Paul, James, and Peter each tell us similar things about persevering in trials and tribulations. Paul says this: “And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;” (Romans 5:3-4 NASB20) Please note that the Greek word translated perseverance here…
So, as it relates to God and one another, there is knowledge of facts. This is knowing things about God. Then there is knowledge of God Himself. This is knowing who He is personally and knowing what He is like in His character, intimately.
We all know that the Lord Jesus atoned for our sins, right? Actually, He did far more than that.
It’s important not to miss the fact that this is teaching us about the Kingdom and these virgins are all wanting to meet the Bridegroom. The parable says, “the Kingdom is like this” and then goes on to explain that not everyone gains entry.
Wrath is a form of indignation against evil. It doesn’t need to be caused by God because it is the natural effect of evil upon righteousness.
This isn’t anger directed particularly at people. Rather it is indignation at that which seeks to harm His children. The wrath of judgment is the necessary first step in the eradication of wickedness and evil in all its forms.
Religious zealots would like us to elevate pastors and teachers. They love to call themselves “apostle”, “prophet”, “bishop”, and so on. Then they berate the flock into submission, often demanding that people treat them with deference and respect due only to God.
Moses was a mediator between God and the people of Israel (see Galatians 3:19-20). Then under the New Covenant we are told that there is one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus (see 1 Timothy 2:5).
The Greek word translated “hidden” is krypto. You might recognize the sound of that. We have crypto-currency, cryptography, encryption, etc.
Don’t let the enemy get away with selling you the big lie. When thoughts inconsistent with what you know to be the truth come, be ready to knock them down with truth. The enemy need not shake us, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.
Peter keeps it simple, let’s make it our aim to do the same. We should remain alert to the fact that the enemy wants to inject lies into our thinking.
The sword of the Spirit is the word of God. Jesus Christ is the word of God made flesh, and you are in Him. This is why hearing the truth of the Good News resonates with your spirit.
Romans 12:2 tells us that transformation comes by renewing our minds. The more we see the world as Father sees it, the more our reaction to the world is akin to His. Knowing that we have been rescued from bondage to sin not only makes us compassionate people, but it also makes us bold and stable people. Our mindset is heavenly rather than earthly.
In a sense, trust gives legs to faith. We may believe that Jesus is all He claims to be and has done all He claims to have done in, to, and through us. Even so, if we do not trust Him, we hold back from Him. We walk in an earthy way. We conduct ourselves by worldly sight, according to the flesh.
Because we have been justified and made righteous, we have peace with God. We no longer need to fear His wrath. The enemy will try to tell us that we should. As he did with Jesus in the wilderness, he might even use scripture.
It is difficult for many to believe that they are righteous. They look at their attitudes and actions and know that these are often far from righteous. Doctrine indicating that righteousness is only given as part of the future inheritance laid up in heaven for the saints has fostered this idea for many.
Truth is the belt upon which everything hangs. It holds clothing up and holds it together. It carries the weight of articles being carried. Truth is the infrastructure upon which we can depend for security.
Rather, we struggle against unseen powers, rulers of the darkness—the valley of the shadow of death—the world and its earthy (fleshly) systems and ways of operating. We struggle against spiritual forces of wickedness that are not of this world. The devil and his minions.
Some people find the Bible confusing because in places such as Ezekiel 18:24 it says that a righteous person who turns from righteousness and sins will die. This confusion comes from a failure to account for what covenant was in force when these things were said.
At each gate stands an angel, or messenger. Each gate carries the name of a tribe of Israel. Similarly, each foundation stone bears the name of an Apostle.
When we read “to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.” We might be tempted to wonder whether our actions are what determine our future destination.
You may be familiar with the record of a tiny shepherd boy named David defeating an enormous and fearsome giant named Goliath. As we read in 1 Samuel 17, David did not come to the fight in his own strength. He carried no usual weapons of war. Instead, he had the weapon of a boy. Just a slingshot against an enemy so great that the entire Hebrew army was afraid to fight him.
Now we come to the last segment of the letter. Here we are told how to stand in all this truth. How to hold this godly existence and conduct in a world that opposes all that is good and righteous.
Sit, Walk, Stand. Let’s learn what it is to stand.
I always knew I needed to treat my dad with respect. He was powerful and I was but a boy. I had a healthy respect for my dad. I wasn’t afraid of him, but I knew that he had power over me, so I willingly subjected myself to him. I tried to do things as he expected.
Central to these verses is the idea of mutual respect and proper use of positional roles. Children should respect their parents, but parents should not abuse the power they have. Instead, they are to help children grow in the Lord, just as the Spirit of our heavenly Father does for us.
