Faithful on Fridays Blog

Understanding the Mysteries- Part Four

In Luke 11:5-13 Jesus impressed the truth to His followers of the Father’s care, concern, and their standing to receive His Spirit and all that encompasses. This is a crucial truth for us to understand since He continued teaching them about the demonic kingdom and its power. In verse 18 we’re told that Satan has a kingdom and in verse 20 that God has a kingdom.

Both kingdoms are invisible, in the heavenly realm, but nevertheless both stand in position with authority. In order to understand these kingdoms Jesus refers to an Old Testament passage (Ex. 8:19) when the magicians of Pharaoh came face to face with God’s power. They had previously been empowered by Satan to copy the first three plagues even affecting the Hebrews but God ended their power, consequently, they recognized His preeminence: “This is the finger of God.” 

It wasn’t by accident that Jesus used the same phrase:

But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

Luke 11:20

We would say today that God possesses more power in His little finger than Satan has in his whole body! Interestingly, in Matthew’s account of this parable (Matt. 12:22-30) Jesus used the phrase, ‘but if it is by the Spirit of God’, reminding us that God’s power is manifested by the Holy Spirit. 

The parable (back to Luke 11) imagines a heavily guarded palace of a strong man, when a stronger man attacks and overcomes him. There’s not only victory but the stronger man removes the weaker man’s trusted armor and divides his goods. Matthew adds that the stronger man actually bound the weaker man and rendered him powerless. This lower story contains an upper story, the spiritual side, to help us understand this mystery.

As believers, we’ve been given the right to walk in kingdom principles or ignore the Spirit and walk in the flesh. The kingdom of God belongs to us, but we have to recognize the strong man and with the power of God’s Spirit, overcome him. He’ll try to steal your joy, peace, finances, relationships, etc. and guard them in his palace. It’s our job, as Jesus instructs, to overcome him and become the stronger man (the upper story). The choice is yours; are you the strong man or the stronger man?

Satan’s power is limited; yours is immeasurably stronger by His Spirit (Eph. 1:19). The Greek word for His strength imparted to you is iskus: you’re like a body-builder, with muscular abilities that accomplish tasks and meet goals: in Christ you’re the stronger man.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might (iskus). Eph. 6:10

If you sense that Satan has stolen from you then stand in your position and declare that with the strength of the Spirit, you’re the stronger man and take it back! It’s your right as a saint in the Kingdom of God.

Whenever you read or watch a good story there’s always a way the writer allows you into the ‘backstory’ whether through flashbacks or present day circumstances; let’s begin Joseph’s story with his father Jacob. Family history helps you see not only what motivates the characters, but also what motivates you while reflecting on your life.

Jacob was the twin brother of Esau, the firstborn, whose mother Rebekah received a prophecy from the LORD,

“Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger.” Genesis 25:23

Right from the get-go God warned this mother, however, she didn’t take it seriously since she loved Jacob more, and their father Isaac loved Esau more. What are parents thinking when they show favoritism in their family; it only leads to jealousy. Jacob’s brother Esau never cared much about his birthright even though it meant position and financial gain, consequently, he sold it to Jacob for a bowl of stew. And so began the conflict. Through deception and outright lying Rebekah and her beloved Jacob managed to engineer a plan obtaining the ‘blessing of the firstborn’ (Gen. 27) which included empowerment, wealth, and success; all promises from God. And so the prophecy to Rebekah regarding the older serving the younger was being fulfilled. 

This family history shows us God’s providence in the generations from Abraham, through Isaac, and finally Jacob and his 12 sons: His covenant people. We finally arrive at Joseph, the firstborn son of Jacob and Rachel in Gen. 37. Jacob already had 10 sons before Rachel became pregnant, however, when she did, Jacob was elated for he loved Rachel, Joseph’s mother, the most. What a backstory, right? Family history is as important in life as medical history since we find the generations repeating behavior that often leads to sin. Family is messy.

Don’t think Rachel didn’t play into Joseph’s family history; she was raised in an idol-worshipping household. When crisis came she didn’t trust God and fell back into her ‘old sins’ stealing an idol from her father for protection. Earlier, in her barrenness, she hadn’t trusted God enough to wait for conception, much like Abraham and Sarah (great-grandparents), giving her servants to Jacob for children; her faltering faith tempted her to return to idols. Joseph’s family history is messy; I’m surprised he was able to break some of those influences … but God.

Rachel died giving birth to Joseph’s younger brother Benjamin, now a teenager without a mother, and all the immaturity and sibling rivalry you’d expect. As you reflect on your family, strengths and weaknesses, maybe you’ll find your family history making an impact on the way you think and behave like Joseph. Those generational influences only have the power you give them, as believers in Jesus we rely on the Spirit’s power to break every generational stronghold. You may be influenced, for sure, but you’re not under their power. 

Understanding the Mysteries- Part Three

Jesus loved to communicate with people, however, only those with faith could understand His teachings. As followers of Christ comprehending His teachings is imperative since living in the Kingdom of God is His best life now.

… when anyone hears the word of the kingdom … Matt. 13:19a

The logos (word) of the kingdom is Jesus helping us live this higher, Spirit-filled life in Christ. Let’s look at Jesus’ explanation of the parable of the sower (Matt. 13:18-23); Mark records (4:13) that if you don’t understand these words you won’t understand any of His teachings.

He clearly explained that His Words were like seeds planted in various ways, perhaps preaching and teaching, but also, whenever you communicate with people using Scripture. You’re not quoting Scripture all day, but as His Word is planted in your heart first you have words of wisdom for others.

What about the hearer? Ahhhh … that’s the crux of this parable. Jesus compared the condition of your heart to various types of soil. 

If you’re hearing God’s Word without understanding Jesus teaches that it’s as if seeds fall on hard ground with Satan easily snatching them away. Question: Are you growing in understanding of kingdom principles in your church or do you spend an hour there and leave unchanged? Never forget that your enemy, the devil, is a seeker too. He isn’t seeking God, he’s seeking believers who don’t understand kingdom principles (1 Peter 5:8).

Maybe you’re in a Bible-based church where His Word is powerfully taught. Awesome, however, Jesus went on to say that you can receive His Word with joy but if you don’t have an established root system, when hard times arrive, you collapse and your joy is replaced with depression, anger, or addictions. Establishing a healthy root system is spending time with Jesus through prayer and Bible study. There’s no quick way; it takes time, diligence, and discipline. 

You may be a seasoned believer, but Jesus said the third type of heart is one who allows the pressures of life or the delusion of wealth to choke out the truth of His Word. Focusing on making more money is a never ending deception that chokes the fruit out of your life: no selfless love for others, no joy in all circumstances, no inner peace; I think you get the picture. The ‘cares of the world’ divide your heart, it’s as if you have one foot in the world and one in the kingdom and it’s not working out well.

Jesus encourages us to hear, understand, and bear fruit, consequently, with His power, our response to hard circumstances can be:

… the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Gal. 5:22

When you consistently plant the seeds of His Word in your heart and depend on the Holy Spirit to guide you through life, you’re experiencing the mysterious Kingdom of God, His best and highest life now.

Last week Asaph reminded us of the value of a sacrifice of thanksgiving or letting go of something we value for something of higher value. God considers it a sacrifice when we thank Him during our trials or temptations because it demonstrates that we consider Him the ‘higher value’ than our pity-parties, rage, or opinions. 

This week, on the other hand, God speaks to the wicked. I know what you’re thinking, these are evil and vile people who are going to hell, but the Hebrew word actually means ‘having received a guilty verdict’. Within this court room scene God is speaking to the offender or the ungodly; these people don’t follow Jesus, they just pretend to. They say the right stuff about God, but it’s meaningless because they haven’t entered into covenant with Him. They hate it when He corrects them, they ignore His commandments, and seem pleased with others who get away with crime (vs. 16-17). Doesn’t sound like a Christ-follower.

Adultery is not only condoned by these people, but admired, and they let their mouths have free rein with deceit, opposition, and even slander (vs. 18-20); God is sending out a warning shot across the bow. He was silent before, but as time moves ahead toward the return of Christ, that silence will be broken. He’s the Great I AM, the polar opposite of them, but His charges are well documented. They are have no defense attorney, are ready for the guilty verdict, and have no recourse (vs. 21-22). It will be final.

This may all seem harsh, however, God always gives people chances to humble themselves and repent with forgiveness readily available. Jesus received our well-deserved punishment on the cross as our Substitute so that we receive an innocent verdict by faith in Him. It’s not hard; you’d have to have someone help you to misunderstand it. God, the Judge, is crying out for us to consider His words so that He doesn’t have to deliver the death penalty.

He’s giving a serious word of prophecy in this psalm for us to ponder, and yet closes it with words of encouragement.

The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies Me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God! Psalm 50:23 ESV

For me, this psalm causes me to reflect on my attitudes and words against other people who don’t meet my standards. Oh, I have good reasons to judge them, but is that my job? This is an election year, it’ll be very easy to make judgments on those who think differently, but I caution both of us, consider your words carefully so you don’t give them ‘free rein’. Our Lord’s love corrects us for our own good and I want to hear, “Well done, My good and faithful servant. You had opportunities to judge, but rejected them.” Ask the Spirit for strength today to offer a sacrifice of silence, keeping your judgments to yourself, allowing God to be the Judge.

Understanding the Mysteries- Part Two 

Jesus told parables to enlighten his followers on the Kingdom of God, some are mysterious and hard to understand, that’s for sure, but as believers we have the sole privilege of understanding His meaning … most of the time.

The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour till it was all leavened. Matt. 13:34

Leaven, also translated yeast, produces a chemical reaction with bubbles that causes dough to rise. The root of this Greek word means ‘to be stirred up like a boiling pot’: it’s fervency, passion, or even jealousy. 

The woman in the parable perfectly represents the believer whose heart desires the passion and fervency of the Holy Spirit in their life. The majority of time leaven is used in Scripture has a negative connotation but this time there’s absolutely a positive spin. Jesus knew He created people to possess passion; the question is where do you place those passions?

Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rom. 12:11 ESV

… never lagging behind in diligence; aglow in the spirit, enthusiastically serving the Lord. Rom. 12:11 AMP

Never be lacking in zeal but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Rom. 12:11 NIV

This passionate woman who wanted to keep her spiritual fervor boiling hot realized that it had to permeate into three areas of her life, like yeast. I believe those areas are her spirit, her soul, and her body. Her entire being needed to be leavened, filled and bubbling over with the Holy Spirit. 

When you’re filled with the Spirit your life changes; He penetrates into every area and transforms your thinking, your emotions, your perspectives, and your opinions. He infiltrates to such an extent that you advance in kingdom living like never before. When you allow the Holy Spirit to immerse you like a baptism (Acts 1:5) the rule of Christ infiltrates every aspect of living and you experience His reign in your life.

Zeal is contagious, it spreads like leaven and people will be influenced by it (Titus 2:14), therefore, Paul encourages us to passionately desire the higher gifts (1 Cor. 12:31) especially those that build up the Body of Christ in love. Jesus speaks to the church in Laodicea about their lack of leaven, lukewarmness, and self-centeredness:

Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Rev. 3:19

So I ask you today, do you identify with the woman who took leaven and hid it in her life? Are you walking in kingdom principles by following God’s instructions from His Word? Are you experiencing victory in your spirit, soul, and body? Let’s grow together in our understanding of these mysteries asking the Spirit to fill us every day.

For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. 2 Cor. 11:2-3

God is about to give a deposition of sorts in these verses; what’s His testimony?

“Gather to Me My faithful ones, who made a covenant with Me by sacrifice!”

There’s an appointed time called Judgment Day, The Day of the Lord, That Day, The Day of Christ, and the Day of His Coming when God will instruct the angels to bring in the spiritual harvest. I harmonized or combined the two passages where Jesus encouraged us,

Then will the sign of the Son of Man appear in heaven that makes all the families of earth mourn, and they’ll see Him coming on clouds with great power and great glory. He’ll send out His angels with a loud trumpet call gathering His elect from the four winds, from the ends of earth and heaven. Matt. 24:30-31, Mark 13:26-27

Those who have been cleansed by Jesus’ blood will be gathered, whether alive or dead, to Him in righteousness. God made a requirement of blood in the beginning, since life is in the blood (Lev. 17:11), and those who have faith in Him meet that requirement.

“Hear, O My people, and I will speak; O Israel, I will testify against you. I am God, your God.” 

Verses 7-13 continue God’s deposition to His chosen people, you and me, to shema: hear, listen, and obey. He’s not mad at them, He required a burnt offering with blood, but He’s not pleased with the attitude behind it. God doesn’t simply want us to fulfill a duty, but to have an attitude of gratitude. Everything already belongs to Him, He created it and owns it, and doesn’t need a thing. He’s bringing correction to His people and we’d better listen. Any good father disciplines or teaches his children right and wrong and God’s no different. It’s for our good that we analyze our actions done in His name and the motive behind it. Why do you read your Bible, go to Church and a small group, or help the poor and needy? What’s your motive? So people can see you, think what a great person are, that you’re so spiritual? Maybe a spiritual EKG is in order.

Asaph closes this first half of the deposition with these promises (vs. 14-15),

Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.

The bottom line? He loves you, desires your fellowship, and offers assurance that He’ll be there for you. A sacrifice is when you give up something, for something of higher value. Don’t keep your fear, anger, depression, or other emotion, sacrifice or replace it with thanksgiving and trust Him to bring you through to the other side. 

Did Asaph overhear David’s urging?

I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing. 2 Samuel 24:24b

Self-dependent or God-dependent … it’s a small price to pay.

Understanding the Mysteries

Every teacher of religious law who becomes a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a homeowner who brings from his storeroom new gems of truth as well as old. Matt.13:52 

Jesus liked parables. When He asked His disciples if they understood the stories their answer was ‘yes’. Now, they undoubtedly didn’t understand, but didn’t want the others to think they were less spiritual so they all said, “yeah, we get it.” 

How often do we read something in Scripture we don’t understand and bypass it instead of admitting our lack of understanding? Thankfully, that’s the purpose of Bible teachers, however, we have to be disciples as well, trained learners of His Word, when bringing understanding to others. Big assignment, daunting, really.

Parables are short stories whose purpose is to use the lower and upper story technique. Jesus told lower stories that were easy to understand and relevant to the culture, but had an upper story, a spiritual truth, thrown alongside. They use metaphors, imagery, and lots of comparisons to drive home a point. Some are long and some are only one sentence, but with the greatest Teacher of all time they always contain power for living.

Jesus typically began His story by saying something like this, “The kingdom of heaven is like …” and then told a story. He wanted His listeners to understand that by trusting in Him as Savior there’s a victorious life that’s unavailable to an unbeliever. It’s a higher life that looks the same on the outside, but on the inside is full of joy and peace through the Holy Spirit. Living in the kingdom is living with God on the throne, under His rule and reign, and doing life His way. His ways are always better, we find that out as we mature in faith, but submitting to His ways is a progressive walk in the Spirit. 

Believers share an important desire; we all want to learn from Jesus.

Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matt. 11:28-30

Our goal for the next few weeks is to become better disciples, learning His divine lessons as we study His Words in a few parables. 

“It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me.”  John 6:45

My teaching is not Mine but His who sent Me. John 7:15

Allow me the privilege of bringing some treasures, old and new gems, from my storeroom of study as the Spirit of God shares His secrets with me.

For you can all prophesy, one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged. 1 Cor. 14:31

God’s Word always brings encouragement.

Living during the time of King David, Asaph was crucial in worship leadership at the Ark in Jerusalem. His name means ‘gatherer’ and he had many duties as a Levite; he was responsible for all aspects of the Ark, led the order of service, may have served as security, maintained the general duties, but also, he was a singer, musician, poet, and prophet. Asaph, specifically chosen by King David, was quite valuable to the ministry. Listen to his words:

The Mighty One, God, the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to it’s setting. Vs. 1

This prophetic writer declared right from the start that Israel’s God is all-powerful as He daily speaks and commands the earth. Did you ever wonder what God does all day? He’s communicating with the earth for us! He’s maintaining creation, making sure our earth stays on it’s axis, rotates and revolves around the sun, and so much more. He’s making sure our needs are met, providing a good life for us until we join Him in the final Kingdom enjoying eternity with Him.

Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth. Vs. 2

From where does God fulfill all His promises? We would answer heaven, of course, but Asaph gives us more revelation: Zion. This Hebrew name refers to the place of God’s manifested or revealed glory (shekinah) which shines for all mankind. It was a lower story in the Tabernacle and Temple, but it’s the upper story or spiritual sense of God’s presence which is perfect or complete beauty. This word picture conjures up images in our minds of whatever we think is absolute, breathtaking beauty. It stimulates our imaginations in order to worship Him more effectively. Personally, I think of Rev. 4 where the Throne Room is pictured for us full of light, beauty, and activity.

Our God comes; He does not keep silence; before Him is a devouring fire, around Him a mighty tempest. Vs. 3

Jesus is coming again, not like the first time in silence and humility, but with pomp and circumstance, an impressive display of grandeur, exciting celebration, and attracting the attention of all. On That Day He’ll be surrounded by fire and tornado winds; no one will be able to miss it. 

He calls to the heavens above and to the earth that He may judge His people. Vs. 4

This aspect of ‘judging’ referring to believers, His people, is not a guilty verdict, but ruling leadership; He’ll lead His people back to Eden, the place of delight, for all eternity. 

… and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire … when He comes on that day to be glorified in His saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. 2 Thes. 1:7a, 10

That’s Asaph’s point; God fulfilling every promise.

Mysteries of God

Part Three

Preaching and teaching are empowerment gifts given by the Spirit to bring about spiritual growth. They’re methods of communication; pastors and teachers imparting what they’ve learned about God known to their listeners and He’s faithful to reveal His wisdom and knowledge as they seek Him.

But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. 1 Cor. 2:7

Paul was clearly a preacher/teacher who knew the Scriptures and desired to make his thoughts known. He explained to us in Ephesians that the Spirit revealed the mystery of both Jews and Gentiles being fellow heirs of God’s promises (Eph. 3:3-6) and that was only the beginning.

Paul said to the Corinthians that it was for our glory. When a Bible teacher searches out a matter and communicates the richness of His Word to his/her listeners or readers there’s a reputation of honor and good character: that’s glory. 

It is the glory of God to conceal things but the glory of kings is to search things out. Pv. 25:2

What things?

But as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him”—these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 1 Cor. 2:9-10

God has prepared things for those He loves, they are deep, rich, and searchable but they require revelation by the Holy Spirit. When we spend time searching the scriptures, praying, and fellowshipping with God He’s faithful to tell us some secrets.

Remember, Jesus said, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven,” Matt. 13:11a

Again, what things?

• The mystery of the gospel of Christ: Jesus lived, died, and was resurrected for your redemption. Eph. 6:19, Col. 4:3

• The mystery of His Presence living in us. Col. 1:26-27

• The mystery of hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge found in Christ who lives in us and fills us. Col. 2:2-3, 10

• The mystery contained in the prophetic writings, revealed through the preaching of Jesus Christ, that brings about obedience of faith. Rom. 16:25-27

• The secret of facing all trials in life: His strength infused into me. Phil. 4:12-13

• The mystery of faith and godliness. 1Tim. 3:9, 16

• A partial hardening of Israel and her salvation: Rom. 11:25

• Christ and the Church pictured as husband and wife. Eph. 5:32

• And last, but certainly not least, the mystery of God’s will to unite all things in heaven and on earth when Jesus returns at the fullness of time as we know it.

If this teaching doesn’t ignite you to hear good preaching, learn from good teachers, and study His Word for yourself, I don’t know what will. If you seek, you will find. If you knock, the mysterious door will open.