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Waging of War (στρατεύω)

As Christians, although we walk in the flesh, our waging of war is not done according to the flesh, for our weapons of warfare are not carnal in nature, 2 Corinthians 10:3-4. We battle malignantly evil spiritual forces that seek to ensnare our minds into doing the will of Satan while persuading us that we are doing what God wants, 2 Timothy 2:26. One of the most influential means by which war is waged upon humans is through the world system, for it is set up to pacify the sin nature through the desires of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of biological life, just as a baby is appeased by his mother rocking him in her arms, 1 John 2:16; 5:19. The wars of this world are a direct result of seeking to fulfill the desires of the flesh, James 4:1. Since we are engulfed in a spiritual battle, we are not to entangle ourselves with the affairs of this world, 2 Timothy 2:3.

Although we are at war, we do not need to fear. God has given us all things pertaining to life and godliness, 2 Peter 1:3. We are not ignorant of Satan’s methods and have been provided with armor that handles any attack he brings our way, Ephesians 6:10-18; 2 Corinthians 2:11. As part of our salvation, we also have light armor for everyday use so that we are always ready to give a defense for the hope that we have as we shine as luminaries to this crooked and perverse generation through living out who we are in Christ while casting off the works of darkness, Romans 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:8. We are not part of the world system, […]

Waging of War (στρατεύω)2023-12-14T08:10:23-08:00

No savingness (ἀσωτία)

In Ephesians 5:18, the saint is instructed to stop being drunk with wine, in which is no savingness. In many English translations the word “dissipation” is used, meaning the foolishness of using one’s money or time in a way that only seeks pleasure, resulting in these resources being wasted. However, in the original language, it is a negation of the word “save”, which expresses the lack of salvation; not focusing on using one’s time and resources in a preserving manner. Therefore,  intoxicated Christians are not able to relate to the things pertaining to salvation; rather, they are wasting their time with foolishness due to seeking after pleasure. Therefore, they are not redeeming the time, Ephesians 5:16. This type of lifestyle is seen in the parable of the prodigal son, who took all his possessions and foolishly squandered them, Luke 15:13.

In Titus, Paul writes concerning the requirements of a Pastor. He is to be a one-woman type of man, meaning only married to one woman, and not have children who are accused of seeking pleasure over the things that relate to salvation, Titus 1:6. These are children who have no discipline in using their time and resources in a proper way and are living a lifestyle following after foolish things.

The things related to salvation impact our conduct. As Christians, we are not to foolishly waste our time with the things the Gentiles go after, for they seek pleasure above all else, living a lifestyle of licentiousness, running after every desire in debauchery and partying. This type of conduct leads to destruction for it does nothing more than waste the resources a person has, bringing upon them ruin. When we start to govern our lives according to […]

No savingness (ἀσωτία)2023-12-23T06:29:25-08:00

Healthy (ὑγιαίνω)

“Healthy” expresses good physical health and describes the proper use of information that is to be taught, but not put into practice by correctly dividing doctrine and teaching.

In response to the Pharisees and scribes complaining against Christ’s disciples concerning them eating with tax collectors and sinners, Jesus explains that one who is healthy does not have a need for a physician, for the Messiah has not come for the righteous, but the sinners to change their minds, Luke 5:30-32.

When healthy is used with teaching, it is the type of teaching that is according to the gospel of the proper opinion of the happy God, which was committed to Paul. This teaching has to do with properly handling Old Testament information, which is to be learned but not practiced. The Law is good, but it is for the unrighteous; all those who do things that are contrary to healthy teaching, 1 Timothy 1:8-11. We are righteous in Christ; therefore, we are not under law. Rather, our standard is to live by grace out from faith.

If anyone does not commit himself to the healthy words of our Lord, we are to withdraw ourselves from them, 1 Timothy 6:3. Of these who do not hold to the words of our Lord are those who teach that gain is godliness, where according to healthy words godliness with contentment is great gain. Since we brought nothing into this world, and will take nothing with us, going after money leads to all kinds of temptations and snares, for the fondness of money is a root of all wrong actions, 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

We are in a time where most assemblies claiming to be Christian are not putting up with healthy teaching, but […]

Healthy (ὑγιαίνω)2023-12-23T11:31:44-08:00

Scandalize (σκανδαλίζω)

Scandalize is to shockingly offend a person’s moral sensibility.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks of a man scandalizing himself when he looks at a woman for the purpose of desiring her for adultery, for in doing so he has already committed adultery in his heart, Matthew 5:28.  The kingdom of the heavens is what Jesus is preaching. After the Messiah comes, is cut off, the Temple is desecrated by Satan, and the Messiah returns in glory, He sets up a Kingdom that will last for 1000 years, Daniel 9:24-27. In setting up this kingdom, God makes a new covenant with Israel in which He writes His law within their heart, Jeremiah 31:33. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus is giving instructions concerning the rules of this kingdom, not for today. This man scandalizes himself because he intentionally violated the law of God that is written in his heart by acting upon a thought to desire another woman by glancing at her for this purpose. Unlike under the Mosaic Law where the act of adultery, which is a sin, would be punished, he is held liable for scandalizing himself by using his members in a way that is contrary to what he knows is right even though the physical act of adultery has not been committed, for sin and scandalizing are not the same thing. This is not referring to today, for we are in a period of time in which we must learn the law of God, which for the Church is to live by grace through faith. Therefore, such desires, although we may strongly desire not to have them, do not scandalize us, for we expect to have to deal with […]

Scandalize (σκανδαλίζω)2023-12-23T11:33:57-08:00

Simplicity (ἁπλότης)

Simplicity conveys a singleness of nature or unity. Therefore, its purpose is not dividable; rather, it is immutable while expressing a state of openness, frankness, or directness.

In addressing the saints in Rome, the Apostle Paul encouraged the ones with the Spiritual gift of giving to use this gift with simplicity, Romans 12:8. Whether we have the gift or not, when it comes to giving, we are not to do it under compulsion, or out from necessity, but with a cheerful heart, for the Lord loves a cheerful giver, 2 Corinthians 9:7. Therefore, let each one determine in his heart what he desires to give from his excess and do it so with simplicity, having no other intent.

In contrast to fleshly wisdom, we are to conduct ourselves in this world in simplicity and godly sincerity, 2 Corinthians 1:12. This is especially important when it comes to ones who teach the Word of God. Their purpose should always be to teach others, not to gain anything from them by teaching. An assembly should take care of its Pastor, and for those who serve well, they should provide for him a double portion; however, the intent of the Pastor should be simple, to equip them unto a work of ministry for the edification of the body of the Christ to bring them all to a unity (oneness) of the faith and a full experiential knowledge of the Son of God so that they are no longer tossed around by every wind of teaching by the trickery of men in deceit.

When it comes to someone who presents a different gospel or receives a different spirit, we are not to put up with them, for they seek to corrupt us […]

Simplicity (ἁπλότης)2023-12-23T11:36:06-08:00
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