Weekly Bible Study - March 31, 2014

The Believer's Responsibility.

PLEASE READ FIRST

Scripture References, Word & Phrase descriptions: If available on the website you're viewing this on, a few links (i.e., those without an already written scripture quote or brief explanation) are hover pop-up active, meaning the scripture reference will just pop-up if you hover your cursor over it (don’t click on the link, just hover your cursor over it), they work best using the Firefox browser – pop-ups in Internet Explorer, Chrome & other browsers only appear for a few seconds at best. If you don’t have Firefox (or hover pop-ups aren’t available on the website you’re viewing this on), that’s OK, move your cursor off and on the link until it is read; or left click the link which will open the verse at the online bible; or you can always use your Bible to look up the verses.

Prepare yourself for learning the Word of God!

Before we begin, if you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ (that is; you have believed [trusted] in Him for His promised gift of eternal life), it is important to prepare yourself to learn God's Word so take a moment to name, cite or acknowledge (confess) your sins privately to God (i.e.; with your thoughts directed only to God the Father).

1 John 1:9 says: "If we confess our sins, He (God) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins (known sins) and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness [unknown or forgotten sins]." NKJV (New King James Version) [italics added]

If you have never personally believed in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior (that is, believed in Him for eternal life), the issue for you is not to name your sins; the issue for you is to have faith alone in Jesus Christ alone for eternal life:

John 6:47 says: "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me (Jesus Christ) has everlasting life." NKJV [italics added]

Notice again what Jesus said in John 6:47: "…he who believes in Me (Jesus Christ) has everlasting life." It doesn't say, "will have"; it says, "has." Therefore, the very moment you believe in Jesus Christ for His promise of everlasting life, you have it (it's really just that simple; nothing more and nothing less), and it can never be taken away from you (John 10:28-29). Furthermore, the gift (Ephesians 2:8c) of everlasting life (also called eternal life in scripture) is available to every human being; there are absolutely no exceptions.

John 3:14-18 says: "¹⁴ And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, ¹⁵ that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁶ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. ¹⁷ For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. ¹⁸ He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." NKJV

Let us now bow our hearts and take a moment to prepare for worship and learning God's Word. If there is any known sin in your life, this is the time to just cite it privately to God the Father with your thoughts directed towards Him. With your head bowed and your eyes closed, you have total privacy in your mind and soul:

Study to show yourself approved to God!

Grace Bible Church
Robert R. McLaughlin Bible Ministries

The Tree of Life is a weekly teaching summary:
God’s Word is Wednesday, Friday and Sunday mornings

STUDY TITLE:

The Believer's Responsibility.



OPTION: If you would prefer to go directly to the Grace Bible Church website to read this study message, all verse reference links are active there (but not hover active) and Enlarged Text is also an available option – right click the above link then left click “Open Link in New Window” or “New Tab”

Terms & Abbreviations used:

PPOG = Predesigned Plan of God
Human Good = Evil + Good Deeds while not in fellowship with God
OSN = Old Sin Nature
TLJC = The Lord Jesus Christ
SSE = Spiritual Self Esteem
PVTD = Positive Volition Towards Doctrine
+H - The Happiness of God
NVTD = Negative Volition Towards Doctrine
Doctrine = Bible Truth

To look up other “terms”, go to:

Alphabetical Listing

BEGIN BIBLE STUDY
Unless otherwise noted, all scripture quotes and references
are from the NASB – New American Standard Bible

The Believer's Responsibility.

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ. (EPH 5:18-21)

Being filled with the Holy Spirit is a part of a believer’s responsibility. We do not feel the filling of the Holy Spirit, but we do experience the results of it. In verses 19-21, Paul gives us insight into three of the manifestations of the filling of the Holy Spirit: Joy, Thanksgiving, and Humility.

Joy means having joy in your heart. To sing and make melody in your heart means that you have a joy that is inexpressible. This doesn’t mean you are singing all day, but the singing represents the happiness of God in your heart. Psalms and hymns are only as good as the words that they consist of. Therefore, it is not just singing, or joy that’s in view, but the content of doctrine that makes it precious. The singing and melody with your heart is directed at the Lord; this is a beautiful picture of fellowship with Him.

The second manifestation listed is thanksgiving. The filling of the Holy Spirit will result in an appreciation in the believer’s heart for all that. God has done for him, and that results in giving thanks for all things.

The third manifestation is humility towards one another (Mat 23:11-12).

So, how do we know that we are filled with the Spirit? Well some of the results are just that: Joy, Thanksgiving, and Humility. Without the filling of the Holy Spirit these will not be manifested, which makes a profound, gracious point. You don’t have to try to be happy, thankful, or humble. You do have to be filled with the Spirit, and then allow Him to manifest these qualities in you.

These qualities fall under the fruit of the Spirit. Under the Law it was the best man could do, under grace it is the best God can do. Between the Law and grace there had to be a man who could stand in the gap. God chose Paul who received the revelation in the desert of Achacia. These truths have to be revealed to the believer by means of the Spirit. Without that you will never get it because the Spirit is your true teacher. We are reasonably instructed to be filled with the Spirit. This is supported by the fact that Christ instructed His disciples that no service should be undertaken before the Spirit came upon them.

“And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” (LUK 24:49)

And gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me; for John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” And so when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” (Acts 1:4-8)

Again, between the Law and grace there had to be a man who could stand in the gap. God chose Paul who received revelation in the desert and communicated the full realm of the ministry of the Spirit and how it is received and applied. However, Paul is not your true teacher, he is a communicator just like a pastor is. God the Holy Spirit is your true teacher. The work of the Spirit in and through the believer has both a positive and a negative. Positive - that which is good. Negative - victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil.

The word of God emphasizes that we are to be occupied with the positive; the divine good. That is Jesus Christ operating in this world through His church that has been cleansed with the water of the Word and the confession of sin. When we are occupied with the positive, divine good production of the Spirit within, then the negative will be overcome.

In the positive the Spirit has 7 ministries to the believer that we have seen briefly, one of which is the filling of the Spirit. After salvation it is the filling of the Spirit alone that is directly related to Christians as the ground and source of the spiritual life. The filling of the Spirit gives the believer the power to do divine good. This positive aspect of the Spirit (Filling of the Holy Spirit) in the believer’s life is manifested in 7 ways:

-The fruit of the Spirit;

- The function of the spiritual gift;

- Praise and thanksgiving;

- Teaching of the Spirit;

- Leading of the Spirit;

- The life of faith;

- Intercession of the Spirit.

These 7 manifestations of the Spirit in the Church is not to place an ideal before the believer in which he is to try in his own strength to realize; rather it is the presentation to him of that blessed life which he may anticipate as the result of the Spirit’s operation in and through him.

Let’s look at the fruit of the Spirit and see how grace operates through the Holy Spirit to actualize the ideals of the spiritual life within us, and apart from any human works or merit.

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. (GAL 5:16-17)

Under the Law it was the best man could do, under grace it is the best God can do.

Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you just as I have forewarned you that those who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (GAL 5:19-23)

There is no system of rules to follow by which a believer may have this fruit, rather they are manifested by the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. The word “fruit” is in the singular, and there are 9 manifestations listed (in GAL 5:19-23) of that fruit. The Holy Spirit isn’t going to give you one and neglect the other 8.

Understanding of the mechanics of the Spiritual life brings believers into unity because it is all based upon one God through His grace, therefore He, as the Head of the body, brings us into union with each other. What is your motive? It is not a thing that you try to get, it is a thing you already possess. You have the “pleroma” of God. Your entire Christian life is dependent upon the Holy Spirit. It’s not only the Spirit, but without the Spirit the plan falls apart. The divine plan for the believer’s daily life as given in the word of God includes the method by which that life shall be lived.

Two procedures are possible, namely: dependence upon one’s own ability and dependence upon the power of the indwelling Spirit. These two methods are totally incompatible.

For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. (GAL 5:17)

The Christian way of life is a supernatural way of life and it demands supernatural means of execution. The filling of the Holy Spirit; metabolization of mystery doctrine of the Church-age; execution of the Pre-designed Plan of God. You are called to walk in a manner worthy of your high election after salvation and you cannot do it. You must admit that you cannot, that you are powerless, and that only God can do it through you. The Gospel as well is a revelation from the Spirit is by means of grace though faith, not of works that no man should boast (COL 2:6).

Application in the spiritual life is always a manifestation of the Spirit who uses the doctrine in your soul. So recognize this, expose yourself to the teaching of the word of God on a daily basis, keep short accounts of your sins and confess them, and then sit back and enjoy the ride. All the eloquence in the world is not going to reach the hearts of men. Only God the Holy Spirit can do that. In fact, as you try to reach people with the gospel or with doctrinal truths it can be very difficult if they reject the Spirit. When this occurs, don’t fight against them or try to bully them with your knowledge, instead turn it over to God who is the only One who can soften a man’s heart. Switch gears from talking to the person and go to God in prayer.

“And whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.” (JOH 14:13-14)

There are three tenses of salvation: You were saved when you believed from the penalty of sin, you have now been saved from the power of sin, you will be saved from the presence of sin. You cannot yourself accomplish any one of these things. The teacher has to emphasize that this is of God and not of man. The lamb was slain from the foundation of the world. No one can save themselves.

The believer is given the power to overcome evil. When the positives in the plan of God are capitalized upon, the negatives - evil - are overcome. There is a plan whereby you can be more than conqueror and have power in worship and service. Those who accomplish the positives in the plan of God by their positive volition are called overcomers in the Word of God (REV 2:7; REV 2:11; REV 2:17; REV 2:26-28; REV 3:5; REV 3:12; REV 3:21).

Every Christian is fighting three simultaneous battles and these are the things to be overcome. They are: the world, the flesh, and the devil. You can’t fight a few minutes at each battle, but you always fight all three simultaneously. All are overcome by faith. You cannot fight them yourself.

We’ve focused on overcoming the Old Sin Nature (OSN) through rebound. Let’s focus for a few minutes on the world system. In Luke chapter 4, we have the three tests of our Lord’s humanity. Satan tested the first Adam and was foolish enough to tempt the last Adam. These passages show that the kingdoms of this world are in the hands of Satan. The world [kosmos] has all kinds of amusement. This is the anesthetic that the world has to deaden the pain of an empty heart. We don’t preach against the anesthetic or against worldly amusement [and nor should you] but we teach the truth [positive] and fill the heart so they won’t want the anesthetic [negative].

Like a dead leave still clinging to the tree over the winter, that is what the OSN, the world, and the devil are like. All have been defeated by Christ on the Cross, but none have been eradicated from this world. That leave cannot endure on the tree in the spring when new sap and nourishment move down the branch and a bud begins to grow underneath it. Now the leave falls off. The negative [temporal death; being overcome by your enemies] is overcome by the positive [new life in Christ].

The truth of the Word of God and the power of the filling of the Holy Spirit make up the sap that flows down the branch and removes the old dead leave and replaces it with fruit.

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” (JOH 15:1-4)

The branch “in Him” is union with Christ in vs. two which the believer can never lose and to “abide in Him” is communion with Christ in time, this can be lost but quickly regained through rebound.

“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch, and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you. By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. (JOH 15:5-7)

Prove to whom? If you are a disciple God already knows it, you don’t have to prove anything to God. Here it means to have power of God within you manifest to angels and men in this world. This manifestation of God within you is not a system of works. You don’t have to go all over the world performing good deeds to be seen by people. We have overcome the world by our faith in the plan of God, and through that faith the God within us will shine forth.

Everyone has the flesh and it must be overcome, but not by you, but rather by the Holy Spirit within. (REV 5:16-17). The flesh is enmity towards God and wars against the Spirit. It’s there in all of us and it will always be there. Eradication of the flesh is a false doctrine. God did not take the old nature out, rather added the new nature.

The following link is to a good news message describing how one can receive eternal life:
Ticket to Heaven, it was written for anyone not absolutely certain about their eternal future.

Internet Church Service, Sunday, Mar 30, 2014

This week’s sermon title:
How putting on the breastplate of righteousness and operating
in the Royal Family honor Code relate to the Lord's supper.
LORD'S SUPPER AFTER SERMON

Today’s Sermon Message:
How putting on the breastplate of righteousness and operating
in the Royal Family honor Code relate to the Lord's supper.

Video & Audio

Please join us as we fellowship in the Word of God, listen to
Christian Music, Pray in Christ’s Name and Praise the Lord
in our Hearts and Minds.

ALL ARE WELCOME!!

# # # # # # # #

from - Romans 8:38-39

Thank you for joining us for today’s worship service. Please enjoy the music before you watch and|or listen to today’s message.

TIP to enlarge the print hold down the “Ctrl” key on your key board, while it is being held down, move your mouse forward until the desired print size is just right for you. To return to normal screen size, reverse the process (some will see a % in the lower right corner of your screen, normal is 100%)

The lyrics have been provided so you can sing along with the artist in your mind and soul; imagine that the artist’s voice is your voice. I’m not a very good singer myself so I often get the lyrics for some of my favorites and sing along in my mind and soul, this way it’s as if I’m doing the singing to the Lord; try it.

Hymn #1

Spirit Touch Your Church – Lyrics in video
(You can skip the commercial if there is one)

Hymn #2

Standing on the Promises – Lyrics in video
(You can skip the commercial if there is one)

Preparing yourself for the study of God’s Word

Before we begin, if you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ (that is— you have trusted in Him for eternal life), it is important to prepare yourself to take-in God’s Word so take a moment to name, cite or acknowledge your sins privately to God the Father.

1 John 1:9 says—“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” NKJV (New King James Version)

If you have never personally believed in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior (that is, believed in Him for eternal life), the issue for you is not to name your sins; the issue for you is faith alone in Jesus Christ alone:

John 6:47 says: “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me (Jesus Christ) has everlasting life.” NKJV

Notice again what John 6:47 says, “he who believes in Me (Jesus Christ) has everlasting life.” It doesn’t say, “will have”; it says, “has.” Therefore, the very moment you believe Jesus Christ’s promise of everlasting life, you have it (it’s really just that simple), and it can never be lost or taken away from you (John 10:28-29). Furthermore, the gift of everlasting life (also called eternal life in scripture) is available to every human being; there are absolutely no exceptions.

John 3:14-18 says: “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” NKJV

Let us now bow our hearts and take a moment to prepare for worship and learning God’s Word, if there is any known sin in your life, this is the time to just cite it privately to God the Father with your thoughts directed towards Him. With your head bowed and your eyes closed, you have total privacy in your mind and soul:

Lectionary

The word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It cuts all the way through, to where soul and spirit meet, to where joints and marrow come together. It judges the desires and thoughts of the heart. (Heb. 4:12) GNB-UK

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living, so that the person who serves God may be fully qualified and equipped to do every kind of good deed. (2 Tim. 3:16-17) GNB-UK

Do your best to win full approval in God's sight, as a worker who is not ashamed of his work, one who correctly teaches the message of God's truth. (2 Tim. 2:15) GNB-UK

Study to show yourself approved to God!

Opening Prayer
(Do your best to make it your own – below is a sample prayer)

Heavenly Father, we pray that we will all be richly edified by Your Word today and that You will make what we study today clear to us. We pray that all participants in this service as well as those who review it at a later date will be edified and blessed by today’s message. We pray this in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen

Our guest Pastor-Teacher is:

Robert McLaughlin - Grace Bible Church
and Robert McLaughlin Bible Ministries

Doctrinal Statement

This ministry is non-denominational and is dedicated to teaching the Word of God from the original languages and making it available at no charge throughout the world.

Today's Sermon

How putting on the breastplate of righteousness and operating
in the Royal Family honor Code relate to the Lord's supper.

TO VIEW THE SERMON: Right click the link above, a small window will open then left click either “Open in New Window” or “Open in New Tab” and the church service notes page will open, it has three options in the upper right side of the page, right click the link titled “download mp3” and just like before, select either Open New Window or Open New Tab to open the MP3 player, this will leave the notes page open so you can move back to it, so go back to the notes page to follow along in the notes, the streaming audio should begin automatically in your default audio/video player (like, Windows Media Player).

If you need to leave the service, when you come back, to move the MP3 player forward, press and hold the left click down on the player progress bar where you see the little arrow under the time on progress bar and move your mouse forward

To participate in today’s “Lord’s Supper” service, grab a little piece of bread (preferably unleavened— e.g., flat bread or pita bread) and some Welch’s grape juice or red wine (about a teaspoon) eat and drink when instructed to do so in service. You may consider getting some unleavened bread wafers from your local Christian book store for future communion services.

OPTIONAL: On-line Bible – NASB95

If you wish to use it, right click the link and in the drop-down box, left click the "Open Link in New Window"; when the new window opens, reduce the window size of both the on-line bible and the slideshow and configure them to be side-by-side. Also, the window opens to John 3:16, click the word “more” below the verse, you will then see two online bible columns, Use the column on the left as it is set for the NASB95, at the top of the column where you see John 3:16 in the search box, type the book and verse the Pastor asks you to go to a particular Bible verse, e.g., 1tim 5:21, or eph 3:10, etc., then click “Enter” on your key board. You can use the “right column” if you wish for a different bible version but you’ll need to type in the verse you want each time as I directed you for the column on the left side.

Hymn #3

Take My OLife and Let It Be – Lyrics in Video
(You can skip the commercial if there is one)

CLOSING PRAYER:
(Again, below is a sample prayer, do your best to make it your own)

Heavenly Father, we pray that the Holy Spirit will make what I’ve learned today clear to me, for I pray this in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’s name. Amen

If you have any questions that are pertinent about today’s message, please don’t hesitate to ask, you are welcome to ask them via a private message or by a reply in today’s post. However, sometimes questions can be real short but require a much longer answer in order to give an adequate answer. If I don’t think that the question is able to be answered quickly I’ll reply back telling you that I’ll research it and get to you with the answer (it may even be a few days as I’m a little slower than I used to be). Please don’t let what I’ve just said make you hesitate to ask questions.

I want to thank all of you who have attended this Sunday service as well as those who will view it at a later time or date.

The following link is to a good news message describing how one can instantly receive eternal life: Ticket to Heaven, it was written for anyone not absolutely certain about their eternal future.

Weekly Bible Study - March 24, 2014

Why does He still find fault? Part 2

PLEASE READ FIRST

Scripture References, Word & Phrase descriptions: If available on the website you're viewing this on, a few links (i.e., those without an already written scripture quote or brief explanation) are hover pop-up active, meaning the scripture reference will just pop-up if you hover your cursor over it (don’t click on the link, just hover your cursor over it), they work best using the Firefox browser – pop-ups in Internet Explorer, Chrome & other browsers only appear for a few seconds at best. If you don’t have Firefox (or hover pop-ups aren’t available on the website you’re viewing this on), that’s OK, move your cursor off and on the link until it is read; or left click the link which will open the verse at the online bible; or you can always use your Bible to look up the verses.

Prepare yourself for learning the Word of God!

Before we begin, if you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ (that is; you have believed [trusted] in Him for His promised gift of eternal life), it is important to prepare yourself to learn God's Word so take a moment to name, cite or acknowledge (confess) your sins privately to God (i.e.; with your thoughts directed only to God the Father).

1 John 1:9 says: "If we confess our sins, He (God) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins (known sins) and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness [unknown or forgotten sins]." NKJV (New King James Version) [italics added]

If you have never personally believed in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior (that is, believed in Him for eternal life), the issue for you is not to name your sins; the issue for you is to have faith alone in Jesus Christ alone for eternal life:

John 6:47 says: "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me (Jesus Christ) has everlasting life." NKJV [italics added]

Notice again what Jesus said in John 6:47: "…he who believes in Me (Jesus Christ) has everlasting life." It doesn't say, "will have"; it says, "has." Therefore, the very moment you believe in Jesus Christ for His promise of everlasting life, you have it (it's really just that simple; nothing more and nothing less), and it can never be taken away from you (John 10:28-29). Furthermore, the gift (Ephesians 2:8c) of everlasting life (also called eternal life in scripture) is available to every human being; there are absolutely no exceptions.

John 3:14-18 says: "¹⁴ And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, ¹⁵ that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁶ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. ¹⁷ For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. ¹⁸ He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." NKJV

Let us now bow our hearts and take a moment to prepare for worship and learning God's Word. If there is any known sin in your life, this is the time to just cite it privately to God the Father with your thoughts directed towards Him. With your head bowed and your eyes closed, you have total privacy in your mind and soul:

Study to show yourself approved to God!

Grace Bible Church
Robert R. McLaughlin Bible Ministries

The Tree of Life is a weekly teaching summary:
God’s Word is Wednesday, Friday and Sunday mornings

STUDY TITLE:

Why does He still find fault? Part 2



OPTION: If you would prefer to go directly to the Grace Bible Church website to read this study message, all verse reference links are active there (but not hover active) and Enlarged Text is also an available option – right click the above link then left click “Open Link in New Window” or “New Tab”

Terms & Abbreviations used:

PPOG = Predesigned Plan of God
Human Good = Evil + Good Deeds while not in fellowship with God
OSN = Old Sin Nature
TLJC = The Lord Jesus Christ
SSE = Spiritual Self Esteem
PVTD = Positive Volition Towards Doctrine
+H - The Happiness of God
NVTD = Negative Volition Towards Doctrine
Doctrine = Bible Truth

To look up other “terms”, go to:

Alphabetical Listing

BEGIN BIBLE STUDY
Unless otherwise noted, all scripture quotes and references
are from the NASB – New American Standard Bible

Why does He still find fault? Part 2

In our study of ROM 9:19 we have, You will say to me then, “Why does He still find fault? For who resists His will? ” We have now come to the second debater’s qestion: “For who For who resists His will?”

In the original language it begins with the inferential use of the postpositive conjunctive particle “gar” translated “for,” used here in order to bring out the inferential concept. This is an inference from the previous debater’s question, “Why does He still find fault?” With this is we have the dative singular indirect object from the Greek noun “boulema,” which refers to will, a plan or project or purpose, a goal or intention. His purpose or intention includes the concept of His mercy or severity, which we have seen is given in verse 18.

Paul anticipates from these two debater’s questions the blasphemous attitude of the racial Jew as well as the nerve of any member of the human race to even question God. Many people, even believers have asked if God hardened Pharaoh’s heart how can God then blame Pharaoh or condemn Pharaoh for what he has done? In fact, when Job was going through his personal suffering, we read in Job 8 about a debate he had with his friend Bildad. We have a so-called friend contributing to Job's personal suffering which is also a part of Job’s testing. From his self-righteous arrogance, Bildad implies that Job is getting what he deserves.

In JOB 8:1 we read, Then Bildad the Shuhite answered, Bildad's name means the confused mixed up lover. Many believers are just like this, they really don't know how to operate in love. The Biblical subject of love begins with learning how to love. Biblical love is not an emotion or a feeling; it is a system of thinking. Whether it's personal or impersonal love, concentration and doctrinal love is needed, therefore true Biblical love is something that needs to be taught (1JO 4:6; ROM 5:5; ROM 5:5; 1TH 1:9).

JOB 8:2, “How long will you say these things, And the words of your mouth be a mighty wind [or a lot of air].” Bildad starts out judging Job and stating some true facts but they do not apply. Verse 3, “Does God pervert justice or does the Almighty pervert what is right?” Of course the answer to that is No. However, like most religious self-righteous individuals, Bildad assumes that any suffering is because of divine discipline, which is an erroneous assumption.

Then he not only judges Job, but he judges his entire family, this is the blindness of arrogance. Verse 4, “If [or in reality when] your sons sinned against Him, then He delivered them into the power of their transgression.” In his terrible legalism, he implies that Job's children all suffered and that they died the sin unto death. So now Job's self-righteous and legalistic friend is going to give an altar call.

Verses 5-6, “If you would seek God and implore the compassion of the Almighty, If you are pure and upright, surely now He would rouse Himself for you and restore your righteous estate.”

In other words, just plead your case before God and beg God to stop. Confess your sins to Him. Bildad is getting his opinions from false doctrine, which is the doctrine of demons.

Verse 7, “Though your beginning [of this event] was insignificant, yet your end will increase greatly.” Little does Bildad know that Job's beginning was not insignificant at all. In reality, Job is being given the opportunity to glorify God in the historical trial of the angelic conflict. Bildad is implying that everything will be restored if Job just gets right with God. Then Bildad makes an appeal to for Job to learn from former generations.

Verses 8-9, “Please inquire of past generations, and consider the things searched out by their fathers. For we are only of yesterday and know nothing, Because our days on earth are as a shadow.” Sounds so humble doesn't it? Pseudo-humility always accompanies the self righteous believer.

Verses 10-11, “Will they not teach you and tell you, and bring forth words from their understanding? Can the papyrus grow up without marsh or water from the swamp? Can the rushes grow without water?” These are all agricultural descriptions of natural and biblical principles that simply do not apply to Job’s current situation.

Verses 12-13, “While it is still green and not cut down, Yet it withers before any other plant. So are the paths of all who forget God, and the hope of the godless will perish.” Notice he assumes that Job has forgotten God. Here again we see the self-righteousness of the religious crowd. The legalist is always judging the mature believer (see GAL 4:29).

Job is a believer who is far more advanced in the spiritual life than Bildad, but Bildad calls him godless or carnal. Verses 14-15, “Whose confidence is fragile, And whose trust a spider's web. He trusts in his house, but it does not stand; He holds fast to it, but it does not endure.” He is saying that Job was leaning on a spider's web which literally refers to Job's home. Bildad is accusing Job of materialistic lust, and apparently Bildad's jealousy of Job's prosperity is being brought out. This illustrates that you can have a lot of doctrine and still be a mixed up believer. Bildad is saying that the wicked put their trust in their home, or in the things that they have built. That is a true statement, but it does not apply to Job.

Verse 16, “He thrives before the sun, and his shoots spread out over his garden.” Bildad says Job, you looked like a plant, well watered in the garden with a lot of beauty and prosperity, but now we are seeing you for what you really are. Oh how people rejoice in other people's failures. However, Impersonal unconditional love (1CO 13:6) does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;

“Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; Lest the Lord see {it} and be displeased, And He turn away His anger from him,” (PRO 24:17-18).

Verse 8:19, “Behold, this is the joy of His way; And out of the dust others will spring.” Bildad is saying that this is the inevitable result of someone who trusts in his riches, as if Job did. What a great friend to have at a time like this? However, our attitude should be to answer and understand questions like ROM 9:19, “Why does He still find fault? For who resists His will?” We should not be occupied with the opinions of others. However, remember the principle, in time of disaster you discover who your real friends are. It is very difficult for a mature believer like Job to have real good friends. You have to find individuals who have their priorities straight and will not be competing and comparing.

“I am a companion of all those who fear or reverence Thee, And of those who keep Thy precepts.” (PSA 119:63)

“A man of {many} friends {comes} to ruin,” (PRO 18:24)

The Bible does warn us to be very careful in the selection of friends. Friendships are the types of relationships which can sneak up on you and take advantage of you. That's why David tells us to be careful of the familiar friend who you think that you can trust and then you find out you shouldn't have (PSA 41:9). Remember that you know you have a true friend when he or she knows a lot about you and still likes you. However, if that person is an opportunist, one who takes advantage of any opportunity to achieve a personal goal, you will be shocked at how fast they will take advantage of you. That's why the word of God warns us about the friend who will take advantage of you and deceive you for personal gain as Jonadab did to Amnon in 2SA13:3. Amnon listened to the advice from Jonadab, the son of David's brother Shimeah. Jonadab was exceptionally streetwise. When Amnon told Jonadab that he was in love with his half-sister Tamar, Jonadab gave him some terrible advice.

Jonadab said, "Here's what you do, Go to bed and pretend you're sick. When your father comes to visit you, say, 'Have my sister Tamar come and prepare some supper for me here where I can watch her and she can feed me.'" (2SA 13:5)

David sent word to Tamar who was home at the time: “Go to the house of your brother Amnon and prepare a meal for him.” (2SA 13:7)

When she took the cooking pot and served him, he wouldn't eat. Amnon said, “Clear everyone out of the house,” and they all cleared out. Then he said to Tamar, “Bring the food into my bedroom, where we can eat in privacy.” She took the nourishing dumplings she had prepared and brought them to her brother Amnon in his bedroom. But when she got ready to feed him, he grabbed her and said, “Come to bed with me, sister!” “No, brother!” she said, “Don't hurt me! This kind of thing isn't done in Israel! Don't do this terrible thing! Where could I ever show my face? And you, you'll be out on the street in disgrace. Oh, please! Speak to the king, he'll let you marry me.” But he wouldn't listen. Being much stronger than she, he raped her. No sooner had Amnon raped her than he hated her, an immense hatred. The hatred that he felt for her was greater than the love he'd had for her. “Get up,” he said, “and get out!” (2SA 13:9-15)

Then in 2SA 13:28-29, Absalom commanded his servants to kill his half-brother Amnon, and they did. So, the word of God warns us about the friend who will take advantage of you and deceive you for personal gain as Jonadab did to Amnon in 2SA13:3.

Be careful for those who become your friend because of what they can get from you (PRO 19:6). Remember this principle: Prosperity makes friends, adversity tries them. Then, we all need to learn about those so-called friends who flatter you with their speech as the friend in PRO 27:14b>. We all better learn that principle to be able to objectively answer ROM 9:19, “Why does He still find fault? For who resists His will?” Or we will subjectively be occupied with people and forget such passages like 2CO 5:16 Therefore from now on we recognize no man according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer.

There are also friends who will forsake you and flee from you when you need them the most as in MAR 14:50, And they all [all of our Lord's disciples] left Him and fled. This is very difficult at times because sometimes the unkindness of our friends is a greater trial to us then the hatred of our enemies (PSA 55: 12-14). Don't you ever be surprised at someone who is close to someone in authority and uses their own position of authority and power to turn on the one in charge. Don't you ever be so naive to say “Well, they were close to the one in authority so they must be justified in what they're doing!” There are many illustrations of this:

- Lucifer was the Messiah's personal angel in authority.

- Joseph's brothers sold Joseph into slavery.

- Korah, the cousin of Moses attacked Moses.

- Prince Absalom attacked King David, Judas was very close to TLJC.

Jeremiah was the victim of a conspiracy from his friends and notice what he tells us in JER 20:10, For I have heard the whispering of many, “Terror on every side! Denounce {him;} yes, let us denounce him!” All my trusted friends, Watching for my fall, say: “Perhaps he will be deceived, so that we may prevail against him And take our revenge on him.” If there is anything that is priceless and rare to have in life, it is true friends.

When you have a true friendship, remember that friends are not designed to be deceived. Anyone to whom you must give a false impression can never be a true friend. That's why the Bible teaches that all forms of hypocrisy destroy friendship. In fact, some people never have true friends because they are arrogant and proud of their hypocrisy and their ability to deceive others.

There is a verse in the Apocrypha in the book of Wisdom which says “A friend cannot be known in prosperity: and an enemy cannot be hidden in adversity.” When you go through adversity, you will discover who your enemies really were. However, instead of wondering who your enemies are or “Why does He still find fault? For who resists His will?” Keep your mind upon TLJC and being occupied with the plan of God, 1PE 1:8.

Capacity to love someone who is invisible requires a tremendous amount of information in the right lobe of the soul. The capacity to love Jesus Christ comes only from metabolized doctrine converted into problem solving devices stationed on the FLOT line of your soul. Those who truly love the Lord Jesus Christ have made a role model out of our Lord. These are the believers with true happiness, and who are spiritually self-sustaining. Having the thinking of Christ results in occupation with Christ in contrast to preoccupation with people.

There are two divine commands with regard to occupation with Christ. HEB 12:2, Be concentrating on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our doctrine, who because of the exhibited happiness, He endured the Cross and disregarded [use of the problem solving devices] the shame [imputation of our sins], and He sat down at the right hand of God.

The second one is 1PE 3:15 But sanctify [set apart as more important than anything else] the Lord Christ in your hearts.

God makes a direct positive demand on your will and volition to be occupied with Christ, which is a mandate to be consistent in the metabolization of doctrine (PHI 2:2>, 5; 2CO 5:14, 2CO 5:15).

The following link is to a good news message describing how one can receive eternal life:
Ticket to Heaven, it was written for anyone not absolutely certain about their eternal future.

Internet Church Service, Sunday, Mar 23, 2014

This week’s sermon title:
The importance of the belt or the girdle of truth and the
breastplate of righteousness for the Christian Soldier. Part 12 of 12.

Today’s Sermon Message:
The importance of the belt or the girdle of truth and the
breastplate of righteousness for the Christian Soldier. Part 12 of 12.

Video & Audio

Please join us as we fellowship in the Word of God, listen to
Christian Music, Pray in Christ’s Name and Praise the Lord
in our Hearts and Minds.

ALL ARE WELCOME!!

# # # # # # # #

from - Romans 8:38-39

Thank you for joining us for today’s worship service. Please enjoy the music before you watch and|or listen to today’s message.

TIP to enlarge the print hold down the “Ctrl” key on your key board, while it is being held down, move your mouse forward until the desired print size is just right for you. To return to normal screen size, reverse the process (some will see a % in the lower right corner of your screen, normal is 100%)

The lyrics have been provided so you can sing along with the artist in your mind and soul; imagine that the artist’s voice is your voice. I’m not a very good singer myself so I often get the lyrics for some of my favorites and sing along in my mind and soul, this way it’s as if I’m doing the singing to the Lord; try it.

Hymn #1

Savior like a Shepherd Lead Us – Lyrics in video
(You can skip the commercial if there is one)

Hymn #2

Softly and Tenderly – Lyrics in video
(You can skip the commercial if there is one)

Preparing yourself for the study of God’s Word

Before we begin, if you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ (that is— you have trusted in Him for eternal life), it is important to prepare yourself to take-in God’s Word so take a moment to name, cite or acknowledge your sins privately to God the Father.

1 John 1:9 says—“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” NKJV (New King James Version)

If you have never personally believed in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior (that is, believed in Him for eternal life), the issue for you is not to name your sins; the issue for you is faith alone in Jesus Christ alone:

John 6:47 says: “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me (Jesus Christ) has everlasting life.” NKJV

Notice again what John 6:47 says, “he who believes in Me (Jesus Christ) has everlasting life.” It doesn’t say, “will have”; it says, “has.” Therefore, the very moment you believe Jesus Christ’s promise of everlasting life, you have it (it’s really just that simple), and it can never be lost or taken away from you (John 10:28-29). Furthermore, the gift of everlasting life (also called eternal life in scripture) is available to every human being; there are absolutely no exceptions.

John 3:14-18 says: “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” NKJV

Let us now bow our hearts and take a moment to prepare for worship and learning God’s Word, if there is any known sin in your life, this is the time to just cite it privately to God the Father with your thoughts directed towards Him. With your head bowed and your eyes closed, you have total privacy in your mind and soul:

Lectionary

The word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It cuts all the way through, to where soul and spirit meet, to where joints and marrow come together. It judges the desires and thoughts of the heart. (Heb. 4:12) GNB-UK

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living, so that the person who serves God may be fully qualified and equipped to do every kind of good deed. (2 Tim. 3:16-17) GNB-UK

Do your best to win full approval in God's sight, as a worker who is not ashamed of his work, one who correctly teaches the message of God's truth. (2 Tim. 2:15) GNB-UK

Study to show yourself approved to God!

Opening Prayer
(Do your best to make it your own – below is a sample prayer)

Heavenly Father, we pray that we will all be richly edified by Your Word today and that You will make what we study today clear to us. We pray that all participants in this service as well as those who review it at a later date will be edified and blessed by today’s message. We pray this in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen

Our guest Pastor-Teacher is:

Robert McLaughlin - Grace Bible Church
and Robert McLaughlin Bible Ministries

Doctrinal Statement

This ministry is non-denominational and is dedicated to teaching the Word of God from the original languages and making it available at no charge throughout the world.

Today's Sermon

The importance of the belt or the girdle of truth and the
breastplate of righteousness for the Christian Soldier. Part 12 of 12.

TO VIEW THE SERMON: Right click the link above, a small window will open then left click either “Open in New Window” or “Open in New Tab” and the church service notes page will open, it has three options in the upper right side of the page, right click the link titled “download mp3” and just like before, select either Open New Window or Open New Tab to open the MP3 player, this will leave the notes page open so you can move back to it, so go back to the notes page to follow along in the notes, the streaming audio should begin automatically in your default audio/video player (like, Windows Media Player).

If you need to leave the service, when you come back, to move the MP3 player forward, press and hold the left click down on the player progress bar where you see the little arrow under the time on progress bar and move your mouse forward

OPTIONAL: On-line Bible – NASB95

If you wish to use it, right click the link and in the drop-down box, left click the "Open Link in New Window"; when the new window opens, reduce the window size of both the on-line bible and the slideshow and configure them to be side-by-side. Also, the window opens to John 3:16, click the word “more” below the verse, you will then see two online bible columns, Use the column on the left as it is set for the NASB95, at the top of the column where you see John 3:16 in the search box, type the book and verse the Pastor asks you to go to a particular Bible verse, e.g., 1tim 5:21, or eph 3:10, etc., then click “Enter” on your key board. You can use the “right column” if you wish for a different bible version but you’ll need to type in the verse you want each time as I directed you for the column on the left side.

Hymn #3

Soldier of the Cross – Lyrics below Video
(You can skip the commercial if there is one)

Soldier of the cross soldier of the cross
You carry the sort of fate
Soldier of the cross soldier of the cross
You bring love to those who hate.
You bring love to those who hate.

And the pendulum swings side to side
Where you gonna run where you gonna hide
When he comes down only you can tell
What it's gonna be heaven or hell.

He's a stranger in this valley
Where many a men met his grave
And the voices in the silence
Sing of the life he can save.

But the river runs deep and the river is wide
How you gonna get to the other side
Pendulum swing only you can tell
You gotta let them choice heaven or hell.

--- Instrumental ---

And the pendulum swings side to side
Where you gonna run where you gonna hide
Living on the line only you can tell
What it's gonna be heaven or hell.

Soldier of the cross soldier of the cross
You carry the sort of fate
Soldier of the cross soldier of the cross
You bring love to those who hate.

You bring love to those who hate.
You bring love to those who hate.
You bring love you bring love.
You bring love you bring love.
You bring love you bring love..

CLOSING PRAYER:
(Again, below is a sample prayer, do your best to make it your own)

Heavenly Father, we pray that the Holy Spirit will make what I’ve learned today clear to me, for I pray this in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’s name. Amen

If you have any questions that are pertinent about today’s message, please don’t hesitate to ask, you are welcome to ask them via a private message or by a reply in today’s post. However, sometimes questions can be real short but require a much longer answer in order to give an adequate answer. If I don’t think that the question is able to be answered quickly I’ll reply back telling you that I’ll research it and get to you with the answer (it may even be a few days as I’m a little slower than I used to be). Please don’t let what I’ve just said make you hesitate to ask questions.

I want to thank all of you who have attended this Sunday service as well as those who will view it at a later time or date.

The following link is to a good news message describing how one can instantly receive eternal life: Ticket to Heaven, it was written for anyone not absolutely certain about their eternal future.

Wkly Bible Study for Dial-Up/Broadband, Mar 17, 2014

Why does He still find fault?

PLEASE READ FIRST

Scripture References, Word & Phrase descriptions: If available on the website you're viewing this on, a few links (i.e., those without an already written scripture quote or brief explanation) are hover pop-up active, meaning the scripture reference will just pop-up if you hover your cursor over it (don’t click on the link, just hover your cursor over it), they work best using the Firefox browser – pop-ups in Internet Explorer, Chrome & other browsers only appear for a few seconds at best. If you don’t have Firefox (or hover pop-ups aren’t available on the website you’re viewing this on), that’s OK, move your cursor off and on the link until it is read; or left click the link which will open the verse at the online bible; or you can always use your Bible to look up the verses.

Prepare yourself for learning the Word of God!

Before we begin, if you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ (that is; you have believed [trusted] in Him for His promised gift of eternal life), it is important to prepare yourself to learn God's Word so take a moment to name, cite or acknowledge (confess) your sins privately to God (i.e.; with your thoughts directed only to God the Father).

1 John 1:9 says: "If we confess our sins, He (God) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins (known sins) and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness [unknown or forgotten sins]." NKJV (New King James Version) [italics added]

If you have never personally believed in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior (that is, believed in Him for eternal life), the issue for you is not to name your sins; the issue for you is to have faith alone in Jesus Christ alone for eternal life:

John 6:47 says: "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me (Jesus Christ) has everlasting life." NKJV [italics added]

Notice again what Jesus said in John 6:47: "…he who believes in Me (Jesus Christ) has everlasting life." It doesn't say, "will have"; it says, "has." Therefore, the very moment you believe in Jesus Christ for His promise of everlasting life, you have it (it's really just that simple; nothing more and nothing less), and it can never be taken away from you (John 10:28-29). Furthermore, the gift (Ephesians 2:8c) of everlasting life (also called eternal life in scripture) is available to every human being; there are absolutely no exceptions.

John 3:14-18 says: "¹⁴ And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, ¹⁵ that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁶ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. ¹⁷ For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. ¹⁸ He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." NKJV

Let us now bow our hearts and take a moment to prepare for worship and learning God's Word. If there is any known sin in your life, this is the time to just cite it privately to God the Father with your thoughts directed towards Him. With your head bowed and your eyes closed, you have total privacy in your mind and soul:

Study to show yourself approved to God!

Grace Bible Church
Robert R. McLaughlin Bible Ministries

The Tree of Life is a weekly teaching summary:
God’s Word is Wednesday, Friday and Sunday mornings

STUDY TITLE:

Why does He still find fault?



OPTION: If you would prefer to go directly to the Grace Bible Church website to read this study message, all verse reference links are active there (but not hover active) and Enlarged Text is also an available option – right click the above link then left click “Open Link in New Window” or “New Tab”

Terms & Abbreviations used:

PPOG = Predesigned Plan of God
Human Good = Evil + Good Deeds while not in fellowship with God
OSN = Old Sin Nature
TLJC = The Lord Jesus Christ
SSE = Spiritual Self Esteem
PVTD = Positive Volition Towards Doctrine
+H - The Happiness of God
NVTD = Negative Volition Towards Doctrine
Doctrine = Bible Truth

To look up other “terms”, go to:

Alphabetical Listing

BEGIN BIBLE STUDY
Unless otherwise noted, all scripture quotes and references
are from the NASB – New American Standard Bible

Why does He still find fault?

In ROM 9:19 Paul’s debaters technique begins with two questions:

1) You will say to me then, “Why does He still find fault?

2) For who resists His will?” Paul anticipates the reaction that the Jews will have to his teaching of grace. They are unbelieving Jews, legalists, Judaisers who despise the message of grace and are now antagonistic. Paul proceeds to answer certain questions that he knew others would have, and uses logical conclusions to demonstrate the fallacy of even thinking such a thing.

In verse 19 we begin with the Greek verb “ereo” meaning to say, to speak, or to conclude. Paul attributes the question to the thinking of the opposition, he knows what they will think, and they know it. In application of the Word of God whenever you are under pressure you must be able to think and anticipate. Next is the Greek adverb of time, “eti” which means “yet” or “still.” Paul is asking, after the presentation of ROM 5:1-9:18), why is there any opposition? The tremendous logic and ability of the presentation of Paul begs the question as to why anyone would say “No” to the doctrinal principles. The answer is pride, arrogance, the influence of religion, self-righteousness, and self-justification. It is because certain doctrines are resisted individually, and scar tissue of the soul [hover mouse over phrase] is built up, and blindness of the soul is increased, then pride and arrogance is increased. The next word, “fault” is the Greek verb “memphomai” which means to find fault or to blame. This first phrase in verse 19 leads us to several principles.

1. This debater’s question anticipates objection to such doctrines as the Doctrine of Grace, Mercy, Divine Integrity, Divine Decrees, as well as other doctrines (and many others). How can you reject something unless you know it? This is why you should have chapter and verse before you disagree with some of the doctrinal principles which are being taught. This is especially important is the presenter of the doctrine has a personality or a vocabulary that is rubbing you the wrong way. Pastors are under the authority of God's Word which is the mind of Christ and their job is to study and to teach (ACT 6:2). The messages that come from the pulpit must be an accurate reflection of God's person, thinking, work, character and nature. As a student of the word of God you are to use discernment from the doctrine resident in your soul to determine if the doctrine is accurate. As a believer-priest you are under the authority of God's Word, the mind of Christ, just like the pastor. However, you are not designed to teach it to yourself. You are dependent on the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher (EPH 4:11-12).

2. The objection of the religious self-righteous crowd is irrelevant because it is blasphemous. Blasphemous because it assumes that God does not know what He is doing and that God is unfair in what He is doing. “The Rock! His work is perfect, For all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He” (DEU 32:4).

3. Paul anticipates the antagonism of the racial Jew against the true spiritual heritage of Israel. The racial Jew represents those who are under the Law while the true spiritual heritage of Israel represents those who are under the grace of God. Law and grace are mutually exclusive; therefore, the believer must choose one or the other. Tell me, you who want to be under law, do you not listen to the law? (GAL 4:21). So,Paul is saying, “Tell me now, you who have become so infatuated with morality and lifestyle from the law or the 110 commandments: Have you paid close attention to that law?”

For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the bondwoman and one by the free woman. But the son by the bondwoman [Ishmael] was born according to the flesh [human plans and ingenuity], and the son by the free woman [Isaac] through the promise [the promise of God or divine ingenuity or power]. The child of the slave woman, Hagar, was born according to the flesh and had an ordinary birth [Ishmael], the son of the free woman, Sarah, was born in fulfillment of the promise, [Isaac]. (GAL 4:22-23)
The son of the slave woman, Ishmael, the father-son of the Arab race, was born by human plots and schemes; the son of the free woman, Isaac, the father-son of the Jewish race, was born by God's promise.

This is allegorically speaking: for these women [Hagar and Sarah] are or represent two covenants, one proceeding from Mount Sinai bearing children who are to be slaves; she is Hagar. (GAL 4:24)

These two women represent two covenants. One covenant originated from Mount Sinai, where the Law was given, and bears children destined for slavery; this is Hagar. The two births represent two ways of being in relationship with God. One is from Mount Sinai in Arabia, the other is from the divine promise of God because of grace.

Now this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. (GAL 4:25)

Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and she corresponds to and belongs in the same category with the present Jerusalem, for she is in bondage together with her children. It corresponds with what is now going on in Jerusalem—a slave life, producing slaves as offspring -- This is the way of Hagar.

But the Jerusalem above is free; she is our mother.For it is written, “Rejoice, barren woman who does not bear; Break forth and shout, you who are not in labor; For more are the children of the desolate Than of the one who has a husband.”And you brethren, like Isaac, are children of promise.But as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so it is now also. (GAL 4:26-29)

As Church-age believers we are children, not by physical descent, as was Ishmael, but like Isaac, born in virtue of promise. The Jerusalem above refers to the Messianic kingdom of Christ and the grace of God. There is an invisible Jerusalem, a free Jerusalem, and she is our mother - this is the way of Sarah. Just as at that time the child of ordinary birth (Ishmael), born according to the flesh despised and persecuted him who was born remarkably according to the promise and the working of the Holy Spirit, so it is now also (GEN 21:9).

In the days of Hagar and Sarah, the child who came from faithless human plots and schemes (Ishmael) harassed the child who came—empowered by the Spirit—from the faithful promise (Isaac). The apostle Paul is saying to the Galatians: Isn't it clear that the harassment you are now experiencing from the Jerusalem heretics, or the religious self-righteous crowd follows that old pattern?

But what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the bondwoman and her son, For the son of the bondwoman shall not be an heir with the son of the free woman.”So then, brethren, we are not children of a bondwoman, but of the free woman. We who are born again are not children of a slave woman, the natural, but of the free, the supernatural. (GAL 4:30-31)

The slave son will not inherit with the free son. Those under legalism will never enjoy the inheritance that those under grace experience and enjoy. Paul anticipates the antagonism of the racial Jew against the true spiritual heritage of Israel.

4. The racial Jew emphasizes physical birth and natural descent from Abraham representing human viewpoint while the spiritual Jew emphasizes the new birth and spiritual descent from Abraham. The Jews thought that because they were Jews, they were special. However, notice what our Lord said: Jesus therefore was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you abide in My word, {then} you are truly disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” They answered Him, “We are Abraham's offspring, and have never yet been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, ‘You shall become free’?” (JOH 8:31-33). They completely misunderstood the difference between physical freedom and spiritual freedom just as they emphasized physical birth and not spiritual birth.

5. This becomes a conflict of the natural verses the spiritual seed of Abraham. Brethren, I speak in terms of human relations: even though it is only a man's covenant, yet when it has been ratified, no one sets it aside or adds conditions to it. Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as referring to many, but rather to one, “And to your seed,” that is, Christ. What I am saying is this: the Law, which came four hundred and thirty years later, does not invalidate a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise. (GAL 3:15-17). The promises, covenants, the agreements, were decreed and made to Abraham and his Seed (his Offspring, his Heir). God does not say, “and to seeds” (descendants, heirs), as if referring to many persons. The Law, which began 430 years after the covenant (concerning the coming Messiah), does not and cannot annul the covenant previously established (ratified) by God, so as to abolish the promise and make it void.

6. ROM 9:19 You will say to me then, “Why does He still find fault?” proves the principle that irrelevance becomes irreverence by blasphemously maligning the character of God.

7. Scar tissue of the soul always finds fault with God and becomes critical of divine policy.

8. This first debaters’ question, "Why does He still find fault?" anticipates a distortion of doctrine - distortion on the part of Jewish reversionists who follow the same pattern as Pharaoh Amenhotep II.

9. The principle of omniscience, the reality of divine decrees and foreordination, the adoption of the elected ones, does not preclude or hinder or even contradict the function of the justice of God when He condemns and when He judges. God is completely fair in His judgments and condemnation of angels and members of the human race. There is no place for rejecting passages like; MAT 25:41b “Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels;” And that's true of us as members of the human race, which is why we are free on earth to choosefor Jesus Christ. If we choose for Him we have eternal life and we will never see the eternal fire, but once the last judgment comes up for those who rejected Jesus Christ, they're through choosing and they go into the lake of fire. You can only get out by your own choices in time, there's no way you can climb out. REV 20:10 and MAT 25:41 indicate that Satan will spend eternity in the lake of fire and he will have company according to REV 20:12-15, those members of the human race who rejected Christ as Savior. Judgments such as this and others like 2PE 2:4 which says For if God Himself did not spare the angels when they sinned [those are the sons of God in GEN 6:2], but He incarcerated them in Tartarus with chains of darkness [zophos-black clouds and a mist], keeping them for judgment. (see also JUD 1:6). These passages, and others, are the reasons why we must conclude that God is just when He condemns and when He judges.

10. Foreordination or predestination does not hinder, coerce or cancel the function of the free will of man. God never tampers with man's free will and neither can man tamper with God's judgments.

11. Omniscience, foreordination and predestination acknowledge the free will of man and the principle of self-determination in human history. Self-induced misery and a tremendous amount of suffering comes from the law of volitional responsibility or reaping what you sow (PRO 1:23-31; JER 2:19) When God finally adds divine discipline to this, things even get worse! It is because we have made such a series of negative decisions to the point where we have become a danger to ourselves and to members of the human race.

12. On the basis of the imputation of divine righteousness to those who believe in Christ, the justice of God has the right to condemn those who do not believe in Christ. Just as free will of man is freedom to reject Christ so God is free to judge those who reject Christ.

13. On the basis of the potential of the imputation of blessing in time to the target of imputed righteousness, God also has the right to administer punishment and discipline to both the unbeliever and the believer. Discipline to the unbeliever is for rejection of the Gospel and to those believers who do not grow spiritually. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart. You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; (HEB 12:3-4). The writer of the book of Hebrews is saying others have suffered far worse than you, to say nothing of what the Lord Jesus Christ went through all that bloodshed which represents His spiritual death or His separation from God.

And you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, Nor faint when you are reproved by Him; (HEB 12:5). Don't disregard God's discipline, but don't be crushed by it either. For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, And He scourges every son whom He receives.It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? (HEB 12:6-7). It's the child He loves that He disciplines; the child He embraces, He also corrects. God is educating you; that's why you must never quit or drop out. He's treating you as dear children. This trouble you're in isn't punishment; it's training.

But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? (HEB 12:8-9). Only irresponsible parents leave children to train and provide for themselves. Would you prefer an irresponsible God? We respect our parents for training and not spoiling us, so why not embrace God's training so we can truly live?

For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness (HEB 12:10-11). While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them, but God is doing what is best for us, training us to live His highest and best. At the time, discipline isn't much fun. Later, of course, it pays off generously, for it's the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God.

Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, [Don't sit around on your hands! No more dragging your feet!] and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; (HEB 12:12-15)

14. On the basis of the perfect character of God the integrity of God has the right to find fault with sin, human good, and evil. For example, the real friend to Job Elihu who functioned as a human judge rebuking Job's three so-called friends and sees Job's mistake, which was the attempt to vindicate himself at the expense of God's plan (JOB 33:1-4). That is actually a dissertation on the origin of life and it brings up a very important principle, which is the fact that God selected your parents, your nationality, your gender, and even your environment. If God did this then there are no grounds for complaining about anything in your life!

“Refute me if you can; Prepare yourselves before me, take your stand. Behold, I belong to God like you; I too have been formed out of the clay. Behold, no fear of me should terrify you nor should my pressure weigh heavily on you.” (JOB 33:5-7).

Elihu describes Job's inconsistency, he even quotes Job. “Surely you have spoken in my hearing and I have heard the sound of your words. ‘I am pure, without transgression; I am innocent and there is no guilt in me. And ‘Behold, He [God] invents pretexts against me; He counts me as His enemy’” (JOB 33:8-10). Elihu is challenging the thinking of Job. “How can you say, Job, that you are pure and without sin concerning this suffering and yet turn around and say that God has found fault with you and He counts you as His enemy. Your thinking is inconsistent!”

Job also said in verse 11 quoted by Elihu, “He puts my feet in the shackles; He watches all my paths.” This implies that God was somehow being cruel to Job, when in reality, God is honoring Job with the highest form of suffering for blessing that can exist in the human race. In verses 12-13, Elihu recognizes the silence of God as an important message to Job. The point is that we really have no right to question the decisions and the judgments of God. The evil that Job has turned to is the fact that he has been clinging to his morality rather than operating in his virtue, which he has, but is not operating in at the present time! Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said, “Who is this that darkens counsel [or distorts my doctrine] by words without knowledge?” (JOB 38:1-2). One of the great sins of any believer is the distortion of doctrine: using doctrine rather than having doctrine use you. Job has the doctrine, but has made the wrong application. Remember that you can perceive and metabolize doctrine and still refuse to apply it!

15. The integrity of God and the entire essence of God can never be compromised by finding fault or judging or condemning or disciplining or punishing any portion or any individual in the human race.

16. The link between divine judgment or divine blessing is not subject to critical scrutiny on the part of mankind - mankind who possesses neither the facts nor the doctrine to be critical.

So the Jews found fault with Paul. They had a habit of finding fault because they had resisted truth. The less you know of the truth the more critical you are of the truth. They had resisted, just like Pharaoh, and they had all of this scar tissue in their souls; the more the scar tissue, the greater the arrogance. Critical people, when they are ignorant of the facts, are always arrogant. Because they had the habit of finding fault they did not want anyone else to find fault and they even criticized God for finding fault. “Why does He still find fault?”

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Ticket to Heaven, it was written for anyone not absolutely certain about their eternal future.