SettledInHeaven.org (Blogger): January 2014

Friday, January 31, 2014

“SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 19:20-23”

He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)

God’s Word Affects: Our Relationship With The Lord: Proverbs 19:20-23

20) Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

21) [There are] many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

22) The desire of a man [is] his kindness: and a poor man [is] better than a liar.

23) The fear of the LORD [tendeth] to life: and [he that hath it] shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.

EXPOSITION:

Solomon describes four key areas of life that will enhance or degrade our relationship with the Lord….

20) Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

Area number 1 – Our receipt of God’s Word. We are to receive and retain the Word of God in two different ways…

1. We are to hear and seriously, prayerfully, consider the advice that God gives to us. When we take His counsel seriously, we will always follow it. When we do not follow the counsel that we have heard, it is because we are taking His warnings and commands far too lightly

2. We are to choose, and then take hold of, the warnings and corrections that He gives.

3. When we do both of these, we will find ourselves gaining wisdom that will be profitable to us as we continue to age physically and mature spiritually, in our service to Him.

The Word of God, when received and taken seriously, will be beneficial to us throughout our lifetimes. It will bring us to spiritual maturity and success in achieving His goals for our lives.

“Mark the perfect [man], and behold the upright: for the end of [that] man [is] peace.” (Psalms 37:37)

21) [There are] many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

Area number 2 – Our plans for the future

1. God’s people, because they still have a sin nature within them, possess many opposing goals and plans for their lives. Some of these goals are in alignment with the will of God, others are in opposition to it. For the lost, due to their dominating sin nature hold to, only, a variety of desires that oppose the Lord’s revealed will.

2. The only goals that will come to fruition, in both the lives of lost and saved, are those goals that are a part of God’s sovereign plan for mankind. As Sovereign Lord over all, He is the One who ultimately controls all.

By recognizing His Lordship over all, and trusting Him with our future successes in service to Him, we will find ourselves making plans that are in alignment with His will for our lives.

“The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.” (Psalms 33:10-11)

22) The desire of a man [is] his kindness: and a poor man [is] better than a liar.

Area number 3 – The desires of our heart

1. Our desires should center upon wanting to honor and glorify God through a testimony of love and mercy. When those around us see our kind lifestyle, they are seeing the person of the Lord through our testimonies.

2. Although a poor man is looked down upon by others, they can still successfully reveal Christ to others out of a testimony of kindness. They show that they are rich in the spiritual things of God, while lacking the physical things of this world.

But, when men are looked down upon by others due to a testimony of deceitfulness and selfishness, they cannot successfully testify of Christ to others. They prove to all that they are spiritually destitute and their lifestyle is of no lasting value to anyone.

“For if there be first a willing mind, [it is] accepted according to that a man hath, [and] not according to that he hath not.” (2 Corinthians 8:12)

23) The fear of the LORD [tendeth] to life: and [he that hath it] shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.

Area number 4 – Our respect for Him

1. When we hold the highest possible respect for the person of the Lord, and fear His chastening hand, it will lead us to willful submission to His will for our lives. This, in turn, results in repentance and a saving faith in Him (spiritual life) as well as a blessed successful life of service for Him.

2. As we see ourselves being used of Him and accomplishing much for His glory, it will bring to our heart a knowledge of His gracious hand of spiritual accomplishment in our lives.

3. The man who properly fears the Lord and is faithful to Him will be blessed and protected by the Lord. He can rest assured that the only events that touch his life are those that are for his ultimate benefit and for the glory of His Lord.

“And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve [me] unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (2 Timothy 4:18)

SUMMARY:

The four basic principles that will greatly enrich our walk with Christ:

Principle #1 - The Word of God, when received and taken seriously, will be beneficial to us throughout our lifetimes.

Principle #2 - By recognizing His Lordship over all, and trusting Him with our future successful service for Him, we will find ourselves making plans that are in alignment with His will for our lives.

Principle #3 - When men are looked down upon by others, due to a testimony of deceitfulness and selfishness, they cannot successfully testify of Christ to others.

Principle #4 - The man who properly fears the Lord and is faithful to Him will be blessed and protected by the Lord.

By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.

May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.

SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org

SIH Text Blog: http://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/all-about-salvation/

SIH Video Blog: http://youtube.com/settledinheaven/

SIH Email: settledinheaven@gmail.com

Thursday, January 30, 2014

“SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 19:16-19”

He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)

God’s Word Affects: Our Relationships With Others (4): Proverbs 19:16-19

16) He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; [but] he that despiseth his ways shall die.

17) He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

18) Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.

19) A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver [him], yet thou must do it again.

We now continue Solomon’s teachings on the many principles from God’s Word we can use, in the forming and developing solid relationships with others…

EXPOSITION:

16) He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; [but] he that despiseth his ways shall die.

Here, we see a basic principle in developing good relations with those who possess authority over us….

1. A person that attends to the commandments given to them by those in authority, are only helping themselves to avoid the wrath of the command giver.

2. A person that systematically rejects the commands of higher authorities places themselves in a dangerous position of opposition to those in power (whether it be God or man). In many cases, continual rebellion will result in physical or spiritual death.

This is a very important principle that should not be overlooked. We are to always keep the command of God (the One who holds ultimate authority over us). This enables the Christian to avoid the chastening hand of God.

However our, responsibility does not stop here. We are to also obey the commands of men as long as, in doing so, we are not breaking the commands of God. By obeying those in authority, we are escaping their hand of punishment and cultivating a successful atmosphere for all of our pursuits.

“But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.” (Jeremiah 7:23)

17) He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

Here, we find two motivating forces behind our giving to the needy…

1. Those who look upon those in need, willing to give of ourselves to meet that need, are actually giving for the Lord.

2. When we give to meet the needs of the poor, will be blessed of God in repayment for our actions.

Remember, the “poor” can include those who have physical, emotional, or spiritual needs. While “giving” to meet their need can involve giving time, labor or finances.

Knowing this, let’s always strive to help the needy that are brought in our lives by the Lord. It is a wonderful opportunity to serve the Lord and receive His more valuable blessings in return.

“But this [I say], He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, [so let him give]; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God [is] able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all [things], may abound to every good work:” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)

18) Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.

1. The parent is to properly discipline the child while there is still hope of their reformation. While the child is young, they possess a more teachable nature and, therefore, more apt to learn from the discipline.

2. Although the child will cry as if he is dying (“crying” is derived from a Hebrew word meaning “death”) the discipline is still to be performed. Although it is painful, at the time, the discipline will be of far greater benefit for the child, and parent, in the future.

“Chastening “ comes from an interesting Hebrew word. This word possesses three different ideas to it… “to instruct”,” to correct”, and “to punish”

When the child commits a wrongdoing, the parent’s responsibility is three-fold. They are to:

1. “instruct” the child…. Teaching them the sinfulness of the action and explaining why the action is sinful.

2. “correct” the child… Teach them how to avoid the temptation to commit this sin in the future and what action should be performed instead.

3. If the child refuses to accept this instruction and correction, shown by continuing in their sinful action, the issue becomes an issue of willful disobedience. It is at this point that “discipline” should be used to bring the child to submission to your instructions and corrections.

Discipline should ALWAYS BE RESERVED for those in rebellion to the instruction and correction of a higher authority. It is to be performed to bring willful disobedience into submission. It is NEVER to be used before the proper instruction, correction, and opportunity to submit is given to the child. The Lord Himself has set the perfect example for us in this area. He NEVER chastens His children who disobey due to ignorance of His commands. He always withholds chastening until the child of God comes to knowledge of the truth and then rebels against the conviction of the Holy Spirit.

“Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected [us], and we gave [them] reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened [us] after their own pleasure; but he for [our] profit, that [we] might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.”

(Hebrews 12:4-13)

19) A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver [him], yet thou must do it again.

One of the greatest purposes of discipline is to break the will of rebellion, thus helping the child to avoid the upcoming wrath of man and God….

1. Men who angrily receive the commands of those in authority will face the punishment of those in authority. Better the child learn this lesson when young, being punished at the hand of a loving parent, than to face the punishment of an uncaring human government or the wrath of Almighty God.

2. If we remove the angry, rebellious child from his deserved discipline… the rebellion issue will be faced over and over again. Better to impart discipline when we see the rebellious spirit, than to allow it to become a part of the child’s habitual lifestyle.

Keep in mind, another of the great benefits of discipline, is teaching the child a lifestyle of submission to higher authority. In doing so, we are preparing their young hearts to submit to the Lord in salvation and service to Him. How sad if a parent will see their child condemned to the Lake of Fire in the last judgment and realize they are partially responsible by allowing them to develop a lifestyle of rebellious behavior.

“That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation [that] set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.” (Psalms 78:7-8)

SUMMARY:

As our study progresses, these are the principles we have learned about the forming and keeping of our relationships with others:

Principle #1 – Relationships are formed and sustained when benefits can be received through the relationship.

Principle #2 – Honesty is another key factor in the forming and sustaining of strong relationships.

Principle #3 – Relationships require a gracious, humble, giving of oneself for those who are undeserving of our aid.

Principle #4 – Relationships should not be taken for granted, nor should the actions of our friends on our behalf be ignored, unappreciated, or neglected. To the best of our ability we are to seek to give back to those who sacrificially give to us.

Principle #5 – Both wisdom and understanding are vital assets to obtaining quality relationships with others.

Principle #6 – Godly relationships require us to recognize our shortcomings and the strength of others around us.

Principle #7 – Forgiveness is another key factor in possessing successful relationships.

Principle #8 – We are to recognize the authority they hold over us and recognize the great affect that they have in our lives.

Principle #9 – We should be constantly thinking of our actions effects on their wellbeing.

Principle #10 – We are to seek to help secure the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of our acquaintances.

Principle #11 - By obeying those in authority, punishment is avoided and a groundwork for success is laid.

Principle #12 – Helping the needy is a wonderful opportunity to serve the Lord and receive His blessings.

Principle #13 - Parents are to chasten their children, using discipline to those who are rebellious.

Principle #14 – Through discipline, a child can develop a lifestyle of submission to authority, laying the groundwork of submission to Christ for their salvation.

By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.

May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.

SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org

SIH Text Blog: http://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/all-about-salvation/

SIH Video Blog: http://youtube.com/settledinheaven/

SIH Email: settledinheaven@gmail.com

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

“SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 19:12-15”

He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)

God’s Word Affects: Our Relationships With Others (3): Proverbs 19:12-15

12) The king's wrath [is] as the roaring of a lion; but his favour [is] as dew upon the grass.

13) A foolish son [is] the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife [are] a continual dropping.

14) House and riches [are] the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife [is] from the LORD.

15) Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.

We now continue Solomon’s teachings on the many principles from God’s Word we can use in the forming and developing solid relationships with others…

EXPOSITION:

12) The king's wrath [is] as the roaring of a lion; but his favour [is] as dew upon the grass.

Principle #1 – To enhance and guide our relationships with others, we are to recognize the authority they hold over us and recognize the great affect that they have in our lives.

1. When those in authority turn their anger towards us, they can be an unrelenting destructive force in our lives. Much like a hungry lion who stalks then consumes his prey.

2. When we please those who are in authority, they can be a refreshing, strengthening influence, helping us to achieve our life goals.

We should never take for granted the great influence of those in authority over us. Their intervention in our lives can, many times determine our successes or failures in life. Because of this, we should always carefully weigh our responses to them, taking into consideration the long term results of any action that may displease or dishonor them.

In this decision we are to take into account the desires of our Lord, the One who holds the supreme authority over us… We possess a great need to reverence and submit to the will and ways of the Lord, the One who holds the absolute control over our temporal and eternal lives.

“And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.” (Luke 12:4-5)

13) A foolish son [is] the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife [are] a continual dropping.

Principle #2 – To strengthen our relationships with others, we should be constantly thinking of our actions effects on their wellbeing.

1. A son who does not apply the Word to their lives, causes distress and eventual ruin in the life of their father.

2. A spouse that consistently causes disagreements and separation are a unrelenting irritation, distraction, tension and distress (like a Chinese water torture) to their spouse.

In principle one of this text, we saw the need to consider the results of our actions upon ourselves (in the treatment of those in authority). What are two greatest ways we can hinder others through our actions?

a. Not applying God’s Word to our thoughts and actions. This causes us to set the wrong example for others, and also it brings worry and sadness upon those who care the most for us.

b. Not working for peace and harmony. This causes those around us to be distracted from pursuing their goals and fulfilling their responsibilities, it also causes separation, and it opens the door for sinful attitudes (such as anger) to enter the relationship.

Also, notice that a father/son and spousal relationship is being used as examples. This points us to the fact that, in most cases, our actions will have the greatest effect on those who are the closest to us.

“For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. These things command and teach. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.” (1 Timothy 4:10-13)

“Finally, [be ye] all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, [be] pitiful, [be] courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.” (1 Peter 3:8-11)

14) House and riches [are] the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife [is] from the LORD. 15) Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.

Principle #3 – to fulfill our responsibility towards others and develop our relationships, we are to seek to help secure the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of our acquaintances.

1. Gifts that are given to help meet the physical needs of others show a heart of love and concern, much like the inheritance left to the child by the loving parent.

2. Gifts given to help meet the spiritual and emotional needs of others also show a love and concern, much like the giving of a wise spouse by the Lord.

Do we often think about the needs of those who are close to us? Are we willing to expend our time, effort and possessions to supply the life necessities of our companions? This is all a part of being there in their time of need and proving ourselves to be true friends. As we play a role in helping others to meet their needs is effectively allowing the Lord to work through us….

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (James 1:17)

Of course, our responsibilities to help others DOES NOT extend to those who are lazy and purposefully suffering want (vs 15)….

1. A lazy, uncaring attitude results in being unaware of what is taking place around us.

2. A person who is not industrious, actively working to meet their needs, will

Suffering lack is a natural result of laziness and idleness and is one tool used by the Lord to show others their need to live responsibly. In this case, we are to share instruction from the Word that will help them to understand their need to diligently seek their needs.

However, we are to be certain to help those who, in spite of their efforts to meet their own needs, still find themselves lacking the necessities of life.

“For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:7-10)