Hebrews 4:12-13<\/strong>
\n12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
\n13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.<\/em><\/p>\nAt the time of writing of the letter of Hebrews, the majority of the Jewish people \u2013 the originally targeted audience for the writing of the letter, had for the most part stumbled over the word, not recognizing its \u201cliving component\u201d and in that stumbling had fallen into a religious blindness. Some indeed were awaiting the first appearance of Messiah. Most were not. They majority sadly missed the Savior that their entire \u201cOLD TESTAMENT\u201d had testified and pointed to.<\/p>\n
We meanwhile, as the mostly Gentile church, need to be careful that we don’t fall into the same trap. I am convinced we have an active spiritual adversary who FEARS any people of God understanding and pressing into the whole word of God.<\/p>\n
That stumbling work continues to this day to give the Jewish people huge trouble \u2013 and meanwhile THAT SAME word of God is also the ANSWER TO ALL THE MYSTERIES OF GOD \u2013 when the Spirit of God is included in the equation, when the veil is taken away in Christ.<\/p>\n
I was born Jewish and in Hebrew school was dutifully taught the Jewish bible (Tanach). The Jews do not refer to the OLD TESTAMENT as the old ANYTHING. It is Tanach and Torah to them \u2013 the law of God. <\/p>\n
But those Jewish teachings, true as they were, were pretty much dead to me because I was without any knowledge or experience w my own Savior \u2013 until a little later in life when my girlfriend (now my wife) and I got ambushed by God at a wedding in a small revival church in Southern California around 1973. THAT was the game-changer. It took us 6 months to belly up to the bar and start really surrendering to God, but from that very first experience on that Friday evening, we both knew for certain that Jesus was the Messiah of the world. <\/p>\n
The past 45 years have only grown our\/my love for God, our understanding of need for a Savior of the world, and our very clear understanding of the truth of Jesus \u2013 Y\u2019shua \u2013 Jewish Jesus being the one and only Savior, and the soon and coming King. <\/p>\n
I\u2019ve been teaching the bible for the past 35 years and admit to continually being overwhelmed by the majesty of God that is revealed in that Book, as one applies himself\/herself to dig and study. <\/p>\n
Because God is jealous over His word, He defends it vehemently, and also He chooses to:
\nA. Reward those who will SPEND themselves to come into the place of study and obedience to the word; AND ALSO
\nB. Work against those who would try to undermine His word, or corrupt or misrepresent the bible or the God who is revealed in that word. <\/p>\n
God is JEALOUS\/ZEALOUS \u2013 QANA \u2013 it\u2019s the same word in Hebrew both for ZEALOUS and JEALOUS.
\nIn ENGLISH you can sit on your couch and be JEALOUS. By definition, in Hebrew, there\u2019s implication that when GOD is JEALOUS, He is also ZEALOUS and plans to do something about it. <\/p>\n
In this message my goal is:
\n1. To back up the already-strong statements I\u2019ve made about the WORD OF GOD being alive;
\n2. To hopefully light you up and inspire you re the great glory of SPENDING yourself on knowing the word of God – giving yourself over to digging deep and truly learning the Word of God, studying IN THE HOLY SPIRIT and dialoguing w God as you study so that you might receive the intended revelation of scripture; AND
\n3. To fully convince you that the OLD TESTAMENT is absolutely CRITICAL and NECESSARY for you to press into and understand, so that you might better understand the NEW TESTAMENT and the fullness of God\u2019s plans as we head towards to the conclusion of this Age and the appearance of Jesus. <\/p>\n
I also want to impress upon you the urgency of the HOUR in which we are living; AND
\nI want to warn you of the plans of our very real enemy that are exposed in scripture as being plans to deceive, distract and divert us from our successful walks in God. <\/p>\n
We WANT to be found IN CHRIST, IN HIS WILL, IN HIS WORD.
\nAnd all that is quite possible.
\nWe\u2019ve been called into an amazing life and an amazing journey to glory.
\nIt is not easy. No one ever really said it was easy.
\nThe scriptures clearly do not present the ways of God as “easy”.
\nBut it is THE WAY to go. <\/p>\n
PETER SAID IT THIS WAY after Jesus asked Peter this question \u2013 after some hard things had come down, and hard things had been said. The gospel goes way beyond: \u201cJesus love you\u201d. It also points to the fact there is only one successful way THROUGH THIS LIFE and INTO THE NEXT AGE.
\nJohn 6:66-69<\/strong>
\n66 From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.
\n67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, \u201cDo you also want to go away?\u201d
\n68 But Simon Peter answered Him, \u201cLord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.
\n69 Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nBACK TO EARLIER STRONG STATEMENTS \u2013 the power and authority of the fullness of scripture (REMEMBER this is WRITTEN in the \u201cOLD TESTAMENT\u201d \u2013 the Word of God testifies of itself):
\nPsalms 19:7-11<\/strong>
\n7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul;
\n The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
\n8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
\n The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
\n9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
\n The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
\n10 More to be desired are they than gold,
\n Yea, than much fine gold;
\n Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
\n11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
\n And in keeping them there is great reward.<\/em><\/p>\nPERFECT means the word is complete \u2013 not lacking anything. ECHAD\u2026
\nCONVERTING THE SOUL points to its living ability to make changes in the soul of man.
\nREJOICING THE HEART and ENLIGHTENING THE EYES is about happiness and understanding. The confusion gets blown away as truth becomes clearer. LIFE makes more sense when it is processed by a converted mind.
\nALL THE WAY TO V 11 \u2013 There is great reward in the wholeness of God\u2019s plan \u2013 and that plan is revealed in scripture. THAT is how God planned it. <\/p>\n
Meanwhile, we are told IN THAT WORD \u2013 that we have an active enemy who is campaigning against us and against God.
\nHe is an ACCUSER \u2013 accusing
\nUS TO US
\nUS TO GOD
\nGOD TO US
\nUS TO EACH OTHER<\/p>\n
We\u2019re told that ACCUSER will be active until the very conclusion of this age \u2013 so we needn\u2019t be surprised at that:
\nRevelation 12:10
\n10 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, \u201cNow salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.<\/p>\n
We therefore would do well to understand:
\nTHE WAYS OF GOD and also the
\nREVEALED PLANS AND STRATEGIES OF OUR ENEMY. <\/p>\n
Picture this \u2013 Jesus is about to begin His own earthly ministry \u2013 and Satan shows up.
\nREAD THIS DIALOGUE:
\nMatthew 4:1-11<\/strong>
\n1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
\n2 And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry.
\n3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, \u201cIf You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.\u201d
\n4 But He answered and said, \u201cIt is written, \u2018Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.\u2019 \u201d
\n5 Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple,
\n6 and said to Him, \u201cIf You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written:
\n \u2018He shall give His angels charge over you,\u2019 and,
\n \u2018In their hands they shall bear you up,
\n Lest you dash your foot against a stone.\u2019 \u201d
\n7 Jesus said to him, \u201cIt is written again, \u2018You shall not tempt the Lord your God.\u2019 \u201d
\n8 Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
\n9 And he said to Him, \u201cAll these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.\u201d
\n10 Then Jesus said to him, \u201cAway with you, Satan! For it is written, \u2018You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.\u2019 \u201d
\n11 Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.<\/em><\/p>\nThere were no \u201capologetics\u201d spoken by Jesus to Satan.
\nHe went back to the word of God and declared what was written. He also UNDERSTOOD what was written, so that when the Deceiver even QUOTED SCRIPTURE \u2013 Jesus understood what it DID NOT MEAN. <\/p>\n
What does that tell you about our enemy, his ways, and our successful strategy? <\/p>\n
Note that Jesus was quoting the \u201cOLD TESTAMENT\u201d it was all there was to quote in those days. And it WAS and REMAINS as true as ever. <\/p>\n
What did Jesus think about the relevance of the OLD Testament as He told us about Satan and OUR TIMES – and as we head towards the conclusion of this age and our Lord\u2019s return?
\nMatthew 24:21-25<\/strong>
\n21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.
\n22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.
\n23 \u201cThen if anyone says to you, \u2018Look, here is the Christ!\u2019 or \u2018There!\u2019 do not believe it.
\n24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
\n25 See, I have told you beforehand.<\/em><\/p>\nWe are told by OUR JESUS that there will be DEVIOUS EFFORTS to even try to deceive the people of God. And then Jesus reminds us to not forget – He\u2019s already warned us about these deceptive plans. “SEE, I\u2019VE ALREADY TOLD YOU”. <\/p>\n
See the critical nature of understanding the word of God?
\nWhat did Paul tell his own spiritual son, Timothy \u2013 called to be a minister in his young life:
\n2 Timothy 2:15-16<\/strong>
\n15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
\n16 But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.<\/em><\/p>\n2 Timothy 4:3-4<\/strong>
\n3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;
\n4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.<\/em>
\nThe issue will not be that folks don’t want to hear anything, but they will not want to hear the truth. <\/p>\nConverted Rabbi-Paul already saw that there would be works of deception IN THE CHURCH \u2013 and he admonished Timothy to do something about it \u2013 to make a pre-emptive strike at FALSE DOCTRINE (TEACHING) by studying to understand that which was true. <\/p>\n
The days in which we are living are most critical. These are days that have been clearly spoken about in BOTH TESTAMENTS \u2013 and these are days that \u2013 if we are not aware of the time in which we live \u2013 we can find ourselves unprepared. <\/p>\n
REMEMBER WHAT PAUL SAID about \u201chow much to do\u201d:
\nEphesians 6:10-13<\/strong>
\n10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
\n11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
\n12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
\n13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.<\/em>
\nHad the NT been written in Hebrew, we might have seen some ECHAD\u2019s in these verses, for WHOLE and DONE ALL. <\/p>\nHere\u2019s where things get amazing for us and our topic in this message (I mentioned it a little, earlier): <\/p>\n
Part of the plan of the enemy is to keep us out of the OLD TESTAMENT. There is a propaganda campaign, initiated by Satan himself, to keep us ignorant of the OLD TESTAMENT revelations, because without those revelations, we are more apt to fall prey to goofy teachings that CANNOT BE SUPPORTED by the fullness of scripture. <\/p>\n
To impress upon you the critical nature of the \u201cOLD\u201d TESTAMENT to the saints of these days, listen to what Jesus told His disciples when He was asked about the conclusion of THIS NEW TESTAMENT AGE \u2013 and His return (a return that Peter tells us will be violent, forceful and worldwide): <\/p>\n
Back to Matthew 24…<\/p>\n
Mark 13:3-19<\/strong> and
\nMatthew 24:3-25<\/em><\/strong>
\n3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, \u201cTell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?\u201d
\n4 And Jesus answered and said to them: \u201cTake heed that no one deceives you.
\n5 For many will come in My name, saying, \u2018I am the Christ,\u2019 and will deceive many.
\n6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
\n7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.
\n8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
\n9 \u201cThen they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.
\n10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.
\n11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.
\n12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.
\n13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
\n14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
\n15 \u201cTherefore when you see the \u2018abomination of desolation,\u2019 spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place\u201d (whoever reads, let him understand),
\n16 \u201cthen let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
\n17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house.
\n18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes.
\n19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days!
\n20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath.
\n21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.
\n22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.
\n23 \u201cThen if anyone says to you, \u2018Look, here is the Christ!\u2019 or \u2018There!\u2019 do not believe it.
\n24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
\n25 See, I have told you beforehand.<\/em><\/p>\nJesus \u2013 with the words from His own mouth \u2013 is looking FORWARD to our days, telling US that WHEN (verse 15) we see something taking place in the temple in Jerusalem, we\u2019re to GO BACK INTO THE OLD TESTAMENT and read the BOOK OF DANIEL!!!<\/p>\n
And as if that was not enough, Jesus goes and says the EXACT SAME THING that Daniel himself says about those days of troubling:
\nJESUS SAYS:
\nMATT 24:21<\/strong>
\nFor then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. <\/em><\/p>\nDANIEL COORDINATES PRECISELY WITH THAT, AND TELLS US:
\nDan 12:1<\/strong>
\nAnd there shall be a time of trouble,
\n Such as never was since there was a nation,
\n Even to that time.<\/em><\/p>\nHere\u2019s more of which Daniel wrote re those end-of-age times:
\nDaniel 12:1-4<\/strong>
\n1 \u201cAt that time Michael shall stand up, The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people;
\n And there shall be a time of trouble,
\n Such as never was since there was a nation,
\n Even to that time.
\n And at that time your people shall be delivered,
\n Every one who is found written in the book.
\n2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake,
\n Some to everlasting life,
\n Some to shame and everlasting contempt.
\n3 Those who are wise shall shine
\n Like the brightness of the firmament,
\n And those who turn many to righteousness
\n Like the stars forever and ever.
\n4 \u201cBut you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nTime prevents me from going into all the detail of Daniel\u2019s amazing prophecy, but looking a little further into this one chapter (Dan 12) \u2013 it tells US that the mysteries of God are effectively in a HOLY SPIRIT TIME CAPSULE and will only be revealed WHEN IT\u2019S TIME FOR THEM TO BE REVEALED \u2013 at the end of the age:
\nDaniel 12:8-10<\/strong>
\n8 Although I heard, I did not understand. Then I said, \u201cMy lord, what shall be the end of these things?\u201d
\n9 And he said, \u201cGo your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.
\n10 Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand.<\/em><\/p>\nFor someone who would want to limit their study of the OLD TESTAMENT and write it all off as OLD, they would be missing this magical revelation, and in fact would also be missing this global truth about ALL THE MYSTERIES OF GOD: <\/p>\n
Deuteronomy 29:29<\/strong>
\n29 \u201cThe secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.<\/em><\/p>\nSo we can immediately see that God is offering us instructions as to HOW HE WORKS \u2013 and many of those instructions are in the \u201cOLD\u201d TESTAMENT \u2013 intentionally placed there to draw us back into those writings. <\/p>\n
It is ironic that it is the BOOK OF HEBREWS \u2013 written to the Jewish believers of the day, that contains some verses people (who want to discount the earlier Jewish scriptures) use to try to prove their point of the \u201cOLD\u201d Testament being outdated. Great scriptures, used in error. <\/p>\n
LET\u2019S ADDRESS THIS HEAD-ON.
\nThe writer of Hebrews says this:
\nHebrews 8:7-13<\/strong>
\n7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second.
\n8 Because finding fault with them, He says: \u201cBehold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah\u2014
\n9 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the Lord.
\n10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
\n11 None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, \u2018Know the Lord,\u2019 for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them.
\n12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.\u201d
\n13 In that He says, \u201cA new covenant,\u201d He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.<\/em><\/p>\nVERSE BY VERSE:
\n7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second.
\n8 Because finding fault with them, He says: \u201cBehold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah\u2014 <\/em>
\n(House of Israel and House of Judah are never terms used to describe the Gentile believer church). <\/p>\n9 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the Lord.<\/em> (those were the Jews who were already under the covenant of Abraham, but were about to be under the covenant and laws that were to be given to Moses \u2013 LAWS that could not make people holy, but instead could only DIRECT the people toward holy ordinances).<\/p>\n10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.<\/em> (this is what God was promising the Jews, and also promising to \u201cwhosoever will\u201d come into His family by way of adoption). <\/p>\n11 None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, \u2018Know the Lord,\u2019 for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them. <\/em>
\n(great verse for a teacher to address. This DOES NOT SAY there won\u2019t be teachers \u2013 other verses confirm there WILL be teachers \u2013 Isa 30:20. This says that the PERSONAL EXPERIENCE of KNOWING \u2013 \u201cYada\u201d \u2013 the Lord will be a PERSONAL EXPERIENCE \u2013 in this great salvation you can teach OF God, and about the WAYS of God, but the KNOWING has to be a taste and see that the Lord is good experience (per Isaiah). <\/p>\n12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.\u201d
\n13 In that He says, \u201cA new covenant,\u201d He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.<\/em>
\nVerse 13 is about the restrictions and demands of the Mosaic LAW covenant. The writer NEVER intended for Satan to use these excellent verses to try to dissuade the NT church out of the \u201cOLD\u201d Testament. These scriptural truths pertain to the Mosaic covenant made with the Jewish people after He had delivered them out of Egypt. God had already covenanted with them in Beersheva, at the time of Abraham. That has not changed, nor have the other eternal truths of the Tanach. The righteous requirements of the Mosaic ordinances were fulfilled in Christ. <\/p>\nHERE ARE TWO GAME-CHANGER PORTIONS OF SCRIPTURE FOR ME \u2013 THAT REVOLUTIONIZED HOW I PERSONALLY LOOKED AT THE \u201cOLD\u201d TESTAMENT. <\/p>\n
1.<\/strong> One is in the Sermon on the Mount.
\nJESUS is making a PRE-EMPTIVE STRIKE against the rotten and false teaching that the OLD TESTAMENT is no longer relevant to the NEW TESTAMENT AGE: <\/p>\nDO NOT THINK means DO NOT THINK:
\nThere\u2019s all sorts of things we OUGHT NOT TO THINK \u2013 but few in scripture are of such extreme importance that they are specifically called out . <\/p>\n
Matthew 5:17-20<\/strong>
\n17 \u201cDo not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.
\n18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.
\n19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
\n20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.<\/em><\/p>\nAND HERE’S LINE BY LINE BREAKDOWN OF THIS \u201cDO NOT THINK\u201d SECTION:
\nMatthew 5:17-20<\/strong>
\n17 \u201cDo not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. <\/em>
\nCLEAR \u2013 His death and resurrection was the FULL PRICE PAID FOR THE SINS of whoever would choose to accept that sacrifice and walk in covenant w Christ. <\/p>\n18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle (smallest punctuation point) will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. <\/em><\/p>\nA MASSIVE REVELATION re the \u201cspecificity\u201d and accuracy of every prophetic word of scripture \u2013 when this is understood and embraced:
\nA. Many of the false teachings will be exposed as erroneous because EARLIER events failed to FULLY FILL the SPECIFICS of the earlier prophecy \u2013 EX: FIRST CENTURY temple destruction and the confusion it has caused when many saints are taught all the \u201ctough stuff\u201d of the OT has already happened. It has not \u2013 so we can expect those things to occur \u2013 every jot and tittle \u2013 of the NOMOS \u2013 a word for LAW that Paul even uses in Corinthians when he quotes Isaiah \u2013 so it is meant for the whole OT); AND
\nB. We will see more clearly into YET-TO-BE-FULL-FILLED PROPHECIES.<\/p>\n
VERSE 19 is a warning and also a revelation of God\u2019s great mercy \u2013 God does NOT see erroneous teaching or erroneous following-of-teaching (either\/both w good intent, but wrong) as being a DISQUALIFIER from heaven. Instead we\u2019re told it will diminish one\u2019s reward \u2013 which of course we don\u2019t want to do!
\n19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.<\/em> <\/p>\nAND here we\u2019re actually told the Pharisees, in their \u201czeal without (YADA) knowledge of what God was truly doing, still had lots right. The bar of righteousness has been set for us:
\n20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.<\/em><\/p>\nWOW WOW WOW God. <\/p>\n
2.<\/strong> AND 1 PETER 1:10 is the other game-changer re validating the “OLD” Testament for us \u2013 but we would be so blessed to read the whole first chapter of 1 Peter, in its completeness<\/p>\n1 Peter 1<\/em><\/strong>
\n1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
\n To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
\n2 elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:
\n Grace to you and peace be multiplied.
\n3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
\n4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
\n5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
\n6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,
\n7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
\n8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
\n9 receiving the end of your faith\u2014the salvation of your souls.
\n10 Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you,
\n11 searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.
\n12 To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you<\/strong> through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven\u2014things which angels desire to look into.<\/p>\nWHAT TO DO \u2013 OUR RESPONSE AND OUR PARTICIPATION
\n13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
\n14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance;
\n15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,
\n16 because it is written, \u201cBe holy, for I am holy.\u201d
\n17 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear;
\n18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers,
\n19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
\n20 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you
\n21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
\n22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,
\n23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever,
\nbecause
\n \u201cAll flesh is as grass,
\n And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass.
\n The grass withers,
\n And its flower falls away,
\n25 But the word of the Lord endures forever.\u201d Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.<\/em><\/p>\nLINE BY LINE ANALYSIS \u2013 which is always far safer and far more sober than SHALLOW-DIVING into favorite verses.
\nVerses OFTEN stand ALONE in their promises, but ALWAYS stand up in their CONTEXT. That is a safe understanding as to how God wants us to think as we read. <\/p>\n
This is a MASSIVE portion of revelational scripture.
\nPETER THE FISHERMAN is telling us the OLD TESTAMENT was actually written for the NEW TESTAMENT believers and in many ways not for the OLD TESTAMENT believers. They had the teachers and the prophets that they went to for instruction.
\nThen Peter tells us that we have much to do with our salvation experience and our holiness, and it centers around our willing obedience to the Word of God, and then he concludes by telling us the WORD OF GOD ENDURES FOREVER \u2013 none of it is ever made obsolete, even though some covenants had seasons of activation \u2013 such as the requirements of the Mosaic Law.
\n1 Peter 1<\/strong>
\n1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
\n To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
\n2 elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: (we\u2019ve been set aside for OBEDIENCE and in OBEDIENCE there is grace and peace)
\nGrace to you and peace be multiplied.<\/em><\/p>\nV1 and 2 \u2013 PILGRIMS OF THE DISPERSION was a term typically used for the JEWS from times past, who ally \u2013 MANY OF WHOM WERE JEWS in the first century, but MANY WERE GENTILES. <\/p>\n3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
\n4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
\n5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
\n(WE ARE 100% FULLY-SAVED RIGHT NOW (we won’t get MORE SAVED later!), but the CULMINATION AND CURL ESSENTIAL OF THE SALVATION EXPERIENCE AND SUPERNATURAL TRANSFORMATION WILL ONLY BE REALIZED AT THE CONCLUSION OF THIS AGE \u2013 and for now there\u2019s troubles \u201cDOWN HERE\u201d)
\n6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,
\n7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
\n8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
\n9 receiving the end of your faith\u2014the salvation of your souls.
\n10 Of this salvation (THE NT SALVATION EXPERIENCE WE ARE EXPERIENCING) the (OT) prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, <\/p>\n
(OBSERVE THE TENSES OF THESE VERSES \u2013 PAST PERFECT AND THEN CURRENT IN PETER\u2019S TIME AND THEN FUTURE)
\n11 searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand (BEFOREHAND – AS OF THE TIME OF THE WRITINGS OF THE OT PROPHETS, BUT ALREADY-DONE AS OF THE TIME OF WRITING OF THIS LETTER BY PETER) the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.
\n12 To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven\u2014things which angels desire to look into.<\/p>\n
12 is KEY \u2013 what WE have experienced is something the angels marvel at. We are the sons and daughters of God, not the angels and now Peter tells us what our response to this revelation ought to be: GETTING OUR BRAINS IN GEAR AND LIVING HOLY)
\n13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
\n14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance;
\n15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,
\n16 because it is written, \u201cBe holy, for I am holy.\u201d
\n17 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear;
\n18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers,
\n19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
\n20 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you
\n21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
\n(HERE’S YOUR PARTICIPATION IN YOUR SUCCESSFUL SALVATION LIFE)
\n22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,
\n23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever,
\nbecause
\n \u201cAll flesh is as grass,
\n And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass.
\n The grass withers,
\n And its flower falls away,
\n(THE ETERNAL WORD \u2013 ENDURING FOREVER \u2013 even enduring false doctrines and teachings that would want to dilute or distract us from the fullness of the complete word)
\n25 But the word of the Lord endures forever.\u201d Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.<\/em><\/p>\n
Peter concludes with the confirmation of an Old Testament truth – the word of God endures forever. All of it. Forever. <\/p>\n
So what we are seeing in this teaching \u2013 which I humbly assert is accurate and taught in the fear of the Lord \u2013 is that BOTH TESTAMENTS are for the NEW TESTAMENT believer. <\/p>\n
They were WRITTEN for us, AVAILABLE to us, and we are ACCOUNTABLE to the fullness of revelation contained in both of them. <\/p>\n
Every single writer of the NT referred back to the earlier scriptures. In reality it is madness to think ONLY THE SPECIFIC VERSES they referred to, pertain to us. <\/p>\n
TO THAT POINT \u2013 let\u2019s look at what Paul told the Corinthian church (and us). Corinth was primarily a GENTILE city, so would be silly to think Paul would be pointing them back to the OT if his overall intent was to wean people AWAY FROM the Old Testament. <\/p>\n
Here\u2019s another one of those \u201cDO NOT THINK\u201d admonitions, written as: \u201cI DON\u2019T WANT YOU TO BE UNAWARE\u201d (same thing):<\/p>\n
BEGINNING in 1 Cor 9, since the context begins there:
\nPAUL BEGINS by comparing our WALK to a COMPETITION where we are all called to win, BUT we need to participate in order to finish.
\n1 Corinthians 9:24 – 10:13<\/strong>
\n24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.
\n25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.
\n26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.
\n27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.<\/em>
\n(THERE\u2019S A SOBER WORD re a ministry call not being a free ride into heaven)<\/p>\nAND HERE\u2019S WHAT PAUL TELLS THE NT CHURCH:
\n1 Cor 10:1-13<\/strong>
\n1 Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea,
\n2 all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea,
\n3 all ate the same spiritual food,
\n4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.
\n5 But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.
\n6 Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.
\n7 And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, \u201cThe people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.\u201d
\n8 Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell;
\n9 nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents;
\n10 nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer.
\n11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.
\n12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
\n13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.<\/em><\/p>\nAGAIN WE\u2019RE TOLD THE OT accounts were written for OUR ADMONITION, \u201cupon whom the ends of the ages has come\u201d.
\nAnd we\u2019re kick-comforted in V13 by being told:
\nA. We can make it; AND
\nB. You\u2019re really not going through anything all that unique. Others have made it; AND
\nC. God knows your capabilities and limits, and He will intercede to make sure things don\u2019t get truly unbearable. THEY IN FACT ARE BEARABLE, as your cross, as part of your participation in the work of the cross.<\/p>\n
I could go on \u2013 w the writer of Hebrews telling us that \u201cseeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of (faithful, OT) witnesses, to other scripture. <\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a bottom line \u2013 written by Peter, who fully knew the limitations of his own good intentions. By the time he had written 1 and 2 Peter, he was converted and full of the Holy Spirit, submitted, surrendered and sanctified. He under THE DIVINE PROCESS OF GOD: <\/p>\n
2 Peter 1:2-4<\/strong>
\n2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,
\n3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,
\n4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.<\/em><\/p>\nThe rest of that first chapters then goes on to lay out a PROGRESSION OF GROWTH AND MATURING that we are invited into and called into, by our great God. <\/p>\n
The end of that progression, of course, is a heart of love \u2013 something that God is doing, actively, in all who will say YES to Him, over and over again, each and every day. <\/p>\n
The MAGIC PRAYER of our Savior was \u201cYOUR WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN\u201d.
\nThat means we are binding our own wills to the altar of God and inviting His will into our lives.
\nAnd in that is great success. <\/p>\n
Blessings. <\/p>\n
All scripture: NKJV<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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