Righteousness

Matthew 6:31-33 (AMP)

³¹ Therefore do not worry or be anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted), saying, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’ ³² For the [pagan] Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; [but do not worry,] for your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.

The beginning of this passage is key to remember. We are not to be perpetually uneasy or distracted by things we need or want. We are not to let worries such as these take our eyes off of God. But we are, as the passage later says, to seek first God’s righteousness, further explained as “His way of doing and being right.” We often focus on repentance and baptism, but I’ve not focused much on the directive to be righteous. After further study, I see that the act of being right with God is more important than I’d ever thought.

Proverbs 21:3 (AMP)

To do righteousness and justice
Is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice [for wrongs repeatedly committed].

A righteous life is more acceptable than things done to show we’re sorry for doing wrong according to Proverbs. I don’t think this is to say sacrifice or repentance wasn’t or isn’t important, but to say that the act of living right is more pleasing to God. I like the addition of “for wrongs repeatedly committed” because it shows me that I will fall but I can still try to live right and that is meaningful to God. A key phrase to take away, for me, was “to do righteousness,” showing that righteousness isn’t an inherent trait but something that must be worked at and practiced.

Ezekiel 18:22 (AMP)

²¹ “But if the wicked man turns [away] from all his sins which he has committed and keeps all My statutes and practices justice and righteousness, he shall certainly live; he shall not die. ²² All of his transgressions which he has committed will not be remembered against him; because of his righteousness which he has practiced [for his moral and spiritual integrity in every area and relationship], he will live.

If a man turns from evil ways and practices justice and righteousness along with keeping statutes, he will live. His sins will not be remembered against him because of righteousness that he practices. There is no mention here of simply just being righteous, but the idea that righteousness has to be practiced is reinforced. Turning away from sin added to the act of righteousness leads to our sins being forgiven, not simply repentance. In 1 John 2:29, he says that those that do practice righteousness are of God. We should focus on being righteous more than we may believe.

What is righteousness? In the Webster’s dictionary, Righteous is defined as “acting in accordance with divine or moral law.” To be righteous, we have to follow God’s commands and Jesus’ teachings. To me, saying “follow God’s commands” is different than saying to practice that act. Meaning that we have to try every moment to be righteous in every way.

Romans 6:16 (AMP)

¹⁶ Do you not know that when you continually offer yourselves to someone to do his will, you are the slaves of the one whom you obey, either [slaves] of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness (right standing with God)?

We will be either slaves to sin or slaves to obedience to God and His Word. Not just trying to do his will, but an actual slave to obeying him. This type of obedience will lead to righteousness, the type of obedience that is compared, here, to slavery. The type that requires more dedication to following the scriptures than I had even thought about. I grew up in Church and I can honestly say that I’ve never felt like an actual slave to obedience. The picture I get in my head is of a friend of mine that seems to actually hurt when something against God happens. At times, I think her reaction to things that happen is pretty funny because it seems so naive. However, I think that our dedication should be on a similar level.

2 Timothy 3:16 (AMP)

¹⁶ All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage];

We learn to be righteous from the scriptures along with being corrected and convicting of sin. God’s word is our guide to learning to live in God’s will.

On the way to Golgotha

Luke 9:23 (NIV)
23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

When I was young, I read my Bible in the NIV translation because it was easier for me to understand than the KJV that I originally learned to read on.  I never really thought about what this verse meant until I read it again yesterday.  I originally learned that to follow (didn’t understand what it meant to follow) my Lord, I must deny myself would be to stay out of sins that I wanted to commit and take on my own burdens on my back and follow Christ.  However, after further study, I learned a slightly different lesson.  The amplified version adds text that defines he concepts that are presented in the scriptures that I learned from commentaries and research.

Luke 9:23 (AMP)
23 And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross daily [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me].

Discipleship
The first point that I’d like to address is the idea that we need to be disciples.  Miriam-Webster defines disciple as “one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another.”  I originally had the idea that following Christ was to adhere to his teachings and love one another, which is part of discipleship.  However, by definition, we are to not only accept the teachings that Jesus preached about how we should behave, but we should spread the Gospel as a part of following him.

Matthew 28:19-20 (AMP)
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.”

In the Great Commission, Jesus commanded the disciples to go out in to the world, teach and baptize in the name of the Father.  In this way, we are to create more disciples by adding to the baptism teaching those disciples to observe Christ’s commands. 

Ephesians 5:1-2(AMP)
5 Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]; 2 and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.

What we teach is the Gospel, the love of God powerful enough to make the creator himself send his only son to die.  We are to try to continually walk in love, “unselfishly seeking the best for others.”  I’ve written about this before, but I don’t remember fully paying attention to the part “practice empathy and compassion.”  What struck me is the command to actually put forth the effort to practice empathy and compassion daily.

Deny Yourself
To be a disciple, one must deny himself.  He must set aside selfish interest and focus on God.  Jesus told a rich man the way to salvation and told him to sell all of his possessions and walked away sad.  Jesus wanted him to give up the things he loved the most because his love for Christ should be strong, but he was unable.  For some of us, like him, our sin is hard to get away from.  Some of the things we love the most are sinful.  Even to put things that aren’t sinful above our love for God is sinful.  However, on that cross with Christ was our sin also.

Galatians 5:24(AMP)
24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the [a]sinful nature together with its passions and appetites.

We crucified our sinful nature with Christ when we turned to him.  The things we wanted and the passions that drove us that were sinful were nailed to the cross with Jesus.

Galatians 5:20(AMP)
20 I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

We no longer life, but Christ through us.  In this way, we are to rely on and completely trust in Jesus.  He gave himself up for us and established the new covenant allowing for our salvation.

Bear the Cross
As disciples we are to take up our cross and follow.  I’ve heard many people use the phrase “this is my cross to bear” when referring to a problem or affliction.  However, in the text, the amplified adds “expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come.”  Saying that it is not one struggle, but all struggles that may come while in service to Christ.  Troubles will definitely come, but we are to endure.

James 1:2-3(AMP)
2 Consider it nothing but joy, my [a]brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. 3 Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace].

The Bible talks about struggles all over its pages.  Suffering is not new to the Christian.  The testing of our faith during our “various trials” will produce endurance “leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace.”  It is through our experiences while serving Christ that leads us to spiritual maturity and gives us the endurance to get there. 

Romans 5:3-5 (AMP)
3 And not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance; 4 and endurance, proven character (spiritual maturity); and proven character, hope and confident assurance [of eternal salvation]. 5 Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Both this passage and the one above tell us to count our suffering as Joy because we know the beneficial fruit it produces, such as endurance and spiritual maturity.  The term “it puts hair on your chest” comes to mind with this topic.  Enduring through struggles makes one wise and gives us hope in God.

James 1:4(AMP)
4 And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.

Endurance will give us enough wisdom to be completely developed in our faith.  Going through our struggles and persevering will help us reach a point where we lack nothing in our faith.  Jesus tells us here that it will be difficult to follow him.  We will have to do things that goes against our sinful and selfish wants to stay on track. 

Self-Control

I wrote a previous study about Hannah that included a point that Hannah did not respond to her rival in anger when she was being provoked.  Controlling one’s anger is a big part of self-control, the only point that I’d ever really paid attention to. However, the Bible doesn’t only make the connection between anger control and self-control, but it also makes the reference in general.

Proverbs 16:32 (AMP)

He who is slow to anger is better and more honorable than the mighty [soldier],
And he who rules and controls his own spirit, than he who captures a city.

Mastering oneself is an idea that is given in multiple religions.  The first quote that comes to mind is from Buddhist scripture that says pretty much the same thing as the above verse.  It’s a truth that permeates schools of thought and ways of life that have been around for hundreds of years. Specifically, Solomon and David both write about self-control in several locations stating that self-control is better than losing control.  In other Biblical scriptures, self-control in all things is shown as something needed for us to participate in the struggle of life.

1 Corinthians 9:25

25 Now every athlete who [goes into training and] competes in the games is disciplined and exercises self-control in all things. They do it to win a [a]crown that withers, but we [do it to receive] an imperishable [crown that cannot wither]. 26 Therefore I do not run without a definite goal; I do not flail around like one beating the air [just shadow boxing]. 27 But [like a boxer] I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached [the gospel] to others, I myself will not somehow be disqualified [as unfit for service].

I like the comparison between our race for eternal life and a physical race for which the athlete trains vigorously.  As do boxers as mentioned. Paul takes it a bit farther by stating that he disciplines his body to make it his slave. In other translations, the verse said that he “beats” his body.  It is a good example to follow. Not necessarily because we need to hurt ourselves, but we do have to be determined to control ourselves in all things.  

2 Peter 1:5-7

5 For this very reason, applying your diligence [to the divine promises, make every effort] in [exercising] your faith to, [a]develop moral excellence, and in moral excellence, knowledge (insight, understanding), 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, steadfastness, and in your steadfastness, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly affection, and in your brotherly affection, [develop Christian] love [that is, learn to unselfishly seek the best for others and to do things for their benefit].

In this passage, we see self-control listed as a type of a step to acquire love.  It is in a list of qualities to strive for “applying diligence,” making every effort to reach these milestones of Christianity.  Being one of these qualities, I see that self-control leads to steadfastness. Other translations, like the NASB uses the word “perseverance” as the follow on to self-control.  This suggests that learning self-control gives us the ability to persevere through trials and temptations. In Ephesians, there is instruction to put on our spiritual armor to stay in Christ.

Ephesians 6:10-17

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against [a]flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 [b]in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

There is mention of a spiritual battle for our souls.  This passage is encouragement to stand firm against the “forces of wickedness” by taking up the armor of God which includes faith, truth, the gospel, and righteousness.  These are all things that we need to have inside of us to help us remain self-controlled and standing firm against the attacks of the Devil. There is another list in the Bible that I think pertains to the idea of controlling oneself.

Philippians 4:8-9

8 Finally, [a]believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]. 9 The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you.

We are to focus and whatever is good and holy.  We are to think on things that bring peace or that are worthy of praise.  In this manner, we can keep our minds under control and “take captive every thought” as stated in 2 Corinthians 10:5.  In the Amplified translation, it says “taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ” telling us that our thoughts are to be captive to Christ and his purposes.  Focusing on things that are good is essential to completing this task. God helps us attain this kind of self-control.

2 Timothy 1:7(AMP)

7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].

In this translation, “personal discipline” is defined as things that produce calm, a balanced mind, and self-control.  God gave us a spirit that will allow us or assist us in living a self-controlled life in Christ.  

Galations 5:22-23

22 But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.

The result of the presence of the Holy Spirit is self-control among other things.  The act of baptism and receiving the spirit God gives us will award us the self-control that comes with it.  We will fall and falter, but the Spirit will help us to regain our footing and continue producing the fruit.

God requires us to be self-controlled in all things.  However, he gives us the ability and the support to have that kind of control through the same spirit that intercedes for us when we do fall short. 

God's Instruction

I wrote a study a while ago about God’s rebuke, but I want to focus on his instruction today.  We see over and over in the story of the Israelites the rebuke of God, but what I don’t usually focus on his how he instructs his people.  Throughout the prophets and the story of Moses, there are many instructions given to them about various things. There were many times that they were taught, commanded, or warned of something and they rebelled.  I’d like to focus on the teaching.

Deuteronomy 8:1-3

1 “Every commandment that I am commanding you today you shall be careful to do, so that you may live and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the Lord swore [to give] to your fathers. 2 And you shall remember [always] all the ways which the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart (mind), whether you would keep His commandments or not. 3 He humbled you and allowed you to be hungry and fed you with manna, [a substance] which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, so that He might make you understand [by personal experience] that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord.

Deuteronomy 8:5-6

5 Therefore, know in your heart (be fully cognizant) that the Lord your God disciplines and instructs you just as a man disciplines and instructs his son. 6 Therefore, you shall keep the commandments of the Lord your God, to walk [that is, to live each and every day] in His ways and fear [and worship] Him [with awe-filled reverence and profound respect].

With these two passages, we see that God basically told the Israelites that they were led through hard times to test them and turn them to His will.  Through the whole chapter, He talks about how He fed them and took care of them, giving them what they need but not fulfilling desire. In the second passage, it’s key to notice that the hard times were explained as instruction and discipline the way that a man does to his son.  In present day, we all go through hard times. I have heard many people say (flippant or not) that maybe they were having a hard time because God was testing them. According to this passage, that could definitely be true. However, in some cases, if not all, there is a lesson to be learned from the experience.  As an adult in his late 30s, I can look back on life and think “wow, I was stupid” when realizing some of the things I did. My friend would say “that’s old folks’ wisdom” - wisdom that comes from experience. A focus on the instruction in the second passage would lead me to see that hard times or hard decisions could be or have been presented to me teach me something that I need to understand. 

God counsels us in his instruction.  David spoke of it many times.

Psalms 32:8

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;

I will counsel you [who are willing to learn] with My eye upon you.

He will show us the way but we have to be willing to learn.  We have to be able to accept the guidance that He is giving us.  We see the example of the Israelites and we think we’re not like them, but I have seen that I’m more like them than I thought I was.  We see the fury of God at their disobedience and his punishment when he saw fit. God is not different today, but the process is different under the new covenant.  Much like Moses with the Israelites, the Bible says that the Spirit intercedes and pleads our case. But the Spirit does more than that.

John 14:26

26 But the [a]Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.  

The Holy Spirit teaches us and guides us.  He is given to us in the name of Christ to teach us “all things” and help us to remember Jesus’ instructions and teachings. We can also get teaching from our main source - the Bible.

2 Timothy 3:16

16 All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage];

The scriptures are God’s Word.  We can use it for a list of things that boil down to instruction for how to live and remain in God’s will.  Just learning the scriptures will teach us the way to go.  

Walking With God

Coming up in the church, I found myself going through the motions of services.  I would go to church camp and go through the motions there; learning the things they needed me to learn, memorizing what they wanted me to memorize.  In doing that, I ended up finding my religion in church and only in church, but later in life I learned that I needed to have a personal relationship with God.  My father told me when I was young that I needed to have a church relationship with the Lord in which I have a purpose and membership in the body of Christ - one that requires a love and support of the other members.  However, he told me that I also needed a personal relationship with God. One where I find my own purpose and walk with God to be able to sustain my faith when I’m not being uplifted by the other members in their presence.  I searched for any references in the Bible that would guide me and was pointed to Philipians 2:12.

Philipians 2:12 (AMP)

12 So then, my dear ones, just as you have always obeyed [my instructions with enthusiasm], not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ].

Paul writes to the church to work out their salvation.  I found in studying that this could mean the plural form of you, however, in the King James and New King James version of the bible translations add the word “own” to say “own salvation.”  I believe it can mean both. In the context of this study, we can apply the thought that we are to work out our salvation with God separate of others with fear and trembling. I like the text that the Amplified translation adds to the verse to literally amplify what is seen in other translations.  The sentence of saying to work out salvation is further defined by adding cultivation and actively pursuing spiritual maturity. That makes me believe that working out our salvation is an active endeavor that requires dedication. This is amplified by the later fragment added to “fear and trembling” that says things like “critical self-evaluation” to basically avoid sin.  What I find interesting in this fragment is that it doesn’t say to avoid sin because it will not get us to heaven, but here it says to not offend God or discredit the name of Chrst. Saying that what is needed is constant self-evaluation and active pursuit of spiritual maturity to not just go to heaven, but also to properly represent the God we serve.

In the passage, it also says to have “awe-inspiring fear” of God.  Growing up, I learned to not sin so that I wouldn’t go to Hell. It seemed that was the constant message I received, however, we are to be awed by God and have a great deal of reverence for him in our walk with him.  One man that showed a large amount of reverence is David. The book of Psalms is full of praise of God.

Psalms 23:1-4 (AMP)

1 The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, to guide and to shield me],  I shall not want. 2 He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still and quiet waters. 3 He refreshes and restores my soul (life); He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the [sunless] [a]valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me.

David presents a walk with God in which he is his actual shepard leading him to still waters and refreshes his soul.  He leads him “in the paths of righteousness” saying that God will guide us to what is best for us and that will Glorify him.  Reaching this level of a relationship with God should be our goal. The Bible tells us in Micah about walking with God. It was a directive given to Jerusalem but it is directed to us as well.  

Micah 6:8 (AMP)

He has told you, O man, what is good;  And what does the Lord require of you

Except to be just, and to love [and to diligently practice] kindness (compassion),

And to walk humbly with your God [setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness]?

There is much added to when this translation that further defines the command.  Be just. Love and “diligently practice” kindness/compassion. This compliments the passage above by contributing to the idea of constant practice and effort.  Walking with God will require us to try to stay in his will. And to be humble and set aside “any overblown sense of importance” that we may have for ourselves.  We are to forget ourselves in order to walk with God.

Humility is a big deal in Christianity.  There are several examples in the Bible of humble men that walked with God, but one stands out above the rest -- Moses.

Numbers 12:3 (AMP)

3 ([a]Now the man Moses was very humble (gentle, kind, devoid of self-righteousness), more than any man who was on the face of the earth.)

Exodus 33:11 (AMP)

11 And so the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses returned to the camp, his attendant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent.

Numbers 12:7-8 (AMP)

7 “But it is not so with My servant Moses; He is entrusted and faithful in all My house. 8 “With him I speak mouth to mouth [directly], Clearly and openly and not in riddles; And he beholds the form of the Lord.  Why then were you not afraid to speak against My servant Moses?”

Moses’ walk with God was so intense and he was so humble and “devoid of self-righteousness” that God spoke with him directly; not through dreams but “mouth to mouth.”  Other translations say “face to face.” God even came to his defense when someone was bad mouthing him. Moses followed God diligently and commanded his people to do the same.

Deuteronomy 8:6

6 Therefore, you shall keep the commandments of the Lord your God, to walk [that is, to live each and every day] in His ways and fear [and worship] Him [with awe-filled reverence and profound respect].

We are to walk in his ways “each and every day.”  And to have a profound respect and reverence for him.  This is to say that we are to put his ways above our own in a personal walk with him.  Jesus emphasized the importance of a personal walk with him to Peter.

John 21:20-22

20 Peter turned and saw the [a]disciple whom Jesus loved following them; the one who also had leaned back on His chest at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray You?” 21 So when Peter saw him, he asked Jesus, “Lord, and what about this [b]man [what is in his future]?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If I want him to stay alive until I come [again], what is that to you? You follow Me!”

Peter wanted to know John’s future after Jesus told him of his own.  Jesus’ reply sticks in my head because often times, I’ve compared my own walk with God to others as if I were some sort of Pharisee; trying to prove myself better than others.  Then I think of this verse. I am not to worry about others’ salvation in the aspect of trying to make myself feel better or worse. I must follow Christ on my own.

Will Of God

1 Chronicles 13:9-10 
9 When they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzza put out his hand to hold and steady the ark, for the oxen [that were drawing the cart] [a]nearly overturned it. 10 The anger of the LORD burned against Uzza, and He struck him down because he touched the ark; and there he died before God.

1 Chronicles 15:12-14
12 and he said to them, “You are the heads of the fathers’ households of the Levites; consecrate yourselves, both you and your relatives, so that you may bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel, to the place that I have prepared for it. 13 Because you did not [carry it as God directed] the first time, the LORD our God made an [angry] outburst against us, for we did not seek Him in accordance with the ordinance.” 14 So the priests and the Levites consecrated (dedicated) themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel.

I flipped to 1 Chronicles yesterday and got to this account.  Uzza perishing because he touched the Ark of the Covenant.  God was clear in Numbers 4 about the Ark should be transported and how to prepare it for a journey.  Namely a sect of the Levites were to carry the Ark in a certain way.  So, in  15:12-14, David gave the instruction he received from God admitting that they did not follow the procedure.  Uzza died for it and when I read this story the first few times, I thought it was harsh.  However, God is very clear on his will.  He wants what he wants and he knows what is best.  This study piggie-backs on the last post about God’s requirements.  What’s the difference?  That’s a question I asked myself.

Romans 12:2
2 And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be [a]transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].

In this passage, it seems that the word “will” is used to say that it is what is “good and acceptable and perfect.”   The Amplified add more on saying that it is his plan and purpose for us.  It says to me that there is a purpose for me here if I stay on tack.  It makes me believe that God has plans for me like he says in Isaiah.  And I have to stay within his will to reach the point that I need to get to.

1 John 5:13-14
13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God [which represents all that Jesus Christ is and does], so that you will know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that you [already] have eternal life. 14 This is the [remarkable degree of] confidence which we [as believers are entitled to] have before Him: that [a]if we ask anything according to His will, [that is, consistent with His plan and purpose] He hears us.

If we ask anything according to what God says, he hears us.  Preceding that are a couple of statements that say that we can have confidence as believers that we already have eternal life.  I think this corresponds to living within the will of God.  If we are in his will, we may be able to have a certain peace.  So what does the bible say God’s will is?

1 Peter 4:2-10
2 so that he can no longer spend the rest of his natural life living for human appetites and desires, but [lives] for the will and purpose of God. 3 For the time already past is [more than] enough for doing what the [unsaved] Gentiles like to do—[a]living [unrestrained as you have done] in a course of [shameless] sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and wanton idolatries. 4 In [connection with] all this, they [the unbelievers] are resentful and surprised that you do not [think like them, value their values and] run [hand in hand] with them into the same excesses of dissipation and immoral freedom, and they criticize and abuse and ridicule you and make fun of your values. 5 But they will [have to] give an account to Him who is ready to judge and pass sentence on the living and the dead. 6 For this is why the good news [of salvation] was preached [in their lifetimes] even to those who are dead, that though they were judged in the flesh as men are, they may live in the spirit according to [the will and purpose of] God.
7 The end and culmination of all things is near. Therefore, be sound-minded and self-controlled for the purpose of prayer [staying balanced and focused on the things of God so that your communication will be clear, reasonable, specific and pleasing to Him.] 8 Above all, have [b]fervent and unfailing love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins [it overlooks unkindness and unselfishly seeks the best for others]. 9 Be [c]hospitable to one another without complaint. 10 Just as each one of you has received a special gift [a spiritual talent, an ability graciously given by God], employ it in serving one another as [is appropriate for] good stewards of God’s multi-faceted grace [faithfully using the diverse, varied gifts and abilities granted to Christians by God’s unmerited favor].

We are to put what is best for others over what is best for ourselves.  That goes hand in hand with what I wrote last time.  However in this list, there are sins to stay away from.  The Amplified adds text that sums up the list. “living unrestrained.”  We are supposed to love and also stay pure in living according to his will.  At times, this can be hard.  Even the strongest man to ever live. 

Mark 14:33-36
33 He took Peter and James and John with Him, and He began to be deeply distressed and troubled [extremely anguished at the prospect of what was to come]. 34 And He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved and overwhelmed with sorrow, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch.” 35 After going a little farther, He fell to the ground [distressed by the weight of His spiritual burden] and began to pray that if it were possible [in the Father’s will], the hour [of suffering and death for the sins of mankind] might pass from Him. 36 He was saying, “[a]Abba, Father! All things are possible for You; take this cup [of judgment] away from Me; but not what I will, but what You will.”

The hardest decision one can make was thrust upon him from birth.  He we through his life knowing how it would end and stood firm submitting to God’s will.

God's Requirements

2 Chronicles 13:10-11 (AMP)
11 Every morning and every evening they offer the burnt offerings and the fragrant incense to the Lord; and the [a]showbread is set on the clean table [of pure gold], and the golden lampstand with its lamps is ready to light every evening; for we keep the charge of the Lord our God [that is, the obligation we have to Him], but you have abandoned (turned away from) Him.

I did my usual reading procedure and flipped to 2 Chronicles 13.  I read about one of the battles between Israel and Judah in which Israel had taken to Idols and Idol worship instead of worshiping the Lord.  King Abijah says in the text that Judah had stayed faithful to God, continuing to burn incense and other offerings to the Lord, keeping what he called “the charge of the Lord our God.”  In the Amplified, the translation adds that it meant the obligation we have to God.  In the NIV translation, instead of using the word “charge,” it uses the word “requirements.”  Back then, burnt offerings, incense, and sacrifices were made to God to show obedience.  But, that’s not the case today.  So I started thinking, “What are our requirements under the new covenant?”  Jesus was asked the question of “what is the greatest commandment” given to us.   Which of the commands is greatest?  God’s first requirement is to love him.

Love God

Mark 12:30 (AMP)
29 Jesus answered, “The first and most important one is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord; 30 and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul (life), and with all your mind (thought, understanding), and with all your strength.’

Jesus’ answer refers to Deuteronomy 6:5 where Moses tells the Israelites the same thing.  Jesus says this commandment is the greatest.  I’ve heard both of theses passages many times throughout all the years I’ve attended church and never thought about the “why” behind the directive?

Romans 5:8 (AMP)
8 But God clearly shows and proves His own love for us, by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

A very important thing to remember is that we love God because He loves us.  He loves us so much that he sent his son to die for us as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.  At times, I go through life trying to obey commands because I’m afraid of Hell.  I remember the swift and just wrath of God of the Old Testament and even some of the wrath of the New Testament in Acts, but never stop to think that I should love God simply because He loves me.  According to this verse, God loved me even though I sin.  The Old Testament describes God as a jealous God.  He gets angry.  We grieve him with our sin and he loves us anyway.

1 Chronicles 16:34 (AMP)
O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;  For His loving-kindness endures forever.

God’s love also lasts forever.  Stated in the verse above, we should be thankful because of that fact.

Love Others


Mark 12:33-34 (AMP)
33 and to love Him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to [unselfishly] love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

Matthew 22:37-40
37 And Jesus replied to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for others].’ 40 The whole Law and the [writings of the] Prophets depend on these two commandments.”

These two accounts made me really think.  In Mark12:33-34, the teacher of the law that posed the question to Jesus gave an answer that Jesus accepted as correct.  It makes me think of the first passage I used.  It speaks of burnt offerings and sacrifice as requirements of God.  But here, it is said that loving your neighbor as yourself is more than burnt offerings and sacrifices.  It is mind blowing to think that what Abijah said was keeping God’s requirements for all of Judah is less than our command to love our neighbor.  In the next passage, at the end Jesus said that it summed up the law and the prophets, being the books in the Old Testament.  That is also amazing.  All of the Jews were governed by this law and Jesus was telling them that this simple command sums up their law.  The Amplified translation shows that our type of love should be one that unselfishly seeks the best and higher good of others.  The addition of the word “Unselfishly” makes me think that we are to do this over the wants of our own.   That’s a tall order, but I would think that if I loved someone in that way, I wouldn’t sin against them.  If I love God that way, I wouldn’t sin against him either.  Later in the Bible, Paul gave instruction on how to love.

1 cor 16:14
14 Let everything you do be done in love [motivated and inspired by God’s love for us].

Ephesians 5:2
2 and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.

These passages say to walk continually unselfishly seeking the best for others just as above.  It adds Jesus’ love for us.  Jesus’ example of love is an extreme one to aspire to follow.  I don’t know that I would be down to be crucified for someone.  The same theme is often mentioned throughout the Bible.  The order for husbands to love their wives as Christ loves the church.  To have the compassion, wisdom and gentleness of Jesus and use it for the good of another person would be a difficult task.

1 John 2:9-10
9 The one who says he is in the Light [in consistent fellowship with Christ] and yet [a]habitually hates (works against) his brother [in Christ] is in the darkness until now. 10 The one who [b]loves and unselfishly seeks the best for his [believing] brother lives in the Light, and in him there is no occasion for stumbling or offense [he does not hurt the cause of Christ or lead others to sin].

The people that will say they are “good Christians” and hate or work against a brother, he is in darkness.  The comparison between the ones who hates and doesn’t hate in context makes me think that the darkness is outside of or away from God.

Love was clearly important to Jesus and the Apostles.  Two of the passages I used said “in Christ” or “Believing” to the command.  However, when asked of Jesus “who is my neighbor,” Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan in which the “hero” of the story that helped the man on the road was the least likely player in the tale; therefore suggesting that our neighbor could be anyone.

Hannah

1 Samuel 1-2

The story of Hannah is an inspiring tale. The passage above displays her character in many ways leaving behind an example for us to follow. Some Christians may discount stories of influential women because the Bible speaks of women being submissive and the man being the head of the household, under Christ in the hierarchy, but there are lessons that can be taken from this account.

Reaction to provocation

In verses 6 and 7, the passage says that Hannah had a rival that would provoke her because she was barren and that it went on year after year – every time she went up to worship. However, Hannah reacted in a way that Christians should aspire to. After weeping a great deal, she went to God in prayer and made her request to bear a child. The idea of not reacting in anger to provocation is a theme spoken of throughout the Bible.

Colossians 3:8 Amplified Bible (AMP)

8 But now rid yourselves [completely] of all these things: anger, rage, malice, slander, and obscene (abusive, filthy, vulgar) language from your mouth.

Paul wrote to the church in Colassae that they should rid themselves of sins and included anger among them. He listed them in two groups, the first list being sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed – noting that, because of these since, the wrath of God is coming. But the list in verse 8 was given seemingly apart from the others hinting that they were to be avoided on top of the other list as if to say that they could be overlooked. Anger is one sin that everyone on God’s green Earth could fall prey to being that it is a natural emotion. I do not think that God wants us to somehow find a way to prevent our emotions, especially when provoked or hurt emotionally or physically. In Ephesians 4, Paul wrote “In your anger do not sin.” and “Do not let the sun go down on your anger.” Even Jesus got angry at least once in his life when, in Matthew 21, he drove out those that were selling in the temple turning over the money tables. This all tells me that anger itself is unavoidable. But we must not sin while we were angry. A sin that is listed in Colossians 3:8 is obscene language. I used the Amplified translation for the above verse because it pulls all the translations together to show what the word “obscene” means. Where the NIV says “filthy language” and the NASB uses the word “abusive,” the Amplified translates lists both while adding vulgar. The word to key in on for this particular study is “abusive.” This type of talk can often be seen when someone is anger or in a rage. In Proverbs, this is spoken of.

Proverbs 15 Amplified Bible (AMP)

15 A soft and gentle and thoughtful answer turns away wrath,
But harsh and painful and careless words stir up anger.

A big reason why we should not speak in anger is simply because it doesn’t help anything. I use the Amplified translation again because it says “harsh and painful and careless” showing me exactly what happens when someone loses their temper and doesn’t guard his/her tongue. It does nothing but stir up anger in the heart of the person we’re talking to and won’t resolve a situation. There is another reason that is directly tied to righteousness that is mentioned in the book of James.

James 1:19-20 Amplified Bible (AMP)

19 Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]; 20 for the [resentful, deep-seated] anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God [that standard of behavior which He requires from us].

I did not think of what type of anger this could be speaking of until I read the Amplified translation. I think it specifically says “resentful, deep-seated” anger to show what kind of attitude we may have when anger with our brother or sister. Not only should we be slow to anger to avoid more anger, but we should be careful in our anger because it “does not achieve the righteousness of God.” He requires a certain behavior from us that does not coincide with being angry with others. In fact, in the Old Testament, there are passages that show us what God thinks of those that are quick to be angry.

Ecclesiastes 7:9 Amplified Bible (AMP)

9  Do not be eager in your heart to be angry,
For anger dwells in the heart of fools.

Proverbs 29:11 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

11 A fool [a]always loses his temper,
But a wise man holds it back.

According to the Bible, anger is entertained by fools. When looking at the word fool in the bible, it’s used very harshly. It is such a harsh word that in Matthew 5, Jesus warns against its use as a form of abuse. In the “Illustrated Dictionary of the Bible,” the word fool is defined as a “stupid person or senseless act. The bible uses the word in other places for one that does not believe in God as well. So, God does not use this word lightly. Solomon warns against even associating with those that give in to anger.

Proverbs 22:24 Amplified Bible (AMP)

24  Do not even associate with a man given to angry outbursts;
Or go [along] with a hot-tempered man,

I am greatly convicted by this verse given that, when I’m very angry, I tend to have angry outbursts and I’m quite sure I’m not the only one. It takes a great amount of self-control to never have an outburst and we are advised to not even associate with a man that is hot-tempered or quick to get angry.

Doing what you say

Another lesson to take from Hannah is that we should keep our word. After praying fervently, she promised the Lord that she would dedicate the child that she was asking for to the service of God – and she did just that. When I read this story as a child, I did not see how significant this was. But now, after having my own children, I understand how difficult that must have been. I fell in love with my kids even when they were still in the womb. I made plans for them. I bought them things that they would not use for years after their birth. I thought of college funds and savings accounts for them. I started Certificates of Deposits and things like that. All of this because of the great anticipation and the love I felt for them. Giving them up after they were weaned would have been a choice that I don’t know that I could have made. It took great courage and trust for her to do this. We are expected to have the same type of dedication to keeping our word.

Numbers 30:1-2 Amplified Bible (AMP)

30 Then Moses spoke to the leaders of the tribes of the Israelites, saying, “This is the thing which the Lord has commanded: 2 If a man makes a vow to the Lord or swears an oath to bind himself with a pledge [of abstinence], he shall not break (violate, profane) his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.

Ecclesiastes 5:4-7 Amplified Bible (AMP)

4 When you make a vow or a pledge to God, do not put off paying it; for God takes no pleasure in fools [who thoughtlessly mock Him]. Pay what you vow. 5 It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. 6 Do not allow your speech to cause you to sin, and do not say before the messenger (priest) of God that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry because of your voice (words) and destroy the work of your hands? 

Making an oath to God is dangerous. In numbers, the description given in the Amplified of how the oath is broken is harsh language. It is not just a broken vow when we do not do what we say before the Lord, but it is profane and a violation. The author of Ecclesiastes says that God takes no pleasure in fools, specifically fools that do not fulfill their oaths. And there’s that word again – fool. God doesn’t think much of those that would make a promise directly to him and not pay up. The passage is pretty direct. “Why should God be angry because of your voice?” We should not allow our speech to cause us to sin or that we should make it out to be a mistake. Later, in the New Testament, we are warned in even giving oaths to each other.

Matthew 5:33-37 Amplified Bible (AMP)

33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to the men of old, ‘You shall not make false vows, but you shall fulfill your vows to the Lord [as a religious duty].’ 34 But I say to you, do not make an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God; 35 or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36 Nor shall you make an oath by your head, for you are not able to make a single hair white or black. 37 But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’ [a firm yes or no]; anything more than that comes from the evil one.

Jesus told his followers that we are not even to make an oath, but to simply let our “yes” be yes and our “no” be no. We don’t need to swear by heaven or the Earth, but we do need to give our word and keep it.