“But I’ll admit to you that I’m a follower of the way of Christ, which they call a sect. This means that I serve our ancestor’s God and believe everything written in Moses’ Teachings and the Prophet’s.” (God’s WORD Translations)
Did you ever think you could be considered extreme for speaking Bible truths? Or did you imagine you could be thought a heretic by the well meaning for teaching those same truths? Paul certainly was challenged by men that where angry with him for one reason – he spoke The Truth. If anyone was qualified, other than Jesus, to expound on the law and the prophets it was Paul.
“Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless” (Philippians 3:4-6).
In spite of all the Apostle Paul’s qualifications he was not exempt from scrutiny which led to negative criticism by demonically influenced learned men. Still, Paul persisted in his quest for Truth.
Festus said of Paul that all of his learning had driven him insane. Paul’s response was, “...I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.” (Acts 26:24-25) Truth is sobering. The word “soberness” means sanity. Years ago I came to realize the value of The Word of God in my life. Yes, The Truth had delivered me from my former insane way of thinking and chaotic tendencies. Thank God!
In Jesus’ Times they not only thought He was a heretic, but a blasphemer and demon possessed. Religious minded men even resolved to throw Him off a cliff. They actually thought they were serving God by seeking to put Him to death. Why was there such contempt for Him? He spoke Words that revealed the thoughts and intents of their hearts. The Truth He spoke often left them exposed and full of anger toward Him. (See Matthew 9:4 and Hebrews 4:12)
Saints, you and I are not exempt. We too will not escape the same spiritual audit being imposed on all who place their complete trust in That Wonderful Nazarene. In the Words of our Savior, “...affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake...” (Mark 4:17). There is a price to pay (self-denial) for what we believe and a Standard that must be maintained.
Overcomers
- “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
- “Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him” (1 John 5:1).
- “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4).
I am sure you have read these verses numerous times. Still, there are some key words that are important to rehearse. Sometimes, we become too familiar with certain verses and develop insensitivity to their potential power. So, allow me to stir up your pure minds.
In John 16:33 in the Amplified Bible Jesus says, “...For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]...” You may be thinking, “That is only fitting for Him to say, after all, He is The Son of God.” One of the primary assignments given by The Father to Jesus was to elevate man’s understanding of their status before The Living God.
1 John 5:1 reveals the richness of The Love of God. It says, “Whosoever believes that Jesus is The Anointed One is born of God.” For those who believe in Jesus, their status with God has been elevated to Heirs of God and Joint Heirs with Jesus.
Divine Designer
In Genesis the first chapter, The Father set forth a fundamental principle that can never be removed. He said things would produce after its kind. Jesus graduated our understanding; the process is called seedtime and harvest.
Plants beget plants. Animals beget animals. Fig trees do not bear apples and the common house cat is not the offspring of the lion. The Creator placed within all living things the ability to reproduce after its kind.
It should not be any surprise that God fathers Sons of God. In 1 John 5:4 the beloved apostle boldly conveys this powerful truth. Let us look at it again. “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” It is in our spiritual DNA to overcome the adversity in the world. Our elder Brother overcame and gave us The Key to our success – FAITH IN GOD’S WORD. Since you are Born of God you have The Sufficiency of God living in you.
His Grace is Sufficient
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
Grace is The Ability of God or His Favor. Paul gave us an example of how to quickly access God’s Capacity – become weak in your own strength or ability. Do not waste another moment in endeavoring to overcome in the world without His Grace.
Beloved, there may be a considerable price to pay for pursuing The Hidden Truths of The Bible. However, when your faith (total confidence) in The Word remains untarnished by the world’s bad news, grace to help in any need will be available. (See Hebrews 4:16) The Innate Power of the Word will make you truly free from anything and anyone who would dare to suppress The Truth that makes men free. (See John 8:32)
“He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD” (Psalm 112:7).
This Word from The Lord came to me to decree over your lives. “I declare to you that whatever has opposed you and set limitations on your Divine Expectations will regret all activities against you. I further announce your breakthrough has come. This is your year of recompense!” (See Isaiah 54:17 and 34:8)
No comments:
Post a Comment