|
Romans 11:33-36 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! (34) For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? (35) Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? (36) For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. (KJV)
Williams New Testament translation Romans 11:33-36 33. How fathomless the depths of God's resources, wisdom, and knowledge! How unsearchable His decisions, and how mysterious His methods! 34. For who has ever understood the thoughts of the Lord, or has ever been His adviser? 35. Or who has ever advanced God anything to have Him pay him back? 36. For from Him everything comes, through Him everything lives, and for Him everything exists. Glory to Him forever! Amen. Have you ever seen people that claim if someone gives to God or some of His so called preachers that God now owes them a hundredfold return? Hmmm, sounds deep don’t it, but not very deep in the true things of God, rather deep in something that requires hip boots to keep one unsoiled. Nobody has, ever will, and can truthfully claim they gave something first to God, and now God was indebted to them, because that would fall under the category of works and not grace which is what the true plan of salvation is based on. God is not limited by physical boundaries as man is, but rather has opened a treasure chest of wisdom and knowledge to any and all that would like to tap into it. While mankind has been the Lord’s personal advisor, or so they think, God is revealing Himself to those that are willing to worship Him in Spirit and according to His truth; those that know the only way to please God is by being willing and obedient to what He is asking and not what mankind keeps trying to dictate according to their own fallen nature and understanding. 1 Corinthians 2:6-7 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: (7) But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: (KJV) Iron sharpens iron; so when you speak of the wisdom of God you are speaking something that is hidden to the carnal man but clearly understood by those that are perfect, mature in the realm of the spiritual. The things of God are foolish to those of the world, thus we are told not to cast our pearls before the swine because they will not receive it, rather they mock the worthy name by which we are called by. So rather than going out and about thinking you will be heard for your much speaking and witnessing, learn when and how to speak and share the word of God so that you don’t do more harm than good, because once the swine are done with the pearls they will then turn and tear you to pieces as well. Ever wonder why the Lord kept silent when brought before his accusers, because He understood the wisdom of God and didn’t give them any more ammunition for them to use against Him. Ephesians 3:16-19 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; (17) That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, (18) May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; (19) And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. (KJV) What do you think of when you think of someone strong, do you picture some muscle bound person, those that are depicted as invincible? The true strength of God comes from the Spirit; the inner man that is rooted and grounded in the love of God which is only found in Christ. This is a deep knowledge that goes way beyond that of the flesh or carnal realm, one that few truly tap into and remain grounded in. The love of God passes and is way beyond our knowledge, as high as the heavens are above the earth, so much higher is this wisdom we have access to. Your strength is developed by how much you know the love of Christ, because the more you know of Him the more you see the true riches of God which is in our inner man, the confidence, assurance and boldness that we are one of His. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (10) But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (KJV) There was a song in the seventies that went “how deep is your love”; a question every Christian needs to know for themselves; just how deep is their love and commitment with the Father. While many today talk about Jesus and portray him according to their carnal understanding, few know of Christ, the inner man that strengthened him and showed him how to operate in the wisdom and knowledge of God. If you wish to establish a deeper more personal relationship with the Father you too will need to come to a working knowledge of who Christ is, the inner man which takes you into the inner workings of God, the realm of the Spirit. Many talk of Jesus and base their belief according to the flesh, but those that wish to go deeper can only do so by a personal revelation of Christ, the only rock and foundation that the true Church is built on. It’s not the outward appearance that describes a person, but the hidden inward one is what determines who that person really is; so while many still see a man named Jesus after the flesh, it’s only those that know Christ that can truly define who He is and who they really are. So where are you looking for the answer to the mystery of the kingdom of God, is it in the outward or are you looking deeper within to find the true meaning? Colossians 1:25-29 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; (26) Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: (27) To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: (28) Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: (29) Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. (KJV) When one thinks of riches, one thing that comes to mind is a mine, where they have to dig deep to get to them. The riches of God are hid in Christ and in order to access them it has to be done through Him. The things of God, His wisdom and knowledge are hid from mankind; it is a mystery to those on the outside, but perfectly clear and visible to those that operate inside or inwardly. The mystery of God is, Christ, the unseen inward man working mightily in those who trust that greater is He that is within me than anyone or anything in the world. Do you desire to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might? Do you wish to know God on a deeper more intimate level, growing stronger and becoming more rooted and grounded in His word? Then one need only look inwardly to find the answer which is hid in Christ but ready to be revealed to any and all that would call on the Father through His Son. The things of God, His wisdom, knowledge, mercy and love are so much deeper and higher than anything we could ever think or imagine, so start digging. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. (KJV)
What do you consider your measuring stick, and what do you compare your life with, the spiritual measure or how man measures themselves with each other? I have heard this topic come up over the last few years, and for myself can’t quite come to terms with mans’ reasoning on who are you accountable to? Mainly which pastor or organization do you give account to? Many people compare themselves with other people, and limit themselves to mans’ idea of how to live a Godly life in the Spirit; which has unlimited potential for those that choose to follow the Lord and not end up carbon copy, cookie cutter assembly line Christians. After all, in the end who is it that you are really accountable to, and who’s judgment seat are you going to have to stand before, before you are given access to your eternal home? Wouldn’t now be a good time to start living up to His spiritual standards and quit selling yourself short by following mans’? Romans 12:2-5 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (3) For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. (4) For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: (5) So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. (KJV) Most of what I see out there concerning ministries and ministers is based on worldly standards, rather than holding fast to the truth of God’s word. They bend with the times; they compromise on certain issues; and are more concerned with pleasing man than God. So instead of taking the measure of faith that was dealt to each of us, and letting God have His way so that we can see more and more of the gift of life He gave us, many fall short by measuring themselves with each other, thinking large numbers equals success with God. The most important thing for a Christian to know is who they are in Christ, where the Lord has placed them in the body, and fulfilling this duty no matter where or what our Father is asking of them. Once you establish this relationship with the Father, building up a trust and commitment by hearing the message of faith for yourself, you will find the true path of life is not that heavily traveled, and the ones that are building up numbers for the most part are the ones preaching the ear tickling feel good doctrines of man. 2 Peter 2:1-3 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. (2) And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. (3) And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. (KJV) The Lord considers His church the pearl of great price worth dying for. Despite all this, those that have put themselves in a place of teaching and preaching the word of God, doing it for personal financial gain, making merchandise of people rather than building them up and teaching them who they are in Christ, despicable. I can assure you God does not take too kindly to seeing His children treated like this, anymore than you would want to see your children treated this way. The reason many follow their pernicious, filthy shameless ways is because rather than take the time to listen to God for themselves and hear the message of faith delivered by Christ, they let someone else dictate this message for them, then try to measure up to their standards, and not the standard set forth in the word of God. Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. (KJV) How much of yourself are you willing to give to the Lord? Is He a priority in your life, so that the first thing you do in your day is take the time to stop all that you are doing, so that you can hear His message of love for the day? The measure you put out to the Lord is what will be returned to you; so much that it has to be pressed down and shaken together to make room for more, because the living waters are flowing out of you and watering those around you. There is an old saying, in order to keep it you have to give it away. How much of this measure of faith have you put into practice in your life, and what are you basing and comparing your walk with; someone here on earth, or someone seated at the right hand of the Father? Some say the sky’s the limit, but with Christ I say that it is just the beginning. By the way, give doesn’t just refer to money as so often is taught, but rather how much of your life are you willing to lay down for the brethren so that the life of Christ can manifest through you. Whosoever shall lose his life shall find it. Ephesians 4:11-13 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (13) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (KJV) The purpose of those that are called within the fivefold ministry is to build up the Church, which are the people of God, not the building, and to teach them how to measure up to the stature, maturity of Christ. Those that are able to come to an understanding of the knowledge of the Son of God will be able to grow and mature according to God’s standard and not some manmade self serving one. Ephesians 4:14-16 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (16) From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (KJV) When we were children we all thought of certain people that we wanted to grow up too be like, and imitated them. Those that truly mature in the Lord will not be trying to imitate other people, but rather seek to follow Christ and the person He intended for us to be. So grow up Church, and let’s put away childish things. Set your standards according to God’s word and seek those things which are above, and don’t settle for less. It’s time to raise the bar. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 3:34-36 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. (35) The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. (36) He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (KJV)
Up until the time of our Lord, the Holy Spirit would come upon the people, who would then deliver the message that the Spirit would speak through them, and then the Spirit would depart again. Jesus of Nazareth was the first born man who had the Spirit of Christ dwelling in Him; the Spirit would never leave nor forsake Him, but was within Him leading and guiding Him on the path of life. We too have access to this same measure of faith; this Spirit will not leave nor forsake you, however, we are the ones that wander off in areas that are not beneficial to our Spiritual well being, which simply put, is sin. Oh and by the way, that same love that our Father has for His Son in verse 35, yeah, you too are considered to be one of His children, with access to that love. Mark 4:24-25 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. (25) For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath. (KJV) You know, the Lord would love to give His people a good measure, in fact it is so good that it overflows, and has to be pressed down, then shaken together to make more room. However with many, they limit God by beginning in the Spirit and then fall short by trying to perfect their lives according to the flesh. You have access to an unlimited resource Church; in fact, our Father who cannot lie says in His word that all things are now possible to those that believe, and that nothing should be considered impossible any longer. But sad to say, many get talked out of the Lord’s realm by letting the enemy steal, and take the truth that was sown in their heart and replace it with a cheap imitation, something that looks good to the outward but is a total abomination to the new inward creation in Christ. Ephesians 3:19-20 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. (20) 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, (KJV) So how are you measuring up today? Are you feeling full yet, having gotten a good dose of the truth that is renewing your mind? If you notice throughout the word of God, His realm refers to fullness, abundance, above and beyond; and even a good measure pressed down shaken together and running over so that it not only waters your garden but those around you as well. Is the Lord exceeding your expectations, or are you not quite measuring up to His standards because you haven’t made Him or His Word a priority in your life? 2 Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. (KJV) Another area where many fall short is when they emulate others, and try to please people rather than God. Many limit the Lord because they think that if it doesn’t involve big numbers, like with other people, then they have fallen short in their walk. Nonsense, the more you leave mankind out of the equation, the more you will see the Lord in your life and have a personal vision of who you are in Christ. Anytime you compare yourself with others, or measure yourself by man’s standards, you are ripping yourself off as well as robbing the Lord from working in and through you. Philippians 4:12-13 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. (13) I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (KJV) Hey Church, how about a can do attitude? Well, if you are a can do person then you will see yourself the way He sees you; and will keep yourself full of the good news of the gospel of Christ, and no longer fall short with man’s cheap limited doctrines. God bless Church, and let the Lord continue to show you how you are more than a conqueror through Him that loves us and has our best interest at heart. The only way you will ever measure up and find peace and contentment is in the realm of the Spirit, and not that of the flesh. |
AuthorWe are stewards of the mystery of Christ. Ambassadors on His behalf to share the conditions of peace with God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Archives
December 2024
Categories
All
|