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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 14th 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?

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The God Who Loves Designed The Family

Posted on January 13, 2026 by bibleteacherorg

Photo by Dawid Zawiła on Unsplash

Today you’re going to need your Bibles, as Ron is not able to be with us. We’re going to be talking about the Family. I hear a lot of preaching today, and a lot of singing that “God is love”. Let’s stand in honor of God’s Word, showing our love to Him. Listen as God tells us how He loved us by creating the Family:

Ephesians 5:21-33 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. 22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

God designed the Heavens, the stars, the galaxies.
God designed this earth, separating light from darkness.
God designed the plant life, and the animals.
God designed the Man and Woman.
God designed both man and woman in His image (Genesis 1:27).
God designed Marriage.
God designed the Family.
God designed human sexuality to procreate in the family (Genesis 1:28).
God designed work.
God designed local, state, and national government.
A loving God designed everything for our good.

The Federal Governments did not design marriage, nor the family. Though governments and judges may legislate, and order that the design of the family be re-ordered, the law of man does not change what God has ordained. God designed the family.

And God loves us. In love, He knows what is best.

We’re going to talk about family today, about marriage. We’re going to discuss what the Bible says and, as I go into this, I know that some of you will be upset with me. That’s all right – I’d rather you be upset with me than GOD be upset with me. I’m just going to tell you what the Bible says. As an American with First Amendment rights you can marry anything you want, and you can call anything your family that you want. But you will not be satisfied with your life until you come under God’s loving design. Do you know why?

The God Who LOVES YOU, and Who designed YOU, designed the FAMILY.

The God Who Loves You Ordered The Family

Ephesians 5:21 SUBMITTING YOURSELVES one to another in the fear of God.

The Family is the basic building block of the community, of the nation. When God – the God Who loves you – created everything, He created with order. Light was made first (Genesis 1:3), because “God is LIGHT, and in HIM there is no darkness” (1 John 1:5). Then, within this LIGHT, God created all other things. God created DAY and NIGHT BEFORE He created the Sun and Moon (compare Genesis 1:3-4 with Genesis 1:14-16). Some people have said, “No, that can’t be. The Bible must be in error! The SUN gives us light by day, and the MOON by night.” That’s true now. But God created LIGHT independent of the sun or moon. Light comes from the sun and is reflected from the moon because GOD RULED IT SO. But the sun and the moon are not the source of light. GOD is the Source of light. The Psalmist sang:

Psalm 27:1 The LORD IS MY LIGHT and my salvation—whom shall I fear?

Psalm 36:9 For with You is the fountain of life; in YOUR LIGHT WE SEE LIGHT.

There is an order in creation. God creates Light, and light rules. When God created man and woman, we are told:

Genesis 1:27-28 (LSB) God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; MALE AND FEMALE HE CREATED THEM. 28 God blessed them, and God said to them, Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and SUBDUE it; and HAVE DOMINION over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that creeps on the earth.

Both man and woman were created of equal value. Man and woman, TOGETHER, are in the image of God. God told BOTH man and woman together to be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth. The first family was also together to SUBDUE and HAVE DOMINION over the earth. They were a team. But Beloved, in any team there is a leader.

Marriage is made in the image of God. So let’s think about God Himself. Within the Triune God, all three Members are equally God. The Father is God.

1 Corinthians 8:6 Yet for us there is ONE GOD, THE FATHER, from whom are all things and for whom we exist …

There is “One God and FATHER OF ALL, Who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:6). But Jesus Christ the Son of God is God:

John 10:30 {Jesus said} I and the Father ARE ONE

The Pharisees hated Jesus, because “He called God His own Father, making Himself equal with God” (John 5:18). The Father told the angels about Jesus, “let all of the Angels WORSHIP HIM” (Hebrews 1:6). The Father even directly spoke of Jesus, saying “Your Throne, O GOD, is forever and ever”.

But the Bible also says the Holy Spirit is God. Peter told Ananias,

Acts 5:3-4 Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit…? YOU HAVE NOT LIED TO MEN, BUT TO GOD!

The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are equally God. But within the Godhead the Father sent the Son (John 5:36-37; John 6:38-39; John 7:16), the Son sends the Spirit (John 15:26; John 16:7). There is SUBMISSION within the Godhead. There is SUBMISSION within creation.

When God made man and woman “in His image and in His likeness” (Genesis 1:27), just as each Member of the Godhead has equal value, each member of the Marriage has equal value. But God created the Man with the leadership role. The role is seen in the design itself.

Man was created first from the dust of the ground (Genesis 2:7)
Man was given oversight of the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:16)
Woman was created from Adam’s rib (Genesis 2:21-22)

Man was created to lead in the union of marriage, but woman was created to follow and be cherished. Man was to submit himself to GOD, and to love Him above all else. Woman was to submit herself to her mate as long as he followed God. “We MUST OBEY GOD rather than MAN” (Acts 5:29). God must come first.

Ephesians 5:21-22 Submitting yourselves one to another IN THE FEAR OF GOD.22 Wives, SUBMIT YOURSELVES unto YOUR OWN husbands, AS UNTO THE LORD.

The phrase “IN THE FEAR OF GOD” emphasizes that the submission to the husband, or the submission that the husband shows to the wife, is never to override what God has said. “IN THE FEAR OF GOD” doesn’t mean to be in terror of God. It means to understand that God LOVES you, and God wants the best for you. When you step away from God and try and do it your way, there is a consequence. God tells us to DO certain things, and to NOT DO other things because He LOVES US. When we step away from that path we invite disaster.

“Wives, submit yourselves unto YOUR OWN HUSBANDS, AS UNTO THE LORD”

Your husbands do not have the authority, nor the right, to ask you to do anything that is contrary to the Word of God and the spirit of love. When God leads you, dear women, to the man He has planned for your life, you will experience a wonderful love that I can hardly describe.

Men, You Must Be Worthy Of The Woman

Ephesians 5:23 For the husband is the HEAD {kephalē} of the wife, even as CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH: and he is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

Modern feminists hate this scripture. They love to speak of “toxic masculinity”, and how women do not need men, that they can do everything a man can do. Sadly, reality does not bear this out. If a woman is going to have a child, she needs a man. I saw this video the other day where a woman said,

“I think we need to normalize borrowing another woman’s husband. If I need something moved, or something repaired, I ought to be able to call a married friend and borrow her husband for the heavy lifting.”

That’s foolish! Let me suggest this, dear one. Women are different from men. You were designed with less structural strength for lifting, and with a different mindset than the man. That’s not bad. Men can’t have babies (praise the LORD!). Men can’t breastfeed (praise God!). Women have skill sets that men don’t have.

If you need a man to help you, go first to JESUS CHRIST and SUBMIT TO HIM as Lord and Savior. Begin to attend a local Church, and ask Godly men in that Church to help you do the things you can’t do. A Godly man will help you if you ask – we’ve often done that in this Church.

Preach: I believe there is a “toxic masculinity”, but it’s not what the world calls “toxic masculinity”. “Toxic masculinity” is the man who will not lead his wife in a God honoring way. Toxic masculinity is the man who lets his wife take the helm on everything, and stands by and watches then blames her when a mess comes. Toxic masculinity is the husband with the wandering eye, who pays no attention to his wife. Toxic masculinity is the emaciated effeminate man “in touch with his feminine side” that never lovingly restricts his wife from doing that which is ungodly. Do you want to see a picture of toxic masculinity?

Go look at Adam.

God gave Adam charge over Eden, and gave Adam very clear directions.

Genesis 2:16-17 (LSB) From any tree of the garden you may surely eat; 17 but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat from it; for IN THE DAY YOU EAT FROM IT, YOU WILL SURELY DIE.

That’s as clear as it can be! Yet when the serpent (that Old Serpent is Satan, see Revelation 12:9; 20:2) came in the Garden and began to talk to his wife, Adam stood back and said nothing. When Satan tempted his wife, and mocked the command of God, saying:

Genesis 3:4-5 (LSB) You SURELY WILL NOT DIE! 5 For God knows that in the day you eat from it YOUR EYES WILL BE OPENED, and YOU WILL BE LIKE GOD, knowing good and evil.

Where was Adam? He was right there. The Bible says:

Genesis 3:6 (LSB) Then the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make [one] wise, so she took from its fruit and ate; and she GAVE ALSO TO HER HUSBAND WHO WAS WITH HER and HE ATE.

It is a toxic male that stood by watching his wife do that which he KNEW God said don’t do. It was a toxic male that abdicated his leadership in that beautiful union called marriage.

What Adam did would be as bad as the Heavenly Father walking away from His Throne. What Adam did is as horrible as the Father saying to Jesus, “Go make payment for the sins of the world”, and Jesus saying “No, I’m not going to go!” It’s toxic. It’s evil. God would never do that. The Father sent the Son. The Son went without complaint. The Son sent the Spirit. The Spirit came without argument. God is not toxic – but Adam was.

His toxic behavior polluted humanity with a pollution that drags us down today. The Bible says:

Romans 5:12, 17 (NKJV) Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned– … 17 For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)

Adam is a picture of a toxic man. But Jesus Christ is a picture of the man God wants us to be.

Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, LOVE YOUR WIVES, EVEN AS CHRIST ALSO LOVED THE CHURCH, and GAVE HIMSELF FOR IT; 26 THAT HE MIGHT SANCTIFY IT AND CLEANSE IT WITH THE WASHING OF WATER BY THE WORD, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it SHOULD BE HOLY AND WITHOUT BLEMISH.

Illustrate: When I came by the Church yesterday, I saw a buzzard standing in front of the doors of the Fellowship Hall looking in. I watched it for a while, and it stared in the windows of the doors intently. I realized the buzzard was staring at its own image in the window. When I walked up, the buzzard took off. It left behind two nasty piles of stomach spit on the sidewalk in front of the door. Yuk!

Adam didn’t love his wife. If he had loved his wife, he would have told her not to eat. He would have told her “don’t talk to a talking snake”. He would have done ANYTHING better than he did. After eating, Adam stared not at God’s Word but at his own reflection in the window. Like an old buzzard he didn’t look to God, but to himself. He made fig leaves for them to wear (Genesis 3:7), a human solution for a terrible divine tragedy. When confronted by God, Adam did not take credit for his failure. Toxic masculinity always looks for someone else to blame. He told God:

Genesis 3:12 (LSB) The woman whom YOU GAVE TO BE WITH ME, SHE GAVE TO ME from the tree, and I ATE.

“I only ate, God, because you gave me THIS woman. I only ate, Lord, because SHE gave it to me”. Toxic masculinity does not stay true to the Word of God. Toxic masculinity sets its own standard, its own agenda. But true masculinity is found in the Lord Jesus Christ.

CHRIST ALSO LOVED THE CHURCH, and GAVE HIMSELF FOR IT

Here is true masculinity. Not to hide behind your woman, but to stand up for her. Jesus Christ loved the Church. Whereas Adam brought sin into the world, Jesus Christ died to make payment for our sins. He laid His life down to redeem us, to bring us into the Light of God.

John 10:11, 17-18 I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd LAYS DOWN HIS LIFE FOR THE SHEEP. … I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I LAY IT DOWN OF MY OWN ACCORD.

The toxic male focuses on his life, his wants. The man God made us to be is like Jesus, willing to die for his wife. No one made Jesus lay down His life, but He laid it down to bring us closer to God.

The man God wants us to be lays down his life willingly to bring our wives, our children, our friends, our communities, our nation closer to the Kingdom of God.

THAT HE MIGHT SANCTIFY IT AND CLEANSE IT WITH THE WASHING OF WATER BY THE WORD

Jesus did not die and rise again so that He might bring the Church – His Bride – in alignment with the world. Jesus died and rose again so that His Church might be Scripture centered, that it might be a society of SAINTS TOGETHER who are JUSTIFIED by faith and living HOLY lives pleasing to God. God did not give Adam his Eve to be a sex toy or a maid or a mommy. Had Adam loved Eve he would have done everything he could to draw her closer to God the Father.

Jesus Christ died and rose again so that His Church “SHOULD BE HOLY AND WITHOUT BLEMISH”, not part of the world. The toxic male allows his wife to wander from God, and supports that wandering.

Now let me say this quickly: Some of you may have wives or husbands who do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior, nor do they care to do so. The Bible tells us:

1 Corinthians 7:12-15 (LSB) …. if any brother has A WIFE WHO IS AN UNBELIEVER, and SHE CONSENTS TO LIVE WITH HIM, HE MUST NOT DIVORCE HER. 13 And A WOMAN WHO HAS AN UNBELIEVING HUSBAND, AND HE CONSENTS TO LIVE WITH HER, SHE MUST NOT DIVORCE HER HUSBAND. 14 For the UNBELIEVING HUSBAND IS SANCTIFIED THROUGH HIS WIFE, and the UNBELIEVING WIFE IS SANCTIFIED THROUGH HER BELIEVING HUSBAND. For otherwise your children are unclean, but now they are holy. 15 Yet IF THE UNBELIEVING ONE LEAVES, LET HIM LEAVE. The brother or the sister is not (BOUND) in such [cases], but God has called us to peace.

There are instances where a believer will find themselves in a marriage with an unbeliever. The Bible tells the believer to stay with that unbeliever if they so consent to it, for who knows, if by your example the other be saved. I know in our own Church I have heard the testimony of one who was saved through the witness of a spouse. God calls us to be peacemakers.

Ephesians 5:28-20 So ought men to LOVE THEIR WIVES AS THEIR OWN BODIES. He that LOVETH HIS WIFE LOVETH HIMSELF. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, EVEN AS THE LORD THE CHURCH

Oh, how Jesus loves His Church. How He loves you and I. Men, we are called as Christians to love our wives as Jesus loves the Church.

The Mystery Of Marriage

Ephesians 5:31-33 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 THIS IS A GREAT MYSTERY: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

A good, God blessed marriage is a “GREAT MYSTERY”. I love “mystery” books, detective novels, where the plot is eventually revealed. When two come together as God has intended, the two become one. Marriage is the completion of the full image of God. The two are to be one. This is the basis of the family, the family as God means it to be.

What of those who have lost their loved ones? Lost their spouse, their mama, their daddy? Church, this is where we need to come alongside of those in need. We as the wonderful Church that Jesus died for must show our love for those who have suffered the loss of their other. We must stand in the gap for children who need the representation of a father or a mother.

We need to stand with those in the valley, and point them to Jesus. We need to help those women that need help – and men too – that are in the valley of loss. The Bible says:

Galatians 6:9–10 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, AS WE HAVE OPPORTUNITY, let us DO GOOD TO EVERYONE, and ESPECIALLY TO THOSE WHO ARE OF THE HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH.

In marriage, you have an immediate family. But in the Church you have an eternal family. Draw near to your family. Let your needs be known. We cannot read minds. But given the opportunity, we will help. For we are the Lord’s.

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Steps To Peace With God

Posted on January 13, 2026 by bibleteacherorg

Photo by Lindsay Henwood on Unsplash

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

You Need To Be Careful With Them “Smart Phones”

I was watching a documentary a few years ago that explained the rise of Social Media, and so called “Smart Phones”. They really exploit the users to get rich off of your information. The Social Media founders know all about Dopamine. God made us so that, when we are frightened, excited, happy, that our bodies release a substance called Dopamine into our brains. It is Dopamine that gets people addicted to drugs and alcohol. It is Dopamine that tells your brain “pay attention to this” or “this is important” or “do this again” or even “DON’T do this again”. Dopamine is released when something is rewarding, novel or new, surprising, or motivationally significant (whether good or bad). It’s like a spotlight in your brain.

And it is addictive.

In his article “Is Phone Addiction Really That Bad?” Pastor and Author Patrick Miller writes:

“The consequence of dopamine abundance is addiction. To understand how this works, Lembke says it’s helpful to imagine your brain like a seesaw. On one side is pleasure; on the other side is pain. Your brain wants to retain equilibrium, to keep the seesaw flat. … But when you live in a society awash with dopamine factories—social media, pornography, gaming, high-calorie foods, alcohol, online gambling—you face a constant, pathological temptation to press the seesaw on the pleasure side. The problem is that the more you repeat a dopamine-releasing behavior, the greater your tolerance becomes. This applies to social media—a proven dopamine-releasing substance—which was designed to be addictive.2 Thus, if it took only two TikToks to spike your dopamine the first time, it will take four the tenth time, and dozens the hundredth. Whatever your drug of choice, you need more and more of it to get the original high and more and more of it to reduce the psychological pain you experience when you come down from your high.”

It’s all about mind control. Social Media is big business. In 2025 Social Media brought in $307-341 billion in annual revenue. The Facebook and Instagram platforms made $160 billion. The YouTube platform generated $36 billion. Those “free” services that you use are not free. They sell advertising – but they also sell your information. Do you know why you get scammers calling you, trying to get you to get the “New” Medicare Card, or telling you “This is Transunion Credit, and you owe $$$$ for tolls on the New Jersey turnpike”? It’s because these Social Media platforms have sold your information (name, address, likes, dislikes, etc) to bad actors who will rob you if they can.

I recently enlisted the aid of a company called Cloaked because I was being covered up by scammers and salespeople. Cloaked found 1340 records with my information on the Internet – and removed them. They’re still looking, and still finding data breaches.

If the fallen world can control your mind, they can control your wealth, your health, your political sympathies, even your religious persuasion.

The devil is into mind control – and he’s found a great tool in media. The devil blinds our minds the the Gospel of Christ:

2 Corinthians 4:3-4 (NKJV) But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

The devil wants your mind, to keep you from the life that Jesus wants you to have. The world wants your mind so they can make merchandise of you. The Bible speaks of false prophets – but these people are not just preachers, but businesses and groups that want not to help you, but to rob you. The Apostle warned:

2 Peter 2:1-3 (LSB) But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. 2 And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned. 3 And in [their] greed they will exploit you with false words, their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

The Devil Wants Your Mind, The World Your Money

The Apostle knew that the battle for your soul begins with your mind. This is why we are told to “think on these things”. To control where our minds go. To guard our minds, by being careful what we watch, what we flood our minds with. Do not let the world take control of your life, Beloved of God. Remember always that Jesus is with us. Jesus is with us.

The devil uses mind control. The attacks us at our weak points. How did the Devil attack Jesus?

Before Jesus preached His first sermon, God Himself led our Savior into the wilderness.

Matthew 4:1 (LSB) Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

How would the Devil tempt Jesus? I believe the reason that God the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness was to show us HOW TO DEFEAT THE DEVIL’S MIND GAME. The Spirit specifically led Jesus into the wilderness – not to teach Jesus – but to teach US. How do we guard our minds from the devil’s influence? How do we prevent the world from taking over our lives?

We’re going to look tonight at how the Devil attempted to influence Jesus. The Devil did not come to attack Jesus immediately. Note that Jesus was in the wilderness for FORTY DAYS AND NIGHTS, eating nothing (though He had water).

Day after day, no Devil.
One, two, three days … no Devil.
Four, five, ten, fifteen days. No devil.
Thirty, thirty-five, thirty six, 39 days. No Devil.

Jesus is made like us, but without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus’ body produced Dopamine, just as ours does. Day after day, Jesus is getting hungrier. When He hits the fortieth day, the Bible says “Jesus THEN became hungry”. The Dopamine kicked in. He’s HUNGRY. And comes along just as the Dopamine kicks in?

Chef and Theologian Extraordinaire, the Devil!

Matthew 4:3 (LSB) If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.

When you’re HUNGRY Dopamine activity increases in your brain circuits, demanding that you seek food, look for food, work for food. The hunger hormones (Ghrelin) increases when you haven’t eaten, increasing your desires. How did our Lord deal with the Devil’s temptation, and the release of Dopamine in His body?

Jesus Examined The Situation: Is It True?

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true {alēthēs}

When the Devil comes to tempt you, He will come when your flesh is hurting. He will come when you’re FAMISHED. He will come when you’re HURTING. He will come when you’re LONELY. He will come when you are at your weakest point. This is what the Devil did with Jesus. The Bible says that

Matthew 4:3 (LSB) And the TEMPTER {peirazō} came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”

Word Study: The Devil is called the “TEMPTER”, the Greek peirazō which means “the One who examines for quality or genuineness, the assayer who checks the purity or the quality or a person or a thing, a refiner. The Devil is testing the genuineness of Jesus. Is He truly the Messiah? Is He truly the Son of God, or is He just another Jewish savior? The Bible tells us the Spirit of God led Jesus to be tested. The Devil is testing Jesus – but God is using the Devil. Our God is the Ultimate Refiner, the Ultimate Tester. The Bible says:

Malachi 3:2-3 (AP) For our God is like a REFINER’S FIRE …. He will purify His people and refinbe them like silver and gold …

Proverbs 17:3 (AP) The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the LORD tests our hearts.

How does the Devil start out testing our Jesus?

Matthew 4:3 (LSB) And the tempter came and said to Him, “IF You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”

The Devil asks Jesus, “Is it REALLY TRUE you are the Son of God? Prove it to me. Feed Yourself. Satisfy your cravings.”

The Devil did the same thing to Jesus three and a half years later when our Lord hung on the Cross.

Matthew 27:39-42 (LSB) And those passing by were blaspheming Him, shaking their heads 40 and saying, “You who [are going to] destroy the sanctuary and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” 41 In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking [Him] and saying, 42 “He saved others; He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him.

If it’s TRUE, then FEED YOURSELF, Jesus. If it’s TRUE, then COME DOWN from that Cross. Show us that it’s true, and THEN we’ll believe (says the devil and his followers).

What the Devil did with Jesus, he does with us. He tempts us. He tells us, “If you are REALLY who you say you are, THEN do this. Dance to my song! Please ME. Satisfy ME. THEN I’ll believe”. Our Lord Jesus never played their game. He said:

Matthew 11:16-19 (LSB) But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces, who call out to the other [children], 17 and say, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ 18 “For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon!’ 19 “The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”

Jesus refused to be controlled by the Devil. Before He did anything, He asked the question to Himself:

Is it TRUE? Am I TRULY the Son of God? Do I need to do ANYTHING to prove that truth? Yes. IF I AM THE SON OF GOD, I WILL FOLLOW TRUTH, NOT SATAN’S SUGGESTIONS!

Christians get on Social Media trying to win the war and to battle the lies spoken. Jesus didn’t debate Satan. He ignored what the Devil suggested. He asked Himself, “Is it TRUE?” Is any part of it true? Beloved, do you want to know what TRUTH is? It is what God has said. Before Jesus went to that Cross, He prayed for His Church.

A Christian or a Church BOUND to this world and its pleasures cannot be BLESSED.

John 17:15-19 (LSB) I do not ask You {Dear Father} to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. 16 “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 “Sanctify {hagiazō, dedicate them to that which is Godly} them BY THE TRUTH; YOUR WORD IS TRUTH. 18 “As You sent Me into the world, I also sent them into the world. 19 “For their sake I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also MAY BE SANCTIFIED {hagiazō, dedicate them to that which is Godly} IN TRUTH.

What is the truth for Jesus? Jesus is God. He is the Son of God. Jesus could have easily spoke, and stones could have been made bread. The Scripture says:

Colossians 1:16 (LSB) 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.

That Bible text tells us that ALL THINGS were created in Jesus. This tells us that even the DEVIL was created by Jesus. Think about this. You have one of your children come to you, and say, “Mama – Daddy – you say you’re my mama or daddy. PROVE IT!” How are you going to do something in the flesh to “prove it”? You don’t have to prove it. The only home that child has ever had is the one you provided. You have given them life, and fed them. You would be very foolish to attempt to prove something so foolish in itself!

When the Devil comes to us tempting, even if we’d get a Dopamine rush from it, we need to stop and ask ourselves “Is It True?”. The truth is what the Word of God says. Jesus told that old Serpent:

Matthew 4:4 (LSB) “It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.'”

Jesus went to the Word of God, the Word of Truth. He quoted Deuteronomy 8:3, the Holy Scripture, and relied on the truth of God’s Word. When He did, the Devil didn’t go away – but he stopped that particular temptation.

We need to live by the Word of God, not by the word of this world. God’s Word is always true. The Scripture tells us:

Psalm 119:160 (AP) All Your Words {O God} are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.

Proverbs 30:5 (AP) Every word of God proves true; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him

Though God incarnate, Jesus did not use His own power to defeat the Devil. He spoke the Word of God, the Truth, to defeat the enemy. He proved He was the Son of God by referring to the Word of God.

Does It Honor God? Is It Righteous? Is It Pure?

We don’t just stop with “Is it TRUE?”. Tempted by the world and the Devil, we put ourselves into neutral and ask …

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are TRUE, whatsoever things are honest {semnos}

Word Study: Is it HONEST? The word rendered “HONEST” is the Greek semnos, which means “to be honorable and serious”. The word semnos is not just an action, but an action that comes from the heart.

Those who serve the Lord are to be serious in honoring Him.
Is what you are going to do honoring to the Lord?

Our Lord Jesus had His heart set on honoring the Heavenly Father no matter what might come. We have peace with God when we honor God – not just outwardly, but from the heart. Though Jesus rebuffed the devil with the first temptation, the Bible says that the devil didn’t stop. We read:

Matthew 4:5-6 (LSB) Then the devil took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle {pterygion} of the temple, 6 and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, ‘HE WILL COMMAND HIS ANGELS CONCERNING YOU’; and ‘ON [their] HANDS THEY WILL BEAR YOU UP, LEST YOU STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.'”

Word Study: The Devil is very methodical. He took Jesus to the “pinnacle”, the pterygion or the very highest place he could take Jesus on the Temple. Why?

When God had Solomon build a Temple for Him, after Solomon prayed and dedicated the Temple the Bible says “a Cloud filled the Temple, for the Glory of the Lord filled His Temple” (1 Kings 8:10-11). God did not live in the Temple, for the Lord said “Heaven is My Throne, and earth is My footstool. Where is the House you will build for Me? Where will My resting place be?”. The Temple was not where God resided. But The Temple existed to glorify God, just as the holy City Jerusalem existed to glorify God.

Satan took Jesus to the VERY TIP TOP of the Temple, ABOVE the glory of God, and said “Glorify Yourself! Throw Yourself off of the Temple, for the Bible says the Father will protect you”.

Oh, how many have been down this terrible path! The Devil twisted scripture, twisted the truth of the Word of God to get Jesus to make it all about Himself. Had Jesus done so, then He would have been no fit Savior. The Savior came to “lay His life down for the sheep” (John 10:11, 14-15). Before doing anything, even though Satan said “Now, this is TRUE”, Jesus asked:

Does the action glorify GOD, or does it glorify Me?

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are TRUE, whatsoever things are HONEST, whatsoever things are JUST {dikaios}

Word Study: But beyond honoring God, “Is it RIGHT or RIGHTEOUS”? Jesus didn’t put Himself on the pinnacle of the Temple, above the glory of God. Would jumping off the pinnacle, expecting the Father to save Him, be spiritual. The word translated “JUST” is the Greek dikaios, which means “that which God has deemed righteous, in keeping with His commands”. Spirituality begins in the heart. Jesus chastised the Pharisees, because they had an OUTWARD spirituality – but no relationship the Spirit of God. Jesus told them …

Matthew 23:28 (LSB) … you also outwardly appear RIGHTEOUS (dikaios) to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

Those who love the Lord will live for the Lord. God will never ask you to do something outside of the written Word of God. I’ve had people say,

“I feel like God wants me to do this”. (or)
“I had a VISION God wanted me to do this”.

Your visions and feelings are cute – but are they RIGHTEOUS? The Prophet Jeremiah was often confronted by false prophets. God told Jeremiah:

Jeremiah 14:14 (LSB) Yahweh said to me, “The prophets are prophesying lies in My name. I have neither sent them nor commanded them nor spoken to them; they are prophesying to you a vision of lies, divination, futility, and the deception of their own hearts.

God will never tell us to do something unsupported by the Scripture. If it violates His Word, it is a lie. Jesus told the Devil:

Matthew 4:7 (LSB) Jesus said to him, “Again, it is written, ‘YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST.'”

Again, Jesus quotes Scripture. It is true that Jesus is the Son of God. It is true that Jesus will not die until the appointed time. Jesus knows that if He puts the Father to the test, His action would not glorify God but dishonor Him. Jesus refused to play the devil’s game.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are TRUE, whatsoever things are HONEST, whatsoever things are JUST, whatsoever things are PURE {hagnos}

Word Study: Those things that are PURE {hagnos} are those things that “show reverence to God as opposed to satisfying the flesh. Things that are Christ driven, not flesh driven. Is what you feel led to do self satisfying, or God satisfying? The Bible says:”

James 3:17-18 (LSB) But the wisdom from above is first pure {hagnos}, then peaceable, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruits, without doubting, without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Do Your Actions Please God?

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are TRUE, whatsoever things are HONEST, whatsoever things are JUST, whatsoever things are PURE, whatsoever things are LOVELY {prosphilēs}

Word Study: The word rendered “LOVELY” is the Greek prosphilēs, which means “acceptable or pleasing to God”.

The Devil wasn’t done with Jesus. We read:

Matthew 4:8-9 (LSB) Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; 9 and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.”

God has said “You shall have NO OTHER GODS before Me” (Exodus 20:3). You are not to be god. You are not to worship any who profess to be god. You are only to worship the God of the Holy Scripture. God is not pleased when we worship anyone other than Him (Isaiah 46:9; Deuteronomy 6:5). Jesus told the Devil:

Matthew 4:10 (LSB) “Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.'”

As we close our message for tonight, let’s focus on one more admonition:

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are OF GOOD REPORT {euphēmos}

Word Study: That which is “OF GOOD REPORT”, the Greek euphēmos, means “that which is well spoken of”. If God doesn’t say He likes it, don’t do it! Paul ends with:

Philippians 4:8 if there be any VIRTUE, and if there be any PRAISE, think on these things.

“VIRTUE” {aretē} is thinking that leads to moral and spiritual excellence. “PRAISE” {aretē}is thinking that leads to commendation from God. That’s what should be driving us. Not social media, not the network news, but that which honors the Lord Who saved us. We are as Christians to be lights in this present darkness. Let us live so as to lead others to Christ.

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What NOT To Find In A Christian

Posted on January 13, 2026 by bibleteacherorg

Photo by Javier Mazzeo on Unsplash

Proverbs 26:13-16 The SLOTHFUL {ʿāṣēl} man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets. 14 As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the SLOTHFUL {ʿāṣēl} upon his bed. 15 The SLOTHFUL {ʿāṣēl} hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth. 16 The SLUGGARD {ʿāṣēl} is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.

Slothfulness Should not Be Found In A Child Of God

Word Study: In the King James text, the word SLOTHFUL or SLUGGARD (Hebrew ʿāṣēl, “a sluggard, one who is lazy) is found 14 times in the Book of Proverbs – and never in a good way. The word ʿāṣēl refers to the person who idles away the gift of life that God has given them. We aren’t talking about those who occasionally take a rest, for God established a Biblical Sabbath where we are to rest ourselves, and focus upon our Savior and Lord. Life is a gift from God: “GOD GIVES TO ALL LIFE, and BREATH, and ALL THINGS” (Acts 17:25). The soul of man is made by God. The Prophet Job wrote:

Job 33:4 The SPIRIT OF GOD HATH MADE ME, and the BREATH OF THE ALMIGHTY HATH GIVEN ME LIFE.

Our God is the One Who kills, and makes alive (Deuteronomy 32:39). He is “the FOUNTAIN OF LIFE” (Psalm 36:9). God does not give us life so that we can squander it. The man on his deathbed knows how precious every minute is. No man dies wanting one more dollar, one more acre, one more thing, one more social media follower, one more truck or car. The one on his deathbed wants one more minute of quality life, one more breath without pain and suffering, one more good day.

We realize how precious life is when we reach the end of our race. When we leave HERE, we go to Him Who made us. We will be judged for damnation, or be judged for what we did for Him before continuing His Presence forever (Ecclesiastes 12:7).

God never made us immune to work. When God put Adam in the perfect Garden of Eden, He gave him the command “Tend My garden, and guard it” (Genesis 2:15). Had Adam spent more time DOING what God said rather than JUDGING what God said, we would all still be in Paradise this very day.

Work is not only HONORABLE, but the worker who honors DOUBLE HONORED. “In all LABOR, there is PROFIT” (Proverbs 14:23). “Whatever you DO, DO IT HEARTILY, as TO THE LORD and not men” (Colossians 3:23). It amazes me that there are many who profess to be CHRISTIAN, but who never DO anything for the Lord. Jesus saved us so that we can DO, so that we can BE THE LIGHT.

Proverbs 26:13 The SLOTHFUL {ʿāṣēl} man saith, THERE IS A LION IN THE WAY; a lion is in the streets.

Some who profess Christ always have an excuse as to why they cannot leave their homes to serve the Lord. They have been told “Salvation is a free gift”. Yes, it is true that salvation is a free gift. The Bible says:

Romans 5:18 (NKJV) Therefore, as through one man’s offense [judgment came] to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act THE FREE GIFT CAME TO ALL MEN, RESULTING IN JUSTIFICATION OF LIFE.

Salvation is a FREE GIFT. That’s partially true. The full truth is that salvation is a free gift that results in a changed life. Once you are saved, you are changed from a sinner to a son of God. And sons of God WORK for God.

The Christian who will not work because “there is a lion in the way”, finding one reason or another to get out and serve the Lord, may not in fact be a Christian. Jesus made it very clear that the Christian is to be a worker for God. In His Parable of the Vine and Branches Jesus said:

John 15:5-6, 8 (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. … 8 BY THIS MY FATHER IS GLORIFIED, THAT YOU BEAR MUCH FRUIT; so you will be My disciples.

You do not work to be saved – but once saved, you work for the Lord. You glorify God not with excuses (I can’t do it because there’s a lion in the street. I’m scared. It’s inconvenient). You glorify the Father by FRUIT.

Christian, you are saved to DO. You don’t have to do PERFECTLY, but you have to DO to glorify the One Who will judge you one day.

Preach!; Some Christians work hard at being excuse factories. They churn out one reason after another as to why they cannot serve the Lord – then wonder why God will not bless them. We’ve all seen them come and go. They join the “Church”, but have never joined the Kingdom. They are good “Baptists”, but not good “Children of God”.

Proverbs 26:14 As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the SLOTHFUL{ʿāṣēl}upon his bed.

The SLOTHFUL Christian will not get out of his bed, but expends his energy like a door hinge. Have you ever seen a SCREECHING DOOR HINGE? It makes a sound like eeeakkkkkerrrrrr, an annoying sound. The SLOTHFUL will toss to and fro on their bed or comfort, COMPLAINING about every little thing that they can, and yet never wanting to do anything constructive to fix it. “The soul of the SLUGGARD DESIRES, but HAS NOTHING – but the SOUL OF THE DILIGENT, the WORKER SHALL BE MADE FAT” (Proverbs 13:4). “The WAY OF THE SLOTHFUL is like a HEDGE OF THORNS: but the WAY OF THE RIGHTEOUS is CLEAR” (Proverbs 15:19).

The slothful finds fault with every Church, but never joins in with the Kingdom Workers to improve the situation.

Rather than bail out a floundering ship, the slothful rest in the desk chairs, complaining. They toss a bucket overboard, and when full use their energy to its contents inside the ship.

Our Lord Jesus spoke a parable in Matthew 20, saying:

Matthew 20:1-2 For the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to HIRE LABORERS INTO HIS VINEYARD. 2 And when he had AGREED WITH THE LABORERS A PENNY A DAY, he sent them into his vineyard.

God calls His people to work. He calls some into His Kingdom early in the morning, at the beginning of their lives. He calls others at the third hour, at the sixth hour, at the ninth hour, at the eleventh hour. There are some saved later in life. There are a few, like the thief who died next to Jesus, who was called into the Kingdom on his deathbed. At the end of the parable Jesus said each worker got paid the same wage, regardless as to when they became workers for the Master. What is the point Jesus was making. Christians, if you are Christians, you will ALL GET THE SAME BLESSING OF HEAVEN. But here’s the other truth.

You ALL ARE WORKERS.
There is not a single person in the parable of the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN who is not a WORKER FOR THE MASTER!

What about the eleventh hour workers? What about the thief who died next to Jesus on the Cross? What work did this reformed thief do? This thief defended Jesus against those who were mocking him, against the unrepentant thief who demanded that Jesus do something. Jesus was doing something. He was dying for our sins. The thief also publicly professed Jesus as his Lord and Savior, even in the midst of his suffering. And to this diligent man, this newly saved son of God, Jesus told him:

Luke 23:43 Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with Me in paradise.

That thief entered at the eleventh hour, but receive the penny a day wage of eternity. But he worked. He didn’t complain.

Proverbs 26:15 The SLOTHFUL {ʿāṣēl} hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.

There are many who profess Christ, but never feed themselves. They will not open the Book, nor bend the knee. They will not do the work, but want someone else to feed them.

What is the first thing the baby will do upon birth? It will cry for the touch of its mother, and make known a desire to be fed. The slothful person hides his hand in his bosom. He will not reach out feed himself. Even a baby, when its mother puts her breast to its mouth, will reach out and grab the breast and drink its mother’s milk. I’ve seen the healthy child feed, heard its sucking sounds as it fights to find nourishment. A dead child will not do that.

Neither will a dead soul.

There are many who say “I am a Christian”, but will not seek out the Word of God. After Jesus fed the 5000 Jews, He headed to Capernaum, where large crowds followed Him. Jesus told them:

John 6:26-27 (NKJV) Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. 27 Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for THE FOOD WHICH ENDURES TO ETERNAL LIFE, which THE SON OF MAN WILL GIVE YOU, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.

The Bible tells us that “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds out of the Mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Jesus Christ is the Living Word of God (John 1:14), and the Bible is the written Word of God. Jesus told those at Capernaum “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst” (John 6:35). He took this illustration further, saying “I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world” (John 6:51). Then Jesus shocked them all. He said:

John 6:53-58 (NKJV) Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you EAT THE FLESH OF THE SON OF MAN AND DRINK HIS BLOOD, YOU HAVE NO LIFE IN YOU. 54 Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. 56 He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. 58 This is the bread which came down from heaven—not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever.

Why did Jesus use such a dramatic way to describe the child of God? Because, Beloved, if you do not hunger for the Word of God, if you do not believe Jesus has the words of life (John 6:68), THEN YOU ARE NOT SAVED.

Jesus said “If you’re not hungry for ME, if you’re not thirsty for ME, then you have NO LIFE IN YOU”. Salvation is a free gift that changes you. If you are saved, you are a son of God who wants more of Jesus every day.

Proverbs 26:16 The SLUGGARD{ʿāṣēl}is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.

I am certain as I talked about the spiritual sluggard today, many who are in this state will pop up and angrily say “How dare you judge us?” I’m not judging you. The Christian is called to hunger and thirst for Jesus. The Christian is called to work for the Kingdom. The first work you do for the Lord is to believe on God:

John 6:29 THIS IS THE WORK OF GOD, that ye BELIEVE ON HIM whom {the Father} hath sent

But that’s not the only work we do. Once saved, we are called to “seek FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD and HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS” (Matthew 6:33). Light cannot be light without expending energy. We are told:

Colossians 1:10 …..to be FRUITFUL in EVERY GOOD WORK

Colossians 3:23-24 …. to SERVE THE LORD CHRIST

1 Corinthians 15:58 …. to BE STEADFAST … ALWAYS ABOUNDING IN THE WORK OF THE LORD

1 Corinthians 3:9 … we are LABORERS TOGETHER WITH GOD

And one of my favorite Scriptures, which is consider the Gospel in three verses:

Ephesians 2:8-10 (NKJV) For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS FOR GOOD WORKS, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Christian, God saved you to work with your mind toward eternity. Do not expect to rule and reign with Jesus THEN if you will not work with Him NOW (2 Timothy 2:12; Romans 8:17; Revelation 3:21).

What do we sing in our hymnals?

O land of rest, for thee I sigh!
When will the moment come
When I shall lay my armor by
And dwell in peace at home?
We’ll work till Jesus comes,
We’ll work till Jesus comes,
We’ll work till Jesus comes,
And we’ll be gathered home.

Or what about:

Sowing in the morning, sowing seeds of kindness,
sowing in the noontide and the dewy eve;
waiting for the harvest and the time of reaping,
we shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.

Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.
Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.

I had a fellow write my website one day, saying, “You would get more followers and more likes if you stayed with grace. Your words will discourage the young Christian!” I did with the comment what it deserved – I gave it no answer, and trashed it. Beloved, I do not care if I get more “likes” or more “followers”. I just want to clearly present the Word of God. I can tell you for a certainty, our Lord Jesus expects us to DO.

The Christian Should DO The Right Thing

Proverbs 26:17 He that passeth by, and MEDDLETH WITH STRIFE NOT BELONGING TO HIM, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

Opinions are great things. Everyone has them. But the Bible tells us, dear Christians, to stay in our lane. The Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission back in 2016 saw fit to get involved with “The proposed construction of a mosque in New Jersey”. Our representatives filed a “Friend of the Court” brief supporting religious freedoms for Muslims, supporting the building of the mosque. As Americans we have First Amendment rights, including freedom of religion. But as Baptists we should not be involving ourselves in any worldly disputes or arguments that are divorced from the Scripture and the Gospel of Christ.

At that time ERLC President Russell Moore stated “The United States government should fight, and fight hard, against radical Islamic jihadism. But the government should not penalize law-abiding people, especially those who are American citizens, simply for holding their religious convictions, however consistent or inconsistent, true or false, those convictions are”. That may be true. But Jesus never asked His Church to do anything to advance the false gospel of any faith – period. When the Christian gets involved with something that is NOT his fight, it’s like grabbing a strange dog by the ears.

You’ll get bit!

As Baptists, we are to be focused on sharing the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ with a lost and dying world. My commentary notes:

“Moses had to flee from Egypt because he got involved in a fight between two Israelites (Exodus 2:13-14). And King Josiah died unnecessarily because he tried to stop Pharaoh Neco from engaging the Babylonians in battle (2 Kings 23:29).”

I support the First Amendment rights of every American, even when they do and say things that are repugnant to me. But the Bible tells us “If it’s not YOUR dog, leave its ears alone!” Let the Muslims fight for their Mosque, and the Christians fight for their Church buildings. Though Muslims are not necessarily bad people, it is hard to ignore that in Nigeria, Iraq, Syria, the republic of the Congo, Mozambique, Pakistan, Egypt, Libya, Afghanistan, Somalia, and Yemen Christians are massacred, kidnapped, churches are burned, and tens of thousands of Christians murdered and martyred by Muslims. Their holy book, the Quran, states:

“kill the idolaters wherever you find them and take them prisoners, and beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them at every place of ambush. But if they repent and observe Prayer and pay the Zakat, then leave their way free. Surely, Allah is Most Forgiving, Merciful.”

Christians are considered idolaters by the Muslim. They do not kill us in this country because of the First Amendment – but in Muslim majority countries there is no First Amendment. Christians are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), but we need to leave the darkness alone (2 Corinthians 6:14). We as Christians have enough legitimate work to do without meddling in other religions affairs. The Apostle writes:

1 Peter 4:15-17 (NKJV) But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a BUSYBODY IN OTHER PEOPLE’S MATTERS. 16 Yet if [anyone suffers] as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. 17 For the time [has come] for JUDGMENT TO BEGIN AT THE HOUSE OF GOD; and if [it begins] with us first, what will [be] the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?

We don’t need to go to court to defend the building of another religion’s house of worship. We need to be sharing the Gospel. Our Lord Jesus was careful to stay in His own business. Last Sunday we saw in Sunday School these verses:

Luke 12:13-15 (NKJV) Then one from the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” 14 But He said to him, “MAN, WHO MADE ME A JUDGE OR AN ARBITRATOR OVER YOU?” 15 And He said to them, “Take heed and BEWARE OF COVETOUSNESS, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”

Jesus refused to get involved with the passing wild dog of a family dispute between brothers. But Jesus quickly turned that moment into a valid teaching point – “BEWARE OF COVETOUSNESS”. Jesus stayed with the Gospel, with the Word of God. So when someone comes to you with a “passing dog” sort of thing, dear Christian ask yourself,

Does the Bible address this point?
Does this have anything to do with the Kingdom of God?
Will my answer draw someone closer to Jesus?

Let me quote another commentary:

“Even with Christian intentions many of us are too fond of meddling with strife not belonging to us. We constitute ourselves too readily judges of our neighbor’s conduct. Neutrality is often the plain dictate of prudence. Uncalled for interference seldom avails with the contending parties; while the well meaning mediator involves himself in the strife to his own mischief. Our blessed Master reads us a lesson of godly wisdom. He healed the contentions in his own family. But, when called to meddle with strife belonging not to him, he gave answer — “Who made me a judge or a divider over you?

Must we then ‘suffer sin upon our brother’? (Leviticus 19:17 .) Certainly not. But we should ponder carefully the most effectual mode of restraining his sin. Think of the special ‘blessing to the peace-makers.’ (Matthew 5:9 .) But the true peace-maker, while he deplores the strife, well knows, that interference in the moment of irritation will kindle rather than extinguish, the fire. Yet his self control is not indifference. He commits the matter to Him, whose wisdom he so greatly needs. He will seize the first moment for favorable remonstrance; “and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!” (Proverbs 15:23 ).”

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Submission Is Not A Dirty Word

Posted on January 5, 2026 by bibleteacherorg

Photo by Kristaps Ungurs on Unsplash

Ephesians 5:17-21 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Opening: Sovereign Citizen?

I was watching a Police camera video the other day where a woman was stopped for a minor traffic violation. I think she did a rolling stop at a stop sign. Not a big deal. The Policeman asked her, “Please give me your license and registration, along with your proof of insurance”. It was a reasonable request. The woman said, “I don’t have to give you anything. I’m a Sovereign Citizen of the United States.”

I didn’t have a clue what she was talking about. I looked it up and found out. The “Sovereign Citizen Movement” is a bunch of anti-government activists who believe that they are not subject to any government regulation or statute that they have not personally agreed to. This idiocy started in the early 70’s in the United States, and has grown and has infiltrated Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. As the officer asked her very politely – more times than I would have asked her – she continued to be a jerk, defying his request. Finally she said, “I have no driver’s license or insurance. I don’t have to have that. I’m a Sovereign Citizen!”

Then she put the car in drive, and took off.

You can guess what happened next. Off she went to jail, in handcuffs, for reckless endangerment of a police officer, resisting arrest, unlawful operation of a motor vehicle, etc, etc. These people actually make up license plates for their vehicles like this:

I think it’s particularly interesting that they quote part of a Bible verse from Luke 2:14:

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Having just been through the Christmas Season, you know that this was a sermon preached by Angels the night that Jesus Christ was born. And this verse is all about submission.

The phrase “Glory to God in the highest” is all about submission. “Glory to God” means that all glory should go to God, not to us. He is the Creator, and we are the created. When the Angels sang “to God”, they were emphasizing that all praise goes to Him Who is faithful (1 Corinthians 1:9, 1 John 1:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; Lamentations 3:22-23). And why is there “on earth peace, good will toward men”? Because the Messiah, the LORD of all has come. The Angel of the Lord said:

Luke 2:11 (LSB) For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, WHO IS CHRIST THE LORD.

That Baby in the manger is “CHRIST THE LORD”. He’s not a “good old Boy”. He’s not your buddy. He is “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). God has SUBMITTED HIMSELF to come down and be with us. “CHRIST THE LORD”, the One and Only Messiah, had been born into His creation. Jesus Christ Who is “King of kings and Lord of lords” (Revelation 17:14; Revelation 19:16) has come from Heaven to this earth. He has come to:

“save HIS PEOPLE from their sins” (Matthew 1:21)

Who does Jesus save? HIS people. Those who belong to Him by faith. Submission is not a dirty word. Submission is the basis for peace on earth and good will toward men.

Our country is scrambling today, struggling in an economic and political swamp. We live in a day where many reject authority. When you read in the Old Testament ….

Judges 17:6; 21:25 (KJV) In those days there was no king in Israel, but EVERY MAN DID THAT WHICH WAS RIGHT IN HIS OWN EYES.

It sounds just like America today. There was no king in Israel – not even God Himself. People rejected all authority but that which they themselves thought was right and proper. What happened with Israel? The nation was overcome physically by external enemies, and internally by economic disaster. The Old Testament as well as the New Testament picture of Israel, an Israel that did what was right in their own eyes, is that of victimization. We’re headed in that direction in America. Why?

“Submission” is not a dirty word. There can be no prosperity nor blessing without submission. Everybody can’t rule the world. Everybody can’t be the boss. Nothing works when anarchy reigns.

The worst thing that ever happened to America was the removal of the military draft. I remember going to Basic Training. The Basic Training I went through is nothing like the sissified training they give out today. From the time I got off the bus at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, I had drill instructors telling me how to do everything. We were issued everything we needed, and whatever person stuff we brought with us was put in storage until we left training. We were told when to wake up, when to sleep, when to eat, where to go, how to get there. We washed our bodies in mass showers with fixed water pressure and temperatures. We dried our bodies with government issued towels. After washing, we dried our soap off, and put it in containers issued to us. We folded our underwear the same way. We did what we were told, without discussion. And, if we excelled at submitting, we were released from training in six weeks. If not, we went to eight weeks. Do you know what we got out of that? A respect for authority. The ability to work together for the good of our nation. Those who could not or would not submit were dishonorably discharged. Why? Because in the midst of battle, in the midst of fighting for our nation, I needed to know that the man or woman next to me had my back. Nobody wanted to go in harm’s way with an anarchist, a “me first” sort of person.

Right Submission Is The Basis Of Salvation

Ephesians 5:17-18 Wherefore be ye not UNWISE, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT

You can’t get better if you don’t submit to the doctor. You can’t be cured unless you surrender yourself to the surgeon. You cannot be spiritually saved and blessed if you will not SURRENDER and SUBMIT to the WILL of the LORD.

There has been so much preaching about “all you need to do is believe Jesus, and you’ll be saved”, and “salvation is a free gift”, without preaching about REPENTANCE. Preaching the Gospel without REPENTANCE is like baking a CAKE WITHOUT FLOUR. It’s like having a BARBECUE WITHOUT PORK. It’s like having a CAR WITHOUT TIRES. It just don’t make any sense. It’s a fantasy that cannot be supported by Scripture.

You are “UNWISE” if you will not submit to the will of the Lord. This is REPENTANCE. Repentance is when God opens your eyes to your state of being, and you choose to follow Him. Repentance is a gift of God (Acts 5:31; 11:18). Repentance is spiritual submission to the will of God.

You will not find any New Testament preaching about salvation in Christ that does not begin with REPENT or REPENTANCE. The Herald of Christ, John the Baptist, preached:

Matthew 3:2 (LSB) REPENT {metanoeō}, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Our Lord Jesus preached:

Matthew 4:17 (KJV) From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, REPENT {metanoeō}: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

When Jesus sent His disciples out preaching, what did they preach?

Mark 6:12 (KJV) they went out, and preached that MEN SHOULD REPENT {metanoeō}.

When people asked Jesus about various trials and problems that were all the news in His day, Jesus told them:

Luke 13:3-5 (LSB) I tell you, no, but UNLESS YOU REPENT {metanoeō}, YOU WILL ALL LIKEWISE PERISH {apollymi}. 4 Or do you think that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them were [worse] offenders than all the men who live in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no, but UNLESS YOU REPENT {metanoeō}, YOU WILL ALL LIKEWISE PERISH {apollymi}.

Word Study: The word REPENT {metanoeō} means to change the mind, to submit your mind to another authority than what you were following. People are fond of that Bible School verse we all read:

John 3:16 (LSB) For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not PERISH {apollymi}, but have eternal life.

They say, “Oh, all I’ve got to do is BELIEVE in Jesus, and I won’t PERISH”. Well, that’s true. But believing in Jesus STARTS WITH REPENTANCE. Jesus said “UNLESS YOU REPENT {metanoeō}, YOU WILL ALL LIKEWISE PERISH {apollymi}”. The Christian is the person whose eyes have been opened by God, and who has stopped being a little god and started – albeit imperfectly – following the True God.

Word Study: Believing in Jesus requires submission of your mind, of your life. That word PERISH is the Greek apollymi, which means “to be given over to eternal destruction, eternal wilderness, eternal misery in hell”. The word to PERISH encompasses both temporal as well as eternal judgment from God.

Unless you REPENT, unless you turn your will over to Jesus, you cannot be saved. “Repent” means “I’m going to listen to God and receive Jesus as my Lord and Savior”.

The world follows itself, follows the desires of the flesh. Submission means to let God suppress the desires of the flesh, and let GOD FILL YOUR LIFE.

Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT

The Christian submits to the Lord, and lets Him suppress the flesh. The Christian seeks – not the stuff that God can give us – BUT GOD HIMSELF. The goal of the Christian is to be FILLED WITH GOD, not with self.

The lost person turns themselves over to drugs and alcohol. They will not submit their will to God, but submit their will to drunkenness. Have you ever seen a drunk? They give themselves over to alcohol – and lose their ability to function. They slur their words. They drive drunk, and kill people. They get in fights over nothing. The alcohol, the drug, it takes over the will, and destroys the person. It destroys the liver. It destroys the reputation. A drunken woman lies down with a worthless man, gives herself to him, and becomes pregnant. Now she uses her will to destroy the life within her for convenience sake. As she ages, what she did preys on her mind. What will she do? So many go into depression, and some even to self destruction.

The beginning of salvation is REPENTANCE, submission to the will of God. Evangelist Billy Graham spoke of the salvation of the Assyrian capital Nineveh. He preached:

“The Bible says that the greatest Revival, the greatest Evangelistic Campaign in human history took place in Nineveh. It was a city of probably 600,000 people, and the whole city from the king on down REPENTED. And God had mercy not only on the king, but upon all the people, and all the people were SAVED. That can happen here!”

If you are not a Christian, God calls you to REPENT and SUBMIT to Jesus. If you are a Christian, God calls you to DAILY REPENT and SUBMIT to Jesus. The Christian is to be filled not with SELF, but to be “FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT”. Give yourselves fully to Him Who loves you and came to “save HIS PEOPLE from THEIR SINS” (Matthew 1:21).

What Does Following God Offer You? Joy!

I often hear the statement, “You DESERVE to be happy”. Is that true? No, it’s not. In our Declaration of Independence our forefathers – many of whom were Christian men – wrote:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.-”

There’s nothing in our United States founding documents that gives you a RIGHT to happiness. Our forefathers said that you have a RIGHT TO PURSUE HAPPINESS, to chase after it.

Do you know where you will find happiness? It comes and goes based on your circumstances. The greater thing, JOY, is only found in the presence of the God Who loves you, and gave Himself for you.

Psalm 16:11 (LSB) You {O Lord} will make known to me the path of life; IN YOUR PRESENCE IS FULLNESS OF JOY; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.

If you fill yourself with yourself, you will not find joy. You may find a temporal happiness, but it will not last. So, how can I find joy? Submit yourselves to God your Father. Let God fill your life.

Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in PSALMS and HYMNS and SPIRITUAL SONGS, singing and MAKING MELODY IN YOUR HEART TO THE LORD

Word Study: Look at the phrase “SPEAKING TO YOURSELVES”, the Greek laleō heautou. That’s not speaking to yourself. If you speak to yourself, it’s a bad habit. If you speak to yourself and answer yourself, you are psychotic! This is not “speaking to yourself”, but “speaking to others like YOU”. Submitting your time to be with others who are saved by Grace in Christ. And you are not to just speak anything.

Word Study: The word laleō means “to speak to others so as to build them up, to prosper them, to benefit those around you”. When God possesses you, your communication is not like the drunkard or drug abuser’s. It isn’t nonsense. The Holy Spirit is also called The Word of Christ in:

Colossians 3:16 Let the WORD OF CHRIST dwell in you richly in all wisdom; TEACHING and ADMONISHING ONE ANOTHER in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

The Holy Spirit is given us by God to “guide us INTO ALL TRUTH” (John 16:13). Jesus said,

John 14:26 (LSB) the Advocate, the HOLY SPIRIT, whom the Father will send in My name, He will TEACH YOU ALL THINGS, and bring to your remembrance ALL THAT I SAID TO YOU.

When you repent and yield yourselves to God, God will make your life profitable to those around you. But if you feed the flesh and stay in yourself, you are a curse and not a blessing. Christians are to lift one another toward Christ.

The Holy Spirit does not give new revelation that contradicts Scripture, but guides believers to rightly understand and live out the truth God has already revealed. The Holy Spirit is NOT the conscience, but a Person, the Third Person of the Godhead. He is not a power, but the Empower-er of God’s people.

Birds sing even in the rain. Why aren’t you singing, Christian?

Those who are God’s people SING! Their hearts are filled with God, not themselves. They have “joy unspeakable, full of glory”. Three types of singing are mentioned here:

1. Psalms (psalmos), sacred scripture set to music. The Psalms speak of the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and IN THE PSALMS, CONCERNING ME” (Luke 24:44). Christians sing about and celebrate Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of God’s Promise of Eternal Redemption.

2. Hymns (hymnos), sacred songs that celebrate and glorify God. Unlike Psalms, hymns are not written by Divine Inspiration and are not a part of Scripture. This doesn’t mean they aren’t Bible based or doctrinally true. They are. Our Lord Jesus sung hymns. The Bible says that just before His death at the end of the Lord’s Table, “they SUNG A HYMN {hymneō} and went out into the night” (Matthew 26:30). Hymns focus on glorifying not self, but the God Who saves us and keeps on saving us.

3. Spiritual Songs (pneumatikos ōdē), songs that are spontaneous but Spirit filled. Spiritual songs may not specifically sing praises directly to God, but they teach doctrine, encourage others, and inspire us to love and good works. My commentary notes:

“From Psalms to Revelation, the Bible encourages us to “sing a new song to the Lord” (Psalm 96:1; 144:9; Isaiah 42:10; Revelation 5:9; 14:3). Psalm 40:3 says, “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.” A new song is one that arises from the spirit of a person whose heart overflows with adoration for God. Paul’s instruction to the Ephesians about music is preceded by the command to “be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). When we are filled with the Spirit, then psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs are the natural expression of our hearts. A Spirit-filled person is a singing person. One clear indication that a person is filled with the Holy Spirit is a natural desire to sing and praise God. Musical ability has little to do with it. God created us to find great spiritual expression through music (Psalm 135:3; Judges 5:3). Scripture is filled with music, and God delights when we use what He created to worship Him (Deuteronomy 31:19; Psalm 33:2; 149:3)”

Singing To God And Praising Your Savior Is
The Fruit Of Your Salvation

Ephesians 5:20 GIVING THANKS ALWAYS FOR ALL THINGS unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

If you are saved by Grace, a Child of the Living God through the Blood of Christ Jesus, God calls you to a thankful existence. Are you going through a valley now? Thank God anyway! Thank God that He has saved you, and that He has promised never to leave nor forsake you. The Bible tells us that “what you sow, you will also reap” (Galatians 6:7-9). Some of you are miserable all the time because you never thank God for what you do have. You are focused on what you do not have. That’s selfish. The Bible tells us:

2 Corinthians 9:6 (LSB) Now this [I say], he who SOWS SPARINGLY will also REAP SPARINGLY, and he who SOWS WITH BLESSING will also REAP WITH BLESSING.

God has given you surpassing Grace. “Thanks be to God for HIS INDESCRIBABLE GIFT” (2 Corinthians 9:15, LSB). We are to thank God for the good as well as the bad. We ourselves are told:

GIVING THANKS ALWAYS FOR ALL THINGS

Why do we thank God for ALL THINGS at ALL TIMES? Because God is our Maker, our King, our Savior. We know that whatever comes our way, comes our way because the God Who loves us has allowed it. The Bible says:

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (LSB) in EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

The trials that come our way, come to prove and strengthen our faith. The trials come to prepare us for the next stage of life. The trials are not there to defeat us, but to strengthen us. The trials shape us, and make us more like Jesus. God did not just love you at the point of salvation. God loved you from eternity past. God loved you before you were ever formed.

God loved you so much that He submitted Himself to His own creation, even unto death. God became Man, and gave Himself to you for your salvation. You can only be saved if you have given yourself to Him.

Here Is The Constitution Of The Healthy Church

Ephesians 5:21 SUBMITTING yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

The Christian is not like the world. You become a Christian by repenting, by giving yourself to Jesus. The Church is not like the world. We “SUBMIT OURSELVES TO ONE ANOTHER”, not according to human tradition or desires. But “IN THE FEAR OF GOD”. If you are loyal to God, loyal to Christ, you will be a unified Body that honors the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s not about what “I” want, but about what Jesus wants. Jesus said:

John 13:34-35 (LSB) A new commandment I give to you, that YOU LOVE ONE ANOTHER, EVEN AS I HAVE LOVED YOU, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if YOU HAVE LOVE ONE FOR ANOTHER.”

How did Jesus love us? He gave up His rights in Heaven, and became part of His creation. He SUBMITTED Himself for us. He SUBMITTED Himself even unto the Cross, so that we might be saved. Jesus rose from the grave, and even now SUBMITS Himself, sitting at the right hand of God the Father, making intercession for us.

As Christ submitted, and now submits, we are to submit to one another in the fear of the Lord. Submission is not a dirty word. It is the heartbeat of the Christian way of life.

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