Manna Ministries (NI)
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We live in a society that is hungry for spiritual answers, yet most people are lost within a maze of their own self delusion, they have convinced themselves that they can rescue themselves, after all they will say, we are not bad people. This self delusion has placed over their hearts a veil. (2 corin c3:v14-v18). They cannot understand that they cannot rescue themselves from sin. They fail to understand that spiritual matters belong to God, thus to be spiritual or to have any spirituality you must have a relationship with the Holy spirit. Bear in mind you can be connected to the Holy spirit through His gifts (corin c3:v1), but gifts are not proof of spirituality (1corin c3:v1). To be spiritual you have to set your mind on the things of the Holy spirit, that which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. A natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to them, and they cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised"(1 corin c2:v14). The carnal Christian may have received Christ, but they live their lives in defeat because they lean to their own understanding. It is only when you totally surrender your life to Christ Jesus that you receive the filling of the Holy Spirit, you become a disciple of Christ Jesus, one of the brethren and a saint within His church. Now we ask the question what is a disciple? The dictionary says a disciple is “one who is a student or pupil, one who is totally committed to their master and His message with total obedience.” The call to become a disciple of Christ Jesus is not one of a voluntary decision made by the recipient, it is the call of Christ and Christ alone, to come and follow Him (john c15:v8). We do not by nature choose to follow Christ, such is our fallen state, the initiative therefore lies with the Lord God, I chose you and consecrated (anointed) you, that you shall abide in me, bringing forth fruit (john c15:v1-v16), "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples." The path of a disciple of Christ is a narrow path, once entered upon you cannot turn to the left or to the right nor can you turn back, it is a journey in which you must finish if you are to reach the great Love of your life! Thus the mark or sign of a disciple is to "bear much fruit." " What did Jesus mean by "fruit"? What kind of "fruit" does a disciple produce? The answer to this question is revealed within two area's of our Christian walk. The first is walking in the light and the second is revealed within the fruit of the Holy spirit. We are told to let our light shine before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify our heavenly Father, (“Elyon” the Most High God). Remember that the first words that the Lord spoke within the scriptures was “let there be Light, (gen c1:v3). If we are to come to any understanding about discipleship we must come to an understanding of:
We are told within the scriptures that God is Light (1 john c1:v5), the fountain of wisdom and purity and that all Glory, belongs to Him.(john c17:v3). How do I know this? Simply because everything in the material world depends on light, without light every living thing would die, all life depends upon light to survive, and this applies also within the spiritual realm. All life depends upon God the Creator, “YHWH” or as translated into English “YAHWEH”, YHWH is The personal Name of the Creator, and is revealed in the four letters”Yod, Hay, Waw, Hay”. Often seen transliterated as YAHWEH. No matter what language you use, whether you translate or transliterate, “YHWH's” name means "I am that I am" and it points directly to His real name, which is the same in all languages, “I Am", reveals the fullness of His nature. All of God's nature and attributes are embodied in His name. YHWH is “The Lord Jesus Christ” who is the creator. He is the image of the invisible God, the first born of all creation; for in Him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers, every thing was created through Him and for Him. He Himself is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. (col c1:v16). Christ Jesus is called “the true light”(john c2:v8), the eternal Word (logos), (john c1:v1), who said "Let there be light" is Himself the "effulgence of (God's) Glory", the exact representation of God's Essence, (heb c1:v3). Christ Jesus as the predicted Messiah, was a “light” to the Gentiles, (isa c42:v6; c49:v6). He was "the light of the world" (john c 8:v12; c9:v5; c12:v46). Only Christ can lead you into the light," (eph c5:v14), as light He was "God, manifested in the flesh”, (1tim c3:v16). “Immanuel” God with us, “in Him was life and the life was the light of men”, (john c1:v4), He is the way, the truth and the life (zoe). The word “zoe” is used 134 times in the New Testament to indicate eternal life, (luke c16:v9; 1tim c1:v16, c6:v12; rom c5:v21m, c6:v22; gal c6v:8; john c14:v6). It is through the light, (phos), that we receive eternal life, (zoe), by the God of love,(agape). Christ Jesus possessed all the essence of the almighty God in that He is love, (1john c4:v8), He is life, (john c5:v26, c6:v57), and He is light, (1john c1:v5). (2corin c4:v4-v6), "God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all" (1john c1:v5). Darkness is the universal symbol and condition of sin and death, while light is symbolic of Holiness. "The light of Israel will be for a fire, and His Holy One for a flame" (isa c10:v17). Christ by His presence and grace, is to us a "marvellous light" (1pet c2:v9), and the glory of His Holiness and presence is the "everlasting light" of the redeemed in heaven (isa c60:v19-v20; rev c21:v23-24, c22:v5). When one studies the scriptures it becomes apparent that the Lord is closely associated with light, (exod c3:v1-v6, c13:v21-v22; ps 104:v2-v4; 1tim c6:v16; ps 27:v1;36:v9; 43:v3; 56:v13). The Lord covers Himself with light as with a cloak, who stretches out the heavens like a tent curtain ps 104:v2). His word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. (ps 119:v105). The unfolding of God's word gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.(ps 119:v130). His commandments are a lamp and a teaching light, and the admonishment of discipline are the way of life; (prov 6:v23; 29:v13; ecc c2:v13; isa c2:v5; isa c42:v6, c45:v6-v7, c49:v6, c60:v19-v20). He (the Lord God) reveals deep and mysterious things. The Lord God knows what is in the darkness, for the light dwells with Him. (dan c2:v22; c5:v14; hos c6:v5; micah c7:v8-v9; hab c3:v4; matt c4:v16). Even His disciples are called the light of the world, and charged with dispensing the truth of the gospel. (matt c5:v14-16; c6:v22; luke c1:v79; c2:v32; c11:v33-v35). In Christ Jesus was life, and that life was the light of men, Christ was the source of all creation, all life came into fruition through Him. He is the blessed spring of all spiritual light. Christ is the light because He is the revelation of the father, “He that believes on him is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God”. (john c3:v18). People are not condemned by God. They condemn themselves, for this is the judgement, that the light Christ Jesus came into the world, but men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. But what is God asking, what is true to God, is it not simply accepting His word and receiving the Lord Jesus as the Lord of your life, (john c3:v19-v21). What therefore is true if it be not the truth! And here is what the Lord God says is the Truth; Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (johnc8:v12). As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. (john c9:v5). But if any one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him, (john c11:v10). While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light." (john c12:v36). I have come as light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. (john c12:v46). Now this is what the apostles say about what is true, or what is the truth, Christ Jesus came to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith.(acts c26:v18). Light is the manifestation of the truth, (rom c2:v19; c13:v12), yet so many allow the god of this world to blind their minds, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the likeness of God. (2corin c4:v4-v6; c6:v14). There can be no mistaking that Light within the spiritual content is related to both “life and truth”, salvation and revelation, love and relationship. Light and life are always bound together, for the life was the light of men, (john c1:v4). Yet the revelation of light (truth) is only light when it illumines and quickens the soul. Hence how do we walk in the light? The answer to this question is simple, be obedient to the teachings and the life of Christ Jesus. Remember Christ said that He was the source of all man's needs both physically and spiritually, these are the promises of the creator Jesus; “for whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; for the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up unto eternal life”. (john c4:v14). Jesus said unto them. I am the bread of life: he that comes to me shall not hunger, and he that believes on me shall never thirst. (john c6:v35) Again therefore Jesus spoke unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life (john c8:v12). Jesus therefore said unto them again, truly, truly, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. (john c10:v7-v8) I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (john c10:v11). Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believes on me, though he die, yet shall he live; (john c11:v27) Jesus said unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me.(john c14:v6) I am the true vine, and my Father is the husband man. (john c15:v1). I am the Alpha and the Omega, said the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty. (rev c1;v7). And he said unto me, They are come to pass. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is thirsty of the fountain of the water of life freely, (rev c21;v6). I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. (rev c22;v13). I said therefore unto you, that you shall die in your sins: for except you believe that I am He, you shall die in your sins. (john c8:v24). I and the Father are one. (john c10:v30). Believe thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I say unto you I speak not from myself: but the Father abiding in me does His works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake (john c14:v10-v11). Walking in the ''Light" means to walk in a way that is consistent with the life of Christ Jesus as revealed through the scriptures by the power of the Holy spirit. Walking in the Light is also a reference to living lives that are pure and separated from evil and from the ways of the world, for the world hates God. (john c15:v18; 1 john c2:v15). Remember the Lord Jesus said we have to, "believe in the light, in order that you may become sons of light" (john c12:v36). We know that Jesus is the source of all light, Wrapping Himself with light, (ps 104:v1-v2), therefore the Light we are to walk in is Christ Himself. If one reads Philippians chapter 2 verses 1 to 11; it shall become clear to the child of God the uniqueness of the person and work of the Lord Jesus, and that the position of the child of God and their attitude towards others is to be that which was displayed by Christ Himself. Many may ask how can this be done so that we may walk in His light. We must put to death the old nature. The scriptures clearly teach that "God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all" (1 john c1:v5). We only come to the light of the gospel when we come under conviction of sin and realise our need for salvation, we begin our walk in the light when we repent and receive the Lord Jesus as our Saviour. The difference between light and darkness is one of purity and righteousness or one of corruption and iniquity, for out of the Heart of God comes love and out of the Heart of man comes all evil desires, (matt c15:v19). When one walks in the light they will no longer walk in darkness but live as Christ, for it is Christ who is seated upon the throne of our Heart, so to understand the teachings of Christ Jesus one will need to humble themselves, and become childlike in our attitude towards others in accordance with the scriptures. Jesus said; “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven." “Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child, will be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (matt c18:v3-v4). Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. But delights in the word of the Lord; and meditates upon it. (ps 1:v1-v2). The word “blessed” has sometimes been translated as “happy.” However, happiness depends on the feel good factor in our life, yet to be blessed by The Lord God is to be consecrated by Him, (made Holy and granted His favour and protection). Therefore, the word “blessed” more accurately describes the spiritual harmony of a person and their relationship with their creator. Hence to be truly blessed, one must have the rekindling of the Holy spirit within their soul. So to be blessed means to literally have the fullness of the Holy spirit. There can be no blessedness without Christ sitting upon the throne of our heart.
The characteristics of kingdom citizens
Blessed, possessing the favour of God, that state of being marked by fullness from God, it indicates the state of the believer in Christ Jesus, one who becomes a partaker of God's nature through faith in Christ Jesus. This is the assurance of having the kingdom of God (Heaven) within. (luke c17:v21). The same Greek word “Makarios”(blessed), is applied to the Lord in 1Timothy chapter 1: verse11, thus within “Makarios” lies the mystery of all our joys. Being poor in spirit is the recognition through the quickening (rekindling) of the Holy spirit that you are spirituality dead before a righteous and Holy God. It is by God's grace through the quickening (rekindling) of the Holy spirit within our hearts that we come to the realization of our spiritual bankruptcy and our need for a saviour. (john c6:v63; col c2:v13;1 pet c3:v18). Man has nothing to offer God that will equal, earn, or merit His righteousness. (rom c3:v9-v20). Psalms 51 is a great example of a man who is crying out for God’s Salvation. “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit.” “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.”Ps 51:v10-v17). It is to this confession of hopelessness which is the first point of contact, between the soul and God.” It is to this light (truth and life), that invokes the Sun of righteousness to rise within the human heart with total healing in His wings, (mali c4:v2). But if there be no mourning over sin there will never be any true repentance, and without repentance there can be no forgiveness, (luke c17:v3), nor shall any receive the kingdom of Heaven. Those who are poor in spirit thirst and hunger after righteousness, and are truly mournful for their sin and are aware of their own unworthiness.” We are made stronger when we realize that we are poor in spirit, it is at this point of conviction and repentance that we utterly surrender our “self will” and mourn over our sin and its effects, this mourning is the Godly sorrow that produces true repentance unto salvation, (2corin c7:v10). We mourn because the Holy spirit has opened our minds to the dreadful consequence of sin, throughout all Creation, (rom c8:v22). To mourn over sin is to be placed in close fellowship with the sufferings of Christ, “the Man of Sorrows who was acquainted with grief”, (isa c53:v3; phil c3:v10). Godly sorrow works repentance that leads to salvation, when we see how our corrupted fallen nature is in rebellion against the authority of the Creator, we shall mourn over it, turning away from darkness and towards the Gospel of Light, (ezek c33:v11; rom c3:v25). This is why those who mourn shall rejoice. This is why those who mourn shall be blessed, we must go through mourning to get to true happiness. We are commanded to mourn and repent of our sins that we might experience true happiness which is found only in Christ Jesus. Those who realize their emptiness before God will recognize their lack of Holiness. “Blessed is the sinner whose fault is removed, whose sin is forgiven. Blessed are those to whom the Lord imputes no guilt, in whose spirit is no deceit. We are commanded to draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. We are to cleanse our hands, and purify your hearts, if we humble ourselves before the Lord and He will exalt us. (ps 32:v1-v2; jam c4:v8-v10)”. One of the greatest graces of a disciple is meekness, meekness is a willingness to disregard one’s own “rights” and privileges, (phil c2:v1-v11). “Blessed are the meek”. These are the individuals who understand their spiritual poverty, mourn over their lost condition and are willing to submit their lives to the will of God. Meekness is associated with humility, gentleness, affliction, (Hebrew word, (Anav and Anavah). Meekness as a Grace cannot be given by the world, for it is a fruit of the Holy spirit. Meekness holds within itself great blessing from the heart of God. "The meek shall eat and be satisfied"(ps 22:v26). "The meek will He guide in justice; and the meek will He teach His way", (ps 25:v9). "The meek shall inherit the land", (ps 37:v11). And in Thy Majesty ride on victoriously, for the cause of Truth and Meekness and Righteousness, (ps 45:v4). "The Lord upholds the meek". (ps 147:v6). "The Lord will beautify the meek with salvation,"(ps 149:v4; isa c61:v1). Seek righteousness, seek humility.(zeph c2:v3). “The meek are those who quietly submit themselves before God, to His Word and His will”. The Greatest Example of Meekness is our Lord and Saviour; Christ Jesus. Jesus is our chief example for every virtue, so we must seek an intimate relationship with Him. Neither the worldly minded nor the carnal minded person shall find any blessings within the spiritual realm, for they are spiritually discerned, (1 corin c2:v14). Christ promised that the meek would inherit the earth, note that He did not say that they would inherit the “World”. There is a difference between the earth and the world, The word "World" is used in the Bible to depict the social system of mankind upon the earth, this system is under the rule and influence of Satan. The “Earth” is God's creation. So how will the meek inherit the earth? By patiently resting in His word. (ps 37:v7-11), Jesus said; "Learn of Me: for I am meek and lowly in heart", (matt c11:v29). We as the disciples of Christ are to "Walk in the light of the Gospel, with all lowliness and meekness", (eph c4:v1-v2); and with the gentleness of Christ, (2 corin c10:v1), speaking evil of no man, (titus c3:v2). Meekness is rooted in God, and therefore we must pursue it. Because it is a quality of God's character, we must work effortlessly to make it part of our character. Although we may be experiencing adversity, as meek children of God we should still appreciate God's good and gracious will. The righteous are meek and receptive to the Word of God, it is only through the work of the Holy spirit that we are enabled to produce meekness, which is a necessity if we are to conform to the image of Christ ,displaying the same attitude as Christ. It is through meekness that the desire to hunger and thirst for righteousness is birthed within the soul of man. Note that it is not the one who attains righteousness that is pronounced blessed, but the one who hungers and thirsts for it. It is a great comfort to know that the Holy spirit meets us at the point of our aspirations, not at our achievement. The degree of our Holiness is measured by the depth of our desire for it, not by any visible achievement, the "righteousness," for which the awakened sinner longs, is an inward and sanctifying righteousness, it is the “righteousness of faith” whereby a sinner is justified freely by Divine grace through the redemption that is in the Lord Christ Jesus. Thus to hunger and thirst for righteousness is the experience of the renewed heart. The Holy Spirit creates a deep hunger and thirst which causes the recipient to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,(matt c6:v33). When God creates a hunger and thirst in the soul, it is that He may satisfy it, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” It is righteousness that brings forth mercy, the biblical concept of mercy always involves help to those who are in need or distress. A personal characteristic of care for the needs of others. Since God has been merciful to the believer they in turn are to show "mercy with cheerfulness", the merciful are congratulated "for they shall obtain mercy" (rom c12:v8; matt c5:v7). Mercy is the kindness and love from God, (God's favour) that washes us with regeneration, renewing us through the work of the Holy Spirit. Those who show mercy are the ones who know that they have already received it, through grace. If you want mercy from God, then you should take care to be merciful to others. As disciples of Christ we are to show mercy to all men and we are to do this by both sympathizing with them and by caring and tending to their needs. Christ instructs us to show the same type of mercy to others that He shows to us. The Lord Jesus said much concerning the showing of mercy and a good example is found in Corinthians, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God”, (2 corin c1:v3-v4). Mercy is an “awe” inspiring attribute of the Lord God, whereby He looks upon man in his pitiful state of sin and rebellion and comes to his aid. The supreme act of mercy was the death of Christ Jesus upon the cross. Thus we see that Mercy and forgiveness go hand in hand; “To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him”,(dan c9:v9). “He is still rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ”, (by grace you have been saved),(eph c2:v4-v5). “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His Mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit”,(titus c3:v5). Mercy is present when God saves us, it is His mercy that allows Him to redeem us. So to be "in Christ Jesus" is to have His righteousness imparted within our soul, thus we have a new standing with God the Father because of Christ the Son. Mercy is not a human virtue, it is a spiritual grace, to show mercy reveals that Christ Jesus is alive and well and living within the human heart of His disciple, to display mercy is to display the Heart of God. If you remember “Noah” Then you will remember that the Lord was going to “blot out” all human life,(gen c6:v7). What was it that prevented our destruction? What moved the Heart of God? One person, called Noah, found favour in the sight of the Lord. Favour, not because of human merit, but because of divine Mercy. God's mercy toward one, opened an avenue of renewal and reconciliation for all. God is awesome and merciful in the way He manifests His power. To His enemies He is only terrifying, yet, to those who love Him, He is a refuge of tender mercy. It is the merciful who obtain mercy. It is the merciful that are pure in heart, it is the pure (those who are sincere, unadulterated not hypocritical or deceitful; open and genuine), that seek the face of the God. It is the pure in heart who shall ascend the hill of the Lord, and it is the pure of heart who shall stand in His Holy place.(ps 24:v3-v4). Purity of heart is the fulfilment of the two greatest commandments (to love). It is love that forms an intimate relationship with the Lord God. The carnal man only sees what his mind will let him see or believe, for he is spiritually blind, (rom c1:v21-v22), but the pure in heart have been freed from darkness and brought into the light of the gospel, they are spiritually alive. Remember unless you are born again of the spirit of God you remain in ignorance to spiritual matters. Remember what Jesus said to Nicodemus; “truly, truly, I say unto you, Except one be born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus said unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, truly, truly, I say unto you, Except one be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God!” (john c3:v3-v5). Note that unless one is born of the spirit they “cannot see” nor can they enter the kingdom of God. It is only through the work of the Holy spirit that the scales fall from our eyes and our minds are opened to spiritual matters, remember the office of the Holy spirit is “Truth”. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and is within you, (john c14:v17). And the Comforter,(Holy spirit) whom the Father will send in my (Christ) name, shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.(john c14:v26). And also as our Counsellor who is sent to us from the Father, the Spirit of Truth who goes out from the Father, He will testify about Christ, (john c15:v26), and will guide us into all Truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come.(john c16:v13). The world cannot accept the Holy Spirit because it knows nothing of Jesus Christ. It neither loves Christ nor does it obey Christ. It is only through the work of the Holy spirit that we who received salvation, have been reconciled to God the Father through God the Son. Thus we as the disciples of Christ Jesus become peacemakers through the Holy spirit by overcoming evil with good. The disciples of Christ accomplish this through the spreading of the gospel, because God has entrusted to His Children (disciples) the ministry of reconciliation, (2 corin c5:v18). The Scriptures clearly teach us, that the hostilities which exist in the world are a result of disobedience (sin), between God and His creation. Because of this fall from God's grace it is reasonable to believe that when Christ said; “blessed are the peacemakers” He was addressing spiritual matters and not political matters.(matt c5). We must first be reconciled to God, before we can be reconciled to each other, thus the disciples of Christ Jesus are called to lead others into a peaceful relationship with God their Father, this is the basis for peace without which no lasting harmony can be found. The disciple of Christ Jesus works to establish peace towards his neighbour, based on their “spiritual relationship” with Christ. The disciples of Christ Jesus shall suffer two things within this world, persecution and tribulation, (john c16:v33; acts c14:v22; 2thess c1:v4; c3:v12). Righteousness is a magnet for persecution, not that we have any righteousness of ourselves, but the righteousness that God instils within us through Christ Jesus is enough to provoke a world that only knows sin. Those who would live righteously for God have always been persecuted by those who would not. From the beginning of history it has been so. Righteous Abel gave a worthy sacrifice to the Lord and it pleased the Lord. Wicked Cain made an unworthy sacrifice to the Lord which was not accepted, and the result was that Cain, in a jealous rage, lashed out and murdered his brother Abel. Every righteous man or woman mentioned in the Bible has suffered at the hands of the unrighteous; Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Israel, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Samuel, David, all the prophets; Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, John the Baptist, Jesus Himself and all the apostles. Righteousness in the eyes of God is for the disciple to present their body as a living sacrifice, Holy and acceptable to God, which is our spiritual worship. We are not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, so that we may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.(rom c12:v1-v2). What is transforming? to become like Jesus in character. Jesus said ,"If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. "If you were of the world, the world would love you for it loves its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. "Remember the word that I (Christ Jesus said to you, 'A slave is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. "But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know the One who sent Me." (john c15:v18-v21). The more we are like Jesus, the more the world will hate us because it hates Him. to live for Christ is to live in opposition to the devil and his world system (eph c6:v). To live for Christ is to be confrontational for by our very existence we bear witness of Christ Jesus, and that is an affront to a sinful world. Remember the world loves it's own, and it hates those who are not part of it.(john c15:v19). All who desire to live Godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."(2 tim c3:v12). Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in Heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”(matt c5:v11). We as disciples of Christ are to rejoice in our sufferings for righteousness sake, for salvation and suffering are very closely related. Suffering for Christ identifies us with Christ, our Lord promised that if men hated Him, they would hate us also. To be hated for Christ’s sake is to be recognized as a disciple of Christ by the world. Suffering for Christ’s sake is evidence of having some measure of victory over sin, (1 pet c4:v1). Suffering for Christ’s sake makes us hunger for heaven and desire to leave this world behind, (2 corin c4:v5). Suffering for Christ’s sake takes us to a deeper level of intimacy with Him. It is through suffering for His Name sake which brings us into a closer fellowship with Him, (phil c3:v10). Thus suffering for Christ’s sake is a privilege, for which we should praise and glorify God, (acts c4:v23-v31; 1 pet c4:v16). Suffering persecution is a sign of our salvation. As disciples of Christ we are “the salt of the earth.” Disciples are like salt because they are precious. In Jesus’ day, salt was a valued and costly commodity, Roman soldiers were sometimes paid with salt, giving rise to the phrase “worth his salt.” Disciples of Christ are like salt because they have a preserving influence. Salt was used to preserve meats and to slow decay. Christians should have a preserving influence on their culture. Disciples are like salt because they add flavour. filled with joy and praise. Biblical salt has a spiritual significance, for salt had an intimate connection with the idea of a covenant or binding relationship. Called the "salt of the covenant”. Salt was also used in all of the offerings , (lev c2:v13) and was a symbolic "preservative" of covenants, (num c18:v19; 2 chron c13:v5). Just as salt was required in all sacrifices, so are the disciples of Christ required to be the salt of the earth. How can salt's properties be exhibited in us? By acting upon the words of Christ. Christ Jesus gives His disciples both a great compliment and a great responsibility when He says that they were not only the salt of the earth but also the light of the world, because He claimed that title for Himself as He walked this earth (john c8:v12; c 9:v5). To be a Light of the world means that the disciple's of Christ are not only light receivers but also light givers. As truth bearers disciples expose the darkness. Once you were "darkness", but now as disciples you are "light" We have renounced secret and shameful ways. It was the Lord God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," and it was His light that shone in our hearts to give us the knowledge of His glory in the face of Christ Jesus.(2 corin c4:v2-v6). And because God is light, dwelling in light, He did not have to create light.(1 tim c6:v16). Physically, the Lord God is the light of shining glory.(rev c21:v23). Intellectually, He is the light of truth.(john c14:v6). Morally, He is the light of Holiness.(2 corin c5:v21; 1pet c2:v22). He is also the light of life and the light of true guidance (john c1:v4; c8:v12). So it is the light of the gospel that reveals the secret motives of men's hearts, it matters not if man believes the light of the gospel, for God who says that He is the light, is light, and nothing shall change that truth. Hence we are called as disciples of Christ to live as children of the light. For it is The light of God that produces within the disciple all that is good and right and true. Hence we are to let our lives be living proof of the things which please God. (rom c12:v1-v2; phil c4:v18-v19; col c1:v10;1 thess c2:v4; heb c13:v21). It is the light that comes from the Lord God that brings judgement: that light has entered the world, and men have preferred darkness to light because their deeds were evil.(john c3:v19). Everybody who does wrong hates the light and keeps away from it, for fear their deeds may be exposed. But everybody who is living by the truth will come to the light to make it plain that all he has done has been done through God." (john c3:v19-v21). You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light. The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble. Christ said; "I am the light of the world; anyone who follows me will not be walking in the dark; he will have the light of life." The light still shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. (2 sam c22:29; prov 4:v18-v19; john c1:5; c8:v12; dan c12:v3). It was the Lord Himself who formed the light, and created darkness. (isa c45:v7). Note that the disciples of Christ are called the salt of the earth, this is because the earth belongs to the creator, signifying that they belong to Him, and the reason for them shining is to show that they glorify the father. They are called the light of the world because they have been transformed into the image of Christ, remember the god of this world is Satan, (2 corin c4:v4). Disciples do not belong to this world the object of a disciple in Christ is to glorify the Lord God by showing His grace at work within us.(matt c5:v16). It is very important for the recipient of Salvation to come to an understanding of what the scriptures mean concerning the word light, we know that God is in the Light, and that He covers Himself with light as with a cloak, (ps 104:1-v2). So if the Lord is in the light and covers Himself with the light, it should come as no strange thing that we as His children should walk in the light. Hence we are to live our life continually wrapping ourself in His Light, remember the light of God is His “word”. The Word of God is light (ps 119:v105), so we are to walk under the same light in which God dwells. If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 john c1:v7). Walking in the light as God is in the light means our judgements and opinions are based on the light of God's Word. Under His light we shall never see spiritual death, passing from life to life eternally(john c11:v25-v26). To walk in the light is to live in obedience to the Lord God's commandments, remember Heaven and Earth shall pass away but His words shall never pass away.(matt c24:v35), it is only by walking in the light that we have fellowship with one another and are cleansed from every sin by the blood of his son Jesus.(eph c1:v7; col c1:v20; rev c1:v7). Walking in the light the Holy spirit creates the perfect environment where the disciple of Christ Jesus is brought into a complete and perfect union with the Lord God. Walking in the Spirit allows Him to fill you (eph c5:v18).
Good works
Remember, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning”. (jam c1:v17). Each disciple of Christ has been given a gift which is important for the accomplishing of a specific work of His (God's) good pleasure. His good pleasure becomes “our good works”, remember that good works are only good works when they are done within the will of God, out side of His will they are but works of the flesh, (gal c5:v19-v21), only works that are done within His will are termed good, and it is only the works that are done through “His will” that He takes good pleasure in. Remember at the transfiguration,” (matt c17:v1-v8), when Peter wanted to build three tabernacles, one for Christ Jesus, one for Moses and one for Elijah, His intentions were good but his motives were outside of God's will, read what the Lord God said and did, “While he (peter) was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said ‘This is my Beloved Son, with Him I am well pleased; listen to Him! When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Get up and do not be afraid. And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone”. Note there is a way that seems right to man but that's not the way of the Lord, (prov 14:v12). God wants us to know what it is He wants us to do by making His will ours. This only happens when we yield our will to His use, and this can only come about when we surrender our will to Him, that is to die to “self” interest, and to stop feeding our own ego! The Lord God can only take good pleasure in our works when they spring from the principle of love for God. Therefore good works can only come out of a believing heart, and can only be wrought by the Holy spirit when one is reconciled to God, (eph c2:v10; jam c2:v18-v26). It is only from a regenerated heart that the glory and praise of God is generated, producing the fruit of righteousness, which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God, (phil c1:v11). It is only through the light of the Gospel by the working (the office) of the Holy spirit that the will of God is revealed, “You must diligently observe everything that I command you; do not add to it or take anything from it, (deut c12:v32; rev c22:v18-v19). The scriptures clearly teach us that good works are an expression of gratitude in the disciples heart. Jesus said; “If you love me, you shall keep my commandments”. This can only come through the Spirit, by faith, we eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness, for in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcised counts for anything; the only thing that counts is faith working through love. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (john c14:v15; gal c5:v5-v6; col c3:v16-v17). All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work. But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act, they will be blessed in their doing. (2 tim c3:v16-v17; jam c1:v22-v26). In the day of judgement, when the Lord opens the book of works and deeds, good works will be evidence of our faith; Blessed are the dead who from now on die in the Lord.’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘they will rest from their labours, for their deeds (works) follow them, (rev c20:v12;c14:v13). “Then the king will say to those at his right hand, “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”(matt c25:v34-v40). What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you? If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill’, and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. But someone will say, ‘You have faith and I have works.’ Show me your faith without works, and I by my works will show you my faith. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder. Do you want to be shown, you senseless person, that faith without works is barren?(jam c2:v14-v20), The Lord Jesus is our greatest example of good works, Jesus said; ‘I have shown you many good works from the Father. (john c10:v32). God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and with power; for He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. This is the disciple (John) who is testifying to these things and has written them (in his gospel), and we know that his (Jesus) testimony is true. John goes on in his gospel and testifies; there are also many other things that Jesus did; if every one of them were written down, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. (john c21:v24-v25; acts c10:v38) Good works are through the Lord Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God; For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what is best, so that on the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God. (phil c1:v8-v11). Heavenly wisdom is full of good works; But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace. (jam c3:v17-v18). Disciples are created in Christ to good works; “For we are what He has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.”(eph c2:v10). The disciples of Christ should be careful to maintain good works; The saying is sure. I desire that you insist on these things, so that those who have come to believe in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works; these things are excellent and profitable to everyone, (titus 3:v8). The disciple of Christ must be fruitful in good works as to lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God. (col c1:v10) Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom (jam c3:v13). The scriptures clearly teach that the disciples of Christ Jesus are to be clothed in good works. As God’s chosen ones, Holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.(col c3:v12-v17). We are to be zealous and full of good works; For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and Godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. (titus c2:v11-v15). It was Christ who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for Himself a people of His own who are zealous for good deeds.(acts c9:v36). As disciples we should be rich and established in good works, For God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, we may share abundantly in every good work. (2 corin c9:v8). All who cleanse themselves of the things I have mentioned will become special utensils, dedicated and useful to the owner of the house, ready for every good work. (2 tim c2:v21). As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life. (1 tim c6:v17-v19). We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” We are redeemed and since we are owned by God we are set apart for Holy living. Justification is the declaration of God whereby we are declared forgiven of our sins, by the shed blood of Christ, and therefore brought into the family of God and treated as if we had never sinned. Sanctification however is the work of God in every believer’s heart, whereby the Holy Spirit is working in each one enabling them to “work out” their “own salvation with fear and trembling”. (phil c2:v12-v13). The Holy Spirit gives vigour to the disciple of Christ “to will and to work for His good pleasure”. Glorifying God is the desire of the disciples walk. The disciple has put on the new man and is being renewed “in knowledge after the image of Him that created him, being renewed in thought and in deed in order to do all for God’s glory. (col c3:v10). One cannot live a life of love and devotion to God in one's own strength. The word of God must be applied in the power of the Holy Spirit, for only the Holy spirit can provide a righteous way in which we must walk. Remember what the Lord Jesus said; I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit He prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch that dries up; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. (john c15:v1-v11). Only the disciples of Christ are joined to the vine. It is through Christ and the Holy spirit that we receive the Grace to live a life in Holiness, remember, we can “do all things through Christ” who gives strength, (phil c4:v13). Note what Jesus said to His disciples; "Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, 'If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed, (john c8:v31). You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.(john c15:v16). The obligation of every disciple is to do good works; although salvation is given to us apart from works, yet good works are the fruit of righteousness. The Lord God expects us, as His disciples, to reflect His glory in our attitudes and actions as an example of righteousness to others, (titus c2:v14; c3:v8). Fruit bearing is the proof of discipleship, for Christ Himself said; "You will know them (His disciples) by their fruits. (matt c7:v16). Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right. (prov 20:v11). Christ reveals an important aspect of glorifying our Heavenly Father when He said; "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples" (john c15:v8). We know that "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (gal c5:v22v-23), If our attitudes and actions reflect this spiritual fruit, we will be glorifying God in our lives. The Glory of God is the revelation of the character and the presence of God in the person and work of Jesus Christ, one of whose titles is "the brightness of the Father's glory", (radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature), (heb c1:v3). By producing the fruit of righteousness, Christ Jesus manifested God's glory (john c1:v14). Through our righteousness in Christ , we reflect Christ's glory, (phil c1:v11). Thus through the finished work of Christ and the on going work of the Holy spirit within our hearts, the fruit of righteousness shines through us making us an acceptable witness of God before others, (matt c5:v14-v16). We are as Christ's disciples to Worship the Lord God in adoration, for all that He has done for us, we are to "Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of Holiness," (ps 92:v2). We are to love the Lord God with all our heart, and with all our soul," (deut c6:v5). To love God is to glorify Him, to glorify Him is to be obedient to His Word, (john c2:v5). Thus to walk in the light is to be obedient to His word, Light represents Truth, knowledge and Holiness. the work and words of Christ are testimonies to the God who is light.(1 john c1:v5).
The word
Love is the key to salvation, and it is agape love, (God’s love), that the disciple of Christ Jesus shall receive from the Holy spirit. salvation is God’s love in action, read 1 Corinthians chapter 13.
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. We were created by God to live in a spiritual garden yet because of sin (our disobedience to His word) we where born into a spiritual wilderness, born of woman and spiritually dead to God. Poverty of spirit is the recognition of your spiritual condition before God and the need for God's Grace and forgiveness. Into this world we came with nothing and out of it our soul and spirit shall return to God, a few carrying in their heart the gift of salvation, for narrow is the road of the Holy spirit that leads to spiritual life, but wide is the road of iniquity that leads to spiritual death. (matt c7:v13-v14). One who is Scripturally blessed is blessed because of their spiritual condition and their relationship with God through the Lord Jesus. Being blessed has nothing to do with our material possessions, influence, physical health, or anything else that is temporal. (v4)Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Christ Jesus is referring to Godly sorrow that brings repentance and leads to salvation (2 corin c7:v10) The sorrowful mourning described here, is mourning over sin that comes from Godly sorrow. True mourning over our own sin leads to our comfort. The mourning of Godly sorrow leads to repentance and repentance leads to forgiveness and cleansing by the Lord Jesus. Sin is described as a "heavy burden" (ps 38). To be comforted is the right to enter through the gates of the new Jerusalem with the right to the tree of life, (rev c22:v14). ( v5) Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Jesus describes himself as ‘meek and humble of heart’. Meekness is a word that refers to relationships. In the Bible it is used to refer to our relationship with God and with others. It is a disposition of the heart which makes us open and receptive to God’s Holy Spirit. As such it is revealed as one of the fruits of living a Spirit filled life, because it is the outworking of a life lived under the authority of God’s discipline and according to God’s will. Meekness is a defining trait of a spirit filled disciple. (matt c11:v29). (v6) Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. The word “righteousness” occurs 5 times in this sermon, (verses :v6, v10, v20; c6:v1, v33), the word “righteousness”is used to describe the nature of God. Included in this term are the qualities or virtues of justice, truth, mercy and love. There are many things the Bible reveals to us about God and God’s relationship with us, but justice, truth, mercy and love are the traits it most often identifies and these are summed up in the word ‘righteousness’. Those who Jesus' blesses in this beatitude, are those who hunger and thirst after the nature of God. (rom c12:v1-v2; phil c2:v1-v11). (v7)Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. To be merciful means to be moved by compassion. The merciful are those who respond to human need, those who move among the suffering. Those who show compassion receive compassion from the Lord God. The disciples of Christ are to be merciful, just as our Father is merciful.” (luke c6:v36). Remember what Jesus said; “when I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, when I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, when I was a stranger and you invited me in, when I needed clothes and you clothed me, when I was sick and you looked after me, when I was in prison and you came to visit me. “Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these disciples of mine, you did it for me.’ (matt c25:v35-v40). (v8)Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. There is nothing special about any of the words that Jesus used in this Beatitude, except for the Greek word for “pure.” In the Greek, the word for “pure” has the idea of “clean, pure, unsoiled, and not dirty.” It was used to refer to refined metals such as gold, iron, and silver. That is, the word referred to metals with all the impurities removed. To be pure in heart is to be sincere. Only those who have surrendered their hearts completely to Christ can be declared pure of heart. “Pure” means a heart that is free of unadulterated “motives”. (heb c10:v22; 1 john c3:v2-v3). A pure heart, is a soul that is totally devoted to God. (jam c3:v17). (v9) Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. There are many kinds of peace and peacemakers, but few have anything to do with God's wonderful peace. Only Christ Jesus can bring genuine peace to troubled hearts. The peace that passes all understanding. Gods peace, (2 corin c5:v18-v19). The "peacemaker" is one who seeks to bring harmony and reconciliation between God and man. Jesus hung on a cross so that we would find peace with God through His blood. Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Peacemakers are blessed with the title "children of God," for they as disciples of Christ are to lead others to the truth of the gospel that they themselves may receive the Lord Jesus as their saviour and come into a peaceful relationship with the Lord God. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”. (phil c4:v6-v7) (v10)Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. All disciples of the Lord Jesus shall be persecuted. Not because they personally hate you, but because the world hates God and everything to do with God, the Lord Jesus made this statement; “The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil.” (john c7:v7). When we are referring to the world we are referring to society, for it is society which is the kingdom of Satan, for the god of this world has blinded the minds of the people, (2 corin c4:v4), what Christ is revealing here is a war between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan. Why is this war going on? Because Christ invaded the kingdom of Satan. “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” (john c3:v19-v21). For God so loved the the world that He sent His only begotten Son , (john c3:v16).Before Christ came the world was resting in the arms of the evil one, but the moment that Christ was conceived by the Holy spirit, Satan raised his ugly head, (matt c2:v18). And persecution of the innocent began. Such is the nature of evil. Christ understood this well and implied it when he said; They will put you to death and think they are doing God a service. Not all who are persecuted are killed for their faith. Not all are beaten and stoned. But in a secular society all shall be discriminated against because of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.(rev c6:v9-v11). (v11-v12)Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Blessed (Highly favoured) are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. (luke c6:v22). To revile someone means: "to abuse with vicious and mocking words". A significant part of persecution is what people say about you. Verbal slander is a key part of the persecution that a disciple of Christ will undergo. Therefore, we should not think that we will be excluded from persecution since we have the freedom to preach the Word and study the Bible together. Remember the world hated Jesus because He is light, righteousness, and Holiness. They hated Him because He revealed the wickedness of their hearts. Remember, sin at its heart is enmity against the Lord God. (hab c1:v3). To suffer for Christ sake is a privilege, because you are counted worthy to be identified with Jesus Christ. Note that Christ refers to the prophets of old, and tells his disciple's to look at the lives of these prophets, and how they where persecuted for being the eminent servants of God in former ages. So if you are persecuted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of God rests upon you for His Glory,(1 pet c4:v12-v16) (v13)You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Christ Jesus refers to His disciples as the salt of the Earth. The reason why the Lord Jesus calls His disciples the salt of the earth is that they are to be life-givers through the office of the Holy spirit. They are the instrument that the Lord uses to bring light into a dark world. They are the salt of the earth because they belong to Him. They are the salt of the earth because they follow His example, (1 pet c2:v21). They are the salt of the earth because they have counted the cost and picked up their cross. The disciple of Christ is not called to preserve the world but to challenge the world and expose it with the light of the gospel. Salt was a symbol of an unbreakable covenant. The term "covenant of salt" is indicative of the everlasting nature of the relationship between the children of salt, and their creator “Elohim Yahweh”. Salt is emblematic of loyalty and friendship. Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (john c15:v13). v14-v15) you are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Scripture reveals to us, that light speaks of Righteousness. When Christ said, “I am the light,” and then tells us that “we are the light,” He is revealing to us that as He abides in us, we also abide in Him, and because of this great work of the Holy spirit, we have imparted within us, His righteousness,(2 corin c3:v18;2 pet c1:v4) It is a source of unspeakable comfort and joy. Paul uses “righteousness” to describe the gracious gift of God to men whereby all who believe on the Lord Jesus are brought into right relationship with God. This righteousness is unattainable by obedience to any law, or by any merit of man’s own, or any other condition than that of faith in Christ. The man who trusts in Christ becomes “the righteousness of God in Him” (2 corin c5:v21). He becomes in Christ and because of Christ, all that God requires a man to be, all that he could never be in himself. Remember the world (society) lies in the power of the evil one (2 corin c4:v4). The world is the place where evil is committed: "all the world lies in evil, ( 1 john c5:v19). It is therefore for righteousness sake that the disciple of Christ is the salt of the earth and a light to the world, that others may be led to the truth and be saved. Scripture reveals to us, that light speaks of Righteousness. When Christ said, “I am the light,” and then tells us that “we are the light,” He is revealing to us that as He abides in us, we also abide in Him, and because of this great work of the Holy spirit, we have imparted within us His righteousness.(1 john c3:v3). Our Lord's claim was that He had come to bring light. His promise is that "he who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life". Here, however, He also says, "you are the light of the world." It comes to this, therefore, that He and He alone gives us this vital light with respect to life but He does not stop at that. He also makes us "light". "For you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord".(eph c5:v8). So not only have we received light, we have been made light. We are beacons of light to a world that has lost it's way. In other words, it is this extraordinary teaching of the mystical union between the disciple and his master. His nature enters into us so that we become, in a sense, what He Himself is.(john c14:v12;c15:v5). v16) “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven”. The disciple of Christ Jesus can do no other but shine before men, for the fruit that is produced within their hearts is the fruit of righteousness. As Children of Light our actions shall always reflect our faith. This is what the Lord has to say on good works; “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin? Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rearguard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am. If you remove the yoke from among you, the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil, if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday”. (isa c58:v6-v10). Also "Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 'for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 'I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.' "Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 'When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 'Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' "And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.' (matt c25:v34-v40). “This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. (11) But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.” (1 john c1:v5-v7; c2:v8-v11). We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them.(eph c2:v10) Unless you do good deeds you light will never shine, good deeds shall never get you into heaven, they have nothing to do with salvation on their own, for on their own they are worthless, but coupled with the love of God they are priceless. If Christ Jesus is reigning in your heart, good deeds shall be the fruit (love) that comes from within you, (matt c12:v33; 1 corin c13).
The precepts for the life of a disciple of Christ
If you really want to be Christ's disciples, you must give Him your heart without reservation, and follow His teachings. Make no mistake we will be judged by our response to God's word. We as His disciples do not have the right to say, "I will obey His teaching about murder but not His teaching about adultery or fornication"; or, "I will obey His teaching about theft but not about divorce." To do so is to deny His headship and to deny His commandments. v19-v20, Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of Heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Three things are revealed here, egoism, pride and hypocrisy. Egoism is a disease which every human has within their heart to a lesser or greater degree, this condition of the human heart leads the individual to believe that “self interest” is the only way forward. Egoism places “self” at the centre of the universe. If you read John's gospel concerning the raising of Lazarus, you shall see egoism at work within the human heart, verse 48. It is egoism that gives birth to arrogance (pride); “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful and unholy, (2 tim c3:v2). Note that “out of the heart proceed all evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witnesses, blasphemies” (matt c5:V19). There are six things that the Lord hates: and seven that are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaks lies, and he that sows discord among the brethren. (prov c6:1v6-v19). Pride relies upon competition, and therefore it cannot exist without competition. It's always about you or me against another. Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. (prov c16:v5). The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech the Lord God hates. (prov 8:v13). As egoism gives birth to pride, and make no mistake God never once said this is my son who I am proud of. He said; ‘This is my Son, the Beloved, “with whom I am well pleased.” (matt c3:v17; c17:v5; mark c9:v7; luke c9:v35; 2pet c1:v17). Pride if allowed to root within the heart shall lead you along the path of hypocrisy. Hypocrisy is the act of pretending to have beliefs, opinions, virtues, feeling, qualities and standards that one does not actually have. Hypocrisy involves the deception of others and is thus a lie. God sees the heart and acts accordingly. The disciple of Christ Jesus will know through walking in the light that we are to first cast out the beam from our own eye.(matt c7:v5). Remember we are called to love even the hypocrites v21-v22 ‘You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not murder”; and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgement.”But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgement; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, “You fool”, you will be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. The lord Jesus makes it clear that it is not only those who commit the act of murder who are in danger of judgement; but also those who have murderous intent in the heart. The scribes and Pharisees were not insincere; they tried to adhere to the keeping of the Law. But through their own ideology they had misinterpreted the Heart and intention of God. Whereas God wanted heart worship, the Jews gave Him lip services. But to the disciple of Christ it is revealed not to call someone “Racca”(nitwit) for this is to express contempt for their intelligence; to call them a fool shows contempt for their character. And to assassinate a persons character is to commit spiritual murder. Our relationship with the Lord God depends upon are attitude towards others. Remember that Christ is not a soul destroyer, He is the destroyer of the works of Satan.(1 john c3:v8).
Reconciliation
The disciple of Christ Jesus is to live in peace where possible, they must be willing to forgive and forget, to be reconciled with there follow disciples. Reconciliation begins within the heart, it is the work of the Holy spirit. In these verses the Lord God reveals not only His love towards us, but also that we as His disciples are to display that same love. “As He reconciled the world unto Himself, He did not impute our trespasses unto us; and has committed unto us the word of reconciliation." "God will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth". He is "long-suffering towards us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 corin c5:v19;1 tim c2:v4; 2 pet c3:v9). To be reconciled means to restore a friendship between two people who were hostile to one another. It means to, “make up;” “settle an argument; to live in harmony. Our English word “reconcile” means that the “making up” must be accomplished by both parties who were at odds with one another. But the reconciliation mentioned here is God's reconciliation, it is one sided. It is this act of reconciliation that is proof that Christ's love abides in us, (john c15) remember God's ways are only our ways when we act upon His word.(1 john c5:v3). The Lord Jesus commands us to quickly settle anything between us that may cripple (quench) the work of the Holy spirit within, lest we make room for the devil, (eph c4: v26-v27).
Adultery in the heart
The emphasis here is on “lust” excessive thoughts or desires of a sexual nature. Note; that Christ is referring to the seventh and tenth commandments: “you shall not covet your neighbour's house; you shall not covet your neighbour's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbour's”. “You shall not commit adultery”.(exod c20). "adultery" is linked with faithlessness to a covenant relationship. Marriage was instituted by the Lord God Himself. “Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh”.(gen c2:v18-v24). "One flesh"; means that marriage was instituted and ordained by the Lord God, as a lifelong relationship between one man as husband and one woman as wife, and is to be "held in honour among all,"(heb c13:v4). Thus adultery is the work of the flesh and the very opposite to Holiness. The Lord throughout the scriptures warns us of the danger of the lust of the eyes, it was through the lust of the eyes that sin entered into the world,(gen c3:v6). Hence why "adultery" is linked with faithlessness to a covenant relationship, thus breaking the spiritual union with Christ. Christ Jesus was addressing the spiritual consequences of committing adultery, it matters not whether it is done in flesh or in the mind, the result is the same, “SIN” with all its consequences. “For do you not know that your body is the temple of God”(1 corin c6:v19). As disciples we must surrender our own will in order to do what pleases God. The principle that Christ Jesus was stressing is simply this: one must be willing to sacrifice to be obedient to what the Lord God has said in His word, rather than listen to man, for man cannot within himself get it right, for out of his heart flows evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies,(matt c15:v19). Adultery whether committed in the flesh or mind produces direct disobediences and a attack upon the very foundation of God's righteousness. (matt c19:v9; mark c10:v11; john c8:v4; 1 corin c7:v15; jer c3:v9). One may break the terms of a covenant; yet, if repentance and forgiveness follow, the covenant remains intact. But remember that any act of immorality has its consequences and restrictions; “Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be answerable for the body and blood of the Lord. Examine yourselves, and only then eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For all who eat and drink without discerning the body, eat and drink judgement against themselves. For this reason many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.” (1 corin c11:c27-v30). The saying is sure: whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task. Now a bishop must be above reproach, married only once, temperate, sensible, respectable, hospitable, an apt teacher, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, keeping his children submissive and respectful in every way, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may be puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace and the snare of the devil. Deacons likewise must be serious, not double-tongued, not indulging in much wine, not greedy for money; they must hold fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them first be tested; then, if they prove themselves blameless, let them serve as deacons. (1 tim c3;v1-v10).
Divorce
The point of Christ' teaching in verses 21-32 of Matthew chapter 5 is to illustrate, with real examples, just how His teachings far exceed the “righteousness” of the Pharisees. The Pharisees taught that divorce was permissible. The disciples understood that Jesus had closed the door on divorce. Jesus was teaching that divorce was not available! Divorce is against the clear Word of God. "What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder"(mark c10:v9). Divorce is against the character of God. The Lord said He hated divorce, and calls it treachery, (mal c2:v16). Divorce is against the spirit of reconciliation.(1 corin c7:v11). Divorce gives place to adultery because God does not recognize divorce, and sees a new relationship as bigamous, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause?’ Jesus said; ‘Have you not read that the one who made them at the beginning “made them male and female”, and said, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh”? So they are no longer two, but “one” flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.’ They said to him, ‘Why then did Moses command us to give a certificate of dismissal and to divorce her?’ He (Jesus) said to them, ‘It was because you were so hard-hearted that “Moses” allowed you to divorce your wives, but at the beginning it was not so. And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for unchastity, and marries another commits adultery. His disciples said to Him (Jesus), ‘If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better “not to marry” But he said to them, ‘Not everyone can accept this teaching, but only those to whom it is given. (matt c19:v3-v11). Divorce always creates more problems. Jesus noted specifically that divorce is a cause of adultery (Matthew 5:32). No one can keep the consequences of sin to themselves, and this seems especially true with divorce. Sin leads to sin. (matt c5:v32). Unchastity, (immoral, unclean, impure, licentious).
The law of oaths
The disciple is to choose his words wisely, and if they lack wisdom all they have to do is ask, and they shall receive it, (jam c1:v5). If Jesus was teaching that no vows should be made, He would have been contradicting Old Testament Law. But His words later recorded in chapter 23 of Matthew, verses 16-22, He corrects the false teaching of the Pharisees that some vows are valid and some are invalid. All vows are to be taken seriously. For example, if you swear by heaven, you are swearing by God (verse 22). Also, look at Deuteronomy chapter 6:verse 13, chapter 10:verse 20, and Jeremiah chapter 12:verse 16. In these verses, His people were taught to swear by God's name. For example, in Jeremiah chapter 12:verse 16, it says, "Then it will come about that if they the Gentile nations will really learn the ways of My people (Israel), to swear by My name, 'As YHWH lives,' even as they taught My people to swear by Baal, then they will be built up in the midst of my people." The Lord wanted oaths to be sworn in His name. It must be understood that Jesus' statement does not make it a sin to take an oath, it is just wise counsel, for what good does taking an oath serve? James in his letter echoes the teachings of the Lord Jesus; Above all, my beloved, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your ‘Yes’ be yes and your ‘No’ be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation”.(jam c5:v12). Oaths are unnecessary for the Christian because Christians are commanded not to lie; So then, putting away falsehood, let all of us speak the truth to our neighbours, for we are members of one another, (eph c4:v25). If everyone told the truth, then there would be no need for oaths. The world might require oaths from a Christian because they are used to dealing with liars. But the existence of an oath will not change a disciple of Christ's behaviour. They will carry out their word regardless of whether a vow accompanied it or not. The New Testament contains several examples of disciples of Christ Jesus making vows; For God, whom I serve with my spirit by announcing the gospel of his Son, is my witness that without ceasing I remember you always in my prayers(rom c1:v9). For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus.(phil c1:v8). But I call on God as witness against me: (2 corin c1:v23).In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!(gal c1:v20). We can conclude that one can swear by God’s name, but we must be aware that as God warned the Israelites, our performance will reflect on God. Therefore, a disciple of Christ Jesus should do so rarely and with care since we know so many things are beyond our control. Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a town and spend a year there, doing business and making money.’ Yet you do not even know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wishes, we will live and do this or that.’ As it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, commits sin. (jam c4:v13-v16). What we therefore have here is an example of Jesus not contradicting the old testament about oaths, but merely correcting the religious leaders of the day. He was not forbidding oaths, He was forbidding the abuses and misinterpretations of God's oaths.
The law of retribution.
The law of "an eye for an eye" is usually called the law of retribution. The intent of the law of retribution was to ensure that the punishment corresponded to the crime in order to control the punishment inflicted on the guilty person. Jesus was not cancelling this legal principle, but was rather informing His disciples to go beyond the letter of the law. We are told by Christ not to resist an evildoer, He then goes no to show who an evildoer is, 1. one who strikes you, 2 one who would rob you through the courts, one who forces you to do or go somewhere against your will, 4 those who covet your wealth. Some bibles use the word “beg from you”, this is not referring to beggars, a beggar as one who had an illness or some physical disability such as blindness and lameness which made it impossible for them to earn a living; recourse to people's charity was their only way of surviving. To beg in the context of these verses of scriptures is to covet, to desire something strongly, especially something which belongs to someone else. If one 'actively covets' something, that means that they are making efforts to acquire the item that they covet, not just sitting passively and 'wanting' the item. The purpose for what Jesus said here is primarily to do with faith and obedience to the word of God, to trust the Lord with your life if need be. What Jesus asks of His followers is not passivity, but surrender of the right to personal revenge. His three radical examples make His point about the attitude we should have toward those who wrong us. Rather than getting even, we should be willing to go to the opposite extreme. We need to be ready to humble ourselves for the kingdom of God. We need to understand that vengeance isn't ours, but the Lord's (rom c12:v19). What Jesus is saying to His disciples “is not to retaliate violently.” If one reads their bible it will become clear that Jesus denounced the Pharisees who attacked Him, (matt c23:), and objected when He was struck by one of the officers of the high priest, (john c18:v22-v23). Further more, He advised His disciples to take measures to defend themselves, and He also declared that they shouldn't worry beforehand about how they should respond to their enemies' charges, because He would give them the right words to say so that their adversaries wouldn't be able "to contradict or resist" them (matt c10:v16; luke c21:v14-v15; c22:v36). Christ went much further than the law, making it clear that He wasn't merely calling for more limitations on vengeance. Jesus was implying that we must give up personal vengeance for there is a difference between confronting evil and seeking personal revenge. when we seek vengeance we are motivated by hatred. Jesus clearly says that we are not to resist the evil person, for such is the world we live in and such were we before the grace of God shone upon our hearts, (2 pet c1:v19), but we are to resist evil itself at every opportunity. (eph c:v1-v3; jam c4:v7). Christ's disciples are to be motivated by love and a desire for the redemption of others.
The law of love
Jesus interprets the law of the spirit by loving your neighbour, the Mosaic law commanded, you shall love your neighbour, (lev c19:v18), but the religious leaders of the Jewish nation added an opposite to this law which said that you were equally obligated to hate your enemy. They were subtracting from the law what they didn't like, and they were adding to it. They had abandoned the proper yardstick for their basis of judgement, and had developed their own traditions which transgressed the law of God, (matt c15:v1-v9). Their worship had become vain and worthless, with their lips they gave praise to God but their hearts where far from Him. (isa c29:v13; matt c15:v8). They substituted the doctrines of men for the doctrines of God. The Jewish religious leaders knew that they were not to hate their Jewish brothers, (lev c19:v18). Yet on the other hand, the Jewish religious leaders knew Psalm 5; which reads "For you are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness; no evil dwells with you. The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you “hate” all who do iniquity, you destroy those who speak falsehood; the Lord abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit." Hence they corrupted not only the letter of the law but also the spirit of the law, they used these verses and others like them to prove that they had a God given right to hate those whom they deemed their enemies. Yet the Lord Jesus in verse 44 teaches us clearly that our righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees. We are to act upon every word that proceeds from His mouth. This is what Jesus said “ But I say to you”!, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven. Again “But I say to you”! we are to imitate God, who shows love towards His enemies. (rom c5:v8). Jesus is teaching us the character of the citizens of His kingdom; we should expect that character to be different from the character seen in the world. The disciple of Christ is to love others as God loves them. This is God’s standard of love. God doesn’t have to love us. He loves us because He chooses to love; it’s only by His grace. He loved us even while we were alienated from Him as His enemies. To truly fulfil all the laws of God we must love others as He loved us.
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbour as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." (matt c22:v34-v40). "God's whole hearted love must not be answered in a half hearted manner." The disciple of Christ can achieve this through the Holy spirit, by acting upon His commandments, perfect love is dying to self and being alive to God. This places the disciple of Christ Jesus within the perfect will of God, and is the only channel that allows the Lord God to work through you.
Remember, “God is love ”, so when a “Perfect and Holy God” with Perfect love, (grace), works through you, you can be assured that you have become perfect both in love and Holiness, and those who say otherwise, have not died to self, their ego (flesh)you will find, is alive and kicking within them, (matt c5:v48).
Matthew Chapter six
The outward and inward giving of alms: Here Jesus places the primary focus on the motives behind such acts, which should be love. Note Giving is to be done out of Love and not out of duty. If the heart has no love for those who are less fortunate than yourself, you have nothing nor shall you receive any blessing from the hand of the Lord, remember the words of Jesus; 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'(matt c25:v45).
Note that verses one to twenty one reveal three duties that the disciple of Christ must perform, the giving of alms, the giving to prayer and the giving to fasting. While prayer is acknowledged by most Christians as important, both the giving of alms and fasting are usually ignored. Yet it is only through our willingness to give that we receive the blessings of God. “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (luke c6:v38). Helping the least of the brethren is helping Jesus, (matt c25:v35-v40). The
giving of alms is looked upon by the Lord God as righteousness, hence giving to the poor is called righteousness, ps 112:v9; 2 corin c9:v9). Note also that Jesus said “When you give alms”, not if you give alms. By giving alms, we are building upon the foundation of Christ Jesus' righteousness, (1corin c3:v11). Our good deeds of which the giving of alms is one, shall follow us into heaven. (rev c14:v13).
They shall follow us, not as a basis of reward, but as our everlasting tribute to the grace of God and for the glory of His name. We as disciples are to live in a manner that demonstrates our obedience and gratitude to Him for all that He has done through His mercy and grace. We are to live so that He may be honoured before men, (matt c5:v16; john c15:v8; 1 pet c2:v12). Blessed are those who consider the poor; the Lord will deliver them in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve them and keep them alive. And they will be blessed on the Earth; the Lord will not deliver them to the will of their enemies. The Lord will strengthen them on their bed of illness; and will sustain them on their sickbed.(ps 41:v1-v3).
Within these verses Christ reveals the hypocrisy of the human heart, what He is pointing to is the opposite of hypocrisy which is spirituality and has to do with a relationship with God, whereas hypocrisy is to do with man. One is God's way to live, the other is man's way for living. Remember out of the heart of a man comes evil thoughts, fornication, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a man'" (mark c7:v14-v23). When the Lord Jesus said to the scribes and Pharisees, “woe to you hypocrites”! For you are like white washed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead men's bones, He was referring to the human heart of all men. We all can outwardly appear righteous to others, but within we are full of hypocrisy and iniquity" (matt c23:v27-v28).
Hypocrisy is essentially a lack of sincerity; and without sincerity one can only produce the fruit of deceit, and a lack of love towards their fellow man.
Hypocrisy is inward looking to “self”, and self “(ego)” breeds arrogance. Arrogance is an overwhelming sense of one’s own greatness. It is a feeling of one’s superiority over others. The disciple of Christ Jesus must first put to death “self.” (gal c2:v20). "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me”.
v5-v15‘And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. ‘When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. ‘Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come. Your will be done,on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
There are two ways in which we can pray, one is as the hypocrite prays and the other is the manner in which Jesus tells us how to pray. The hypocrite prays for self gratification, remember what the Lord Jesus said when referring to the religious leaders of his day; ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practise what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honour at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the market places, and to have people call them rabbi. (matt c23:v1-v8) In the New Testament it is obvious that Jesus had legitimate reasons for His accusations. These accusations centred on the areas of teaching and practice.(matt c15:v1-v3).
Jesus primarily accused the Pharisaic scribes challenging their oral law which had been changed by their tradition. The “tradition of men”had taken the place of, and had nullified, the commandments of the Word of God. “ Then the Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said; Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands before they eat.’He answered them, ‘And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? For God said; “Honour your father and your mother,” and, “Whoever speaks evil of father or mother must surely die.” But you say that whoever tells father or mother, “Whatever support you might have had from me is given to God”, then that person need not honour the father. So, for the sake of your tradition, you make void the word of God. (mark c7:v13). The Pharisees would not live up to what they taught. They were so overly concerned with the externals that they neglected the "weightier matters of the love of God towards others" and the simple truths about man and God. The hypocrites that Jesus speaks of look like they are praying to God, but they are actually putting on a show for men to see.(luke c18:v11). Their prayers are given not to God but to men and for men to see. Their motive in prayer is to receive honour and glory for themselves. Jesus says that they have received their reward in full. The right kind of prayer does not use vain repetition, our prayers should always be to God and not towards man. Remember that God is in Heaven and we are on earth; therefore let your words be few.(ecc c5;v2). We are to pray without being anxious, (phil c4:v6-v7). The closest the Bible comes to giving a “pattern” for prayer is the Lord's prayer, but understand that the Lord’s Prayer is not a prayer we are to memorize and recite to God the Father. It is an example of the things that should go into a prayer, such as worship, trust, our confession and submission. We are to pray for the things the Lord’s Prayer talks about, using our own words and “customizing” it to our own journey with God. The proper way to pray is to express our hearts to God, sitting, standing, or kneeling; hands open or closed; eyes opened or closed, these are all side issues, subject to personal preference, conviction, and appropriateness. God’s desire is for prayer to be real and personal between Himself and us. The Lord's prayer as it is called is directed as to how a disciple of Christ should pray, it is not directed towards the carnal minded of the world. When we say “Father”; we are using a privileged title, demonstrating a privileged relationship. “So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” (rom c8:v15) "In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father." (john c16:v26-v28).
When we say 'in Heaven' we are remembering God's Holiness and glory; He is our Heavenly Father,“when we say Hallowed be thy name”; it is because God puts His Name above all other names,(rev c22:v13) with only one thing above His Name, and that is His Word!
When we say thy kingdom come; it is because we want to experience God’s intervention in our life. We want to experience, in some limited way, our heavenly future in our present life. The teaching of the Gospel is that the kingdom is within,(luke c17:v20-v21). This occurs when we enter into a spiritual relationship with God the Father, the moment that a recipient receives the Lord Jesus as their saviour. That is the yielding to Jesus Christ’s reign as Lord of our life, we receive the kingdom of God within, (luke c17:v20-v21), it is the kindling of the Holy spirit within our heart, the “abundant life” (john c10:v10).
Thy will be done
Through it alone the disciple can know his God; in accepting and doing Gods will he finds the only and sure way to fellowship and have union with Christ. We are called to open our hearts, and minds heavenwards that we may know the will of God, this is the real purpose for prayer. The only way to be fit to enter heaven is to do the will of God here on earth. It is only through walking in the light, that the will of “God's Holy Providence”, His righteous Precepts, His precious Promises and His Eternal Purpose are revealed. (matt c12:v50). It is only through our union with Christ Jesus that we receive the power to do the will of the Father. Like Christ Jesus His disciples 'food 'is to do the will of the Father through the power of the Holy spirit and in the name of the Lord Jesus. (john c4:v32-v34).
Our daily needs
Bread is also the ultimate symbol of the gift of God, that is Christ Jesus Himself (john c6:v41). The flesh may hunger for daily bread, but the soul of the disciple hungers for the Heavenly manna. For man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God' (Deut 8,3; Mt 4,4). The disciple of Christ Jesus prays that God would fill him each day with the bread of life. The Bread of Life is the spiritual food needed by the soul. Without the bread of life man cannot live spiritually just as physically, man needs to eat in order to live, so the bread of life (Christ) gives nourishment for the soul. He is the manna (nourishment) for our soul that God promised. Christ Jesus satisfies all our spiritual needs. He takes care of our physical needs as well. When we open up ourselves to Him in prayer with a sincere heart, He fills us with His presence. We spiritually eat from His Word which enables us to grow in His love. Jesus uses bread as an "illustration" to show that when we become one with Him He fills us and cares for us. He becomes our bread (nourishment). "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will our Heavenly Father give what is good to those who ask Him!” (matt c7:v11).
Forgiveness
Your inner room
Temptation
The power and the glory
In relation to fasting
Remember that word “secret” which can be translated “wonderful”. When you fast, fast not to the flesh but abstain from food, for when we are called to fast, and fasting in a calling of the Lord God, it is His way of showing that His desire for us is that we regain mastery over all things associated with our flesh, in order to subdue our flesh and elevate our emphasis on spiritual matters. God's promise is to help us as we overcome the flesh and put all carnal temptations into subjection. Scripture only commands the disciple to fast when the Lord Himself requires or demands it.
The Lord does nothing out of ritual or habit, the Bible presents fasting as something that is good, profitable, and beneficial. But only if it is within His will for our life, every where within the scriptures where fasting is revealed or called for, has the hand of God behind it. Why did the Lord Jesus say put “oil” on your head”, oil is used as a symbol of the presence of God. The anointing of a person with oil is also a sign that God wants that person set apart, God had oil poured upon Aaron to anoint him, set him apart, and indicate the presence of God. To be anointed of God is to be set apart and no one has any right to raise their hand against God's anointed. Oil is a widely understood symbol of the Holy spirit. Fasting and prayer are often linked together. Too often, the focus of fasting is on the carnal (lack of food). Instead of the true spiritual reason for which fasting takes place, (to focus on our relationship in the Lord God). (luke c2:v37; c5:v33). Fasting is to be done in a spirit of humility and a joyful attitude.(ps 35:v13). Discipleship is a matter of the heart (spiritual), not the head (flesh). Prayer, meditation and fasting can bring you into a wonderful relationship with the Lord Jesus if done within the will of the Almighty God.
In relation to money
Christ is clearly teaching His disciples not to covet material things, but to seek what is spiritual. Christ reveals the two ways between which man must choose.
Jesus draws the conclusion that you can only have your treasure (your heart) in one place; we can't lay up treasure on earth and on heaven at the same time. There is nothing wrong with amassing wealth, the issue is whom are you doing it for. “The love of money is the root of all evil.” Money is not the root of all evil, the love of money is. What Jesus knew was that money is one of God's greatest competitors to the throne of man's heart. The truth that Jesus was trying to tell mankind was that there exists a very strong relationship between our real spiritual condition and our attitude and actions towards money and possessions.
If we study the parable of the unjust steward in Luke's gospel we will find that when the master found out his steward was wasting his goods, he told him to get things in order because he was losing his job. The steward was immediately thrown into a panic about what to do. He decided he would cheat his master further by cutting the debts owed to him by some of his master’s debtors. The purpose of this act was so that the debtors would then welcome the unjust steward into their homes when his master kicked him out. A point of confusion for some is that the master commended the unjust steward for the steward had acted shrewdly. Are we then to assume the steward had done a good thing? Absolutely not! He had been dishonest for his own gain. Is that good in God’s eyes? Of course not, but Jesus points out at the end of v. 8 that the master of the steward revealed that “the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light.” In other words, the steward was pretty smart in the world’s eyes. Sure, he had to lie and cheat a little, but the world doesn’t have a problem with that as long as they make money in the process.
Jesus said to the unjust steward, “I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous wealth, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home.” As believers, with our hearts set on an eternity with Christ, it’s easy to assume that “an everlasting home” is Heaven, but don’t forget, hell can just as easily be described in that fashion also! The unjust steward had done exactly what Jesus had said he would do, he made friends of his master’s debtors by unrighteous wealth, and when the steward and his money failed, these debtors welcomed him into their homes. They had sold their souls together, agreeing with one another in the sin of cheating the master. “The wicked know their ungodly deeds are worthy of God’s judgement, but they not only “do the same but also approve of those who practice them”. The Love of money will ensure that you become like the gods you worship (ps 135:v18;luke c16:v1-v13; rom c1:v32). The idea behind having a good eye is either being generous or being single minded. In other words, Christ tells us that either our eye is directed at heavenly things (and therefore filled with light) or it is directed at earthly things (and therefore darkened). As disciples we are called to an allegiance to the kingdom of God, an allegiance that is willing to deny Self. Christ makes it clear that there is no middle ground; we are forced to place our focus in one direction or another.(rev c3:v16).
In relation to anxiety
Today’s trouble is enough for today. Life is more than things. Worry is a sin. It is a form of blasphemy. Worry is assuming a responsibility that God did not intend for you to have. Christ is stating that as His disciples, our life is no longer in our own hands, it is not just a matter of trusting God, that is not the issue here, for we know that the first principle of dealing with anxiety is demonstrated over and over again in Scripture; “that is to trust in the Lord with all your heart and not to rely on our own understanding, we are to acknowledge Him in all our ways, and He will make straight our path, (prov 3:v5-v6). There are four things revealed here for the disciple of Christ Jesus to learn;. 1. To trust. 2. not to rely on our own thinking. 3. acknowledgement. 4. Faith. Let us take the first one trust, what is trust? Trust can only come about when you first learn to “rest” in the Lord, and rest in what He says.
Our anxieties in life do not come from outside of us they come from within us, they come from our spirituality, we struggle because we try to work everything out logically, we forget that we are not at the centre of the universe, this comes about because we have not fully died to self. It is one thing to love God and its one thing to know that God loves you, but it is another thing to trust God. What trust does is “rest”, not try to work to get His love. Rest in Christ's sacrifice for the forgiveness of ones transgression of the Law. We no longer need to physically do anything for forgiveness, Come unto me, all you that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls. (matt c11v29). It is His job to care for you, while you rest in Him. And in resting in Him you shall renew your strength,(ps 37-v7; isa c40:v31). To Lean not on our own understanding means we are not seeking to figure the problem out logically. This is not ours to do. If Christ is truly at the centre of our lives, we live for Him and Him alone. If we really believe that He lives then we should also believe that we can trust Him with all our hearts. This will result in the blessing of God filling the heart of those who are obedient to His word. “In all our ways we are to acknowledge Him.” We are to fear (revere) the Lord in all we do. To revere the Lord is to be wise. We should revere God when we get up in the morning, we should revere Him when we start to talk, think, eat, listen, and act. When we are around people we should revere God. This keeps us wise, and most importantly keeps us from sinning, (prov 1:v7; exod c20:v20). For the unbeliever, the fear of God is the fear of the judgement of God and eternal death, which is eternal separation from God, (luke c12:v5;heb c10:v31). But for the disciple of Christ, the fear of God is something much different. The disciples fear is reverence of God. (heb c12:v28-v29).“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ’God is a consuming fire.” This reverence and awe is exactly what the fear of God means for the disciple of Christ. This is the motivating factor for us to surrender to the Creator of the Universe.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” Until we understand who God is and develop a reverential fear of Him, we cannot have true wisdom. True wisdom comes only from understanding who God is and that He is “Holy, Just, and Righteous”, (prov 1:v7). The blessing that the disciple receives is the promise that “He will make our path straight.” Why? Because the path that we walk is not our path but His. Since He is perfect, He has no fault in Him. So the path must lead to fulfilling His work, His perfect will, in and through the life He has given us. Thus to believe in God takes a measure of “Faith”. As a matter of fact, the scriptures says without faith in Jesus Christ, no man can be saved. However, believing for salvation is a different exercise than trusting in God through life's crises.
Trust denotes a continual application of faith while belief can be as brief as a moment. So what does it mean to have faith in the Lord? How can we achieve the ability to trust God? This is where our faith comes into it own. If you do not have faith it is impossible to trust someone. Yet the faith that we need to obtain trust has already been put in place by the Lord Himself. This is what the Lord Jesus said concerning our salvation; “I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand”. (john c10:v28-v29). Within these two verses we are simply told to rest in the Lord. Listen again to what the Lord Jesus said; “My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand”. “Father Always In Thy Hand.” The Lord God has made Himself responsible for everything within our life, all that we have to do is rest within His divine provision, and fulfil God's highest purpose for us, that is to Fellowship with Him, and be partakers of His kingdom.
Chapter seven - In relation to judging
The disciple of Christ Jesus is called to unconditional love; but they are not called to unconditional approval. For the spiritual man (disciple) makes Judgements about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's Judgement, (1 corin c2:v15). The disciple of Christ is not to be concerned about judging the world, for the world has already been judged by God. But they are to judge those within the church, (1 corin c5:v12-v13). We are furthermore told that if anyone of the saints has a dispute with another brother or sister they are not to go before the ungodly (the world) for judgement, they should be capable of judging matters of their own disputes. (1 corin c6:v1-v4). The judgement that is forbidden is hypocritical judgement. As disciples of the Lord Jesus we are to judge according to God's Word. It is God's Word that Judges, and we are to follow its verdict: “For the word of God is living and active.(heb c4:v12). Christ Himself said that if you love me, you will obey what I command, (john c14:v15). And He has commanded that we Judge those who claim to be His disciples within His church, according to the standards of His Word, (matt c24:v23-v25; acts c17:v11; 1 corin c14:v29; 2 tim c4:v2-v4; 2 thess c2:v8:v12; 1 john c4:v1). Jesus is not prohibiting Judgement of others; but that Judgement must be done according to the spirit of His word. Judging, as Jesus condemned it in these verses, is unforgiving condemnation, a hypercritical, self righteous, vindictive spirit that continually seeks to uncover the faults of others while overlooking their own sin. As disciples we are not to Judge according to appearance, but Judge with righteous judgement." As disciples we are warned; not to believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world." (acts c17:v11;1 john c4:v1). Always remember when Judging someone else that we are generally far more tolerant to our own sin than we are to the sin of others, and that we are all works in progress. Better to get one's own life in order before we try to Judge others, for if we fail at this point, then it will be the blind leading the blind.(matt c15:v13-v14).
In relation to prudence (understanding and insight)
v6 ‘Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul you.
Dogs and swine in this context are those who are hostile to the gospel.
Christ calls His salvation Holy and Priceless. He also calls those who reject it as dogs and swine, note that He says do not “give”or “throw” what does Christ mean when He says did not give or throw. There are two Greek words translated "dogs" in the New Testament. One is “kunar” which is referring to a household pet, (matt c15:v26). But that's not the word that Christ used here in this verse. The kind of dog He speaks of here is “kuõn” this kind of dog would not be the kind you would let anywhere near the table of little children! This speaks of the kind of wild, mean dog that runs around in packs. Here it is used as a metaphor for an utterly despicable person, someone who was a complete reprobate. (deut c23:v17-v18 2 thess c2:v9-10). One who is predestined to a lost eternity, not because it is God's will, but because of their evil desire to please themselves regardless of the love of God. For that reason they are called reprobate silver, and have been rejected by God, (jer c6:v30). Silver that was unable to be refined was considered worthless, i.e., reprobate, and was to be rejected. When Israel refused to get right with God, they where compared to reprobate silver. If you do not love God you shall grow to hate Him, people that love the world can be called reprobates(john c15:v18),they take pleasure in wickedness.(rom c1:v28; 2 thess c2:v12).
This biblical text is generally interpreted to be a warning by Jesus to His disciples that they should not offer Biblical doctrine to those who were unable to value and appreciate it. Dogs and swine were Jewish terms of contempt for Gentiles. This is what Jesus was referring too, when He said do not give what is Holy and righteous and precious to those who show nothing but contempt for you, and for what you have to say. One thing is sure, the Lord Jesus did not try to appease scoffers. He purposely offended them. Remember the gospel (pearl) is not received well by the world, in fact we are told that the world hates God, hates Christ and hates His Word. But sadly it is not only the world that hates Christ and His word, for many who walked with Him walk with Him no more. (john c6:v66). There are only two places in the Bible in which dogs and swine are mentioned together. Here in Matthew, and in Peter's first epistle. Peter says that it would have been better for such people never to have known the way of righteousness, then having known it to turn away from it. "But it has happened to them according to the true proverb," Peter says: "'A dog returns to his own vomit, and a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire" (2pet c2:v22). It has been said that Sheep, swine and dogs are not suitable companions for each other, they cannot live in good communion together. The Lord Jesus has clearly stated the dogs and swine are of this world, the only thing you can expect from a pig, is a grunt and the only thing you can expect from a wild dog is to be bitten. The Lord Jesus has told his flock “you are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." He has chosen His disciples out of the world, and called them to be a separate people. Let us then heed the admonition of our Lord, and give not that which is Holy, unto the dogs who will only try to bite you for your kindness, neither let us cast our pearls before swine, lest they trample us under foot, and turn to do us violences. Do not misunderstand me Christ is not telling His disciples to withhold the Gospel. He is advising His disciples to understand who is receptive to the gospel so that they don't place themselves in danger. Remember what you have been given as a disciple is precious. Not all want to receive it, but all are offered it, it is the pearl of great price. And it is carried only upon the narrow road. (matt c7:v13-v14).
In relation to prayer
Note: your Father in Heaven, who is your spiritual Father is dealing here with spiritual matters. Note that the Lord has already dealt with the physical things that we need for the body in relation to anxiety (matt c6:v25-v34). Here He is dealing with the soul of man. He has already said that we are to “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto us”. First we must seek the kingdom of God with all our hearts, then we will not ask for the things of this world (jam c4:v2-v4). The Lord doesn't have to be persuaded or appeased in prayer; He wants to give us not just bread for our mortal bodies, but spiritual bread for our souls. Note: that the Lord doesn’t say, "Ask it shall be Sold to you." He doesn’t say, "Ask and it shall be Loaned to you." He doesn’t say, "Ask and it shall be Rented to you." HE says, ask, and it shall be “GIVEN!" to you. We are to ask with total compassion within our hearts, our eyes fixed totally on the throne of God, remember the Lord searches the heart, nothing escapes His attention, all prayer requests must be in accordance with His will. All promises within the scriptures have a requirement that must be fulfilled before the promise can be realised. The Lord promises an answer to the one who diligently seeks Him; that is why our dispassionate prayers are not answered. To knock on heaven's door is to be brought into fellowship with Christ, it is to do with forming a relationship with Him, it enables the disciple of Christ to enter the sanctuary of the father in the presence of Christ. In the Gospel of John, Jesus said: "I am the door into the sheepfold", "I am the door of the sheep"." I am the door unto salvation”(john c10:v1-v9). No one can enter into heaven unless they enter through Christ Jesus, He is the only door into God’s presence. Through the righteousness of Christ Jesus, His disciples can enter into the Holy of Holies, which is the very presence of God. (heb c4:v10). "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of Grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in times of need.
In relation to others
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples. To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. (ps 19:v7;isa c8:v16-v20).
"Do not think that Christ came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; for He did not come to abolish them but to fulfil them. Christ said; I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished." (matt c5:v17-v18).
The spirit of prophecy is the testimony of Christ.(rev c19:v10). The law and the prophets testify of Christ, and this is the key to reading and understanding the scriptures.
The renewed mind is one who has "the mind of Christ", (phil c2:v5). This work of regeneration can only be accomplished by the work of the Holy spirit. When one allows the Holy spirit to mould and renew their mind, a transformation occurs. They begins to take on the qualities and character of Christ Jesus. Every Disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ must build such a character (2pet c3:v18).
There are many standards that people in the world use to develop and build character, but for the disciple of Christ the only correct standard is that which is revealed within the scriptures. If one desires to be like Christ, they are called to serve the undesirable. If we aren't loving others in Christ's name, we aren't really doing anything. Remember Christ lives in us, and through us, we are to follow Him where ever He leads us. Therefore all things whatever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. (luke c6:v31). Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was hungry, and you gave me food: I was thirsty, and you gave me drink: I was a stranger, and you took me in: Naked, and you clothed me: I was sick, and you visited me: I was in prison, and you came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer Christ, saying, Lord, when did we see you hungry, and feed you? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When did we see you as a stranger, and welcomed you in? or naked, and clothed you? Or when did we see you sick, or in prison, and visited you? Then Christ shall answer and say to them, Verily I say unto you, In as much as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me.(matt c25:v34-v40).
The proof of kingdom life,the narrow gate and the few
When the cross is embraced it becomes a sign of love and of total self giving, to pick up the cross is to be united with Christ in His suffering, we suffer as Christ suffered because as the world hated Him it shall also hate us, this is the proof of our love for Him. For the disciple of Jesus Christ, the way of the Cross is not a way of life, it is life itself, (mark c8:v34). “The gate,” “the way” and “the life” all point to Jesus Christ. Picking up your cross daily is to be true to the teachings of Christ, it is not conforming to the world in any aspect. For “Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother.” The words of Christ Jesus, (mark c3:v35). "The world and its desires are passing away, but he who does the will of God lives forever.” (1 john c2:v17). The "cross" that Jesus bore was not His own (isa c53), “it was mine”! The cross that one must pick up is the cross of Christ's finished work for salvation. The cross (death itself, separation from God) was the symbol of Judgement for all the sin of the world, which Christ took upon Himself.(1 pet c2:v24; john c3:v16).
Jesus willingly substituted Himself for “me” and bore “my sin” (my cross). Hence I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me (gal c2:v20). The cross which the disciple has to pick up is the cross of Christ Jesus. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Christ, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin, (rom c6:v6). We are identified with the Lord in His death. Thus we can appropriate the value of the cross in breaking the power of sin. But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. (gal c6:v14). The Lord Jesus Christ gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us out of this present evil age" (gal c1:v3-v4). It is through the picking up of the cross that enables us to be free from the enslavement of the "god of this world" (Satan) (2 corin c4:v4). Crucifixion of the flesh (gal c5:v24), means we have been crucified with Christ. To be crucified with Christ means separation (death) from the reigning power of the old sinful life and freedom to experience the power of the resurrection life of Christ, (rom c6:v6).
A crucified relationship with Christ stands in opposition to the kingdom of darkness (the world). This can be termed the war between light and darkness.(john c10:v10; 1 pet c2:v9) one brings life, the other death, one frees, the other enslaves, one suffers, the other rejoices in sin, man has a choice but they refuse to open their eyes to the truth, choosing one of two ways and one of two destinations. The Lord has over come the devil and the world but you must over come the flesh. Who are the few who shall find the narrow way, these are the ones who will be called the priests of God, (1 pet c2:v9; rev c1:v6; c5:v10; c22:3).
A Tree and Its Fruit
The disciples of Christ Jesus shall be known by their fruits, attitude and works (deeds),which is their Christian walk, (matt c7:v16).
In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits. ‘Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord”, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day many will say to me, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many deeds of power in your name?” Then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; go away from me, you evildoers.” If Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. Is it then not surprising, that his servants can also masquerade as servants of righteousness.(2 corin c11:v14-v15). If false prophets or false teachers will comes disguised as wolves in sheep's clothing; how can we tell them? It is in the nature of these false prophets and false teachers to deceive and deny their true character; often they deceive even themselves, believing themselves to be sheep when in fact they are ravenous wolves.
The disciple of Christ will guard themselves against false prophets and teachers by noting their fruits, and their manner of living: do they display Holiness, righteousness, humility and faithfulness in the way they live? Is their teaching centred solely on the “Word of God”, or do they centre their teachings upon the precepts of man. Remember fruit is the inevitable result of who we are; eventually the good or bad fruit will become evident, revealing what sort of "tree" we are. We live with a problem that has plagued the Christian community for years. One of sight and not sound Christian doctrine. By sight I mean if someone performs a healing or a slaying of the spirit (so called), the Christian community are inclined to embrace them without testing the spirit. This can only come about through the lack of Bible study. People no longer take the time to study the word of God, for reasons known only to them and God. Yet if the so called children of God would give some time to studying their Bible it would become evident that not all who cry Lord, Lord belong to the Lord Jesus. Remember Christ forewarned His disciples that the Antichrist would come in accordance with the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and every kind of wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.(2 thess c2:v9-v12).
Is this not proof enough that Satan's messengers can also perform lying wonders. So what do miracles or healing prove, they prove nothing. What does the fruit of the Holy spirit then prove, it proves who the doer of the word is and who is not, a mere hearing of God's word isn't enough to provide a secure foundation. There is a hope that does not disappoint, a faith that never fails. That kind of faith is built on the Rock, Jesus Christ. There is no other foundation that is worth building on ( 1 corin c3:v11). Only when we give ourselves to Him, fully entrust our lives to Him, do we really begin to be what He made us to be. A false belief may make you feel better for a while, but eventually it will let you down. Some people place their faith in money, in power, or in their reputation. But our faith must be in Christ, not in any human, not in any system, not in any organization. Christ is the One who will never leave us nor forsake us, (heb c). It is by this fruit (faith) of the Holy spirit that the disciple of Christ Jesus fully grasps the truth, they know that error never sanctifies. Truth is the medium of sanctification. By reading and studying upon the Word of God, by practising the truth at all times, we receive power to glorify God. But the ministry of the Word is of no value to the receiver unless he has that faith which works through God's love purifying the soul.
The Sermon on the Mount concludes with a parable about building. Those who build on sand will see their houses fall, while those who build on a solid foundation will see their houses endure,matt c7:v24-v27). In the parable, both builders heard the words of Jesus, but the wise builder is the one who acted on those words. It is those who do the will of God who are accepted . And God's will is that we believe in the Son of God (John 6:28-29,40). He is the Author and Finisher of our faith, the foundation on which we can build the faith that can never be taken away. (john c6:v28-v40; heb c12:v2).
Christ's authority
The Lord Jesus Christ must sit upon the throne of our heart if we are to become His disciples, the cost of fulfilling true discipleship can be found in the first and greatest commandment, (matt c8:v22). “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength”(mark c12:v30). The disciple must follow Christ without question, this is based upon faith, that is to believe and trust, using the word of God (Holy Bible) as a measuring rod against all other teachings or influences within the world, (matt c9:v9). The disciple of Christ must learn and understand the difference between mercy, (to love and show loving kindness), and sacrifice, (the performing of a ritual) which has no love or faithfulness in it and is done out of habit rather than out of a relationship, (matt c9:v13). The disciple of Jesus must be obedient to His word and submit to His authority, and be prepared to suffer all hardships and hostility towards them when they confess Him as their Lord and Saviour, for the Lord Jesus does not have secret disciples, (matt c10). The invitation to become a disciple of the Lord Jesus is open to all. But on becoming a disciple one must learn from Him all what it entails to be a disciple and to receive salvation.
Note; there are not two options as a follower of Christ, such as, 1 a believer or 2 a disciple, they are both the same, and His word applies equally to both, (matt c11:v29). The disciple of the Lord Jesus is not to be a hypocrite, they are not to wear a mask for public life, they cannot run with the fox and hunt with the hounds, for this is building a house upon sand, and may end in the committing of the unpardonable sin, (matt c12:v14). The disciple must bear witness to the truth, (Christ Jesus) at all times, those who deny Christ Jesus as their Saviour speak against the truth, (the Holy spirit, who is called the spirit of truth), it is through the truth (the word) that we stand or fall, (blessed or condemned), remember blasphemy comes from a bitter heart (a poisoned soul), (matt c12:v32). It is only when the disciple is in the perfect (divine) will of the Lord God, that Christ Jesus says we have a spiritual relationship that is counted as obedience, unlike Eve who went outside of His will, and met Satan half way, (matt c12:v37-v50). The parable of the sower, reveals the stages between coming under conviction and the laying down of your life upon the altar of God, that is the consecration of the disciple. According to our Lord Jesus you have a seventy-five percent chance of not becoming one of His disciples, for Satan, the world and self (the flesh) shall try to prevent you, (matt c13:v3-v23). The disciple is to display faith and trust, for Christ is the creator (Elohim), and through our faith and trust in Him we can move mountains. Two little prayers the disciple must remember, “Lord help me” and “Lord save me”, (matt c14). The disciple must understand that through Holiness there is no sickness in the mind or soul, for Christ took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses, Christ Jesus bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness, for by His wounds we are healed. The disciple of Christ must learn to control their talk and what comes out of their mouth, they must renew their minds daily and focus on what is Holy, thus banishing all evil thoughts, (matt c15:v17-v20). To become a disciple of Christ Jesus you must deny self, (put Christ first), pick up your cross, (destroy all egoism), and follow Him, (be obedient to His word), (matt c16:v24-v26). Disciples of Christ Jesus must have humility within their Christian walk, (matt c20:v28).
Concerning discipleship
The disciple must be Christ centred, for Christ produces good character, and good character produces good deeds, the disciple of Christ shall have hope, and he or she shall have faith, but most of all they shall be filled with the love of Christ towards others, (matt c25:v31-v46). The disciple of Christ Jesus is not to tolerate anyone who teaches a different gospel other than the gospel of Christ Jesus, you are not to welcome them into your home, you are not to bless them, lest your blessing becomes a curse upon your own head, you may pray for their soul, that they may have the scales removed from their eyes and come to the truth of the gospel of Christ, that they may receive salvation and eternal life, (mark c7:v7-v9; gal c1:v6-v12). The disciple of the Lord Jesus is to be filled with humility and not to seek after their own interest, but rather the interest of others (their brothers and sisters in the Lord Jesus), they are to be the salt of the earth, salt stands for prudence, permanence and incorruptiblity, but what is interesting is the fact that the Lord God made a covenant of salt with the “Levites”, (priests) who were redeemed, cleansed and consecrated to the service of the Lord God, and they had no inheritance in the land, the Levites are typical of the disciples of Christ, the covenant of salt is a covenant of sacrifice, thus for the disciples of Christ to have salt within them they must sacrifice their own ambitions, and with humility of mind must regard the family of God as more important than self, for through humility comes honour and the blessing of heaven.(2 chron c7:v14; jam c4:v10). It is this attitude within the disciple of Christ Jesus that makes for peace, and spreads love abroad, (mark c9:v49-v50). The disciple of Christ Jesus is to give to all that ask, to forgive those who take what is rightly yours, they are to love, do good, to be like our heavenly father, kind to the ungrateful, they are not to judge the world, for the Lord God has judged the world already, they are not to condemn they are to forgive where possible, this is the way of the Lord God, not man's way, here lies the application of Gods blessings to His children, (luke c6:v27-v38).
The application of Gods blessings
The disciples of the Lord Jesus can only receive power and authority when there is unity of love within the body, (assembly), all of the same mind and purpose, where hearts are knitted together, then and only then shall power and authority flow from the Holy spirit through us, and to us, (luke c9:v1; rom c12:v16;phil c2:v1-v2).
The disciple of Christ Jesus must show loving kindness (mercy) to all, for God’s love responds to need, (luke c10:v37).
The disciple of Christ must be persistent in prayer, it is not that the Lord God takes pleasure in what would seem to the carnal minded as begging, it is putting the spiritual and temporal into prospective, that we are flesh and men with feet of clay are addressing the Most High God who is spirit and eternal, and worthy of our prayers, our praises, and our worship, man's chief purpose is to glorify the Lord God, (luke c11:v5-v13; 1 corin c6:v20;phil c1:v20).
The disciple of Christ through the Holy spirit shall know the difference between enlightenment and delusion, between hypocrisy and Holiness, between ritual and righteousness, and between vanity and piety. Hypocrisy always ignores God’s call for sanctification, (Holiness), Holiness is not how you appear on the outside, for the Holy spirit does not change a person from the outside in, on the contrary, it regenerates the soul (the inner man), from the inside out. The flesh can never please the Lord God,(rom c8:v8) it is only the spirit (soul) of man through the Holy spirit that can truly worship the Lord God in spirit and truth, you cannot live the Christian life walking in the spirit and also manifest the deeds of the flesh such as immorality, impurity, enmity, jealousy, greed, etc, for to live as such, is evidence that you are not washed,(regenerated), nor sanctified by the blood of Christ Jesus, (luke c11:v33-v52).
The disciple of Christ Jesus seeks first the kingdom of God and His Righteousness, he or she must be prepared to sell all they have to promote and spread the Good News of the kingdom, their heart is not to be found in riches or fame, but in Christ Jesus, He is their treasure, (luke c12:v31-v34).
The disciple of Christ Jesus is to have the spirit of forgiveness at all times, but if a person does not repent of their sin, then there cannot be forgiveness, forgiveness only comes through repentance, (luke c17:v3-v4).
The disciple of the Lord Jesus knows that there are two ways in life from which to choose, the broad or the narrow, repentance that leads to obedience, or sin that leads to death, look at the parables of the prodigal son, the pharisee's and the tax collector and the rich young ruler, they reveal the foolishness of man's thinking, believing that the Lord God works through merits, and not by grace through faith, (luke c18:v10-v24; eph c2:v8).
The disciple of Christ knows that he must follow the Lord Jesus, not run ahead of Him, for a pupil is not greater than the teacher, nor the servant his master, (luke c18:v39).
The disciple of Jesus must render to the Lord God the things that are for His Glory, honour, loyalty, love, worship, obedience and Holiness (luke c20:v25).
The disciple of Christ is called to bear witness that He (Christ) and He alone is the Saviour, and that salvation comes through no other, (luke c24:v48; acts c4:v12).
The disciple of Christ Jesus is born-again of water and spirit. Water is symbolic for purification, water in the old testament was sprinkled upon the altar and the sacrifice, the promise of the new covenant, is to cleanse through the washing of the word, (the “word” being Christ, thus we are cleansed by His blood) creating a new heart, and a right spirit within. Spiritual baptism takes place at conversion, it places the recipient into the body of Christ, and the recipient is thus purified by the washing of the word, the regeneration and renewing of the spirit within. (john c3:v5; rev c7:v14).
The disciple of Jesus must always live in the truth, to live in the truth is to walk in the light. (john c3:v21), to walk in the light is to worship in spirit and truth, worshipping from the heart (soul), (john c4:v23-v24; c17:v17).
The disciple of Jesus is to feed upon the word of the Lord God, for this is the will of the father for His children, for man shall not live on bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God, this is the food for those who hunger spiritually, (luke c9:v35;john c4:v34). It is the will of the Lord God, that every disciple bears witness to the Lord Jesus as their saviour, this is the only work that a person can do that is acceptable to the Lord God, (john c6:v29).
The disciple of Christ has the promise that they shall be taught by the Most High God, our heavenly father, (john c6:v45). No one can become a disciple of Christ Jesus unless it has been granted by the Lord God, then the Holy spirit gives eternal life to the soul, (john c6:v63-v65).
The disciple who walks in the will of the Lord God is taught how to discern all teaching, for they are a child of the light, seeking the Glory of God, (john c7:v17-v18). The disciple of Christ is not to judge the assembly (the church) by appearance, but with righteous judgement, (john c7:v24).
The disciple of Christ is to do what is pleasing to the father, by abiding within His word, for it is the truth that sets you free, (john c8:v29). The disciple of the Lord Jesus, who has been sanctified (made Holy) need not believe that all is lost when he or she struggles or falls into sin as they walk in the way of Holiness, for they need only to confess their failing and repent of it, to a merciful God to be forgiven, for sanctification grows with spiritual maturity (john c13:v10).
The disciple of the Lord Jesus shall always abide in His commandment to love one another as He loves us, for by this all men shall know that we are His disciples, (john c13:v34).
The disciples faith works through love, and the measure of that love within the recipient of salvation shall reveal if they are a disciple of Jesus or not, (john c14:v21).
The disciple of the Lord Jesus, receives the peace that passes all understanding, the reconciliation of the recipient to the Lord God through the death of our Lord Jesus on the cross, for through Christ we are a new creation before the Lord God (john c14:v27-v28).
In the synoptic gospels the term disciples is used 160 times, in John's gospel 78, within the Book of Acts the word disciple or disciples is mentioned a total of 31 times. Yet not once is the term disciple used in the rest of the New Testament after the book of Acts. It would seem that as the Church of Christ Jesus grew in number it was God's intention to bring it to a spiritual ecclesiastical separation from the world. For after the Acts of the apostles, the church is called the body of Christ, and its members are called saints or one of the brethren. This term "Saint" was first used in the New Testament when Ananias said; Paul did many evil things to the Saints, (acts c9:v13; c26:v10). The word Saint shows ones position in Christ, the word disciple shows one as a learner. In the New Testament the Greek word “hagios”) (literally meaning 'Holy') is used of God's people and is translated as 'saints' meaning “Holy ones.” This really means to be “set apart” and the Holiness of the saints is then the conduct expected of those who are separated or set apart unto God. The word saint seems to agree in the Hebrew and Greek, so in the Greek the root word is “hagos”, an awesome thing, or a thing full of awe. It means purified ceremonially, Holy and consecrated.
Therefore the New Testament definition of a saint, or rather the meaning of the Greek word “hagos” which many translate as "saint", was that God had separated His people from the world, for Himself and for His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. To the saint in Christ this is the vital indwelling dynamic of the life of the risen Lord Jesus Christ by His Spirit enacted by God's grace, serving as the complete realization and fulfilment of God's intention for all mankind. Although Christ Himself calls those who followed Him His disciples (luke c22:v11), this occurred before the coming of the Holy spirit in fullness and power. Remember the disciples walked with Christ, but when the Holy spirit came upon them in power Christ now indwelt in them by the power of the spirit, hence the Apostle Paul's statement, that no longer is it “I” who lives but “Christ” that lives in me. No longer are we just followers of Jesus, but brothers and sisters of the Lord Jesus Christ, members of His Family. Yet as the disciples of the old dispensation period were commanded to learn from their teacher, I see no problem in being called a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ.(matt c11:v29; john c13:v15;eph c4:v20; phil c2:v1-v5; 1 pet c2;v21; 1 john c2:v6). It matters not what one desires to be called, saint, brethren or disciple, we all have to listen to what He says and we must keep to His word,(luke c9:v33; john c14:v23). As disciples, brethren and saints of the UNIVERSAL CHURCH of Christ Jesus. The most important issue here is that we are willing to learn and to be transformed into His image.
The book of acts concerning the disciples
A study through the epistles, concerning the life of a disciple (saint)
To knowingly habitually sin while professing to be a disciple (saint) of Christ Jesus, is blaspheming against the Holy spirit, (rom c2:v24).
The disciple (saint) of the Lord Jesus is to grow stronger in faith, knowing within their heart, that all of the Lord God’s promises shall be fulfilled, (rom c4:v20).
The disciple (saint) of the Lord Jesus has within them the fullness of the Lord God’s love in the manifestation of the Holy spirit and Christ, (rom c5:v5).
The disciple (saint) of Christ Jesus knows that the Lord God demonstrated His love towards us, and that the extent of that love was revealed within Christ Jesus His only begotten Son, who gave His life at Calvary freely for the forgiveness of our sin, that we may receive grace and the gift of righteousness, (rom c5:v8).
The disciple (saint) of the Lord Jesus knows that death to sin, is separation from the ruling power of sin in their life, and that our union with Christ is what sanctifies us, it is through His gift of grace, that we are a live to the Lord God, a new creation, and that our new life is based upon our union with Christ, being servants to righteousness. Remember death is separation, not extinction, 1. physical death separates body and soul, (jam c2:v26, 2. spiritual death is separation from the Lord God, (eph c2:v1), 3. the second death is eternal separation from the Lord God, (rev c20:v14), (rom c6:v2).
The disciple (saint) of the Lord Jesus is to be aware that they are baptised into Christ's death by the Holy spirit. That is, when Christ died we also died with Him, the old man, old nature, (sinful flesh), we died because we were dead in sin to the Lord God, but when the Lord Jesus arose from the grave, we were raised with Him to the glory of God the Father, in the likeness of His resurrection, that we may walk in newness of life, dead to sin and alive to righteousness, sanctified through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, (rom c6:v4-v23).
The disciple (saint)of the Lord Jesus is to serve the Lord God in newness of the spirit, (rom c7:v6).
The disciple (saint) of Christ Jesus must walk according to the Holy spirit, for the Holy spirit shall only operate within if we live to righteousness, for it is the Holy spirit which leads us to life in abundance, both physical and eternal, (rom c8:v4-v14). It is the disciples (saints) obligation to be conformed to the image of Christ Jesus, (rom c8:v29). Nothing shall be able to separate the disciple (saint) from the love of God, (rom c8:v39).
The disciples (saints) of the Lord Jesus are called the “elect”,(the ecclesia the called out ones) but the elect are not saved without first meeting the requirements of the promise, (believing the message),(many are called but few are chosen). (rom c10:v14-v21).
The disciple (saint) of Christ Jesus is to present their body as a living and Holy sacrifice, dead to sin, (rom c12:v1-v2). They must be without hypocrisy, and to abhor (detest) evil, and cling to what is good, being devoted to one another in brotherly love, ( rom c12:v9-v10).
The disciple (saint) of Christ Jesus is to overcome evil with good, (rom c12:v21), they are to have a proper attitude towards governing authorities, (rom c13:v1-v2).
The disciple (saint) of the Lord Jesus is not to have debt, (rom c13:v8). They are to do all things in love, for love is the fulfilment of the law and the key to salvation, (rom c13:v10).
The disciple (saint) of Jesus Christ is to clothe himself with Christ, (the light), for Christ is our protection, (shepherd), and to be obedient to His commandments, (rom c13:v12-v14). They are called to edify one another not gossip (slander) about one another, (rom c14).
The disciple (saint) of the Lord Jesus must learn that it is only by the power of the Holy spirit, that we achieve anything, and that the Holy spirit only manifests its power when the disciples (saints) are of one mind and purpose, for sanctification only comes by way of the Holy spirit, through love of Christ and love of truth, (rom c15:v13-v30).
The disciple (saint) of Christ Jesus is to have the mind of Christ, (to think as Christ thinks), have His attitude and the fruit of the Holy spirit, for it is only through spiritual awareness that the disciple of Christ can discern spiritual wisdom, Christ Jesus who became for us wisdom from God the father, our righteousness, our sanctification and our redemption, (1 cor c2:v13-v16).
The young disciples (saints, those who are babes in Christ), lack wisdom (maturity), and cannot rightfully divide the scriptures, for the young disciples(saints) to grow they first need to be rooted within God’s love, agape! to learn this, is the first step of wisdom, and wisdom shall take you to the throne of God, (1 cor c3:v1).
The disciple (saint) of Jesus Christ is the temple of God, it is through the power (kindling, dwelling) of the Holy spirit that sanctification comes, as individuals we are living stones, who belong to a royal priesthood and are citizens of a Holy nation, (1 cor c3:v16).
The disciple (saint) of Christ Jesus is to know that sexual immorality is the only sin in which you sin against your own body, the disciple (saint) was bought with the “Blood of Christ Jesus” who dwells in the heart by the power of the Holy spirit. To commit sexual immorality is to dishonour (pollute) what is Holy, (1 cor c6:v19-v20).
The disciple (saint) of the Lord Jesus must abide in love, for love is the greatest gift that the Lord can give to His children, for love is the giving of Himself, for 'God is love', (1 cor c13).
The disciple (saint) of Christ cannot remain as babes but must grow to maturity, (1 cor c14:v20). They must seek after righteousness and cease from sinning, (1cor c15:v34). They must manifest the attitude of Christ in their mortal flesh, for it is the life of Christ radiating from the child of God that brings Glory to our Heavenly Father, our flesh is decaying, but our soul and our spirit is being renewed daily, (2 cor c4:v11). It is the love of Christ that compels the disciple (saint) to die to self and live for Him, as a new creation representing him as His ambassador of His word, (2 cor c5:v14-v20).
The fruit of the Holy spirit is the God given virtue of the disciple (saint), revealing character and integrity, (2 cor c6:v6). They must keep themselves from all defilement of the flesh and the soul, (2cor c6:v14-v18).
The disciple (saint) of Christ must guard against Satan influencing the mind by perverting the word of God, (2 cor c11:v3-v4). They must examine themselves to ensure they are keeping the faith. (if Christ Jesus is Lord of your life), (2 cor c13:v5).
The disciple (saint) of Christ begins their journey of salvation by grace through faith, for it is through our faith in Christ Jesus and the out pouring of his grace that enables the Holy spirit to bring us to spiritual perfection, (gal c3:v3-v14).
The disciples (saints) of the Lord Jesus walk by the spirit, they walk in the truth, for it is by walking in the spirit which gives us victory over the flesh. To be a disciple (saint) of the Lord Jesus is to crucify the flesh, the putting to death of our old sinful nature, (gal c5:v16-v24).
The disciple (saint) of the Lord Jesus is sanctified through Him, given the faith to believe in Him, sealed in the promise of Him and created by Him, (eph c1 and c2). Therefore they are to walk in a manner worthy of their calling, displaying the fruit of the Holy spirit in their Christian walk, (eph c4:v1-v3).
The disciple (saint) of Christ is to grow into a mature Christian, to the fullness of Christ Jesus, being transformed into His likeness, laying aside the old nature and being renewed in the spirit of their mind unto sanctification, (eph c4:v13-v24).
The disciple (saint) of Christ Jesus must bridle the tongue, for the tongue can grieve the Holy spirit when used in anger, or bitterness or slander, (eph c4:v29-v31). They are to be imitators of Him, they are to walk in love, (eph c5:v1-v3).
The disciple (saint) of the Lord Jesus is not to partake with anyone who is in direct disobedience to the teachings of Christ Jesus, for it shall contradict your faith and your Christian walk, for as children of the light we must walk in the light, displaying the fruit of the light by exposing the deeds of darkness. The disciple (saint) must walk as a wise man or woman filled with the Holy spirit, (the truth), Holy and blameless, (eph c5:v7-v27).
The disciple (saint) of the Lord Jesus must do the will of the Father from the heart (eph c6:v6). For they have been filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Christ, (phil c1:v11).
The disciple (saint) of the Lord Jesus is to live in a manner worthy of His Gospel, (phil c1:v21-v27),with humility of mind, and display the attitude of Christ, (phil c2:v2-v5), blameless and innocent, and above reproach, (phil c2:v15).
The disciple (saint) of the Lord Jesus is to be perfect, (mature), (phil c3:v15), if they are to receive from the Lord God, (phil c4:v18).
The disciple (saint) of Christ Jesus must be filled with the knowledge of His “Will” in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, that they may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord God, and please Him in all respects, (col c1:v9-v10), firmly rooted in Him and established in the truth, (faith), (col c2:v7).
The disciple (saint) of the Lord Jesus does not need anything added to or anything taken away from the Gospel of Christ Jesus for salvation to be complete, for they are complete in Him, perfect and complete in the will of God, (col c2:v10),
having the spirit of forgiveness, and the fruit of the Holy spirit, (col c3:v12).
The disciple (saint) of Christ Jesus is to be full of love, for love is the perfect bond of unity, and produces the peace that surpasses all understanding as Christ rules within the heart, (col v3:v14-v16).
The disciple (saint) of Christ should never use obscene or corrupt speech but should be full of grace and edification, (col c4:v6),walking in a manner worthy of God’s calling, so that He (the Lord God) may establish your heart blameless in Holiness, (sanctification), (1 thess c3:v13).
The disciple (saint) of the Lord Jesus must abstain from sexual immorality, this is the will of the Lord God who is our sanctification, the Lord God has called His children to Holiness (sanctification) purity of mind, body and soul, it was the Lord God who sanctified you (made you Holy) at your conversion, and it is the Lord God who commands a progression of Holiness (sanctification) in our Christian walk. (be you Holy as I am Holy, (1 thess c4:v3-v7).
If the disciple (saint) of the Lord Jesus yields fully to the perfect will of God, then the Lord God of peace by the power of the Holy spirit shall release full sanctification, (1 thess c5:v23).
The disciple (saint) of the Lord Jesus is not to live in a disorderly manner, (2 thess c3:v6) they are to discipline themselves for the purpose of Godliness, (piety), (2 thess c4:v7), and pursue, Righteousness, Godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness, (fruit of the spirit), (1 tim c6:v11).
The disciple (saint) of the Lord Jesus is to avoid worldly and empty chatter. When words are many, sin is not absent,(1 tim c6:v20; prov 10:v19).
The disciples (saint) of the Lord Jesus can only be of use as a vessel for honour, if they cleanse themselves of worldliness and pursue righteousness with a pure heart, (sincere), (2 tim c2:v21-v24).
The disciple (saint) of the Lord Jesus shall receive tribulation and persecution from the world, (2 tim c3:v12).
The disciple (saint) of the Lord Jesus who is pure in heart shall receive wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus, (2 tim c3:v15).
The disciple (saint) of the Lord Jesus is to be an example of good works, purity in doctrine, dignified, reverent and sound in speech which is beyond reproach, (titus c2:v7-v8), They must disown ungodliness and worldly desires, but are to live sensibly, righteously and Godly, (titus c2:v12).
The disciple (saint) of the Lord Jesus is to be subject to ruling authorities, they are to malign no-one, and quarrel with no one, (titus c3:v1-v2), for they have been washed in the blood and cleansed from sin, by the continual renewing and regeneration of the Holy spirit within their Christian walk,(titus c3:v5).
All disciples (saints) of the Lord Jesus should come to the place where they have the ability to teach the gospel of Christ Jesus, to fail at this point will result in never coming to the knowledge of the truth and forever remaining a babe lacking in spiritual growth, it is only through maturity in the faith that the senses are trained to discern between good and evil, (heb c5:v12-v14).
The disciple (saint) of Christ cannot live their life in sin, after receiving the knowledge of the truth, if so, there is no longer a sacrifice for sin, for we did not receive a licence to sin, but liberty, that we may not sin, therefore take note that God's spirit shall not always strive with man, (heb c10:v26).
The disciples (saint) of the Lord Jesus are disciplined by the Lord God that we may learn from Him and share in His Holiness, discipline is for those who have been trained to yield to the fruit of righteousness, the fruit of the Holy spirit, (Holiness, love, obedience, faith and peace, etc, (heb c12:v10-v11).
The disciple (saint) of the Lord Jesus is to offer up a sacrifice of praise, we are to do good and share with others, for the Lord God has equipped us in every good thing to do His will, (heb c13:v15-v16).
The disciples (saints) faith in the Lord Jesus is perfected by being grounded in the will of God, for it is through God’s will that good works are produced and faith is made complete, (jam c2:v22).
The disciple (saint) of the Lord Jesus who comes to maturity, is perfect in moral and spiritual growth, (jam c3:v2), This occurs when the disciple (saint) submits to the authority of the Lord God, this He commands, (jam c4:v7).
The disciple (saint) of the Lord Jesus is to love his neighbour, not judge them, (jam c4:v12). For they have the sanctifying work of the Holy spirit within their hearts enabling them to obey the teachings of Christ Jesus, (1 pet c1:v2).
The disciple (saint) of the Lord Jesus is to be Holy in all their behaviour, and are to conduct themselves reverently, (1 pet c1:v15-v17) for they know that love is the key to their salvation, (1 pet c1:v22).
The disciple (saint) of Christ is to grow in respect to their faith and their salvation, not all will grow into maturity (perfect) but all can sanctify (hold sacred) Christ Jesus within their hearts, (1 pet c2:v2).
The disciple (saint) of the Lord Jesus is to be virtuous in their Christian walk, that they may put to shame those who would slander them, (1 pet c2:v15).
The disciple (saint) of Christ must die to sin, and be alive to righteousness. (we have been acquitted from sin through the crucifixion of Christ Jesus and His finished work on the cross, that we should live our live's in Holiness for Christ’s sake who justified us), (1 pet c2:v24).
The disciples (saint) of the Lord Jesus must be humble in heart, and of one mind, (purpose), (1 pet c3:v8) for they have “sanctified” the Lord in their heart, ( hold sacred, consecrate,Holy) for Christ is Lord of their life and is enthroned within the heart, (1 pet c3:v15).
The disciple (saint) of the Lord Jesus is to be fervent in love, for love covers a multitude of sins, (1 pet c4:v8).
The disciple (saint) of the Christ Jesus has received faith from Him as a gift through His righteousness, leading to knowledge, and Godliness, that they may be partakers of His divine nature, (2 pet c1:v2-v8).
The disciple (saint) of the Lord Jesus is to walk in the light, (walk in truth and Holiness, walking in the spirit), if the disciple (saint) of the Lord Jesus says he has no sin, (original sin, the indwelling principle of sin rather than the act of sinning), he deceives himself and the truth is not in him, the apostle John is addressing babes in Christ with this statement, for in chapter two, he calls them “little children”, who have been sanctified and made Holy through the blood of Christ, for you must confess before you can profess, confession is the acknowledgement of sin, (repentance), and profession is the acknowledgement of Christ Jesus as your Lord and saviour, (salvation), we are born in sin therefore all have sinned.
(1 john c1:v8-v10).
The Lord Jesus has made it possible for His disciples (saints) to live in a state of Holiness, if this could not be achieved the Lord God would have said so; but what He did say was “be you Holy as I am Holy”, and John would not have said; these things I write to you, so that you may “not” sin, and if anyone sins we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous, John was addressing babes in Christ not the mature, (perfect), (1 john c2:v1-v2).
The disciples (saints) of the Lord Jesus are to keep His word within their heart and act upon it, for to keep His word is to have the love of God perfected within the heart. Obedience to Christ and His teachings is the test of faith, and the proof of this is revealed when we walk in Holiness, displaying the fullness of the Holy spirit, (the fruit of the Holy spirit), (1john c2:v3-v6).
The key to remaining within the Father's will is to walk in Holiness,(walking in the spirit) for Holiness is Love, and this is the perfect will of God. If the disciple (saint) of the Lord Jesus is steadfast in His word, (1john c2:v10-v17), then they are being obedient and practising righteousness, (1john c2:v29).
The disciples (saints) of Christ Jesus purify themselves when they put their hope (faith) in Him, for He is pure, (perfect), (1john c3:v3).
The disciple (saint) of the Lord Jesus does not practice sin, (unrighteousness) because he is born of the spirit of God, hence His (Christ) seed abides within him, making it impossible to commit a sin unknown, for such is the Holy spirit within, that he always convicts us against unrighteousness, and through maturity and a close relationship with Christ Jesus the disciple (saint) is able to become an overcomer (1john c3:v9).
The disciples (saint) of the Lord Jesus are to have love for one another, and abide in His name, (1 john c3:v23-v24),the key to salvation is “love”, for God is love, and His love is manifested within His disciples (saints), for if the disciples (saints) love one another the Lord abides in them and His love is perfected in them, for perfect love casts out all fear, (1 john c4:v7-v21).
The disciple (saint) of the Lord Jesus must keep His commandments (rule of conduct), through which they shall overcome the world and show that they are born of God, for this is their victory, and their faith in Christ Jesus, to obey and to trust (1john c5:v3-v5).
The love of the disciple (saint) for Christ is revealed when they walk according to His commandments,(2 john c1:v16) that is when they walk in the light (truth of His word),(3 john c1:v3-v4), walking in the light keeps the disciple (saint) of the Lord Jesus in the Love of God, for His love is able to keep them from stumbling, and make them stand in the presence of His Glory blameless with great joy (jude c1:v21-v24).
THE ROYAL LAW OF SCRIPTURE (Love)
LOVE AND LOVING-KINDNESS
The word loving-kindness is not mentioned within the new testament, for loving-kindness means to favour, and the Lord God favoured humanity with the gift of “His only begotten Son”, and of His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace, divine love, the unmerited favour of the Lord God, the foundation of our salvation, for “God is love” and gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life, such is the love of the Lord God that it is the key to salvation.
You shall “love” your enemies, (matt c5:v44;luke c6:v27).
You shall be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect, (perfect love), (matt c5:v48).
You shall “love” your neighbour as yourself, (matt c19:v19; c22:v39).
You shall “love” the Lord God with your all your heart, (matt c22:v37; mark c12:v30; luke c10:v27).
To “Love” the Lord God with your all, and to love your neighbour as yourself is worth more that all the religious rituals, (mark c12:c33).
Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having “loved” His own who were in the world, He “loved” them to the end, (john c13:v1).
Jesus said; a new commandment I give to you, that you “love” one another as I have “loved you”, (john c13:v34-v35).
Jesus said; if you “love” me, keep my commandments. (john c14:v15).
He who keeps my commandments “loves” me and will be “loved” by my father, (john c14:v21).
If you “love” me you will keep my word, (john c14:v23-v24).
Jesus said; I “love” the Father, (john c14:v31).
Jesus said; abide in my “love”, (john c15:v9).
Jesus said; as the Father “loved” me, I have “loved” you; abide in my “love”, (john c15:v9).
Jesus said; if you keep my commandments, you will abide in my “love”, (john c15:v10).
This is Jesus commandment, 'that you “love” one another as I have “loved” you', (john c15:v12).
Jesus said; greater “love” has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friend, you are my friends, if you do what I command you, (john c15:v13-v14).
esus said; these things I command you, that you “love” one another, (john c15:v17).
Jesus said; the father Himself “loves” you, because you have “loved” me, and believe that I came forth from God, (john c16:v27).
Jesus said; the glory which you gave me I have given to them, that they may be one just as we are one; I in them, and you in me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that you have sent me, and have “loved” them as you have “loved” me, (john c17:v22-v23).
Jesus said; “O Righteous Father! I have declared to them your name, and will declare it, that the “love” with which you loved me may be in them, and I in them” (john c17:v25-v26).
Now hope does not disappoint, because the “love” of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy spirit who was given unto us, (rom c5:v5).
But God demonstrates His own “love” towards us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (rom c5:v8).
We know that all things, work together for good to those that “love” God, to those who are called according to His purpose, (rom c8:v28).
Who shall separate us from the “love” of Christ, shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword, (rom c8:v35).
In all things we are more than conquerors through Him who “loved” us, (rom c8:v37).
I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the “love” of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord, (rom c8:v38-v39).
Let “love” be without hypocrisy, abhor what is evil, cling to what is good, (rom c12:v9).
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly “love”, in honour giving preference to one another, (rom c12:v10).
Own no one anything except to “love” one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law, (rom c13:v8).
“Love” does not commit adultery, nor murder. nor theft, nor lie, nor covet, “love” does no harm to a neighbour, “love” is the fulfilment of the law, (rom c13:v9-v10).
Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the “love” of the spirit, that you strive together with me in prayer, (rom c15:v30).
It is written: “eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those that “love” Him” (1 cor c2:v9).
But if anyone “loves” God, they are known by Him, (1 cor c8:v3).
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not “love”, I am nothing, even if I give all that I have to feed the poor, and even give my body to be burned, but have not “love”, it profits me nothing, for “love” is patient, “love” is kind, it is not jealous; does not brag, is not arrogant, nor does it act unbecomingly, it does not seek its own, is not provoked, nor does it take into account a wrong suffered, it does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth, for “love” bears all things, believes all things and hopes in all things, and endures all things, “love” never fails, when I was a child, I spoke as a child, and I thought as a child, and understood as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things, for now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I shall know fully just as I also have been fully known but now abide faith, hope and “love”, for the Greatest of these is “Love”, (1 cor c13).
If anyone does not “love” the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed, (1 cor c16:v22).
For the “love” of Christ compels us, because we judge thus; that if one died for all, therefore all died, (2 cor c5:v14).
But as you abound in everything, in faith, in utterance, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in “love” for the brotherhood, see that you abound in this grace also, for I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your “love” by the diligence of others, (2 cor c 8:v7-v8).
Therefore show to them, and before the churches, the proof of your “love”, (2 cor c8:v24).
Brethren, farewell, become complete, be of good comfort, and of one mind, live in peace, and the God of “love” and peace shall be with you, (2 cor 13:v11).
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I that lives, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the son of God, who “loved” me, and delivered Himself up for me, (gal c2:v20).
For in Christ Jesus neither Jew nor Gentile avails anything, but faith working through “love”, (gal c5:v6).
For you, my brother have been called to Liberty, but do not use your liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through “love” serve one another, for all the law is fulfilled in one word, “love”, (gal c5:v13-v14).
The fruit of the spirit is “love”, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance, (gal c5:v22).
Just as he; chose us in Christ Jesus, before the foundation of the world, that we should be Holy and without blame before Him in “love”, (eph c1:v4).
Therefore after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your “love” for all the saints, (eph c1:v15).
For the Lord God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great “love” with which He “loved” us, (eph c2:v4).
That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in “love”, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height, and to know the “love” of Christ, which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God, (eph c3:v17-v19).
I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of your calling with which you were called, with all humility, gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in “love”, (eph 4:v1-v2).
Speaking the truth in “love”, that we may grow up in all things into Christ Jesus who is the head, from whom the whole body is joined and knitted together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the edifying of itself in “love”, (eph c4:v15-v16).
Walk in “love”, as Christ also has “loved” us and gave Himself for us, (eph c5:v2).
Husbands “love” your wives, just as Christ “loved” the church and gave Himself for her, (eph c5:v25).
So husbands ought to “love” their own wives, as their own bodies, (eph c5:v28).
Peace to the brethren, and “love” with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, (eph c6:v23-v24).
And I pray, that your “love” may abound still more and more in knowledge and in all discernment, (phil c1:v9).
Fulfil my joy by being like minded, having the same “love”, and being of one mind and one purpose, (phil c2:v2).
We have heard of your “love” for all the saints, and your “love” in the spirit, (col c1:v4-v8).
That our hearts may be encouraged and knitted together in “love”, (col c2:v2).
Remembering through prayer your work of faith, and labour of “love”, (1 thess c1:v3).
And may the Lord make you increase and abound in “love” to one another, (thess c3:v12).
Concerning brotherly “love” you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to “love” one another, (1 thess c4:v9).
But let us who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and “love”, (1 thess c5:v8).
And esteem them very highly in “love” for their work’s sake,
(1 thess c5:v13).
Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the “love” of God and into the patience of Christ, (2 thess c3:v5).
The grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and “love” which are found in Christ Jesus, (1 tim c1:v14).
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of “love” and of a sound mind, (2 tim 1:v7).
Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and “love” which are in Christ Jesus, (2tim c1:v13).
But when the kindness of our Lord and Saviour appeared His “love” was manifested towards mankind, (titus c3:v4).
All who are with us greet you and greet those who “love” the faith, (titus c3:v15).
I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, hearing of your “love” and faith, which you have towards the Lord Jesus and towards the saints, for I have come to have great joy and comfort in your “love”, for the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, (phil c1:v4-v7).
For the Lord God is not unjust as to forget your work and the “love” that you have shown towards His name, in that you have ministered to the saints and still minister towards them, (heb c6:v10).
And let us consider one another in order to stimulate our “love” towards good works, (heb c10:v24).
Let brotherly “love” continue, (heb c13:v1).
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for when he has been approved, he shall receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to them that “love” Him, (jas c1:v12).
Listen, my beloved brethren: has the Lord God not chosen the poor of the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those that “love” Him, (jas c2:v5).
If you are fulfilling the “Royal Law” according to scripture, “you shall “love” your neighbour as your self” (jas c2:v8).
And thought you have not seen Him, you “love” Him, and thought you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy in expressible and full of glory, (1pet c1:v8).
Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the spirit in sincere “love” of the brethren, “love” one another fervently with a pure heart, (1pet c1:v22).
Honour all men; “love” the brotherhood, fear the Lord God, and honour the king, (1pet c2:v17).
All be of one mind, having compassion for one another; “love” the brethren, be kind hearted and humble in spirit, (1pet c3:v8).
He who “loves” His brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in Him, (1john c2:v10).
Behold what manner of “love” the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him, (1john c3:v1).
In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifested: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he, who does not “love” his brother, (1john c3:v10).
And this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should “love” one another, (1john c3:v11).
We know that we have passed from death to life, because we have “loved” the brethren; he who does not “love” his brother abides in death, (1john c3:v14).
By this we know “love”, because He laid down His life for us; and we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren, (1john c3:v16).
But who so ever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the “love” of God abide in him? let us not “love” in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth, (1john c3:v17-v18).
And this is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and “love” one another, just as He commanded us, (1john c3:v23).
Beloved, let us love one another, for “love” is of God; and everyone who “loves” is born of God and knows God, (1john c4:v7).
Those that do not “love” do not know God, for “God is “love””, (1john c4:v8).
In this the “love” of God was manifested towards us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him, in this is “love”, not that we “loved” God, but that He “loved” us and sent His Son to be the “propitiation” for our sins, (1john c4:v9-v10).
Beloved, if god so “loved” us, we also ought to “love” one another, (1john c4:v11).
No one has seen God at any time, if we “love” one another, God abides in us, and His “love” has been perfected in us, (1john c4:v12).
We have known and believed the “love” that God has for us, for “God is love”, and He who abides in “love” abides in God, and God in him (1john c4:v16).
“love” has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgement; because as He is, so are we in this world, (1john c4:v17).
There is no fear in “love”; but perfect “love” casts out fear, because fear involves torment, and he who has fear is not made perfect in “love”, (1john c4:v18).
We “love” Him because He first “loved” us, (1john c4:v19).
If anyone says, “I “love” God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not “love” his brother whom he has seen, how can he “love” God whom he has not seen? (1john c4:v20).
And this commandment we have from him; that he who “loves” God must “love” his brother also, (1john c4:v21).
Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God; and whoever “loves” the Father “loves” the child born of Him, (1john c5:v1).
By this we know that we “love” the children of God, when we “love” God and keep His commandments, (1john c5:v2-v3).
Grace mercy and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and “love”, (2john 1:v3).
This is “love”; that we walk according to His commandments, (2john c1:v6).
Mercy, peace, and “love” be multiplied to you, (jude c1:v2).
Keep yourselves in the “love” of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life, (jude c1:v21).
Jesus said: as many as I “love”, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent, (rev c3:v19).
“Love” is the key that opens the gate to the narrow way,
Holiness is the reshaping of the soul through spiritual rebirth, and is associated with the divine presence of the Lord God, and without Holiness within the life of the recipient, there can be no manifestation of the Lord Gods presence, (1pet c2), for man's soul comes from the essence of the Lord God; and therefore can only be regenerated by the recipient who has nullified their own desires, (died to self), thus allowing the Holy spirit to flow in the operation of the wakening of the soul to its rightful owner, the Lord Jesus Christ, (Elohim), (gen c2), if the pursuit of Holiness is not the desire of the recipient then the fullness of salvation shall never come into fruition, remember that the call of the Lord God to the recipient ,is to search for Him with all their heart, and in doing so, He shall reveal Himself to them, but if the recipient of the gift of salvation only takes delight in the things that are pleasing to their own nature (ego), then the richness of holiness with all its blessings can never be received, hence to merely call yourself a Christian is not your assurance into the presence of the almighty nor your place in heaven, for the recipient must rightly be taught, that at the moment they receive the gift of salvation, they have become a priest of the Most High God, and must worship Him accordingly as the scriptures teach, note; that I emphasize as the “scriptures teach”, not as man teaches.
The scriptures teach us that,
1.He (Christ Jesus) must be first in the recipients life, (matt c10:v37-v38)
2.We must love Him (Christ Jesus) with our all, (mark c12:v30).
3.We must conform to the image of Christ Jesus. (rom c8: v29).
4. We must have the same attitude as Christ Jesus, (phil c2:v1-v11).
5. We must obey His (Christ Jesus) teachings, (john c14:v15).
6. We must be Holy as He (Christ Jesus) is Holy, (1pet c1:v16).
7. We must understand that the gifts of the Holy spirit are what they are “gifts” that cannot within themselves bring salvation to the recipient, just as your wealth, talents or time cannot bring salvation, (1cor c13); it is only through the love (grace) of the Lord God, that salvation is received as a gift through the Lord Jesus Christ, and that it is by His love (agape through the Holy spirit) which He instils within our spirit thus performing the miracle of creating within us a new spirit that cleanses the soul of the recipient. It is this love (agape love) that transforms the soul, manifesting the fruit of the Holy spirit and producing a clean heart (pure soul) and a right spirit within.
I have greatly wondered in these present days as to why Holiness is seldom or never mentioned within Christian circles, it is as if it has become a mystery, but if today is the day of salvation, then surely it is also the day for Holiness, it is true to say that we are made Holy, (sanctified) when we receive salvation, quoting that great Christian brother Calvin, as once saved always saved! but Calvin himself believed that suffering would be a manifestation of taking up the cross of Christ Jesus, and that suffering was also part of the process of Holiness, not as a punishment, but the price which the recipient must pay for their love of Christ Jesus. Calvin recognized fully that one must walk the way of Holiness if they are to conform to the image of Christ Jesus, brother Calvin knew that suffering was part and parcel for the cleansing of the soul through spiritual rebirth, (rom c8:v17;phil c3:v10; 1pet c4:v13), for what is Holiness but the love of God and what is the love of God, but Christ Jesus; and who was Christ Jesus but the truth! and is it not the truth that sets you free, and if Christ Jesus was called the “Holy one of God” (mark c1:v24), and the spirit of God called “the Holy spirit”, should we then as His children not live Holy lives before Him, are we not baptised into the baptism of His death and resurrection, are we not to obtain full sanctification and spiritual perfection, (that is Holiness unto the Lord), the conforming and transforming into His likeness, being consecrated by His blood (heb c10:v20), to a new and living way, not the old way but a new and living way, the way of Holiness.
Full sanctification or spiritual perfection is not being a perfect person according to the flesh, for all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of the Lord God, Holiness therefore is of the spiritual realm, for our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and against powers and rulers of the darkness of this age, and of spiritual hosts full of wickedness in heavenly places, (eph c6:v12). Hence His love not only gives us full sanctification, but also gives birth to our faith, for it is His love that perfects our faith, for He is the Author and Finisher of our Faith, (heb c12:v2), hence we must grasp hold of the promise spoken by the Lord Jesus, that no one shall be able to pluck you from His hand or His Fathers hand, “Father Always In Thy Hand”, the promise to the recipient is that if they trust him and feed of his love then the father child relationship shall grow, and the journey of full sanctification shall begin.
The walk along the Highway of Holiness, (the way of Holiness), can only proceed when we are immersed in the love of the Lord God, and it shall be at this point in the recipients life that faith (belief and trust) shall enable the child of God to cry unto the Lord, teach me O! Lord your ways that I may walk in your path (isa c2:v3), and two hearts shall be knitted together, within Christ Jesus all are made perfect, as man He (Christ Jesus) is the image of God, (2cor c4:v4; col c1:v15), and it is His love “agape love” within the recipient heart that casts out all fear, covers a multitude of sin, is the fulfilment of the “perfect law”, and is the greatest of all things, so to be transformed into the image of Christ is to possess the mind of Christ (to have the attitude of Christ Jesus towards the Lord God and others), to have the same love within your heart that flows from the heart of Christ Jesus, it is this love that makes one Holy and Righteous before the Almighty, and it is this love that Sanctifies, Justifies and Glorifies, for “God is Love”, it is this love (agape love) which is the very foundation within the Heart of the Almighty, and it is upon this foundation that any relationship between the Lord Jesus and the recipient can be embellished. Make no mistake there can be no fellowship with the Lord Jesus if there is no Holiness (agape love) within the life of the recipient, for Holiness is the substance that binds our fellowship with Christ Jesus, and places the recipient before the throne of the Most High God, (Elyon), (heb c4:v16), for it is at the throne (the throne of Grace) of the Lord God that the fountain of pure love (Holiness) is received.
It was the Lord God Himself who called Noah “a righteous and perfect man”, who walked with God, thus revealing God's love towards Noah, and it was this close fellowship that was built through love that produced faith within the heart of Noah, and Abraham was told by the Lord God to walk before Him and to be perfect, perfection being a life which is filled with the love of God producing integrity, faithfulness and justice, this is how the child of God should walk in their daily lives, for it is this way of life that is in keeping with the Lord God, (2sam c22), for when you walk with the Lord God, you behave in like manner as the Lord God, you become like the Lord God, your fellowship with the Lord God grows stronger as your love grows deeper, this is perfection, and this is what every child of God should be aiming at, a deep personal relationship with the Lord Jesus (Elohim), for it is only through a deep rooted relationship with the Lord Jesus that Holiness and perfection can be obtained. Holiness is a relationship where the child of God is led by the Holy spirit (Eloah) allowing them to walk in the spirit, it is a relationship of total commitment, and it is within this relationship that the love of God (Holiness) is made perfect, (1john c2:v5-v6).
It is sin that hinders our relationship with the Lord Jesus, it is our old nature our egoism which destroys our fellowship with the Lord, it is only when we die to self and cry with all our hearts “that it is no longer the “I” that lives within, but that the Lord Jesus Christ now rules and sits on the throne of your heart, the death of the old nature (the old way of thinking) shall herald forth the bright morning star, and the new creation, the perfect man, the Holy man, shall be born, the new birth, a child after Christ's own heart, for our Holiness can only be found within the Lord Jesus Christ, for only in the person of Jesus can liberty be found, grace now abounds within the heart of the recipient, and as a new creation we partake of His divine nature, sanctified in the truth,(Christ) (john c14:v17-v24), opening the way for the recipient to worship as a true worshipper in spirit and truth.
The narrow way now opened before the recipient, the way that only a few shall find. That narrow road, the way of Holiness that we must travel with the love and mind (attitude) of Christ Jesus towards others, for no longer do we think as the world thinks, now we must bless those who curse us and do good to those who hate us, and pray for those who spitefully use us and persecute us, we are to love our enemies, and give to them what they ask, we are not to turn away anyone who wants to borrow from us, we are not to judge, but to let the Lord God Judge for us, the child of God is to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, for through this one action all the blessing of Heaven shall be poured out upon the recipient. These are only a few of the teachings of the Lord Jesus, and like all the teachings of Christ they teach his disciples “love” and it is His love within the disciple (the recipient) that brings the child of God into the way of Holiness and a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, for it is by acting upon the teachings of Christ that makes the child of god a “peculiar person, totally opposite to the teachings of the world. Scriptural teaching is a requirement if one is to travel the narrow way, (the way of Holiness), for they reflect to the child of God the mind of Christ and the attitude in which they are to treat others.
If anyone reads their Bible on a regular basis it shall become evident to them that every promise within Holy Writ has a requirement that has to be fulfilled before that promise can be received, (i.e.) the most famous scripture quoted today, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His Only Begotten Son, that whoso ever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life, (john c3:v16).
The promise to the recipient is everlasting life, and the requirement is that “you must believe”. You must put your faith totally in Him and in the promise of His love, you must trust in His love, for without faith (belief and trust) how can the recipient be Holy as the Lord God is Holy, how can the recipient receive the Holy nature of the Lord Jesus, for it is His love that motivates the heart of the recipient through the Holy spirit, thus producing a peculiar people through the new birth, and the manifestation of inner love (Holiness), yet this is but a taste of His great grace (the Love of God).
What does this word “peculiar” mean, since it is clear from the scriptures that only those who are a peculiar people to the Lord God shall find the “narrow way” that leads to life, (matt c7:v14).
Seven times within the scriptures the word “peculiar” is used, and only in one occasion in Ecclesiastes is it used by king Solomn, but the other six times it is used by the Lord God, and the meaning of this word peculiar is “belonging exclusively to one”, something special, a possession and a treasure. But what is interesting is the fact that there is a seventh scripture that is found in the book of Malachi, and the word used here by the Lord God to those that love Him is “Jewel” and the meaning of this word Jewel, is “peculiar, special and treasure,” this brings the number of scriptures back to seven, and has great spiritual importance; for seven is the number of God and denotes, “spiritual perfection”, let us now take a look at these seven scriptures.
1. Now therefore, if you obey my voice, and keep my covenant, then you shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine. (exod c19:v5).
2. You are a Holy people unto the Lord thy God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth. (deut c14:v2)
3. For today the Lord has proclaimed you to be His peculiar people, as He has promised you, and that you should keep all His commandments. (deut c26:v18).
4. For the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself and Israel for His peculiar treasure. (ps 135:v4).
5. Then they that feared the Lord spoke to one another and the Lord listened and heard them; so a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who meditate on His name; they shall be mine, says the Lord of Hosts, on the day that I make them my Jewel, and I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him, (malachi c3:v16-v17).
6. Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous for good works. (titus c2:v13-v14).
7. You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a Holy nation, a peculiar people; that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light. (1pet c2:v9).
Within these seven scriptures the way of Holiness is revealed and the way of salvation opened, divine grace revealed, and the requirement is in obedience, for obedience is to conform! and to conform is to “make similar” which is in accordance with the scriptures, for as children of the Lord God we are to live our lives in accordance to the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ, hence it is not the breaking of habits that brings Holiness into the life of the recipient, it is their love for the Lord God, a love that has been instilled within the heart of the recipient by the wonderful work of the Holy spirit. It is this love, the love of God that conquers, not a set of rules or a form of Godliness, if anything, let us learn from the hypocrisy of the Pharisee, what did they lack, was it not Love for those around them. Did not the Lord God tell them that he desired mercy (love) rather than sacrifice, is it not the love of God that brings forth the peace that passes all understanding, and is it not true to say that the love of God is free from all hypocrisy, and is not hypocrisy the blight of our human nature, but God's love within the recipient works no evil to his neighbour, and is the fulfilment of the law, love releases great blessing to those that love the Lord God, and it brings the recipient into the presence of the Almighty. It is love that produces faith, for love is the action of obedient faith, and our Holiness comes through our love of God, which enables us to walk in the spirit. It is love that motivates our obedience towards Holiness, the conforming to Christ's image. Love is the essence of God's Holiness, and it is the manifestation of agape love within the recipient that makes them the perfect man, the Holy man. It was through Christ’s love in the offering up of His own life as an “Atonement for sin” that perfected forever the sanctification of those who love him, and I stress the word “Love” for as Christ is in the recipient and the recipient in Christ they are made perfect through love, (john c17:v20). This is called entire sanctification, or spiritual perfection, it is not of the flesh, (for no flesh is pleasing to God), but the heart, for the heart is the very soul of man and it is the soul (mind) that the love of God is conquering, for our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in heavenly places,(eph c6:v12).
If you are in doubt about love being the essence of the Lord God's Holiness, then I leave this portion of scripture for you to meditate on.
What should it profit me if I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal, and though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing, and though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long, and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; love bears all things, believes all things, endures all things, love never fails. (1cor c13:v1-v8).
SALVATION HAS COME, (matt c2:v1).
Mockers shall mock, and the fool will say there is no God, but be under no illustration, the wrath of the Almighty shall come upon this sinful world, (isa c13:v11; c26:v21; ps 149:v5-v9), for such is His love, that He must punish sin, (lawlessness), for He is a just and a righteous and a “Holy God. (rev c19:v11). “AMEN!”
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