Saturday, October 9, 2010

The Withering Away of the Natural


Wherever the Word of God is sown the Spirit of God rains and blows. To the Word this wind supplies fresh water of life but to the flesh this wind is a consuming fire. There are several other passages it is written that our God is a consuming fire. This fire from the Lord destroys that which of the flesh The result is that wherever the Word of God is at work there is first two great contradictions-the contradiction of the surrounding flesh to God's work and the contradiction of the fire of God's Spirit to the work of the flesh. God must oppose the believer while He is blowing fire on their flesh. Life will at first seem hopeless to the believer but it is a prelude to great things.
Isaiah 40:3-8 KJV  The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.  (4)  Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:  (5)  And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.  (6)  The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field:  (7)  The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass.  (8)  The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.  


What specifically does God want to accomplish through withering the natural. There are five purposes for withering:


  1. Sometimes God subject His people to withering to change their perspective so that the may enter into faith.

  2. Other times he uses wither to change situation to guide God's people as sheep to where He wants them to be.

  3. Withering can also be used to prove God exist and is at work in the world.

  4. Then there are the disobedient children who must be put into time-out because the will not follow God's instruction.

  5. God also uses withering to the destriment and ultimate destruction of His enemies. 

Example of how God used withering to Change Human Perspectives.

Abraham was raised in a pagan-polytheistic household. One of the most important principles in paganism is that by participating in various fertility rites  that the "Queen of Heaven" will grant fertility to people's bodies, crops, and herds. Early in life Abraham participated in such rituals.

Abraham's life showed the futility of such rituals. He was immensely blessed in his flocks and herds. He was deprived, however of the most important fertility blessing. He was childless. He had all of this wealth and no one to pass it on to. What was the point? There was no point. It is certain that this created a crisis of faith. Abraham's experience in paganism led to absurdity. In other words Abraham was living The Futility Driven Life.

God shut up Sarah's womb and prevented Abraham from becoming a father to create a crisis in his pagan faith. He produced withering in Abraham's flesh so that Abraham would be open to faith in the Living God.

Examples of how God used withering to Manipulate Situations

Sometimes God uses withering to manipulate situation to he benefit of His people. Because God's people do not always listen attentively God must use increasingly forceful means to guide his people. Just as a shepherd uses his staff to guide the sheep because the aren't listening God uses situations to guide His people. This was the case with both Joseph and Moses in the early stages of their lives.

Joseph received some dreams from God. These dreams predicted that Joseph would be the head of he family. What did Joseph do with this knowledge. He bragged and bragged and bragged about God's big plans for him. His brothers became jealous-so jealous that the plotted to kill him in order to prevent the dreams from coming to pass. Joseph's pride set the stage for events leading to his suffering.

Although Joseph suffered for thirteen years God was with him and prospered him during that time. Joseph became the lead slave under Potiphar because God blessed the work he did. when Joseph was framed for sexuall assualting Potiphar's wife he went to prison. In prison God blessed him so that he was put in charge of the other prisoners.

It was in prison that the stage was set for Joseph's promotion to the position that today we would call Prime Minister. God had gifted him in the interpetation of dreams. Two officers fromm Pharoah house were imprisoned where Joseph was. The chief  baker and butler were imprisoned. The both had dreams that Joseph interpreted. Both of Joseph's interpretation came to pass. The baker was killed and the butler was restored.

Two after the butler was restored the Pharoah had a dream  that none of his councillors could interpret. the butler remembered what Joseph did and recounted hat to Pharoah. When Joseph was brought to Pharoah he was able to both interpret pharoah's dreamsand add some sound advice. Joseph impressed Pharoah so much that the Pharoah made him prime minister of all of Egypt.

Moses was drawn from the water during a time when all Hebrew boy babies were being murdered to weaken Israel. He grew up in Pharoah's house. As he became a man he became aware of the suffering of his family and decided to do somehing about it.

While the text gives us only one clue it is likely that Moses planned to be a fifth columnist within Pharoah's household. He would do whatever he could get away with until he became pharoah. Sounded like a good idea huh. Moses would secretly kill those who committed atrocities against his fellow Israelites. The young Moses would have made an excellent Revolutionary.

God would have none of that. What Moses thought was secret God published. Moses deed became known and God let him know it was known just in time for him to successfully flee for his life.

Moses  for forty years withered away in the wilderness. God used withering to make Mose a shepherd to prevent from  relying on the schemes of the flesh rather than trusting God's purposes. God used withering during Moses time in the wilderness as shepherd to prepare him to shepherd the Israelites for forty years in that same wilderness.

Example of How God used Withering to Prove Himself.

Elijah intentionally used withering to prove who was the God of Israel. He called the false prophets of Baal to a sacrifice. The prophets of Baal would sacrifice and then Elijah would sacrifice. The God who responded to his sacrifice by fire was the true God of Israel. The prophets of Baal had the first opportunity to have a sacrifice answered by fire. The were given all day to do this and failed to receive the answer by fire. The followers of Baal failed in spite of having both the advantage of the first strike and the advantage of abundant time allowance.

Elijah further stacked the deck against himself by having his sacrifice flooded with water, not inm the heat of the day where the heat of the  sun might dry it, but in the cool of the evening. Elijah was now in such a hopless state that the only way he could  get an answer by fire is if God gives the answer.

God did indeed answer and answered boldly. He sent down fire that consumed not only the sacrifice, but completely consumed the wood, the water, and the stones as well.

Positive Versus Negative Withering.

Not Everyone subjected to withering received a benefit. A benefit is promised only to those who love God and have been elected by God. God uses suffering to accomplish good purposes for his people.
Romans 8:28-32 KJV  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  (29)  For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.  (30)  Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.  (31)  What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?  (32)  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
Those who are in the world who continue in rebellion also are subjected to suffering. Their lives are also purpose driven but it is not for their benefit, but to their loss. Subjecting these to futility and bringing them to nothing is God's purpose
Proverbs 16:3-4 KJV  Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.  (4)  The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
This is why it is essential that we respond to God's offer of grace that we may be cleansed from negative or vulgar purposes. We need to ask what God is doing in the midst of our trials. Is He working  to change our perspective, like He did with Abraham, or is He working to change the situation to accomplish His purposes? He used withering to open up opportunities for worldly power for Joseph. God did the opposite with Moses, taking him away from worldly pomp and circumstance. Elijah at God's command deliberately subjected himself to trial in order to prove who was the true God of Israel.

God's People in Timeout.
There are many instances in Scripture where God's people refused to heed any instruction. They were doing more harm than good and God's justice required that He put them in time out. An entire generation of Israelites had to perish in the wilderness due to refusal to believe. Israel eventually had to be booted from the promised land for over 1800 years.

This is not limited to the Old Testament but those even happened as a warning and as an example to us
1 Corinthians 10:1-11 KJV    Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;  (2)  And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;  (3)  And did all eat the same spiritual meat;  (4)  And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.  (5)  But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.  (6)  Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.  (7)  Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.  (8)  Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.  (9)  Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.  (10)  Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.  (11)  Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

Hebrews 4:1-6 KJV  Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.  (2)  For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.  (3)  For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.  (4)  For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.  (5)  And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.  (6)  Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:
We must believe and continue in faith in God's promises. If we refuse to heed God's promises or His instructions or commands we will be left behind. If we have been guilt of this we must REPENT. There is no sin that cannot be cleansed by the blood of Jesus

Example of how God used withering to waste away the world.

Scripture states that God could have instantly destroyed the Pharoah who enslaved the Israelites and opposed Moses but that God decided to slowly subject the Pharoah and Egypt to plagues so that God may be glorified. God works His judgments and His wrath with great patience so that when events work out exactly as God said the would people will see God's wisdom and power displayed.
Exodus 9:13-18 KJV  And the LORD said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me.  (14)  For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth.  (15)  For now I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee and thy people with pestilence; and thou shalt be cut off from the earth.  (16)  And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.  (17)  As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go?  (18)  Behold, to morrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as hath not been in Egypt since the foundation thereof even until now.

Romans 9:17 KJV  For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.
The process of wasting the world will end when the world and it's desires pass away. Everything that is of the world will die
1 John 2:15-17 KJV  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.  (16)  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  (17)  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
Only the one who does the will of God will live forever. The beginning of doing the will of God is to believe. God accepts saving faith in lieu of works. This faith comes from God's Word. As we believe God's Word, which lasts forever, that Word starts to bear fruit that remains.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Speaking the Truth in Love

The New Testament, in it's emphasis on Biblical unity in the Church, instructs us to develop intimate relationships among the brothers and sisters. We are to develop relationships where we fall head over heels in brotherly love towards our brothers and sisters in Christ. There are three principles that govern how to safely and effectively achieve intimacy among members of the Body of Christ: Trust God to place into our lives those with whom we are to have relationships and trust Him to arrange them in the proper relations with us, Speak the truth in love, and flee selfish desires. In this installment I am writing on the need to speak the truth in love to our brothers and sisters


Speaking the Truth in Love.
In the course of brotherly relation in the family of God conflicts and issues involving selfish ambitions are inevitable. The flesh is tempted to indulge greed, sexual immorality, pursuit of power. Because of this brother and sisters sometimes misuse each other or relate to each other in ways that hinder their walk with God The genuine pursuit of brotherly love then involves speaking the Truth in love to bring accountability into relationships. This accountability helps to insure that we cintinue on the path that leads us to unity in the faith and results in attaining maturity in Christ




Ephesians 4:11-16 KJV 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: (14) 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.

According to Scripture each of us has an important part to play in the lives of others. There are three insights that emerge from the following texts that we need to do in speaking the truth in love. We are to speak the Word of God into each others lives and into the situations we face. The second thing is that we must be open to allow others to speak into our lives. The third is that when we see someone in a fault we must act to restore while guarding ourselves from temptation.


We are to speak the Word of God into each others lives.
The Word of God is powerful and intimate love relationships are powerful. God wants us to speak His Word to to build up those we love. this combination allows for effective ministry that build up the church much faster than the most brilliant sermons ever constructed. People are more open to persuasion from those whom they care about


Colossians 3:16 KJV Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.


We must be open to allow others to speak into our lives.
If we seek to speak the Word of God into the lives of others, we must, in turn, be open to allow others to speak into our lives.This is what it means to submit each one to another. We submit to one another by having a willingness to listen to godly counsel from one another.


The submission in view here is not a hierarchical or pyramid style. leaders are to be open to godly counsel from those they lead.


Ephesians 5:15-21 KJV See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, (16) Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (17) Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. (18) And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; (19) Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; (20) Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; (21) Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

We must seek to restore the fallen brother.
When we know that a brother or sister has fallen into sin, we are to restore him or her. When we do that we must be careful not to fall into sin ourselves. We must be aware of our own vulnerabilities as we do this. We need to be aware of the forces of sin and temptation in both ourselves and others so that we may expose sin to the light and eradicate it.


Galatians 6:1 KJV Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Ephesians 5:8-16 KJV For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (9) (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) (10) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. (11) And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. (12) For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. (13) But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. (14) 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.


This accountability is usually one on one or in small groups. Most of the time it is informal. In hard cases the protocols of Matthew 18 must be followed.


By speaking the truth in love we can insure that we all continue on a correct course to attain godliness and grow in in Christ, until we become conformed to the image of God's Son and enter into the fulness of Christ

Monday, September 27, 2010

Loving the Brothers and Sisters

The New Testament, in it's emphasis on Biblical unity in the Church, instructs us to develop intimate relationships among the brothers and sisters. We are to develop relationships where we fall head over heels in brotherly love towards our brothers and sisters in Christ. There are three principles that govern how to safely and effectively achieve intimacy among members of the Body of Christ: Trust God to place into our lives those with whom we are to have relationships and trust Him to arrange them in the proper relations with us, Speak the truth in love, and flee selfish desires.


Trust God to Place People into Our Lives in the Proper Relationships.
It is written in 1 Cor 12 that God has arranged the members of the Body in the Christ in the relations that He wants them to be in. God will brings brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers in the Lord in the type of relations He wants. He will bring you in to their lives. We are to develop love relationships where we can be both blessed and a blessing.


1 Corinthians 12:13-20 KJV For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (14) For the body is not one member, but many. (15) If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? (16) And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? (17) If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? (18) But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. (19) And if they were all one member, where were the body? (20) But now are they many members, yet but one body.


Each believer has a place in the Body of Christ. Each part needs the other parts to function properly. God has placed you exactly where He wants you. You exist not only in relation to Christ but also in relation to other members of the body.


1 Corinthians 12:22-27 KJV Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: (23) And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. (24) For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: (25) That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. (26) And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. (27) Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.


We are to deeply care for our brothers and sisters. God has placed the members so that there would be no shism in the body but the same love for one another might be distributed throughout the body. While in the flesh we have barriers to love and affection, the agape and brotherly love of Christ knows no such restriction. We are to be in love with our brothers and sisters in Christ.


It is, on a practical level, impossible for any one person to have such deep relations with every other individual believer. What the Lord does is to place into each of our lives certain individual brothers and sisters with we will become affectionately bonded with brotherly love.


Ephesians 4:31-5:2 KJV Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: (32) And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (5:1) Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; (2) And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

John 13:34-35 KJV A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (35) By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.


John 15:9-15 KJV As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. (10) If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. (11) These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. (12) This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. (13) Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (14) Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. (15) Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

1 John 3:16 KJV Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.



Romans 12:9-11 KJV Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. (10) Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; (11) Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;


Galatians 5:13 KJV For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Philippians 2:1-4 KJV If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, (2) Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (3) Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. (4) Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.



1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 KJV And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: (13) To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

1 Peter 1:22-25 KJV Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: (23) Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. (24) For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: (25) But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.


We are to deeply love our brothers and sisters in Christ that God has placed into our lives. In different places we are told to prefer one another, have kind affection toward one another, serve one another. we are instructed even to lay down our lives for one another. Brotherly is contrasted in many of these passages with fornication and selfish desires. 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 and 1 Peter 1:22-25 even connect the increase of brotherly love with attaining holiness. The increase of brotherly love leads to holiness, but the pursuit of fornication and other carnal desires can both spoil brotherly love and bring an increase of sin.




Flee Selfish desires.
We are to avoid injecting selfish ambitions into our relationships with the brothers and sisters in the family of God. We are to avoid anything that might stir up carnal desires.The introduction of carnal motivations and desires can spoil and even destroy relationships.The pursuit of brotherly lover and the pursuit of selfish, carnal ambitions are frequently contrasted. The following passages make this clear.


Ephesians 4:31-5:6 KJV Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: (32) And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (5:1) Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; (2) And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. (3) But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; (4) Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. (5) For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. (6) Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

Colossians 3:5-16 KJV Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: (6) For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: (7) In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. (8) But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. (9) Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; (10) And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: (11) Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. (12) Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; (13) Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. (14) And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. (15) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. (16) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Philippians 2:1-4 KJV If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, (2) Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (3) Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. (4) Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Galatians 5:14-26 KJV For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (15) But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. (16) This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (17) For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. (18) But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. (19) Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, (20) Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, (21) Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, (23) Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (24) And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. (25) If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (26) Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.


We are to avoid injecting selfish ambitions into our relations with the brothers and sisters in the family of God. We are instructed to avoid lies and deceptive schemes and games. We are to avoid jealousy, greed and all kinds of selfish strifes described in the passages above. Selfish ambition and strife can even occur in the ministry. People fight over position in the church, Christian business and ministry.People have fits of anger and fear because they seek to get as much of their private kingdom as they can. Christian fight over power position and priviledge. They fight over money and wealth. They burn in lust towards sisters and brothers.


Christians fighting over power, position and priviledge goes back to the disciples. The mother of Zebedee's sons, James and John(Matt 4:21), sought to insure that her sons would be the greatest in kingdom of God. This was Jesus reply


Matthew 20:20-28 KJV Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. (21) And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom. (22) But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. (23) And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father. (24) And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren. (25) But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. (26) But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; (27) And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: (28) Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Those of the brothers and sisters who desire leadership must be prepared to serve other brothers and sisters. It is wrong if we seek leadership in order to dominate others and get some advantage. We should serve others.


We must not let love of money destroy brotherly love either. As brothers and sisters come together in the church or in business dealings there must no hint of cutthroat business practices or hardball games. These kinds of thing can wreak havoc not only in business but can spoil the life of the Church. We are warned in Scriptures not to harbor a love of money.


1 Timothy 6:3-11 KJV If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; (4) He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, (5) Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. (6) But godliness with contentment is great gain. (7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (8) And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. (9) But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. (10) For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (11) But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

James 4:1-7 KJV From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? (2) Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. (3) Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. (4) Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. (5) Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? (6) But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. (7) Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

The love of money can drown not only the greedy but the victims of the greedy in hurtful lusts. Greed motivates people to steal, defraud and kill. The greedy will often set other up for a fall, hoping to profit from the catastrophe. We must resist the devil when he tempts us to be greedy and selfish and and humble ourselves before God. God gives grace to the humble.


Must must resist the temptation to allow selfish desires to motivate us in our relations with the brothers and sisters, whether those desires be desires be for power, or desires for money and thethings money buys, or desires to have a brother or sister in sexual lust. We must especially be careful in dealing in sexual matters in relationships with members of the opposite sex in the family of God.


The brothers must avoid telling the dirty jokes (foolish jesting), the footsies, and various episodes of flirtation that are common in the world. Christian men, when you do these things to your sister in Christ you are tempting her, stirring up her flesh. These things can endanger her chastity and sexual purity. Even a woman of extraordinary virtue can fall under sufficient temptation. If a brother is truly in brotherly love with a sister in Christ he will not subject her to such risk. He will instead choose to protect her chastity. He will save these carnal things for marriage.


Ephesians 4:31-5:6 KJV Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: (32) And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (5:1) Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; (2) And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. (3) But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; (4) Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. (5) For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. (6) Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.


The sisters must avoid dressing in a sexually provocative way or flirt with men. Christian women, when you do these things to your brother in Christ you are inflaming his lust and endangering his sexual purity. Even the strongest man can fall under sufficient temptation. If a sister is in love with her brother in Christ then she will protect his purity. She will reserve those carnal things for marriage.


1 Timothy 2:9-10 KJV In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; (10) But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

Proverbs 31:29-31 KJV Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. (30) Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. (31) Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.


The introduction of carnal things into relations between brothers and sisters can lead to disastrous consequences. It can break the bond of brotherly love and morph into an ugly selfish thing. Instead of loving each other carnal people are obsessed with '...getting their needs met...' Those controlled with selfishness ambition will hurt, use, and abuse others to get what self wants. True brotherly love seeks the good of the other, sometimes even at your expense.