The Remnant, the Lord’s Minority

Pastor A. W. Weckeman Aug. 2016

The “end times”  will be characterized by widespread deception, false doctrine, and a mass falling away.

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” (1 Tim. 4:1)

“…evil men and seducers shall wax and worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (2 Tim.3:13)

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine…” And they shall turn away their ears from the truth and shall be turned to fables.” (2 Tim.4:3-4)

As the church age draws to a close, the scriptures tell of a “lukewarm” Christianity that has been chilled by tremendous deception, a time of indifference and confusion…that time has arrived.

“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition…” (2 Thess.2:3).

Mass apostasy: The “latter days” of the Church Age will be characterized by a “falling away” from biblical Christianity to religion, ritual, and man-made tradition; from sound doctrine to false doctrine, from the pure word to the impure, from steadfastness to compromise and mixture, “lukewarm.” There will also be a dominating “spirit of fear” caused by persecution from hostile forces of a godless culture.

At this prophecied age,  “the mystery of iniquity” has come close to permeating the whole of Christianity. A disheartening time in which the devil has succeeded in infiltrating (subverting) and corrupting the majority of so-called Christianity. For those who know and love the truth, these times can be very discouraging, very frustrating, even depressing. It’s never easy to be in the persecuted minority.

The Remnant of Israel
In reality, we shouldn’t find it surprising that only a few (relatively speaking) will be saved and remain faithful to the truth in the end times.  A study of the  Hebrew people, chronicled in the Old Testament, reveals the reality that it has always been a REMNANT that truly believed and remained faithful during times of spiritual darkness and inevitable moral decay. No matter how severe the persecution or tribulation, they remained steadfast by the grace of God.

Remnant defined: A residue; that which remains after separation (falling away) removal or destruction.
At first, the use of the word remnant denoted a family or clan that survived a calamity or slaughter. Later came to be applied to a nation’s spiritual seed, which survived God’s judgment and remained to start anew (Noah, for example).

In the history of Israel, a remnant can be defined as a “spiritual Israel” within the Nation of Israel. So then, so now. The contemporary remnant is made up of “spiritual believers” (faithfully holding on to the Truth; obediently abiding in Christ) within a  lukewarm Christianity; “…blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world…” (Phil.2:15).

In Elijah’s day, there were 7000 who had not bowed to Baal (1 Kings 19:18 & Rom.11:4-5).
In Isaiah’s time, it was a “very small remnant” for whose sake God withheld the nation’s destruction. (Isa. 1:19)

During Israel’s and Judah’s captivity in Assyria and Babylon, the remnant appears in Jews like Ezekiel, Daniel, Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego, Esther, and Mordecai.
At the end of the seventy years of Babylonian captivity, it was a remnant that returned under Ezra and Nehemiah. (Ezra 9:8-15, Neh.1:3)

At the First Advent, during a time of great spiritual darkness in Israel, John the Baptist, Simeon, and Anna (Luke 2:25-38) were among the few who “…looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38). In these “last days” of the church age, we are “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God  and our Saviour Jesus Christ…” (Titus 2:13)

What Can We Learn from the Remnant?
In many ways, the end times we live in are similar to the troublesome times through which the children of Israel passed; apostasy, false prophets, teachers, tremendous deception, confusion, and persecution.

The Old Testament paints a vivid picture of the remnant, informing us of their attitude, character, and courage in the face of overwhelming persecution, providing an instructive example for the contemporary remnant. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” (Rom. 15:4).

In Israel’s history, the remnant hung on to their faith in the Lord even during the darkest times. Those who steadfastly refused to compromise with the pagan culture they resided in, even while living in bondage in foreign lands. The remnant were those who passed through the calamity of their generation, the survivors of a spiritual disaster.

Analyzing the Old Testament Remnant
What characterized the remnant?

How did they differ from their brethren?

What was it that enabled them to remain faithful and endure?

Before we study these remarkable characters, which stood out in dark times, let’s first begin by considering an early prototype of the Jewish remnant.

The life of Noah not only provides an excellent example of what it means to be in a very small persecuted minority but also reveals a prophetic picture; a CONNECTION between the remnant of the past and the remnant of the future; consider: (Luke 17:26-30) “And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.” (Second Advent)

To understand what it will be like in the “end times,” we need to consider what was it like in the “days of Noe” Consider, (Gen.6:5-8):

“And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.”

Noah: The portrait of a man who found grace and favor with God:

“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God” (Gen.6:8-9).
Mercy is not getting what you deserve, and grace is getting what you don’t deserve.

Upright, honest, and righteous, conformed to the truth; he judges with righteous judgment, equal, honest, and fair. (Prov. 21:3, 7, 15, Prov. 29:27 cf. Ezek. 18:8-9). Right is right, and wrong is wrong, no gray areas with Noah.

“…and perfect in his generations….”

Not “perfect” in the sense of flawlessness or without defect but “perfect” meaning spiritual maturity, which includes blamelessness: “And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.” (Acts 24:16). As used in this verse,  perfect isn’t one who never fails; but rather, the person who does fail yet repents upon conviction accepts the consequences and continues to follow the Lord.

Perfect before God involves a particular attitude of heart, a  person driven by the desire to please and obey God. By the grace of God, a person who is consistently obedient to the revealed will of God.

“…and Noah walked with God” cf. Gen.5:24, “Enoch” cf. Heb. 11:5.

Psalm 1:1-2 provides an excellent example concerning our walk: “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” (Ps.1:1-2)

How should you and I conduct ourselves amid a decadent, godless society? Consider:  “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ DEPART FROM INIQUITY. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonor. If a man therefore PURGE HIMSELF from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified [set apart], and meet [fit] for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Tim.2:19-22). “…we also should walk in newness of life” (Rom.6:4). “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him…” (Col.2:6)

Noah also feared God

“By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear…” (Heb. 11:7). So Noah feared God and took Him at His word.
This verse provides an excellent example of the beneficial aspects of “the fear of the LORD” demonstrating it to be a positive force…a great motivator. Cf. (Prov.1:7 w/notes).

The opposite side of the coin: “fear of man bringeth a snare…” (Prov.29:25).
Think about how Noah must have been mocked and scorned for simply obeying God’s word. Imagine what people must have thought of him: religious fanatic, delusional nut case.  Noah wasn’t overly concerned about how people thought of him. He was more concerned about what God thought of him.

How often does our concern about what people (our peers, co-workers, family, friends, etc.) may think of us keep us from sharing the TRUTH? So we hold back, or “forebear” Consider (Proverbs 24:11.)
Noah obviously could have spared himself much grief and ridicule by keeping the purpose of the ark low-key; however, he openly warned about the impending judgment. Thus, despite the mockery, Noah preached and prepared (2 Peter 2:5).

There was something else about Noah that marked him exceptional. We already mentioned Noah as a just and perfect man, yet there is an additional important aspect regarding those who the Bible describes as “the just.”

“The just shall live by faith.” (Rom.10:17). Heb. 11:7 describes Noah as a man of faith.
“By faith Noah, being warned of God of THINGS NOT SEEN as yet, moved with fear…”  [Emphasis added]

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Heb.11:6)

Everything hinges on our desire to obey and please God, and when it comes to pleasing Him, FAITH is the critical factor.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Cor.5:7)

Hebrews 11:7; “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear….” The term “not seen” sounds familiar. “Not seen” things apprehended by faith.
“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Cor. 4:18).
John 20:29 – we, too, have been warned of God about the importance of faith regarding things “not seen as yet….”

OUR REWARD: “But it is written, Eye hath not seen nor ear hear…” (1 Cor.4:18).

OUR PERSPECTIVE, OUTLOOK: “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for…” (2 Cor.4:18)

OUR MEANS: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

OUR AFFECTIONS: “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” (1 Peter 1:8)

Noah believed against all odds regardless of circumstances, hardships, ridicule, scorn; he “moved with fear” and did what God told him to do; he preached judgment and prepared for the coming calamity.

As it was with Noah, so should it be with us. Faith is the evidence of our trust, the reason for our faithfulness.

As the coming of the Lord draws nearer each day, the minority (remnant) is shrinking; fewer and fewer believers are found to be faithful. Remember Jesus’ question in Luke 18:8 “When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?”

The Jewish remnant consisted of two groups of people:
1st  The remnant who remained steadfast, faithful from beginning to end (Noah, the prophets).
2nd Those who went into captivity through unbelief and compromise survived acknowledged their sin and repented. As a result, of their humility, they were eventually brought back to their homeland, given another chance to get it right.

There is much to learn by studying these two groups of people so then, so now. When studying the O.T. characters,  always remember,  “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”  (Rom.15:4)

Pastor A. W. Weckeman  2013

A Tale of Two Kings
(Contrast between Solomon and David)

Solomon, the Compromising King

Solomon’s life could be titled “A man who began right and ended up wrong.” As a young man, his dependency upon the Lord is expressed in (1 Kings 3:9) when he requests of God “an understanding heart to judge thy people…”

Upon the dedication of the Temple (1 Kings 8:22-62), Solomon’s prayer is one of the most beautiful and moving prayers in the Bible, revealing a heartfelt desire to love, obey, and serve his God.

However, the opening verses of 1 Kings chapter eleven reveal a weakness in Solomon’s heart, “But king Solomon loved many strange women…” (vs.1); The wisest king unwisely yielded to his flesh, beginning a downward spiral. Prosperity, power, and pride led to promiscuity, vanity, and vexation of spirit.”

The road to compromise is not a sudden steep dip but rather a gradual decline beginning with “Admiration,” which leads to “Association,” resulting in “Relationship,” and finally “Involvement.” Such was the case of Solomon’s obsession with women and the things of this world (1 Kings 11:1-8).

Consider Solomon’s attitude toward the temporal things of this world in the latter stages of his estrangement from the Lord:

“And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.” (Eccl. 2:10).

“Then I looked upon all the works that my hands had wrought and all the labour that I had labored to do: and behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.” (Eccl. 2:11).

There were three things that Israel’s Kings were commanded not to do (Deut.17:16-17), and one thing they were to do every day (Deut. 17:19). Solomon disobeyed all four!

“There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing…” (Prov.13:7) Solomon.

Solomon violated the first and greatest of all God’s commandments, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. (Matt.22:37). He had everything except that which is essential: an abiding relationship with God. Although he had all the world’s riches, he was “…not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:21).

Take Heed
“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning…” (Rom.15:4).

“Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and are written for OUR ADMONITION, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth TAKE HEED lest he fall.” (1 Cor.10:11-12). [Emphasis mine].

The fact that the wisest man that ever lived was overtaken by his flesh should be an ample warning that we are to “have no confidence in the flesh” (Phil. 3:3). “…the battle is the LORD’S” (1 Sam.17:47); beyond “the power that worketh in us” (Eph.3:20), we are helpless to live the Christian life.

Solomon’s heart was not right toward God; he didn’t fear the LORD as did his father, David. But Job 28:8 states, “…the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.”

Solomon’s understanding didn’t exempt him from deception and error; even though he was aware of his sin, unlike his father, he lacked “godly sorrow” and failed “to depart from evil.” Lack of “the fear of the Lord” was the blind spot in Solomon’s wisdom; so then, so now. Solomon’s attitude typifies the carnal Christian, the “thorny ground” in the “Parable of the Sower.” He is a perfect type of believer who knows what he should do yet doesn’t do it. (James 4:17).

Guard your Heart

“And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word. And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, CHOKE THE WORD, and it becometh unfruitful.”(Mark 4:18-19) [Emphasis mine].

Our natural inclination is to desire things outside God’s will, whether “the lusts of the flesh,” “the lust of the eyes” or “the pride of life” all that is of “this present evil world” “is not of the Father.” (1 John 2:16).

These self-destructive desires are often camouflaged by self-deceit, especially when they involve personal ambition and self-glorification. We often do not want what God wants for us; when we finally get it, we find that it has enslaved us. As a result, we end up serving it instead of God, to our great loss. ANYTHING that keeps us away from God becomes an “idol” in the heart. (Ezek.14:1-5).

David, a King after God’s own Heart.

Compare David’s heart attitude with Solomon’s: “Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.” (Ps.119:36-37).

“O how I love thy law! It is my meditation all the day.”(Ps.119:97).

“How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”(Ps.119:103).

“Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.” (Ps.119:111).

“The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.” (Ps.119:72).

Fortunate to have misfortune

“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire…” (1 Peter 1:7).

While Solomon was the privileged son of a great king who only knew peace and prosperity, David was hunted like an animal and relentlessly persecuted by Saul and others (Ps.56:1, 57:1, 59:1, 55:5, 102:1). David suffered and yet remained faithful; he was tried and proven (Ps.119:67, 71, & 75). Patient endurance during hardship and suffering is a normal part of the Christian life, the cost of following Christ, our example.

Hebrews 2:10 states that Jesus was made “perfect through sufferings” compare (Heb.5:8-9) “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered…” Therefore, the Christian who suffers nothing learns nothing.

“We are never closer to Christ than when we are suffering for His sake.” (Phip.3:9-10).

“David is an example of one who many times failed at personal holiness, yet constantly strove to be right with God (Ps.51). This attitude is what set him apart from so many others, including his son Solomon.” David typifies the “spiritual believer”…“the good ground” (“a good and honest heart”) in the “Parable of the Sower.”

David’s heart attitude toward God and His word defined his life; due to this attribute, David is referred to as a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22).

When anything other than God and His word has our hearts, we fall out of fellowship with Him; a separation occurs, and communication and illumination cease, leaving us to the darkness of our own ways, our own thoughts, and hearts. As a result, our sorrows are multiplied.

“Whatever we are afraid to release possesses us.” Chapin

Some of life’s profound regrets stem from shortsighted priorities and misplaced affections. When we finally obtain our worldly desires or realize our ambitions, we find them empty and unfulfilling. “And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.” (Ps.106:15).

Regret is intensified by realizing that we sacrificed the eternal (which really matters) to pursue the temporal). Therefore, we must be cautious that today’s priorities don’t become tomorrow’s regrets.

Growth Pains, the Struggle of Letting Go.

We have all heard the famous expression among bodybuilders, “No pain, no gain.” The fundamental principle behind bodybuilding involves stretching the muscles by pushing against measured resistance, overcoming the constraints and protests of the flesh.

The same applies to spiritual growth: “In order to gain something worthwhile in the future, you must expend or sacrifice something in the present.”

One of Christianity’s primary growing pains is not so much physical as psychological, an internal struggle involving two diverse natures.

The mind is the battlefield, and the death of self-life is God’s objective. Self-sacrifice (putting God and others first) is something that grates the “old man” to no end. Because the center of the natural man is “self,” he will immediately rebel against any form of self-denial and strongly resist self-discipline.

Surrender is another difficult aspect of spiritual development that the flesh dramatically abhors. Letting go means renouncing and refraining from any pleasure, pursuit, or ambition that interferes with our personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. This submission is one area where balance won’t do; the heart scale must decidedly and consistently tilt in favor of the things of the Lord.

The word of God is unequivocal on this point, “Set your affection on things above, not on things on earth.” (Col.3:2).

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matt.6:24).

The great Laodicean deception of the day declares the believer’s right to have the best of both worlds. (Come to Jesus, and you will have health, wealth, and happiness).

Reality

“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23).

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” (1 John 2:15).

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart…” (Matt.22:37).

It is impossible to “…be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use” while having one foot in this world and the other in heaven; make no mistake about it: God will NOT tolerate divided affections! “A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:8).

“…choose you this day whom ye will serve” (Joshua 24:15)

“Our greatest enemy is the one we fail to understand.”

Perfectingofthesaints.com

 

 

 

 

The Contrast Between Two Types of Believers (Part 2)

Pastor A. W. Weckeman  2013

“AWAKE thou that sleepest and arise from the dead”

The contrast between the two types of believers is strikingly illustrated by the use of the words “awake” and “dead” [In reference to believers] found in (Rom.13:11, 1 Cor.15:34, and Eph.5:14-16). Consider [All emphasis mine]

11.“And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to AWAKE out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed 12. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light…” (Rom.13:11-12).

34. 34. “AWAKE to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.”(1 Cor.15:34).
35. “Wherefore he saith, AWAKE thou that sleepest, and arise from the DEAD, and Christ shall give thee light.15. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16. Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Eph.5:14-16).

It is evident from the context that all three verses are addressed to “born again” BELIEVERS who are out of fellowship with the Lord.

In Rom. 13:12, we see that this stern exhortation has application to the end of the “Church Age” in which we live. “…knowing the time”… “The night is far spent, the day is at hand…”

The warning to, “Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the DEAD…” found in (Eph.5:14) is a sobering wake-up call to CHRISTIANS living in the “last days” of the Church Age, during which “perilous times shall come.” (2 Tim.3:1).

In God’s eyes, those who are in a “spiritual slumber,” “backslidden,” living after the flesh, are DEAD!

Not “dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph.2:2) as they were before salvation nor “dead in Christ,” referring to their positional standing “in Christ” upon baptism into His death at Calvary (Rom.6:3) but dead in the sense that they “live after the flesh.”

The darkness before salvation was due to inherited blindness (Rom.5:17). Likewise, darkness after salvation is the result of continual disobedience. “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:6-7).

“Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. But she that liveth in pleasure is DEAD while she liveth.” (1 Tim.5:5-6).

Back to the illustration of the “Thorns” in the parable of the Sower

Those who have unwittingly become entangled “with the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches and, the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word…” (Mark 4:19). “…choke the word”, thereby “grieving” and “quenching” the Holy Spirit, living in sin.

“But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” (Isa.59:2).

Carnal believers (who are not new “in Christ”) abiding in this “separated” condition are considered by God to be “asleep” [euphemism for death].

Consider the “Prodigal son”:
“For this my son was DEAD, and is alive again…” (Luke 15:24). So the prodigal son was very much alive throughout the whole story; he was dead in the sense that he was separated (by disobedience) from his father.

To live out of fellowship with the Lord is to dwell in darkness concerning the things of God! “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not the truth…”(1 John 1:6).

Hence the warning to BELIEVERS in (Rom.13:12-14), “ …let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light…But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.”

“The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single [single in its affections], thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil [Prov.28:22], thy body also is full of darkness. Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.” (Luke 11:34-36).

“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Gal.5:25).

Pastor A. W. Weckeman – December 2013

The Carnal & the Spiritual

Paul addresses carnality among the believers at Corinth.
In Paul’s epistle to the Corinthians, he divides all Christians into two categories, the spiritual and the fleshly or carnal; consider:

“And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” (1 Cor 3:1-3).

The above verses portray two types of believers; the spiritual and the carnal.

Spiritual believers are “those who by reason of use [application] have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (Heb.5:12-14). They have progressed beyond the “first principles, having the eyes of their understanding enlightened regarding their standing “in Christ.” They, through trial and error, have learned the meaning of Romans 6:11, “…reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Babes in Christ can be young or old believers. The carnal believer is still dominated by his flesh; he hasn’t yet learned to recognize and resist “the old man.” His knowledge regarding the purpose of the refining process, involving the struggle between the new and old nature, is insufficient to produce change. He has yet to learn that “the flesh profiteth nothing” (John 6:63); therefore, he is unable to “Walk in the Spirit” (Gal. 5:16).

It is quite natural for young believers to be carnal or fleshly; spiritual maturity doesn’t happen overnight. Growth requires time and opportunity; however, the nature of Paul’s admonition reveals that he felt the believers at Corinth should have grown by the time of his writing. Those at Corinth who were genuinely saved had sufficient time and opportunity to grow, yet they had failed to do so; they hadn’t experienced normal spiritual growth and were still walking in the flesh. So “then,” So “now”

The tragic situation which occasioned Paul’s rebuke to the Church at Corinth is similar to the contemporary crisis facing the “body of Christ” in these “last days.”

The Holy Spirit uses four primary methods of teaching.

There are four primary methods of teaching: contrast, association, repetition, and correction.

The two categories of believers contrasted in (1 Cor. 3:1-4) “for our learning” is only one example of many throughout the Bible. In the “Epistles,” the contrast is most apparent wherever we find the phrases “new man” and “old man,” “inward man” versus “outward man,” or the “Spirit” versus the “flesh.”

In the “Gospels,” Jesus used parables and analogies to illustrate the contrast. The terms darkness and light are used liberally throughout the “New Testament” to point out essential distinctions.

“Parable of the Sower”
In the three accounts of the “Parable of the Sower”: (Matthew 13, Mark 4, Luke 8), the Holy Spirit contrasts four diverse types of soil upon which the seed is sown. The complete picture of this highly instructive parable comes into focus upon placing them side by side, paying careful attention to the distinctions, and noting the differences.

I believe that the first two groups of soil (hearers), “the wayside” and “the stony places,” represent the unsaved, while the last two, “the thorns” and “the good ground,” picture the saved.

I am persuaded the last two soils represent two types of believers (the carnal and the spiritual); they are the ones I’d like to focus on, primarily the third soil, “the thorny soil.”

Let’s take a close look at the four soils and the types of people they represent.

The Parable of the Sower

(Side by side comparison; Matthew, Mark & Luke)

Matt. 13:18 “Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.”

Mark 4:14 “The sower soweth the word.”

Luke 8:11 “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.”

The Four different types of Soil

THE WAY SIDE

Matt. 13:19 “When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.”

Mark 4:15 “And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.”

Luke 8:12 “Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.”

STONY PLACES

Matt. 13:20 “But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;

Matt. 13:21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended”.

Mark 4:16 “And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;

Mark 4:17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended.”

Luke 8:13 “They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.”

THE THORNS

Matt. 13:22 “He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.”

Mark 4:18 “And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,

Mark 4:19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.”

Luke 8:14 “And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.”

THE GOOD GROUND

Matt. 13:23 “But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

Mark 4:20 “And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.”

Luke 8:15 “But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.”

IN SUMMARY

Way side
In the case of the first soil “way side” the seed (word), due to a heart problem (Matt. 13:15), the word was not understood and therefore quickly snatched away by the devil.

Stony Places
The seed received by the “stony places” represents those who hear the word and understand it; however, their comprehension is limited to head knowledge only; their hearts have not experienced the conviction of the Holy Spirit.

Because the seed does not take root, their faith is superficial; all rely upon the circumstance, not genuine profession without possession; therefore, no CONTINUANCE; “dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.” Compare (1 John 2:19 & James 1:25).

The description of the third soil, which was covered with “thorns,” twice uses the phrase, “becometh unfruitful.” The word “become” is defined by the Noah Webster 1828 dictionary as follows: “To pass from one state to another; to enter into some state or condition, by a change from another state or condition.”

I believe those who received the seed among the thorns represent those who are genuinely saved, but “the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.”

Unlike the first two soils, the “seed” had to have germinated (taken root) in the heart of the hearer to have the potential to produce fruit. Notice the wording, “other things entering IN, choke the word…” (Mark 4:19). The careful reader will notice the negative influences entered within where the word had taken root; in the heart! It stands to reason that for them to become unfruitful, they had to have the ability to bring forth fruit in the first place.

In Luke’s account of the “thorns,” we find the most substantial evidence in the revealing phrase, “bring no fruit to perfection.” (Luke 8:14).

For the statement to be true, they had to have the ability to produce fruit; therefore, I conclude that the third soil pictures unfruitful, carnal believers.

Good Ground
“…the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.” These have repentant, truth-seeking hearts; they are not forgetful hearers; they keep the word near their hearts (John 14:21 & 23). These represent the spiritual believers who maintain a disciplined “abiding” relationship with God and His word, thereby insulating themselves from the influence of “this present evil world.” (Gal. 1:4).

The Power that Worketh in Us

Pastor A. W. Weckeman – August 2012

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” (Eph.3:20).

Transformation is the result of realization, that is, when we realize that it’s not about us, that we are powerless to love, serve and obey God when we finally learn that we cannot do God’s work by self-effort and self-wisdom, then, and only then, can we, “be strong in the Lord and the power of his might” (Eph.6:10) [Emphasis mine] 

“…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and do of his good pleasure.” (Phil.2:13) [Emphasis mine]

Notice that it says “work out” not work for; something must be put in before working its way out. Upon trusting Christ for salvation, we receive His power: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Col.1:27) “Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creature…” (2 Cor. 5:17). Our work is to recognize and “yield”  to the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit:  “Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. (Rom.6:13).

Our primary function is receptivity, to be continually attuned to and dependent upon Another. To be sensitive to God’s Spirit: “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” (Isa.30:21); which upon salvation, has permanently joined to our spirit:      “But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. (1 Cor.6:17). The task is to acknowledge our inadequacy and learn to defer to His power and control.

The “new man” within is the One who inspires genuine prayer, praise, worship, and service. He is the One who motivates our minds to right thoughts and enables our hearts to manifest the love of Christ in our lives. In reality, we are His means of expressing Himself, “To reveal his Son in me…” (Gal.1:16). Consider the  Apostle Paul’s exhortation in Romans 12:1, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (Rom.12:1 ) Also see, (1 Cor. 6:19-20).

“A Christian worker is good, a worker in Christ is better, but the best of all is Christ in a worker doing the living.”

GOD THE ALL

“O God Whose Will Conquers All,

There is no comfort in anything apart from enjoying thee and being engaged in thy service;

Thou art All in all, and all enjoyments are what to me thou makest them, and no more.

I am well pleased with thy will, whatever it is, or should be in all respects,

And if thou bidst me decide for myself in any affair, I would choose to refer all to thee, for thou art infinitely wise and cannot do amiss, as I am in danger of doing.

I rejoice to think that all things are at thy disposal, and it delights me to leave them there.

Then prayer turns wholly into praise, and all I can do is to adore and bless thee.

What shall I give thee for all thy benefits?  I am in a strait betwixt two, knowing not what to do;

I long to make some return, but have nothing to offer, and can only rejoice that thou doest all, that none in heaven or on earth shares thy honour;

I can of myself do nothing to glorify thy blessed name, but I can through grace cheerfully surrender soul and body to thee,

I know that thou art the author and finisher of faith, that the whole work of redemption is thine alone, that every good work or thought found in me is the effect of thy power and grace, that thy sole motive in working in me to will and to do is for thy good pleasure.

O God, it is amazing that men can talk so much about man’s creaturely power and goodness, when, if thou didst not hold us back every moment, we should be devils incarnate.

This, by bitter experience, thou hast taught me concerning myself.

The Valley of Vision

A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions

Pastor A. W. Weckeman   Nov. 2013

“God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” (Galatians 6:14)

“They were living to themselves; self with its hopes, and promises and dreams, still had hold of them; but the Lord began to fulfill their prayers. They had asked for contrition and had surrendered for it to be given them at any cost, and He sent them sorrow; they had asked for purity, and He sent them thrilling anguish; they had asked to be meek, and He had broken their hearts; they had asked to be dead to the world, and He slew all their living hopes; they had asked to be made like unto Him, and He placed them in the furnace, sitting by “as a refiner and purifier of silver,” until they should reflect His image; they had asked to lay hold of His cross, and when He had reached it to them, it lacerated their hands.

They had asked they knew not what, nor how, but He had taken them at their word, and granted them all their petitions. They were hardly willing to follow Him so far, or to draw so nigh to Him. They had upon them an awe and fear, as Jacob at Bethel, or Eliphaz in the night visions, or as the apostles when they thought that they had seen a spirit, and knew not that it was Jesus. They could almost pray Him to depart from them, or to hide His awfulness. They found it easier to obey than to suffer, to do than to give up, to bear the cross than to hang upon it. But they cannot go back, for they have come too near the unseen cross, and its virtues have pierced too deeply within them. He is fulfilling to them His promise, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” (John 12:32).

But now, at last, their turn has come. Before, they had only heard of the mystery, but now they feel it. He has fastened on them His look of love, as He did on Mary and Peter, and they can but choose to follow.

Little by little, from time to time, by flitting gleams, the mystery of His cross shines out upon them. They behold Him lifted up, they gaze on the glory which rays from the wounds of His holy passion; and as they gaze, they advance, and are changed into His likeness, and His name shines out through them, for He dwells in them. They live alone with Him above, in unspeakable fellowship; willing to lack what others own (and what they might have had), and to be unlike all, so that they are only like Him.

Such are they in all ages, “who follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.”

Had they chosen for themselves, or had their friends chosen for them, they would have chosen otherwise. They would have been brighter here, but less glorious in His kingdom. They would have had Lot’s portion, not Abraham’s. If they had halted anywhere…if God had taken off His hand and let then stray back…what would they not have lost? What forfeits in the resurrection?

But He stayed them up, even against themselves. Many a time their foot had well nigh slipped; but He in mercy held them up. Now, even in this life, they know that all He did was done well. It was good to suffer here, that they might reign hereafter; to bear the cross below, for they shall wear the crown above; and that not their will but His was done on them and in them.” – Anonymous

Man’s Relationship with God        Pastor A.W. Weckeman

Man was designed with the inherent ability to know God, relate to his Creator, and enjoy intimate fellowship with Him. Before the Fall, God and man walked together in the garden (Gen.3:8).

“God didn’t just create subjects to rule over; He intended closeness between Himself and the creature made in His image. So fellowship was something God desired right from the beginning.”

Unfortunately, Adam chose to disobey his Creator, ending the joyous relationship, separating man and God physically and spiritually. Furthermore, Adam’s disobedience ended the opportunity for eternal life, and death became man’s inheritance (Romans 5:12).

Yet, thanks be to God, this tragedy would not be final, for, in God’s pronouncement of judgment against Satan, there was a prophecy containing the promise of a Saviour. The seed of a woman would eventually destroy the devil (Gen.3:15) and provide redemption for humanity.

“For if through the offense of one [Adam] many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift of grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.” (Rom. 5:15).

 “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Cor. 15:22).

In Christ [last Adam], the human race would have a second chance… “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross…” (Col. 1:20).

The complete restoration of a personal relationship between God and man is at the heart of salvation. By God’s grace, through “the faith of Jesus Christ” (Gal. 2:16 & 20), peace and fellowship with God would be fully restored to all who believe; the gift of eternal life would be available to humanity. The spiritual union between God and man, that vital life relationship would be restored. Once again, the creature would have the opportunity to enjoy intimate fellowship with his Creator.

The Relational Aspects of Christianity. 

Upon salvation, we enter into a whole new relationship with God; we are spiritually baptized into the Body of Christ; supernaturally removed from Adam’s family, and placed into God’s family (1 Cor. 12:13).

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature…” (2 Cor.5:17). Notice the relational terms used in the following verses: (John 1:12, 1 John 3:1, Romans 8:16, Gal.4:6, 2 Cor.6:16-18) Consider: “I will dwell IN them, and walk IN them…” [Emphasis mine].

On a personal level, you know what makes the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob so unique, so superior to any other god; our God died for us and lives in us! The “second birth” involves “spiritual regeneration” (Titus 3: 5). All who trust Christ are “sealed” with the Holy Spirit (2 Cor.1:22). Permanently united to the Lord, “… he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.” (1 Cor.6:17).

The potential for Intimate Fellowship

Although Jesus is a living being, we cannot, at this time, experience His physical presence; however, due to the spiritual union between His Spirit and our spirit, there is great potential for intimate fellowship. Even though we cannot rise to Him, He, through stillness and simplicity, takes us in spirit and raises us to Himself. Therefore, it is essential to our spiritual well-being and growth that we take advantage of this opportunity.

Years ago, a friend of mine told me the first week or two after he was saved, he thought he was losing his mind because he couldn’t stop thinking about Jesus. That’s how it is in the beginning, “…old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Cor.5:17). Jesus becomes the center of our existence; a whole new life brings a new awareness and joy; everything is exciting.

Then suddenly, we discover that we are still susceptible to temptation and quite capable of sinning; ever so gradually, “this present evil world” starts to creep back in. And so begins the continuous struggle between two contrary natures, the inner conflict between the “old man” and the “new man.”

Even though He is in us, and we in Him, unfortunately, we are prone to wander (Ps.119:10), which explains Jesus’ command, “Abide in me…” (John 15:4).

The Marriage Relationship

The most difficult challenges of marriage begin after the honeymoon period fades when the initial excitement subsides. The difficult thing is to prevent the relationship from becoming stagnant, commonplace. To avoid this pitfall, the couple must stay close, sensitive, and open to one another so that the relationship deepens and love matures.

The same is true regarding our relationship with the Lord. One of the most significant challenges for the child of God is to resist the natural tendency of allowing the joyous experience of salvation and nearness to fade away.

Every believer has a personal responsibility to maintain the relationship, to counteract the tendency to backslide. Therefore, we must cultivate a continuous closeness to Christ, seeking to remain sensitive to His presence within. “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” (Jer.29:13).

Quietness, the Path to Closeness

“…sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus…” (Eph.2:6).

Notice: “sit together,” sitting down inwardly; residing in the refuge of silent fellowship…alone with the Lord.

A quieted spirit is the pathway to “heavenly places.” Concerning our relationship with the Lord, stillness leads to closeness. Not just a quiet environment but the inner peace of a stilled mind.

God communicates with man’s spirit in a soundless language, a still small voice heard only by a quieted spirit. “Be still, and know that I am God…” (Ps.46:10).

Fellowship with the Lord in the setting of heavenly places should not be occasional and fleeting but a continuous, a daily occurrence, “Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.” (Prov.8:34) [Emphasis mine].

Silent Fellowship

We must take care not to allow the necessities of everyday life, work, raising families, and such, to eclipse our relationship with the Lord, nor crowd out His presence. Even in the most distracting and challenging times, our mindfulness of Christ’s presence should be just below the surface, never silenced or withdrawn.

“It is not necessary to be always speaking to God or always hearing from God, to have communion with Him; there is an inarticulate fellowship sweeter than words. The little child can sit all day long besides his busy mother and, although few words are spoken on either side, and both are busy, the one at his absorbing play, the other at her engrossing work, yet both are in perfect fellowship. He knows that she is there, and she knows that he is alright. So the saint and the Saviour can go on for hours in the silent fellowship of love, and he be busy about the most common things, and yet conscious that every little thing he does is touched with the complexion of His presence, and the sense of His approval and blessing.”

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. (Isa.26:3) [Emphasis mine].

This predominating awareness forms an attitude, “…WHATSOEVER ye do, in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (Col.3:17) [Emphasis mine].

“And WHATSOEVER ye do, do it heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men…” (Col. 3:23).

In reality, whether you realize it or not, from the time you wake up in the morning until you close your eyes at night, Jesus is there, WHERESOEVER you go, WHATSOEVER you do, He is present:

“O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thoughts afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence?” (Ps.139:1-7).

The goal is to become sensitive to the reality of the above verse, attuned to the Lord’s inward presence. Our relationship with the Lord is similar to the closeness enjoyed between best friends who go everywhere and do everything together. Jesus is “…a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” (Prov.18:24). He promised, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Heb.13:5).

“For sixty-two years and five months I had a beloved wife, and now, in my ninety-second year, I am left alone. But I turn to the ever-present Jesus, as I walk up and down in my room, and say, “Lord Jesus, I am alone, and yet not alone…Thou art with me, Thou art my Friend. Now, Lord, comfort me, strengthen me, give to Thy poor servant everything Thou seest he needs.”  And we should not be satisfied till we are brought to this, that we know the Lord Jesus Christ experimentally, habitually to be our Friend: at all times, and under all circumstances, ready to prove Himself to be our Friend.”   George Mueller 

The Fruit of Abiding

As we daily spend time alone with God, allowing the word of Christ to dwell in us richly, we become increasingly attuned to His Presence within. This extraordinary awareness manifests itself in various experiential forms:

The leading of the Holy Spirit, “When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.” (Prov.6:22). The soundless voice of the inner man, “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it…”(Isa.30:21).

The heart song, “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord…” (Col. 3:16).

Inexplicable peace, even in the worst of circumstances, “…the peace of God, which passeth all understanding” (Phil.4:7).

Undeniable answers to a specific prayer, “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not.” (Jer. 33:3).

Increased conviction and loathing of sin, self, and the flesh, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing…” (Rom.7:24).

The chastening hand of God, “For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.” (Prov. 3:12).

Supernatural protection, “The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.”(Ps. 34:7).

Deliverance, endless mercy, and unfailing grace confirm not only our salvation but also the reality of the Lord’s constant working in our lives as a loving Father with His children. (Rom. 8:16).

Until we come to the point where we see Jesus in all our everyday circumstances (be it sorrow or joy), recognizing His power, protection, and correction in our lives, sensing and surrendering to His control, closeness remains elusive.

It is by these means, through this seeking, that we come to experience His presence and learn receptiveness to the Holy Spirit’s leading, “I being in the way, the LORD led me..”.(Gen.24:27). This nearness is what Jesus meant when He said, “Abide in me, and I in you” (John 15:4).

The Heart of the Whole Matter

Remember, the heart attitude (Prov.4:23) is the crucial factor that determines the depth of our personal relationship with the Lord. Although, as with all interpersonal relationships, it will require time and effort for the relationship to deepen and grow, desire and consistency are essential.

“Spiritual understanding” (Col.1:9) is the by-product of abiding in Christ, the fruit of an intimate relationship. Concerning our walk with Christ, closeness leads to conformity; it is the factor that enables us “to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Eph.3:16) and is, therefore, a vital component of the sanctification process.

“God alone is Holy, and it is our nearness to Him that makes us truly holy.” So spiritual development isn’t a matter of I.Q.; it’s a matter of closeness to God...not aptitude but heart attitude.

“When thou saidest, Seek ye my face; my HEART said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.” (Ps.27:8). [Emphasis mine]

The Power of Paradox

Pastor A. W. Weckeman – July 2020

Seeing Things God’s Way

“There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.” (John 3:1-2).

Nicodemus had been an eyewitness to Jesus’ miracles and realized that such things could only be accomplished by the power of God (v.2). Concerned about being seen with Jesus by his peers, he comes by the cover of night (v.2).

During Nicodemus’ acknowledgment of the nature of His miracles, Jesus goes right to the heart of the matter, telling him to see the “kingdom of God,” he must “be born again” (v.3).

Nicodemus’ response reveals his total ignorance regarding the necessity of a second birth: Jesus’ startling revelation contradicted everything Nicodemus thought he knew; all his theological knowledge and wisdom were of no avail. Even after the Lord explained (vs.5-8), this highly educated religious leader could only answer, “How can these things be?” (v.9).

Nicodemus’ words tell a story. A narrative of how religious tradition, doctrines of men (Matt.15:6-9), and ritual gradually replaced the Scriptures. Forming cataracts, rendering Israel’s leaders, and all who followed them, spiritually blind; “And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive” (Matt.13:14).

The Paradoxical Nature of Spiritual Truth
“For this people’s HEART is waxed [grown] gross [dense], and their ears are dull [insensitive] of hearing, and their eyes they have closed…” (Matt.13:15). [Emphasis mine].

It has been wisely stated: “The heart of every problem is a problem in the heart,” and so it was with Israel’s leaders. Even though they saw and heard, their failure to understand was because religious tradition and ritual had desensitized their hearts toward God. As a result, their hearts were blind to the paradoxical nature of spiritual realities.

“He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” (John 1:11).

So great the blindness they were unable to comprehend the words of their own Messiah as He walked amongst them, the paradoxical nature of spiritual truth was beyond their grasp and became a snare to their soul. Take heed, So then, so now.

The greatest hindrance to spiritual growth is the lack of spiritual understanding, and the greatest obstacle to spiritual understanding is that it is often expressed in the form of paradox. Spiritual realities are paradoxical (just the opposite of what we think).

The power of paradox is that it confounds human intellect while unveiling fundamental truths essential to “spiritual understanding” (Col.1:9), revealing the wisdom and power of God.

The critical difference between intellectual comprehension and spiritual understanding is that the latter, due to paradox, requires FAITH: That steadfast trust in God that endures beyond logic or reason. “…the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Heb.11:1)

“But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the DEEP THINGS OF GOD.” (1 Cor.2:10) [Emphasis mine].

A paradox is a two-edged sword; first, a laser-like scalpel to remove cataracts, opening the eyes, bringing into focus hid spiritual realities; secondly, a sword to “…destroy the wisdom of the wise …bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.” (1 Cor.1:19).

“That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the POWER OF GOD.” (1 Cor.2:5) [Emphasis mine].

Lifes Perplexing Questions
The Christian life is filled with contradictions, “things hard to be understood.” Down through the ages, all those who chose to follow the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob experienced severe trials, tribulation, and affliction. The story of Job is one such account of the seemingly senseless suffering of a righteous man. Every believer who has faced the dilemma of inexplicable fiery trials, sooner or later, will ask, as did Job, “shew me wherefore thou contendest with me” (Job 10:2).

“How can these things be.”…how can we make sense of those trying circumstances that contradict our reality and shake our faith? How can we comprehend and accept that which seems so senseless, situations that defy reason?

The Refiner’s Fire
The answer is found in the fact that, like gold bound in ore, comprehension of paradoxical realities requires a refining process (Mal.3:3). Therefore, “…think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” (1 Peter 4:12-13).

“For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake…” (Phil.1:29). Suffering works death on the “old man,” shattering the myth of self-sufficiency. For this reason, God allows tailor-made trials, difficult circumstances, and situations to prove and strengthen our faith, teaching us dependency, gradually delivering us from our “own understanding,” “our ways,” and “our hearts.”

Surrender involves the liberating wisdom of ACCEPTANCE which provides, “a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (1 Cor.10:13).

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto THINE OWN UNDERSTANDING” (Prov.3:5) [Emphasis mine].

“My son, attend unto MY WISDOM, and bow thine ear to MY UNDERSTANDING…” (Prov.5:1) [Emphasis mine].

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.” (Isa.55:8).

The above verses clearly state that God’s ways are not our ways, or His thoughts our thoughts; as a matter of fact, His ways are, more often than not, just the opposite of our ways.

Consider the paradoxical nature of the following spiritual realities:

Calvary, life from death, (John 12:24).

Surrender equals victory (Phil.4:11).

Weakness becomes strength (2 Cor.12:9).

Humility is power (1Peter 5:5).

Evil is overcome by good (Rom.12:21).

To lose your life means to save your life (Luke 9:23-24).

Fortunate to have misfortune, (Ps 119:67, 71, 75).

God uses the world’s foolish things to confound the wise (1 Cor. 1:27).

The Contrast between Spiritual Understanding and Intellectual Understanding
There are two types of understanding, “intellectual understanding” (Prov.3:5) and “spiritual understanding” (Col.1:9). There are also two types of knowledge. As we learned earlier, spiritual realities are paradoxical (just the opposite of what we think); therefore, many times, as was the case with Nicodemus, what we think we know isn’t so.

Have you ever assumed that you knew the meaning of a verse of Scripture only to find later that, in reality, you didn’t truly understand? Suddenly you discover that your mental comprehension is inadequate: herein lies the subtle danger of equating intellectual knowledge with spiritual understanding.

In the eyes of the unsaved world: “Knowledge is power” Sir Francis Bacon. The flesh seeks knowledge, even spiritual knowledge, to empower and exalt itself—the desire to know, so as to be known; self-centered motive (Prov.18:1-2).

While it is true (in a sense) that perception defines reality regarding spiritual truth, human perception derived from intellectual knowledge is wholly inadequate to answer the perplexities and mysteries of spiritual realities.

“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” (1Cor.10:12).

“Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become as fool, that he may be wise.” (1Cor.3:18).

“…Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. And if any man think that he knoweth anything, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.” (1 Cor. 8:2).

Also, (Rom.12:3, 1 Cor. 14:37, 2Cor. 3:5, Gal.6:3).

Storing up knowledge about God in our minds doesn’t necessarily translate into having more of God in our hearts and lives. Spiritual realities are not comprehended by human intellect, not aptitude but heart attitude. So, if you or I know anything about the Bible, it’s only because God has revealed it to us!

“Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven…” (Matt.16:17).

Consider, (Acts 4:13) “…they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.”

Our knowledge can’t transform us; only God can do that. It’s not that I know the Bible; it’s that the Bible knows me. The word of God, “…is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Heb.4:12). Anyone who boasts of “their Bible knowledge” reveals that they know nothing!

One of the most significant pitfalls regarding the study of God’s word is found in the fact that you can know the Book and not the Author, “…God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5). The power of paradox is a built-in bear trap for all who come to the Bible with a haughty heart; it will spring shut without a “love of the truth.”

“And for this cause GOD shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie…” (2 Thess.2:11) [Emphasis mine].

Another sure way to trip and break your spiritual neck is to approach the word of God with a preconceived notion or personal opinion seeking Scripture to line up with your thoughts or religious beliefs on a subject. But, again, the important thing about knowledge is how it is used.

The above reveals the pitfalls and vulnerabilities entangling many so-called “Christian scholars,” intellectuals, and professional theologians. “The more things a man seeks to master, the more mistakes he is going to make.”

Self-deception is the fruit of pride, the source of spiritual blindness. Pride produces men of high self-esteem; contemporary Pharisees and Sadducees who are ignorant of the truth found in (1 Cor.1:25-29). The recognized “spiritual authorities” who have fallen into the same trap as their secular cousins, believing that THEIR “knowledge is power,” unable to discern the power of paradox, which opens the eyes to distinguish between “intellectual knowledge” and “spiritual understanding.”

Who do you suppose would be more susceptible to pride (Obadiah 1:3), the common man or the intellectual? Humility is not exactly the hallmark of higher learning. It is my observation (over a lifetime) that intellectual types naturally tend to pride & elevate themselves in their knowledge and learning. I most admire those rare individuals who manage to remain humble despite their gifts–spiritual or intellectual.