August 2022 - Page 5 of 5 - Word of Grace Studies

Doubting (διακρίνω)

In Romans, when Paul writes concerning what sin is for a Christian, he uses a word that has the meaning of “to thoroughly judge”, which is translated as “doubting” or “making a distinction”

But the one doubting, if perhaps, he should eat is condemned because it is not out from faith. And all which is not out from faith is sin. – Romans 14:23.

Since sin involves doing something that is not out from faith, doubting is questioning what is permissible. Therefore, when we do something that is contrary to what we have determined within our minds is permitted by God for us as Christians, we are not taking God at His Word. This involves a battle with the conscience, for it will either excuse or accuse us based upon our knowledge and actions (Romans 2:15). One who is doubting is thoroughly judging ways to get around their conscience to justify doing something that they know is wrong. Typically, this type of a situation comes about by the influence of others. We are instructed in Romans 14:1 to accept the weaker in the faith brother, but not for the purpose of thoroughly judging their beliefs. And neither is to seek to influence the other with the way they have chosen to separate themselves out to God (Romans 14:10). One may choose to abstain where the other does not. This is not permitting sin in the assembly, but how we each govern our own bodies before God.

James also uses this same word to describe someone who is not asking out from faith. Describing this type of a person as one who is like a wave of the sea that is driven by the wind and tossed (James 1:6). These are […]

Religious Superstitious Awe (φαρμακεία)

One of the works of the flesh is very religious. Often translated as “sorcery” or “witchcraft”, it actually is referring to a religious superstition brought on by a place, experience, or person through which someone feels closer to God.

And the works of the flesh are manifested, which are: Adultery, fornication, uncleanliness, licentiousness, idolatry, religious superstitious awe … Galatians 5:19-20.

We find in Revelation this type of work of the flesh is related to religious matters. The harlot, Mystery Babylon the Great, will deceive the nations through her religious superstitious awe (Revelation 18:23).

All world religions use this type of work of the flesh to manipulate their followers. Whether it is through spectacular buildings, separation of clergy from the people, worship services that focus on getting an emotional response, or individuals that claim to be able to heal, speak in tongues, teach gain is godliness and many other methods, it is all about the awe imposed on a person to manipulate them to think that they are closer to God.

Christianity is actually not a religion, it is Christ. A Christian is one who is a disciple of Christ (Acts 11:26). Religions come from the flesh, not from God. Through manifesting the fleshly work of religious superstitious awe, buildings, idols, denominations, and people are setup to satisfy the conscience to serve a supposed higher power that pleases the fleshly desires rather than the one true God.

True believers worship God in spirit and truth. Worship is giving God credit for what He has done (Revelation 4:10-11), spirit is our rational part (1 Corinthians 2:10), and truth is seeing things as they really are. Superstition has no part in Christianity for it requires ignorance. Rather, we are to come to a […]