Faith Made Perfect | Lesson 31

"And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."

Matthew 10:28 

[Your PDF copy of this lesson is available HERE]

Thank you for sticking with this study A Treatise of the Fear of God by John Bunyan.  It has been life changing for me and I pray the same is true for you.  If you have missed any of the lessons, you can find them available on the resource tab above.  I am so thankful that the LORD brought this to our attention and is a faithful teacher.  To God be the glory! Great things he hath done!!

Just a few days before beginning on this lesson, I was asked  about the perfect law of liberty...specifically: what is it?  [James chapter 1]

I really didn't know what to answer.  I should know, right? Many times when asked a Biblical question that I haven't considered I honestly don't stress about it.  I usually dismiss it and say to myself, 'The Lord can show me in his good time, if he wants'.

Too often, people who consider themselves Biblical scholars are so full of argument and other men's opinions, that they can't see the forest for the trees.  God's word is simple, easy to understand, and written for everyone who has ears to hear what the LORD wants to say. We should ALWAYS ask the LORD to explain his word to us..not run to the local pastor, teacher, or the like [online or in person].

If we lean on our own understanding, we will be confused; but, if we trust in the LORD and acknowledge him, the Scripture says, 'he will direct our path.' [See Proverbs 3:5-7]

We have had such a wonderful time of learning in this study of the Fear of God!  I have learned SO MUCH! I hope and pray that you have as well.  In several of our previous lessons and in our local Bible study group, we have talked much about this thing of GRACE and FAITH vs WORKS and how this relates to the fear of God.  I really believe that in this final lesson we will understand conclusively what the LORD has to say on this matter of FAITH vs WORKS.  It is important that we have an anchor in the harbor of God's Word .. that we HOLD FAST to that which is good ..

Do you hold fast to that which is good?  How do you know what is good?  What is the standard to which we measure everything?  There is only one answer and if you are a true Christian, you should know that answer -- it is God's written Word!

The standard of good is NOT:

• what society dictates
• what it feels like to you
• what a spiritual person tells you
• ancient writings outside of the Scriptures

Here we pause to discuss the final 3 pages of John Bunyan's Treatise of the Fear of God.  And we'll begin by defining the following words:

• HYPOCRITE
• FEIGN
• APPEARANCE
• FORGET
• SINCERE
• LIBERTY 
• FREE

The LORD through Bunyan's writing has spent quite a lot of time in our study teaching us the correct way to fear him.  What it is, what it is not, how to be mindful of it, and cherish it.  Yet, with all this knowledge and good understanding that we've gained, Bunyan spends the final pages with a very strong and crucial warning regarding the HYPOCRITE.

Take the time to reread those last 3 pages now ...
Next go to Matthew 12:1-37

1. To whom was Jesus speaking?
2. What was their sin?
3. What should we heed from this chapter?

Write out Matthew 23:13

OK .. Now let's look up the following Scriptures. 

--Write them out on paper

As you write them out, ask the LORD to open your eyes to the 'PERFECT LAW OF LIBERTY' and 'FAITH MADE PERFECT'

• Luke 4:18
• I Corinthians 8:9
• II Corinthians 3:17
• Galatians 5:1 & 13
• I Peter 2:16
• James 1:25
• Romans 1:16

And finally, would you agree or disagree with the following statement:

The Law of the Old Testament was obligatory to the children of Israel, they HAD TO obey to find favour with God; then in the New Testament the Law of the Old Testament by Jesus Christ was fulfilled and now became the Law of choice, WANT TO obey God's written commandments, precepts, and statutes by believing on God's only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.

Why do you agree? or disagree?

In your own words, define:

• LAW OF LIBERTY
• FAITH MADE PERFECT

EXTRA:  What’s your biggest take away for today’s lesson?

In the course of this study, would you say that your walk with the LORD God has changed?  In what way?

Now PRAISE THE LORD! For all that he has taught you. Give him the glory and thank him daily.  And remember to BE A DOER OF THE WORD AND NOT A HEARER ONLY DECEIVING YOURSELF. 

The Lord keep you and bless you, the Lord make his face to shine upon you and give you peace. Continue growing in the knowledge of your Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  AMEN

Being God's Friend | Lesson 30

 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. -John 15:14

[Lesson 30 PDF available for print CLICK HERE]

Have you ever known someone for a while and realized later that what you thought was a friendship only turned out to be a one sided relationship?  You may have been the one doing all the calling, texting, arranging coffee time, etc.,. only to find out that that person really didn't have your best interest at heart. Maybe they had other motives and interests, or maybe you discovered that you just didn't have the same ideals or beliefs.  Whether you've been a 'victim' or 'perpetrator', we all can relate to this type of relationship.

The Scriptures tell us that "Happy is the man that feareth alway." (Proverbs 28:14a)  It is happiness when we have a true friend.  The best of happiness is found only in God and the blessedness of the this relationship is that God wants to be our friend and best confidant.

The difference of this perfect friendship from a friendship with another person is that it is God who sets up the standard.  He allows us to be His friend if we follow his ways.  It doesn't work any other way.  We can desire a relationship with the Almighty God through Jesus Christ his only begotten son, but desiring and obtaining are two entirely different things.

Making a declaration, affirmation, or joining in the chorus of "I'm a friend of God" doesn't make it so.  There is only one way to the Father, there is only one mediator between God and man and that is the Lord Jesus Christ.

We will find much encouragement in this lesson of our study of A Treatise of the Fear of God.

On page 65, Bunyan writes, I come now to a use of encouragement to those that are blessed with this grace of fear... It is sent to thee from God, not only to join thy heart unto him, but to keep thee from final apostasy -- "I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me" (Jeremiah 32:40) That thou mayest never forsake God, is his design, and therefore, to keep thee from that wicked thing, he hath put his fear in thy heart. 

Many are the temptations, difficulties, snares, traps, trials, and troubles that the people of God pass through in the world, but how shall they be kept, how shall they be delivered, and escape? Why, the answer is, the fear of God will keep them -- "He that feareth God shall come forth of them all." (Ecclesiastes 7:18)

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:  By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 

 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;  And patience, experience; and experience, hope:   And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. -Romans 5:15

For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous. - Psalm 37:17

Let's look up the following words and verses first and then we'll finish up with the five things in this grace of fear that have direct tendency in them to keep us from that final apostasy/deception.

DEFINE:

• FRIEND
• JUSTIFY
• ACQUAINT
• APOSTASY
• REPROBATE
• ENCOURAGEMENT
• ENMITY
• SAVE
• SANCTIFY

LOOK UP:

• Philippians 2:14
• John 17:17
• I Thessalonians 5:23
• Romans 6:12-16
• John 15:14-15
• James 4:4
• II Thessalonians 2:1-17
• Romans 5:1-5

Back to page 66 of our text:  these five things to keep us -- that is to say that God uses the fear of him and who is he is as a safeguard for his children:

1.  It is seated in the heart.  The fear of God is not placed in the head, as knowledge is; nor the mouth, as utterance is, but in the heart, the seat of all.  " I will put my fear in their hearts."  When the heart, this principal fort, is possessed with the fear of God, then he is safe.  

2.  As the heart in general, so the will specifically.  Fearing of God is a voluntary acct of the will, and that being so, the soul is kept from rebellion against the commandment, because by the will where this fear of God is placed, and which it governeth is led all the rest of the powers of the soul.

3.  It is God's well-wisher.  "I will put my fear in their hearts." These words, his and my, they are intimate and familiar expressions, bespeaking not only great favour to man, but a very great trust put in him.  If a soul should be possessed with all things possible, yet if this fear of God be wanting, all other things will give place in time of rebellion, and the soul shall be found in, and under the conduct of hell, when it should stand up for God and his truth in the world.  This fear of God, it is God's special friend, and therefore it has given unto it the chief seat of the heart, the will, that the whole man may now be, and also be kept hereafter, in the subjection and obedience of the gospel.  

4.  This grace of fear is the softest and most tender of God's honour of any other grace.  It is that tender, sensible, and trembling grace, that keepeth the soul upon its continual watch.  A man cannot watch as he should, if he be destitute of fear: let him be confident.

5.  This grace of fear is that which first affects the hearts of saints with judgments, after we have sinned, and so is as a beginning grace to bring again that to rights that by sin is put out of frame.  O it is a precious grace of God!  I know what I say in this matter, and also where I had been long ago, through the power of my lusts, and the wiles of the devil, had it not been for the fear of God.  

This grace of the Fear of God produces the best results!  With the end thereof being that God will be able to call us his friend.  The Scriptures record for us that very intimate account of how God had chosen Abraham out of all the people on the earth to be friends with, to make a covenant with, to be Abraham's God, and to bring the Saviour of the world through Abraham's lineage.  God chose Abraham because Abraham feared God.  He obeyed God's every direction without wavering.  And then the LORD graciously reinforced his kindness and mercy by Jesus' reminder found in John chapters 15 and 17.  

Take time to read those two chapters and write a a few sentences about how YOU can be God's friend.  

Green with Envy | Lesson 29

For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. --I Timothy 4:8

[You're welcome to print and share this lesson - CLICK HERE]

Is the grass really greener on the other side of the fence? What is it to you if God chooses to work in a way that you don't like? What is it to you if God chooses to bestow his mercy and kindness on someone you may deem as unworthy? What is it to you when God is teaching you what HE wants?

Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.   -John 21:20-23

This response by Jesus always has made me smile.  As if my attitude resounded with go get 'em Jesus! -- yeah! take that!  It is easy to see this little whining out of Peter, or someone else; but do we recognize it in ourselves when we are doing it?

As we conclude with the warnings of Bunyan that expose the 10 top attitudes that can hinder our growth in the grace of the fear of God, we must remember it is the LORD by his Holy Spirit teaching us.  He teaches us line upon line and precept upon precept.  This is how the LORD teaches those who have ears to hear what the Spirit sayith to the church.

The Final Four (hehe) attitudes that we should guard against are as follows:

1. A murmuring and repining heart
2. A high and captious spirit
3. An envious heart
4. A hardening heart (at any time against the convictions to particular duties as to prayer, alms, self-denial, or the like)

These four attitudes are the most similar in nature; yet bare studying specifically as they are most dangerous.

 The temptation for man began way back in the garden of Eden when that old serpent the devil tempted Eve by deceitfully saying "Yea, hath God said?" (found in Genesis 3:1)

Yet, this most evil attitude started with Satan and caused him to be thrown out of heaven.

Reading the book of Job gives light to what our attitude should be when we encounter various trials and when things around us need answers.

 Lets look quickly at Job 22:21 - 22 Acquaint now thyself with him [God Almighty] , and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.  Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart. 

DEFINE:

• MURMUR
• DISPUTING
• DISPOSITION
• GRUDGE
• REPINE
• CONTENT
• CAPTIOUS
• CYNICAL 
• ENTANGLE
• ENVY

After reading several times over what Bunyan said about guarding one's self against a 'repining' heart, I'm sobered by this truth.  Sobered by the realization that I've had this wickedness in my own heart.  We could say the current version of a repining heart uses the word WHY.

Why God? Why this way? Why is this happening to me? 

This sort of 'why' may begin as a sincere request for information; but when the answer is delayed or withheld, we tend to fret and find fault with God's ways.

We know that the children of Israel murmured against the LORD and the LORD dealt sternly with them.  We are reminded in Philippians 2:14 to Do all things without murmurings or disputings.

When men repine at God's hand, at his dispensations, and at the judgements that overtake them, in their persons, estates, families, or relations, that their murmuring tendeth to destroy fear [of God]; for a murmuring spirit is such an one as seems to correct God, and to find fault with his dispensations, and where there is that, the hear is far from the fear of God. --Treatise of the Fear of God, pg. 64

To help us guard against those dangerous final four attitudes, let's write out the cause and effect found in the following scriptures.  Briefly answer these questions to help you.  (The "IF" you do such and such, "THEN" such and such will happen.)

1. Is there sin addressed in these verses?
2. What does God say about it?
3. What can we learn by the bad choices or right choices in these verses?

LOOK UP:

• Isaiah 14:11-15
• Deuteronomy 17:19-20
• Genesis 3:1
• I Corinthians 10:10-13
• Numbers 14
• I Timothy 6:1-8
• Philippians 4:11-13
• James 5:9
• Proverbs 13:30
• Proverbs 23:17
• Romans 1:28-32
• Leviticus 26:13-21
• Proverbs 1:7
• Proverbs 28:14
• Ephesians 4:29-32

  For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. --I Timothy 4:8

Take 4 | Lesson 28

Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. -- Mark 13:33

[PDF of today's lesson is available here.]

In the last lesson, we talked about prayer and about taking heed of a prayerless heart. There is so much to learn about prayer. 

We must beware of methods, formulas, and chants.  We must learn what is an effective prayer and really how to be heard by the only God who truly cares.  These true keys of prayer come by attending the prayer school of Jesus Christ himself.  

In Matthew 6, the Lord Jesus answers his disciples request of 'teach us to pray'; and today let's take a look at "Thy will be done". 

It is true surrender to live out "Thy will be done".  It is maybe the best mark of the fear of God on a Christian. But there is such a strong pull away from waiting for God's will to be accomplished. 

Jesus life was completely surrendered to God his Father.  Hebrews 4:14-16 tells us that Jesus was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Verse 16 is a verse we are probable well acquainted with; but it's been mistaught and taken out of context so many times, we have to shovel off the dirt to find the treasure in the verse. This verse has been used in an attempt to twist God's arm to give us our "needs".  The context of this verse is not for materialism but rather the manner in which we are equipped to stay upon our God when tempted to look elsewhere for the meeting of our needs.

The fear of God, the total surrender of oneself to God, and prayer are all essential to "Thy will be done" and is most accomplished in waiting on God.

Bunyan warns that we must take heed to our own heart that we not be drawn away from God by giving place to the temptations that can so easily beset a child of God.

Let's look up the following words and verses before we continue:

DEFINE: 

• Entice
• Wanton
• Temptation
• Boredom
• Covet
• Lust
• Happy
• Forget

LOOK UP:

• Hebrews 12:1
• Proverbs 1:10
• Hebrews 3:12-13
• James 1:15
• I John 5:17
• James 4:17
• I John 2:16
• Hebrews 4:11
• Revelation 21:8
• Psalm 103:2
• Psalm 119:16 & 93
• Proverbs 3:1
• Hebrews 13:16

-- Take 4 Precautions --

1. Against Wantonness --  when we pray, when we spend time with the LORD, it can seem to our flesh not exciting.  If we don't see some quick action on God's part, it's tempting to get bored, stagnant, and easily distracted. 

     Wanton is a word that describes a person who is loose or lewd.  But since this behavior is encouraged and now celebrated, a Christian is no longer taught that it is a behavior against God.

Society has taught that 'if it feels good, do it', and the church has embraced what it used to be opposed to.  And the church has exasperated the problem by promoting one's own purpose and passions.  They say: If it's not your passion to pray -- that's ok -- just focus on YOUR passion. 

Prayer is not an emotion

Prayer isn't an extreme sport; nor is it a block-buster movie.  The temptation to NOT wait upon the LORD and look for gratification elsewhere can be alluring.  

But God has given us a way of escape from temptation. Look at Hebrews 4:16 and Matthew 6:13.

2 Against Covetousness -- this too, has not been taught correctly and it's been covered in such a way that give the permission for the longing of a desired object, situation,or person under the guise of if it makes you happy then it must be okay with God.

• Find the word HAPPY in the Bible and write 4 verses here: 
• What makes a man happy according to the Bible?

3. Against Unbelief -- what is it that we are to believe? or for the Christian, what is an unbelieving heart?  Simply put, it is not trusting that God will do what he said he would do.  But what is it that God said?

   Remember John 3:16?

The temptation of unbelief is not that one does not believe whether or not God will give you a new car or a car that just runs -- but rather, it is that one does not believe that God will keep care of you in your situation with or without any car.

The children of Israel wanted that proverbial new car, a better situation, an easier life, and grumble against God based on the materialism they desired.  They refused to believe that God would keep them no matter what.  They didn't believe that God could be their God and that conclusion came based on what they saw around them.  And as a result, their hearts where hardened.

In our material world, the temptation to not believe God is so loud because we've been brought up in a society based on the lust of the eyes.

Take a serious look at Hebrew chapter 11 

• In each of the examples listed, did the saints of God act on what they saw or by what God said?
• In each of the examples in Hebrews 11, who initiated the plan and purpose?

4. Against Forgetfulness -- Memory is a precious function of a man and woman.  Albeit our thoughts and memories are usually filled with our current situation, past failures of others or ourselves, and rarely of the works of God.

    MEMORY:  the faculty of the mind by which it retains the knowledge of past events or ideas which are past, to lay up in the mind.

A little searching showed the following information to which we will attend later as it is important:

REMEMBER -- occurs 144 times in the Scriptures, the Bible, the Word of God

FORGET -- occurs 51 times

THOUGHTS -- occurs 53 times

THINKETH -- occurs 6 times

MIND -- occurs 92 times

MEMORIAL -- 31 times

>> Look up the following verses and write down 3 things that a child of God, a Christian should remember:

• DEUTERONOMY 8:2
• DEUTERONOMY 9:7
• PSALM 20:7
• REVELATION 3:3
• ISAIAH 26:3
• PROVERBS 21:27
• ROMANS 1:28
• ROMANS 12:2

What was your greatest take away after reading and studying this lesson?  

The word of God is life to you.  If you read it and give God place to speak to you -- IF you seek him with your whole heart, you will find him. God knows what you have need of, he not only knows, he is faithful to his written word and is trustworthy.  Call out to the LORD God today.  Harden not your heart.  Time is of the essence.

Prayer Works! | Lesson 27

It is written: Men ought always to pray! - Luke 18:1

[PDF copy of lesson available HERE]

What is the significance of prayer?  What is the urgency of prayer? What would lead to a prayerless heart?  These questions are well to be considered.  Many ask, though not audible, why bother praying? -- God is sovereign, the world is a mess anyway, how can it be possible that my requests would be heard, never mind answered?

Most people feel this way at some time in their life.  It may be you right now.  Things in the world are ugly and chaotic and just getting worse.  Things in the lives of your friends and loved ones seem to be so discouraging that one could loose all hope.  

It is the beginning of October as I write this lesson.  My favorite fall month and the most vexing month.  As the LORD brings the crisp fresh air and the beauty in the foliage, the devil brings out all his heinous devilish nasty death in the socially and church accepted celebration of Halloween.  UGG!!!  There is no getting away from the visions of hell.

Yet will I praise the LORD!  The LORD is my rock and my fortress.  My God, in Him will I trust!!

Praying is talking to God.  Prayer is presenting a request before the God of all wisdom, comfort, and righteousness in hopes of an answer:  a resolve to a situation, a gentle word in the midst of sadness or despair, a way of escape for the desperate soul.  Yet, not many people will go to the only God who has all the answers.

We find ourselves falling into the trap of society and try to figure it out on our own.  If that doesn't work, we may read a book, do a google search, ask a friend or coworker..but not ask God himself. We'll keep trudging along with the burden of questions and problems.  We'll ignore it. We'll put it off until we think we have more time to give it the attention it deserves.  

Most people desperately want to be on the right path for their lives.  Most people don't set out with the intention of doing it all wrong.  Let's face it.  We wish we could see the big picture ahead of time. We think to ourselves, we'd choose right, if we only knew what to do in this given situation.  We would be able to help someone in their situation.  We'd be stronger and more able to handle the emotional interruptions of the day.  We know we could do it.  But then, the answer isn't obvious to us, the situation worsens, and we are just too busy and confused to see the forest for the trees. 

Oh, dear Reader, what a plight.  Jesus said, Men ought always to pray!  Jesus said come to me, learn of me, But we get in our own way.

Proverbs 16:25 reminds us:  There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. 

You see, each time we try and figure out a way to get something answered without asking God FIRST, we become a little more jaded.  Or as we are studying, we hinder the growth of the fear of God in our life by not taking heed of a PRAYERLESS HEART.  

We may be able to figure something out on our own without asking anyone.  We are independent people are we not?  We are smart, we have two hands and know how to use our brain.  Why would we have to rely on a "crutch" like God?  He made us in his image anyway... He has given us our talents and abilities .. we can do it .. besides we shouldn't bother God with trivial matters anyway.  Aren't we adults by now?  

The further and further you push away from the God of ALL ANSWERS the harder your heart becomes. We THINK we know the way to go, we THINK we have the plan, BUT we've not asked and then waited for the answer.

Prayer is as the pitcher that fetcheth water from the brook, therewith to water the herbs; break the pitcher, and it will fetch no water, and for want of water the garden withers.

Then there are those who teach that you can and should ask God only one time and just believe you have what you've asked for.  They say that is faith.  If you ask again, you are probably doubting.  The problem with that is that we don't see all that God sees.  There are things that the LORD wants to teach us -- he is ALWAYS teaching those who want to learn.  And a "one off" prayer is not prayer at all.  It's gimme what I want, when I want, how I want, as I want. God doesn't operate at our standards, but at HIS.

If one follows this "one off" prayer approach, there will assuredly come 'unanswered' prayers.  Then proceed a whole mess of questions, fears, doubts, and then hardness of heart toward God himself. 

We must attend to prayer the way God says in his written word and not according to the traditions of men: aka..vain philosophy. 

God really does answer prayer.  God really does want us to come to Him FIRST.  God really does want to be there for us and help our situation and relationships.  God is faithful and trustworthy!  But HE IS GOD and we are not.  HE IS GOD and the giver of life.  HE IS GOD and will do all that he does for HIS GLORY and not ours.  He wants to be our God and for us to be His people.  

So.. how does that work????

There are several steps to praying God's way:

1. Ask .. ask correctly .. with a pure heart

2. Wait .. patiently

3. Have ears to hear what the HOLY Spirit is saying to the Church 

4. Obey what God says to do .. cheerfully

In our society, in our split-second/nano-second technology filled days, we are conditioned to get replies, responses, likes, and answers immediately.  This digital-virtual-hurry up-I want answers- way of life, has induced a demanding 'spoiled brat of a child' attitude in nearly every person.  If you don't respond to MY online presence when I say, I'm offended, irritated, and mad at you.  

And sadly this is also the attitude of Christians when putting a request before God Almighty.  YIKES!

Let's look at some words and their definitions:

• HEAR
• FIRST
• PATIENCE
• DEMAND
• INSISTENCE
• WAIT
• ANSWER
• AMISS
• REQUEST
• FERVENT
• EFFECTUAL
• OFFENCE

LOOK UP:

• Romans 8:24-28
• Matthew 26;41
• Matthew 6:5-15
• Acts 8:17-24
• Psalm 19:14
• Psalm 25:4-5
• Micah 7:7
• Isaiah 40:31
• James 5;16
• I Thessalonians 5:25
• Romans 12:2
• Hebrews 13:20-21
• Psalm 33:18-22
• II Chronicles chapter 6:1 thru chapter 7:3

Giving some time to learning what God says about prayer will open our eyes to the correct way to pray.  Yielding to God's way of us talking to Him, will bring about the best answers from the only God who gives the right answer every time.  Hallelujah! 

Questions: 

Read Matthew 6:33-34 -- What can you learn about prayer from these 2 verses?

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What is the prayer found in Psalm 19:14, in your own words

What are 3 important keys we can use in our own prayer time found in Romans 8:24-28

1.

2.

3.

Jesus is our best and greatest example of how and when to pray according to the will of God.  Find 3 verses that teach us about Jesus praying.

1. 

2.

3.

Set a Guard | Lesson 26

Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 
 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. 
                                                             -II Peter 3:3-4

[PDF available here for your study binder]

With each passing day, I find this Scripture coming to a very visual reality.  More evil, at every turn, that has become an 'in-your-face' problem.

The devil goes about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  WOW how true!  Roaring! With evil eyes, looking in the face of Christians, mocking, scoffing, saying 'HA! whatcha gonnna do 'bout that!?'

Jesus told us these days would come.  Yet so many don't realize the affects on Christians.  Jesus also told us that it will be so evil, so blatant, so deceptive that unless God the Father intervenes, even the elect could be deceived. (Mark 13:20)

So what do WE DO??  It is absolutely amazing how the LORD is leading us through this study of the Fear of God in his perfect timing!  That is how God works, you know...HIS timing.  When we seek him first, when we are humble and give him place in our life, he shows HIS path to life.  With that, we find the answer in this week's lesson: Set a Guard.  Beginning on page 63 of  Bunyan's 'A Treatise of the Fear of God', we find urgent instruction to take heed not to hinder the growth of the fear of God.

We'll look at the first : TAKE HEED OF A HARD HEART

There are three things that progress the hardness of the heart.  First, we must take heed to the beginnings of sin.  We talked about that in lesson 25 Backdoor Christians.  If we don't or won't heed the warnings of the Holy Spirit in God's word, we will be deceived.  If we don't resist the devil, he won't leave.  If you trust in yourself, you will die.

The beginnings of sin are a trap, a snare, enticing the eyes, good to the taste, and pleasant for a season. Mice love peanut butter so much, they don't consider the cost when they approach the trap. People love the taste bitterness, of hurt, of emotions, that they won't consider the cost.

My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:  For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.   Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:  So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 
  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 
  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 
  Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.    -Proverbs 3:1-7

The trap is even more enticing when we forget the law of God, when we lean on our own understanding.

How do we avoid the enticing trap of sin?  We fear God!  and by fearing God, we read about HIS WAY of living in HIS written word: the Holy Scriptures and then obey God.  If we won't read it, we cannot know what HIS WAY is.

Next, if we have given way to the enticement and fallen into sin, we repent!  God, in his great mercy has provided a way of escape, a way to keep from being entangled by the sin.  This is called REPENTANCE.  And Bunyan exhorts us: DON'T go to bed without repentance!

Remember Jesus' words about 'beware of the leaven of the Pharasees'? It only takes one look, a crack in your armour, for the devil to come in to ruin your marriage, your family, your life.  Let's look at what happened when King David just had a 'little look' at Bathsheba.

READ II Samuel 11
Please don't raise up an arrogant head and say that you aren't into adultery, and therefore, you don't have to pay attention.  All sin begins with 'the look', the mind and eyes considering the doing of the something against God.  Because all sin is against God.

Whenever there is an attitude of  'this doesn't apply to me' we have just begun the hardness of heart process.  Scripture is full of TAKE HEED, BEWARE: therefore, we better PAY ATTENTION!

There is more in a little sin to harden (the heart) than in a great deal of grace to soften.

When we let our guard down, the devil walks right in.  With our guard up, the devil still sends his fiery darts, but! they are quenched.  Guard down = hardness of heart developing  Guard up = sin averted.  (Ephesians 6)

A soft, tender, and broken heart, is a fit place for the grace of fear.

Let's look at some Scriptures:

• Deuteronomy 4:9
• Proverbs 4:23
• Galatians 5:9
• Matthew 16:1-17
• Acts 28:27
• Jeremiah 17:9
• Hebrews 4:12
• I Peter 3:1-2

DEFINE:

• Leaven
• Devote
• Balance
• Priority
• Conversation
• Chaste
• Heed

WRITE: 4 synonyms and 4 antonyms of HARD in reference to the heart

If thou would be rid of a hard heart, that great enemy to the growth of the grace of fear, be much with Christ upon the cross in thy meditations; for that is an excellent remedy against hardness of heart;  a right sight of him, as he hanged there for thy sins, will dissolve thy heart into tears and make it soft and tender.

An extra question:  Explain the difference between balance and priority.

Backdoor Christians | Lesson 25

[PDF available here for you to download, print, and add to your study binder.  Please feel free to print extra copies to share.  Invite someone to join the study with you]

Growing in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ also means that we must NOT be ignorant of the wiles of the devil.

In this lesson, we are moving through the information into action.  Growing means action.
Join me in a little history lesson about one of the kings of Israel.

His name was David.  David was the youngest son of Jesse.  David had 7 older brothers, and David's job was to tend his father's sheep. One day as David was tending the sheep, maybe laying in the comfy grass, just watching over the herd -- his father asked him to take some food to his older brothers and check on them for they were out at the battle against the Philistines.

So, David, the obedient son that he was, left early in the morning and headed out to meet his brothers.  As he approached camp, he heard the enemy: loud, mocking, boasting, laughing .. but not the regular sounds of any fighting .. just that loud mocking voice.

"What's going on?" David asks the men who were there with his brothers.  Then men went on to tell David how this giant of the Philistines was cursing and yelling horrible threats and how all the army of Israel was sore afraid because of this boastful giant warrior.

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME, RIGHT NOW?!" David said in astonishment (well, that was my paraphrase .. you can read for yourself the account in I Samuel 17)

What shall be done for the man that kills this giant? and takes away the reproach of Israel and who dares defy the armies of the Living God ?"  The men told him how King Saul (the king of Israel) would bestow riches, and honor, and the hand of his daughter.

"Let me at him!" to the which his brothers then begin to mock their baby brother, laughing and insulting him as older brothers tend to do.

This didn't stop David.

We see the scene unfold, King Saul puts his own armour on David, but David is too small for the armour.  That's no problem, David knows just what to do.  As a shepherd, David was an expert at protecting the sheep from predators.  He had already killed a lion and a bear with his own hands.  But more than that, David served the God of his fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob -- the only Living God. He was intimately acquainted with God, David loved God, obeyed God, and feared God. David heard of the mighty acts of God, and saw first hand how God worked in his life.

[To find out how the battle really ended read for yourself I Samuel 17.]

David spent his young life in the fields and mountains, leading this father's sheep to good food and safety.  He had a lot of time to spend with the LORD God.  He knew God.  When this situation arose with the enemy Philistines, David put what he knew into action.

Please note his very important words:   Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. - I Samuel 17:45

David not only knew who God was; but he feared God. Did you notice the reason for David's zeal and indignation? That enemy had dared to defy God.

In our lesson, Bunyan writes in pages 60-63 steps of growing in the Fear of God. We covered steps one through four in the previous lesson; and related it to preparing to ride the horse.  Let's say that steps 5-13 are the mounting and riding of the horse.  The action.

#1  Learn aright to distinguish of fear in general
#2  Learn to distinguish a spirit of bondage and the spirit of adoptions
#3  Thou shouldest make conscience of which to entertain and cherish
#4  Grow in the knowledge of the new coventant, for that is indeed the girdle of our reins, and the strength of our soul.
#5  Labour even always to keep thine evidence for heaven and of thy salvation alive upon thy heart.
#6  Set before thine eyes the being and majesty of God
#7  Keep always close to thy conscience the authority of the Word; fear the commandment as the commandment of a God both might and glorious
#8 Be much in the faith of the promise, of the promise that maketh over to thy soul an interest in God by Christ and of all good things
#9  Remember the judgements of God that have, or shall certainly overtake, those professors, that have either been downright hypocrites, or else unwatchful Christians
#10  Study of excellencies of the grace of fear, and what profit it yieldeth to them that have it, and labour to get thy heart into the  love.
#11 Remember what a world of privileges do belong to them that fear the Lord.
#12 Be in much prayer to God for abundance of the increase thereof
#13 Devote thyself to it

We will call this our heart's daily checklist

David had learned these "steps" in his time with the LORD.

LOOK UP :

• I Kings 15:3
• Psalm 61:2-5
• Psalm 19:7-14
• Luke 24:44-45
• Acts 5:1-11
• James 1:22-27
• II Corinthians 7:1
• Proverbs 13:13
• Psalm 119:119-120
• II Corinthians 12:9

WRITE  a one sentence lesson to be learned from each Scripture reference above

DEFINE:

• Labour
• Judgement
• Devote
• Defy
• Despise
• Bitterness
• Perfect
• Nourish

Dear reader, pray therefore that God will unite your heart to fear his name; this is the way to grow in the grace of fear. For without the LORD we can do nothing...The LORD has graciously provided his ability and strength to walk with him.  His grace is sufficient for us.

When we allow ourselves a plan B, or leave the backdoor open for 'just in case', we have given the devil the invitation to come in and bring his devises, wiles, and evil upon us.  Many Christians do this unwittingly; yet many more do it knowingly.  If you have been following along this study, you know what is right.  You better be DOING what is right.  

Wholly submit to the LORD.  Close every 'loop hole'.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you.