2 Peter 1-3 Partake of the Divine Nature

TMS Proverbs 3:9-10 Give First Fruits, Get Filled

Pr 3:9 “Honor the LORD with your possessions,

And with the firstfruits of all your increase;

10 So your barns will be filled with plenty,

And your vats will overflow with new wine.”

Observations: 3:9-10 This is a great passage on giving God our best, to experience His best. If our giving honors God, He will honor us. Giving Him the first fruits means that He gets His “cut” of your increase (profit) first. In OT times, one gave the first fruits to God not just as a sign of His ownership, but also in faith that He would provide the rest to meet your needs. The author indicates that God will not just meet your needs, but do so abundantly (cf Philippians 4:19). This first fruits principle can also apply to your use of time. Give God the first portion of your life each day, and see how He provides during the rest of the day. Don't make Him “Lord of Your Leftovers” as the Israelites did in Malachi. See comments in the original post and in the series on Faithfulness with our Giving to God in the back of the TOYL book on Truthbase.net.

Application: Honor God with what You give Him, and see how He will honor you.

Prayer: God, thanks that I can always trust You to protect and prosper me when I am rightly related to YOU, acknowledging Your right to first place in my life. Amen.

2 Peter 1-3 This epistle is packed full of practical exhortations and truth of which many are ignorant, and false teachers avoid (since it exposes their false thinking and lifestyles). Those who wish to be richly rewarded in the coming Kingdom of Righteousness, would do well to read and heed, very diligently (just like Peter commands). If they do they will receive a rich reward as they share in the very nature of God. Those who don't will remain tangled in their sin, and wish they had paid attention when Christ returns.

2 Peter 1 Partake of the Divine Nature

1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained a like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: 2 Grace to you and peace be multiplied in/by the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,

3 seeing that his divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness,

through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and virtue/excellence; 4 by/dia which he has granted to us his precious and exceedingly great promises; that through/dia these you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by/en lust.

5 Yes, and for this very cause giving/contributing all diligence, supply to/in your faith virtue/moral excellence; and to virtue/moral excellence, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control patience/endurance; and to patience/endurance godliness; 7 and to godliness brotherly affection; and to brotherly affection, love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, they make you to be not barren nor unfruitful in/eis the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

9 For he who lacks these things is blind, seeing only what is near, having forgotten the cleansing from his old sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be more diligent to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never stumble. 11 For thus you will be richly supplied with the entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

12 Therefore I will not be negligent to remind you of these things, though you know them, and are established in the present truth. 13 I think it right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you; 14 knowing that the putting off of my tent comes swiftly, even as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. 15 Yes, I will make every effort that you may always be able to remember these things even after my departure.

16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables, when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." 18 We heard this voice come out of heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.

19 We have the more sure word of prophecy; and you do well that you heed it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns, and the morning star arises in your hearts: 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation. 21 For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke, being moved by the Holy Spirit.

Observations: 1:1-2 Peter writes to believers who have the same faith he does (an important point to keep in mind), which is faith in the righteousness of God. He desires that his readers have grace and peace multiplied to them, which is a clear indication that these are covenantal blessings, not static items given in the past (cf 3:18 – grow in grace). The means by which grace and peace are multiplied is in the experiential knowledge of God and the Lord Jesus (see comments on Titus 1 for how gnosis-knowledge differs from epignosis-experiential knowledge).

1:3-4 The reason grace is multiplied (as a covenantal blessing or reward) by incorporating the knowledge of God into our lives is because His divine power/authority has granted or bestowed on us all things that pertain to life (abundant life, dominion in the Age to come), but only through the knowledge (epignosis) of Him, who has called us to share in His glory and virtue (moral excellence). By His authority, He has also granted to us great promises, through which we can be be partakers of the divine nature (share in His glory), after having escaped the corruption/decay that is in the world via lust/desire. In other words, if we incorporate God's revelation into our lives, we will share in His glory/nature, and be free from the decay to which all temporal creatures are subject. Note that if in His promises we have all we need, then two ideas follow: we don't need anything else, be it additional revelation or a different doctrine; and there is no excuse for not sharing in God's glory, except our failure to know and apply (epignosis) His promises.

1:5-8 For the purpose of experiencing the blessing of sharing in His glory outlined above, Peter gives an outline of the steps believers must take to reach this goal. To their faith in the righteousness of God, believers are commanded (imperative mood) to give (literally “contribute” as “give along side”) all diligence/haste to sequentially add to their faith a list of character traits. The word for “add” is used of outfitting a chorus with all the supplies needed for a production. So we need to put a lot of effort into building upon our faith, so that it is ready for prime time (the return of Christ and Judgment Day).

The first item to add is:

• Virtue (arete – the Greek word for virtue or excellence, considered the highest quality for the attainment of happiness). The English translation “virtue” isn't bad, but “moral excellence” captures the sense of applying what we know to be right in the moral realm so that we are not deficient; only then can we build to the next level:
• Knowledge (gnosis) this isn't the word for experiential knowledge enjoined above, but probably relates more to knowing or having insight into God's will, on the more subjective level. If we're not obeying the objective revealed will, we will not be able to discern the subjective aspects of God's will (John 7:17);
• Self-control (“power under control”) is used of controlling one's passions and desires so that we do what God wants rather than what we want. See the sermon on Self-control on Truthbase.net for how to develop the power to exhibit or inhibit an impulse.
• Patience (“remain under”) is better translated “endurance,” the strength to continue to carry a load or remain under a burden when everything temporal within you wants to quit;
• Godliness (knowing and doing what the gods require) was used of the pagan priests who learned what the gods wanted, and carried it out “religiously.” Paul was an apostle for the purpose of developing this trait in believers (see comments on Titus 1);
• Brotherly kindness (philadelphia) is the fond affection that believers share as brothers and sisters in the family of God. It's difficult to have such affection for “black sheep” or selfish and self-centered unsanctified believers, hence the need for having the previous traits;
• Love (agape) this is the crowning jewel of Christlike character, the loyal sacrifice of ourselves for the benefit of another. It is parallel to the OT hesed.

If believers put the effort into putting these qualities into their lives, to the extent that they own them and abound, they will be neither barren lazy/unproductive nor unfruitful in the epignosis of the Lord Jesus the Messiah, which is how one gets to share in the divine glory and nature.

1:9-11 The believer who has failed to incorporate these qualities into their lives, and has only their naked faith come judgment day, will not go into the lake of fire, but will not be clothed with glory (see 2Cor 4-5 post). They will be barren and unfruitful, and fail to realize the purpose for which Christ saved/justified them. Peter says they are blind (the work of Satan, blinding people to the light of the glory -2Cor 4:4), and short-sighted (seeing only the temporal things in front of them. The pairing of blind and short-sighted emphasized the lack of ability to see the glory God wants them to have). Not only is their vision and behavior bad, so is their memory. They have forgotten (literally ”taken hold of ignorance” which highlights the willful rejection of truth) the purging from their sins to live a new life. Instead of being barren and unfruitful, believers should give diligence (as instructed in verse 5) to make their call to glory, and election (select or choice) certain or steadfast. This is not about making sure they have believed that Jesus died for their sins, because election is not about forgiveness, and it is clear they already have faith. Nor is it about doing good works to prove they have faith and are saved/forgiven (a common, but totally ignorant and demonic deception. For those of you who have been following DTB from the beginning, we've yet to see a verse that supports this false teaching which is tantamount to faith in our works, rather than faith in the work of God). But it's about justified believers doing the will of God so they can receive the blessing of God (glorification), and not miss it. If believers “do” the things Peter instructs, they will never stumble (so as to miss their reward, cf Rm 11:11). Instead of stumbling, they will have a rich entrance into the eternal Kingdom of their Lord and Savior, Jesus the Messiah. Note that the kingdom is viewed as yet future, and this book is written at the end of Peter's life (1:14). There are differing degrees of entrance and reward. Those who have all their works burned up in Gehenna (1Cor 3:15) will be saved/justified, but miss the glorification of faithful believers.

1:12-18 Peter (or any Bible teacher) would be negligent if they failed to keep the promise of reward and possibility of missing it in the forefront of the thinking of those to whom they minister. The Lord Jesus revealed to Peter that he would shortly depart from this world, putting away the earthly tent to take up residence in his heavenly mansion. So Peter wants to make sure that believers will be able to remember what he had told, and is now writing to them. In relating the power and coming of the Lord, he didn't tell them legends or fables, but was an eyewitness to the glory of the Messiah. On the Mount of Transfiguration (Mt 17:1-13) Peter saw and heard the fulfillment of Jesus' promise in Matthew 16:28 that some of His disciples would not die until they saw the Son of Man coming in His kingdom. Peter here states that he was an eyewitness to the coming glory. He elaborates that he heard the Father gave Jesus honor and glory. Having experienced the Mount of Transfiguration, Peter affirms the certainty of the prophecies of the Messianic Kingdom, so that believers can be more careful to obey for glory. The message of glory is like a light shining in a dark place (world), giving guidance, until the Day of the Lord dawns, and the morning star (glory of Christ - Revelations 2:28; 22:16) arises in their hearts (they become partakers of the divine nature).

Peter reminds his readers that no prophecy is a matter of making things mean whatever you want them to mean, but there was an intended meaning as the Holy Spirit guided the prophets so they said what He wanted them to say. This is a cornerstone of Biblical revelation and inspiration (cf 2 Timothy 3:16).

Application: God has given us great promises of partaking of His nature and glory, which we can receive by diligently learning and applying the truth. That's the only way we'll experience the blessing He has in store for us in the future Kingdom of the Messiah.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thanks for graciously saving me, and for the incredible promises of being able to share in Your very nature; may I spend my days on earth experiencing You in my daily life, so I can spend my eternity reveling in Your delights. Amen.

2 Peter 2 False Teachers Deny Lordship

2:1 But false prophets also arose among the people, as false teachers will also be among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Lord/Master who bought them, bringing on themselves swift destruction. 2 Many will follow their destructive ways, and as a result, the way of the truth will be maligned.

3 In covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words: whose sentence now from of old doesn’t linger, and their destruction will not slumber. 4 For if God didn’t spare angels when they sinned, but cast them down to Tartarus, and committed them to pits of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; 5 and didn’t spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah with seven others, a preacher of righteousness, when he brought a flood on the world of the ungodly; 6 and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly;

7 and delivered righteous Lot, who was very distressed by the lustful life of the wicked 8 (for that righteous man dwelling among them, was tormented in his righteous soul from day to day with seeing and hearing lawless deeds): 9 the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation and to keep the unrighteous for the day of judgment to be punished.

10 but chiefly those who walk after the flesh in the lust of defilement, and despise authority. Presumptuous, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of glory; 11 whereas angels, though greater in might and power, don’t bring a railing judgment against them before the Lord. 12 But these, as unreasoning creatures, born natural animals to be taken and destroyed, speaking evil in matters about which they are ignorant, will in their destroying surely be destroyed, 13 receiving the wages of unrighteousness; people who count it pleasure to revel in the daytime, spots and blemishes, revelling in their deceit while they feast with you; 14 having eyes full of adultery, and who can’t cease from sin; enticing unsettled souls; having a heart trained in greed; children of cursing; 15 forsaking the right way, they went astray, having followed the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of wrongdoing; 16 but he was rebuked for his own disobedience. A mute donkey spoke with a man’s voice and stopped the madness of the prophet. 17 These are wells without water, clouds driven by a storm; for whom the mists of darkness has been reserved.

18 For, uttering great swelling words of emptiness, they entice in the lusts of the flesh, by licentiousness, those who are indeed escaping from those who live in error; 19 promising them liberty, while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for a man is brought into bondage by whoever overcomes him. 20 For if, after they have escaped the defilement of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in it and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. 21 For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb, "The dog turns to his own vomit again," and "the sow that has washed to wallowing in the mire."

Observations: 2:1-2 Just as there were false prophets among the people of Israel in the OT, so there will be false teachers among the Body of believers in the NT era. I've actually heard some say that nothing in chapter 2 applies to believers, in direct denial of the text. Those who distort truth wind up misleading people and doing the devil's work of keeping believers from glorifying God by gaining His glory. In NT times, Peter (and Paul -Acts 20:29) warned of teachers who would surreptitiously bring in teachings that would destroy believer's hope of reward, even denying the Lord who bought them. This is not denying Christ's existence, nor His death on their behalf. The thing that is being denied is the Lordship of Christ over their lives. The world for Lord is better translated “Master” (despotas – from which we get the English “despot” and is usually used of a Master's total ownership rights over a slave – see Synonyms in the OLB under Strong's #1203). There are those today who falsely teach we're free to do whatever we want because we're all under grace (cx Gal 5:13 and Rom 6 comments). There are others who teach that God has done it all, and we don't have to do anything (let go and let God) in contrast to what Peter taught in the previous chapter. There are a host of other false approaches to living the Christ-following, glory-gaining life, which at their root have a denial of God's ownership of us, and His will for our life. Notice the denial (which is sometimes translated “refuse”) is of the Master (who owns us). It's not a denial of the fact that He purchased us with His blood, but of His Lordship. Since He owns us, we should serve Him, seeking His will not our own, and be careful to add to our faith the things which result in glorification.

1Corinthians 6:20 “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.”

However, it is easier to follow teaching that accords with our unsanctified desires, but results in destruction rather than glorification, and loss of reward rather than sharing in the divine nature. Many follow the self-indulgent teaching of the false teacher and rather than living lives that result in God being glorified (1Pt 2:12) they selfishly live resulting in the truth being blasphemed (spoken against).

2:3-9 The false teachers will tell people what they want to hear (2Tim 4:3) for the sake of profit. Their judgment is sure. False teachers are redeemed believers (people who denied Jesus existed, or died for sins, wouldn't have been allowed in NT churches since that was the entrance prerequisite; sadly, it's a different story today). Those who think otherwise, are reading both their theology and modern context into the NT text and times. Peter is now going to give a number of reasons for why He says the judgment of false teachers is certain, so that his readers would be sure to avoid their teaching and share their fate.

God didn't spare sinning angels (who were better and brighter) so He won't spare these lesser lights. The angels were cast into Tartarus (used only here in the NT, a place in Greek thought reserved for the wicked dead) where they await judgment, which is different from where they are now. Peter doesn't say the false teachers go there (although it wouldn't be a bad idea) but that the teachers will be judged as certainly as the fallen angels are.

The second illustration of certain judgment is the flood on Noah's generation (see comments on 1Pt 3). Note that Noah is called a preacher of righteousness, through whom the Spirit of Christ preached to that generation.

Sodom and Gomorrah are next on the list of those experiencing catastrophic (katastrophe) judgment. All they had built was reduced to ashes (cf 1Cor 3:15). They serve as an example to those that would live in a ungodly manner (not those who haven't accepted Christ).

On the other hand, speaking of Sodom brought to mind Lot, Abraham's nephew, who is called righteous more than once (knowing and doing what is right in God's sight) and was distressed daily by the lustful life of his neighbors (maybe he should have considered moving). But the Lord knows how to deliver the righteous out of trials, and just like He delivered Lot, he can keep the unrighteous for the Day of Judgment to be punished (literally “cut off” or dwarfed).

2:10-17 Chief among those who will be punished are those who walk after the flesh (rather than the Spirit, a distinct possibility for believers -Rom 8:1-4; Gal 5:16). These folks get no pleasure from pleasing God, so they seek it in self-indulgence and pride. They are arrogant, self-willed, and clueless to the fact that they will be judged for every unprofitable word they speak (as Jesus promised in Mt 12:36). They even speak against glories (the word is literally “glory” and some translate it as “dignitaries” missing the argument of chapter one, and 1Peter, of self-denial for glory). Even angels, greater in power and might, are more circumspect in their speech. The false teachers live for the here and now, not the glories of God.

The false teachers are not controlled by Spirit, and live like the animals (natural rather than spiritual and unreasoning -alogos), headed for destruction (or the stew pot). The false teachers speak boldly about things they don't understand. They will receive the wages of unrighteousness as payback, rather than the recompense of reward. They attend the Christian feast (Lord's Supper???) not as holy saints, but as blemished sinners, enticing others to follow in their sin. They have forsaken the right way, which means they once knew it (2:21), and were on it. This is parallel to Israel forsaking the way of the Lord to do their own thing and thus forfeit their reward/blessing in the Promised Land. Like Balaam, a prophet of God, they loved the wages of wrongdoing and were on their way to being rebuked for their disobedience (not lack of faith or forgiveness). The false teachers are wells that produce no live giving water. They are like clouds driven into the darkness.
2:18-23 By appealing to the unsanctified desires of those who are just escaping the defilement of the flesh, the false teachers keep them ensnared. They promise the untaught liberty and freedom, but the teachers themselves don't live in victory nor freedom. A person is the slave of whatever masters him (the sanctification argument of Paul in Romans 6). This truism applies to both the false teachers and their pupils, but Peter probably has the untaught in view, since the section began with those “just escaping” in verse 18, and he spent the earlier part of the chapter on the false teachers. If, after they have escaped the defilement of the world through the experiential knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (that pretty much makes them as born-again as one gets), they are again entangled in it (since they were out of it) and overcome (literally two verbs: “become” and “inferior or conquered”) by sin, the last state of “defeated defilement” is worse than the first state of defilement. It would be better for them not to have known the way of the righteousness God requires for blessing, than to have known it and turned form the holy commandment (not gracious gift of salvation by faith) delivered to them to obey.
Those with a cranial capacity the size of a French pea (as in Veggie Tales), can't understand that this is not talking about sins being covered by the gracious provision of the blood of Christ's atoning sacrifice received by faith, but rather the diligent obedience God demands of His redeemed people for entrance into the promised blessings. Maybe they missed that righteousness for reward differs from the righteousness of redemption imputed on the basis of Christ's death and their faith. Or that faith and obedience are not the same word. Those who think so have to conclude that forgiveness from the penalty of sin is on the basis of obedient works rather than faith. Or maybe they missed the whole parallel between redeemed Israel failing to get the promised blessing and disobedient redeemed NT believers missing their reward which Paul talked about in 1Corinthians 10. In any event they are missing the truth (and the glory) like the false teachers and their pupils did. It could not be better to never have known the way escape from the lake of fire, than to have known it and turned from it (thus suffering eternal torment in the lake of fire). However, it would be better to have not known the commandment of God given them to obey (for then they would receive less discipline) than to have known it and ignored it (for those would receive greater discipline). For those who don't think bad things happen to bad believers, see comment on French peas above).

Luke 12:47 And that servant who knew his master's will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.

Peter says that those who go back to the way they were (see warning passages in Hebrews; I'll avoid the temptation to insert the entire NT to prove this point...just read DTB) will be like a dog going back to what it once removed from it's system, or a pig that was washed, wallowing in the filth from which it was cleansed. Such defilement does not get a rich entrance into the Kingdom of glory, but disqualifies for priestly service in the coming Kingdom.

Application: False teachers and their followers take the self-gratifying path that leads to destruction (Mt 7), rather than the self-denying path that leads to life.

Prayer: God, I pray that Your Holy Spirit would convict the arrogant and ignorant who ignore Your truth to teach what tickles the ears; and that they would repent of living for their temporal pleasure, so they can reap Your glory and You will receive greater glory. Amen.

2 Peter 3 It's All Gonna Melt

3:1 This is now, beloved, the second letter that I have written to you; and in both of them I stir up your sincere mind by reminding you; 2 that you should remember the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and the commandments of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior:

3 knowing this first, that in the last days mockers will come, walking after their own lusts, 4 and saying, "Where is the promise of his coming? For, from the day that the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation." 5 For this they wilfully forget, that there were heavens from of old, and an earth formed out of water and amid water, by the word of God; 6 by which means the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished. 7 But the heavens that now are, and the earth, by the same word have been stored up for fire, being reserved against the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.

8 But don’t forget this one thing, beloved, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

9 The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but is patient with us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.

11 Therefore since all these things will be destroyed like this, what kind of people ought you to be in holy living and godliness, 12 looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, which will cause the burning heavens to be dissolved, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13 But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. 14 Therefore, beloved, seeing that you look for these things, be diligent to be found in peace, without blemish and blameless in his sight.

15 Regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given to him, wrote to you; 16 as also in all of his letters, speaking in them of these things. In those, there are some things that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unsettled twist, as they also do to the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. 17 You therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, beware, lest being carried away with the error of the wicked, you fall from your own steadfastness. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

Observations: 3:1-2 Peter says that both of his letters are designed to remind them of the lifestyle commands of the OT prophets and NT apostles, so they would obey them, and receive praise glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus the Messiah (1Pt 1:7). The theme is glorification/reward by faithful obedience, not justification/forgiveness by faith.

3:3-8 Scoffers who walk/live for their lusts/desires rather than for God's will/desire deny not only His Lordship/Mastery over them, but also His second coming to reward the faithful. Just because He didn't return in their day, doesn't mean He won't return. His coming is based upon His word, as is our world. Peter gives a few illustrations (same modus operandi as the previous chapter) to prove his point. Creation is by the word of God, as was the flood of Noah's day. By the same word, the current world exists, and is appointed to future destruction. That destruction will come in God's impeccable timing. Since God is outside of time, He doesn't view it as we do. A thousand years is as a day, and a day as a thousand years. Some see in this “day” terminology a reference to the days of creation, others to the Millennial kingdom, and they both might be right.

3:9-10 The Lord is not slow concerning His promised coming, but is patient, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Plugging Strong's #622 into a concordance will reveal that “perish” is used most frequently (overwhelmingly actually) of losing reward or punishing unprofitable, disobedient servants. In its 92 occurrences, one would be hard pressed to find a reference to unbelievers being tossed into the lake of fire (happy hunting, check out the context of each on DTB if in doubt). God gives the disobedient time to repent because His plan to glorify Himself is by sharing His glory with them, but He has sovereignly decreed that blessings will only accompany obedience, just like discipline will accompany disobedience. When He returns, it will be suddenly and result in loss (like a thief who takes your stuff) for those who lived for the temporal, since everything temporal will be dissolved.

3:11-14 Drawing his conclusion, Peter asks a rhetorical question. Since everything is going to be destroyed, how should we then live? He does not make an appeal to accept Jesus as one's sin-bearer, but rather advocates holy living and godliness, and an eager zeal for the Day of the Lord, not for the pyrotechnics, but for the promised glory. According to His promise, faithful believers look for a new heavens and a new earth (the current one is cursed -Gen 3), where righteousness dwells (that will be a nice change). That would also be another piece of evidence that, since righteousness isn't dwelling here now, this isn't the Messiah's Kingdom (Kingdom of Righteousness ruled over by the King of Righteousness).

Those who look for such things are diligent (same word as 1:10, 15) to be found by Him in peace (cf 1Pt 3:11), holiness, without blemish, and blameless in His sight (as a result of adding the items in chapter 1 to our faith, not just making sure we believed that Jesus died for our sins).

3:15-18 Believers should regard the patient “delay” of the Lord as an opportunity to repent (salvation), as Paul wrote about. Peter here equates Paul's writings with the other Scriptures, furthering the case for NT inspiration. He notes, as most Bible students have, that Paul writes some things that are hard to understand (he should read some of what John wrote!). Peter notes that the French pea people and those not steadfast (only used elsewhere in 2:14), twist and torture (literally) to fit meanings and theologies never intended by the text, author, nor the Holy Spirit. Those who distort the text (rather than obey it) do so to their own destruction.

Peter now says the readers have foreknowledge (same word) indicating that they know what's going to happen (according to the promise of God) ahead of its actual occurrence, so they can be on their guard. They need to watch that they don't get carried away by the error of the wicked (a distinct possibility) nor fall from their own steadfastness (also a possibility, otherwise why watch?). Instead of going down the tubes with those who don't adhere to the truth, believers should grow in the grace and knowledge of their Lord, Savior, and Messiah, since that is how they will realize the hope for which they were saved, sharing in Jesus' glory when He returns to rule. Note that grace is not static, but has past justifying, present sanctifying, and future glorifying aspects, the latter two are meant here. See Survey of Glory on Truthbase.net if you've never studied the use of grace in the NT. Peter ends with an ascription of praise to our coming King.

Application: Are you holy and blameless as you anticipate the destruction of everything you can touch and see and the reception of glory that never fades?

Prayer: God, thanks for your patience with me when I am slow to learn; please help me know and embrace truth, so I can life the kind of life which pleases You, and which You are pleased to bless. Thanks again. Amen.

Digging Deeper

God in a nutshell: God wants us to share in His nature and glory, and has given us all we need to get there, biding upon our faith the characteristics that enable us to lead Christlike lives.

Build-a-Jesus: Jesus is the coming King who owns us, and whom we should totally serve.

Us in a nutshell: Believers must be diligent to grow in grace, and build upon their faith as God commanded if they wish to reap reward rather than discipline when Christ returns.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

James 1-2 The Royal Law of Freedom

TMS 1 Corinthians 15:58 It's Always Too Soon To Quit 

1Cor 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 

Observations: 15:58 Concluding the great chapter on the good news and the resurrection, Paul exhorts the believers to not give up serving the Lord. The word for labor means “to be beat up” as in work that sucks everything out of you. Believers are tempted to quit or slack off when the going gets tough, but in doing so they would miss out on the glory God has planned for faithful believers who please Him by doing His will. It there is no resurrection and reward of the faithful, then we might as well eat, drink, and be merry, for when we die, it's all over. But if there are rewards and differing degrees of glory as the gospel clearly taught (see 1 Corinthians 15 comments if you don't totally believe this), then it's time to buck up and face the wild beasts. God gives enabling grace to do His will in this life (2 Corinthians 12:9), and glorifies us with grace in the next life for doing His will in this one (1 Peter 1:13). It's all of grace, but works are still needed.

1 Peter 1:13 “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Application: When tempted to take the easy road, remember that the path to glory which Jesus trod is difficult, and uphill (that's where you'll find Him with your reward).
Prayer: Lord Jesus, may I follow in Your footsteps as Your disciple, doing the works You saved me to do, faithfully and steadfastly by Your grace. Amen.


James 1-2 The epistle of Jacob (which was translated as James to secure the backing of a certain king for a famous translation -KJV) was probably the earliest epistle written and one of the last to be accepted into the canon. Medieval Martin Luther didn't regard James as authoritative because “In the first place it is flatly against St. Paul and all the rest of Scripture in ascribing justification to works 2:24.” He also wrote “...the epistle of St. James is an epistle full of straw, because it contains nothing evangelical.” Like many today Luther read his pre-suppositions and experiences into the text, rather than letting the Scriptures shape his understanding; he also failed to understand that words have different meanings in different contexts. While James clearly teaches justification by works, he isn't teaching forgiveness by works, but rather being just/righteous for the purpose of reward on the basis of our works, a distinction many modern interpreters still miss. The letter was written to forgiven believers, who already had put their faith in Christ (which was why they were scattered by persecution), to help them endure trials so they could be blessed when the Lord returns (which is why there isn't an emphasis on Jesus dying for their sins). The epistle has two bookends which make the purpose clear:

1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

5:7 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. 8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9...Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! 10 My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. 11 Indeed we count them blessed who endure.


A difficulty modern readers (and even medieval ones) have is in reading James after all of the epistles directed toward Gentiles. Much of James' thinking is rooted in the OT (especially Proverbs), and the Gospels (especially Matthew, written to the Jews), so one needs to read it in that context to enter into James' thinking.

James 1 Those Who Endure Are Blessed

1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are in the Dispersion/scattered abroad: Greetings. 

2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him. 

6 But let him ask in faith, without any doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed. 7 For let that man not think that he will receive anything from the Lord. 8 He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. 

9 But let the brother in humble circumstances glory in his high position; 10 and the rich, in that he is made humble, because like the flower in the grass, he will pass away. 11 For the sun arises with the scorching wind, and withers the grass, and the flower in it falls, and the beauty of its appearance perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in his pursuits.

12 Blessed is the man who endures trials/temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love him.

13 Let no man say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God," for God can’t be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each one is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then the lust, when it has conceived, bears/gives birth to sin; and the sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death. 

16 Don’t be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, nor turning shadow. 

18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures. 

19 So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man doesn’t produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore, putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with humility the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 

22 But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he sees himself, and goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of freedom, and continues, not being a hearer who forgets, but a doer/performer of the work, this man will be blessed in/by what he does/performs. 26 If anyone among you thinks himself to be religious while he doesn’t bridle his tongue, but deceives his heart, this man’s religion is worthless. 27 Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

Observations: 1:1-8 James is considered by most to be the half-brother of Jesus, since James the brother of John was martyred very early according to Acts 12:2. He writes to the twelve tribes of Israel who were scattered abroad by the early persecution to encourage them to be faithful to the Lord Jesus the Messiah in the midst of their trials. Notice that the early believers are considered Jewish. In general terms, a trial is a temptation to quit following Jesus for eternal gain, and to settle for a temporal gain like power (security/significance), pleasure, or possessions, none of which endure. This would apply to loving one's life more than loyalty to the Lord, or loving the things of this world (like Demas) more than those of the next.
The correct perspective toward trials/temptations should be joy if one knows that the trying (refining – a term used for purifying metals) of their faith will produce endurance (the strength to remain under a burden). Letting endurance have (present imperative-command) its end goal will result in the sufferer having a perfected character, so that they lack nothing (at the return of Christ). Jesus had taught that fruit is a function of endurance (Lk 8:15) and in Luke 21:12-19 He warned of the persecutions His followers would endure, and then concluded that “by endurance you will possess/obtain your souls.” This meant they would obtain the exchange of their souls (put for their lives) in this world for life/dominion in the next, to which He had invited them in the call to discipleship (Lk 9:23-26).
If anyone lacked wisdom in their trials (in knowing how to chose the right objectives and the right means of obtaining them) which Proverbs said resulted in enduring riches, honor, and righteousness (8:18), all they had to do was ask. God wants people to know His will, so they can do it. The stipulation that the person ask in faith, without wavering, probably has an emphasis on faithfulness rather than confidence, since the antonym is being double-minded, and wavering between commitment to God and commitment to their temporal well-being. God is not going to withhold His wisdom for someone who isn't sure that He will give it, but will definitely withhold His guidance from someone who isn't committed to following it and Him wholeheartedly (Jn 7:17).
1:9-12 In persecution those who were among the haves, became the have-nots, as they frequently lost their wealth, status, and honor. James instructs the brother in humble/poor circumstances to rejoice in his high position in God's economy, and the rich to rejoice in their humbling. The reason is because riches don't endure, but God's blessing in return for suffering for His name's sake does (Mt 5:10-12).
Therefore, the one who is blessed (major theme of the Wisdom Literature as well as the rest of the OT, and Sermon on the Mount), is the one who successfully endures trials (like Job did -Js 5:11) for when he is approved (used of a proof coin struck in refined metal), he will receive the crown of life (rulership and dominion in the Kingdom) which the Lord promised to those who loyally love Him (Mt 19:28; Lk 22:30). This is the opening bookend of the epistle, answered by 5:11.  It is a book about getting rewarded, not forgiven. That's why it doesn't talk about the cross and the blood and all the other “evangelical” things Martin Luther was looking for, but it is the Good News/Gospel of the Kingdom that John, Jesus, Peter and Paul talked about all the time.
1:13-15 Having stated his thesis in the previous verse, James explores the source of the trials and temptations which believers must endure. God doesn't tempt us to sin; He wants us to be holy. The source of our temptations are our unsanctified and deadly desires/lusts. For years we've fed ourselves with spiritual junk food, and have no appetite for the real thing. But once we understand the sin process, we can flip it around and use it for holiness. We sin because we want to. We want to sin, because our value system tell us that a certain behavior will yield more benefit than another. So we indulge in sin, and refrain from holiness because we value the fruit of our wrong decisions. Each of us is tempted when enticed by our desires/lusts. Temptation isn't sin, but becomes so when we embrace it (literally the word is used for conception). Then sin is born, and when it is fully grown, it brings forth death (loss of life/dominion). When we succumb to temptation, it is sin (a missing the mark or standard). If we fail to abandon sin, but let it grow in our lives, it will kill us, depriving us of our abiding relationship with God in this life, lack of fruit, and lack of reward in the next.
The flip side is how really good (or is it bad?) sinners can become really good saints. If sin is drooling over then embracing and holding onto a desire for what is evil, then holiness is drooling over then embracing and holding on to a desire for what is good. If we set our mind on fleshly things, we will do them. If we set our minds on spiritual things we will do them. Being strong-willed is good if our will is set on things above (like Paul said in Romans 8, and Colossians 3, and Jesus did in Matthew 5:6; 6:21). So the key is to value the right things, which is a function of having our minds renewed with God's truth (see Romans 12:1-2; and the sermon on Sanctification: It Ain't Gonna Reign No More, on Truthbase.net).
1:16-21 Believers should not be deceived about the nature of the Christian life. God caused us to be born again by the word of truth, so we could live in the light. As the Father of light, He gives birth to light, so that we should be firstfruits of light. Therefore every child of God should put away dark behavior and receive/obey the word that saves our souls (as we walk as children of light). Although verse 19 does wonders for interpersonal relationships, that's not the primary application James had in mind. Believers should be swift to hear God's word, (James 1:21), slow to speak (James 1:13) and slow to grumble or complain about the circumstances God has allowed into their lives for their benefit, because complaining doesn't produce the righteousness God requires for reward. Remember righteousness is doing what is is right in His sight. They should eliminate all defiling and naughty (KJV) behavior (literally abundant or profitable evil/malice), and accept/receive the application of the implanted/engrafted word (the message of Christ and His Kingdom, that they heard) which is able (has power) to save their souls. It should be obvious to any reader of DTB that this is the third and final aspect of salvation which reverses the effects of the Fall, the glorification of believers (restoration to glory). See comments on the introduction to Matthew if you missed the distinctions between forgiveness/justification, holiness/sanctification and reward/glorification (James however uses justification to refer to the righteousness God blesses/rewards). This is salvation by works, addressed to believers.
1:22-25 Therefore, every believer should be a doer/performer of the word, and not just a hearer. Those who hear and don't do, deceive themselves into thinking that God doesn't require holiness. One who hears the word and doesn't incorporate it into their life through value and behavior change is like someone seeing themselves in the mirror, and then forgetting what they see. The usual application is that the word points out flaws that need to be fixed; if we ignore the flaws, we still have them. The believer who looks into the perfect law that gives freedom/liberty from sin (John 8:34-35), and continues in it (literally “abides alongside” it) is the one who will be blessed by (en) means of his/her performance (dative of means). This is not forgiveness by faith, but reward by works.
1:26-27 James adds two aspects of pure religion/worship which believers can be deceived about. If our “religion” doesn't affect our inner and outer life it's worthless (won't result in blessing/reward). James focuses on speech and other-centeredness. An unbridled tongue, which reflects an untamed heart, doesn't please God. Seeking to meet the needs of those for whom God particular cares (orphans and widows) is meritorious, if accompanied by holiness.
Application: If we want to be blessed, we need to endure the difficulties of following Christ, develop holiness and other-centeredness, as we learn and do God's will.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise You for giving me new life in Christ; may I live a new way, according to Your light, and experience the freedom and blessing You desire for me. Thanks. Amen.

James 2 The Royal Law of Freedom

2:1 My brothers, don’t hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ of glory with partiality. 2 For if a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, comes into your synagogue, and a poor man in filthy clothing also comes in; 3 and you pay special attention to him who wears the fine clothing, and say, "Sit here in a good place"; and you tell the poor man, "Stand there," or "Sit by my footstool"; 4 haven’t you shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers. Didn’t God choose those who are poor in this world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the Kingdom which he promised to those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Don’t the rich oppress you, and personally drag you before the courts? 7 Don’t they blaspheme the honorable name by which you are called? 

8 However, if you fulfill the royal/kingdom law, according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you do well. 9 But if you show partiality, you commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors. 

10 For whoever keeps the whole law, and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. 11 For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not commit murder." Now if you do not commit adultery, but murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak, and so do, as men who are to be judged by a law of freedom/liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to him who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs/rejoices over judgment.

14 What profit is it, my brothers, if a man says he has faith, but has no works? Can faith save him? 15 And if a brother or sister is naked and in lack of daily food, 16 and one of you tells them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled"; and yet you didn’t give them the things the body needs, what profit/good is it? 17 Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself. 18 Yes, a man 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. 19 You believe that God is one. You do well. The demons also believe, and shudder. 20 But do you want to know, vain man, that faith apart from works is dead? 21 Wasn’t Abraham our father justified by works, in that he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? 22 You see that faith worked with his works, and by works faith was perfected; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him as righteousness"; and he was called the friend of God. 24 You see then that by works, a man is justified, and not only by faith. 25 In the same way, wasn’t Rahab the prostitute also justified by works, in that she received the messengers, and sent them out another way? 26 For as the body apart from/without the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from/without works is dead.

Observations: 2:1-9 Believers, who possess faith in the Messiah of glory, should not show partiality to the rich at the expense of the poor, hoping to get benefit from the rich. In doing so, they will forfeit benefit from the Lord of glory for failing to love as He commanded. God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith (because they would have to trust Him more), and consequently to be heirs of the Kingdom which He promised to those who loyally love Him (not to those who just believe that He died for their sins). Those who show partiality despise those God will honor, and honor those who despise anyone not like them. Those who don't get worth and value from being pleasing to God, try to get it from being better than others, which makes for unpleasant relationships. Apparently the rich to whom James refers were also speaking against (blaspheming) Christ as well. If believers want to do well, the route they need to take is that of fulfilling the kingdom (or kingly, hence the meaning royal) law of loving their neighbor as themselves. They can only do this if they are not looking to others to meet their needs (the cause of most dysfunctional relationships). It is only as we experience the love of God in His meeting of our needs, that we are free to meet the needs of others. We don't experience the abiding love of God unless we are keeping His commandments (John 14:21; John 15). So the law of liberty (1:25 and 2:12), also known as the royal/kingdom law goes something like this:

God's love meets my needs (while I'm obeying) so I'm free to meet the needs of others, expecting nothing from them in return (but expecting Christ's reward). 

This is the law that God expects us to fulfill (2:8), and which we will be judged by according to verse 12. Those who show partiality in putting down those who are not in a position to help them, and honoring the dishonorable in hopes of temporal blessing commit sin, and are lawbreakers. The OT moral law (as opposed to the ritual, sacrificial and ceremonial law) revealed the righteousness God wanted from His people so He could bless them. That's why a good definition of righteousness is: being careful to do what is right in His sight. Only those who demonstrated that righteousness were blessed in the OT. The majority didn't, and weren't.
2:10-13 Whoever breaks one part of the law, has in fact broken the entire law (like breaking a window). People love to define righteousness as not doing what they don't like to do, so they are free to do what they want. This isn't God's standard. God's standard is the law of liberty, which He expects to govern our speech and actions. He promises that our speech and actions will be judged by the law of freedom (which is news to most Christians, who couldn't tell you what it is if their life depended upon it). Believers will be judged without mercy if they have shown no other-centered concern for the needs of others. But God will show mercy in judging those who have sought to live in love as Christ commanded. This is not judgment to determine whose sins are forgiven, and who goes into the lake of fire, for forgiveness is by faith in Christ's substitutionary atonement, which alone can satisfy God's justice and pay the penalty for our sin (see comments on Romans 3).
2:14-19 Having established that believers are going to be judged by the Kingdom law of liberty, which requires their speech and deeds to be done in loyal love, and that mercy is shown to those who have shown mercy, James then elaborates on the necessity of those works. He is not talking about the judgment of the lake of fire in which unbelievers pay the death penalty for their own sins, but instead for the judgment which determines their blessing of glory in the Kingdom (just re-read 2:1-13 for the context).
The very first Bible "study" I attended was in a dorm room at college, where this passage was being discussed. Some were arguing for faith, others for works. I didn't know the correct interpretation at the time since I wasn't clued into context, but I did know that neither camp made sense. That's been my experience in looking at most commentators (people who make comments) on difficult or disputed passages. Unless one determines the meaning of words from the context of the author's argument, there is more heat than light.
Can faith without works profit or save/glorify someone? The last use of “save” was in 1:21 of the obedience necessary for glorification and being blessed (1:25 by works). Just having faith gets one into heaven (rather than the lake of fire) but a unemployed faith doesn't profit one at the judgment seat of Christ (see comments on 2 Corinthians 5:10). Just saying be warmed and filled doesn't profit a brother or sister in need, unless there are works to benefit them. So too, faith without works is dead, giving no Kingdom life/dominion/glory to its confessor. Faith that God rewards (see Hebrews 11, particularly verse 6), must have works, for faith that pleases God must believe that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. One can demonstrate one's faith by good works (for which we were created in Christ Jesus – see comments on Ephesians 2:8-10), but it's hard to show one's faith without them. It does not follow that one doesn't have faith if there are no works (a major modern misunderstanding). It just means that the unemployed faith one has won't be laying up any treasure in heaven. A faith without works doesn't mean that a person isn't a born again child of God, it just means that they are not a very good child. It is through belief in Christ, not works that we are given forgiveness. It is through faithful works that we gain reward. The demons have belief in one God, but it doesn't do them any good in terms of their future (Jesus didn't die for demons). 2:20-24 James now turns to two OT examples of how faith with works resulted in blessing. Abraham was justified by works when He offered Isaac on the altar. Readers of the OT or Hebrews 11 will have noted that this is after he had believed God and had demonstrated Hall of Fame faith. In Genesis 12 Abraham first responded to God's revelation by faith. In Genesis 15:6 it is stated that he believed God's promise of blessing and it was credited to him as righteousness. Then, in Genesis 22:12 he demonstrated fear of God and obedience, and God responds with doubly blessing him (22:16-18). The issue is obedience and blessing, not initial faith. Now we need to understand James' use of justified. From the context it is clear that it has to do with reward and blessing, not in the justification/forgiveness by faith Paul usually talks about. Justified means to be just or righteous. It can be something demonstrated or declared, depending upon the context (see Thayer's Lexicon in the OLB or Biblos Strong's #1344). The condition of being just or righteous has many possible meanings. It can mean being just in one's dealings with others, or rightly related to God, or being careful to do what is right in His sight, etc. The fundamental lexical skill of Bible Study is to determine the specific nuance or meaning an author intended from the range of possible meanings found in a lexicon. The same applies to issues of grammar and syntax. The way one determines the meaning is to understand the context, and plug in each possible meaning for each variable until everything fits together according to the argument of the author.

The argument in James is pretty clearly about blessing and glorification of believers rather than forgiveness of pagans. Verse 22 spells out what meaning of justified James had in mind: faith being perfected, or brought to its fulfillment by bringing the worker to glory. Abraham had faith, which when combined with his works, realized the end goal of his faith, his blessing/glorification. An oft-repeated theme in the NT is that being forgiven is not the goal of life on this planet, but being brought into the glory of the Messiah in His kingdom is, the blessed hope of the believer (see comments on Eph 1; Heb 2:10; Titus 2:13; 1Peter 1, etc). As a result of Abraham's faithful works he demonstrated the righteousness God desired, and the Scripture of Genesis 15:6 was fulfilled. In addition, Abraham was called a friend of God.
This use of justified to refer to something other than forgiveness by faith is also used by Paul in Galatians. This excerpt from the introduction to the post on Galatians 1-3:

“The justification in chapter 2 is most likely not forgiveness (since they already had that) but a declaration of the righteousness they needed for blessing (inheritance and reward) in the future Age of the Messiah (kingdom). This is just like the OT requirement to do what is right in God's sight (righteousness) to receive the promised blessings. The just, (as in justified/forgiven), shall live (as in receive the blessings of the Messianic kingdom) by faith (as in continuing to believe that God will do what He said He'll do -Heb 11:6). The righteousness God requires extends beyond forgiveness, as the rest of the epistle demonstrates. People cannot read their preconceptions into chapter two and then ignore all the evidence in the rest of the epistle, and be right." 

And this from Galatians 2:

“Justification usually refers to being declared righteous in reference to the penalty of sin, also known as the forgiveness aspect of salvation (see introduction to Matthew for the different aspects of salvation). Here Paul is looking beyond forgiveness to the righteousness God requires for reward in the Kingdom. To receive this declaration the just person needs to live by faith. Living by faith is more than a one time belief in the substitutionary atonement, but an ongoing trust in the promises of God (see Faith Actuates God's Promises on Truthbase.net if you've never studied what the Scripture says faith is). To live is not just a deliverance from the lake of fire, but to exercise dominion/glory in the realm of God's promises (Dt 30:19). This is the only understanding that is consistent with all the facts. It's not about past forgiveness, nor present position, but future righteousness (knowing and doing what is right in God's sight.)" 

Despite what Martin Luther thought, Paul and James were saying the same thing; he just didn't understand what either of them was saying because of his preconceptions from Catholicism. A person is declared righteous by God as a result of faith in Christ's death on their behalf, and demonstrates the righteousness God rewards as a result of their faithful works, done in faith. 2:25-26 The example of Rahab, a non-Israelite, illustrates the same concept. Her reception of the spies who came to Jericho was based upon her hearing about and believing that the God of the Israelites was the one true God (Joshua 2:9-11) and her protection of them was (Joshua 2:12-14) the basis of her blessing. Thus, by her works she demonstrated her righteousness, which God rewarded, not only with protection, but with inclusion in the Messianic lineage. God always saves on the basis of faith. The content of the faith, and the exact nature of the salvation or deliverance is dependent upon understanding the context. Here James concludes with saying that as the body without the spirit (pneuma, breath) is dead, dominionless, and useless, so too faith without works is dead, dominionless, and useless. Remember the issue is reward and blessing not forgiveness.
Application: What works accompany your faith? What glory will accompany your works?
Prayer: God, thanks for forgiving and loving me, and meeting my needs, so I'm free to meet the needs of others in loving them; may I do so in a righteous manner that pleases You. Amen.


Digging Deeper

God in a nutshell: God judges believers on the basis of how they have lived in light and love. Those who do so will be blessed; those who don't will lose out on blessings (but are still forgiven).

Build-a-Jesus: Jesus gave the Kingdom Command: love your neighbor as yourself. He loves us and meets our needs so we're free to meet the needs of others.

Us in a nutshell: We are justified or declared righteous on the basis of our faith in Christ, but we are just and demonstrate our righteousness by our works done in faith that God blesses those who do what is pleasing in His sight. How we treat others is a good indication of our heart and values, and to whom we are looking for reward. If we focus on sin, we will wind up doing it; if we focus on righteousness, we will wind up getting it.

Where to Go for More:
Truthbase.net

Galatians 4-6 Reaping the Fruits of the Spirit

Psalm 144:1-15 Blessing the God Who Blesses

Ps 144:1 Of David “Blessed be Yahweh, my rock, who teaches my hands to war, and my fingers to battle: 2 my hesed/faithful love (HCSB), my fortress, my high tower, my deliverer, my shield, and he in whom I take refuge; who subdues my people under me. 3 Yahweh, what is man, that you care for him? Or the son of man, that you think of him? 4 Man is like a breath. His days are like a shadow that passes away. 5 Part your heavens, Yahweh, and come down. Touch the mountains, and they will smoke. 6 Throw out lightning, and scatter them. Send out your arrows, and rout them. 7 Stretch out your hand from above, rescue me, and deliver me out of great waters, out of the hands of foreigners; 8 whose mouths speak deceit, Whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.

9 I will sing a new song to you, God. On a ten-stringed lyre, I will sing praises to you. 10 You are he who gives salvation to kings, who rescues David, his servant, from the deadly sword. 11 Rescue me, and deliver me out of the hands of foreigners, whose mouths speak deceit, whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood. 12 Then our sons will be like well-nurtured plants, our daughters like pillars carved to adorn a palace. 13 Our barns are full, filled with all kinds of provision. Our sheep bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our fields. 14 Our oxen will pull heavy loads. There is no breaking in, and no going away, and no outcry in our streets. 15 Blessed are the people who are in such a situation. Blessed are the people whose God is Yahweh."

Observations: 144:1-15 We bless God, because He blesses us. David praises God for His covenantal loyalty/hesed in protecting him, and making him victorious over his enemies. He wonders why the eternal God would take notice of man and care for him. The answer is in the song: so those whom God cares for can praise and glorify Him, increasing His reputation in the eyes of others, so they will trust and glorify Him. When endangered by deceitful liars, he calls on God to rescue and deliver him, so he can enjoy the blessedness of being prospered and protected by God. Productive sons, gorgeous daughters, financial security, and social peace are just some of the blessings for those whom God teaches and cares for.

Application: Call for God's help and start composing your song of praise, for that is one of the reasons He blesses you.

Prayer: God You are so gracious in caring for me; thanks! May I be quick to learn whatever You want to teach me, faithful to depend upon You for my needs, and careful to praise You for Your daily blessings, so others can enjoy You as well.

TMS Isaiah 53:6 The Suffering Servant Saves Sheep

Isa 53:6 “5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.

6 All we like sheep have gone astray;

We have turned, every one, to his own way;

And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

11 He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, for He shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong, because He poured out His soul unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors, and He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.“

Observations: 53:6 This is the key chapter in the OT prophesying the death of the Messiah, the Lord Jesus. This passage can only be referring to Him. It can't be Israel, since they had to die for their own sin. See comments in Isaiah 53 for more. Jesus died in our place, satisfying the death penalty of sin which we incurred by our going astray from God. Isaiah 59:2 is another good verse to know: “2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.” Sin is independence from God which causes separation, and loss of relationship.

Don't miss the conclusion of chapter 53. Verses 11-12 not only point to a resurrection, but also the reward God gives for His service.

Application: You have the choice of dying for your rebellion against and independence from God, or accepting Jesus as God's provision for your sin. A person would have to be more stupid and stubborn than a recalcitrant sheep to reject God's gift.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thanks for suffering and dying for my sin, so I can live; may I use the life You've provided for Your glory. Amen.

Galatians 4-6 The last half of the book should make it abundantly clear that the issue Paul is addressing is how believers in Christ should acquire the righteousness required for reward or inheritance in the future "Kingdom that comes from God." It isn't by embracing the ritual of the Jewish law, but rather the royal law of Christ, loving one's neighbor as oneself. This will entail dying to the temporal self-centered deeds of the flesh, and drawing on the power of the Holy Spirit to develop the other-centered fruit of love (in all its complements). Those who follow the external ritual will find that Christ doesn't profit them in terms of future reward. Those who become conformed to the image of Christ by crucifying themselves will reap reward as a result of what they've sown. Remember that Paul uses the word justification to describe the righteousness that results from forgiveness, and yields freedom from the lake of fire;  and also the righteousness that results from faithful obedience, and yields reward. There is a rather lengthy post under chapter five, but if you want to avoid a crop failure and reap abundantly, it's worth putting in the work to master it.

Galatians 4 Born Free

4:1 But I say that so long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a bondservant, though he is lord of all; 2 but is under guardians and stewards until the day appointed by the father. 3 So we also, when we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental principles of the world. 4 But when the fulness of the time came, God sent out his Son, born to a woman, born under the law, 5 that he might redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6 And because you are children, God sent out the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, "Abba," Father! 7 So you are no longer a bondservant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

8 However at that time, not knowing God, you were in bondage to those who by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, why do you turn back again to the weak and miserable elemental principles, to which you desire to be in bondage all over again? 10 You observe days, months, seasons, and years. 11 I am afraid for you, that I might have wasted my labor for you.

12 I beg you, brothers, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong, 13 but you know that because of weakness of the flesh I preached the Good News to you the first time. 14 That which was a temptation to you in my flesh, you didn’t despise nor reject; but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. 15 What was the blessing you enjoyed? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me. 16 So then, have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?

17 They zealously seek you in no good way. No, they desire to alienate you, that you may seek them. 18 But it is always good to be zealous in a good cause, and not only when I am present with you.

19 My little children, of whom I am again in travail until Christ is formed in you— 20 but I could wish to be present with you now, and to change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.

21 Tell me, you that desire to be under the law, don’t you listen to the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the handmaid, and one by the free woman. 23 However, the son by the handmaid was born according to the flesh, but the son by the free woman was born through promise. 24 These things contain an allegory, for these are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children to bondage, which is Hagar. 25 For this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and answers to the Jerusalem that exists now, for she is in bondage with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem that is above is free, which is the mother of us all. 27 For it is written, "Rejoice, you barren who don’t bear. Break forth and shout, you that don’t travail. For more are the children of the desolate than of her who has a husband." 28 Now we, brothers, as Isaac was, are children of promise. 29 But as then, he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now. 30 However what does the Scripture say? "Throw out the handmaid and her son, for the son of the handmaid will not inherit with the son of the free woman." 31 So then, brothers, we are not children of a handmaid, but of the free woman.

Observations: 4:1-7 Continuing on the theme of the law as a guardian from the end of chapter 3, Paul references the cultural practice of adoption, which underscores that Paul is not talking about forgiveness, but reward. A child was under the control of slaves until they reached the age when their father would formally recognize them as his heir. Applying the principle to the spiritual life, the Galatians were under the constraints of the “elemental principles” or Jewish law (verse 9 identifies them as such ) until the times came (were fulfilled) when God sent His son, born under the law to a woman, that He might redeem those under the law, so that they might (note the subjunctive/conditional tense) receive the adoption of sons (heirship).

4:8-11 Paul reflects on the time before they became believers and were in bondage to observing days, months, seasonal festivals, and sabbath years, all part of the Jewish religious law (what made them distinctly Jewish). He fears that if they go back to observing those customs, he will have labored in vain on them (because they will fail to progress to the maturity of Christlikeness (4:19). In other epistles Paul viewed the maturity of those he served as the basis for his own reward (Phil 2:16; 1Thess 3:5).

4:12-20 Paul labors like a woman in childbirth seeking to have Christ's character formed in the Galatians. Paul appeals to his previous relationship with them to help them turn from allegiance to those who are trying to turn them from Paul to themselves (those who build their worth and value at the expense of others as they do the devil's work).

4:21-31 Paul contrasts the law and the earthly Jerusalem with the heavenly Jerusalem using an allegory of Sarah (Abe's initially barren wife) with Hagar (her slave/handmaid). See Genesis 16. Ishmael was born into bondage by “fleshly” means, while Isaac was born into freedom by “spiritual” means, the promise of God. Believers in Jesus are born from above (born “again” in John 3 can be correctly translated as born “from above”). As Isaac the free child of promise was persecuted by Ishmael the fleshly child of bondage, so the law-advocating Jewish believers persecute the “free-born” Gentiles and freedom-practicing Jews, trying to subject them to the bonds of the law as a means of obtaining the righteousness God requires for blessing in the kingdom. That righteousness is not a present possession of his audience but, Paul will tell them how to get it in the next chapter. Paul's advice to the Galatians is the same as that of Sarah to Abe in Genesis 21:10, which was confirmed by God two verses later. Toss 'em out! It should be obvious the issue is that of inheritance in the kingdom that comes from God (5:21), not forgiveness and escape from the lake of fire.

Application: Believers need to progress in their walk with God by becoming like Christ.

Prayer: God, thanks for making me one of Your sons; please guide me in fulfilling the purposes for which You gave me life. Amen.

Galatians 5 Free To Serve

5:1 Stand firm therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and don’t be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. 2 Behold, I, Paul, tell you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will profit you nothing. 3 Yes, I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. 4 You are alienated/severed from Christ, you who desire to be justified by the law. You have fallen away from grace. 5 For we, through the Spirit, out of (ek) faith wait for the hope of righteousness.

6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision amounts to anything, nor uncircumcision, but faith working through love. 7 You were running well! Who interfered with you that you should not obey the truth? 8 This persuasion is not from him who calls you. 9 A little yeast grows through the whole lump. 10 I have confidence toward you in the Lord that you will think no other way. But he who troubles you will bear his judgment, whoever he is. 11 But I, brothers, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross has been removed. 12 I wish that those who disturb you would cut themselves off.

13 For you, brothers, were called to freedom/liberty. Only don’t use your freedom to indulge the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." 15 But if you bite and devour one another, be careful that you don’t consume one another. 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won’t fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, that you may not do the things that you desire. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, 21 envyings, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let’s also walk by the Spirit. 26 Let’s not become conceited, provoking one another, and envying one another.

Observations: 5:1-5 Drawing the conclusion from the slave-freeman illustration in chapter 4, Paul urges the believers to stand firm in freedom from the Jewish ceremonial and religious law and not go back to Judaism as the means of gaining reward worthy righteousness. Paul solemnly testifies that if anyone receives circumcision, Christ doesn't profit them (a frequent reward word In the gospels and epistles). That doesn't mean that circumcision undoes their forgiveness/justification or that they become unborn again, but that the profit or reward of living righteously won't be theirs. Not only would they be obliged to keep the whole law (and suffer for failing), but they would be alienated or severed (as in cut from the vine) from Christ (since that is not what He wants them to do – they wouldn't be seeking and doing His will), and they would have fallen from grace (no longer living by the grace/power of God headed to a good destination). Again, this doesn't mean that they become unforgiven, but they have moved themselves away from the power/grace that is in Christ to embrace legalism for their reward righteousness (the other meaning of justification). Those who stay free, and operate on the basis of faith in what Christ revealed (rather than ignoring it to follow the Jewish ritual), eagerly expect the hope of righteousness by means of the motivating power of the Holy Spirit. The hope of righteousness is not getting into heaven (we already have that) but is the hope of reward in the kingdom (see on Titus 2:13 blessed hope = appearing of the glory; 1Pt 1 the whole chapter). If you've never done a study on hope, this would be a good time to do so.

5:6-12 Once we're in union with Christ, what counts is not ritual or lack of ritual, but faith working or expressing itself in love. Paul notes that the Galatians had been doing well but those who serve the dark side interfered with the whole ritual thing to keep them from obeying the truth. Note that the issue for believers is not about accepting Christ, but about obeying Him, which is not automatic, but essential for reward. Some of Satan's agents even went so far as to say Paul preached circumcision (Satan is the father of lies). Paul says he's still being persecuted for not having Greeks become Jews. He also expresses his wish that those who advocate circumcision would “go the whole way and emasculate themselves” NIV.

5:13-18 This section starts with a verse you really should memorize. We should use the freedom we have in Christ to serve others liked Christ did, not indulge our desires as the pagans do. All the social requirements of the law are summed up in “love your neighbor as yourself.” God still cares about the law, because it reveals the righteousness (not ritual) He desires and rewards, which is why the Spirit writes it on the hearts of those who are participants in the New Covenant (or aspects of it).

Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death...4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.(covenantal blessings/rewards – see comments on Romans 8).

Therefore believers should serve, not bite and devour one another. If believers walk/live by the power/grace of the Holy Spirit (and don't grieve nor quench Him), they will not carry out the lusts of the flesh (desire for the temporal – see Rm 8). The Spirit and flesh are in opposition to each other (same as Paul said in Rm 8), so the Spirit keeps us from doing the things our flesh desires if we follow the leading/guiding of the Spirit. If a believer is following the revealed will of the Spirit (under the control of or led by the Spirit), they are not under the control of the law. It's one or the other; choose wisely.

5:19-26 Paul now enumerates the works produced by the flesh, which disqualify believers from blessing in the Messianic kingdom, with the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit, which is not contrary to the moral law of God, but is in fact the very kind of righteous behavior God rewards. It's about getting an inheritance in the Kingdom which comes from God (it's not heaven, see comments on the introduction to the NT in the Matthew post). The self-centered behaviors of the flesh are the antithesis of love (which is sacrificing oneself to do what is in another's best interest). The fruit of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us and leading us is other-centered behavior, the love which Paul commanded in the beginning of the chapter. Those who are in union with Christ have put to death (by the Spirit -Rom  8:13) the flesh with its desires and passions. See series on Deadly Desires on Truthbase.net, as well as Romans 6, for how to kill your desire for the temporal before it kills you. Listen to the sermon on The Fruit of the Spirit that accompanies the following outline. One last point to note is verse 25. Since the life we have in Christ is produced by means of the Spirit, the life we live as Christians should also be produced, prompted, and controlled by the Spirit.

Application: Use your freedom in Christ to serve others, not yourself as you walk under the control of the Holy Spirit. Check off the items below which are evident in your life:

A. Walking by the Spirit Pleases God by Fruitful Victory over the Flesh (desire for Temporal: Power/Pleasure/Possessions) Romans 8:1,8

1. Evil thoughts: incorrect actions are always preceded by incorrect thinking (dia logos almost always used negatively, frequently with doubt {Plan B} when we don’t want to accept the truth in front of us {God’s Plan A}) (Js 2:4 partiality for gain)
2. Adulteries: sex with a married person violating one’s covenant of faithfulness and loyalty, because of a lack of a fulfilling relationship with God and one’s spouse; used metaphorically of seeking power (security/significance), pleasure and possessions outside one’s dependent relationship with God;
3. Fornications: sex between unmarried people, seeking immediate/temporal gratification, arising from a lack of self-control and trust in God’s wisdom and strength, because of a lack of a fulfilling relationship with God 1Th 4:3 will of God; Col 3:5 mortify; 1Co5 6:18 flee. Used in Mt of unfaithfulness during the betrothal period (Jewish cultural practice) distinct from adultery. (See divorce outline)
4. Murders: a desire to harm someone because of the way they make us feel (insecure/inadequate/embarrassed/guilty) and/or we perceive them to be standing in the way of what we think will make us temporally happy or at least feel better. (Mt 5:21-22)
5. Thefts: taking something that is not rightfully ours which we believe in necessary for our happiness, doubting God’s wisdom and provision
6. Covetousness: the desire to have something that is not rightfully ours resulting in neglect of our obligations before God and others Col 3:5
7. Wickedness: desires and purposes contrary to God’s influenced by demons (Eph 6:12) from which God will turn us (Ac 3:26) as we submit to Him (Js 4:7)
8. Deceit: an attempt to portray reality inaccurately so we can achieve our temporal goals, frequently by making ourselves look too good 1Pe 2:1
9. Lewdness: acknowledging of no restraints (Lordship), the insolent doing of whatever one’s caprice may suggest to gratify desires. 1Pe 4:3
10. Evil eye: a self-centered perspective on life (purpose) that colors both perception and actions Mt 6:21-23 Cf Lu 11:34
11. Blasphemy: speech designed to harm the reputation of another for the sake of preserving or boosting one’s own worth 1Ti 6:4
12. False witness: saying things that aren’t in accord with reality for the sake of temporal power, pleasure, or possessions. Eph 4:15,25
13. Pride: an improper view of self, appearing superior to others (even God) resulting in a lack of submission and teachableness and eventual harm 2Ti 3:2;Js 4:6
14. Foolishness: choosing the wrong (temporal) objectives or the wrong way of achieving them (opposite of wisdom, no Fear of the Lord) Eph 5:17

…and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as…in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

B. Fruit of the Spirit is the Result of Submitting to God’s work in us producing the Desiring & Doing of His good pleasure Phil 2:13

1. Gal 5:22 Love is a decision to sacrifice yourself for another’s best interest (Jn 3:16);
2. Joy is the resulting of choosing what is best (see series on Philippians) which implies a discernment of what is best from God’s perspective;
3. Peace is an absence of anxiety and resultant contentment & security which comes from recognizing the sovereign promises and purposes of God in the events and irritations He permits in our lives; Isa 26:3-4
4. Patience (long-suffering) is the ability to limit or inhibit our natural desires (esp revenge) in the process of persevering for a God-glorifying objective;
5. Kindness is a usefulness to the Master sourced in integrity and expressed in a neighborliness toward others;
6. Goodness is a capacity to do what’s in another’s best interest (Gal 6:10) arising from a purification of deadly desires, and an embracing of God’s value system;
7. Faithfulness is a loyalty to God’s command and responsibilities for us, sourced in the fear of God and expressing itself in unwavering obedience;
8. Gentleness/meekness is a humility that expresses itself in submissiveness to an offense without malice or desire for revenge;
9. Self-control is virtue of power under control, gained from mastery of one’s passions and resulting in being able to exhibit a godly impulse (the sensual ones having been subdued). This trait is gained only as a result of a transformed value system (Rom 12) see TOYL values

Eph 5:2 walk in love, 8…Walk as children of light 9… fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth 10 finding out pleases the Lord 18 wisdom

Bonus: Those led by the Spirit develop transformed values w/ a victorious dependent sensitivity to God’s Guidance & Will

Gal 5:24 those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Rm 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Cf Gal 5:18

A. The Spirit of God uses the Word of God to produce in us the Mind of Christ & Will of God Rom 12:2 do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

B. Change of Values Rm 8:5…according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, those who live acc the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

C. Dependence Lk 22:42…not My will, but Yours, be done. Phil 1:19…deliverance thru…the supply of the Spirit 4:19 supply all need

D. Guidance Pr 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths Isa 48:17-19 says the LORD, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go. 18 If only…

Prayer: God, I want to live to please You, doing what is right in Your sight; please guide me in crucifying my deadly desires, and help me bear fruit for your glory. Thanks. Amen.

Galatians 6 Reaping Reward

6:1 Brothers, even if a man is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to yourself so that you also aren’t tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 3 For if a man thinks himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each man manifest/prove his own work, and then he will have cause for glory in himself and not in his neighbor. 5 For each man will bear his own burden. 6 But let him who is taught in the word share all good things with him who teaches.

7 Don’t be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life/dominion of the Age. 9 Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let’s do what is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith.

11 See with what large letters I write to you with my own hand. 12 As many as desire to look good in the flesh, they compel you to be circumcised; only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 For even they who receive circumcision don’t keep the law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised, that they may boast in your flesh. 14 But far be it from me to boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 16 As many as walk by this rule, peace and mercy be on them, and on God’s Israel. 17 From now on, let no one cause me any trouble, for I bear the marks of the Lord Jesus branded on my body. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.

Observations: 6:1-6 Love expresses itself in serving another's needs, even when it gets messy. If someone is overtaken or entangled in a fault, the spiritual, Spirit-led believers must make judgments about the sin and person and seek to restore them. Those who say believers shouldn't judge each other and let people be strangled by their sin, know neither love nor the Scriptures. We are to bear each other's burdens (6:2) yet each must bear their own burden (6:5). The former refers to a heavy weight like a cannon, the latter to a load, like a backpack. No enabling or co-dependent relationships allowed (someone needs to be needed so they enable the sin of another). The goal is restoration (used of a net being mended, so it can be put back into service). We don't shoot our wounded, but sometimes we can't prevent them from shooting themselves in the foot (or shooting off their mouths at the wrong time). Each one should manifest, prove or demonstrate his own work and then he can have a basis for his own glory in his own work. The one who is taught in the word (not made to feel comfortable in one's sin) should share all good things with the one who teaches (please keep all bad things for yourself – unless you want to work on getting rid of them).

6:7-10 This is one of my favorite passages. NT believers can be deceived about things, especially their reward in the future Kingdom (cf 1Cor 6:9). Contrary to what Satan wants us to believe, how we live as believers makes an eternal difference in our happiness. We will reap what we sow. If we want strawberries, we can't be planting radishes. If our garden is full of radishes, we need to pull them up and plant strawberries. God isn't mocked; His justice requires that He gives us what we've sown. If we indulge our temporal desires for power (significance/success and security/safety), pleasure, or possessions we will reap destruction/loss (1Cor 3:15) and we'll find out too late to do anything about it. If on the other hand we submit to the will of the Spirit, doing what He wants, we will reap from the Spirit abundant life or dominion in the Messiah's coming kingdom. So don't grow weary in doing good (if you're doing good, you will be swimming against the flow) we will reap if we don't quit. So as you have opportunity do good to all, especially those who are of the household of faith. The priority is to your fellow believers. Random acts of kindness are nice if you're first obeying what God commanded. Now, is there any doubt that you will reap what you sow (see 2Cor 5:9-10 comments)?

6:11-18 Paul writes with his own handwriting, in large letters, since his eyesight wasn't the best. This could be a reference to the blinding vision, or his thorn in the flesh. In any event, the Judaizers desired to remove the persecution that had arisen from believers not keeping the law. Then they could boast that the Greeks had become proselytes, or they had “gained back” the “lapsed” Jews. Paul's ground for boasting was in the cross of Christ, not in Christ's death, but in the fact that Paul had, by his union with Christ (see Romans 6), had died to the world and its appeals. What matters for those in union with Christ is that they are a new creation, not an old circumcised or uncircumcised one. Paul pronounces a blessing on all who walk/live/obey the rule he has laid down. Peace is a covenantal blessing and mercy is the LXX translation of hesed, God's loyal covenantal love. He makes one final appeal for compliance on the basis of his union/fellowship in Christ's sufferings, and then closes with a prayer for the grace/power of the Lord Jesus, the Messiah to be with their spirit.

Application: You will reap what you sow, so plant what you'll be happy with for an eternity; and don't give up; sometimes you have to tend a patch of bare earth, for a long time: watering, protecting and pulling weeds, until new life appears, and then it might be years or caring, tending, staking, watering, and pruning before fruit appears, but if you've planted the word of the Spirit, it will produce an eternal crop.

Prayer: God, thanks that Your Spirit gives me the grace and strength I need to do Your will, and reap Your reward; don't let me quit. Amen.

Digging Deeper

God in a nutshell: Right on schedule God sent His Son to redeem those under the curse of the law (due to their sin) so they might become His sons and heirs.

Build-a-Jesus: Jesus sets us free from sin to serve Him and our siblings in Christ. His character needs to be developed and displayed in those who believe Him, so they can serve in His kingdom.

Us in a nutshell: We need to use the freedom from sin and ritual that Christ has given us to serve Him in loving others in His family. If we sow to our desires, we will reap judgment; if we sow according to the desire and leading of the Holy Spirit, we will reap fruit for eternity.

Titus 3:4 contains two words that are manifestations of God, often translated “kindness and love” which while true of God, are not suited to the context, and lead the English reader astray from a beneficial application of the text.

Kindness (5544 χρηστοτης chrestotes) usually leads us to think of a sweet disposition that is nice to others.

Goodness would be a little better translation, but in Galatians 5:22, the “fruits” of the Spirit, elaborating on love, list kindness (#5544) and goodness (#19 αγαθωσυνη agathosune) next to each other, indicating that kindness is different enough from goodness to be listed separately,* as are longsuffering and self-control, etc. In the KJV the fruit #5544 chrestotes, is translated “gentleness,” which misses the real meaning even more than “kindness” does.

So how should we understand #5544 chrestotes?

5444 “usefulness” comes from #5543 “employed” (below). Neither is a demeanor word.

5543 “employed” is the root meaning of the base of “usefulness.” So what does being employed or useful have to do with “kindness”? There actually is a link, but it isn't that obvious in modern usage.

A person has to have something in order to share it with others (Eph 4:28). Romans 3:12 contrasts  #5544 chrestotes with “unprofitable” (#889 is the verb;  #888 is the adjective used of the unprofitable servant in Mt 25:30). Romans 3:12 is a quote of Psalm 14:1-3, describing the abominable practical atheist who doesn't seek after God, nor do anything that benefits anyone or anything other than their lusts. The rest of Romans 3 and Psalm 14:1-3 are pretty similar to the unprofitable behavior in Titus 3:3. Clearly when understood in context, chrestotes isn't about being kind vs unkind, but about being beneficial to or profiting others rather than indulging one's carnal desires.

Romans 11:22 contrasts God's goodness/kindness toward those who abide/continue in His beneficence

with His severity (which has the root idea of “cut” or sever) toward those who don't continue, and will be cut off like a tree, branch, or hand.

For reasons outlined above and below, I think we should resurrect a little used word: “beneficence,”  which is is a character trait that produces/causes benefit or something good for others. You're aware of “beneficial”, which leads most to think of benefit, or good for you, and that is closer in meaning. “Bene” is good. And “-fic” is a root meaning to “make, produce, or cause.”

Linked with “kindness/goodness/beneficence” in Titus 3:4 is “love” #5363 φιλανθρωπια philanthropia from which we get the English philanthropy. It is a combination of the word for philos (a word to define the bonds of affection in a family as in phil-adelphia=brotherly love), but instead of being confined to specific family members, it is expressed toward a large portion of humanity. It is used only one other time in the NT Scriptures:

Acts 28:2 And the barbarous people showed us no little philanthropia/kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

“Barbarous” is the Greek designation of an unmannerly non-Greek, ie, a barbarian (915 βαρβαρος barbaros). Here Luke portrays them as extending a concern for the well being of the shipwreck victims, something one would normally do for family members.

So both “beneficence” and “philanthropy” are the characteristics of God that He displayed in the salvation process of Titus 3:5-7, which should be reflected in the interactions of recipients of that grace toward others. Rather than being consumed and devouring with the “satisfactions” of their passions/lusts reflected in their taking pieces out of others, they should be benefiting others as specified in Titus 3:8-11, which would include the avoidance of unbeneficial/unprofitable behaviors in verse 9, and the commands that could be considered by cultural Christians to be “unloving” and “unkind” in verses 10-11.

Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men. 9 But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. 10 Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.

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