Tag: religion

Prayer and Supplication Part 3

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Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 

Scriptures are full of ‘secrets for answered prayers’ which does not mean that it is hidden or hard to understand. A study on any topic must be done by prayerfully reading and meditating on God’s Word while using all Scripture on the specific subject to explain the Scripture (Deut. 19:15; Matt. 18:16; 2Cor. 13:1), not coming up with one’s own interpretation (2Pet. 1:20-21).

Hebrews 11:6 explain that when we come to God we must believe that He is [in all things God as described in Scripture: true, holy, righteous, etc.) and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him – here we have four secrets of answered prayer: To please God (1Jn. 3:21-22; 5:14-15). To come to God with the right attitude and with the right motives (Matt. 6:5-15; 7:7-11; Php. 4:5-6). To believe that He is (John 16:23). To believe that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. If one can believe this as much as he believes in the existence of God, prayer will be granted. If one believes firmly in His existence and doubts His word, he makes Him a liar and God is under no obligation to answer prayer (Jas. 1:4-8). The Greek for diligently is ekzeteo, translated diligently seek (Heb. 11:6); seek after (Acts 15:17; Rom. 3:11); seek carefully (Heb. 12:17); require (Luke 11:50-51), and enquire (1Pet. 1:10).

James 1:5 states that if we lack wisdom we must ask it of God who will give it to us liberally, without reprimand and it shall be given to us.  Here we have six secrets of answered prayer: Lack of consciousness of needs (Jas. 1:5). Let him ask of God (4:6; Jas. 1:5). That gives to all men liberally (Jas. 1:5; Matt. 7:7-11; 21:22; Mark 11:22-24). It shall be given him (Jas. 1:5; Matt. 7:7-11; 17:20; 21:22; John 14:12-15; 15:7, 16; 16:23-26; 1Jn. 3:21-22; 5:13-14). But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering (Jas. 1:6; Heb. 11:6).

To be continued…

Stand Fast in the Lord – Part 1

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Philippians 4:1-3 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow-labourers, whose names are in the book of life. 

‘My joy and crown’ – we see the same reference of love and gratitude made to the congregations of Thessalonica in 1Thessalonians 2:19-20.

‘Stand fast’ – from 1Thessalonians 3:8 Paul reminds the Christians to stand fast in the Lord, for we live only if we stand fast in Him (Heb. 3:6, 12-14).

‘Euodias … Syntyche’ – Two women, who were the leaders of the congregation at Philippi, differed on some unknown point (4:3).

‘Yokefellow’ [Greek: suzugos] comrade; friend. Refers perhaps to Epaphroditus, the apostle to Philippi (2:25).

‘Women which laboured with me in the gospel’ – perhaps Euodia and Syntyche of Philippians 4:2.

‘Laboured’ [Greek: sunathleo] wrestling together, not in contention with, or against one another to build up human establishments which oppose each other in the gospel, but in union against the enemies of the gospel.

‘Clement’ was taught to be the same one who was afterwards a bishop in Rome and who wrote an epistle to the Corinthians, which still exists.

To be continued…

The Lord Jesus Christ – Part 1

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Philippians 3:20-21 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. 

‘Conversation’ [Greek: politeuma] citizenship; city; civil rights; state; society; or government.

‘We look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.’ What to look for [Greek: apekdechomai] It is scriptural to look for the rapture or coming of the Lord in the air for the saints, to take place any time (3:20; Tit. 2:13), but not the second coming. The rapture and second coming are two events separated by at least seven years. They are not two phases or two stages of one coming, but two distinct comings – one a coming in the air (not to the earth) before the tribulation, and the other a coming to the earth immediately after the tribulation (1Thess. 4:16 with Matt. 24:29). One is the coming for the saints (3:21; John 14:1-3; Luke 21:36; 1Cor. 15:23, 51-54; 1Thess. 4:13-17; 2Thess. 2:1, 7; Col. 3:4) and the other is the coming to earth with the saints to set up the kingdom (Zech. 14:5; Jude 1:14; Rev. 19:11-21).

‘Who shall change our vile body that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.’ This is the 4th and last New Testament prophecy in Philippians (3:21). The Greek word metaschematizo means to transform; change the fashion; refashion. Translated “transform” (2Cor. 11:13-15); “transfer in a figure” (1Cor. 4:6); and “change” (3:21).

To be continued…

The Exceeding Greatness of His Power

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Ephesians 1:19-20 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places

‘To us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power.’ Again, and again the apostle emphasizes the doctrine of power for believers, not unbelievers (3:16-21; 6:10-18; 1Cor. 1:7; 4:18-20; 12:1-11).

‘Wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places.’ Six things that God did for Christ: He raised Him from the dead (1:20; John 21:14; 1Cor. 15:1-23). He exalted Him at His own right hand (1:20; Ps. 110:1, 5; Matt. 26:64; Mark 16:19; Acts 2:33-34; 7:55-56; Rom. 8:34; Php. 2:9-11; Col. 3:1; Heb. 1:3, 13; 10:12; 12:2; 1Pet. 3:22). He gave Him authority over all powers, good and evil, under Himself (1:21; 3:10; 6:12; Rom. 8:38; Php. 2:9-11; Col. 1:15-18; 2:10-17; 1Pet. 3:22; Rev. 1:1, 7, 18; 11:15; 19:11 – 20:10). He gave Him a name above every name except God the Father (1:21; 1Cor. 11:3; Php. 2:9-11; Heb. 1:4). He put all things under His feet (1:22; Col. 1:16-18; 2:10-17; Heb. 2:5-18; 1Cor. 15:24-28). He gave Him headship of the Christian congregations (1:22; Col. 1:18, 24; 2Cor. 11:3).

Revelations of the Lord

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2Corinthians 12:1-5 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. 

‘It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory.’ Paul admits that it was not profitable for him to boast, but since it is necessary to answer his enemies at Corinth, he will continue his boasting about visions and revelations.

‘Revelations’ [Greek: apokalupsis] unveiling of things not known before and which God alone could make known.

‘Fourteen years ago’ – this takes us back to about 46 A.D., some 14 years after Christ died. Just where he saw the vision is not known.

‘In the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell.’ It could have been in the body, as in the case of Enoch, Elijah, and John (Gen. 5:24; 2Kin. 2:1-25; Rev. 4:1). The fact he did not know proves the possibility of a natural body going to heaven. It also proves that he believed in the consciousness of souls after leaving the body (5:8; Php. 1:21-24; Heb. 12:23).

‘Caught up to the third heaven’ – caught up, like in 1Thessalonians 4:16-17. Paul was not doubtful about being caught up to the third heaven. He was certain about that (12:2, 4). It was whether in the body or out of it that he was doubtful (12:2-3).

‘Third heaven’ – there are three heavens: the clouds or atmospheric heavens (Gen. 1:8; Ps. 77:17-18; 104:2-3); paradise (12:4; Luke 23:43; Rev. 2:7); and God’s heaven (Gen. 1:1; Isa. 14:12-14; 66:1; Rev. 21:2, 10).

‘Unspeakable words’ – this simply means that human lips and tongues could not express them. They were too sacred to repeat.

‘It is not lawful for a man to utter’ Paul may have been forbidden to utter these words like John was commanded to seal up and write not what the seven thunders uttered (Rev. 10:4).

‘Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory’ – again he repeats that he will not glory in himself and his attainments, but in his infirmities and other experiences suffered for Christ (12:1, 5; 11:30).

Paul’s Sufferings Part 1

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2Corinthians 11:21  I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also. 

‘I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak.’ Paul refers to these Judaizers reproaching them because they were uncircumcised, and as if they were weak or inferior to them.

‘Bold’ Fifty-five things that Paul could boast of: He was just as bold as they were (11:21); he was a Hebrew as they were (11:22); he was an Israelite as they were (11:22); he was of Abraham as they were (11:22); he was more a minister of Christ than they were (11:23); in more abundant labours (11:23); stripes above measure (11:23); in prisons often for Christ (11:23); often at the point of death (11:23); five times scourged (11:24); three times beaten with rods (11:25); once stoned to death (11:25; Acts 14:19); three times shipwrecked (11:25); twenty-four hours in the sea (11:25); in journeyings often (11:26); in perils of water (11:26); in perils of robbers (11:26); in perils by the Jews (11:26); in perils by the heathen (11:26); in perils in the city (11:26); in perils in the wilderness (11:26); in perils in the sea (11:26); in perils by false brethren (11:26); in weariness and pain (11:27); in watching often (11:27); in hunger and thirst (11:27); in fastings often (11:27); in cold and nakedness (11:27); daily care of all congregations (11:28); strength in God (11:29; 12:10); zeal for the congregations (11:29); many infirmities (11:30; 12:5, 9); absolute truthfulness (11:31; 12:6); miraculous deliverances (11:32-33); boasting was of necessity (12:1); visions and revelations (12:1); translation to heaven (12:2-4); experiences beyond knowledge (12:2-3); hearing unspeakable words (12:5); unlawful knowledge (12:4); freedom from self-glory (12:5); true quitting sense (12:6); genuineness equal to glory (12:6); special persecutions (12:7); answers from God (12:9); resignation to God’s will (12:9); power of Christ upon him (12:9); pleasure in sufferings (12:10); endurance for Christ (12:10); no boasting unless compelled (12:11); equal with chief apostles (12:11); humility in greatness (12:11); signs of apostleship (12:12); unselfishness (12:13-16); his judgment power (12:21; 13:10).

False Apostles

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2Corinthians 11:12-15 But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. 

‘For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.’ Sixteen marks of false ministers in 2 Corinthians: They hold secret things of shame (4:2). They walk in craftiness (4:2). They handle Word deceitfully (4:2). They walk and war after the flesh (10:3). They look on outward appearance (10:7; cp. 1Sam. 16:7; Matt. 23:27-28). They commend selves (10:12). They compare selves to others (10:12). They prey on the works of others (10:15-16). They are greedy of income (11:7-12). They are false; they seek the highest offices (11:13). They are deceitful workers (11:13). They try to counterfeit apostleship (11:13). They pose as righteous ministers (11:15). They seek occasion to glory (11:12). They are boastful and self-exalting (11:18). They are destitute of apostolic signs (12:12).

Thirty-four other marks of false ministers: They lead people away from God (Deut. 13:1-5). They speak presumptuously (Deut. 18:20). They propagate errors (Pro. 19:27; Isa. 3:12; Jer. 23:32). They have no sense of righteousness (Isa. 5:20; Jer. 11:1-23; 14:1-22; 32:1-44). They are destitute of light (Isa. 8:19-20). They teach lies (Isa. 9:14-16). They live like sinners (Isa. 28:7). They are ignorant of spiritual things (Isa. 29:10-11; 56:10-12; Jer. 2:8; Hos. 4:6). They compromise truth (Isa. 30:10). They are greedy and lazy (Isa. 56:10-12). They deal falsely (Jer. 6:13; Ezek. 22:27). They do not pray (Jer. 10:21). They destroy and scatter (Jer. 12:10; 23:1). They preach lies (Jer. 14:13-16). They commit adultery (Jer. 23:14). They encourage sin (Jer. 23:14; Ezek. 13:22). They are deceitful (Jer. 48:10; Ezek. 13:10; Rom. 16:18; Eph. 4:14; Col. 2:4-8; 2Tim. 3:6-13). They are sinful (Ezek. 22:25-28). They are liars (Jer. 23:14; Ezek. 13:19-22). They are selfish (Ezek. 34:2-3). They are unfaithful (Ezek. 34:4-10). They are covetous (Mic. 3:11). They teach doctrines of man (Matt. 15:9). They work iniquity (Matt. 7:15-23). They are blind (Matt. 15:14). They cause divisions (Rom. 16:17; 1Cor. 11:18; Php. 1:15-16). They corrupt truth (2Cor. 2:17). They teach doctrines of devils (1Tim. 4:1-16). They have a seared conscience (1Tim. 4:2). They are proud and perverse (1Tim. 6:3-21; 2Tim. 2:14-18; Tit. 1:10-14). They teach damnable heresies (2Pet. 2:1; 2Jn. 1:7-11). They deny Christ (2Pet. 2:1; 1Jn. 4:1-6). They are consecrated to destroy the Christian faith (2Pet. 2:1-19; Jude 1:4-11). They are hypocrites (Matt. 7:15; 23:1-33; Luke 11:35).

‘For satan himself is transformed’ – satan inspires his ministers to imitate Christianity and even to do miracles (Matt. 24:24; 2Thess. 2:8-12; Rev. 13:1-18; 16:13-16; 19:20). Where are his ministers who are transformed as ministers of righteousness? Wouldn’t they be amongst Christians?

‘An angel of light’ ten symbols of satan: A serpent (11:3; Gen. 3:15; Luke 10:19; Rev. 12:9, 15; 20:3); a crocodile (Job 41:1-34; Isa. 27:1); great red dragon (Rev. 12:1-17; 13:4; 16:13; 20:2); an angel of light (2Cor. 11:14); a roaring lion (1Pet. 5:8; Ps. 91:13); fowls (Matt. 13:4, 19); scorpions (Luke 10:19); wolf (John 10:12); fowler (Ps. 91:3); adder (Ps. 91:13).

The Simplicity that is in Christ

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2Corinthians 11:1-5 Would to God you could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that comes preaches another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if you receive another spirit, which you have not received, or another gospel, which you have not accepted, you might well bear with him. For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles. 

‘Would to God you could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.’ He states that he wishes for them to bear with him a little in his folly. Since they gloried in the boasts of those who opposed him, he stated some facts for them. If they thought of him as a fool in boasting, he was doing so because it was necessary to answer them properly and the false apostle who was disturbing them (11:16; 12:6).

‘For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband.’ The apostle here alludes to the custom of special care of virgins to see that they are educated and kept pure for marriage.

‘Virgin to Christ.’ Paul was jealous of his converts that he might present them to Christ just like a chaste virgin is presented to her husband. It was not Paul’s job to present all of the congregation to Jesus Christ. Each man will have rejoicing in his converts (1Thess. 2:19).

‘So your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.’ Here Paul fears for his converts that they may be turned away from Christ, as Eve was beguiled by satan to turn away from God.

‘For if he that comes preaches another Jesus, whom we have not preached.’ Here Paul refers to the false apostle who had come to Corinth after he had left.

‘I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.’ Paul told them that they can judge whether he was behind the very chiefest apostles. He may be rude, as he was accused to be (10:1-2, 10), yet not in knowledge, as they well knew (11:5-6).

The Measure of the Rule

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2Corinthians 10:13-18 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God has distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand. But he that glories, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends. 

‘Measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.’ Here Paul seems to be using the figure of a stadium or racecourse in the Olympic and Isthmian games. The measure [Greek: metron] was the length of the course, and the rule [Greek: kanon] 2Corinthians 10:13, 15-16] was like the white line which marked the boundaries of the stadium. The verbs of reaching and stretching in 2Corinthians 10:13-14 refer to the exertions in winning the race.

‘For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ.’ This verse simply means that Paul had not gone beyond them, further west in preaching the gospel, but had turned southward from Macedonia into Greece to establish their congregation.

‘Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly.’ They boasted only of things which God has done by them. They did not attempt to go where other men have laboured. They stayed within the bounds of the guidance of the Holy Spirit and worked according to this rule. Paul’s hope was that when they have grown in faith and grace enough for him to leave them that he could take the gospel to other places where it has not been preached (10:15-16).

‘But he that glories, let him glory in the Lord.’ Quoted from Jeremiah 9:24. The man who boasts, let him do so in the Lord. It is not the one who brags on himself that is approved, but the one whom the Lord recommends (10:17-18).

Casting Down Imaginations

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2Corinthians 10:3-6 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. 

‘For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh.’ Here Paul denies the charges of 2Corinthians 10:1-2. Though he lived in the flesh he did not war after the flesh (10:3-5). His weapons were not carnal (10:4-5; Eph. 6:10-18; 1Tim. 1:18; 2Tim. 2:3-5; Rom. 13:12).

‘But mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.’ Four great conquests of spiritual weapons: [1] Destruction of strongholds – we destroy reasonings of pagan philosophers and Jewish rabbis and their dogmas that nullify the Word of God and the facts of the Gospel. These fortifications we pull down and demolish. We put to flight the demon powers and alien armies, raising the banner of the cross high on the field of battle (10:4). Destroying all ideas or opinions about ourselves, others and God that is in contrast with His Word on these matters. [2] Casting down imaginations – we demolish all theories, reasonings, and any high system of ethics, religion, mythology, metaphysics, sublime doctrines or philosophy set forth to defy the knowledge of God (10:5). All the boasted gods, lords, sacrificial and mediatorial systems fell before the Gospel. The high-sounding phrases of Plato, Aristotle, the Stoics, church doctrines and even Judaism fell before the preaching of the crucified and risen Christ. Heathenism shrank before the Gospel and called on secular powers to defend it. [3] Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ – we take every thought prisoner and lead it into captivity to obey Christ (10:5). Lascivious, vain and evil thoughts of all kinds are brought down and made obedient to His laws. That includes any thinking which is contrary to virtue, purity and righteousness. We cannot allow any unholy thoughts (standard set in Philippians 4:8) to come into our minds and defile us.  See Matthew 15:19; Mark 7:21-22; 1Corinthians 13:5; Galatians 5:19; Philippians 4:8; Genesis 6:5; Proverbs 15:26; Isaiah 55:7; 59:7 and Jeremiah 4:14. [4] Having in readiness to avenge all disobedience – we stand at all times ready, so to speak, to court-martial any opposing the Gospel of Christ, after separating ourselves from them (10:6). The whole picture here is that of a strongly fortified city where the enemy makes his last stand; entrenching himself about the walls; raising towers and preparing engines of defence and offence upon the walls to ensure victory. The fortifications, walls, towers, and castles are taken by the Gospel and the whole opposition is destroyed and taken captive. We have no excuse for sinful thoughts; we are to wear the helmet of salvation (Eph. 6:17) a state of repentance, which mean to renew our minds (Rom. 12:2; Eph. 4:23) so that God’s mind and thoughts (as given in His Word) can become ours.