – but trust God and do as He says. That is the Way of the Master. May the Holy Spirit touch your hearts with His Word!

Posted in Sermons Preached, topical | Tagged Bible, Covenant Relationship, Faith, Following Christ, God, God Is Faithful, Jesus, love God, salvation | Leave a comment

Right Place, Right Time

Posted on February 13, 2026 by bibleteacherorg

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

Proverbs 27:8 As a bird that WANDERETH {nāḏaḏ} from her nest, so is a man that WANDERETH {nāḏaḏ} from his place.

Word Study: The word translated “WANDERETH” is the Greek nāḏaḏ, which means to “stray, retreat from the safety of, to be chased from”. The safest place for a bird to be is in its nest. It is when the bird leaves its nest to seek food or freedom that it is subject to being attacked by a bird of prey. God even gave a special provision in the Law:

Deuteronomy 22:6-7 (LSB) If A BIRD’S NEST happens to be before you along the way, in any tree or on the ground, with young ones or eggs, with the mother sitting on the young or on the eggs, you SHALL NOT TAKE THE MOTHER WITH THE YOUNG; 7 you shall surely LET THE MOTHER GO, and TAKE THE YOUNG FOR YOURSELF, that it may be well with you and that YOU MAY PROLONG YOUR DAYS.

If you came upon a bird sitting on her eggs, it was acceptable to take the eggs for food – but not to kill the mother. The nest was a place of safety. How does this relate to the man? In the Bible, there are times when the relationship we have with our God is poetically expressed, as if God is a Mother Bird and we are the chicks. This is particularly found in the Psalms:

Psalm 91:1-4 (LSB) He who abides in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say to Yahweh, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” 3 For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper And from the destructive pestilence. 4 He will cover you with His pinions, And UNDER HIS WINGS YOU WILL TAKE REFUGE; His truth is a large shield and bulwark.

Psalm 36:6-9 (LSB) Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; Your judgments are like a great deep. O Yahweh, You save man and beast. 7 How precious is Your loving kindness, O God! And THE SONS OF MEN TAKE REFUGE IN THE SHADOW OF YOUR WINGS. 8 They are satisfied from the richness of Your house; And You give them to drink of the river of Your delights. 9 For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.

The place where a person needs to be, our “nest” so to speak, is in the Presence of God and in the comfort of His Word. Sherry and I love to watch an old show called “What’s My Line?”, where people come on and 4 panelists question them and try to find out their profession. One of the questions I heard asked the other day by one of the panelists was:

“Is the product you are involved with a necessity, or a luxury item?”

There are certain products that people make that are not necessary for life, but are luxury items. That’s what they were trying to ascertain. Sadly in America today, God has become a luxury item, and not a Necessity. The Bible, the Word of God, has been supplanted by the word of man. Like the Prodigal Son that our Lord Jesus spoke of (Luke 15:11-32), many have wandered away from the “nest” of God and have now found themselves “being fed with the slop that the pigs were eating” (Luke 15:16). Rather than “come to themselves” (Luke 15:17) and return to the nest of Father God, they continue munching on swill, and blaming God and everyone else for their problems. And here’s the thing:

If you will not return to the nest, and rest under God and his Word
You will NEVER find peace and blessing!

The devil, Satan, that old accuser of the brethren, entices us to make God and His Word optional rather than mandatory. He whispers, “You have free will. You do YOU!” And many fall away, even among professing Christians, to find misery and the pig pen. What is the best place to be? The Bible says,

1 Corinthians 7:23-24 (LSB) You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. 24 Brothers, each one is to remain with God in that condition in which he was called.

You were free from sin and bondage by the Blood of Jesus Christ – if you have repented and received Him as Lord and Savior. Now free, stay close to Him. The Bridges Commentary notes:

“Would we then abide in fellowship with God? We must “abide in our calling.” Every step of departure, without a clear Scriptural warrant, is departure from God. We are safe in following Providence.”

There are many who do not know Jesus as Lord and Savior, which is a sad place to be. The Bible says that “Jesus came unto His own, and His own would not receive Him” (John 1:11). Just before His crucifixion, Jesus said:

Matthew 23:37-38 (LSB) Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! HOW OFTEN I WANTED TO GATHER YOUR CHILDREN TOGETHER, the WAY A HEN GATHERS HER CHICKS UNDER HER WINGS, and YOU DID NOT WANT IT. 38 Behold, your house is being left to you desolate!

Jerusalem would not rest under the authority of the Son of God, and Jesus died on a Hill called Golgotha or Calvary. Rising again, He ascended unto glory, and sits on the right hand of God the Father, making intercession for His people (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 1:3; 1 John 2:1). But Jesus only intercedes for His people. Jesus said “I pray for Your people. Not for the world, but FOR THOSE YOU HAVE GIVEN ME, for THEY ARE YOURS” (John 17:9). The Bible says that “Jesus WILL SAVE HIS PEOPLE from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Jerusalem rejected Jesus, and was destroyed in 70 AD. Jerusalem has never fully recovered, and never will, until Israel turns to Christ. America and the American Church will not find safety until we draw close to Jesus Christ and the Word of God, the Holy Bible. What is written is sure, just as sure as God’s Presence is in the life of His people.

Proverbs 27:9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.

In ancient times water was many times a luxury item. People traveled through hot and humid areas, often areas where that was no readily available water source. As a result people kept water for drinking, not bathing. In our modern world even the poorest of people have access to water – but not in ancient times. As Americans we are used to bathing daily, or at least several times a week. But in the ancient world people often went without bathing for a week, or for weeks at a time.

And that means you smell!

Perfumes and ointments made from olive oil or animal fats mixed with myrrh, spikenard (nard), roses, lavender, mint, and other aromatic ingredients. Crushed flowers, roots, or spices were soaked in warm oil for days or weeks. The plant material was strained out and replaced with fresh material—again and again—until the oil became richly scented. It was then used to cover up odors from infrequent bathing. The perfumes and ointments made you more presentable to others around you!

Word Study: A friend is one who improves you by sweetly covering up your imperfections and faults. The friend gives “HEARTY COUNSEL”, the Hebrewnephesh ʿēṣâ (pronounced neh’-fesh ay-tsaw’), which means “LIFE GIVING advice, counsel, or purpose”. The word nephesh is first used in the creation account in

Genesis 1:20 (KJV) God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that HATH LIFE {nephesh}

The word itself goes back to the very creation of man. We are told in:

Genesis 2:7 (KJV) the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became A LIVING SOUL {nephesh}

A good friend is not someone who enables your departure from the nest, the safety of God. A good friend is someone who gives you counsel from the Word of God to bring you home where you belong. He does this SWEETLY, not self- righteously.

The Apostle wrote in Galatians 6:1 (LSB) Brothers, even if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, each of you looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.

I have heard people say “I can’t tell my friend that she is living a life contrary to God’s Word! If I do, I lose my friend.” You are not a friend if you see someone in a sin unto death and say nothing. “Whoever turns a sinner from the ERROR OF THEIR WAY WILL SAVE THEM FROM DEATH and cover over a multitude of sins” (James 5:19-20). If that person is a friend, you should show them – SCRIPTURALLY – where they are in error. The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Speak life to those you know. Speak the Gospel. Speak the Word of God.

2 Corinthians 2:15-17 (LSB) For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; 16 to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not like many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, in the sight of God, we speak in Christ.

Proverbs 27:10 Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbor that is near than a brother far off.

Though we should love our family (and certainly honor our parents – see Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16), we should better cherish our long time friends in this life. When our Lord Jesus walked the earth, the Bible says “even His own brothers DID NOT BELIEVE IN HIM” (John 7:5). One day when Jesus was preaching as the Messiah, the Bible says “when HIS FAMILY HEARD ABOUT THIS, they went to TAKE CHARGE OF HIM, for they said, HE IS OUT OF HIS MIND” (Mark 3:21). This is not strange, but expected. When Jesus came and revealed Himself as the One and Only Messiah, He knew that His controversial stance and revelation would bring divisions in families. Jesus said,

Matthew 10:34-36 Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword… A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.

It was not until after His resurrection that His step brothers James and Jude came to believe in Him – and even wrote Spirit directed Scripture. Jesus did not provoke conflict for no reason. He just knew that God’s truth demands a response, either negative or positive. Those who receive the Gospel will find “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). Those who reject the Gospel will cling to the darkness maybe even to the point of violence. There was division in Jesus’ family. There may be in our own. These verses are telling:

Matthew 12:46-50 (LSB) While He was still speaking to the crowds, behold, His mother and brothers were standing outside, seeking to speak to Him. 47 Now someone said to Him, “Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside seeking to speak to You.” 48 But Jesus answered the one who was telling Him and said, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?” 49 And stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said, “Behold My mother and My brothers! 50 For WHOEVER DOES THE WILL OF MY FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN, HE IS MY BROTHER AND SISTER AND MOTHER.”

What is “THE WILL OF THE FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN”? Let the Scripture speak:

John 6:38-40 (LSB) For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39 Now this is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. 40 For THIS IS THE WILL OF MY FATHER, that EVERYONE WHO SEES THE SON AND BELIEVES IN HIM will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.

Proverbs 27:11-12 My son, be WISE {ḥāḵam, [pronounced khaw-kam’]}, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me. 12 A PRUDENT {ʿārûm} man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.

A “wise son” – that is – a son who lives by the wisdom that comes from God (James 1:5; Proverbs 2:6; Colossians 2:2-3), brings pleasure to his father. He brings pleasure to his Heavenly Father, as well as to his earthly father. There is nothing more shameful than to have a child who grows up to be ignorant, or lawless. “The PRUDENT” or man who puts wisdom into action considers the action first in the light of God’s directive. This wise man considers it and then hides himself from it, refusing to participate. But the simple minded person charges in “where angels fear to tread” and pay the consequences. My Soniclight Commentary notes:

“Solomon, for example, brought great joy to aged David, and doubtless reduced the criticism that David received for raising Absalom as he had (cf. 1 Kings 2; cf. Eli and his sons, 1 Samuel 2:22-36).”

How the son lives matters to the Father. The Pulpit Commentary notes:

“If the pupil did not show wisdom and morality in his conduct, the teacher would incur blame for the apparent failure of his education; whereas the high tone of the disciple might be appealed to as a proof of the merit and efficacy of the tutor’s discipline. On the other hand, the evil doings of Hebrews often made the Name of God to be blasphemed among the Gentiles; just as nowadays the inconsistent lives of Christians are the greatest impediment to the success of missionary efforts in heathen countries”

Proverbs 27:13 Take his garment that is SURETY for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.

We’ve seen this Proverb before:

Proverbs 20:16 (KJV) Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.

What the Proverb is repeatedly telling us is to not take a stranger at his word. We are to love our neighbor but, until we get to know them, we are to be careful around them.

To take a promise from a stranger without getting “SURETY” {ʿāraḇ} or collateral is like making a vow of marriage to a strange woman. You are very likely to be burned!

The heart of people can be “desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9). When Jesus chose 12 Apostles, He chose Judas Iscariot knowing full well that Judas was a devil (John 6:70-71). Only God knows the heart, and only God knows how badly someone can deceive another.

Jesus said “Take heed that no man deceive you” (Matthew 24:4).
Apostle John said “Little children, let no one deceive you” (1 John 3:7)
Apostle Paul said “Do not be deceived” (1 Corinthians 6:9),
and again “Let no one take you captive by philosophy and empty deceit” (Colossians 2:8)

We treat others with love, always aware that those who are not in Christ are broken creatures that can hurt us. So we study and meditate on Scripture, letting the Word of God guide our actions. We also – as prudent children, examine and look for evil in the light of Scripture. We think ahead.

In working with the homeless, I always think ahead. I go through “What if” scenarios. I want to help them, but know full well that many of these people are addicted to drugs, and will do harm to me, my family, or my Church if necessary to achieve their desires. So I handle with care. I draw lines, and stay within those lines. I approach the homeless in public places, and never invite them into my home. I know what they say, but they are not accidentally homeless. They have made bad decisions that have brought them to this place. I never give them money, but food. I have heard of local churches setting up “warming stations” where they can come into the facilities during the day. That’s fine, but you need to carefully examine your trusted manpower, and the availability of law enforcement in the event that things get out of hand. I heard of one church that had a single lady watching the facilities while the homeless came in. That’s foolish!

Proverbs 27:14 He that blesseth his friend with A LOUD VOICE, RISING EARLY IN THE MORNING, it shall be counted a curse to him.

It is good to bless your friend. It is good to bless or praise your friend with A LOUD VOICE. But here’s the thing:

There is a right way and a right time to do the right thing.

The person who “blesses his friend with a loud voice” at an inappropriate hour will be cursed by those whom he wakes up. There is a right time to do that.

Illustrate: As Pastor, I stand at the door Sunday morning, shaking hands with those who came, and encouraging them as they leave. At times someone will come to me with a problem they want me to solve while I’m standing at the door. The appropriate thing to do would be to ask, “Can I see you after Sunday School?”, to which I would reply “absolutely!” There is a right way to do the right thing – at the right time.

If someone has offended you, the best time to deal with the offense is when you (1) have your temper under control and (2) as close to the time of offense as possible. Jesus commanded that we handle personal offenses ourselves, addressing the offended party:

Matthew 18:15 If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen, you have won them over.

We are not to gossip, nor to publicly shame another. We are also to “pray for those who despitefully use you” (Matthew 5:44). The wrong way to handle the matter is to let weeks pass before addressing the offender. As if a fire, it should be addressed as soon as possible, as directly as possible.

Always do the right thing at the right time in the right way. To do otherwise is to harm yourself, and others. The first generation of Israel refused to go into the Promised Land UNTIL God told them they were going to be punished by wandering for 40 years in the desert. THEN they decided to do the right thing – but it was too late (Numbers 13-14:29-30). In the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) five of the virgins sought to put oil in their lamps at the wrong time. As a result, they lost out on the Wedding Feast. In the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-20) God repeatedly blessed a farmer who loved his stuff more than he loved God. God then – without warning – took the man’s life! God called him to service, blessed him, but he waited until too long had passed. I see this quite frequently as a pastor. I warn others, but they ignore the Scriptural warning until too late.

Do the right thing at the right time in the right way, and you will be blessed!

Posted in Proverbs, Sermons Preached | Tagged Bible, christianity, Faith, Following Christ, God, God Is Faithful, gospel, Jesus, Jesus Christ, love God, salvation | Leave a comment

You’ve Got To Get Out Of The Building

Posted on February 10, 2026 by bibleteacherorg

Photo by Adrien Olichon on Unsplash

Philippians 4:13-23 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. 15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God. 19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

In the 1950s Solomon Asch (pronounced ash) conducted a series of social psychology studies to determine how people conform to group peer pressure. Asch had a PhD in psychology, and taught at Swarthmore College and Harvard University. Dr Asch wanted to see how peer pressure would cause someone to conform to the majority opinion even when that opinion was obviously wrong. Dr Asch asked an individual to take part in a vision test. The test subject was placed in a group of 7-9 people, but here’s the rub:

Only one person was being tested.

The other participants were actors that Dr Asch employed, and they were supposed to purposely agree to give a wrong answer. The participants were shown cards with one standard line, and three comparison lines labeled “A”, “B”, and “C”. The participants were asked to specify which of the comparison lines looked like the standard line. Very simple. Dr Asch would ask the participants which line matched, one at a time, and would always ask the test subject last. When the first few cards were shown, both the actors and the participant (who didn’t know the others were actors) all answered correctly. Then the actors intentionally began to give the same wrong answer. At first, the test subject stood against the group, and answered correctly. But after the first or second disagreement, the test subject – about 75% of the time – would conform to what the actors said. Only about 25% of those tested refused to give a wrong answer in order to please the group. This only mattered in open discussion in the group. When secret ballots were taken, conformity to the group dropped.

Recently Senator Josh Hawley questioned Dr. Nisha Verma, a board certified OB/GYN, asking her simply (and about 10 times) “Can men get pregnant?”. She refused to answer the question. The Senator asked her:

“It’s not complex. I’m trying to get to an answer, and I’m trying to test, frankly, your veracity as a medical professional and as a scientist, can men get pregnant?”

She refused to answer, but verbally danced around the question. Why?

Because we live in a dark, sin addled world. Jesus said, “Everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin” (John 8:34). He said, “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believes in Me will not abide in darkness” (John 12:46).

When someone comes to Jesus and gives their life to Him, He “sets them free from slavery to sin” (Romans 6:17-18, 20; Titus 3:3). Believers do not become sinless, but to us sin is abnormal, not normal. Jesus knew that when He sent us into the world that the believer would be at odds with the unbeliever. Jesus told us:

Matthew 10:34-36 (ESV) Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And A PERSON’S ENEMIES WILL BE THOSE OF HIS OWN HOUSEHOLD.

Jesus knew that His Kingdom and His believers would be at odds with the lost world. Jesus said:

John 15:18-21 (ESV) If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you. 19 IF YOU WERE OF THE WORLD, THE WORLD WOULD LOVE YOU AS ITS OWN; but because you are not of the world, but I CHOSE YOU OUT OF THE WORLD, therefore THE WORLD HATES YOU. 20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ IF THEY PERSECUTED ME, THEY WILL ALSO PERSECUTE YOU. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21 But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know Him who sent Me.

The Church Must Go Outside The Building

Why was Jesus hated? Because Jesus got out of the building. If Jesus had started a little monastery somewhere, and kept His teachings out of the public arena, He would have never been hated. Where did Jesus teach? He taught in the Temple, among the Chief Priests and Pharisees and Scribes and Sadducees that hated Him. Jesus didn’t hide what He believed. You didn’t have to believe Him. You didn’t have to listen to Him. You didn’t even have to like Him. You could go your own way away from Jesus, and never hear Him until Judgment Day. But Jesus got out of the building. You won’t be persecuted if you hide your faith. Jesus didn’t get hounded and crucified because He hid the message of the Gospel.

Jesus was slandered, mocked, beaten, stripped naked, and nailed to a Cross because He refused to compromise with the darkness, openly speaking the Word of God. And Jesus expects His Church to go outside the building and stand boldly for the Scriptural truth.

Jesus told us all:

Mark 8:38 (ESV) For whoever is ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when He comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

Matthew 10:32-33 (ESV) So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before My Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies Me before men, I also will deny before My Father who is in heaven.

Professor of Christ, if you are ashamed of Jesus, ashamed to boldly represent Him outside of this building, He will be ashamed of you. Professor of Christ, if you refuse to acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior outside of this building, He will deny you before the Heavenly Father. When you were called to salvation, IF you were called, you were called to love Jesus and love His Book, even if it offends the whole world. And it will!

Philippians 4:13-14 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate {sygkoinōneō} with my affliction.

The Church at Philippi got outside the building. When Paul wrote the other Churches, like the Church at Corinth or the Church at Galatia, he rebuked the Churches for open sin and compromise with false teachers. The believers at Corinth got outside the building, but in a horrible way. They were so bad in some of their sins that Paul told them:

1 Corinthians 5:1 (LSB) It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and sexual immorality of such a kind as does not exist even among the Gentiles, that someone has his father’s wife.

Paul said, “You’re getting outside the building – but in the wrong way! You’re doing stuff that even the lost pagans don’t do!”. The other Churches that Paul addressed all got off course. But not Philippi. They got outside the building. When Paul was arrested for preaching the Gospel, he said:

ye did communicate {sygkoinōneō} with my affliction

When the trouble came, the Philippians reached out to Paul in the midst of his suffering. They didn’t find a foxhole to hunker down in, but fellow-shipped with him. They stood in the line of fire with Paul.

Philippians 4:15 Now ye Philippians know also, that IN THE BEGINNING OF THE GOSPEL, when I departed from Macedonia, NO CHURCH COMMUNICATED WITH ME as concerning giving and receiving, but YE ONLY.

Where Paul speaks of “IN THE BEGINNING OF THE GOSPEL”, he is saying that from the time he preached the Gospel to the Philippians, from the very beginning of that Church, the people assisted Paul by GIVING and RECEIVING. This was not the case with the other Churches. In fact, the Church at Corinth was so self centered and stingy that the Apostle told them:

2 Corinthians 11:8 (ESV) I ROBBED OTHER CHURCHES by accepting support from them in order to serve you.

Corinth was so flesh oriented that, though he had the right to receive financial support from them, he said “I did not make use of this right, lest it hinder the Gospel of Christ” (1 Corinthians 9:12, 15). That Church was divided, prideful, sexually immoral, and status seeking. That was not the case with the Church at Philippi. In fact, when Paul planted the Church in Thessalonica, the Philippians reached out.

Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again UNTO MY NECESSITY.

The Church must work together, helping its ministers to go outside the building. Though Philippi could not go everywhere Paul went, they nonetheless supported him financially and prayerfully. Paul couldn’t do the work he did by himself. No one can.

Jesus Himself was assisted by others in sharing the Gospel of the Kingdom, even in the midst of threat. The Father sent John the Baptist ahead of Jesus (Matthew 3:1-3). Jesus appointed 12 Apostles (Luke 6:12-13). He also sent 35 pairs of men (Luke 10:1) who went before Him to preach the coming of the King. There were women who financially supported Jesus’ ministry (Luke 8:1-3). If God Incarnate can’t do the work of the Kingdom by Himself, we who are mere humans certainly can’t !

You Will Never Be Blessed Until You
Get Out Of The Building

Philippians 4:17 Not because I desire a gift: but I DESIRE FRUIT THAT MAY ABOUND TO YOUR ACCOUNT

Paul never demanded help from the Philippians. But he wanted them to receive the blessings of giving. The Church at Corinth – a stingy bunch of rich believers – had to be warned by Paul:

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (LSB) Now this [I say], he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows with blessing will also reap with blessing. 7 Each one [must do] just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make every grace abound to you, so that in everything at every time having every sufficiency, you may have an abundance for every good deed;

When a believer gives to God’s work, giving of both funds as well as physical effort, “God LOVES THE CHEERFUL GIVER”. God gives us abundance of health and physical blessings so that we might get outside the building and bring glory to the Lord. If you sow little:

little labor
little good deeds
little love
little witness

Then you can expect little blessing from God. The Apostle went on to say:

2 Corinthians 9:10-12 (LSB) Now He who supplies SEED TO THE SOWER AND BREAD FOR FOOD will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness; 11 you will be enriched in everything for all generosity, which through us is bringing about thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also abounding through many thanksgivings to God.

Miss Ruby Owens used to say, and I remember hearing her well,

“You can’t outgive God”

Paul praised the Philippians for giving, not because it would bless him, but because the Church and the Christians. The Bible tells us:

Proverbs 11:25 (ESV) Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.

Yes, Paul suffered for the Gospel. He “bore on his body the marks of Jesus” (Galatians 6:17). But to give for the Lord is to be blessed.

Philippians 4:18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God.

Their generosity not only comforted an imprisoned Paul, but was “well pleasing to God”. When we as Christians go outside the building, we are being obedient to Jesus. Has He not command “GO into ALL THE WORLD, and share the GOSPEL with EVERY PERSON” (Mark 16:15, AP). You cannot do as Jesus said:

Matthew 5:14-16 (LSB) You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does [anyone] light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

It is easy to serve Jesus in the building and in the foxhole. We are called to serve the Lord outside the building. Covered light is not light at all! It blesses God when we go outside the building, outside our comfort zone. But further, we read:

Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

God will bless us, too. Yes, we will anger others who love the darkness. But it is our intent to glorify God, not ourselves. As the Apostle said:

Philippians 4:20 Now unto God and our Father BE GLORY FOR EVER AND EVER. Amen.

It glorifies the Father when we promote the Kingdom of Christ. Beloved, we are SAINTS of God, set apart to share the Gospel with whosoever will. The greatest enemy of the Church was not the Pharisees, and not even the Roman Empire. There were Saints – believers in Christ – even at the highest level of Rome. Look at this verse:

Philippians 4:22 All the saints salute you, chiefly THEY THAT ARE OF CAESAR’S HOUSEHOLD.

Caesar hated Christ followers – and yet the early Church had infiltrated the household of Caesar by sharing the Gospel of salvation. God will save. We must TESTIFY. So let’s do it. Starting now. Let’s get out of the building, and tell others about Jesus – that is, if we HAVE Jesus! How is the devil defeated? The Book of Revelation tells us:

Revelation 12:10-11 (LSB) Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night. 11 And THEY OVERCAME HIM because of the BLOOD OF THE LAMB and because of the WORD OF THEIR WITNESS, and they DID NOT LOVE THEIR LIFE EVEN UNTO DEATH.

Who do you love more? Yourself, or Jesus? You’ve got to get out of the building.

Philippians 4:23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Posted in Philippians, Sermons Preached | Tagged Bible, christianity, Faith, Following Christ, God Is Faithful, Jesus, love God, salvation, Witnessing | Leave a comment

Be Strong In The Lord

Posted on February 10, 2026 by bibleteacherorg

Photo by Evgeni Adutskevich on Unsplash

Ephesians 6:10-13 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Opening: I love a good steak. When you’re getting a good steak from the store, the best steaks come not from the the part of the cow where the muscles are, but from areas on the cow that are not exercised. Muscle makes tough meat. The more it works, the tougher it is to eat! I’ve heard about a type of cow called Wagu Beef (Kuroge). The Wagu beef is fed a specialized diet. It is kept in clean, calm, stress free environments with ample space, good water, nice shade. The cow is fed only the best grain feed, beer or red wine to stimulate its appetite, and everything is done to keep the animal happy and rested. The more it works, the tougher it is to eat. The animal is kept in a pristine state – until the day of slaughter. When killed, the animal feels no pain during the process. The cow is petted until one day – surprise – it becomes Wagu! Sold for up to $300 per pound, in the end its nothing but food.

We often complain about trials and tribulations (like this winter storm we just went through”. Sometimes the complaining is accusatory. I’ve heard people say,

“If God is such a good God, why do we have trials and tribulation? Why is life so often tough?”

Trials and tribulations drive us into the arms of God. I hope you prayed frequently during the storms, asking that God be glorified as this fallen world buffeted us. I know I did. I learned how to pray in a hospital with a shattered led. Trials and tribulations make us stronger. Our Lord Jesus said in His ministry:

Matthew 11:5 (KJV) The BLIND receive their sight, and the LAME walk, the LEPERS are cleansed, and the DEAF hear, the DEAD are raised up, and the POOR have the gospel preached to them.

Who are those that are missing from this list? The ones who have never really suffered. The royals. The rich. The silver spoon crowd. Those who are like Wagu beef. Pampered, pretty, poised. Millionaires, Billionaires, Trillionaires. They have all the world – but have for all intents and purposes lost their souls. The Bible says:

1 Peter 5:8-10 (ESV) Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil PROWLS AROUND LIKE A ROARING LION, SEEKING SOMEONE TO DEVOUR. [9] RESIST HIM, FIRM IN YOUR FAITH, knowing that the SAME KINDS OF SUFFERING ARE BEING EXPERIENCED by your brotherhood throughout the world. [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.

Since Satan led Adam to give dominance of this world over to him, we have seen and experienced thorns and thistles, sin and death. We are in a spiritual battle against an enemy that is FAR STRONGER THAN WE ARE. As believers in Christ, as the Church that Jesus so loved and gave Himself for, we must not be lazy or procrastinate in pour faith. The Book of Wisdom tells us:

“Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands … so shall your poverty come upon you unexpectedly, like an armed robber” (Proverbs 6:10-11).

The devil wants us to be lazy in our faith. He wants us to be comfortable, indolent, doing as little as possible. The devil was created beautiful and strong. A chief angel that God called Lucifer (which means “Shining and Beautiful One”) revolted against God (Isaiah 14:12-15), and was cast down to the earth by God through Michael the Archangel (Ezekiel 28:12-17; Revelation 12:7-9; 2 Peter 2:4). Lucifer is real. He goes by many names in the Scripture:

Satan (Adversary – Job 1:6, Zechariah 3:1, Matthew 4:10)
Devil (Accuser – Matthew 4:1, Revelation 12:9)
Dragon (Revelation 12:3, 12:9, 20:2)
Old Serpent (Genesis 3; Revelation 12:9, 20:2)
Beelzebul/ Beelzebub (Matthew 12:24)
Belial (Worthless – 2 Corinthians 6:15)
Accuser of the Brethren (Revelation 12:10)
The Evil One (Matthew 13:19; 1 John 5:19)
The Tempter (Matthew 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:5)
Prince of this world (John 12:31, John 14:30)
god of this age or time (2 Corinthians 4:4)
Prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2)
fake angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:4)

Preach! The Devil is not lazy. He has one agenda – to deglorify God, make himself god and rule the earth. The Devil wants to take control of your life and to damn you both now and into eternity. The Devil wants to eat you. He desires you as Wagu beef! He is not a Sunday morning devil (like some of you are Sunday morning Christians). He is an everyday warrior for evil and darkness. You cannot defeat him being lazy.

The Devil offered our Lord Jesus Christ the world, if He would but follow him and his ways (Matthew 4:8-10). But Jesus knew that the devil is a wicked ruler over his people (Proverbs 28:15). Jesus told Satan:

Matthew 4:10 (LSB) Then Jesus said to him, Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.

Many “Christians” in America treat the Church like a clubhouse, like a Masonic Lodge (and I mean no offense) or the Rotary, Legion, Kiwanis, FOP, add your club name here. The Church is not the Graymere Country Club. The Church is where spiritual warriors come to be trained. The Church is the manifestation of the Kingdom of God on the earth. And I want you to understand this: As Paul ends this letter to the Church at Ephesus (and us), the Lord wants us to understand …

If You Are A Christian, You Better Get Serious.
We Are In A Spiritual Battle With A Mighty Foe.

Let’s break it down. Read the words again:

Ephesians 6:10-11 Finally, my BRETHREN, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole ARMOR OF GOD, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

We are called TOGETHER as an army of the Lord. The Bible calls us “BRETHREN” or brothers and sisters in arms. We are called to unity. To stand together. Satan’s forces are together. Before Jesus went to the Cross, He prayed for His Church:

John 17:21 That ALL OF THEM MAY BE ONE, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You.

A disunited group of people cannot hope to defeat a united enemy. It is the devil that planted DEI and other unbiblical foolishness into our institutions of higher learning. It was the devil who got people to believing they are more fully evolved animals, and not the handiwork of God. It was the devil who caused the family and marriage to dissolve, and for children to be raised by machines rather than a loving father and mother. It was the devil who enticed us to be more enamored with denomination rather than the Divine Throne of God.

The Devil wars by planting slander, deception, propaganda.
He is a master at misdirection.

Lucifer is not frightened by man-made religion. Who was it that had Jesus crucified. Was not Jesus crucified by religious figures who loved man made religion, but rejected the long prophesied Messiah? Didn’t Jesus stand strong against the Pharisees and religious Priests of Judaism who rejected the Scripture, while pretending to be holier than all others? Will you read Matthew chapter 23 and not see how our Lord lambasted those who loved titles and recognition – but who did not love those who were their neighbors. Didn’t Jesus call these people “hypocrites, blind guides, fools, blind men, lawless, serpents, brood of vipers, children of hell”?

It was politicians like Herod and Pilate that ordered Jesus crucified. It was religious leaders who did not love God that brought Jesus up on charges. These people followed the devil, not God. The Bible says “none of the rulers of this age understood the Cross, or else they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory” (1 Corinthians 2:8).

Through it all, God was in control. God is always in control. Satan may have prompted the politicians and priests to crucify Jesus, but it was our Lord Jesus Who willingly laid down His life (John 10:17-18). It might have been the chief priests of Judaism that sought our Lord’s life, but it was God our Father Who gave Jesus Christ to Calvary for our sins (John 3:16).

Ephesians 6:10-11 Finally, my BRETHREN, BE STRONG IN THE LORD, and IN THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT. 11 Put on the whole ARMOR OF GOD, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

The devil wants you to fight him with YOUR power. He wants YOU to struggle against his methods, YOU to resist him, YOU to rail against him. I’ve heard people say “we Christians have the power to BIND THE STRONGMAN”. They misquote passages like Matthew 12:29 and Mark 3:27 and Matthew 16:19. I have heard televangelists say “we bind you, Satan, in the name of Jesus”. This is not scriptural.

The Christians has NO POWER to bind Satan. Only God can bind Satan. Only the Holy Spirit can bind the strongman.

In Matthew chapter 12 the Pharisees accuse Jesus of casting out demons by Beelzebub Prince of the devils. They were talking about Satan. They were saying, “Jesus casts out demons by being in league with Satan”. Jesus told them:

Matthew 12:25-26, 28-29 (LSB) {Jesus} said to them, “Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand. [26] “And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand? … [28] “But if I CAST OUT DEMONS BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. [29] Or how can anyone enter the strong man’s house and carry off his property, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.

Jesus did not cast out demons by His own power. He cast out demons “BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD”. Jesus “ENTERED THE STRONG MAN’S HOUSE”, He came to this earth, an earth taken over by Satan, and “BOUND THE STRONG MAN” not by His power, but by the power of the Spirit of God. Could Jesus have cast out demons by His power? Certainly. But He showed us this:

If Jesus Himself did not cast out demons or bind Satan by His own power, how in the world do we think WE petty beings can do it? We do not defeat darkness in our own power. We call upon God, Who BINDS THE STRONG MAN. It is God Who is the Victor.

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my BRETHREN, BE STRONG IN THE LORD, and IN THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT.

Christian, our strength is “IN THE LORD”. Our victory is “IN THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT”. It is not me that will defeat Satan. It is God. When we stand in one accord, and serve our God TOGETHER, the Holy Spirit is in our midst. Only the Spirit can bind the strongman. The power is in God – To HIM be the glory!

Illustrate: The first King of Israel was Saul. He was described as “a handsome young man, tall, the most beautiful of all the Israelites” (1 Samuel 9:2). Chosen by Israel to be King, he never submitted his life to the King of Kings. Like Frank Sinatra, Saul always did thing “My Way”. In 1 Samuel 13, Saul was leading Israel to battle against the Philistines when he decided to do that which only God’s representative should do. He offered Burnt and Peace Offerings to God not because he wanted to honor God, but out of arrogance as king. The Prophet Samuel told Saul:

1 Samuel 13:13-14 (Brenton’s English Septuagint) Thou hast done foolishly; for thou hast not kept my command, WHICH THE LORD COMMANDED THEE, as now the Lord would have confirmed thy kingdom over Israel for ever. [14] But NOW THY KINGDOM SHALL NOT STAND TO THEE, and THE LORD SHALL SEEK FOR HIMSELF A MAN AFTER HIS OWN HEART; and the Lord shall appoint him to be a ruler over his people, because THOU HAST NOT KEPT ALL THAT THE LORD COMMANDED THEE.

Saul tried casting the Devil out with his own power – and it cost him every blessing God had allowed Him. If you are going to defeat the Devil, YOU cannot do it – but God can do it through you!

Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole ARMOR OF GOD, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Word Study: God began to look for someone who would “Put on THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD”. Who did God find to bless? The Lord found a young man that was willing to empty himself, someone who would “Put on the WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD”. The phrase “WHOLE ARMOR” is the Greek panoplia. It’s not a suit. It’s not leisure wear. It’s not a bikini. It is battle garb. The phrase “WHOLE ARMOR” implies that not one piece is missing from the ensemble. The Roman soldier considered the panoplia to be the helmet, shield, sword, lance, greaves (leg armor), and breastplate. I want you to notice that this is the “WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD”.

This ARMOR is not man made. It is God made. It can only be worn when you put aside fear, and put your fullest trust in God your Savior.

Illustrate: God sent Samuel to the home of Jesse to find the next King of Israel. Where did God find him? Out in the pasture watching sheep. When Samuel compared David to Saul and found him wanting, the Lord told him:

1 Samuel 16:7 (Brenton’s English Septuagint) … Look not on his appearance, nor on his stature, for I have rejected him; for God sees not as a man looks; for man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart.

God can’t use a self empowered warrior. He uses those who empty themselves, who trust fully in Him no matter what might come. One day David came up on the camp of the Army of Israel, quaking in fear before a giant called Goliath. No one would fight Goliath – not even King Saul. The man was huge! He stood before Israel like Satan before this world, roaring curses, threatening and bringing fear. The children of Israel put on the armor of fear, of self doubt, of faithlessness. Satan loves that man made armor. But David stood up, and looked up to God his Father. “I’ll fight him!”

His brothers mocked him.
His eldest brother claimed he was being arrogant (1 Samuel 17:28).
David didn’t back down.

When David stood before King Saul, the King tried to discourage him. “You are inexperienced, just a young boy” (1 Samuel 17:33) “You don’t have the experience, and this is a seasoned warrior”. But David clung to Jesus. He said:

1 Samuel 17:37 (LSB) Yahweh, WHO DELIVERED ME from the hand of the lion and from the hand of the bear, HE WILL DELIVER ME from the hand of this Philistine.

King Saul tried to get him to wear HIS armor. The world is always trying to get us to wear man made armor when we go to battle with Satan. The world wants us to put on COMPROMISE and TOLERANCE and DARWINISM and FEAR. Sometimes we are tempted to put this on. We read:

1 Samuel 17:38-40 (LSB) Then Saul clothed David with HIS ROBES and put a BRONZE HELMET on his head, and HE CLOTHED HIM WITH ARMOR. 39 And David girded HIS SWORD over HIS ARMOR and tried to walk, for he had not tested [them]. So David said to Saul, “I CANNOT GO WITH THESE, FOR I HAVE NOT TESTED THEM.” And DAVID TOOK THEM OFF. 40 Then he took his stick in his hand and chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook and put them in the shepherd’s bag which he had, even in [his] pouch, and his sling was in his hand; and he approached the Philistine.

Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole ARMOR OF GOD, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

David could have went out with the ARMOR OF SAUL. He would have lost the battle, and God would not be glorified. David could have went out with the FINEST MAN MADE ARMOR of that time, which Saul’s surely was, and Goliath would have had his head. Or David could have played it safe, and put on the ARMOR OF FEAR that the others were wearing, or the ARMOR ON ANONYMITY and kept himself out of the light.

God is not glorified by this.
David instead took the common things He knew.
He took the sling, 5 stones.
He took the hand of God and stepped out in faith.
And David was invincible because God is invincible!

David armed himself with the “FULL ARMOR OF GOD”. David was certain that “Yahweh, who delivered me from the hand of the lion and from the hand of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And God did!

Our Battle Is Not With Flesh And Blood, But With Angels More Powerful Than We Are

Ephesians 6:12-13 For we wrestle NOT AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD, but against PRINCIPALITIES, against POWERS, against the RULERS OF DARKNESS OF THIS WORLD, against SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS IN HIGH PLACES. 13 Wherefore take unto you the WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, TO STAND.

The battles we as Christians face is not “AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD”. Flesh and blood does not just refer to humans, but to animals as well. Who was it that betrayed Jesus Christ to the soldiers in Gethsemane? Yes, humanly speaking it was Judas Iscariot. But was it Judas? The Bible tells us that …

Luke 22:1-4 (ESV) Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. [2] And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put {Jesus} to death, for they feared the people. [3] Then SATAN ENTERED INTO JUDAS called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. [4] He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them.

The Devil uses flesh and blood – but our battle is not with flesh and blood. It is with Satan. It is with demons, fallen angels, who want to control this world. The Bible describes these creatures as:

PRINCIPALITIES, {archē} or Arch Angels
POWERS, {exousia} or Leading Authorities
RULERS OF DARKNESS OF THIS WORLD
SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS IN HIGH PLACES

These are not flesh and blood creatures, but fallen beings more powerful than you can imagine. In the Old Testament one such creature, one angel killed 185,000 people in one night (2 Kings 19:35; Isaiah 37:36; 2 Chronicles 32:21). You cannot bind these forces. You cannot defeat these forces. Do you know Who can?

Our God. The God Who made the angels can defeat the angels. When Satan wanted to test Job, he had to ask God’s permission. The Bible says,

Job 1:12 (AP) The LORD SAID TO SATAN, all that Job has is in your power; but DO NOT LAY A HAND ON HIM

The Bible says that “in HIM {in Jesus Christ} ALL THINGS WERE CREATED, both in the heavens and on earth, VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—ALL THINGS HAVE BEEN CREATED THROUGH HIM AND FOR HIM. Who can defeat the devil and his devices? Not I. Not you. But God.

Where Are You Standing?

Preach! It is God the Son, the Blessed Jesus, that we empty ourselves and cast ourselves upon. We give Him our lives fully, trusting He will redeem us. It is God the Son Who, upon our salvation, sends the blessed Holy Spirit to us to lead us and guide us in the truth. It is the Holy Spirit that writes the chapters of our lives from the moment of salvation, and the Holy Spirit Who has given us this wonderful text, the Word of God. It is God the Father Who sent His Son to save us, for we cannot save ourselves. We were dead in trespasses and sins when He found us, and He made us alive through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Our salvation is in God. And our victory is in the God Who saved us, the Holy Trinity. Not in denomination, not in ritual, not in our abilities, but in Him Who loved us and gave Himself for us.

God uses the demons to grow us! God uses trials to draw us closer to Him. In 2 Corinthians 12 the Apostle Paul tells us that God sent an angel to him to torment him. Paul said:

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (LSB) … to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, A MESSENGER OF SATAN TO TORMENT ME — to KEEP ME FROM EXALTING MYSELF! 8 Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me. 9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for POWER IS PERFECTED IN WEAKNESS.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather BOAST IN MY WEAKNESSES, SO THAT THE POWER OF CHRIST MAY DWELL IN ME. 10 Therefore I am well CONTENT with WEAKNESSES, with INSULTS, with DISTRESSES, with PERSECUTIONS and HARDSHIPS, for the sake of Christ, for WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN I AM STRONG”

Paul understood that when the bad things came, that it came from the hand of a loving God Who only wanted the best for him. When tried, and we will be tried, we need to be fully reliant upon God. We are to suit up with the “ARMOR OF GOD”. We are to be “STRONG IN THE LORD”. The power is of God – not of me, nor of you. It is not a man made power. It is a GOD MADE POWER. The truth is, the Roman soldier was undefeatable because he wore the armor that his master provided him. He didn’t pick and choose which armor to wear, but wore the “WHOLE ARMOR” to battle. The dead soldier is the one who picks and chooses what to wear.

Paul learned – and we need to learn – that when we empty ourselves of pride and self empowerment, then God is able to fill us and use us against Satan and his evil forces. The Church is losing in America because we are using man-made weapons to defeat a spiritually superior being. And yes, Satan and his forces are spiritually superior.

But not to God.

The victorious soldier resists the enemy, but perfectly obeys the Master. The Apostle John – boiled in oil, and exiled to Patmos – is the only Apostle who died a natural death. Why? Because he believed in the “ARMOR OF GOD” – and PUT IT ON daily. When the devil tried to sell John a false gospel and a false scripture, John said:

1 John 4:1, 4-6 (LSB) Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because MANY FALSE PROPHETS HAVE GONE OUT INTO THE WORLD. … 4 You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because GREATER IS HE THAT IS IN YOU, THAN HE THAT IS IN THE WORLD. 5 They are from the world; therefore they speak [as] from the world, and the world hears them. 6 WE ARE FROM GOD. The one who knows God hears us; the one who is not from God does not hear us. From this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

Beloved, if you are saved, “WE ARE FROM GOD”. In this battle that is ongoing and spiritual, the first thing you need to know is what side you are on. You are either for Jesus and the Gospel, or not. God doesn’t care what your political party is, but Satan wants you to conflate your views with the Bible, twisting the Word of God to suit the whim of man. The Devil loves a scared, unarmored, self empowered Christian.

Ephesians 6:13 … having done all, to stand.

Daily suit up with the “WHOLE ARMOR” of God. Submit yourselves to God. Start the day in submission. And when you are in the world, remember you have an enemy far more powerful than you. You must “STAND” in Him. Refuse to budge. Refuse to put on any armor than that which God supplies. Only then will we defeat the evil one. Empty yourselves, and let God fill you with His Word and His will.

Amen.

Posted in Ephesians, Sermons Preached | Tagged Bible, Faith, Following Christ, God, God Is Faithful, Jesus, love God, salvation, Spirit, Spirit Led, Spirit Works, Spiritual, spiritual warfare | Leave a comment

Hungry For God

Posted on February 6, 2026 by bibleteacherorg

Photo by Siegfried Poepperl on Unsplash

Proverbs 27:2 Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

The Bible has a lot of prohibitions against bragging. The person who loves to brag on their own accomplishments, their great feats, is in a very dangerous position. Goliath mocked David, and boasted:

1 Samuel 17:44 Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the sky and the beasts of the field.

Goliath filled himself with himself, with his own power, with his own prowess. David on the other hand emptied himself. Rather than boast back to Goliath, he bragged on the power of God in him:

1 Samuel 17:45-47 (LSB) David said to the Philistine, You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I COME TO YOU IN THE NAME OF YAHWEH of hosts, the God of the battle lines of Israel, whom you have reproached. [46] This day YAHWEH WILL DELIVER YOU INTO MY HANDS, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. And I will give the dead bodies of the camp of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, [47] and that all this assembly may know that Yahweh does not save by sword or by spear; for THE BATTLE IS YAHWEH’S, and He will give you into our hands.”

Goliath’s power and size were given to him by God. That which we have, be it beauty, or wit, or charisma, or power, the station we occupy in life, these all come from the hands of God. “Pride goes before destruction” we are told in Proverbs 16:18. “When pride comes, then comes disgrace” notes Proverbs 11:2. If you have been given great gifts, give God the praise, not yourself.

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon was walking on the palace roof garden one day, not praising God but praising himself for the glory of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem, built the massive walls, temples, and palaces in Babylon, and ancient writers like Berossus noted that he built the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Viewing his domain, Nebuchadnezzar bragged while standing on this pinnacle of Babylon:

Daniel 4:30 (LSB) Is this not Babylon the great, which I myself have built as a royal house by the STRENGTH OF MY POWER and for the GLORY OF MY MAJESTY?

The King said “I MYSELF” built this kingdom. Yet Nebuchadnezzar did not defeat Judah and take Israel because of his power. The Bible says that:

Daniel 1:1-2 (ESV) In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, NEBUCHADNEZZAR KING OF BABYLON CAME TO JERUSALEM AND BESEIGED IT. [2] And THE LORD GAVE JEHOIAKIM KING OF JUDAH INTO HIS HAND, with some of the VESSELS OF THE HOUSE OF GOD. And he brought them to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, and placed the vessels in the treasury of his god.

Nebuchadnezzar did not rule Israel because of his military prowess. He ruled Israel because Judah had turned away from following God under King Jehoiakim (Eliakim), an evil ruler (2 Kings 23:37; 2 Chronicles 36:5). Jehoiakim literally cut the Bible up with a knife and burned it, mocking God (Jeremiah 36:22-23). Despising God’s Word and trusting politics over repentance, God punished Jehoiakim and Judah by turning them over the Nebuchadnezzar. God gave Israel over – it was Divine judgment.

As Nebuchadnezzar bragged on himself, God acted. Almost as soon as the words left his mouth, God spoke:

Daniel 4:31-32 (LSB) King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is said: the KINGDOM HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM YOU, [32] and you will be DRIVEN AWAY FROM MANKIND, and your [place of] habitation [will be] with the beasts of the field. You will be given grass to eat like cattle, and seven periods of time will pass over you until you know that THE MOST HIGH IS THE POWERFUL RULER over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whomever He wishes.

Nebuchadnezzar became like a beast, losing all senses. Brag on yourself, and put yourself in danger of losing everything. This is what we learn from our text.

Proverbs 27:2 Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a STRANGER, and NOT THINE OWN LIPS.

Honor means more when it comes from an outside source. There is an old German proverb that says:

Self praise stinks,
A friend’s praise limps,
But a stranger’s praise rings!

The greatest danger we see in praising ourselves is that it feeds the flesh, and leads to bad decisions. In Isaiah 14:12 and following we see the account of the fall of Lucifer the Archangel. Satan is now the “prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2) and the “god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4), but he was at one time the Prince of the Angelic Hosts. Created by God to lead the angels in worshiping God, Lucifer the son of the morning began to brag on himself and his abilities. Our God condemned his arrogance, saying:

Isaiah 14:13-15 (LSB) … you said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God, And I will sit on the mount of assembly In the recesses of the north. [14] ‘I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I WILL MAKE MYSELF LIKE THE MOST HIGH.’ [15] Nevertheless you will be brought down to Sheol, To the recesses of the pit.

Lucifer was cast out of Heaven by Michael, another Archangel. He lost everything bragging on himself. He will one day find himself in the recesses of the pit, a place called The Lake of Fire, where he will remain throughout all eternity.

Proverbs 27:3-4 A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a FOOL’S {ĕvîl, pro. ev-eel’} WRATH is heavier than them both. 4 Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but WHO IS ABLE TO STAND BEFORE ENVY?

The Bible often uses the word “FOOL” (Hebrew ĕvîl) to describe the perverse person, someone who loves and celebrates evil rather than obedience to God. Those who are unrighteous and who celebrate lawlessness are like those rioting in Michigan. They endanger themselves and others – it is best to stay away from them. They attract others who do dangerous things out of misled though sincere lawlessness. Eliphaz the Temanite told Job:

Job 5:2-3 (KJV) wrath killeth the FOOLISH {ĕvîl} man, and ENVY slayeth the silly one. I have seen the FOOLISH {ĕvîl} taking root: but suddenly I cursed his habitation.

He recommended that the wise stay away from these people. It is a bad idea – not heroic but bad – to charge at an incite law enforcement officers. There have been several shootings in Minnesota because groups of people verbally or physically attacked armed Immigration and Customs Enforcement Officers. The shootings would not have occurred had the rioters not been there. Eliphaz said “I’ve seen them killed because of their perversity. I stay away from their HABITATION, the places they frequent”. What was his prescription if there is perceived injustices? Eliphaz said:

Job 5:8-11 (KJV) I would SEEK UNTO GOD, and UNTO GOD WOULD I COMMIT MY CAUSE: [9] Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number: [10] Who giveth rain upon the earth, and sendeth waters upon the fields: [11] To set up on high those that be low; that those which mourn may be exalted to safety.

In the early days of the Church, Christians were ordered by the local law enforcement to not speak of Christ. Rather than riot and shout and throw things at law enforcement, Peter and the other Apostles focused on our God, saying:

Acts 5:29-32 (KJV) Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, WE OUGHT TO OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MEN. [30] The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. [31] Him hath God exalted with His right hand [to be] a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. [32] And WE ARE HIS WITNESSES of these things; and SO IS ALSO THE HOLY SPIRIT, whom GOD HATH GIVEN TO THEM THAT OBEY HIM.

Those who are ĕvîl or perverse have nothing concrete to tie their mission to, so they shout and scream and do lawless things. They speak from a position of envy. Rather than honor God with the blessings they have, and seek God for other blessings, they through force of estranged emotion try to wrest control from others, whether right or not. When confronted with truth they, like Pilate before them, say “What IS truth?” (John 18:38), just before crucifying an innocent Man.

A STONE is heavy, and the SAND weighty

If you hang around with those who are ĕvîl or perverse, you will find yourself carrying another man’s STONE or another woman’s SAND for no good reason. Stone and Sand are used in building, but without the mortar of God’s truth you are carrying dead weight. And you might find yourself with a bullet you didn’t want. The Bible says:

Psalm 107:17 FOOLS {ĕvîl} BECAUSE OF THEIR TRANSGRESSION, and BECAUSE OF THEIR INIQUITIES, are AFFLICTED

It saddens me that people are being shot by law enforcement in Michigan and in other places. I despise the loss of any life. But the fact remains, dear friends, you will never be afflicted if you stay away from the perverse. The worst thing that has ever happened to me in Church is I have had my feelings hurt! If you want to protest something, go become a part of a Church and pray with other believers that God will touch our nation.

Proverbs 1:7 The FEAR OF THE LORD is the BEGINNING OF KNOWLEDGE: but FOOLS {ĕvîl} despise WISDOM and INSTRUCTION

The perverse do not want to hear of God, nor of the Scripture. Stay away from those who are ĕvîl. Do not befriend them, but share the love of God in Christ with them. Pray that the Holy Spirit, through Christ’s Gospel, will reach them before it is too late.

Proverbs 27:5-6 Open rebuke is better than secret love. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

In our modern world people hate to be corrected. They want only words of affirmation and encouragement. Not too long ago a local pastor had a son who “came out” as gay. Rather than stay with what the scripture stated, this pastor began to preach that there is nothing wrong with such a lifestyle, that it is fully endorsed by Jesus. Nothing is farther from the truth. Certainly as a father that pastor should continue to love his son, to embrace him but not his life choice or errant desires.

As Christians, we are to love people, and do good toward all. But we are to love people enough to tell them the truth, the Scriptural truth, even if it offends them. “Let God be true, and every man a liar” (Romans 3:4).

A friend will tell you the “God’s honest truth”, even if you are angered with him. My commentary notes:

“If a friend genuinely loves a person, he will not refuse to correct him. Genuine love, paired with humility, compels a person to correct his friend when necessary. A “love” which stays hidden because it lacks the courage to call out sin or danger is weak. The point is not that every expression of disagreement is loving (Proverbs 15:1, 4, 28). Rather, Solomon (Proverbs 25:1) is saying that it’s more loving to offer constructive criticism than to hide that love with inappropriate silence.”

Those who always speak words of tolerance and afirmation reguardless as to whether your action is Biblical or not do not love you. They are moral cowards. Christians are to be “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). We are to constructively speak to correct those we love, to share what God has said, but not from self righteousness or pride. The Apostle wrote:

Galatians 6:1-3 (ESV) 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. [2] Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. [3] For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

We are all subject to fall, subject to get off course. We are not to be superior in our manner, but to scripturally supply the truth to those we love, even when that truth is deemed harsh. We are to be tactful but genuinely loving (Proverbs 15:1, 4, 28; Ephesians 4:15) but not critical or harsh. We need to approach the errant the way we would want to be approached if we err.We need to use the Word of God, and not our opinions or our emotions in the correction. In truth, someone who practices a lifestyle different from that which is presented in the Scripture does not harm or effect me in any way whatsoever. Love them enough to tell them. Then step back, and let God be God.

Proverbs 27:7 The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.

In ancient times, honey was considered a great blessing from God. It was often eaten directly from the honeycomb. Honey was given as gifts to kings (Genesis 43:11). When God led Israel to Canaan, He promised them great blessing. He said:

Exodus 3:8 (KJV) I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto A LAND FLOWING WITH MILK AND HONEY …

In days when there was no sugar, HONEY represented the blessings of God. God’s Word and God’s Way are described as HONEY:

Psalm 19:9-10 (ESV) the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. [10] More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; SWEETER ALSO THAN HONEY and DRIPPINGS OF THE HONEYCOMB.

Psalm 119:102-103 (ESV) I do not turn aside from Your rules, for You have taught me. 103 How SWEET ARE YOUR WORDS to my taste, SWEETER THAN HONEY to my mouth!

We live in a country today that is the most prosperous in the world. Even our poor people are overweight! People are full. We live in prosperity and relative peace. In our country, unlike many of the countries in the world, we as Christians are not persecuted for our faith. Jesus spoke of it this way:

Matthew 16:24-27 (ESV) If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. [25] For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. [26] For WHAT WILL IT PROFIT A MAN IF HE GAINS THE WHOLE WORLD AND FORFEITS HIS SOUL? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? [27] For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.

We have satiated ourselves on material things. We satisfy our souls with the Internet, Social Media, Social Justive Warriors, Influencers, Material goods, Comfort. We are full. The Churches have, in many cases, become like unto what Jesus said of Laodicea:

Revelation 3:17-18 (ESV) For you say, “I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing,” NOT REALIZING that you are WRETCHED, PITIABLE, POOR, BLIND, and NAKED. [18] I counsel you to BUY FROM ME gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.

When we are too full, too satisfied, too comfortable, we do not need God nor His Word. This is not a blessing, but a curse. When God gave Israel “a land flowing with milk and honey”, He also gave them a land filled with enemies. God gave, with the milk and honey, the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. When God led Israel out of Egypt, He led them to an impassable Red Sea, through harsh deserts without water, into acrid climates where the water was undrinkable. If God loves us, why aren’t we always comfortable, satiated, pampered?

Because we would in time turn away from what is most important.
We would turn away from walking with God, loving Him.
Trusting Him through the various trials of life.
Enjoying the pleasure of His Word, the Bible.

Pastor Charles Spurgeon said:

“Sweet is liberty to the captive, and when the Son makes you free, you are free indeed; sweet is pardon to the condemned, and proclaims full forgiveness and salvation; sweet is health to the sick, and Jesus is the great physician of souls; sweet is light to those who are in darkness and to eyes that are dim, and Jesus is both sun to our darkness and eyes to our blindness.”

Proverbs 27:7 The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but TO THE HUNGRY SOUL EVERY BITTER THING IS SWEET.

To those who love Jesus, Who realize the great gift of salvation, even the trial is sweet. We are not destroyed by the trial, but are strengthened by it, seeking to grow closer to our Lord because of it. The Bible says:

James 1:2-8 (ESV) COUNT IT ALL JOY, my brothers, WHEN YOU MEET TRIALS OF VARIOUS KINDS, [3] for you know that the TESTING OF YOUR FAITH PRODUCES STEADFASTNESS. [4] And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. [5] If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. [6] 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. [7] For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; [8] he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

My Bible tells me that “Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him” (Genesis 5:24). Did Enoch have hard days? Though the Bible doesn’t say, I’m sure that he did. There were days when Enoch – who lived to be 365 years old – didn’t feel good. Days when he had a cold, or upset stomach. Days when people mistreated him, or family abandoned him. Suffering effects all of creation, and all people (Job 5:7; Romans 8:22). Jesus said, “In this world YOU WILL HAVE TROUBLE” (John 16:33). He didn’t say “You all BUT ENOCH will have trouble”. Jesus Himself had trouble. Enoch had trouble. But what does the Bible say about Enoch?

Hebrews 11:5 (ESV) By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken HE WAS COMMENDED AS HAVING PLEASED GOD.

Enoch didn’t trade the honeycomb for the material. He clung to God so much, that God clung to him. “TO THE HUNGRY SOUL EVERY BITTER THING IS SWEET”. Imprisoned and headed toward execution, the Apostle Paul wrote “I have learned, in whatever situation I am, TO BE CONTENT” (Philippians 4:11). The bitter was sweet to Paul, because no matter what happened, it led him closer to God.

You do not come to God unless you are hungry. But to those who are hungry, to those who thirst, Jesus bids them “come”. Before the Prodigal Son returned home, he had to feel hunger (Luke 15:17). Are you hungry for the Lord? Or have you satiated the appetite of your soul on the temporal things of this world? Solomon had great wealth, but considered it useless (Ecclesiastes 2:4-11). The rich man in hell had such a twisted soul, that he wanted no more than a drop of water to cool his tongue (Luke 16:19-24). Oh that God would touch every heart, and show you the greatest gift of all is to walk with Jesus in His Kingdom. May God draw you to Jesus and to the Word of God today.

Posted in Proverbs, Sermons Preached | Tagged Bible, follow Christ, God, hunger for God, Jesus, Proverbs, Proverbs For Life, satisfying soul, wisdom | 1 Comment

The Deceiver, The Lāhâ (Pronounced law-hah’)

Posted on January 21, 2026 by bibleteacherorg

Photo by Peter Forster on Unsplash

Proverbs 26:18-19 As a MAD MAN {Lāhâ} who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, 19 So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?

Word Study: Last week we learned about the meddler, who sticks his nose in where it doesn’t belong. The meddler “meddles with strife that doesn’t belong to him”. The Bible warns that this is like “taking a passing dog by the ears”. He brings his own punishment on himself. But this week we look at the “MAD MAN” or the Lāhâ, “the arsonist or person who loves to see things burn, or to make others weary or faint”. The Lāhâis not self destructive, but loves to start trouble. The Lāhâ is described only one other time in the Scripture, in the Book of Genesis during the time of Joseph. The Scripture says:

Genesis 47:13 (KJV) And there was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very sore, so that the land of Egypt and all the land of Canaan FAINTED{Lāhâ} by reason of the famine.

The word Lāhâ is only found twice – the two verses above – in the Holy Scripture. Just as a famine makes people suffer, the Lāhâ makes people suffer. When the Lāhâ is caught at what he is doing, he says “Well, I was just joking. Can’t you take a joke?” The Lāhâ is as bad as a berserk warrior, running about, shooting those around him.

Sometimes the Lāhâ starts a whisper campaign against others.

Proverbs 26:20-22 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no TALEBEARER, the strife ceaseth. 21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife. 22 The WORDS OF A TALEBEARER are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

The Lāhâ often resorts to gossip. The gossip uses insinuation or implication. That person distorts the truth, or exaggerates the facts. Anytime the work of God begins to go forward, the Lāhâ starts whisper campaigns and lies to attempt to derail the work of God.

When God sent Nehemiah back to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls of the city, he faced certain opposition from Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab. These people did not want to see Nehemiah succeed, so four times they sent for Nehemiah to come to a meeting with them, pretending to be concerned for the work. Nehemiah refused to meet with these people, saying:

Nehemiah 6:3 I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?

He was focused on doing the work God gave him to do. When Nehemiah repeatedly refused to meet, Sanballet sent an open letter that stated:

Nehemiah 6:6-7 It is reported among the nations, and Geshem says, that you and the Jews plan to rebel; therefore, according to these rumors, you are rebuilding the wall, that you may be their king. 7 And you have also appointed prophets to proclaim concerning you at Jerusalem, saying, “There is a king in Judah!” Now these matters will be reported to the king. So come, therefore, and let us consult together.

Nehemiah refused to meet with them. Giving them a meeting on false pretenses would just add fuel to their fire. Nehemiah knew that their intent was to kindle strife, not to honor God. So he refused to give them an audience, and trusted in the Lord. The Bible says that Nehemiah rebuked them:

Nehemiah 6:8-9 Then I sent to {Sanballet}, saying, “No such things as you say are being done, but YOU INVENTED THEM IN YOUR OWN HEART.” 9 For they all were TRYING TO MAKE US AFRAID, saying, “Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will not be done.” Now therefore, O GOD, STRENGTHEN MY HANDS.

Nehemiah focused on the work he was doing for the Lord, not at the Lāhâ. And the work was done.

Jesus warned us that, “by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37).

Proverbs 26:23 BURNING LIPS and a wicked heart are like a POTSHERD {ḥereś}covered with silver dross.

Sometimes the Lāhâ will use flattery and hypocrisy to cause trouble. The phrase “BURNING LIPS” emphasizes that the Lāhâ speaks FERVENTLY, and sounds sincere, but it is like a piece of clay pottery with a silver glaze. Outwardly it looks great, but in reality it is but cheap clay. It is like the flattery that Judas Iscariot gave Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane:

Matthew 26:49-50 (NKJV) {Judas Iscariot} went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. 50 But Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?”

Luke 22:48 (NKJV) Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

Judas honored Jesus as “RABBI”, or as Honored Teacher, and greeted Him with a kiss. But his outward flattery hid the fact that he was betraying the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Proverbs 26:24-26 He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him; 25 When HE SPEAKETH FAIR, BELIEVE HIM NOT: for there are SEVEN ABOMINATIONS in his heart. 26 Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.

Those who hate you will often speak graciously to your face, but plot behind your back. When Ezra led the Jews from Babylonian captivity to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple, the enemies of God openly offered to help the Israelites in their rebuilding. We are told in:

Ezra 4:1-3 (NKJV) Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the descendants of the captivity were building the temple of the Lord God of Israel, 2 they came to Zerubbabel and the heads of the fathers’ houses, and said to them, “LET US BUILD WITH YOU, for WE SEEK YOUR GOD AS YOU DO; and we have sacrificed to Him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us here.” 3 But Zerubbabel and Jeshua and the rest of the heads of the fathers’ houses of Israel said to them, “You may do nothing with us to build a house for our God; but WE ALONE will build to the Lord God of Israel, as King Cyrus the king of Persia has commanded us.”

The leaders “Zerubbabel and Jeshua” refused the help of these flatterers. My commentary notes:

“In an anti-God world, the Christian must not go his way in gullibility, but with caution.”

Jesus told us, “ I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” (Matthew 10:16). Not every person who speaks well of you is actually for you.

Evil Has A Boomerang Effect

Proverbs 26:27 Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.

When I read this passage, what came to my mind was the Greek myth of Sisyphus. Sisyphus was a king known for being cunning and deceitful. He often planned traps and problems for his enemies. He lied, cheated, anything he could do to get ahead. When Sisyphus died, the “gods” condemned him to an eternal task. He was placed in front of a huge stone, and made to push it up a hill. He pushed that stone up the hill, getting near to the top. But each time he reaches the top, the stone rolls back down hill – and he must start over again – forever.

I believe the Greeks stole this image from our Holy Bible. God said:

“he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him”

That’s the very picture of Sisyphus! When you roll the stone, setting a trap for others, it will RETURN UPON YOU or roll back on you. If you DIG A PIT for your enemy, you will find that the evil you did will end up trapping you. The Bible tells us:

Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

If you “dig a pit, you will fall into it” (Ecclesiastes 10:8). If you roll a stone to hurt someone, you will be hurt by the stone itself. The Bible tells us that:

Galatians 6:7 (KJV) whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

We are called to do good, and overcome evil with good. The Bible tells us about a man named Abimelech who:

Judges 9:5 (NKJV) went to his father’s house at Ophrah and killed his brothers, the seventy sons of Jerubbaal, on one stone.

Abimelech killed “seventy men on ONE STONE”. There was a stone altar like place where he executed all these men. How did Abimelech die? The Bible says that when he went to Thebez to conquer it, the people fled to high tower. We are told:

Judges 9:53 (NKJV) … a certain woman dropped an upper millstone on Abimelech’s head and crushed his skull.

He killed seventy on one stone. He himself was killed by one stone. What goes around, comes around!

There is also the story in the Book of Esther about Haman and Mordecai. Haman lied about Mordecai, and sought the King to have him hung on the gallows. Mordecai kept doing good, trusting in the Lord. In the end Haman was executed on the very gallows he created for Mordecai

Esther 7:10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai.

And who can forget those enemies of Daniel the Prophet, who was told he could not pray to God for 30 days. When the King established the decree at the request of his leaders, “King Darius signed the written decree” (Daniel 6:9). Those who broke the decree were cast into the lion’s den to be punished. The Bible says:

Daniel 6:10 (NKJV) Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and PRAYED and GAVE THANKS before his God, as was his custom since early days.

Of course, Daniel was vast into the lion’s den. But the next day, when the King went to the pit Daniel was in, Daniel was not harmed. The Bible says:

Daniel 6:21 (NKJV) Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! 22 My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.”

What happened to those who had Daniel cast into the lion’s den? The Bible says, “the king gave the command, and they brought those men who had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions—them, their children, and their wives; and the lions overpowered them, and broke all their bones in pieces before they ever came to the bottom of the den” (Daniel 6:24).

It is wisest to overcome evil with good, to pray for and do good toward our enemies.

Proverbs 26:28 A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

You may be hated, but if you are God’s child, trust in Him. Do as Jesus said:

Matthew 5:43-48 (NKJV) You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

The Way of the Master is to trust God, and to do good to those who do bad to you.

Let God Take Care Of You

Proverbs 27:1 Boast {hālal} not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

Word Study: The word rendered “BOAST” is the Hebrew hālal, which means “to shine or praise. It’s part of the word hallelujah which means “to praise God”. We are not to brag on or illuminate what we think we are going to do tomorrow. As humans, we have no control over what is going to happen.

God calls us to live in the NOW in His PRESENT will for our lives.

The stepbrother of Christ wrote:

James 4:13-17 (NKJV) Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” 16 But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. 17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

God calls us to do good NOW, and to let Him take care of tomorrow. King David said:

Psalm 34:14 Depart from evil, and DO GOOD; seek peace, and pursue it.

Psalm 37:3, 27 Trust in the LORD, and DO GOOD; [so] shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. … 27 Depart from evil, and DO GOOD; and dwell for evermore.

We are called to not walk with evil, but with God. We are to focus on DOING GOOD TODAY, not tomorrow. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring. We should use each day PROFITABLY for the Lord, not for ourselves. We should not worry about tomorrow, but trust the God Who loved us and gave Himself for us. My commentary notes:

“In boasting about tomorrow, man boasts about himself, thinking that he controls the future. When God created time and placed us as human beings within its framework, He purposely kept tomorrow hidden from us. Except for some rare instances of prophetic insight, nobody knows for sure what the future holds. God obviously did this so that we would put our trust in Him. In the words of the Apostle Paul: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:31). Jeremiah elaborated on the theme with: “ ‘Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,’ declares the LORD.” (Jeremiah 9:24). We do not know the future, but we know Him who holds the future.”

There’s an old song that says:

I don’t know about tomorrow,
I just live from day to day.
I don’t borrow from its sunshine,
For its skies may turn to gray.
I don’t worry o’er the future,
For I know what Jesus said,
And today I’ll walk beside Him,
For He knows what is ahead.
Many things about tomorrow,
I don’t seem to understand;
But I know who holds tomorrow,
And I know who holds my hand.

Let’s walk with Jesus today, and trust Him for tomorrow. We sow our seed for the crop, but we trust the Lord for the harvest. Amen.

Posted in Proverbs, Sermons Preached | Tagged Bible, Faith, Following Christ, God, God Is Faithful, Jesus, love God, salvation | Leave a comment

Respect Is Right

Posted on January 21, 2026 by bibleteacherorg

Photo by Daniil Silantev on Unsplash

Ephesians 6:1-9 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2 Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; 3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. 4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. 5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; 6 Not with eye service, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: 8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. 9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

On my way to Church I stopped at Wendy’s for a couple of sausage biscuits. I found something a little extra there, something I’m not used to.

Good customer service.

The young woman who manned the speaker and the window smiled, and even called me “Honey”. She was a middle aged woman, but with a sweet smile. She’s working in an often thankless job, but I thanked her. She showed me respect as the customer, and I showed her respect as the worker.

As a Pastor I do a lot of things that no one knows I do. A Pastor is an “Overseer”, and one of the things I oversee is this property. I have to schedule fire inspections for the facilities. There’s periodic maintenance – like changing the heating and air filters that has to be done. As a registered non-profit in the State of Tennessee I have to file our annual report with the Secretary of State. One of the things I have to do is make sure our facilities are treated for pests and varmits.

For many years we were with a pretty good company, but recently that company was sold to a competitor. The original company would have a representative CALL me and set up an appointment to treat the facilities. They were so good, I got them to do my own home as well. The company was reasonable. They treated both of our buildings for $75 per quarter, and my home for $60 per quarter.

Then the new company took over.

They didn’t call to schedule. The young man who did the scheduling called Johnny would come unannounced, helter skelter. Yesterday he texted me out of the blue, saying:

“I currently have you scheduled for the 14^th to come out and apply your exterior winter barrier. Please let me know if you have any questions.”

I texted back, “I need to know WHEN”. Then I waited three hours for a response. Finally, I picked up the phone and CALLED Johnny. No answer, but it went to voice mail. I told him “This is the Pastor at Riverview. I need to know WHEN you are coming tomorrow. I have appointments I have to keep, and so does my wife. Please CALL ME at 931-982-xxxx because I’d like to discuss it with you and get a time on the calendar that works for both of us”. Then I waited. About an hour and a half later he TEXTED me back “It will probably be between one and three”.

I called another company I had heard of. The young man actually ANSWERED the phone, and said “What can I do for you, Mr. Buffaloe?” I told him what I needed, and asked if he’d be able to do our facilities at the same rate. He was very polite. Yes, they would match the previous cost. And WHILE ON THE PHONE we pulled out our calendars, and set the time for his company to come. When I got off the phone, I TEXTED Johnny “I’ve got someone else to do it from now on. Thanks.”

He “liked” the text.

One young man, because of respect, gained hundreds of dollars a year for his company. The other young man lost hundreds of dollars a year for his company, and did not care. What’s the difference between these two young men? One learned respect from the cradle, taught by parents and grandparents who knew they were raising future leaders. The other was taught from the cradle that HE IS IN CHARGE, and that HE IS THE CENTER OF THE WORLD. That’s not good for a business. That’s not good for America.

Respect Must Be Taught From The Cradle

As Paul comes to the end of his letter to the Church at Ephesus, he addresses the children first. There are only TWO TIMES in the New Testament that children are DIRECTLY ADDRESSED. It is here,

Ephesians 6:1 CHILDREN, OBEY {hypakouō} your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

And in …

Colossians 3:20 CHILDREN, OBEY {hypakouō} your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

In the ancient world children were seen as incomplete persons, and in many cases were regarded as not fully human. In the Roman world, the father had the right to EXPOSE children to the elements, often unto death. Children were often sold as slaves. Disobedient children were executed.

The early Church would often rescue children that were cast out of their Roman homes because they were illegitimate or disabled. An early Christian teaching called the Didache stated:

“You shall not murder a child by abortion nor kill what is begotten.”

God’s people are to value children. Though children had no rights while in the home, God commanded His people:

Deuteronomy 6:4-7 … Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: 5 And thou shalt LOVE THE LORD THY GOD with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7 And thou SHALT TEACH THEM DILIGENTLY TO YOUR CHILDREN…

Children were to be taught that loving God is most important, and that the Scripture is sacred. “For the WORD OF GOD IS RIGHT; and all his works are done in truth”.

Among early Christians, children were seen as gifts from God, a stewardship entrusted to their care.

The Psalmist said in Psalms 127:3-5 “Lo, children [are] an heritage of the LORD: [and] the fruit of the womb [is his] reward. (4) As ARROWS [are] IN THE HAND OF A MIGHTY MAN; so [are] children of the youth. (5) Happy [is] the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.”

Children are represented by God as “ ARROWS IN THE HAND OF A MIGHTY MAN”. In the ancient world, ARROWS and the bow were what was used for national defense rather than BULLETS and a GUN. Children that are raised in the “NURTURE AND ADMONITION OF THE LORD” (Ephesians 6:4) will be SOLID CITIZENS that will help protect the nation from the enemy. This is why the Psalmist said “they shall speak with the enemies in the gate”. The enemies of the nation will not get in the walls. Children that are raised to love God and His Word, who are taught the value of respect, will be strong men and women that add to their community and their nation.

It starts in the cradle.
It continues at the Table.
If not, they will grow up and make the nation unstable.

What is the first thing children must be taught? Is it their ABCs? No, the first thing is:

Ephesians 6:1 CHILDREN, OBEY {hypakouō} your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

Word Study: The word rendered “OBEY” is the Greek hypakouō, which means “to submit yourself so as to attentively listen, to hear and understand the command and to act on it”. This same word is used in the other text that addresses children directly, Colossians 3:20 CHILDREN, OBEY {hypakouō}. Children must be taught obedience by the parents. The parent is the FIRST authority figure that the child meets. Parents, children don’t need you to be their friends. They’ll make friends. They need you to teach them to RESPECT AUTHORITY.

Ephesians 6:1 CHILDREN, OBEY {hypakouō} your parents IN THE LORD

That phrase “IN THE LORD” means that the parent should NEVER ask the child to do anything that is unrighteous.

In verse 4 we read:

Ephesians 6:4 And, ye FATHERS, PROVOKE NOT YOUR CHILDREN TO WRATH: but bring them up in the NURTURE {paideia} and ADMONITION {nouthesia} of the Lord.

Word Study: Why are FATHERS mentioned here and not mothers? I suspect it is because of what I mentioned earlier, that in the Roman world (one Paul was well acquainted with) the FATHERS could EXPOSE a child, SELL a child, or outright KILL a child without any legal recompense. Christians should treat their children with love and respect. They are to be “brought UP in the NURTURE {paideia} and ADMONITION {nouthesia} OF THE LORD”. Let’s look at these two words that the Christian parent is commanded to do to the child WHILE THEY ARE CHILDREN. The word “NURTURE {paideia} means to instruct so as to increase virtue, to correct with chastisement, to disciple or discipline”. The same word is used in the Septuagint in

Proverbs 3:11-12 (Septuagint) My son, despise not the CHASTENING {paideia} of the Lord; nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 12 for whom the Lord loves, he rebukes, and SCOURGES {paideuō} every son whom he receives.

The parent’s punishment or correction of the child should NEVER exceed that which God would do. Our Heavenly Father corrects us when we as believers get off course. But His correction is done because HE LOVES US. We should love our children, and raise them to love Jesus.

Ephesians 6:2 HONOR {timaō} thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;

Word Study: The first thing that children should be taught is obedience to the things of God. The second thing they must be taught is respect for their parents, which is respect for authority. The word translated “HONOR {timaō}” which means “to affix value to, to venerate or revere”.

Children are not commanded to LOVE their parents.
They are not commanded to AGREE WITH their parents.
They are to OBEY and REVERE their parents.

In the Bible the only time Jesus is mentioned as a Child (not a baby in Bethlehem, but a Child) is in Luke 2:41-52. This was an incident that happened when Jesus was twelve years old (Luke 2:42). Mary and Joseph left Nazareth to go to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. When traveling in those days, people often joined walking caravans (Luke 2:44) as large groups, protecting themselves from highwaymen and other criminal elements. These caravans traveled about 15-20 miles each day, and it was roughly 65-70 miles from Nazareth to Jerusalem. It took them around 4-5 days to get from Nazareth to Jerusalem with Jesus. The Bible tells us that:

Luke 2:43-45 (LSB) as they were returning {to Nazareth}, after finishing the days of the Feast, the BOY JESUS STAYED BEHIND IN JERUSALEM. But HIS PARENTS DID NOT KNOW. 44 But supposing Him to be in the caravan, they went a day’s journey, and they began searching for Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 When they did not find Him, THEY RETURNED TO JERUSALEM SEARCHING FOR HIM.

They looked for Jesus FOR THREE DAYS! We are told

Luke 2:46-48 (LSB) … after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were astounded at His understanding and His answers. 48 When {Mary and Joseph} saw Him, they were astonished

Mary is distraught! She’s been looking for her Son for OVER FOUR DAYS, for they traveled “a day’s journey” (Luke 2:44) before discovering Him missing. Distraught, Mary asks Jesus:

Luke 2:48 (LSB) “Child, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously searching for You.”

Our Lord Jesus – God in perfect sinless humanity – told His mother:

Luke 2:49 (LSB) “Why is it that you were searching for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?”

Here is Jesus! Born of a virgin according to prophecy, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). This Jesus, though but 12 years old in human flesh, is Himself Eternal God. The Father said of the pre-incarnate Jesus:

Psalm 45:6 (LSB) Your THRONE, O GOD, IS FOREVER AND EVER; A scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your kingdom. (see also Hebrews 1:8)

It is Jesus of Whom the Bible says,

Colossians 1:15-17 (LSB) {Jesus} is the IMAGE OF THE INVISIBLE GOD, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For IN HIM ALL THINGS WERE CREATED, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17 And HE IS BEFORE ALL THINGS, And IN HIM ALL THINGS HOLD TOGETHER.

Jesus Christ is the earthly manifestation of the Eternal God. Jesus said, “If you have seen Me, you have seen the Father” (John 14:9; John 1:18) and “I and the Father are ONE” (John 10:30). Mary and Joseph knew that Jesus was great, for they were at His incarnation. But as a mother, Mary lamented. “Son, we were anxious for You! We couldn’t find You”. Jesus told her simply, “Why were you searching for Me? Didn’t you know I’d be in My Father’s house?” The Bible says:

Luke 2:50-51 (LSB) {Mary and Joseph} did not understand the statement which He had spoken to them. 51 And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and HE CONTINUED IN SUBJECTION TO THEM, and His mother was treasuring all these things in her heart.

Though Eternal God in the flesh, “HE CONTINUED IN SUBJECTION TO THEM”. Jesus went back to Jerusalem with Mary and Joseph. He modeled how a child should do. Children are commanded of God to honor and respect the authority of their parents. Let’s look at the text one more time:

Ephesians 6:2-3 Honor thy father and mother; which is THE FIRST COMMANDMENT WITH PROMISE; 3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

When God gave the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:2-17), in the Fifth Commandment God said:

Exodus 20:12 (LSB) Honor your father and your mother, that YOUR DAYS MAY BE PROLONGED in the land which Yahweh your God gives you.

When God gave the Fifth Commandment to revere the parents, there was a promise attached to it. The child who listens to the Godly parent will live a long life in the land that God gives them. Satan does not know all things, but he does know this: if he can get you to following his direction, he can lead you to a premature and needless death. The “wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). The child taught by a Godly parent will live a better quality life than the one who is not taught. It’s a fact!

Teaching Respect And Reverence Effects
The Future Of The Nation

Ephesians 6:5-7 SERVANTS {doulos}, BE OBEDIENT TO THEM THAT ARE YOUR MASTERS ACCORDING TO THE FLESH, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, AS UNTO CHRIST; 6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but AS THE SERVANTS {doulos} OF CHRIST, doing the will of God from the heart; 7 With good will doing service, AS TO THE LORD, and not to men:

A child in a Godly household learns to honor and revere authority, to submit to the employer and to do a good job. Here the Apostle uses the word “SERVANTS” {doulos}, which is frequently used in scripture to describe slaves or people who have sold themselves into servitude. It isn’t always used for a slave, but to someone under another.

If you have a job, if you work for an employer, you are to serve in that job obediently and respectfully.

If a young person is raised to think the world revolves around them, then they will grow up to be bad employees, or unemployable. They will grow up fighting against law enforcement, whether local, state, or federal. In the Church, Jesus tells each believer:

Matthew 20:27 (KJV) And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your SERVANT {doulos} (see also Mark 10:44

Greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven is based not on a title, but on serving one another. As Jesus Christ our Lord served us by lowering Himself to a manger and a small town and the Cross, so are we who are His to lower ourselves! The Apostle Paul called himself – though an Apostle – “a SERVANT {doulos} of Jesus Christ” (Romans 1:1).

The child raised and saved by the Grace of God, the Christian, is to be the very best employee of the place where he works. We are to serve our employers “AS TO THE LORD, and not to men”. We do what we do representing Jesus so that, when others see us, they see a good testimony.

Jesus left Heaven when He didn’t have to, to serve us. Jesus stayed on a Cross when He didn’t have to, to bless us. We are called to honor God by how we serve the employer.

Ephesians 6:8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, THE SAME SHALL HE RECEIVE OF THE LORD, whether he be bond or free.

The Lord will bless us as we serve the Lord by serving others. There is a judgment day coming, dear believer, whether lost or saved. One day we will all stand before the Lord. On that day, those who love Jesus and live for Jesus will be rewarded for that which they did for Jesus. But to those who reject the Lord, who do not serve as He has called us to serve,

Romans 14:10-12 (LSB) we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11 For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, to Me EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW, And EVERY TONGUE SHALL CONFESS to God.” 12 So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.

And what of the employer? The child who grows up to be the employer (but all report to someone else) are commanded:

Ephesians 6:9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that YOUR MASTER ALSO IS IN HEAVEN; neither is there respect of persons with him.

To those who are fortunate enough to be the “boss” (though everyone has a boss), you are not to be puffed up or arrogant over those you have been blessed to lead. I’m reminded of the Centurion who came to Jesus at Capernaum. Though he was a high ranking Roman official, he went to Jesus, saying:

Matthew 8:6 (LSB) Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, fearfully tormented.

He had an employee that he cared for, and sought Jesus to heal him. Jesus told him, “I will come and heal him”. But the Centurion said:

Matthew 8:8-13 (LSB) … Lord, I am not good enough for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this man, ‘Go!’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.” 10 Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those who were following, “Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel. 11 And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven; 12 but the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 13 And Jesus said to the centurion, “Go; it shall be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed that very moment.

This is the type of faith that God wants in His children. It is a faith that submits to authority, a faith that recognizes that proper order demands submission and love. Those who do not learn submission and respect as a child, grow up and find themselves in a place of “weeping and gnashing of teeth”. Children must be taught to obey and revere those who are their parents. Employees must obey and revere those who are over them. Employers are to respectfully look after those who are placed in their charge.

You may not like it, but that’s what the Bible tells us. And if you are a Christian, you will one day be judged on how you lived the life that God gifted you. Judgment day is coming. Are you ready for the evaluation?

Posted in Ephesians, Sermons Preached | Tagged Bible, Faith, Following Christ, God, God Is Faithful, gospel, Jesus, salvation | Leave a comment

Today The Day of Salvation
March 2026

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Introduction

The Pharisees who had been ordained to the Pastorate – and who influential in the Church of Jerusalem – said “a Gentile can be saved. But that Gentile man MUST BE CIRCUMCISED and MUST KEEP THE LAW of Moses”.

If The Head Is Corrupt, The Body Cannot Be Well

To “BELIEVE” means to “commit to, to entrust with”. God entrusted the Gospel to Paul, and commanded that he preach it. The Preacher proclaims the Gospel of Christ AUTHORITATIVELY, EXCLUSIVELY, and WITHOUT COMPROMISE.

If you have a Preacher who is promoting themselves and the glory of man, you are following a false brother who has crept in unawares “IN ORDER TO ENSLAVE US” (Galatians 2:4).

In the Old Testament Israel was a nation of slaves that God took out of Egypt to save them. Why did God free them? “Let My people go, THAT THEY MAY SERVE ME” (Exodus 9:1). In the New Testament, the Church is a group of people who were enslaved to sin, but who are now servants of God.

There is no such person as a BLACK Christian or a WHITE Christian or an ASIAN Christian or an INDIAN Christian or a JEWISH Christian. There is only the CHRISTIAN. And the CHRISTIAN follows God as His servant.

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We Battle An Enemy We Have No Power To Defeat

What We Cannot Do, God Can Do

Have you ever noticed that people don’t mock or make fun of Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus or even Jews and Judaism … but they readily mock and vilify the genuine Christ follower.

The Belt Of Truth

Why is TRUTH the first thing that the Christian puts on?

What is TRUTH? Pilate asked. The God of the Bible is truth. God is the Source of Light and of Truth.

The BELT OF TRUTH is that God does not NEED us, but God LOVES us.

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The Number One Employer In The World Is Satan, And His Business “Sin”

Let’s First Define That Employer Called “Sin”

The word “wage” means rations, substance that feeds and leads to life. But the wages of sin is DEATH, not life.

Sin is not what YOU think is sin. Sin, simply defined, is anything that God says don’t do it.

God DID NOT KILL ADAM. Sin killed Adam. Adam killed Adam by his sin.

Sin is not only an Employer that pays, but sin is a Master of those who submit to it. Sin enslaves it’s people.

You Do Not Need To Be Employed By Sin.There Is Another Option, One From God

Christianity is not, properly understood, a license to sin. Jesus died for our sins. We do not revel in what Jesus bled and died over.

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Why Are So Many Young People Leaving the Church?Because They Received The Gospel With Joy.

Our Lord Jesus went on to explain the parable to those who were in Covenant Relationship with Him. Not to the crowd, but to those imperfect people who REPENTED and committed their lives to Him.

It Is Not Belief Alone That Saves YouInviting “Jesus Into Your Heart” Is Not Scriptural.

Fear Of God Is To Trust in The Faithfulness Of God,To Do What He Says

Fearing God means to faithfully DO WHAT GOD SAYS, regardless as to whether you understand it or not. That’s what Abraham the “Father of Faith” did.

God gave Israel water at Rephidim. Now God will give Israel victory over Amalek at Rephidim – IF one thing is done.

Biblical faith is not a feeling. It is a Covenant Commitment. Biblical faith is Moses doing what God said when God said it – even when it makes no sense to us. This is “Fear of the Lord”, to trust Him no matter what.

When in doubt, trust in God. How did David get to this level of trust? Even when he did not understand, even when he doubted, he did what God said do.

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If you will not return to the nest, and rest under God and his WordYou will NEVER find peace and blessing!

A good friend is not someone who enables your departure from the nest, the safety of God. A good friend is someone who gives you counsel from the Word of God to bring you home where you belong. He does this SWEETLY, not self- righteously.

To take a promise from a stranger without getting “SURETY” {ʿāraḇ} or collateral is like making a vow of marriage to a strange woman. You are very likely to be burned!

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Because we live in a dark, sin addled world. Jesus said, “Everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin” (John 8:34). He said, “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believes in Me will not abide in darkness” (John 12:46).

The Church Must Go Outside The Building

You Will Never Be Blessed Until YouGet Out Of The Building

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If You Are A Christian, You Better Get Serious.We Are In A Spiritual Battle With A Mighty Foe.

This ARMOR is not man made. It is God made. It can only be worn when you put aside fear, and put your fullest trust in God your Savior.

Our Battle Is Not With Flesh And Blood, But With Angels More Powerful Than We Are

Where Are You Standing?

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Evil Has A Boomerang Effect

Let God Take Care Of You

God calls us to live in the NOW in His PRESENT will for our lives.

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Respect Must Be Taught From The Cradle

Among early Christians, children were seen as gifts from God, a stewardship entrusted to their care.

That phrase “IN THE LORD” means that the parent should NEVER ask the child to do anything that is unrighteous.

Teaching Respect And Reverence EffectsThe Future Of The Nation

If you have a job, if you work for an employer, you are to serve in that job obediently and respectfully.

Jesus left Heaven when He didn’t have to, to serve us. Jesus stayed on a Cross when He didn’t have to, to bless us. We are called to honor God by how we serve the employer.

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David Buffaloe

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Today The Day of Salvation

The BELT OF TRUTH is that God does not NEED us,
but God LOVES us.

The Number One Employer In The World Is Satan,
And His Business “Sin”

God DID NOT KILL ADAM. Sin killed Adam.
Adam killed Adam by his sin.

You Do Not Need To Be Employed By Sin.
There Is Another Option, One From God

Why Are So Many Young People Leaving the Church?
Because They Received The Gospel With Joy.

It Is Not Belief Alone That Saves You
Inviting “Jesus Into Your Heart” Is Not Scriptural.

Fear Of God Is To Trust in The Faithfulness Of God,
To Do What He Says

Biblical faith is not a feeling. It is a Covenant Commitment. Biblical faith is Moses doing what God said when God said it – even when it makes no sense to us. This is “Fear of the Lord”,
to trust Him no matter what.

If you will not return to the nest, and rest under God and his Word
You will NEVER find peace and blessing!

You Will Never Be Blessed Until You
Get Out Of The Building

If You Are A Christian, You Better Get Serious.
We Are In A Spiritual Battle With A Mighty Foe.

Teaching Respect And Reverence Effects
The Future Of The Nation