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.

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.

How to Ride a Horse | Lesson 24

Growing in the fear of the LORD God 

[PDF available here .. print and add to your study binder]

When Curt and I first met, I was spending quite a bit of time out at the stables learning how to ride horses.  The photo above is my friend's horse, Strawberry.  Strawberry was an older Quarter-horse/Appaloosa mare.  She was small, stocky, and quite opinionated.  Yet, she was a great horse for me to learn on.  She was patient with my learning but watch out if you got her out in an open field!  She loved to gallop .. full throttle!  Oh, how that used to terrify me.  But I did learn how to sit into the saddle with my heels down.  

I really, really enjoy horses and Curt grew up on a ranch and is an excellent horseman.  All the time we were dating and after we were married, Curt and I dreamed of owning our own horses.  We haven't got to own any yet; but we have had many opportunities to ride together. 

Up until Henry Ford brought the automobile to the masses, every man knew about horses.  Horses were transportation.  They were an integral part of daily life around the world. From the carriage horse, to the plow horse, families grew up around horses and understood their value.  There were war horses, plantation horses, hunting horses, pleasure horses, race horses, buggy-pulling horses, and family ponies.

Unless you live in the country, most folks don't have the opportunity to be around horses on a daily basis.  And as a result, we miss out on some of the beauty, parallels, and truths found in the Scriptures.  

In  this lesson, we are going to learn how to ride a horse and see the parallels to growing in the fear of God.  

 And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. -Isaiah 11:5

As we learn about the fear of God, we are growing in that knowledge.  We are moving from just the knowledge of the matter to the appropriate action that moves us to walk with the Lord more closely.

We have learned and should continue to practice how to distinguish between godly fear and ungodly fear.  [If you missed that, look here at Lesson 6]

And now we are walking one step at a time as we make conscience effort to entertain and cherish the things of God.

When learning to ride a horse, as with any new adventure, we must first learn some basics. So, you know what a horse is and that he is valuable and useful for many things.  Back in the day, the horse wasn't limited to transportation, he was also used for his strength.  He could haul a great load.  He was also trained as a 'cutting' horse.  Watch this video and be amazed. Cutting horses are used to 'cut' or 'separate' cattle from their calves.  

And so the basics of the fear of God is distinguishing between ungodly and godly fear.  Shall we say that we 'cut' out the ungodly from the godly. :) 

But growing in the fear of the LORD requires a moving on to the next lesson.  We can't stay in first grade.  

Basic steps to riding a horse: 

1. have a horse :) and  retrieve horse from the pasture or the stable

2. brush the horse

3. check the hooves for pebbles or thorns

4. put on the bridle

5. put on the blanket and saddle

6. secure the saddle

7. mount your horse

 Notice how many things we are to do BEFORE  we even mount the horse.  If you fail to do any of these steps, you would limit your riding experience, and even cause great danger.  And there is a certain way to get on and off a horse.  So to, there are clear orderly instructions in the Word of God as to walking in the way of God.  God actually wrote that manual for us.  We should pick it up and follow the instructions.   There will be less opportunity for getting bucked off or just falling over in ignorance. 

Let's define some words:

• Conscience
• Cherish
• Girdle
• Cinch
• Gird
• Reins
• (horse) Bit
• Bridle

Now look up and write out these Scripture verses:

• Luke 12:35-38
• I Peter 1:13
• Psalm 7:9
• Psalm 39:1
• James 3:2
• Psalm 32:9
• Revelation 2:23
• Jeremiah 17:9-10

Explain the use of the bridle for the horse

How does the Holy Spirit use the bridle in Scripture?

DIG DEEPER: 

Job 6:24

I Peter 3:10

I John 3:18

Job 39:19

Psalm 147:10-11

 

More | Lesson 22

[ PDF of Lesson 22 available here.  Is your study binder filling up? did you miss a lesson? Check out the RESOURCE tab where you'll find all the lessons ready for you.  You are welcome to print and distribute as you wish.]

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     O fear the LORD, ye his saints, for there is no want to them that fear him." Not but that every saint doth fear God, but as the apostle saith in another case, "I beseech you, do it more and more." The fear of the LORD, as I have showed you, is a grace of the new covenant, as other saving graces are, and so is capable of being stronger or weaker, as other graces are.  Wherefore, I beseech you, FEAR HIM MORE AND MORE. -John Bunyan, pg. 54 Treatise of the Fear of God

We've come so far in learning about the fear of God that we must stop and consider this word MORE. 

If you've been in some churches today, they are keen on emphasizing the use of this word in speaking about POWER, HEALTH, WEALTH, JOB, etc.  But is it true that the LORD, in his written word, puts such an emphasis on material things, aka prosperity?   

As you know, this study has clarified much of this selfish, self-centered gospel that has infiltrated the Christian church.  

What is it that we "should give the more earnest heed to"? What "have we heard"? If we are God's sheep, and his sheep hear his voice, and a stranger's voice we follow not (John 10:1-29)  -- then what is God's voice? 

I remember asking 'how do I hear God's voice?'.  I remember hearing many preachers and teachers attempting to explain this.  I seemed to always walk away more confused and wondering if I would ever 'hear' the voice of God.  Many would explain about God's audible voice in the Old Testament and why we don't really HEAR this audible voice anymore.  Then there would be a handful of accounts of people who told of their experience.  But still... how would this help ME to hear God??  

There is a joyous simple answer!  It is so easy and yet so many people miss it.  

READ THE BIBLE.

Yep, it's really that simple.  There are countless books, teaching tapes, seminars, and workshops that tend to only sell more product and keep the Christian asking questions.  

LOOK UP: 

• John 1:1-5
• II Timothy 3:15-16
• Psalm 119:11
• Proverbs 4
• Joshua 1:8

What did you discover?

Now let's go over to John 15 and get back to the word MORE.  Read verses 1-11 

1. What does God do to branches in order for them to bear MORE fruit?

2. Would this be a good process for the Christian and why?

Honestly, the rest of this will be a lot of LOOK UP.  You must understand that the only way to hear God on any given subject is to search the Scriptures.  The LORD is pleased and desires that we seek his face.  When we run to him FIRST for with our questions and our need for answers.  When we hide ourselves under his shadow.  When we not only realize but have the activity to show that we trust the Almighty God to take care of us -- in every single area of our life. In this, we find the pearl of great price -- the Fear of God.   There is no separation of that proverbial church and state within the life of a child of the Most High God.  We see that we can't even take our breath without acknowledging that 'God is my GOD ALONE! And that He is our blessed Saviour! Redeemer! Lord!' 

DEFINE: MORE

LOOK UP the following verses and write out what they say about MORE

• James 4:6
• I Peter 1:7
• Hebrews 2:1
• Philemon 1:21
• I Thessalonians 4:1 & 10
• II Timothy 3:4
• Philippians 1:9
• John 12:43
• Matthew 13:12
• Matthew 10:31 & 37
• Daniel 2:30
• II Corinthians 12:15
• II Corinthians 7:13
• II Corinthians 4:17
• Proverbs 4:18
• Proverbs 3:15 (who is 'she' ?.. read previous verses)
• Psalms 130:6
• Psalm 119:99
• Psalm 71:14
• Genesis 3:1

I'll leave you with this to think about:  (last paragraph from pg54) 

FIRST, Let God's distinguishing love to you be a motive to you to fear him greatly.  He hath put his fear in thy hear, and hath not given that blessing to thy neighbour; perhaps not to thy husband, thy wife, thy child, or thy parent.  O what an obligation should this consideration lay upon thy heart greatly to fear the Lord!  

    Remember also, as I have showed in the first part of this book, that this fear of the Lord is his treasure, a choice jewel, given only to favourites, and to those that are greatly beloved.  

    Great gifts naturally tend to oblige, and will do so, I trust, with thee, when thou shalt ingeniously consider it.   It is a sign of a very bad nature when the contrary shows itself; could God have done more for thee than to put his fear in thy heart?  

    This is better than to have given thee a place even in heaven without it.  Yea,  had he given thee all faith, all knowledge, and the tongue of men and angels, and a place in heaven to boot, they had all been short of thisgift, of the fear of God in thy heart.

   Therefore love it, nourish it, exercise it,use all means to cause it to increase and grow in thy heart that it may appear it is is set by at they hand, poor sinner.

Danger Zone | Lesson 21

Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. -I Corinthians 10:12

[DOWNLOAD and PRINT lesson - add to your study binder - all lessons are free for distribution]

Back in 1986 there was a song that hit the radio waves with a mighty force. This song was made an instant hit by the movie "Top Gun" and was top on the music charts for weeks and weeks.  Almost 30 years later, you can still catch it being played on the radio; and it continues to be used countless times in other media as well -- such as commercials, video games, and more movies.  

This very catchy song has some serious lyrics that lure the listener into acceptance of danger as a cool thing, a brave thing, and an outside-the-box-thinker thing.  

Check out the lyrics of "Danger Zone" by Kenny Loggins:
Revvin' up your engine - Listen to her howlin' roar - Metal under tension -Beggin' you to touch and go

Highway to the Danger Zone - Ride into the Danger Zone

Headin' into twilight - Spreadin' out her wings tonight -She got you jumpin' off the deck - And shovin' into overdrive

Highway to the Danger Zone - I'll take you - Right into the Danger Zone

They never say hello to you - Until you get it on the red line overload - You'll never know what you can do - Until you get it up as high as you can go

Out along the edge - Is always where I burn to be - The further on the edge - The hotter the intensity

Highway to the Danger Zone - I'm gonna take you - Right into the Danger Zone - Highway to the Danger Zone - Right into the Danger Zone

Back in the 1970's dare devils were the extreme.  These (mostly) men took chances, took their life into their own hands and thumbed their noses at God and told God to watch them "defy death".  

Poignantly from the time that "Danger Zone" hit the airwaves, people from all ages and walks of life have dared to venture into that danger zone.  If you aren't extreme; you're just not cool.  In fact, you're not not even cool -- you are now the outcast.

"No pain; No gain" says the fitness coach.  

Society chants: 

Be [crazy]. Be [wild]. Live life to the [extreme].
Do things that others can't even think of.
Take the [risk] that you'll f a l l, because...
We only get one chance to live.

Live life to the extreme

The more terrifying fact is that this philosophy has made it's way into the church and been welcomed with open arms.  Ignoring the unction of the Holy Spirit, pastors, specifically youth pastors have run headlong into the Extreme mentality and take Scriptures out of context to support this "I'll do it my way" lifestyle.  Every day, youth programs follow the latest, extreme trends of the world to entice the youth.  Nothing is different between church events and summer festivals.  

They do talk of Jesus; but this is ANOTHER JESUS.  The extreme Jesus is not the Jesus of the Bible.  Remember this? Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 

This crazy, radical, and extreme behavior is not limited to the youth.  It still astounds me how many "older", "mature" people live this way.

We need to be aware of the wiles of the devil.  We are constantly being pulled in the direction that says 'you don't have to fear God'.  

I've heard so many times .. from so-called Christians say, "I've read the end of the book; and we win." They have the idea and lifestyle that they can keep living just like the world, post some nicey-nicey on social media, belong to some sort of churchy organization, and because of their own gumption, stubbornness and determination, they will win.  

But I will call into question their rationale.  Who really wins in the end?  Is it really the person who lives on the edge, defies death, and calls it courageous? 

Bunyan warns "Take heed of deferring to fear the Lord.  Some men, when they have had conviction upon their heart that the fear of God is not in them, have through the overpowering of their corruptions yet deferred and put off the fear of God from them."

Let's stop here and look up some words ...

DEFINE:

• Defer
• Stubborn
• Extreme
• Philosophy
• Dread
• Eschewed

Here are 3 things that should provoke us to fear the LORD:

1.  The man that feareth not God, carrieth it worse towards him than the beast, the brute beast, doth carry it towards that man.  

    The animals fear God. God has made the animals to fear man; yet, man is foolish to think that he doesn't need to fear God.  WOW! We are now -- today -- in the time of the end! Because we are seeing in the headlines that the animals are no longer fearing man.  Here's a compilation of articles from around the world discussing the strange behavior of animals toward man. 

Look up Revelation 6:7-8 _____________________________________________________

2.  Consider, he that will not fear God, God will make him fear him whether he will or not.

Look up:

Isaiah 45:18-25

Daniel 4:37

James 4:6

Revelation 14:7

3.  He that fears not God now, the Lord shall laugh at his fears then. 

Look up: Psalm 37:8-15 ___________________________________________________

Again Bunyan pleads: Sinner! thou thinkest to escape the fear; but what wilt thou do with the pit?

Sinner! what wilt thou do when thou comest into this snare; that is, into the guilt and terror that thy sins will snaffle thee with, when they, like a cord, are fastened about thy soul?

Look up: Proverbs 1:27-28 _________________________________________________

                 Proverbs 12:1 & 13 _______________________________________________

What is said of Obadiah in I Kings 18 regarding the fear of God? __________________________

What about Job? in Job 1__________________________________________________________

Who feared God in Exodus 1:17 ? ___________________________________________________

What is said of Cornelius in Acts 10? ________________________________________________

From A Treatise of the Fear of God, go to pages 54 - 59 Write the 5 exhortations to fear God that stand out to you:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5

DIG DEEPER:

Find 2 to 3 Scripture references that talk about how people will behave in the last days.

_________________________________________________________________________

Boot Camp | Lesson 17

Lesson 17 | Boot Camp

(this lesson PDF copy ready here | Treatise of the Fear of God PDF here)

Are you interested in the future?  How about prophesy?  There is quite a stir in the air right now and it's not just prophesy teachers talking.  News sites, both main stream and alternative, are a buzz with all the WEIRD things going on around the world on a daily basis.  Do the events and happenings around have any bearing on our own little life?  

Last lesson, I asked you "Why do you call yourself a Christian?".  The point of the lesson was to get you to dig deep in your heart to find the answer.  Do you want a better life here and now?  Do you want power to get what you want? Are you a Christian to have a type of guilt-free selfishness? 

OR do you want to know the God of all creation?  Do you realize that you are wicked, selfish and need a saviour to get you out of the muck that looks like you are stuck in with no hope of escape? Sometimes I think we need to ponder these questions even in our 'mature' Christian life.  It keeps us in humility of mind...not thinking more of ourselves than we ought.  

This lesson is titled:  END TIMES BOOT CAMP | watching, praying, and ready because we're here -- at the end -- and as one ministry puts it : Now The End Begins. It is imperative that we heed Jesus admonition of Luke 21 -- when you see these things come to pass LOOK UP your redemption draweth nigh!  Can I get a Hallelujah!  

Which brings us to page 47 and 48 of our text (did you download your free copy of A Treatise of the Fear of God?)  Here Bunyan answers the question about I John 4:18 -- perfect love casteth out fear.  If you've been following with us, you know that the fear that is cast out is:

1. fear of devils
2. fear of men
3. fear of bondage

Now the fear that perfect love casts out cannot be that son-like, gracious fear of God; because that fear that love casts out has torment. 

Let's pause here and write some things down..

Let's read more specifically on page 47 - second column and then look up the following Scriptures:

• Proverbs 28:14
• Ecclesiastes 8:12
• Ecclesiastes 12:13
• I Peter 2:17
• Revelation 14:7

Because of sin that entered into the world at the beginning, all those born after Adam and Eve were born into sin.  We are not naturally born with the fear of God.  There is no fear of God, none of this grace of fear before us, we don't know what it is.  The fear of God flows from a new heart, faith and repentance: salvation by Jesus Christ.  We must have a mighty change of heart and life, or else we are strangers to this fear of God.  

• Psalm 55:19
• Romans 3:18
• Romans 11:20

Here we see that a high mind and the fear of God are set in direct opposition the one to the other.  Can a man at the same time be a proud man and fear God too? 

What does God say?

• Psalm 138:6
• James 4:6
• I Peter 5:5
• Malachi 4:1

Why End Times Boot Camp?  First a little story:  

As a youth,  I hated PE class.  From seventh grade to my senior year, I dreaded that class!  I attended a small school and nearly everyone was involved in the sports program..but not me.  I couldn't keep up: I was always winded, slow, and discouraged.  Because of all that, I came to think that I wasn't athletic.  Albeit, I loved walks, riding my bicycle, and riding horses.  Then I got married and we began a family.  I needed to be able to stay strong to take care of our babies, the house, and my hubby..so I searched for an exercise program that would suit my situation -- mind you, I still thought I was not athletic nor sportsy, so it had to be easy for me to grasp and accomplish.  

In the meantime, I would always take the children for long walks to the park or walk to my parents house...it was about 1-2 miles a couple of times a week.  I tried all sorts of fitness videos.  Then I discovered T-Tapp.  (you'll have to go check it out)  This program is awesome!  And it is very educational (this really helped me understand how my muscles should work) and met me at my fitness level (couch potato to pro athlete)

That was 10 years ago! Much has happened in these past ten years and I took for granted the strength and agility that helped me get so much done in my very full days as wife and mama of 6 little ones.  I've had many talks with the Lord about my muscles, blubber and all.  And I kept coming back to it didn't seem worth the effort of devoting time every day to physical exercise.  Boy! how wrong I was!!  

I started having increased back pain, sluggishness, and lack of strength in general.  And I'm not old -- yet :)  I looked at my diet -- I pretty much have eaten the same foods and the same amounts all these years.  I am not one who thinks that starving oneself is wise.  Except for a godly fast, the Bible is full of  'it's good and definitely okay to eat'.  So, what gives?  Ahh.. lack of exercise.. wow...really, Lord? 

As of Tuesday, I have begun my own T-Tapp boot camp to kick this ole flesh into the strength that the LORD requires of me to care for the things of my household.  And let me tell you -- it's been hard!  I really, REALLY, do not want to do this!  As a kick start --one hour a day for the next week!  Yikes! I'd rather be doing something else.  But, seriously, I'm already more energetic, no back pain, even standing up straighter...And then it hit me...

How many Christians have that same slacker story when it comes to being strong in the LORD and it the power of his might? We are deceived into thinking that there is nothing we must do.  (Well, maybe just 'claim' the strength of the LORD)  And here is where the fear of God and End Times Boot Camp tie together.  We must be diligent, steadfast, and consistent in the ways of the LORD in order to keep watch for the LORD and to keep our heart from falling away.

Pride, O that ugly pride - keeps us thinking that we're okay right where we are. Just like my blubbery self, I was making it okay... I still got my stuff done even if it was slowly, I don't have to sleep on my stomac...I can sit in different chairs...I can make excuses all over the place .. I still was a bit haughty.

With that in mind let's look at I Timothy 4:8  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. 

Oh! Thank you LORD!  If I can see an immediate change for the better in my physical body -- HOW MUCH MORE the increased strength of the LORD when we are diligent to heed and DO the word of God and to fear God in all that we do everyday. 

In  Luke 18,  Jesus said that men ought always to pray;  and in Mark 13 to watch and pray...so join me in our 7 Days End Times BOOT CAMP:

Let's see what the LORD is asking us to do in these last days and we'll take the next few lessons to break it down .. 

DAY 1 | End Times BOOT CAMP | watch . pray . ready!

• Commit to spending 1 hour each morning to spend with the LORD -- a morning quiet time -- Read your Bible, pray for others, study the Scriptures
• Start a daily journal - write the Scripture verse that jumped out to you, write down those you are praying for, write praise reports/answer to prayers, (have you written your Psalm of praise? see lesson 15)
• Read Revelation chapters 2 and 3.  
• Read Ephesians 6
• Read Psalm 51

DEFINE: 

• READY
• SLACKER
• SLOTHFUL
• ATTEND
• EXERCISE
• BOOT CAMP
• DILIGENT
• COMMITMENT
• REDEEM

Please check back tomorrow for DAY 2 | End Times BOOT CAMP | watch . pray . ready!

Praise the LORD! He is merciful, full of compassion, and able to keep that which you have committed to him.

until next time,

Why? | Lesson 16

Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,  Rom 1:21-22  

[ download your own PDF copy of this lesson here]

You will need to sit down for this lesson.  Are you a Christian?  Why do you say you are a Christian?  Have you asked yourself that?  Is it because you grew up talking in those terms? Because you were promised a ticket out of hell? Maybe you were told you'd have a better life, power to make things happen or change in your situation, or maybe simply because you realized that you are nothing and you need a saviour....

It's time to ask yourself these very specific questions.  It matters.  The Lord looks at our heart, he knows our motives, and desires that we make the right choices for the right reasons.

I hesitate to continue on our journey through this Treatise of the Fear of God because we've come to the section in which Bunyan details the "privileges" of those who fear God.

My husband and I have learned an arduous lesson about the "blessings" and "privileges" of the Lord.

Let me explain: (we need clarity -- there is so much garbage out there)

We always want to be doing what the Bible says.  And we wanted to be good little Christians with a happy home, picket fence, and fun times... if there was some extra money to dream and plan for the future..well that was pretty great, too  Was that too much to expect?  After all, "the promises of God are yea and amen."  Those are Bible words.. let's grab hold to that! We can have our cake, and eat it with cherries on top.

We were swept away, like many others, by focusing on the promises found within the Bible and believed the teaching that all these "good" promises were for anyone who had enough faith to believe in them.  The teaching indoctrinates us in the illusive ways of the world -- candy coated in Bible language -- It says that all we had to do was associate ourselves with "good" thoughts from the Bible (aka promises), be "givers" to the local church (sow into good ground), and be generally "good" people.  We would then "access" the blessings of heaven stored up for those who "believe".  All of this seemingly right teaching wrapped up in a pretty name of "faith" with a little bit of Jesus sprinkled on top.  According to SO MANY preacher and teachers, the subtle reason to be a Christian is to get access to better "stuff" -- without works, mind you...'cause that's under the "law" and we are under "grace" (I'll call that the lazy man's walk)

Oh! But they teach integrity, morals, being diligent in your job, and being a "good" spouse and parent.  That must make what they teach right -- or does it?  How is that line of thinking different than the Mormons.  They are nice, hard working, family first - kind of people, they even use the name of Jesus in their conversation and on their places of worship.  Or how is it different from the out-doorsie people who love nature, want to improve the environment, advocate for people groups who have been wronged or are "under-privileged" ? Doesn't the Bible teach to do good, be kind, stand up for those in need, be a good "steward"?

What about those financial - wise teachers like Dave Ramsey and Robert Kiyosaki -- using your "talents" wisely, budget, plan for the future, leave an inheritance and a legacy for your children? Isn't the book of Proverbs full of "wisdom" for sound business practices?

Are the blessings of God found within the written Scriptures available to everyone who believes that they like the promises and would like to have them for their own??  That is what is being taught from every platform across America in particular.

Then to whom do the blessing and privileges of the written word of God belong?
We need to ask the LORD God himself -- in so doing we SEARCH the Scriptures and have ears to hear -- what God hath said.  

DEFINE:

• Consider
• Contemn
• Scorn
• Despise
• Christian
• Redemption
• Disciple
• Follower
• Servant

LOOK UP and Fill in the blanks: (we're looking at pages 40-46 of A Treatise of the Fear of God)

Scripture                          Blessing                  For Whom?

• Psalm 34:9-10
• Psalm 25:12
• Psalm 33:18-19
• Psalm 34:7
• Jeremiah 26:19
• Psalm 85:9
• Psalm 103:17
• Psalm 103:13
• Psalm 145:19
• Psalm 147:11
• Psalm 115:13
• Psalm 128

Let's take a closer look at: Write out the verse and the truth of that verse (what do you see in the verse?)

• Exodus 7:16
• Romans 8:8
• Philippians 4:11-13
• II Corinthians 4:7-18
• Deuteronomy 28:1-14
• Deuteronomy 28:15-58
• Proverbs 10:22
• Revelation 16:15

I ask the question again, according to the Bible, to whom do the privileges of God/the blessings of God belong?  

According to the Bible, what makes a Christian different from all the rest? This is a 2 part answer.  

1. A true Christian believes--  Jesus Redeems us out of sin UNTO the Father by His obedience at the Cross and we then believe in that wonderful work that Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, did and repent of our ways -- he saves us.   Not by works of righteousness that we have done but by his mercy he saves us...(Titus 3:5)

2.  A true Christian Fears God.

But WHO does GOD SAVE??  Who does God deliver?  Those who FEAR HIM!  

How can you be saved by a merciful God whom you do not fear? to whom you refuse to yield?  whom you contemn? 

How can you expect, even demand blessings of God just because you found a promise written down. God is not mocked.  He knows the motivation of our hearts.  You may have good things going on in your life right now -- out of debt, own multiple homes, have a good job, people like you -- what good will that do you when you life is REQUIRED of you?

You can't have Jesus' redemptive salvation without knowing the only true God.  You can't KNOW God if you don't fear him.  Many many want Jesus without God the Father, and still others hold onto God while refusing Jesus.  You cannot have one without the other. (John 1)   If you think you can -- you believe another jesus, a false way...(Galatians 1:6-7)  

Seriously consider WHY you call yourself a Christian. If you want eternal life, if you want to go to heaven ... you better fear God... you better seek HIS FACE .. because according to John 17:3 

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. 

Now go over to Matthew 7:13-29

Why so hard hitting?  Because time is running out!  Time is running out!  Did you hear me?  I implore you by the mercies of God, turn to the LORD -- fear him -- surrender to him. Stop fooling yourself into thinking you are OK.    Are you ready for what is coming? Are you ready to meet your maker?  it's time!

Society has made God, righteousness, salvation, redemption, the Bible all sorts of dull, boring, and muted - messed up vague half-truths.  God is still God and He still set forth His way -- JESUS CHRIST

DIG DEEPER : Read

John 14:6 & 7

I Corinthians 3:4

Luke 12:20
I, II, II John