Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. ~ PSALM 1
[PDF copy ready to add to your study binder]
Today, we are beginning on the next section of John Bunyan's A Treatise of the Fear of God and looking at page 40 and 41. In the previous few lessons, we studied the out-flowing from a person who fears God. [covered in lessons 9-13] At the same time we understood a little better what Jesus was teaching us in the gospel of John... when he told us that -- He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. John 7:38 The "rivers of living water" is the evidence (or out-flowing) that that person fears God.
Jesus used another parable to help us understand the working of the Holy Spirit in one's life who fears God -- he compares it to fruit -- good fruit vs. bad fruit. When we fear God the evidence of that fear is the good fruit. It's not that we ourselves produce good fruit; but it is God at work in us, producing what he wants in us, ie good fruit. (Luke 13:6-9)
In each of our lessons, we spend some time using the dictionary (hopefully you use the Noah Webster 1828 dictionary) to look up words in order to have accurate definitions of the words pertaining to each study. This is a very important aspect to every lesson. Especially today as the Scripture is being fulfilled all around us : Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Isaiah 5:20
In the light of the fear of God, we can see more clearly the truth of being a child of God, a Christian. In these last days, we must be vigilant to keep ourselves unspotted from the world. When we do, we see God being our strength and providing us with his sufficiency.
It has been taught that because Jesus paid the price at Calvary, that we no longer have to "worry" or have "fear", or work for our salvation -- we have our "free pass" into heaven, we have complete access to every promise of God, every inheritance as children of God, and every blessing bestowed in the Bible. Wow! that sounds pretty great! Nothing required on my part? Not even repentance or walking in an upright way? No "sin consciousnesses" ? No talk of hell? I can have all I want before I die? because I'm now entitled to heaven's supernatural wonderfulness ..
It is rare indeed that there would be any clarity taught from the pulpits today about the true and accurate definition of Christian. It has become a candy-coated, self gratifying experience with a little bit of Jesus sprinkled on top to make it go down easier. Christianity is big business...making the churchy - club goer as comfortable as possible so that they will "tithe" (aka pay for) their way into a better life. From full blown "worship" concerts, coffee shops, church sanctioned cliques, to bookshops, seminars, and conferences promoting and cultivating the hypnotized people who never crack open their own Bibles, AND who are told over and over NO FEAR. -- No wonder --
Christianity is not a "the customer is always right" type of business. The privileges, freedom, authority, blessings, and inheritance are by reservation only. The Scriptures use words like secret and hid treasure. Yet the voice of the masses are telling us that it's a free-for-all, ripe for the pickin', and all yours by the confession/affirmations of your mouth.
But what does God say??
And who said that the Bible says "do not fear" 365 times?
I have a confession to make. We are supposed to search the Scriptures to see if something we've heard or read is truth. I did NOT check out this statement out before I fell into believing it. I realize my error and have repented. Let me disclose this to you: the Bible does NOT say "do not fear" or "fear not" 365 times. After doing research, I discovered that that is actually a quote from a "Christian" movie released in 2006 Facing the Giants. It was such an influential quote, that I have also heard many pastors and leaders say it from the pulpit. I have even said it. YIKES!!
I must admit, I REALLY loved that movie! Yet, without realizing it, I had believed the subtlety of a wrong message that gained ground in the Christian community. We MUST check everything against the written word of God! and I do mean EVERYTHING.
So, I did a Bible concordance (KJV) search of the exact phrase "fear not" and found that it is used only 62 times -- yet 1 of those verses is Jesus speaking this: (e-sword.net)
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
"have no fear" -- 0 times
"fear God" -- 10 times
"fear the LORD" -- 30 times
What I learned: SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES for myself and not take some one else's word for it.
The word "fear" is used in 385 verses.. The key is HOW is that word used???
Back to our text and looking at the first two privileges of those who fear God :
1. That man that feareth the Lord, has a grant and a license "to trust in the Lord," with an affirmation that he is their help and their shield.
The help and shield is not an all inclusive protective clause. It is reserved for those who fear God.
Psalm 115:11
2. God hath also proclaimed concerning the man that feareth the Lord, that he will also be his teacher and guide in the way that he shall choose...Now to be taught of God, what like it?
God's direction, teaching, and instruction are for those who fear him. Remember what the beginning of wisdom is?? Find that Scripture verse and write it here:
DEFINE:
- SECRET
- TREASURE
- WISDOM
- PRIVILEGE
- SUFFICIENCY
- RESERVED
- PURE
LOOK UP:
- Deuteronomy 29:29
- Psalm 25:14
- Psalm 91:1
- Daniel 2:22
- Matthew 6:6
- Luke 12:34
- Isaiah 33:6
- Matthew 13:44
In conclusion, from the words and verses listed above who has access to the blessings and privileges of God?
Certainly there is much to consider. Take it to the LORD and make sure you search for yourself.
No comments:
Post a Comment