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You must be in fellowship prior to your Bible study, so that the spiritual information you receive can become a source, of blessing to your soul and produce spiritual growth.
1 Thessalonians 2:4
4 But [alla] as [kathos] we were allowed [dokimazo] of [hupo] God [theos] to be put in trust [pisteuo] with the gospel, [euaggelion] even so [houto] we speak; [laleo] not [ou] as [hos] pleasing [aresko] men, [anthropos] but [alla] God, [theos] which trieth[dokimazo] our [hemon] hearts. [kardia]KJV-Interlinear
4 but just as we have been
approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing
men but God, who examines our hearts. NASB
It is said that to whom
much is given, much is expected.This
concept has many applications, but the primary application is of course dealing
with the spiritual life.
Much being given is,
eternal life, blessings, spiritual growth, and so forth.Much being expected is, mans commitment to
obedience to God through mans dedication to truth, to daily study and growth,
to applying Gods mandates and principles to ones daily life and so forth.
This excludes deceit
and gimmicks.
And, as this applies to
instructors of the Word, this also applies to hearers of the word.In other words, the spiritual life and the
consistency with which we approach it or function within it, means
that we all must pursue it in truth, and not in selfish desire or convenience.
Paul was entrusted with
the gospel and doctrine.He was
entrusted by God, who is perfect and fair, and righteous and just.
Paul would have no
right to compromise Gods high standards.Paul would have no right to tempt people into listening to his
instruction in exchange for monetary gain, or in exchange for promises, or in
exchange for wishes, or things that simply so not exist in the spiritual life.
For example, I could
offer you all the promise to be the first to go into the Rapture, but of course
you would have to follow my instructions to the letter, which could include
purchasing your very own exclusive Rapture Robe, purchasing your very own
exclusive Rapture Bible, by donating all of your money and property and
daughters and so forth, to me.And, as
dumb as all of that sounds, which of course it is, there will be some who would
fall for the charade, hook, line, and sinker.
I could try to promise
you forty acres and two mules, in heaven, or an estate larger than any earthly
plantation, but of course that would have a price.Or, I could promote the study of promises,
implying that if you only memorize certain verses and follow certain guidelines,
then those promises will come true for you in no time at all, but of course
that would come with a price tag.You
would have to buy my book of promises and guidelines.
And before you get too
confused from all of this, these things just mentioned do not exist.But there have been those in history who have
started cults and clubs and organizations that have bilked people out of their
life savings, and out of their life, with just such frauds.
Paul lived nearly
thirty-five years with only the support from folks who believed in his efforts.With no promises, with no coercion, with no
trickery, his ministry was blessed by God, because it was Gods
plan that was being fulfilled, not Pauls.
Likewise, this Bible
study is totally available online.And
as long as it pleases God, or as long as there are those who will benefit from
it, or as long as I am able to write, then this study will continue as it
is.The donation page is purely
voluntary, and intended only to compensate me for my work, if and only if you
choose to do so.I most appreciate anything
sent, however, donations are not a requirement, nor mandatory, nor contingent
on getting the spiritual material that you need for
improving and completing your life.
If God sees fit to
remove me, or this study, then it will be for reasons of His choosing.
Paul taught
doctrine.The doctrine taught was
reviewed by God, and everything of truth was allowed, and anything which
departed from truth, was not.
That same principle
applies to both you and me.God the Holy
Spirit (we studied this just a few lessons ago), makes all truth clear and perspicuous.He likewise makes all things not of truth,
obvious and discernable.
So, if you pursue your
spiritual life in a legitimate fashion, then all truth will be made clear and
all untruth will also be made obvious.Your desire to get involved in the spiritual
promotion of Bible doctrine will come to you sooner or later if you continue to
grow, or not at all if that is your choice.
But know one thing, God
promotes His Word, not man.God does not
depend on human efforts, or human abilities, to get His Word to those who want
it.However, man receives no credit for
things he could have done, but did not.
Therefore, Bible study
is a repetitive system of instruction, not a system for social or entertainment
activities.Those who need to be
entertained or awed all of the time, will never advance in their spiritual
life. Those who demand proof or credentials, will never find their spiritual
life. Those who deceive in order to have gains in life, will end up with
nothing.
Truth stands on its own
without any need for crutches for support.The Holy Spirit is the ultimate authority and His credentials are
impeccable.
Anyone, and I repeat,
anyone, who has a genuine desire to learn Bible doctrine, to them will be
revealed the discernment between truth and lies, between legitimate instruction
and gimmicks.
But to anyone who wants
proof, who wants to be entertained, who wants truth to conform to their own
predisposed beliefs, who wants to rewrite doctrine to fit their own lifestyle,
and so forth, then discernment will not be allowed into their minds, because
they do not want it.And to them, God
allows blindness where sight is not desired.
God tests the heart, 1
Chron. 28:9, 29:17, Jer. 11:20, 17:10, Psa. 11:4, Rom. 8:27. When He discovers genuine desire, then
nothing, repeat, nothing is withheld from that person.
You just have to decide
on which side of the fence you are going to live your life.
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End Of Lesson
Study to show thyself approved (mature) unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing (studying/discerning), the Word of truth.
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